Tapered roller bearing, bearing cage for a tapered roller bearing, and method for assembling the tapered roller bearing

Abstract

The invention relates to a tapered roller bearing (1) comprising at least one first ring (4), at least one second ring and a plurality of tapered rollers (8) which are arranged between the at least one first ring (4) and the at least one second ring, wherein the first or the second ring (4) has a retaining rim (6), wherein the tapered roller bearing (1) also has at least one bearing cage (2) which has at least a first cage ring element (10), at least a second cage ring element (12) and a plurality of connecting pieces (16) extending substantially in the axial direction, wherein the connecting pieces (16) and the cage ring elements (10, 12) are connected to one another such that pockets (18) for receiving a tapered roller (8) are formed between the connecting pieces (16) and the cage ring elements (10, 12), wherein each pocket (18) has a pocket length (LL) in the axial direction and a pocket width (LB) in the circumferential direction, wherein the pocket length (LL) of at least one pocket (18) is greater than an axial length (LR) of the received tapered roller (8) by a predefined amount (Lap), the predefined amount (Lap) being selected in such a way that the received tapered roller (8) can be displaced in the pocket (18) in such a way that the bearing cage (2) can be moved at least partially over the retaining rim (6).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Tapered roller bearing, bearing cage for a tapered roller bearing and a method for assembling the tapered roller bearing

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The present invention relates to a tapered roller bearing according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a bearing cage for a tapered roller bearing and a method for assembling a tapered roller bearing.

[0005] Technical background

[0006] When installing roller-guided bearing cages for tapered roller bearings, it may be necessary for the tapered rollers to be slid over a retaining flange or rim of the inner ring. To achieve this, the bearing cage, for example, can have a special pocket design that allows the tapered roller to tilt within the pocket. Alternatively, the inner ring can be designed as a split ring, allowing the retaining flange, for example, to be mounted separately, or the bearing cage can be designed as a split ring that is joined together after assembly, for example, by welding.

[0007] All these solutions have the disadvantage that they represent a significant additional effort in the manufacture of the bearing components and / or in the assembly of the tapered roller bearing.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a tapered roller bearing that can be manufactured and / or assembled more easily.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] This object is achieved by a tapered roller bearing according to claim 1. Furthermore, the invention is achieved by a bearing cage for a tapered roller bearing according to claim 9 and a method for assembling a tapered roller bearing according to claim 10. The following proposes a tapered roller bearing with at least one first ring, at least one second ring, and a plurality of tapered rollers arranged between the at least one first ring and the at least one second ring, wherein the first or second ring has a retaining rim. The retaining rim itself is formed integrally or fixedly with the corresponding ring.The tapered roller bearing further comprises at least one bearing cage having at least a first cage ring element, a second cage ring element, and a plurality of webs, the webs and the cage ring elements being connected to one another such that pockets for receiving a tapered roller are formed between the webs and the cage ring elements, each pocket having a pocket length in the web direction and a pocket width in the circumferential direction. The first cage ring element can have a smaller diameter and the second cage ring element a larger diameter, such that the first cage ring element is arranged radially further inward and the second cage ring element is arranged radially further outward. Due to the different diameters of the first and second cage ring elements, the webs can extend obliquely, i.e. in both the axial and radial directions, and can have an angle of inclination with respect to an axial direction of the tapered roller bearing.

[0011] Furthermore, each tapered roller of the tapered roller bearing has a first tapered roller end with a first end face and a second tapered roller end with a second end face, wherein the first end face has a smaller end face diameter than the second end face, and the tapered rollers are arranged in the pockets such that the first tapered roller end faces the first cage ring element,

[0012] To facilitate the manufacture and assembly of the tapered roller bearing, the pocket length of at least one pocket is larger by a predetermined amount than the axial length of the tapered roller it accommodates. The predetermined amount is selected such that the tapered roller can be displaced within the pocket such that the bearing cage can be at least partially pushed over the retaining flange. The tapered roller can be displaced, particularly in the web direction.

