Slewing ring bearing with a reduced installation space, having a rotary stop

Abstract

The invention relates to a slewing ring bearing 1, comprising a first bearing element in the form of a first bearing ring 2 which has a securing means for securing the first bearing element 2 to a first external component; a second bearing element 4 in the form of a second bearing ring which has a securing means for securing the second bearing element 2 to a second external component, the bearing elements 2, 4 being oriented coaxially with respect to one another and being provided on axial main surfaces 20, 40, which are associated with one another, so as to mutually contact one another; and a holding device 6 for fixing the two bearing elements 2, 4 in coaxial alignment and in mutual contact with one another in the region of a respective radial central portion, wherein the two bearing elements 2, 4 are mounted so as to be rotatable relative to one another about a rotational axis A. The two bearing elements 2, 4 have interacting limiting means for limiting the rotatability of the two bearing elements 2, 4 relative to one another.

Description

[0001] Ma / Ju 2 February 2026

[0002] Applicant:

[0003] igus GmbH

[0004] 51147 Cologne

[0005] Space-reduced slewing ring bearing with rotation stop

[0006] The invention relates to a slewing ring bearing comprising a first bearing element in the form of a first bearing ring, having a fastening means for attaching the first bearing element to a first external component, a second bearing element in the form of a second bearing ring, comprising a fastening means for attaching the second bearing element to a second external component, wherein the bearing elements are aligned coaxially to each other and arranged on mutually associated axial main surfaces for mutual contact, and a holding device for fixing the two bearing elements in the coaxial alignment and mutual contact to each other in the area of ​​a respective radial central section, wherein the two bearing elements are rotatably arranged to each other about an axis of rotation.

[0007] Such slewing ring bearings, in which the two bearing elements come directly into contact with the system, are used particularly in the design of slewing connections between different sections or components to other sections or components when the operating forces occurring are comparatively low.

[0008] Depending on the application, it may be necessary to limit the relative movement of the two bearing elements to each other. Traditionally, this can be achieved by providing external stops, but this involves increased effort as it depends on the specific application requirements.

[0009] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a simpler way to limit the relative rotation of the two bearing elements of a slewing ring bearing.

[0010] The present invention solves this problem with a slewing ring bearing according to the invention comprising the features of claim 1. The slewing ring bearing according to the invention has a first bearing element in the form of a first bearing ring, comprising a fastening means for fastening the first bearing element to a first external component, a second bearing element in the form of a second bearing ring, comprising a fastening means for fastening the second bearing element to a second external component, wherein the bearing elements are aligned coaxially to each other and arranged on mutually associated axial main surfaces for mutual contact, and a holding device for fixing the two bearing elements in the coaxial alignment and mutual contact to each other in the region of a respective radial central section of the slewing ring bearing, wherein the two bearing elements are rotatably arranged relative to each other about an axis of rotation.The slewing ring bearing according to the invention is characterized in that the two bearing elements have cooperating limiting means to limit the relative rotation of the two bearing elements to each other.

[0011] The present invention is based on the idea of ​​providing a rotation limitation within the slewing ring bearing by providing self-cooperative limiting means on the two bearing elements to limit the relative rotation of the two bearing elements to each other, so that external limiting means acting on the slewing ring bearing can be avoided.

[0012] Further advantageous features and developments of the invention are specified in the following general description, the figures, the figure description and the dependent claims.

[0013] In order to provide a compact design of the slewing ring bearing according to the invention, it can be advantageously provided that the limiting means of the first bearing element is arranged on the main side providing its contact surface and the limiting means of the second bearing element is arranged on the main side providing its contact surface, in particular such that the two limiting means are concealed by the bearing elements.

[0014] Advantageously, a fastening mechanism using a snap-fit ​​or screw connection can be provided as a fastening means for attaching the first bearing element to a first external component and / or as a fastening means for attaching the second bearing element to a second external component. In these embodiments, the interacting limiting means are, in this respect, interacting snap-fit ​​elements or interacting screw connections, such as a bolt with an associated screw.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the fastening means of at least one of the bearing elements can comprise an axial groove extending circumferentially over an open circular arc. This groove interacts with an axially extending groove engagement element to limit the relative rotation of the two bearing elements. The engagement element extends into the axial groove of one bearing element and, upon reaching a predetermined angle of rotation of the two bearing elements relative to each other, abuts a stop in the axial groove. The term "groove stop" refers to the respective longitudinal end of the axial groove, since the axial groove, which extends circumferentially over an open circular arc, terminates at its end face and is therefore not closed.

