Bearing assembly

Abstract

A bearing assembly, comprising: an outer ring (10) comprising a seal groove (114) located on an inner circumferential side of the outer ring and at least one stepped through hole (113) extending from an outer circumferential side of the outer ring toward the inner circumferential side, wherein the seal groove is configured to be communicated with the stepped through hole; a retaining plate (200) comprising a mounting hole (210) extending axially and an accommodating groove (220) extending circumferentially on an inner circumferential side of the mounting hole; a retaining member (300) disposed in the stepped through hole of the outer ring; and a dust cover (400) configured to be axially mounted into the seal groove of the outer ring. When the retaining plate is mounted to the outer ring, the accommodating groove is axially aligned with the stepped through hole to form an accommodating space for the retaining member. When the dust cover is not mounted in the seal groove, the retaining member is in a first radial position without protruding radially outward from the stepped through hole. When the dust cover is mounted in the seal groove, the dust cover is capable of causing the retaining member to at least partially enter the accommodating groove, so that the retaining member is in a second radial position. The structure of the retaining plate is simplified, and the service life and cleanliness of parts are improved.

Description

bearing assembly Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bearing technology. More specifically, this invention relates to bearing assemblies having a retaining plate. Background Technology

[0002] Rolling bearings with retaining plates are widely used in automotive transmission systems, particularly as stationary bearings for the input shaft of dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs) and as support bearings for the front end of motor shafts. For example, in DCT applications, rolling bearings can be secured to the transmission housing using retaining plates, which also provide axial restraint.

[0003] In a bearing assembly including a retainer, the outer ring of the bearing has a groove, while the retainer has three radially inwardly projecting protrusions in its mounting holes. The retainer and the outer ring of the bearing are assembled together using a press-fit process. During assembly, the protrusions of the retainer are deformed by pressure from the outer surface of the outer ring and spring back as they are pressed into the groove of the outer ring, thus creating axial restraint.

[0004] However, this design has several shortcomings. The dimensional requirements and heat treatment processes for the grooves on the bearing outer ring and the protrusions on the retainer plate are very demanding, increasing manufacturing difficulty and cost. During installation, the three protrusions must be pressed into the grooves on the outer ring sequentially. To ensure the retainer plate does not detach from the bearing outer ring, sufficient interference must be maintained between the protrusions and the outer ring. However, excessive interference can cause the protrusions to be cut off or undergo plastic deformation during installation, affecting the axial restraint effect; insufficient interference may lead to the retainer plate detaching. Due to the design limitations of the retainer plate protrusions, manual pressing is the only option, which not only reduces production efficiency but also affects the stability of product assembly. Furthermore, the pressing process is prone to introducing external contamination, reducing product quality. Different applications have varying requirements for the shape and dimensions of the retainer plate, necessitating customized production for each requirement. This not only increases design and manufacturing difficulty but also significantly raises production costs.

[0005] In summary, existing bearing assemblies, including retainers, have significant shortcomings in manufacturing processes, assembly efficiency, product quality, and cost control. Therefore, an improved bearing assembly is needed to address these issues. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a bearing assembly with a retaining plate that simplifies the structure and manufacturing process. Another object of the present invention is to provide a bearing assembly with a retaining plate that improves assembly reliability.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a bearing assembly comprising: an outer ring including a sealing groove located on its inner circumferential side and at least one variable diameter through-hole extending from its outer circumferential side to its inner circumferential side, wherein the sealing groove is configured to communicate with the variable diameter through-hole; a retainer plate including an axially extending mounting hole and a receiving groove extending circumferentially on the inner circumferential side of the mounting hole, wherein the outer ring is configured to be at least partially mounted into the mounting hole of the retainer plate; a retainer disposed in the variable diameter through-hole of the outer ring; and a dust cover configured to be axially mounted into the sealing groove of the outer ring, wherein when the retainer plate is mounted to the outer ring, the receiving groove of the retainer plate is axially aligned with the variable diameter through-hole of the outer ring and forms a retainer receiving space, and wherein when the dust cover is not mounted into the sealing groove of the outer ring, the retainer is in a first radial position without radially protruding outward from the variable diameter through-hole, and when the dust cover is mounted into the sealing groove of the outer ring, the dust cover allows the retainer to at least partially enter the receiving groove of the retainer plate in a second radial position.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the dust cover is not installed in the sealing groove, the retainer and the variable diameter through hole prevent the retainer from moving radially inward past the first radial position through form fit.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the outer ring includes a plurality of variable diameter through holes spaced apart circumferentially.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of variable diameter through holes are evenly spaced along the circumference.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each variable diameter through hole is a tapered through hole or a stepped through hole.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the invention, the receiving groove of the retaining plate has a V-shaped, arc-shaped, or arched radial cross section.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the invention, the dust cover is configured to be detachably installed into a sealing groove on the outer ring.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the dust cover includes: a body portion having an annular structure; and a snap-fit ​​portion connected to the radially outer side of the body portion, wherein when the dust cover is installed on the outer ring, the snap-fit ​​portion of the dust cover can deform to snap into the sealing groove of the outer ring, and the snap-fit ​​portion can contact and push the retainer located in the variable diameter through hole radially outward.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the outer ring includes: a mounting flange extending circumferentially and disposed at an axial end of the outer ring, wherein a variable diameter through hole is disposed on the mounting flange; and an axial stop portion disposed adjacent to the mounting flange portion axially, wherein the outer diameter of the axial stop portion is greater than the outer diameter of the mounting flange portion and greater than the inner diameter of the mounting hole of the retaining plate.

