DE102005062891B3 - Bearing arrangement for washing machine, has receiving space, arranged outside radial shaft seal and guiding element which in its axial end region turned towards bearing has ring shape dripping edge which is protruding radially inwards - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement (1) has a receiving space (5), arranged radially outside the radial shaft seal (4), which is limited by the limiting surface (6). A ring shaped, protruding dripping edge (7) is arranged at the axial end of the limiting surface distant from the bearing (2). A circular guiding element (8) is arranged beside the radial shaft, which axially protrudes into the receiving space. The guiding element in its axial end region turned towards the bearing has a ring shape dripping edge (9) which is protruding radially inwards.

Description

The The invention relates to a bearing assembly comprising at least one bearing having, with an axially adjacent the bearing arranged sealing element is connected or adjacent to this, wherein the sealing element has at least one radial shaft seal.

bearing assemblies this type are used for example in washing machines, around their tub to store. The liquor, the during washing in the tub is relatively aggressive and attacks the seal assembly that is needed to seal the bearing and the entire device. The result is a faster aging of the radial shaft seal, which reduces the life of the bearing assembly accordingly.

To prevent or at least reduce this disadvantage, it is from the DE 103 42 254 B3 known to provide during storage of the tub of a washing machine, that a part of the tub base consists of a alkali-resistant plastic, wherein a part of a Vorabschirmung and said part of the tub bottom are made in one piece by injection molding.

The DE 103 42 262 B3 discloses a solution in which a Vorabschirmung has a shaft journal surrounding a rotating ring with V-shaped or U-shaped, outwardly open cross-section.

The mentioned solutions are characterized by the fact that a drainage channel provided in front of the seal is that on the tub Keep running water away from the gasket should.

Other sealing systems for sealing two relatively rotatable machine elements are for example from the DE 101 33 892 A1 and from the DE 44 22 853 A1 known.

The previously known measures are suitable for better protection of the seal parts from wash liquor to reach. However, the achievable sealing effect is sufficient in some cases not sure yet to ensure protection of the seal assembly from alkali. In particular, can with the previously known solutions can not be prevented, that also on the suspension of the tub lye water on the seal tapers. there Laugenwasserzutritt from Laugenbehälterflansch forth.

Of the Invention is therefore the object of a bearing assembly of the aforementioned type so that a further improved Shielding of the seal from lye is ensured, resulting in to further increase the durability and effectiveness of the seal assembly to lead should.

The solution this object by the invention is characterized in that radially outside the radial shaft seal is arranged a receiving space of a boundary surface is limited, wherein at the remote from the bearing axial end of the boundary surface a annular circumferential, radially projecting drip edge is arranged, wherein located next to the radial shaft seal and away from the bearing a ring-shaped trained guide element is arranged, which in the receiving space axially protruding, and wherein the guide element in its axial, the Bearing facing end portion of an annular circumferential, radially to has inside projecting drip edge.

Prefers is provided that the boundary surface of the receiving space itself radially extending from the bearing is designed as a conical surface, the Recording room to the outside limited, wherein at the axial end of the conical boundary surface the annular circumferential, radially inwardly projecting drip edge arranged is.

The Drip edge is preferably nose-shaped in radial section. Furthermore, it is advantageously sharp-edged in its end.

By the inventive provision a dripping edge can be much better than before directed to and made available to bodies responsible for a or returning the Lye are particularly well suited. It is thus possible, the Sealing arrangement and / or storage improves before entry to protect from lye and thus increase the life or service life of these parts.

there it has proven to be particularly effective when the guide element in its axially projecting into the receiving space Region is at least partially conical, wherein the cone-shaped Area to the camp to radially expanded. For the arranged on the guide element Drip edge is preferably the same training as mentioned above.

The Guide element can in its axial, the bearing end facing a radially outward having extending flange portion. It is preferred made of plastic or sheet metal.

With this embodiment, a further improved and more targeted derivation of liquor is possible Lich.

Of the radially outside the radial shaft seal arranged receiving space is further education according to the inside from a boundary surface limited, at its end remote from the bearing an annular circumferential, radially outwardly projecting Drip edge has. Also for this drip edge is preferably the above. The at the Receiving space arranged inside limiting boundary surface Drip edge is preferably axially further spaced from the bearing as the draining edge arranged on the guide element. This can be a cascaded acting exhaustion be achieved by entering lye, which further the sealing effect improved.

A Continuation provides that the radial shaft seal of a Holding element is held, incorporated in the receiving space is. In this case, the retaining element in his removed from the camp axial end portion a radially outwardly extending flange Section. Alternatively, it is also possible that the retaining element in its axial end region remote from the bearing an axially extending away from the bearing tubular portion having. The retaining element preferably has its bearing facing the bearing axial end of a projection which is to snap into an annular groove in the outer ring of the camp is formed. This can be a very easy installation of Components are achieved. This is favored when the retaining element made of elastomer or rubber material.