[0016] Depending on the embodiment, the groove engagement element can be designed as a projection extending substantially perpendicularly from the contact surface of the other bearing element into the axial groove of the first bearing element. This projection can be integrally formed with the other bearing element, particularly in an embodiment where the other bearing element is made of a plastic material, for example, a polymer material. In this case, the other bearing element can be manufactured together with the groove engagement element as an injection-molded part.

[0017] In another embodiment, the other bearing element may also have an axial recess in the area of ​​its contact surface, in which a separate component, a groove engagement element, for example in the form of a stop bolt, is inserted and extends axially beyond the contact surface into the axial groove of the other bearing element. In this embodiment, the groove engagement element of the other bearing element may be fixed in position relative to this bearing element. To reduce friction between the bearing elements bearing against their contact surfaces, it may be advantageous to provide that at least one of the two bearing elements comprises or is made of a plastic material, in particular a tribological polymer material. This bearing element may, for example, be manufactured as an injection-molded part.The other bearing element can be made of a metal material, for example steel or aluminum. In a further advantageous embodiment, both bearing parts can also be made of a plastic material, in particular a polymer material, especially by means of an injection molding process.

[0018] Advantageously, at least one bearing element, or in a further embodiment both bearing elements, can be made from a 97% regranulate of a respective polymer.

[0019] To provide a cost-effective fixing of the two coaxially aligned bearing elements, it is advantageous to provide that these elements have an axial center bore of substantially identical radius in the region of their respective radial central sections, and that the holding device comprises an axially slotted bushing which has a circumferential, radially extending collar at each of its axial ends to provide a radial receiving groove and for radial engagement of the central sections of the two bearing elements that define the center bores. To secure the described holding device, the invention may provide that a locking bushing is pressed coaxially into the slotted holding device that holds the two bearing elements together in their central section.

[0020] To fasten a respective external component to the two bearing elements of the slewing ring bearing according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that one of the two bearing elements projects radially outwards beyond the other of the two bearing elements with an outer, in particular annular, radial section, i.e., that the radial dimensions of the two bearing elements are different, wherein preferably at least one axially extending fastening bore, in particular a plurality of axial fastening bores arranged circumferentially spaced on a circle with a predetermined radius, are provided in the projecting radial section to provide the fastening means of the bearing element having the projecting radial section.

[0021] Advantageously, the other of the two bearing elements can have a plurality of axially extending mounting holes arranged circumferentially spaced on a circular ring with a further predetermined radius, and one of the two bearing elements can have a plurality of axially extending access holes arranged circumferentially spaced on a circular ring, wherein one radius of this circular ring is identical to the further predetermined radius, and the mounting holes of the other bearing element can be aligned with the access holes of the first bearing element by rotating the bearing elements relative to each other. The described design thus makes it possible to fasten an external component to the other bearing element by providing the described access holes on one of the bearing elements.

[0022] In order to provide a slewing ring bearing according to the invention which can be easily adapted to the respective application with regard to the desired rotation or pivot dimension of the two bearing elements relative to each other, it can advantageously be provided that the limiting means on both bearing elements each comprise a non-continuous axial groove associated with the respective bearing element, extending circumferentially over a respective circular arc, wherein both axial grooves extend over the respective associated circular arc with substantially the same radius and are directed towards each other, i.e. the respective groove openings are adjacent to each other.

[0023] Depending on the embodiment, the overall extent of the axial grooves, i.e., the length of the respective circular arc, can be identical or different and, according to the invention, serve to adjust the desired pivot dimension between the two bearing elements. The respective axial groove on the contact surface of the respective bearing element can be designed such that the groove faces the adjacent bearing element, so that, depending on the relative rotational position of the two bearing elements to each other, the two axial grooves of the two bearing elements form a variable receptacle or a variable receiving volume for the groove engagement element. In this respect, the two axial grooves of the slewing ring bearing according to the invention can be configured and designed to provide a jointly formed receiving volume for the groove engagement element, such that the groove engagement element extends into both axial grooves.Preferably, the groove engagement element can be arranged to be substantially freely movable within the receiving volume formed by the axial grooves until relative rotational limit positions of the two bearing elements are reached, in particular by the groove engagement element abutting a respective groove stop of both axial grooves. In this operating position of the bearing elements relative to each other, the receiving volume is essentially limited to the volume of the groove engagement element, since the groove engagement element is clamped between a groove stop of each axial groove. Such a groove stop designates the end face of a respective axial groove in the longitudinal extension of the groove, i.e., in the circumferential direction. Since, according to the invention, both axial grooves are not closed circumferentially, they each have two groove stops for circumferential fixation of the groove.