[0016] One aspect of the present invention provides a method for assembling a bearing assembly, comprising: placing a retainer in a variable-diameter through-hole of an outer ring such that the retainer is in a first radial position without protruding radially from the variable-diameter through-hole; mounting a retainer plate to the outer ring such that a receiving groove of the retainer plate is axially aligned with the variable-diameter through-hole of the outer ring to form a retainer receiving space; and mounting a dust cover to a sealing groove of the outer ring such that the retainer is at least partially inserted into the receiving groove of the retainer plate in a second radial position.

[0017] In the bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present invention, the claw portion of the conventional design is not required, simplifying the structure of the retainer plate. The variable-diameter through-holes and receiving grooves in the bearing assembly can be machined using conventional processes, eliminating the need for additional high-precision mechanical or heat treatment requirements, significantly reducing overall manufacturing costs and processing difficulty. The bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present invention enables efficient and stable assembly. The retainer is lifted radially by pressing the dust cover into the sealing groove, achieving a locking fit between the retainer and the retainer plate, making the assembly process simple and efficient. If disassembly is required, the dust cover can be removed relatively easily for maintenance or replacement. No large-area friction or cutting is generated during assembly, avoiding the metal shavings or burrs problems caused by traditional claw extrusion, thus improving part lifespan and cleanliness. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a bearing assembly according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 is an axial schematic diagram of a bearing assembly according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a bearing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a bearing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a bearing from another angle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 is a half-sectional view of a bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 9 is an axial view of a bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the retaining plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the retaining plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a dust cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figures 13-16 are schematic diagrams illustrating the installation process of the bearing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following detailed description and drawings are provided to exemplify the principles of the invention, which is not limited to the described preferred embodiments; the scope of the invention is defined by the claims. The invention is now described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The following description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, and unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all aspects of the invention. Rather, these embodiments are merely examples of systems and methods related to various aspects of the invention as covered in the appended claims.

[0032] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a bearing assembly according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is an axial schematic diagram of a bearing assembly according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the bearing assembly includes a bearing 10 and a retaining plate 20. The outer ring 11 of the bearing 10 has a groove 12. The retaining plate 20 has three claws 21 on its inner circumferential surface. During installation, in order for the claws 21 of the retaining plate 20 to enter the groove 12 of the outer ring 11, the claws 21 of the retaining plate 20 are pressed against the outer circumference of the outer ring 11 and undergo elastic deformation. When the claws 21 are pressed into the groove 12 of the outer ring 11, the claws 21 will spring back, thereby the retaining edge 13 of the groove 11 will form an axial constraint on the claws 21 and the retaining plate 20, preventing the retaining plate 20 from separating from the outer ring 11.

