Clamping ring arrangement for a rolling bearing, and bearing arrangement having a rolling bearing and such a clamping ring arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a bearing arrangement (1) for mounting a shaft, comprising a rolling bearing (30) with an outer ring (31), an inner ring (32) and a plurality of rolling bodies (33) arranged therebetween, and a clamping ring arrangement. The clamping ring arrangement comprises a first clamping ring (10) and a second clamping ring (20), which are each provided for arrangement on an end face of an outer ring (31) of the rolling bearing (30), and a stationary element (40) for receiving the clamping rings (10, 20) and for radially supporting the outer ring (31), wherein the respective clamping ring (10, 20) has a plurality of elastic clamping arms (11, 21) which extend from an end face inwards towards the respective other clamping ring (20, 10) and come to bear against the stationary element (40), wherein the outer ring (31) is arranged with axially limited mobility on the stationary element (40) via the two clamping rings (10, 20).

Description

[0001] P240936 DE

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Clamping ring arrangement for a rolling bearing and bearing arrangement with a rolling bearing and such a clamping ring arrangement

[0004] The invention relates to a clamping ring arrangement for a rolling bearing and a bearing arrangement comprising a rolling bearing and such a clamping ring arrangement.

[0005] For example, WO 2013 / 120969 A1 discloses a support bearing for mounting a steering rod in a steering housing, comprising a support bearing body with an opening defining an inner wall for receiving the steering rod in order to displace the steering rod relative to the steering housing by means of a steering gear, and an outer wall for bearing against the steering housing. Furthermore, at least one spring element arranged between the inner wall and the outer wall is provided for elastically restoring support of the steering rod in at least one principal spring direction perpendicular to the inner wall.

[0006] DE 10 2014 213 505 A1 describes a spindle surrounded by a support body. A separate rotary bearing and a support device are arranged between them, with the rotary bearing being held in the support device. A radial clearance is provided between the support device and the rotary bearing, the rotary bearing being movable transversely to the longitudinal axis and immovable in the direction of the longitudinal axis within the support device.

[0007] The object of the invention is to create an improved bearing that allows at least partial axial displacement. In particular, the bearing should be compact, cost-effective to manufacture, and especially easy to assemble. This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0008] A clamping ring arrangement according to the invention for a rolling bearing comprises a first clamping ring and a second clamping ring, each provided for end-face arrangement on an outer ring of the rolling bearing, and a stationary element for receiving the clamping rings and radially centering the outer ring, wherein the respective clamping ring has several elastic clamping arms that extend inwards towards the end face. P240936 DE

[0009] - 2 - each extending to the other clamping ring and coming into contact with the stationary element, wherein the outer ring is arranged axially movable on the stationary element limited by the two clamping rings.

[0010] The rolling bearing is thus axially held between the two clamping rings, which are arranged on the stationary element and bear against opposite end faces of the outer ring of the rolling bearing. The stationary element can be designed as a housing component or as a separate component that is rotationally fixed to the housing. In particular, the stationary element is ring-shaped. The rolling bearing is arranged radially within the stationary element and supported by the stationary element in the radial direction, thus centering it within the element. The clamping rings engage the stationary element via their elastic clamping arms and axially pre-tension the outer ring of the rolling bearing in opposite directions. This results in the axial centering of the rolling bearing on the stationary element, while allowing a limited axial displacement of the outer ring of the rolling bearing against the axial force exerted by the respective clamping ring.Preferably, each clamping arm comes into contact, at least partially, radially with the outer ring of the rolling bearing. For example, each clamping ring has exactly three clamping arms, which are evenly distributed around the circumference of the respective clamping ring. This ensures a homogeneous force distribution and particularly good axial support of the clamping rings on the outer ring of the rolling bearing.

[0011] According to one embodiment, each clamping arm has a radially outwardly bent end section for axial support on the stationary element. The clamping ring is connected to the stationary element via these radially outwardly bent end sections. The clamping ring is supported on the stationary element in the axial direction by means of its radially outwardly bent end section, which snaps into place on the stationary element.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the stationary element has a recess on an inner circumferential surface for each clamping arm to allow the respective clamping arm to pass through. In other words, the stationary element is ring-shaped, with several recesses on the inner circumferential surface extending over the entire P240936 DE