[0013] To ensure that the pocket length is not too large, which can lead to insufficient guidance of the tapered roller in the cage pocket, the specified amount (L ap ) of the pocket length LL) at least depending on the axial length (LR) of the accommodated tapered roller (8), the angle of inclination (5) of the webs (16) relative to a rotation axis of the tapered roller bearing (1), a minimum distance between the two first tapered roller ends of two radially opposite tapered rollers, and a diameter 3 of the retaining rim (6) of the ring (4) in the radial direction, and is determined by the following formula:

[0014] Lap = a * ( 3 - Ol) / sin(5), where a is a scaling factor with 0.3 < a < 0.6, preferably 0.35 < a < 0.55, more preferably 0.38 < a < 0.48,

[0015] 5 is the angle of inclination of the webs, Ol is the minimum distance between two radially opposite first tapered roller ends when their first end faces rest against the first cage ring element, and 03 is the diameter of the retaining rim.

[0016] This means that the cage pocket length is longer than required for normal operating conditions, so an enlarged axial "gap" is provided on the radially outer side of the cage. For example, the specified amount can be greater than 5 mm and, in particular, between 5 and 20 mm. In conventional bearing cages, the pocket length can typically be 1-2 mm longer than the tapered roller length.

[0017] The increased pocket length allows the tapered rollers to be pushed outward toward an outer end of the cage pocket during assembly of the tapered roller bearing, increasing the diameter under one end face of the inner tapered roller end and allowing them to be pushed onto the bearing ring with the retaining rim. The tapered rollers can now easily engage over the retaining rim of the bearing ring. The bearing cage can then be lifted until the tapered rollers make contact with the inner end of the cage pocket, causing the tapered rollers to simultaneously move inward, reducing the diameter under the inner tapered roller end face. The tapered rollers are now in their target position and touching the raceway of the bearing ring.

[0018] This increased pocket length can, in particular, enable damage-free assembly of the tapered roller bearing, even with heavy components such as tapered rollers with a large mass (e.g. tapered roller masses > 2 kg) and / or large components, such as tapered rollers with a length of more than 100 mm. Furthermore, increased self-retaining reliability can be achieved because the free space for the tapered rollers is greater during assembly than in operating condition. In addition, assembly of the multiple tapered rollers or tapered roller sets is possible with minimal handling effort because there is no need to rotate the tapered roller set during cage assembly. Compared to a split cage, a higher accuracy of the cage geometry can be achieved.

[0019] Preferably, the tapered rollers have tapered roller chamfers on their first and second end faces and the minimum distance 1 is determined between the tapered roller chamfers. This ensures that only the area of ​​the tapered roller that could come into contact with the webs when installing the tapered rollers in the pockets is included in the calculation.

[0020] Furthermore, it is preferred that a minimum distance 02 between the two radially opposite first tapered roller ends, when their second end faces abut the second cage ring element, is less than or equal to the diameter 3 of the axially inner retaining rim. This allows the bearing cage to engage first on one side when the bearing ring is slightly tilted during assembly, which reduces the difference between the inner diameter of the tapered roller chamfer and a shoulder of the retaining rim, so that even with less extended pockets, assembly of the bearing cage without damage is possible.

[0021] This is particularly the case for cage pockets where the cage pocket length is extended by a given amount, where the scaling factor a is greater than 0.3 but less than 0.5.

[0022] A scaling factor of a <0.5 results in the shortest possible pocket length while still permitting assembly (as long as a>0.3). Therefore, the most preferred ranges are a<0.5. For even shorter pocket lengths, especially with scaling factors a<0.3, assembly is no longer possible without deformation of the webs.

[0023] For a>0.5, the minimum distance 02 is larger than the diameter of the retaining rim 03, and mounting is also possible in a concentric position. For a>0.6, mounting would be possible, but the pocket length would be so increased that proper guidance of the rolling elements would no longer be possible.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the tapered roller bearing further comprises at least one retaining element which is arranged on an axial outer side of at least one tapered roller and is designed to axially limit the pocket length. This ensures self-retention of the tapered roller set, since the axial movement of the tapered rollers in the cage pocket can be reduced and / or restricted by the retaining element. The at least one retaining element can be a complete ring, a split ring, several separate parts, screws or the like. The at least one retaining element can be fastened to the outer cage ring element in a form-fitting, force-fitting (e.g. screwed, riveted, etc.) or permanently connected (e.g. welded, glued, etc.). A combination of the fastening methods is also possible.Since the tapered roller is only in contact with at least one retaining element on the axial outer side, it is possible to increase the radii of the corners of the cage pockets in order to optimize the stresses, since they have no contact with the tapered roller during operation and can therefore be enlarged.