The Bearing is preferably a roller bearing, in particular a deep groove ball bearing.

The Bearing arrangement is particularly preferred part of the storage of the tub of a Washing machine.

With The proposed invention is a targeted and secure leadership of the Lye water possible, which has penetrated into the sealing area. The invention essential for this allow dripping edges provided the exact definition of the places where accumulated water expires.

In order to the seal and the bearing can be better protected against lye or be isolated from her. The embrittlement of the sealing material and its aging process is slowed down, which is the lifespan elevated.

Further a mounting relief is achieved because a unit consisting from bearing, seal and bearing preload can be created.

cost-saving It also works out that vulcanization of seals with huge Diameters through a relatively small standard radial shaft seal can be replaced. This also simplifies spare parts procurement in case of repair.

Although the proposed bearing arrangement is particularly in washing machines proven she can, too, for Other applications are used to provide improved protection to reach aggressive media.

In the drawing are embodiments of Invention shown. Show it:

1 a radial section of a bearing assembly comprising a bearing and a sealing arrangement, which is used for the storage of the tub of a washing machine,

2 one too 1 similar embodiment of the bearing assembly in its installed state and in a sectional perspective view and

3 the radial section of the embodiment according to 2 ,

In 1 is a bearing arrangement 1 to see who a deep groove ball bearing 2 has, in addition to a sealing element 3 is arranged. The sealing element 3 has a retaining element 13 on, which consists of plastic and a recess for receiving a radial shaft seal 4 having. The radial shaft seal is classic or designed according to customer requirements, so that further explanations are dispensable.

The holding element 13 has on the left side a nose-shaped, radially circumferential projection 15 which is shaped so that it is in an annular groove 16 can engage in the outer ring 17 of the camp 2 is fitted. As a result, the holding element 13 so with the camp 2 connected, that a unit arises. For generating a bias, is a spring element 18 in the form of two disc springs between the bearing inner ring and the holding element 13 arranged.

In the holding element 13 is a recording room 5 incorporated by a radially outer boundary surface 6 and by a radially inner boundary surface 11 is limited. The radially outer boundary surface is conical, wherein the cone angle is between 5 ° and 30 °. The radially inner boundary surface 11 is initially also conical, but then goes over into a cylindrical section.

The radially extending region between the outer boundary surface 6 and the zy Slightly extending inner boundary surface 11 is designed as a contact surface for an assembly tool. The exact formation of the contour between the outer and inner boundary surface 6 respectively. 11 can be done so that results in a largely constant wall thickness for the holding element.

To accomplish the targeted drainage of lye, is on the bearing 2 distal axial end of the outer boundary surface 6 an annular or radially encircling, radially projecting drip edge 7 arranged. This nose-shaped tip in the radial section can also - as in the embodiment - include a certain angle to the radial direction; in the embodiment, the tip is slightly to the right.

The holding element 13 has a flange-like portion in the right axial end region 14 on, which serves for the discharge of liquor, which in the receiving space 5 has penetrated and should be derived from this.

The deliberate deduction possibly in the recording room 5 Penetrated lye is passed through a guide element 8th improved, designed as an annular element and axially adjacent to the holding element 13 is scheduled. The guiding element 8th has a flange-like section 10 in its left axial end region, wherein in this end region, a further drip edge 9 is arranged, which points radially inward, and this again includes the arrangement at a certain angle to the radial direction.

The recording room 5 and especially its inner boundary surface 11 is also to the right by a drip edge 12 limited, which points radially outward, which again includes the arrangement at a certain angle to the radial direction.

As the illustration in 1 can be taken, follow the three drip edges 9 . 12 and 7 in this order in the axial direction from left to right. This means that optionally penetrated into the receiving space liquor cascade of the seal entry 19 over the drip edge 12 on the guide element 8th and over its drip edge 9 in the radially outer region of the receiving space 5 is encouraged, from where the liquor along the conical boundary surface 6 to the drip edge 7 is conveyed to drip from there and to be thrown to the right outside due to the centrifugal force in operation; the flange-like section 14 supports this.

It should be noted that not all drip edges 7 . 9 . 12 are required to ensure a targeted removal of the liquor; one of the drip edges is sufficient for this purpose. Likewise, the guiding element is by no means mandatory 8th required. For example, the arrangement can already work successfully if only the drip edge 7 is provided. The lye then collects there and flows purposefully out of the receiving space 5 from.

In the 2 and 3 is the installation situation of a bearing assembly 1 outlined in the washing machine. The bearing arrangement 1 is from a wave 20 worn, wherein the radial shaft seal 4 on a stop ring or raceway 21 starts, which also serves as a guiding element 8th acts. The guiding element 8th is here, however, in comparison with the solution according to 1 strongly shortened trained. The thrust ring or race 21 is with a static seal 22 made of elastomeric or rubber material against the shaft 20 statically sealed.