[0024] Preferably, the groove engagement element, which is positively guided within the axial grooves of both bearing elements, is made of a material with a reduced coefficient of friction compared to the respective materials of the two bearing elements to minimize friction during its movement. In particular, the groove engagement element may comprise or be made of a tribological polymer material.

[0025] Advantageously, the axial grooves of the two bearing elements can be arranged to run in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The two axial grooves can have identical cross-sections. In particular, the two axial grooves can be essentially mirror-symmetrical with respect to the contact surfaces of the bearing elements. According to the invention, each axial groove can, for example, have a rectangular, semicircular, or U-shaped cross-section.

[0026] The shape of the groove engagement element, particularly its cross-section relative to the groove in the installed position of the groove engagement element, can advantageously be adapted to the cross-section of the two axial grooves, in particular such that the groove engagement element is approximately congruent in cross-section to the cross-section of the two axial grooves. In the specified embodiment of the slewing ring bearing according to the invention, in which both bearing elements have cooperating axial grooves for the movement of a groove engagement element received by them, as limiting means of the rotational movement, it can advantageously be provided that the receiving volume provided by the two axial grooves for the groove engagement element is variable by relative rotation of the two bearing elements. The groove engagement element can be designed in such a way that it is not received by a single one of the two axial grooves, but rather in all operating states, i.e.,Possible relative rotational arrangements of the two bearing elements to each other, engage in a receptacle provided simultaneously by both axial grooves. As shown, when a rotational limit position of the two bearing elements is reached, the receptacle can be reduced to the shape of the groove engagement element.

[0027] Advantageously, the axial extent of the groove engagement element in the installed position can be at least 0.66 times, preferably 0.7 times, particularly preferably 0.8 times the sum of the groove depths, i.e. the extent of the grooves in the axial direction, of both axial grooves.

[0028] To avoid jamming of the groove engagement element during operation of the slewing ring bearing according to the invention, it may be advantageous to provide that the axial extent of the groove engagement element in the installed position is less than 0.95 times, in particular less than 0.9 times, the sum of the groove depths of both axial grooves.

[0029] Advantageously, the groove engagement element, in its installed position, can have, on its (end) faces facing the groove stops of the axial grooves, stop surfaces that interact with these stops to limit the rotational movement of the two bearing elements relative to each other when predetermined rotation limit positions of the two bearing elements relative to each other are reached. In particular, it can be provided that the groove engagement element has a half-cylinder section on the two end faces opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the groove, which includes an axially extending cylinder axis and a radius that is essentially equal to half the groove width of the two axial grooves.

[0030] To prevent the T-nut from tilting during movement within the receiving volume formed by both axial grooves and / or to ensure optimal contact of the end face of the T-nut with a groove stop of a respective axial groove, the T-nut may be designed with a curved surface on its end faces facing the groove stops, in particular a surface that is at least partially cylindrical. The groove engagement element may then have a cylindrical section on the two end faces opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the groove, which has an axially extending cylinder axis and a radius that is essentially equal to half the groove width of the two axial grooves. The respective surface of the end faces of the T-nut may thus be, at least partially, that of a section of a cylindrical shell of said cylinder.

[0031] The slewing ring bearing according to the invention can be easily adapted to the specific requirements of an application with regard to the required swivel range. Theoretically, swivel angles in the range between 0 degrees and approximately 720 degrees are readily achievable with the slewing ring bearing according to the invention; in practice, angles between a few degrees and approximately 650 degrees are easily possible. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the usable swivel angle or rotation angle is determined, on the one hand, by the circumferential extent of the two axial grooves and, on the other hand, by the circumferential extent of the groove engagement element in the receptacle provided by both axial grooves. For example, if the arc of the first axial groove passes over an angle cpl, and the arc of the second groove over an angle cpl, then the usable swivel angle or rotation angle is determined by the circumferential extent of the groove engagement element in the receptacle provided by both axial grooves. <p2 und weist das Nuteingriffselement in Nutlängsrichtung ein Winkelmaß von A auf, resultiert daraus ein möglicher Schwenkwinkel S von cpl + <p2 - 2A.

[0032] A specific swivel angle can be set by selecting a groove engagement element with a corresponding circumference in the receptacle to provide the desired swivel or rotation angle, given that the first and second bearing elements each have axial grooves extending along predetermined circular arcs. Alternatively, instead of a single groove engagement element, several such groove engagement elements can be selected, which together, i.e., in sum, provide the desired circumference in the receptacle.