[0025] Preferably, at least one retaining element is designed as a continuous ring. In particular, the continuous ring can be turned together with the bearing cage from a single piece. This is more cost-effective than a separately manufactured ring and can enable greater turning precision. For example, the continuous ring can be turned as a split ring with a slightly larger width or height than required. The ring can then be split and shortened and mounted on the bearing cage. The geometry of the split ring can, in particular, adapt to the bearing cage so that no gap or the like occurs. The ring can then be attached to the bearing cage.

[0026] Alternatively, the at least one retaining element is designed as a discrete element and extends in the circumferential direction over at least one pocket width. Preferably, a plurality of discrete retaining elements are provided, which are arranged distributed over the circumference, in particular evenly. In particular, the at least one retaining element can be fastened to the axially outer cage ring element and / or to at least one tapered roller and / or to at least one web. If a plurality of retaining elements are used, not every cage pocket has to be equipped with a retaining element. For example, it is possible to equip only every second, third or fourth pocket and still retain the self-retaining property of the bearing cage. The provision of a plurality of retaining elements can be particularly advantageous than a continuous retaining ring.

[0027] Alternatively, the at least one retaining element can be attached to a tapered roller and / or a part can be attached to the tapered roller to increase the length of the tapered roller. For example, a recess on a face of the tapered roller can be used to secure the retaining element to the tapered roller, or a screw can be attached to the face of the tapered roller to limit axial movement of the tapered roller in the pocket. Additionally or alternatively, the reduction in the cage pocket length can also be achieved through plastically deforming features on the cages.

[0028] Preferably, the at least one retaining element can be provided on a side facing the tapered roller with at least one tapered roller contact element, which is designed to establish contact between the tapered roller and the retaining element. In particular, the tapered roller contact element can improve contact between the axially outer end face of the tapered roller and the at least one retaining element and / or cage. For example, the at least one tapered roller contact element can be a profile on the at least one retaining element. In particular, the at least one tapered roller contact element can have a better surface quality and / or surface treatment and / or a specially optimized geometry and / or a different material than the bearing cage and / or the at least one retaining element. The at least one tapered roller contact element can be formed integrally or separately with the at least one retaining element.

[0029] Furthermore, the at least one retaining element can be made of metal and / or plastic. For example, the at least one retaining element and the bearing cage can be manufactured from the same material. The at least one retaining element can be turned together with the bearing cage from a common piece of base material and then separated. This offers quality and cost advantages.

[0030] According to a further aspect, a bearing cage for a tapered roller bearing as described above is provided. The bearing cage comprises at least a first cage ring element, a second cage ring element and a plurality of webs, wherein the webs and the cage ring elements are connected to one another such that pockets for receiving a tapered roller are formed between the webs and the cage ring elements, wherein each pocket has a pocket length in the web direction and a pocket width in the circumferential direction. The first cage ring element can have a smaller diameter and the second cage ring element a larger diameter, such that the first cage ring element is arranged radially further inwards and the second cage ring element is arranged radially further outwards. Due to the different diameters of the first and second cage ring elements, the webs can be inclined, i.e.extend in both the axial and radial directions and have an inclination angle with respect to an axial direction of the tapered roller bearing.

[0031] In order to enable the bearing cage to be easily manufactured and mounted in the tapered roller bearing, the pocket length of at least one pocket is greater by a predetermined amount than an axial length of the tapered roller to be accommodated, wherein the predetermined amount is selected such that the tapered roller to be accommodated can be displaced in the axial direction in the pocket such that the bearing cage can be moved or lifted at least partially over the retaining rim.