[0013] - 3 - extend along the axial length of the stationary element. In particular, the recesses are to be understood as radial depressions in the inner circumferential surface of the stationary element.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the stationary element has a recess in each cavity for receiving the outwardly bent end section. Thus, the outwardly bent end sections engage in the recesses within the cavities. The respective cavity is to be understood as a depression within the respective cavity and extends only over a small portion of the cavity. In particular, the cavity can essentially correspond to the shape of the bent end section, resulting in a virtually play-free, positive-locking engagement. Alternatively, the cavity can be larger than the bent end section.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the stationary element has several support sections on an inner circumferential surface for radially supporting the outer ring. Each support section is thus designed to radially receive the outer ring of the rolling bearing. Consequently, the outer ring of the rolling bearing rests radially against the support sections. In particular, the support sections are web-shaped and uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction, preferably extending over the entire axial length of the stationary element. For example, exactly six support sections are arranged uniformly distributed around the circumference of the stationary element. This ensures a homogeneous force distribution and particularly good radial support of the outer ring of the rolling bearing against the stationary element.

[0016] According to one embodiment, each clamping ring is made from a sheet of metal. For example, each clamping ring is stamped and formed from a sheet of metal. In particular, the sheet of metal is made of a steel alloy, for example, spring steel. Manufacturing the clamping rings from a sheet of metal not only reduces production costs but also allows for weight and material savings. Consequently, the clamping ring assembly becomes more compact. P240936 DE

[0017] - 4 -

[0018] According to one embodiment, each clamping ring has an axial flange in the circumferential direction between the support arms. The axial flange is formed and serves in particular to increase the stiffness and dimensional stability of the respective clamping ring. Preferably, the flange bears at least partially radially against the outer ring of the rolling bearing. The flanges increase the radial support surfaces of the clamping rings on the outer ring of the rolling bearing.

[0019] According to one embodiment, each clamping ring has receiving areas in the circumferential direction between the support arms for the clamping arms of the opposite clamping ring. These receiving areas are provided for mounting the clamping rings on the rolling bearing, and during assembly, the receiving areas can at least partially accommodate the support arms. This facilitates assembly. In particular, the receiving areas are arranged in the circumferential direction between two flanges on the clamping ring.

[0020] Furthermore, the invention relates to a bearing arrangement for supporting a shaft, comprising a clamping ring arrangement according to the invention and a rolling bearing with an outer ring, an inner ring, and several rolling elements arranged between them. In other words, the bearing arrangement comprises the rolling bearing and the clamping ring arrangement with the first and second clamping rings, which are arranged at the end faces of the outer ring of the rolling bearing, as well as the stationary element that receives the clamping rings and the outer ring, wherein the elastic clamping arms of each clamping ring extend inwards towards the opposite clamping ring at their end faces and bear against the stationary element, thereby preloading the outer ring against the stationary element in a limited axially movable manner via the two clamping rings. The rolling bearing can be designed as a ball or roller bearing, wherein the rolling elements roll on a raceway on the outer ring and a raceway on the inner ring.The inner ring of the rolling bearing is designed for fixed mounting on a shaft. Non-destructive disassembly of the bearing assembly is made possible by releasing the clamping rings from the stationary component.

[0021] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assembling the bearing arrangement according to the invention, wherein the first clamping ring is connected to the stationary component P240936 DE

[0022] - 5 - is carried out, whereby the rolling bearing is connected to the shaft via an interference fit, either simultaneously or sequentially, the first clamping ring and the rolling bearing are then axially connected to each other, and finally the second clamping ring is axially slid onto the rolling bearing and connected to the stationary element. The use of two clamping rings and the stationary element allows for particularly simple assembly and disassembly of the rolling bearing, which has an interference fit on the shaft at the inner ring and is axially floating at the outer ring in the stationary element. For example, the shaft can be supported by two rolling bearings, with at least one of the two rolling bearings being received in a housing via the clamping ring arrangement. The axial displacement of the rolling bearing in the housing depends on the elastic properties and the preload of the clamping rings.

[0023] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a robot with a bearing arrangement according to the invention, i.e., with a rolling bearing and a clamping ring arrangement. For example, the bearing arrangement is provided for a shaft, particularly in a joint or a gearbox of the robot. The use of the bearing arrangement in a robot is not limited, so that other areas of application are also conceivable, for example in vehicles or stationary machines.

[0024] Further measures improving the invention are described in more detail below, together with a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to the figures.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a bearing arrangement according to the invention.

[0026] Figure 2 shows a schematic exploded view of the bearing arrangement according to the invention.

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic, partially cutaway representation of the bearing arrangement according to the invention, P240936 DE

[0028] - 6 -

[0029] Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view of the bearing arrangement according to the invention.