[0033] Therefore, the invention also relates to a system for flexibly adjusting the relative rotatability of the two bearing elements of a slewing ring bearing, comprising:

[0034] a slewing ring bearing designed as described above, in which the bearing elements each have an axial groove to limit the angle of rotation,

[0035] a plurality of groove engagement elements, which are designed and configured for inclusion in the receiving volume formed by both axial grooves of the bearing elements and which are essentially identical in terms of their cross-section and differ in terms of their longitudinal extent in the groove direction in order to define a predetermined relative rotation range between the two bearing elements of the slewing ring bearing.

[0036] Furthermore, it may also be possible to set a predetermined rotation angle limit by adjusting the respective angular extension cpl and / or <p2 der Axialnuten zu realisieren. Dies kann beispielsweise dadurch durchgeführt werden, dass die besagten Axialnuten an einem als Spritzgießteil hergestellten Lagerelement eingebracht sind bzw. werden, insbesondere durch einen Material-abtragenden Fräsvorgang.

[0037] The invention further relates to a system comprising several different rotary bearings, each configured according to an embodiment described in relation to rotary bearings according to the invention. The first bearing elements of the various rotary bearings have the same outer diameter and / or the same inner diameter. The second bearing elements of the various rotary bearings have the same outer diameter and / or the same inner diameter. Preferably, the different rotary bearings have the same outer dimensions. However, the various rotary bearings differ in that the relative rotation of the bearing elements of the different rotary bearings is limited to a different angle of rotation. The angle of rotation or swivel angle specifies the angular range over which the two bearing elements of a rotary bearing can be rotated relative to each other.It has proven particularly advantageous to provide various rotary bearings that, while having essentially the same external dimensions, have bearing elements that can rotate over different angular ranges, thus limiting the rotation to a different angle. For example, the rotation of a first rotary bearing might be limited to 90°, a second to 180°, a third to 120°, a fourth to 355°, and a fifth to 620°. This different rotation can be achieved, for instance, by differentiating the bearings in that the contact surface of a specific bearing element of one bearing differs from the contact surface of the corresponding bearing element of the other bearing.Thus, different torsional flexibility can be achieved through different designs of the contact surfaces of the bearing elements of different rotary bearings.

[0038] The invention further relates to the use of several identically designed first output bearing elements and several identically designed second output bearing elements for realizing different rotary bearings, wherein the rotary bearings are each designed according to an embodiment of the invention as described. In particular, the described system can be realized through the use of the invention. The first output bearing elements and / or the second output bearing elements can, for example, each be designed as an injection-molded part and thus be manufactured by injection molding. For example, the first output bearing elements can each be manufactured using the same injection mold. For example, the second output bearing elements can each be manufactured using the same injection mold. In the use of the invention, pairs of output bearing elements are initially formed.Each pair comprises a first bearing element and a second bearing element. An axial groove, as described in the inventive embodiment of a rotary bearing, is provided in at least one of the bearing elements of each pair. The axial groove length corresponds to the angular extent of the respective axial groove. Preferably, the relative rotational freedom of the bearing elements of the rotary bearing comprising the two bearing elements is defined by the axial groove length or angular extent of the axial groove provided on one of the two bearing elements of a rotary bearing, or by providing axial groove lengths for the axial grooves provided on both bearing elements of the respective rotary bearing, and thus the respective angle of rotation is determined, particularly in conjunction with the design of a groove engagement element used to implement the rotary bearing.The different rotary bearings each have such a pair of initial bearing elements, wherein at least one of the initial bearing elements of the respective pair has an axial groove; in particular, at least one of the initial bearing elements is machined to realize the respective rotary bearing. In the realized rotary bearing, each of the initial bearing elements of the pair functions as one of the bearing elements of the rotary bearing. The bearing elements of the rotary bearing can correspond to the initial bearing elements, or at least one of the bearing elements of the rotary bearing can be produced by machining the corresponding initial bearing element of the pair. In the use according to the invention, a different axial groove length is realized in one of the initial bearing elements for different pairs.After the pairs of initial bearing elements have been manufactured and the corresponding axial grooves provided (the axial groove lengths of which differ between pairs), the initial bearing elements of each pair are then assembled to form the respective rotary bearing, in which the initial bearing elements of each pair function as the bearing elements of the respective rotary bearing. The initial bearing elements of each pair have a combined axial groove length, which is the sum of the axial groove lengths shared by both initial bearing elements. If only one of the initial bearing elements has an axial groove, this length corresponds to the combined axial groove length of both initial bearing elements of the pair. Thus, each pair is assigned a combined axial groove length. The different pairs differ at least in their combined axial groove length.Thus, different rotary bearings can be produced from identically designed first bearing elements and identically designed second bearing elements, differing in their relative rotational freedom. By using identically designed first and second bearing elements, the production of different rotary bearings can be significantly simplified, and in particular, the relative rotational freedom of the bearing elements of a rotary bearing can be easily adapted to a specific customer requirement. The axial groove can be created, for example, by a material removal process, such as milling.