The race 21 and the guide element 8th So here are integrally formed, so executed as a component. Furthermore, here has the guide element 8th no drip edge. The radially outer region of the guide element 8th extends only over a short radial extent flange outward.

The holding element 13 also here has a flange-like section 14 in the right axial end region. There is at the transition from the outer boundary surface 6 to the flange-like section 14 the drip edge 7 intended.

On the holding element 13 are in extension of the inner boundary surface 11 two drip edges 12 and 23 provided, wherein the one, namely the drip edge 12 , obliquely outwards and the other, namely the drip edge 23 , points diagonally inwards.

The above dripping edges 7 . 9 . 12 . 23 preferably project at least 0.25 to 3 millimeters from the respective basic contour of the component 13 . 8th out, in particular a size of 0.4 to 1.0 mm is considered to ensure a sufficient size and a simple demolding of the corresponding injection-molded plastic parts.

For static sealing of the retaining element 13 opposite a housing part 24 is in a radially extending gap an O-ring seal 25 arranged. However, it is just as possible to achieve a sealing effect at this point by, for example, a molded 2-component sealing element.

1

bearing arrangement

2

camp

3

sealing element

4

Radial shaft seal

5

accommodation space

6

outer boundary surface

7

drip

8th

vane

9

drip

10

flange-like section

11

inner boundary surface

12

drip

13

retaining element

14

flange-like section

15

head Start

16

ring groove

17

outer ring of the camp

18

spring element

19

seal entry

20

wave

21

Race / collar ring

22

static poetry

23

drip

24

housing part

25

O-ring seal

Claims (15)

Bearing arrangement ( 1 ), which has at least one warehouse ( 2 ) with an axially adjacent to the bearing ( 2 ) arranged sealing element ( 3 ) is connected to or adjacent to this, wherein the sealing element ( 3 ) at least one radial shaft seal ( 4 ), characterized in that radially outside the radial shaft seal ( 4 ) a recording room ( 5 ) arranged by a boundary surface ( 6 ), whereby at the warehouse ( 2 ) distal axial end of the boundary surface ( 6 ) an annular circumferential, projecting drip edge ( 7 ) is arranged, wherein in addition to the radial shaft seal ( 4 ) and from the warehouse ( 2 ) arranged away an annular guide element ( 8th ), which is in the receiving space ( 5 ) projects axially, and wherein the guide element ( 8th ) in its axial, the bearing ( 2 ) facing end edge an annular circumferential, radially inwardly projecting drip edge ( 9 ) having. Bearing arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the boundary surface ( 6 ) of the recording room ( 5 ) from the warehouse ( 2 ) is formed from radially expanding as a conical surface, the receiving space ( 5 ) is limited to the outside, wherein at the axial end of the conical boundary surface ( 6 ) the annular circumferential, radially inwardly projecting drip edge ( 7 ) is arranged. Bearing arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drip edge ( 7 ) is nose-shaped in radial section. Bearing arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the drip edge ( 7 ) is sharp-edged in its end. Bearing arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the guide element ( 8th ) in its axial in the receiving space ( 5 ) projecting at least in sections cone-shaped, wherein the conical area to the camp ( 2 ) radially expanded. Bearing arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the guide element ( 8th ) in its axial, the bearing ( 2 ), a radially outwardly extending flange-like portion (FIG. 10 ) having. Bearing arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the radially outside of the Radiaiwellendichtung ( 4 ) receiving space ( 5 ) inwardly from a boundary surface ( 11 ) at theirs from the warehouse ( 2 ) distal end at least one annular circumferential, radially outwardly projecting drip edge ( 12 ) having. Bearing arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that the at the receiving space ( 5 ) inside limiting boundary surface ( 11 ) arranged drip edge ( 12 ) axially from the bearing ( 2 ) is further spaced than that at the guide element ( 8th ) arranged drip edge ( 9 ). Bearing arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the radial shaft seal ( 4 ) of a holding element ( 13 ), into which the receiving space ( 5 ) is incorporated. Bearing arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that the retaining element ( 13 ) in his from the camp ( 2 ) axial end portion has a radially outwardly extending flange-like portion (FIG. 14 ) having. Bearing arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that the retaining element ( 13 ) in his from the camp ( 2 ) axial end portion extending axially from the bearing ( 1 ) extending away tubular portion. Bearing arrangement according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the holding element ( 13 ) at his the camp ( 2 ) facing axial end a projection ( 15 ), which for snapping into an annular groove ( 16 ) in the outer ring ( 17 ) of the camp ( 2 ) is trained. Bearing arrangement according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the retaining element ( 13 ) consists of elastomer or rubber material. Bearing arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the bearing ( 2 ) is a rolling bearing. Bearing arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it is part of the storage of suds container a washing machine is.