[0032] According to a further aspect, a method of assembling a tapered roller bearing as described above is provided, the method comprising the following steps:

[0033] Providing a bearing cage as described above having an increased pocket length, wherein the pocket length is extended by a predetermined amount determined by the following formula:

[0034] Lap = a * (03 - Ol) / sin(5), where a is a scaling factor with 0.3 < a < 0.6, preferably 0.35 < a < 0.55, more preferably 0.38 < a < 0.48,

[0035] 5 the angle of inclination of the webs,

[0036] Ol is the minimum distance between two radially opposite first tapered roller ends when their first end faces rest against the first cage ring element, and 3 is the diameter of the retaining rim, providing a bearing ring, wherein the bearing ring has a retaining rim, providing a plurality of tapered rollers, inserting the tapered rollers into the pockets of the bearing cage, displacing the tapered rollers in the pockets of the bearing cage so that the tapered rollers are located at an outer end of the pockets,

[0037] Pushing the bearing cage onto the bearing ring,

[0038] Moving the tapered rollers in the pockets of the bearing cage so that the tapered rollers are located at an inner end of the pockets and rest against an inner rim of the inner ring, and

[0039] Arranging at least one holding element on an outer side of at least one tapered roller in order to limit the pocket length, in particular axially.

[0040] The increased pocket length allows the tapered rollers to be pushed outward toward the outer end of the cage pocket during assembly of the tapered roller bearing, increasing the diameter under one end face of the inner tapered roller end and allowing it to be pushed onto the bearing ring with the retaining rim. The tapered roller can now easily engage over the retaining rim of the bearing ring. The bearing cage can then be raised until the tapered rollers make contact with the inner end of the cage pocket, causing the tapered rollers to simultaneously move inward, reducing the diameter under the inner tapered roller end face. The tapered rollers are now in their target position and touching the raceway of the bearing ring.

[0041] 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 the features may also be present individually or in other combinations.

[0042] Short character description

[0043] 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.

[0044] They show:

[0045] Fig. 1: a bearing cage of a tapered roller bearing according to a first embodiment, wherein the tapered rollers are arranged in a first position, Fig. 2: the bearing cage of a tapered roller bearing according to the first embodiment, wherein the tapered rollers are arranged in a second position,

[0046] Fig. 3 : the tapered roller bearing with the bearing cage according to the first embodiment, wherein the tapered rollers are arranged in the second position,

[0047] Fig. 4: the tapered roller bearing with the bearing cage according to the first embodiment, wherein the tapered rollers are arranged in the first position,

[0048] Fig. 5: section A of Fig. 3 on an enlarged scale,

[0049] Fig. 6 and 7: a bearing cage according to a second embodiment,

[0050] Fig. 8: a bearing cage according to a third embodiment, Fig. 9: a bearing cage according to a fourth embodiment, Fig. 10: a bearing cage according to a fifth embodiment, Fig. 11: the section C of Fig. 10 on an enlarged scale, Fig. 12: the section D of Fig. 11 on an enlarged scale, Fig. 13: a holding element for the bearing cage of Figs. 10 - 12, and Fig. 14: a flow chart of a method for assembling a tapered roller bearing according to a fourth embodiment.

[0051] Detailed description of the invention

[0052] In the following, identical or functionally equivalent elements are identified by the same reference symbols.

[0053] Figs. 1 to 5 show a tapered roller bearing 1 with a bearing cage 2 according to a first embodiment. The tapered roller bearing 1 comprises a first ring 4 (Figs. 3 to 5), a second ring (not shown), and a plurality of tapered rollers 8 arranged between the first ring 4 and the second ring, wherein the first ring 4 has a retaining rim 6. In the illustrated embodiments, the retaining rim 6 is formed integrally with the first ring 4.

