DE102006045436A1 - Window cage for use in roller bearing, has cage segments combined to body and implemented as plate transforming parts, where segments are provided with retaining structures for retaining circumferential section of support rings - Google Patents

Abstract

The cage has multiple cage segments (S) combined to a circular body over two support rings (1, 2). The cage segments are implemented as plate transforming parts, and are respectively provided with retaining structures for retaining an circumferential section of the respective support rings. The retaining structures are designed as groove sections. A material connection is managed over welded joints, where the welded joints are implemented as laser welded joints. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a roller bearing comprising rolling members provided between bearing rings, and a window cage (2) a method for manufacturing a window cage.

Description

Field of the invention

The The invention relates to a cage for a rolling bearing as such Ring body comprises which several in the circumferential direction following and window sections separated by web sections defined serving the inclusion of rolling elements. Furthermore, the invention is also directed to a method for Production of such a cage.

Background of the invention

Cages of The aforementioned type are used in particular to between the rolling elements of a rolling bearing to ensure a required distance in the direction of rotation. at roller bearings with non-spherical Rolling elements, in particular Cylinders and needles serve the corresponding cages also the fuse a required orientation, and possibly also the side guide of Rolling elements. In addition to cages Metal materials are also widely used in plastic cages.

Out DE 33 27 623 A1 For example, a window cage is known which comprises a relatively thick-walled ring body in which a plurality of receiving windows are formed. Cylindrical rollers are accommodated in the respective recording windows. The outer circumferential surface of the respective cylindrical rollers facing inner walls of the receiving windows are profiled to achieve a certain guiding and holding action.

Out GB 1,014,198 is also a window cage known which comprises a relatively thick-walled and provided with receiving windows ring body. The ring body is divided into at least two half shells. The inner walls of the receiving windows are designed so that the correspondingly guided rolling elements are under this under a Wälzkörperteilkreises under them. This makes it possible to create a contact surface on the rolling elements by which a centrifugal force-induced widening of the half-shells can be counteracted.

Out GB 1,178,462 is a window cage for a cylindrical roller bearing known which comprises a ring body which is made of a relatively thin sheet metal material. The ring body is profiled and provided in the region of its peripheral edges with a curl, resulting in the region of those peripheral edges a relatively massive structure comprising two material layers.

Out GB 2,104,600 For example, a segment cage is known which comprises a plurality of plastic segments adjoining one another via tilt contact surfaces. These plastic segments are provided in a region adjacent to the side edges with grooves and inserted through these grooves in a pair of rings.

Out DE 1 901 911 U1 is a link cage known which summarizes several window members. These window members are designed such that they are articulated to each other in the manner of a link chain.

Out DE 36 27 153 C1 is a cage element for a cross roller bearing known which also comprises a plurality of window members which are combined via a locking ring pair to a window cage.

at the production of rolling bearings the problem is that for the production of rigid window cages relatively expensive special tool systems are required by which are particularly high in small and special series and setup costs result.

Object of the invention

Of the Invention is based on the object to show by which have great design freedom with regard to the cage diameter and the rolling element guide, window cages for rolling bearings on low cost Can be made efficiently.

Inventive solution

• – einem ersten Tragring,
• – einem zweiten Tragring, und
• – mehreren Käfigsegmenten die als solche über die beiden Tragringe zu einem Ringkorpus zusammengefasst sind,

wobei die Käfigsegmente als Blechumformteile ausgeführt sind, und jeweils mit Aufnahmestrukturen versehen sind, zur Aufnahme eines Umfangsabschnittes des jeweiligen Tragringes.The above object is achieved by a window cage with:

• A first support ring,
• - a second support ring, and
• - Several cage segments are summarized as such on the two support rings to a ring body,

wherein the cage segments are designed as Blechumformteile, and are each provided with receiving structures, for receiving a peripheral portion of the respective support ring.

Thereby is it possible in an advantageous manner a window cage for a roller bearing to create, in which the individual cage segments optimally on the each leading to Rolling formed coordinated can be and these cage segments in process-technically well controllable way to a ring body be assembled with the required dimensions can. The cage segments according to the invention can in manufacturing technology advantageously from a sheet metal strip Punching / bending forming are made.