[0033] Because the retaining plate 20's jaws 21 need to deform before entering the grooves 12 of the outer ring 11, the jaws 21 are easily cut off by the outer ring 11's retaining edge 13 during installation, or the jaws 21 may undergo large deformation. This can result in the elimination or reduction of the axial constraint on the retaining plate 20, poor cleanliness, or jamming between the retaining plate 20 and the outer ring 11 due to the deformation of the jaws 21. Furthermore, due to the size limitations of the retaining plate 20's jaws 21, manual pressing is the only option, which significantly reduces production efficiency, decreases product installation stability, introduces external contaminants, and lowers product quality.

[0034] To address the above problems, the present invention provides an improved bearing assembly. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a bearing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is an exploded schematic diagram of a bearing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention from another angle. Figure 7 is a half-sectional view of a bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is an axial view of a bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a retaining plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a retaining plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a dust cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 13-16 are schematic diagrams of the installation process of a bearing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bearing assembly includes a bearing 100, a retaining plate 200, a retainer 300, and a dust cover 400.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, bearing 100 is a rolling bearing, particularly a ball bearing. Bearing 100 includes an outer ring 110, an inner ring 120, and rolling elements 130. The outer ring 110 and inner ring 120 are annular components arranged coaxially about a rotational axis of bearing 100, wherein the outer ring 110 is located radially outward of the inner ring 120. The inner ring 120 includes a radially outer raceway on its radially outer surface. The outer ring 110 includes a radially inner raceway on its radially inner surface. The rolling elements 130 are capable of rolling between the radially inner raceway and the radially outer raceway. The inner ring 120 and outer ring 110 are capable of relative rotation about a rotational axis by the rolling of the rolling elements 130 disposed between them. In some embodiments, the rolling bearing further includes a cage 140 for circumferentially spaced apart the rolling elements 130.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the outer ring 110 has a first axial end 110A and a second axial end 110B. A retaining plate 200 is mounted radially outside the first axial end 110A of the outer ring 110.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the outer ring 110 includes a mounting flange 111 and an axial stop 112 distributed along the axial direction. The mounting flange 111 extends circumferentially and is disposed at one axial end of the outer ring 110. Specifically, the mounting flange 111 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first axial end 110A of the outer ring 110.

[0040] The axial stop portion 112 is axially adjacent to the mounting flange portion 111. The axial stop portion 112 serves to axially limit the retaining plate 200. The outer diameter of the mounting flange portion 111 is smaller than the outer diameter of the axial stop portion 112. Thus, the mounting flange portion 111 of the outer ring 110 is a stepped portion that is radially retracted inward relative to the axial stop portion 112. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the outer diameter of the axial stop portion 112 is larger than the inner diameter of the mounting hole 210 (described below) of the retaining plate 200. Thus, the axial stop portion 112 can act as a stop and limiter on the retaining plate 200 in the axial direction.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the outer ring 110 includes a variable diameter through hole 113 extending radially outward to radially inward. In an exemplary embodiment, the variable diameter through hole 113 is provided on the mounting flange portion 111 of the outer ring 110.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the variable-diameter through-hole 113 is larger on its radially outer side than on its radially inner side. In some embodiments, the diameter of the variable-diameter through-hole 113 gradually decreases from the radially outer side to the radially inner side; that is, the variable-diameter through-hole 113 has a maximum diameter on its radially outer side and a minimum diameter on its radially inner side. In an exemplary embodiment, the variable-diameter through-hole 113 is a tapered through-hole or a stepped through-hole.