[0054] The bearing cage 2 comprises a first cage ring element 10, a second cage ring element 12 and a plurality of webs 16 extending substantially in the axial direction 14, wherein the webs 16 and the cage ring elements 10, 12 are connected to one another such that pockets 18 (Figs. 6, 7) for receiving a tapered roller 8 are formed between the webs 16 and the cage ring elements 10, 12, each pocket 18 having a pocket length LL in the direction of the web 16 and a pocket width LB in the circumferential direction. As can be seen in Figs. 1 to 5, the first cage ring element 10 has a smaller diameter and the second cage ring element 12 has a larger diameter, such that the first cage ring element 10 is arranged radially further inward and the second cage ring element 12 is arranged radially further outward. Due to the different diameters of the first and second cage ring elements 10, 12, the webs 16 extend obliquely, ieboth in the axial and radial directions, and have an inclination angle 5 with respect to the axial direction 14 of the tapered roller bearing. The end of the pocket 16, which is delimited by the first cage ring element 10, is located on the inside and is therefore also referred to as the inside end, while the end of the pocket 16, which is delimited by the second cage ring element 12, is located on the outside and is also referred to as the outside end.

[0055] The pocket length LL of the pockets 18 is by a specified amount L ap greater than an axial length LR of the tapered roller 8. The specified amount L ap is selected so that the accommodated tapered roller 8 can be pressed outwards in the axial direction to the axially outer end of the cage pocket 18 during assembly of the tapered roller bearing 1. Fig. 1 and 4 show a state in which the tapered rollers 8 are positioned at an axially inner end of the cage 2, whereas Fig. 2 and 3 show a state in which the tapered rollers 8 are positioned at a radially and axially outer end of the cage 2 due to the inclined webs 16. By pushing the tapered rollers 8 to the outer end, the diameter under one end face of the inner tapered roller end can be increased from 1 (Fig. 1) to 2 (Fig. 2). This makes it easier to push the bearing cage 2 onto the bearing ring 4 over the retaining rim 6, which has a diameter 03 in the radial direction (Fig. 3).The bearing cage 2 can then be lifted until the tapered rollers 8 make contact with the inner end of the cage pocket 18 (Fig. 4), so that the tapered rollers 8 simultaneously move inwards and reduce the diameter under the inner tapered roller end face.

[0056] In other words, the length LL of the cage pocket 18 is longer than required for regular operating conditions, so that an enlarged "gap" is provided on the axially outer cage side. For example, the specified amount L ap be greater than 5mm and in particular between 5 and 20mm. The specified amount L ap can be determined using the following formula:

[0057] Lap = a * (03 - l) / sin(5), where a is a scaling factor with 0.3 < a < 0.6, preferably 0.35 < a < 0.55, more preferably 0.38 < a < 0.48, 5 is the angle of inclination of the webs, 1 is the minimum distance between two radially opposite first tapered roller ends when their first end faces abut the first cage ring element, and 3 is the diameter of the retaining rim. If the bearing ring is slightly inclined, the bearing cage can engage on one side first, which reduces the necessary difference between the inner diameter of the tapered roller chamfer and a shoulder of the retaining rim.

[0058] After the bearing cage 2 with the tapered rollers 8 is mounted on the ring 4 and the tapered rollers 8 are again positioned at the axially inner end, a holding element 20 (Fig. 4) is arranged on the axial outer side of the tapered rollers 8 in order to axially limit the pocket length LL again.

[0059] In the first embodiment, the retaining element 20 is designed as a continuous ring. For example, the continuous ring can be turned together with the bearing cage 2 from a single piece. This is more cost-effective than a separately manufactured ring and can enable greater precision during turning. In the first embodiment, the retaining element 20 is welded to the second cage ring element 12.

[0060] Preferably, the retaining element 20 can be provided on a side facing the tapered roller 8 with at least one tapered roller contact element (not shown), which is designed to establish contact between the tapered roller 8 and the retaining element 20. In particular, the tapered roller contact element can improve contact between the axially outer end face of the tapered roller 8 and the retaining element 20 and / or cage 2. In particular, the tapered roller contact element can have a better surface quality and / or surface treatment and / or a specially optimized geometry and / or a different material than the bearing cage 2 and / or the retaining element 20. The tapered roller contact element can be formed integrally or separately with the at least one retaining element.