[0030] Figure 5 shows a further schematic sectional view of the bearing arrangement according to the invention and

[0031] Figure 6 shows a schematic sectional view of the bearing arrangement according to the invention in a partially disassembled state.

[0032] Figure 1 shows a bearing arrangement 1 for supporting a shaft (not shown in detail), comprising a rolling bearing 30 and a clamping ring arrangement with a stationary element 40 and two clamping rings, of which only the first clamping ring 10 is visible. The stationary element 40 is annular and has several axial bores 44 for receiving screws and for fixing it to a housing. The rolling bearing 30 is arranged radially inside the stationary element 40.

[0033] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the bearing arrangement 1 according to Figure 1. Figure 2 provides a clearer illustration of the design of the elements of the clamping ring arrangement. The two clamping rings 10, 20 of the clamping ring arrangement are identical and are designed for end-face mounting on an outer ring 31 of the rolling bearing 30.

[0034] The stationary element 40 is designed to receive the clamping rings 10, 20 and to radially support the outer ring 31, the radial support of the outer ring 31 being provided by several support sections 43 on an inner circumferential surface of the stationary element 40. In this case, a total of six support sections 43 are formed, evenly distributed on the inner circumferential surface of the stationary element 40. A recess 41 with a corresponding opening 42 is arranged circumferentially between each pair of support sections 43. Thus, a total of six openings 41 and six openings 42 are formed, evenly distributed on the inner circumferential surface of the stationary element 40. The openings 42 do not extend over the entire axial length of the openings 41, but rather alternately from the end faces of the stationary element 40, only partially extending axially into the openings 41.

[0035] - 7 - mungen 41 protrude into it. For example, the stationary element 40 is at least partially or completely manufactured by machining.

[0036] In contrast, the two clamping rings 10, 20 are made of a metal sheet. Each clamping ring 10, 20 has three elastic clamping arms 11, 21, which extend inwards towards the other clamping ring 20, 10 and bear against the stationary element 40. Each clamping arm 11, 21 has a radially outwardly bent end section 12, 22 for axial support against the stationary element 40. The respective clamping arm 11, 21 extends through the respective recess 41, with the respective outwardly bent end section 12, 22 being received in the respective recess 42 to elastically preload the outer ring 31 against the stationary element 40 in opposite axial directions. This allows the outer ring 31 to be axially movable against the stationary element 40 via the two clamping rings 10, 20.Furthermore, each clamping ring 10, 20 has an axial flange 13, 23 adjacent to the support arms 11, 21, which extends partially in the circumferential direction. Between two axial flanges 13, 23, receiving areas 14, 24 are formed in the circumferential direction. These receiving areas are provided during assembly for receiving the clamping arms 21, 11 of the opposing clamping ring 20, 10. Here, the receiving areas 14, 24 are shown as recesses in the flanges 13, 23.

[0037] Figure 3 shows the bearing arrangement 1 according to Figures 1 and 2. Here, the bearing arrangement 1 is shown in a sectional view in the area of ​​one of the support sections 43 for the radial support of the outer ring 31. This illustrates the surface contact of the outer ring 31 with the support section 43 of the stationary element 40. Several rolling elements 33 are arranged on an inner circumferential surface of the outer ring 31, which also contact an outer circumferential surface of an inner ring 32 of the rolling bearing 30. Furthermore, a first section line AA and a second section line BB are shown in Figure 3, with the sectional view according to the first section line AA being shown in Figure 5 and the sectional view according to the second section line BB being shown in Figure 4.

[0038] Figure 4 shows a sectional view through the bearing arrangement 1 in the area of ​​two radially opposing support sections 43, which provide radial support for the Au- P240936 DE

[0039] - 8 - outer ring 31 are arranged. Furthermore, the axial flanges 13, 23 on the respective clamping ring 10, 20, which at least partially come into radial contact with the outer ring 31, are also clearly visible in this figure. The flanges 13, 23 are arranged axially spaced from the end faces of the outer ring 31, so that axial displacement of the outer ring 31 on the stationary element 40 is allowed.

[0040] Figure 5 shows a sectional view through the bearing arrangement 1 in the region of two radially opposite recesses 41 on the stationary element 40. This view illustrates the position of the radially outwardly bent end sections 12, 22 in the respective recesses 42, particularly their axial support. This axial preload centers the outer ring 31 in the stationary element 40, whereby thermal expansion and tolerances can be compensated for by the limited axial movement of the outer ring 31 within the stationary element 40. The clamping arms 11, 21 on the respective clamping rings 10, 20 are guided axially through the recesses 41, with the radially outwardly bent end sections 12, 22 engaging in the recesses 42 and bearing axially against them.