[0043] In some embodiments, the outer ring 110 includes a plurality of variable-diameter through holes 113 spaced apart circumferentially, such as three. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of variable-diameter through holes 113 are evenly spaced apart circumferentially.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the invention, the outer ring 110 further includes a sealing groove 114 located on its inner circumferential side. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing groove 114 is an annular groove. The sealing groove 114 is used to mount the dust cover 400, which will be described in detail below. According to an embodiment of the invention, the variable diameter through hole 113 communicates with the sealing groove 114. Thus, when the dust cover 400 is installed in the sealing groove 114, the dust cover 400 can contact the retainer 300 located in the variable diameter through hole 113 and push the retainer 300 radially outward.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the retaining plate 200 has a generally flat plate shape. The retaining plate 200 includes an axially extending mounting hole 210 for mounting to the outer ring 110 of the bearing. The mounting hole 210 may be a through hole. The mounting hole 210 is sized such that the mounting flange 111 of the outer ring 110 is at least partially mounted into the mounting hole 210. Specifically, the inner diameter of the mounting hole 210 is larger than the outer diameter of the mounting flange 111. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the mounting hole 210 is smaller than the outer diameter of the axial stop 112. Thus, when the retaining plate 200 is mounted onto the mounting flange 111 of the outer ring 110, the axial stop 112 can limit the retaining plate 200.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the retaining plate 200 includes a receiving groove 220. The receiving groove 220 extends circumferentially on the inner peripheral side of the mounting hole 210. Thus, the receiving groove 220 forms an annular groove. In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving groove 220 has a radial cross-section such as a V-shape, an arc shape, or an arch shape. The receiving groove 220 can be formed by processes such as cutting.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the retaining plate 200 is installed on the outer ring 110, the receiving groove 220 of the retaining plate 200 and the variable diameter through hole 113 of the outer ring 100 are aligned axially to form a retaining member receiving space.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a retainer 300 is disposed in a variable-diameter through-hole 113. In an exemplary embodiment, the retainer 300 is a sphere. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the retainer 300 may be a cylinder, a prism, or other structures. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the retainer 300 is smaller than the diameter of the variable-diameter through-hole 113 on its radially outer side (i.e., the maximum diameter) and larger than the diameter of the variable-diameter through-hole 113 on its radially inner side (i.e., the minimum diameter). In an exemplary embodiment, the retainer 300 is also configured to be completely accommodated in the variable-diameter through-hole 113, i.e., the outermost radial direction of the retainer 300 does not exceed the radially outer opening of the variable-diameter through-hole 113.

[0049] When the dust cover 400 is not installed in the sealing groove 114 of the outer ring 110, the retainer 300 is in a first radial position and does not protrude radially outward from the reducing through hole 113. Furthermore, when the dust cover 400 is not installed in the sealing groove 114 of the outer ring 110, the retainer 300 and the reducing through hole 113 are form-fitted to prevent the retainer 300 from moving radially inward past the first radial position, i.e., to prevent the retainer 300 from sliding radially inward from the reducing through hole 113. The form-fitting manner of the retainer 300 and the reducing through hole 113 is not specifically limited. For example, the reducing through hole 113 may have an arcuate sidewall profile while the retainer 300 may be a sphere; or the reducing through hole 113 may be a through hole with a stepped surface while the retainer 300 may be a stepped cylinder or prism.

[0050] Therefore, when the retainer 300 is placed in the variable diameter through hole 113, on the one hand, the outermost part of the retainer 300 in the radial direction will not exceed the radially outer opening of the variable diameter through hole 113, and on the other hand, the retainer 300 will not fall out radially inward from the variable diameter through hole 113. In some embodiments, the retainer 300 may be selected as a steel ball with a standard size.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the dust cover 400 is installed in the sealing groove 114 of the outer ring 110, the dust cover 400 enables the retainer 300 to at least partially enter the receiving groove 220 of the retainer plate 200 to be in a second radial position.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the invention, the dust cover 400 is configured to be axially mounted into the sealing groove 114 of the outer ring 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the dust cover 400 includes a body portion 410 and a snap-fit ​​portion 420. The snap-fit ​​portion 420 is connected to the radially outer side of the body portion 410. The body portion 410 may have a generally annular flat plate structure. When the dust cover 400 is mounted into the sealing groove 114 of the outer ring 110, the snap-fit ​​portion 420 may be compressed and deformed, and ultimately snap into the sealing groove 114. After the snap-fit ​​portion 420 enters the sealing groove 114, the snap-fit ​​portion 420 can undergo radial elastic or plastic deformation, thereby contacting the retainer 300 in the variable diameter through hole 113 and pushing the retainer 300 to move radially outward. Thus, the retainer 300 can move radially outward under the push of the dust cover 400 and at least partially enter the receiving groove 220 of the retainer plate 200.

[0053] In some embodiments, the dust cover 400 can be detachably connected to the sealing groove 114 of the outer ring 110. For example, the snap-fit ​​portion 420 of the dust cover 400 can be elastically or plastically deformed to disengage from the sealing groove 114, thereby allowing the dust cover 400 to be detached from the outer ring 110.