[0061] 6 and 7 show a bearing cage 2 according to a second embodiment. The bearing cage 2 of the second embodiment differs from the bearing cage 2 of the first embodiment in that the retaining element 20 has a projection 22 and the second cage ring element 12 also has a projection 13, which are designed to cooperate such that the positioning of the retaining element 20 on the second cage ring element 12 takes place in a defined manner, so that a defined pocket length LL can be ensured. In addition, the two projections 13, 22 enable the retaining element 20 to be centered. Due to the defined positioning of the retaining element 20 on the second cage ring element 12, which is made possible by the two projections 13, 22, the retaining element 20 can be fastened, for example, by welding along a line along the circumference between the retaining element 20 and the cage ring element 12 (Fig. 7).

[0062] Fig. 8 shows a bearing cage 2 according to a third embodiment. The bearing cage 2 of the third embodiment differs from the bearing cage 2 of the first embodiment in that the holding element 20 is not designed as a continuous ring, but as several discrete elements that extend in the circumferential direction over at least one pocket width LB and are evenly distributed over the circumference, wherein not every cage pocket 18 is equipped with a holding element 20, but every second one. As can be seen in Fig. 8, the holding elements 20 are fastened to the outer cage ring element 12 with a fastening means 21. The fastening means 21 can be a screw, for example. Alternatively, the holding elements 20 can also be fastened to the tapered rollers 8.

[0063] Fig. 9 shows a bearing cage 2 according to a fourth embodiment. The bearing cage 2 of the fourth embodiment differs from the bearing cage 2 of the third embodiment in that the retaining element 20 extends circumferentially over two pocket widths LB, which are evenly distributed over the circumference, with three pocket widths between each two retaining elements 20 not being equipped with a retaining element 20.

[0064] Figs. 10 to 13 show a bearing cage 2 according to a fifth embodiment. The bearing cage 2 of the fifth embodiment differs from the bearing cage 2 of the first embodiment in that the retaining element 20 is not formed as a continuous ring, but rather as several discrete elements that extend in the circumferential direction over at least one pocket width LB and are evenly distributed over the circumference. Not every cage pocket 18 is equipped with a retaining element 20, but rather every third one.

[0065] Furthermore, in the bearing cage 2 of the fifth embodiment, the retaining elements 20 have, on a side 26 facing the tapered roller 8, at least one tapered roller contact element 24, which is designed to establish contact between the tapered roller 8 and the retaining element 20. For example, the tapered roller contact element 24 can improve contact between the axially outer end face 28 of the tapered roller 8 and the retaining element 20 and / or cage 2. For this purpose, the tapered roller contact element 20 is provided with a profile 30 (Fig. 13). In particular, the tapered roller contact element 24 can have a better surface quality and / or a better surface treatment and / or a specially optimized geometry and / or a different material than the bearing cage 2 and / or the retaining element 20. As can be seen in Figs. 11 to 13, the tapered roller contact element 24 is formed integrally with the retaining element 20.Alternatively, the tapered roller contact element can also be formed separately from the holding element 20.

[0066] As can be seen in Figs. 11 and 12, the retaining element 20 is provided with a step 32, wherein a radial depth T of the step 32 is selected such that a thickness D of the second cage ring element 12 can be substantially accommodated in the recess formed by the step 32. This allows the connection between the retaining element 20 and the cage ring element 12 to be free from shear stress.

[0067] Fig. 14 shows a flow chart of a method for assembling a tapered roller bearing 1. The method comprises, in steps S1, S2 and S3, providing the bearing cage 2, providing a bearing ring 4, wherein the bearing ring has a retaining rim 6, and providing a plurality of tapered rollers 8. Subsequently, the tapered rollers 8 are inserted into the pockets 18 of the bearing cage 2 in a step S4.

[0068] Subsequently, in a step S5, the tapered rollers 8 are displaced in the pockets 18 of the bearing cage 2 so that the tapered rollers 8 are located at an outer end of the pockets 18. Due to the increased pocket length LL, the tapered rollers 8 can be pressed outward to the outer end of the cage pocket 18 during assembly of the tapered roller bearing 1, so that the diameter under one end face of the inner tapered roller end increases.