[0039] The invention is explained below by describing one embodiment together with variations with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0040] Figure 1: a slewing ring bearing constructed according to the invention in a frontal view,

[0041] Figure 2: a longitudinal section of the slewing ring bearing according to the invention shown in Figure 1,

[0042] Figure 3: a perspective sectional view of the slewing ring bearing according to the invention, and

[0043] Figure 4: The two axial grooves of the slewing ring bearing according to the invention of Figure 1 in a linear representation to describe a set swivel limitation.

[0044] shows.

[0045] The slewing crane bearing according to the invention is explained below with reference to an embodiment in which the two bearing elements, acting as cooperating limiting means, each have axial grooves in which a groove engagement element, hereinafter also referred to as a T-nut, is received. Such a slewing ring bearing is particularly suitable for use in applications where the operating forces are comparatively low, but precise control of the respective swivel angle is required and / or a wide range of achievable swivel angles is required.

[0046] Figure 1 shows a slewing ring bearing 1 according to the invention in a frontal half-view. This bearing comprises a first bearing ring 2 and a second bearing ring 4, which are arranged for bearing against each other on corresponding main surfaces 20, 40, as shown in Figure 2, which shows the slewing ring bearing 1 according to the invention in an axial section. Both bearing elements 2, 4 can be seen to have a central bore, and a retaining device 6 is provided which aligns the two bearing rings 2, 4 coaxially with each other and fixes them in the specified mutual bearing contact in the region of a radial central section of the bearing elements 2, 4. For this purpose, the retaining device 6 can have a bearing sleeve 60 slotted in the axial direction, which at its axial ends comprises a collar 61a, b extending radially outwards for radial engagement of the annular central sections 21, 41 of the bearing elements 2, 4 that define the respective central bore.

[0047] To secure the bearing bushing 60, a locking bushing 65 is pressed into its inner surface in the described embodiment, thus fixing the specified arrangement of the two bearing elements relative to each other, such that they are coaxially aligned and their corresponding axial main surfaces 20, 40 are arranged for mutual contact. Without the presence of a rotation limiter between the two bearing elements 2, 4, which will be explained below, they can be rotated freely about the axis of rotation A relative to each other.

[0048] In the described embodiment, both bearing elements 2, 4 are manufactured as injection-molded parts from a plastic, for example, a polymer material. At least one of the polymer materials is made of a tribological polymer material to reduce friction between the bearing elements. It is particularly advantageous if both bearing elements 2, 4 are made of such a tribological polymer material.

[0049] In order to fasten an external component or a section of an external component to the first bearing ring 2, a plurality of fastening bores 22 are provided on a circle Kl on the radial section with which the first bearing ring 2 projects over the second bearing ring 4 in the described embodiment.

[0050] The second bearing ring 4, like the first bearing ring 2, has a plurality of axially extending mounting bores 42 arranged on a circular ring K2, wherein these mounting bores 42 are accessible from the side of the first bearing ring 2 via access bores 23, which are arranged on the first bearing ring 2 at the same radial distance to the axis A and at the same circumferential spacing, so that by relative rotation of the two bearing rings 2, 4 to each other the access bores 23 can be brought into alignment with the mounting bores 42, for fastening a section or further external component to the second bearing ring 4.

[0051] To limit the relative rotation of the two bearing rings 2, 4, each of their adjacent main surfaces, which provide respective contact surfaces 20, 40, has an axially open groove (axial groove) extending axially towards the base of the groove. This groove is arranged in a predetermined, open circular arc around the axis of rotation A. The axial grooves 25, 45, which are provided on a respective circular arc, have the same radius, so that, as shown in Figure 2, the axial grooves 25, 45 together form a receiving space 90, the cross-section of which is shown in Figure 2. A groove engagement element 8, also referred to here as a T-nut, is arranged in this receiving space, either freely movable or fixed between groove stops of the axial grooves, depending on the operating situation.

[0052] In the specified embodiment, the two axial grooves 25, 45 can have a rectangular cross-section, wherein the T-nut 8 can have a geometrically adapted cross-section shape, which here with the exception of its end faces or

[0053] The end face sections can also be rectangular. Since the T-nut 8 is freely displaceable within the receiving volume formed by the two axial grooves 25, 45, the T-nut 8 comprises a tribological polymer material, or can also be made of such a material, to reduce friction between the T-nut 8 and the surfaces bounding the axial grooves 25, 45. In an embodiment in which both bearing rings 2, 4 comprise or are made of such a tribological plastic material, in particular a polymer material, the material of the T-nut 8 can be selected more flexibly.