According to one particularly preferred embodiment invention, the individual cage segments are designed in such a way that that at the peripheral edge portion thereof each formed receiving structures executed as gutter sections are. These gutter sections can be designed so that in their cross section so on the Cross-section of the respective support ring are matched, that these with a relatively strong clamping seat on the respective support ring can be clamped. The recording structures can be designed so that the cage segments essentially from the outside are placed on the two support rings and here the respective Outer peripheral portion overlap the support ring from the outside. Alternatively, or in combination with this measure, it is possible, to design the reception structures in such a way that they reflect the respective Understand peripheral portion of the support ring from the inside. In the design of cage segments As the support ring from the inside cross-structures is a special high speed resistance of the window cage according to the invention achieved. It is also possible the receiving structures in such a way that these alternately the Support ring from inside and outside pick up. It is also possible, the receiving or attachment structures in such a way that they can be used in use sections as such by the support rings are provided.

According to one particularly preferred embodiment The invention relates to the respective cage segments with the support rings materially connected. This material connection is preferably via welds accomplished. In particular, these welds can as laser welding points accomplished be. about the welds could the Segments are welded together and the segments with the support rings. Alternatively to the realization of the material connection by Welding joints, or in combination with this measure it is also possible to use the Cage segments with to solder the support rings.

A particularly high-strength and rigid design of the window cage can be achieved by also the respective adjacent cage segments connected to each other, are welded in particular via welded joints. It is possible the cage segments in the area of each for the formation of welds authoritative Form zones in such a way that particularly favorable structures, for example overlapping or insertion sections for the realization of the weld joint given are.

preferably, is every cage segment designed so that this one for receiving a rolling element, in particular a cylindrical roller provided guide window forms. This Guide window can be designed so that this one extending in the circumferential direction of the window cage Peripheral flank pair and extending transversely to the direction of rotation Axial flank pair includes. Both the peripheral flank pair and the Axialflankenpaar is preferably designed so that this guide walls forms, through which an advantageous circumferential and lateral guidance of the respective rolling elements is made possible.

The both extending in the circumferential direction of the window cage Peripheral flanks of the respective cage segment can be formed so that they form a gutter structure itself close to the corresponding outer surface of the clinging to respective carrying rings. Through this gutter structure is it is possible between the respective cage segment and the support ring a cheap Force to reach and also the cage segment in each case relatively effective auszusteifen.

The transverse to the direction of rotation of the window cage extending axial edges of the respective cage segment can be formed so that each form a guide bar, as includes such land zones which extend at different radial heights. In particular, it is possible this Axial flanks to be designed so that a window cage is formed, in which the corresponding rolling elements in Caged easily secured are. These guide walls can through the cut walls of the respective cage segment as well as through Forming sections, in particular unfolded guide edges may be formed. In particular, it is possible to design the axial webs so that they form M or W profile cages. The cage segments can as one-piece or multi-part frame structures to be designed as such an admission and leadership serving the rolling elements receiving opening define. The cage segments can also by first be formed separate cross bar elements. Preferably, everyone has Quersteg extending substantially at the height of the support ring extending edge portions which, as such, result in the reception structures. between these margins is preferably a below the pitch diameter of the Wälzkörperbahn lowered bridge section the over ascending connecting leg connected to the edge sections is. The length measured in the direction of a revolving axis radially inward submerged bridge section is preferably at least 30% of the axial length of the leading to Rolling element.

The cage segments can be designed so that their raceway height, or track distance relative to the pitch circle of the rolling bearing in a range of about 20% of the Wälzkörperdurchmessers fixed to the pitch diameter variable is legible. The support rings themselves are preferably designed so that their diameter corresponds at least to the pitch circle diameter of the rolling body track.

The Support rings are preferably made of a high strength steel material, in particular bent and welded frontally. Preferably, this will Joint of the flat or wire material used to form the support rings so that the support rings are each also closed by a cage segment, so this joint is bridged by a peripheral edge of the respective cage segment. Preferably, the joints of the support rings are placed so that these diametrically opposite circumferential regions of the window cage are located.