[0069] This allows the bearing cage 2 to be slid onto the bearing ring 4 in the next step S6. The tapered rollers 8 can now easily engage over the retaining rim 6 of the bearing ring 4. The bearing cage 2 can then be raised until the tapered rollers make contact with the inner end of the cage pocket in a step S7, so that the tapered rollers simultaneously move inward and reduce the diameter under the inner tapered roller face. The tapered rollers are now in their target position and touch the raceway of the bearing ring.

[0070] Finally, in a last step S8, the holding element 20 is attached to an outer side of the tapered roller 8 in order to limit the pocket length.

[0071] In summary, the increased pocket length enables damage-free assembly of the tapered roller bearing, even with heavy components such as tapered rollers with a large mass (e.g., tapered roller masses > 2 kg). Furthermore, increased self-retaining reliability can be achieved because the clearance for the tapered rollers is greater during assembly than in operating condition. Furthermore, assembly of multiple tapered rollers or tapered roller sets is possible with minimal handling effort, since there is no need to rotate or turn the inner ring, the tapered roller set, and / or the cage during cage assembly. Compared to a split cage, a higher degree of cage geometry accuracy can be achieved.

[0072] List of reference symbols

[0073] 1 tapered roller element

[0074] 2 bearing cage

[0075] 4 bearing ring

[0076] 6 Holding board

[0077] 8 tapered roller

[0078] 10, 12 Cage ring element

[0079] 14 axial direction

[0080] 16 bridges

[0081] 18 bag

[0082] 20 holding element

[0083] 21 Fastening element

[0084] 13, 22 overhang

[0085] 24 tapered roller contact element

[0086] 26 page

[0087] 28 Front side

[0088] 30 Profile

[0089] 32 level

[0090] LL pocket length

[0091] LB pocket width

[0092] Lap specified amount

[0093] LR axial tapered roller length

[0094] T Shoulder depth

[0095] D Cage ring element thickness

[0096] 5 Angle of inclination of the webs

[0097] <t>1.02 Distance in radial direction between the tapered roller chamfers

[0098] <e>3 outer diameter of the holding board

[0099] S1 ... S8 process steps< / e> < / t>

Claims

Patent claims Tapered roller bearing, bearing cage for a tapered roller bearing and a method for assembling the tapered roller bearing 1. A tapered roller bearing (1) comprising at least one first ring (4), at least one second ring, and a plurality of tapered rollers (8) arranged between the at least one first ring (4) and the at least one second ring, wherein the first or the second ring (4) has a retaining rim (6), wherein the tapered roller bearing (1) further comprises at least one bearing cage (2) comprising at least one first cage ring element (10) with a first cage ring diameter, a second cage ring element (12) with a second cage ring diameter, wherein the first cage ring diameter is smaller than the second cage ring diameter, and a plurality of webs (16), wherein the webs (16) and the cage ring elements (10, 12) are connected to one another such that the webs have an angle of inclination (5) relative to a rotational axis of the tapered roller bearing (1), and pockets (18) for receiving the tapered rollers (8) are formed between the webs (16) and the cage ring elements (10, 12),wherein each pocket (18) has a pocket length (LL) in the web direction and a pocket width (LB) in the circumferential direction, and wherein each tapered roller (8) has a first tapered roller end with a first end face and a second tapered roller end with a second end face, wherein the first end face has a smaller end face diameter than the second end face, and the tapered rollers are arranged in the pockets such that the first tapered roller end faces the first cage ring element, characterized in that the pocket length (LL) of at least one pocket (18) is reduced by a predetermined amount (L, ap ) is greater than an axial length (LR) of the tapered roller (8), wherein the predetermined amount (L ap ) is selected so that the accommodated tapered roller (8) can be displaced in the pocket (18) so that the bearing cage (2) can be moved at least partially over the retaining rim (6), wherein the predetermined amount (L ap) of the pocket length (LL) at least depending on the axial length LR) of the accommodated tapered roller (8), the angle of inclination (5) of the webs (16) relative to a rotation axis of the tapered roller bearing (1), a minimum distance between the two first tapered roller ends of two radially opposite tapered rollers, and a diameter 3 of the retaining rim (6) of the ring (4) in the radial direction, and is determined by the following formula: Lap = a * (03 - Ol) / sin(5), where a is a scaling factor with 0.3 < a < 0.6, preferably 0.35 < a < 0.55, more preferably 0.38 < a < 0.48, 5 the angle of inclination of the webs, O l is the minimum distance between two radially opposite first tapered roller ends when their first end faces rest against the first cage ring element, and 3 is the diameter of the retaining rim.