[0054] The assembly method of the bearing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] First, the retainer 300 is placed into the reducing through-hole 113 of the outer ring 110, as shown in Figure 13. At this time, the dust cover 400 is not installed in the sealing groove 114 of the outer ring 110, and the retainer 300 is in the first radial position without protruding radially out of the reducing through-hole 113. Furthermore, the retainer 300 and the reducing through-hole 113 are form-fitted to prevent the retainer 300 from moving radially inward past the first radial position; that is, the retainer 300 can be placed into the reducing through-hole 113 without falling radially inward from it.

[0056] Subsequently, the retaining plate 200 is axially mounted on the outer ring 110, such that the receiving groove 220 of the retaining plate 200 is axially aligned with the variable diameter through hole 113 of the outer ring 110 to form a retaining member receiving space. Specifically, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the mounting hole 210 of the retaining plate 200 is aligned with the mounting flange 111 of the outer ring 110, and the retaining plate 200 is pushed axially. As shown in Figure 15, when the retaining plate 200 is installed in place, for example, when the retaining plate 200 contacts the axial stop 112, the receiving groove 220 of the retaining plate 200 is axially aligned with the variable diameter through hole 113 of the outer ring 100 to form a retaining member receiving space. The axial stop 112 can limit the retaining plate 200 axially. Since the retainer 300 can be fully accommodated in the variable diameter through hole 113 without exceeding the radially outer opening of the variable diameter through hole 113, no extrusion deformation is required during the installation of the retainer 200 onto the outer ring 110.

[0057] Then, the dust cover 400 is installed into the sealing groove 114 of the outer ring 110, so that the retainer 300 is at least partially inserted into the receiving groove 220 of the retaining plate 200 in a second radial position. Specifically, the dust cover 400 is pressed into the interior of the outer ring 110 in the axial direction, thereby compressing and deforming the snap-fit ​​portion 420 of the dust cover 400, and finally snapping it into the sealing groove 114. After the snap-fit ​​portion 420 enters the sealing groove 114, the snap-fit ​​portion 420 can undergo elastic or plastic deformation in the radial direction, thereby contacting the retainer 300 in the variable diameter through hole 113 and pushing the retainer 300 to move radially outward, so that the retainer 300 is at least partially inserted into the receiving groove 220 of the retaining plate 200, as shown in FIG16. Thus, the retaining plate 200 is locked by the retainer 300, thereby achieving a stable connection between the retaining plate 200 and the outer ring 110.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a retaining member 300 is introduced between the outer ring 110 and the retaining plate 200 as a connection and positioning structure. When the retaining member 300 is located in the variable diameter through hole 113 of the outer ring 110, the retaining plate 200 can be connected to the outer ring 110 without obstruction. When the retaining plate 200 is installed on the outer ring 110, the receiving groove 220 of the retaining plate 200 is aligned with the variable diameter through hole 113 of the outer ring 110 in the axial direction, forming a receiving space for the retaining member 300. When the retaining member 300 is pushed radially outward and enters the receiving groove 220 of the retaining plate 200, a limiting constraint in the axial direction is formed between the retaining member 300 and the receiving groove 220, making it difficult for the retaining plate 200 to come out of the outer ring 110. At the same time, since the retaining member 300 can still rotate within the receiving groove 220, the retaining plate 200 is allowed to rotate relative to the outer ring 110 in the circumferential direction.

[0059] In the bearing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, the claw portion of the conventional design is not required, simplifying the structure of the retaining plate. The variable diameter through holes and receiving grooves in the bearing assembly can be processed by conventional processes without the need for additional high-precision mechanical or heat treatment requirements, significantly reducing the overall manufacturing cost and processing difficulty.

[0060] The bearing assembly according to embodiments of the present invention enables efficient and stable assembly. By pressing the dust cover into the sealing groove, the retainer is lifted radially, achieving a locking fit between the retainer and the retaining plate. The assembly process is simple and efficient. If disassembly is required, the dust cover can be removed relatively easily for maintenance or replacement. No large-area friction or cutting is generated during assembly, avoiding the metal shavings or burrs problems caused by traditional claw-type extrusion, thus improving part lifespan and cleanliness.

[0061] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the constructions and methods of the above embodiments. Rather, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent configurations. Furthermore, while various elements and method steps of the disclosed invention have been shown in various exemplary combinations and constructions, other combinations including more or fewer elements or methods also fall within the scope of the invention.