The Invention is also directed to a rolling bearing itself, with a window cage equipped the aforementioned type. The rolling elements of this bearing are preferably designed as cylindrical rollers. In the window cage can also further management structures, in particular plastic segments are used. The support rings can as Wire rings should be designed with a substantially circular Torusquerschnitt. The support rings can also a substantially rectangular or trough-like Have Torusquerschnitt. Cover rings can also be attached to the window cage be vulcanized in particular of an elastomeric material by which a lateral bearing seal is achieved.

The specified above, the invention is based task in terms of a method for producing a window cage also by a method having the features specified in claim 18 solved.

Brief description of the figures

Further Details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following Description in connection with the drawing. It shows:

1 a detailed perspective view of a window cage according to the invention with rolling elements received therein;

2 a perspective view of a cage segment provided for forming a window cage according to the invention;

3 a detailed perspective view illustrating the mounting state of a cage segment on a support ring pair;

4 a detailed perspective view illustrating the formation of weld joints in the further production of a window cage according to the invention;

5 a perspective, partially broken-away view to illustrate the structure of a rolling bearing according to the invention;

6a a sketch illustrating the Aufgriffs of the support ring through the receiving structure;

6b another sketch to illustrate a further variant for accomplishing the coupling of the cage segment with a support ring made of a metal strip.

Detailed description of the figures

The in 1 Window cage shown in sections comprises a first support ring 1 and a largely hidden in this view second support ring 2 as well as several cage segments S, as such on the two support rings 1 . 2 are combined to a ring body. The window cage shown here is characterized in that the cage segments S are designed as Blechumformteile and here in each case with receiving structures ( 2 , Reference signs AR1, AR2, AL1, AL2) are provided for receiving a corresponding peripheral portion of the respective support ring 1 . 2 ,

The cage segments S are formed such that they form guide window sections, in which rolling elements W are accommodated. In the embodiment shown here, the rolling elements W are designed as cylindrical rollers. The cage segments S are with the two support rings 1 . 2 and locally welded together in the region of the abutting end faces.

How out 2 As can be seen, the respective cage segment S forms receiving structures AR1, AR2 and AL1, AL2. These receiving structures AR1, AR2, AL1, AL2 are executed in the embodiment shown here as Pratzen- or gutter sections that the respective peripheral portion of the support ring 1 . 2 (please refer 3 ) from the outside. It is also possible to configure these receiving structures AR1, AR2, AL1, AL2 such that the channel sections provided by them are exposed radially outwards and thus engage under the respective peripheral section of the supporting ring from the inside.

The cage segments S are each formed so that they form a for receiving a rolling element W, (here cylindrical rollers) provided guide window F. This guide window F comprises a circumferentially extending pair of flanks LL, LR and one transverse to the circulation direction of the cage extending Axialflankenpaar LQ1, LQ2. In the embodiment shown here, the respective peripheral edge LL, LR is formed such that through this a trough structure is provided, which is substantially matched in cross section, that this in close fitting on the respective peripheral portion of the support ring 1 respectively. 2 sitting.

The receiving structures AR1, AR2 and AL1, AL2 are made in the embodiment shown here such that the segment S with a relatively high clamping force on the support ring 1 respectively. 2 (please refer 3 ) can be snapped on.

The respective axial flank LQ1, LQ2 of the cage segment is designed to that it crosses different zones with regard to their radial height. This will make it possible the guide window F be designed so that in this the corresponding rolling elements in Received sufficiently secured against falling out radially can be.

How out 3 it can be seen, the cage segment S according to the invention, manufactured by sheet metal forming on the receiving structures AR1, AR2, AL1, AL2 on the support rings 1 . 2 placed. The longitudinal edges LL, LR are formed so that they form an inner wall which on the support rings 1 . 2 seated. In the embodiment shown here, the leadership of the rolling element not shown here in detail on the jamb wall 4 the guide window F accomplished. It is possible to provide on the cage segment S also other geometries, in particular flank sections, for example by unfolding of material sections, by which, if necessary, larger and defined arched, insbesonde re guide contact surfaces can be provided. It is also possible to form structures on the cage segments S, in particular in the region of the transverse flanks LQ1, LQ2, by means of which the coupling of adjacent segments S can be further assisted.