[0054] Figure 3 shows a further section through the slewing ring bearing 1 of Figure 1 designed according to the invention in a perspective view. This shows in particular the structure of the holding device 6 with the slotted bearing bushing 60, which engages the central sections 21, 41 of the two bearing rings 2, 4 for coaxial alignment of the two bearing rings 2, 4 to each other and for holding the bearing rings 2, 4 in mutual contact with the associated main or contact surfaces 20, 40.

[0055] To prevent the T-nut 8 from tilting during movement within the receiving volume 90 formed by both axial grooves 25, 45, and / or to ensure optimal contact of the end face of the T-nut with a groove stop of a respective axial groove, the T-nut 8 has a curved surface on its end faces 80 facing the groove stops, in particular a surface that is at least partially cylindrical. Accordingly, the groove engagement element (8) can have a cylindrical section (80) on the two end faces opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the groove, which has an axially extending cylinder axis and a radius that is essentially equal to half the groove width of the two axial grooves. The surface of the end faces of the T-nut can thus be, at least partially, that of a section of a cylindrical shell of said cylinder.

[0056] To illustrate the interaction for limiting the respective swivel angle or rotation angle between the two bearing elements 2, 4 of the slewing ring bearing 1 according to the invention, reference is made below to Figure 4, in which the two corresponding axial grooves 25, 45 are shown in a linear or "wound" schematic representation, with the T-nut 8 acting with the axial grooves 25, 45 also being indicated or shown symbolically. In the example shown in Figure 4, the axial groove 45 of one bearing element 4 has a circumferential extent with an angular dimension of cpl, which theoretically lies between 0 degrees and less than 360 degrees. The end faces of the axial groove 45 are marked with the groove stops 46a, b. In contrast, the circumferential extent of the bearing element or bearing ring 2 has an angular dimension of <p2 auf, die Nutanschläge, d.h. die stirnseitigen Enden der Axialnut 25 sind mit den Bezugszeichen 26a, b gekennzeichnet.In the illustration of Figure 4, the two axial grooves 25, 45 form a receiving space 90 for the groove engagement element 8, which is formed by the overlap of the two axial grooves 25, 45, and which, in the illustrated relative rotational position of the two bearing elements 2, 4 to each other, is defined by the circumferential section <p2 des Lagerelements 2 festgelegt ist. Innerhalb dieses Aufnahmeraums ist der Nutenstein 8 frei beweglich.

[0057] To set a first rotational limitation of the two bearing elements 2, 4 relative to each other, these are rotated relative to each other in a predetermined circumferential direction until the rotational movement is blocked by an interaction of the limiting means, comprising the two axial grooves 25, 45 and the T-nut 8; this operating situation is shown in the middle representation of Figure 4.

[0058] In this central view of Figure 4, it can be seen that the axial groove 25 of the bearing element 2 is displaced to the left until the T-nut 8, which extends into both axial grooves 25, 45, abuts both a groove stop 46b of the axial groove 45 of the bearing element 4 and, on its side opposite the groove direction, abuts the groove stop 26a of the axial groove 25 of the bearing element 2. In this operating situation, the receiving volume provided by the two axial grooves 25, 45 is essentially limited to the volume of the T-nut 8, so that its further movement in the direction of displacement or the corresponding direction of rotation of the bearing elements 2, 4 relative to each other is blocked.

[0059] If, however, starting from an operating situation as shown in the upper illustration of Figure 4 or the middle illustration of Figure 4, the bearing elements 2, 4 are rotated in the opposite direction or, in the illustration of Figure 4, shifted to the right, the pivoting relative to each other of the bearing elements 2, 4 can continue in accordance with the rotation or shift relative to each other of the axial grooves 25, 45 in the illustration of Figure 4 until the relative state of the two axial grooves 25, 45 relative to each other, as shown in the lower illustration of Figure 4, is reached. This state is characterized by the fact that further rotation of the two bearing elements 2, 4 relative to each other is blocked, with the T-nut 8 bearing against the groove stop 46a of the axial groove 45 and simultaneously against the groove stop 26b of the axial groove 25.As can be seen from Figure 4, the described design of the limiting means ensures that the bearing elements 2, 4, which are rotatably arranged relative to each other, can be brought into a rotational stop, which is characterized by the fact that the receiving volume of the two cooperating axial grooves 25, 45 is minimized by a relative rotation of the two bearing elements 2, 4 relative to each other.