2. Tapered roller bearing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the tapered rollers have tapered roller chamfers on their first and second end faces and the minimum distance O1 is determined between the tapered roller chamfers.

3. Tapered roller bearing (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a minimum distance 02 of the two radially opposite first tapered roller ends, when their second end faces abut the second cage ring element, is less than or equal to the diameter 03 of the axially inner retaining rim (6).

4. Tapered roller bearing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one holding element (20) which is arranged on an axial outer side of at least one tapered roller (8) and is designed to axially limit the pocket length (LL).

5. Tapered roller bearing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one holding element (20) is designed as a continuous ring.

6. Tapered roller bearing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one holding element (20) is designed as a discrete element and extends in the circumferential direction over at least one pocket width LB), wherein preferably a plurality of discrete holding elements (20) are provided which are distributed over the circumference, in particular uniformly.

7. Tapered roller bearing (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the at least one holding element (20) is fastened to the second cage ring element (12) and / or to at least one tapered roller (8) and / or to at least one web (16).

8. Tapered roller bearing (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the at least one holding element (20) is provided on a side (26) facing the tapered roller (8) with at least one tapered roller contact element (24) which is designed to establish contact between the tapered roller (8) and the holding element (20).

9. Tapered roller bearing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one holding element (20) is made of metal and / or plastic.

10. Bearing cage for a tapered roller bearing (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

11. A method for assembling a tapered roller bearing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising the following steps: • Providing (S1) a bearing cage (2) according to claim 10, wherein the pockets of the bearing cage are dimensioned such that an axial pocket length (LL) of the pocket (18) is greater by a predetermined amount (Lap) than an axial length (LR) of the accommodated tapered roller (8), wherein the predetermined amount (L ap ) is selected such that the accommodated tapered roller (8) is displaceable in the pocket (18) such that the bearing cage (2) is at least partially movable over the retaining rim (6), wherein the predetermined amount (Lap) of the pocket length (LL) is at least dependent on the axial length (LR) of the accommodated tapered roller (8), the angle of inclination (5) of the webs (16) relative to a rotational axis of the tapered roller bearing (1), a minimum distance between the two first tapered roller ends of two radially opposite tapered rollers, and a diameter 3 of the retaining rim (6) of the ring (4) in the radial direction, and is determined by the following formula: Lap = a * (03 - l) / sin(5), where a is a scaling factor with 0.3 < a < 0.6, preferably 0.35 < a < 0.55, more preferably 0.38 < a < 0.48, 5 the angle of inclination of the webs, 1 is the minimum distance between two radially opposite first tapered roller ends when their first end faces rest against the first cage ring element, and 3 is the diameter of the retaining rim, • Providing (S2) a bearing ring (4), wherein the bearing ring (4) has a retaining rim (6), • Providing (S3) several tapered rollers (8), • Inserting (S4) the tapered rollers (8) into the pockets (18) of the bearing cage (2), • Moving (S5) the tapered rollers (8) in the pockets (18) of the bearing cage (2) so that the tapered rollers (8) are located at an outer end of the pockets (18), • Slide (S6) the bearing cage (2) onto the bearing ring (4), • Moving (S7) the tapered rollers (8) in the pockets (18) of the bearing cage (2) so that the tapered rollers (8) are located at an inner end of the pockets (18) and rest against an inner retaining rim (6) of the bearing ring (4), and • Arranging (S8) at least one holding element (20) on an outer side of at least one tapered roller (8) in order to limit the pocket length (LL).

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