As shown 4 It is obviously possible to connect the cage segments S according to the invention to one another by means of welds SL, SR and SZ. Via the welds SL, SR, the cage segments can be connected to each other both in the area of their adjacent joints and also directly to the support ring 1 respectively. 2 (Support ring 2 not visible in this illustration) are welded. The transverse flanks LQ1, LQ2 can be welded together via the welds SZ shown here. The welds can be designed as local, point-like welds or as longitudinal seam welds. It is possible, alternatively to the welds shown here, or in combination herewith, the cage segments with the support rings 1 in addition to solder.

Of the so created cage can be aligned by a calibration tool. The cage can be one heat treatment and an example electrochemical surface treatment be subjected. At the cage can further bearing elements, in particular lubricant-dispensing plastic elements be attached.

In 5 is shown in the form of a perspective detail a cylindrical roller bearing, which is provided with a window cage according to the invention. This cylindrical roller bearing comprises an inner ring 11 and an outer ring 12 , Between the inner ring 11 and the outer ring 12 are incorporated by incorporating the window cage according to the invention rolling elements W, which are designed here as cylindrical rollers. The window cage comprises a first support ring 1 and a second, not clearly visible support ring here 2 in which, as described above, the cage segments S designed according to the invention as sheet-metal formed parts are fastened via receiving structures AR1, AR2 or AL1, AL2. The cage segments S are in this embodiment, as in connection with 4 described, with the support rings 1 . 2 welded.

On Basis of the inventive concept will it be possible the geometry of the provided for receiving the rolling elements guide window F adapted to the respective application optimized. The corresponding cage segments S can on a matched to the pitch circle diameter of the bearing ring support ring snapped and connected with this support ring each material. Through the cage segments can classic cage profiles, in particular M-profiles and W-profiles can be realized. Based on the concept of the invention will it be possible a window cage under relatively low material consumption easy and inexpensive too finished. The cage segments can parts form a modular system through which window cages with can be manufactured in a variety of pitch diameters.

The segments and the rollers located therein can be manufactured as a basic unit by which a equipped with rolling elements cage can be made especially for small series or special camp. Segment and roller represent a 1: 1 relationship. This assembly can be installed in different sized bearings. Only the number of segments is matched to the corresponding bearing diameter: Example:
Bearing 1 -> roll diameter 12mm. Roll length 20mm pitch circle 200mm
Bearing 2 -> roll diameter 12mm. roll length 20mm pitch circle 240mm
Bearing 3 -> roll diameter 12mm. Roll length 20mm pitch circle 170mm

That the prefabricated segments and their associated roles can as Standard components are installed to different camps.

Of the constructed according to the invention Cage can be equipped with other storage components. The inventively constructed Cage can too as an insert-molding component injected into a plastic body become. It is also possible otherwise Plastic structures, e.g. Wälzkörperführungskörbchen on to inject the cage according to the invention or e.g. above Attach locking structures.

The cage segments can in terms of their geometry and overall design to each leading to Rolling elements, in particular Cylindrical rollers are tuned, i. the width and the arc length of the each segment is tuned so that the segment strength for the appropriate role size sufficient is. The cage segment can in large quantities, be made in particular in the subsequent step of a sheet metal strip. The contour of the cage segment can hereby be designed in particular so that thereby a M profile is achieved. This contour makes it possible to use the Cylindrical rollers both to lead inward, and against falling out outward to secure.

The Wear rings can be made of a wire or sheet metal material. Preferably Corresponding wire sections are cut to length and made into a torus bent to the required diameter. This torus is preferred welded in the region of the end faces of the wire material. The weld is preferably located at a location of one of the Trangring attached cage segment is bridged.

The Assembly of the segments takes place by the individual segments with the at its two longitudinal sides running in the circumferential direction attached receiving structures, in particular tabs on the example snapped off wire rings made of round wire. To the equipping the wire rings with all Segments are the segments with each other and preferably also welded to the support rings.

It is possible, to arrange segments so that with these window cages different Cage diameter can be made.

The curved and preferably butt-welded carrier rings are to the required Measure of Bearing calibrated. When determining the diameter of the rings It is preferably ensured that the sum of the segment arc lengths of the Length of the Circumference of the carrier ring equivalent. This will ensure that after assembly a possibly small gap between the front sides of each other remains adjacent segments. It is possible to make the segments that these overlap in the region of their adjacent ends. This will make it possible by the degree of overlap an excess of the circumferential length of the respective cage segment over the Pitch to compensate. Furthermore, it becomes possible by this overlap as well to further stiffen the crossbars.