[0060] Depending on the embodiment of the slewing ring bearing 1 according to the invention, it may be provided that the swivel angle provided by the slewing ring bearing 1 for a given first and second bearing element can be adjusted by selecting from a plurality of groove engagement elements or T-nuts 8, which differ with respect to their longitudinal extent in the groove direction, the one which yields the desired swivel angle S = φ1 + φ2 – 2 * Δ, i.e. a groove engagement element which has a longitudinal extent in the groove direction Δ in an angular dimension of (φ1 + φ2 – S) / 2.

[0061] In another embodiment, it may also be provided not to change the circumferential extent of the groove engagement element 8, but rather one or both groove lengths of the two cooperating axial grooves 25, 45. This can be achieved, in particular, by milling a respective axial groove with a predetermined groove extent or on a predetermined circular segment into a bearing element manufactured as an injection-molded part. Ma / Ju 2 February 2026

[0062] Applicant:

[0063] igus GmbH

[0064] 51147 Cologne

[0065] Space-reduced slewing ring bearing with rotation stop

[0066] Reference symbol list

[0067] 1 Bearing core element

[0068] 2 first bearing element / bearing ring

[0069] 4 second bearing element / bearing ring

[0070] 6 Holding device

[0071] 8 slot engagement element / slot nut

[0072] 20 Plant area / Main area

[0073] 21 Middle section

[0074] 22 Mounting holes

[0075] 23 Access borehole

[0076] 25 Axial groove

[0077] 26a, b Groove stop

[0078] 40 Plant area / Main area

[0079] 41 Middle section

[0080] 42 Mounting holes

[0081] 45 Axial groove

[0082] 46a, b Groove stop

[0083] 60 storage boxes

[0084] 61a Collar

[0085] 80 Half-cylinder section / end face

[0086] 90 Recording volume / recording space / recording

[0087] A axis of rotation

[0088] Small circular ring

[0089] K2 circular ring

Claims

Ma / Ju 2 February 2026 Applicant: igus GmbH 51147 Cologne Space-reduced slewing ring bearing with rotation stop Claims 1. Slewing ring bearing ( 1 ), comprising - comprising a first bearing element in the form of a first bearing ring (2) and a fastening means for fastening the first bearing element (2) to a first external component, - comprising a second bearing element (4) in the form of a second bearing ring and a fastening means for fastening the second bearing element (2) to a second external component, wherein the bearing elements (2, 4) are aligned coaxially to each other and arranged on mutually associated axial main surfaces (20, 40) for mutual contact, as well as - a holding device ( 6) for fixing the two bearing elements (2, 4 ) in coaxial alignment and mutual contact in the area of ​​a respective radial central section, and wherein the two bearing elements (2, 4) are arranged to be rotatable relative to each other about an axis of rotation (A), characterized in that the two bearing elements (2, 4) have limiting means that interact with each other to limit the relative rotation of the two bearing elements (2, 4) relative to each other.

2. Slewing ring bearing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the limiting means of the first bearing element (2) is arranged on the main surface providing its contact surface (20) and the limiting means of the second bearing element (4) is arranged on the main surface providing its contact surface (40), in particular such that the two limiting means are concealed in an assembled state of the slewing ring bearing (1).

3. Slewing ring bearing ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the limiting means of at least one of the bearing elements (2, 4 ) comprises an axial groove (25, 45) extending circumferentially over a non-closed circular arc, which cooperates with an axially extending groove engagement element ( 8 ) to limit the relative rotation of the two bearing elements (2, 4 ), wherein the groove engagement element ( 8 ) extends into the axial groove (25, 45) of one bearing element (25, 45) and, when a predetermined rotation of the two bearing elements relative to each other is reached, bears against a groove stop of the axial groove (25, 45).

4. Slewing ring bearing ( 1 ) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that at least one of the bearing elements (2, 4 ) comprises or is made of a plastic material, in particular a tribological polymer material.

5. Slewing ring bearing ( 1 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one bearing element (2, 4 ) is made from a regranulate of at least 97%.

6. Slewing ring bearing ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the two coaxially aligned bearing elements (2, 4 ) have an axial central bore of substantially identical radius in the region of their respective radial central section, and the retaining device ( 6) comprises a bearing bushing ( 60) slotted in the axial direction, which has at its axial end sections a circumferential, radially extending collar ( 61a, 61b) to provide a radial receiving groove and to radially overlap central sections (21, 41 ) of the bearing elements (2, 4) that define the central bores.