[0062] List of reference numerals: 10 Bearing; 11 Outer ring; 12 Groove; 13 Flange; 20 Retaining plate; 21 Claw; 100 Bearing; 110 Outer ring; 110A First axial end; 110B Second axial end; 111 Mounting flange; 112 Axial stop; 113 Variable diameter through hole; 114 Sealing groove; 120 Inner ring; 130 Rolling element; 140 Cage; 200 Retaining plate; 210 Mounting hole; 220 Receiving groove; 300 Retaining element; 400 Dust cover; 410 Body; 420 Snap-fit ​​part.

Claims

1. A bearing assembly, comprising: The outer ring (110) includes a sealing groove (114) located on its inner circumferential side and at least one variable diameter through hole (113) extending from its outer circumferential side to its inner circumferential side, wherein the sealing groove (114) is configured to communicate with the variable diameter through hole (113). A retaining plate (200) includes an axially extending mounting hole (210) and a circumferentially extending receiving groove (220) on the inner circumferential side of the mounting hole (210), wherein the outer ring (110) is configured to be at least partially mounted into the mounting hole (210) of the retaining plate (200). A retainer (300) disposed in the variable-diameter through-hole (113) of the outer ring (110); and A dust cover (400) configured to be axially mounted into the sealing groove (114) of the outer ring (110). When the retaining plate (200) is installed onto the outer ring (110), the receiving groove (220) of the retaining plate (200) and the variable diameter through hole (113) of the outer ring (110) are axially aligned to form a retaining member receiving space, and When the dust cover (400) is not installed in the sealing groove (114) of the outer ring (110), the retainer (300) is in a first radial position and does not protrude radially outward from the variable diameter through hole (113). When the dust cover (400) is installed in the sealing groove (114) of the outer ring (110), the dust cover (400) allows the retainer (300) to at least partially enter the receiving groove (220) of the retainer plate (200) in a second radial position.

2. The bearing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, When the dust cover (400) is not installed in the sealing groove (114), the retainer (300) and the variable diameter through hole (113) prevent the retainer (300) from moving radially inward past the first radial position through form fit.

3. The bearing assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The outer ring (110) includes a plurality of variable diameter through holes (113) spaced apart along the circumference.

4. The bearing assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The plurality of variable diameter through holes (113) are evenly spaced along the circumference.

5. The bearing assembly according to claim 4, wherein, Each variable diameter through hole (113) is a tapered through hole or a stepped through hole.

6. The bearing assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The receiving groove (220) of the retaining plate (200) has a V-shaped, arc-shaped or arched radial cross section.

7. The bearing assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The dust cover (400) is configured to be detachably installed into the sealing groove (114) of the outer ring (110).

8. The bearing assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The dust cover (400) includes: The main body (410) has a ring structure; and A snap-fit ​​portion (420) is connected to the radially outer side of the body portion (410), wherein when the dust cover (400) is installed on the outer ring (110), the snap-fit ​​portion (420) of the dust cover (400) is deformable to snap into the sealing groove (114) of the outer ring (110), and the snap-fit ​​portion (420) is capable of contacting and radially pushing the retainer (300) located in the variable diameter through hole (113).

9. The bearing assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The outer ring (110) includes: A mounting flange (111) extends circumferentially and is disposed at one axial end of the outer ring (110), wherein a variable diameter through hole (113) is disposed on the mounting flange (111); and An axial stop (112) is provided to be axially adjacent to the mounting flange (111), wherein the outer diameter of the axial stop (112) is greater than the outer diameter of the mounting flange (111) and greater than the inner diameter of the mounting hole (210) of the retaining plate (200).

10. A method for assembling a bearing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: The retainer (300) is placed in the variable diameter through hole (113) of the outer ring (100) such that the retainer (300) is in a first radial position and does not protrude radially from the variable diameter through hole (113); The retaining plate (200) is installed onto the outer ring (100) such that the receiving groove (220) of the retaining plate (200) is axially aligned with the variable diameter through hole (113) of the outer ring (110) to form a retaining member receiving space; and The dust cover (400) is installed into the sealing groove (114) of the outer ring (100) such that the retainer (300) is at least partially inserted into the receiving groove (220) of the retainer plate (200) in a second radial position.

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