[0041] Figure 6 shows the bearing arrangement 1 according to Figure 5 at least partially disassembled, with the clamping rings 10, 20 partially axially removed from the outer ring 31. To move from the position of the clamping rings 10, 20 according to Figure 5 to the position of the clamping rings 10, 20 according to Figure 6, the elastic clamping arms 11, 21 are pressed radially inwards so that the radially outwardly bent end sections 12, 22 on the clamping arms 11, 21 emerge from the recesses 42. The recesses 41 are designed such that the radially outwardly bent end sections 12, 22 can be pulled out without significant deformation, in particular only by elastic deformation of the clamping arms 11, 21.To move the clamping rings 10, 20 from the position shown in Figure 6 to the position shown in Figure 5, the clamping rings 10, 20 are moved axially towards the rolling bearing 30 until the respective clamping ring 10, 20 comes to rest against the respective end face of the outer ring 31 and the radially outwardly bent end sections 12, 22 on the clamping arms 11, 21 snap into the recesses 42 on the openings 41. The clamping ring arrangement enables particularly easy assembly and disassembly of the rolling bearing 30 on the stationary element 40, which is possible from both sides of the rolling bearing 30. P240936 DE.

[0042] - 9 -

[0043] List of reference signs

[0044] 1 Storage arrangement

[0045] 10 first clamping ring

[0046] 11 elastic clamping arm

[0047] 12 Final section

[0048] 13 Board

[0049] 14 Recording area

[0050] 20 second clamping ring

[0051] 21 elastic clamping arm

[0052] 22 Final section

[0053] 23 Board

[0054] 24 recording area

[0055] 30 rolling bearings

[0056] 31 Outer ring

[0057] 32 inner ring

[0058] 33 rolling elements

[0059] 40 stationary element

[0060] 41 Exclusion

[0061] 42 recess

[0062] 43 Support section

[0063] 44 bore

[0064] AA first line of intersection

[0065] BB second section line

Claims

P240936 DE Patent claims 1. Clamping ring arrangement for a rolling bearing (30) with an outer ring (31), comprising a first clamping ring (10) and a second clamping ring (20), each of which is provided for end-face arrangement on the outer ring (31) of the rolling bearing (30), and a stationary element (40) for receiving the clamping rings (10, 20) and radially supporting the outer ring (31), wherein each clamping ring (10, 20) has several elastic clamping arms (11, 21) which extend inwards towards the other clamping ring (20, 10) and bear against the stationary element (40), wherein the outer ring (31) is arranged axially movable on the stationary element (40) via the two clamping rings (10, 20).

2. Clamping ring arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the respective clamping arm (11 , 21 ) has a radially outwardly bent end section (12, 22) for axial support on the stationary element (40).

3. Clamping ring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stationary element (40) has a recess (41) on an inner circumferential surface for each clamping arm (11 , 21 ) for the passage of the respective clamping arm (11 , 21 ).

4. Clamping ring arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the stationary element (40) has a recess (42) in each recess (41) for receiving the outwardly bent end section (12, 22).

5. Clamping ring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stationary element (40) has several support sections (43) on an inner circumferential surface for radially supporting the outer ring (31). P240936 DE 6. Clamping ring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective clamping ring (10, 20) is formed from a metal sheet.

7. Clamping ring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective clamping ring (10, 20) has an axial rim (13, 23) in the circumferential direction between the support arms (11, 21).

8. Clamping ring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective clamping ring (10, 20) has receiving areas (14, 24) for the clamping arms (21, 11) of the opposite clamping ring (20, 10) in the circumferential direction between the support arms (11, 21).

9. Bearing arrangement (1 ) for supporting a shaft, comprising a rolling bearing (30) with an outer ring (31 ), an inner ring (32) and several rolling elements (33) arranged between them and a clamping ring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Method for assembling the bearing arrangement (1) according to claim 9, wherein the first clamping ring (10) is connected to the stationary element (40), wherein the rolling bearing (30) is connected to the shaft via an interference fit or at the same time, wherein the first clamping ring (10) and the rolling bearing (30) are axially connected to each other, wherein the second clamping ring (20) is axially pushed onto the rolling bearing (30) and connected to the stationary element (40).

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