7. Slewing ring bearing ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that one of the two bearing elements (2 ) projects radially outwards over the other of the two bearing elements (4 ) with an outer, in particular annular, radial section, wherein preferably at least one axially extending fastening bore (22 ), in particular a plurality of axial fastening bores (22 ) arranged circumferentially spaced apart on a circular ring (Kl ) with a predetermined radius, are provided in the projecting radial section to provide the fastening means of the bearing element (2 ) having the projecting radial section.

8. Slewing ring bearing ( 1 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the other of the two bearing elements (4 ) has a plurality of axially extending mounting bores (42 ) arranged circumferentially spaced apart on a circular ring (K2 ) with a predetermined radius, and that one of the two bearing elements (2 ) has a plurality of axially extending access bores (23) arranged circumferentially spaced apart on a circular ring, wherein a radius of this circular ring is identical to the predetermined radius and the mounting bores (42 ) of the other bearing element (4 ) can be brought into an alignment position with the access bores (23) of one bearing element (2 ) by relative rotation of the bearing elements (2, 4 ) to each other.

9. Slewing ring bearing ( 1 ) according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the limiting means on both bearing elements (2, 4 ) each comprise an open axial groove (25, 45) extending circumferentially over a respective circular arc, wherein both axial grooves (25, 45) extend over the respective associated circular arc with substantially identical radius and are facing each other.

10. Slewing ring bearing ( 1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the two axial grooves (25, 45) are arranged to provide a jointly formed receiving volume ( 90) for receiving the groove engagement element ( 8 ), such that the groove engagement element ( 8 ) extends into both axial grooves (25, 45) and preferably substantially fills both axial grooves in cross-section.

11. Slewing ring bearing ( 1 ) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the groove engagement element ( 8 ) is arranged to be substantially freely movable in the receiving volume ( 90) formed by the axial grooves (25, 45) until relative rotation limit positions of the two bearing elements (2, 4 ) are reached relative to each other, which may be characterized in that an end face of the groove engagement element rests against a groove stop of one of the two axial grooves and an end face of the groove engagement element opposite in the longitudinal direction of the axial groove rests against a groove stop of the other of the two axial grooves.

12. Slewing ring bearing ( 1 ) according to claim 9, 10 or 11, characterized in that the two axial grooves (25, 45) are essentially mirror-symmetrical with respect to the contact surfaces (20, 40) of the bearing elements (2, 4 ).

13. Slewing ring bearing ( 1 ) according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the receiving volume ( 90 ) provided by the two axial grooves (25, 45 ) for the groove engagement element ( 8 ) can be changed by relative rotation of the two bearing elements (2, 4 ) to each other.

14. Slewing ring bearing ( 1 ) according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the axial extent of the groove engagement element ( 8 ) in the installed position is at least 0.66 times the sum of the groove depths of both axial grooves (25, 45).

15. Slewing ring bearing ( 1 ) according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the axial extent of the groove engagement element ( 8 ) in the installed position is less than 0.95, in particular less than 0.9 times the sum of the groove depths of both axial grooves (25, 45).

16. Slewing ring bearing ( 1 ) according to one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that the groove engagement element ( 8 ) has a curved interface adapted to a groove wall of the axial groove (25, 45) in the longitudinal direction of the groove.

17. Slewing ring bearing ( 1 ) according to one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that the groove engagement element ( 8 ) has a cylindrical section ( 80) on the two end faces opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the groove, which includes an axially extending cylinder axis and a radius which is substantially equal to half the groove width of the two axial grooves.

18. Slewing ring bearing ( 1 ) according to one of claims 3 to 17, characterized in that at least one of the bearing elements (2, 4 ), which is designed as an injection molded part, has an axial groove (25, 45) as a limiting means, which is designed as a milling groove.

19. System comprising several different rotary bearings ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first bearing elements (2 ) of the different rotary bearings ( 1 ) have the same outer diameter and / or the same inner diameter and wherein the second bearing elements (4 ) of the different rotary bearings ( 1 ) have the same outer diameter and / or the same inner diameter, characterized in that the relative rotatability of the bearing elements (2, 4 ) of the different rotary bearings ( 1 ) is limited to a different angle of rotation.

20. Use of several identically designed first output bearing elements and several identically designed second output bearing elements for realizing different rotary bearings ( 1 ), each designed according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that, for realizing the different rotary bearings ( 1 ), pairs comprising a first output bearing element and a second output bearing element are formed, and an axial groove with an axial groove length is provided in at least one of the output bearing elements of each pair, wherein a different axial groove length is realized for different pairs, wherein the output bearing elements of the respective pair are then used as bearing elements (2, 4 ) and are joined together to realize the respective rotary bearing ( 1 ).

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