How out 6a it is possible to make the receiving structure AR1 so that it is located at the lateral outlet end of the crosspiece LQ1 and thus relatively stiff to the support ring 1 connects. The receiving structure AR1 is designed so that this with a relatively high holding force on the support ring 1 can be snapped on. The support ring 1 is made of a wire material that is bent into a ring. The corresponding end sections of wire material are welded.

In 6b a variant of the receiving structure AR1 is shown, in which this a portion of the support ring 1 engages from the inside. The support ring 1 is made of a strip material and provided with a flange. The receiving structure AR1 engages under a formed by the flange, inwardly directed peripheral ridge. the support ring 1 is provided with a caulking V by which the cage segment S on the support ring 1 is positively secured.

The The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above limited. Especially the concept according to the invention is suitable also for the realization of window cages for rolling elements in the form of spherical rollers as well as possibly also for guidance of rolling elements in the form of balls.

It is possible also the respective cage segment by assembling and connecting several individual elements to manufacture. The solution according to the invention includes also rolling element cages, in which individual crossbar elements while leaving a through leading to Rolling determined Circumferential distance to the carrier rings be set.

1

support ring

2

support ring

11

inner ring

12

outer ring

AR1

receiving structure

AR2

receiving structure

AL1

receiving structure

AL2

receiving structure

F

guide window

LL

flank

LQ1

Qerflanke

LQ2

cross edge

LR

flank

S

cage segment

SZ

weld

SL

weld

SR

weld

W

rolling elements

Claims (17)

Window cage with: - a first support ring ( 1 ), - a second support ring ( 2 ), and - a plurality of cage segments (S) as such via the two support rings ( 1 ; 2 ) are combined to form a ring body, wherein the cage segments (S) are designed as Blechumformteile, and in each case with receiving structures (AR1, AR2, AL1, AL2) are provided for receiving a peripheral portion of the respective support ring ( 1 ; 2 ). window cage according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving structures (AR1, AR2, AL1, AL2) are designed as channel sections. Window cage according to claim 2, characterized in that the receiving structures (AR1, AR2, AL1, AL2) the respective peripheral portion of the support ring ( 1 ; 2 ) from the outside. Window cage according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving structures (AR1, AR2, AL1, AL2) the respective peripheral portion of the support ring ( 1 ; 2 ) from the inside. Window cage according to claim 1, characterized in that the cage segments (S) with the support rings ( 1 ; 2 ) are materially connected. window cage according to claim 5, characterized in that the material connection via welds accomplished. window cage according to claim 6, characterized in that the welds as laser welding points accomplished are. window cage according to claim 1, characterized in that in each case adjacent cage segments (S) over each other a connection point are connected. window cage according to claim 8, characterized in that that connection point as a welding joint accomplished is. window cage according to claim 1, characterized in that the respective cage segment (S) a guide window provided for receiving a cylindrical roller (F) forms, this guide window (F) a circumferentially extending peripheral edge pair (LR, LL) and an axial flank pair (LQ1, LQ1, LQ2). window cage according to claim 10, characterized in that the respective peripheral edge (LL, LR) forms a gutter structure. window cage according to claim 10, characterized in that the respective axial edge (LQ1, LQ2) a guide bar forms that as such web zones includes the respect to a Orbital axis of the cage at different radial heights extend. Window cage according to claim 1, characterized in that the diameter of the respective support rings ( 1 . 2 ) corresponds at least to the pitch circle diameter of the rolling body track. Window cage according to claim 1, characterized in that the support rings ( 1 . 2 ) are bent from a strip of material or wire and are closed by a joint, wherein the cage segments are arranged so that this joint is bridged by a cage segment (S). Rolling bearing with a bearing inner ring ( 11 ), a bearing outer ring ( 12 ) received between these bearing rings rolling elements (W) and a window cage, wherein the window cage a first support ring ( 1 ), a second support ring ( 2 ), and several cage segments (S) comprises over which the two support rings ( 1 . 2 ) are combined to form a ring body, wherein the cage segments (S) are designed as Blechumformteile, and in each case with receiving structures (AR1, AR2, AL1, AL2) are provided for receiving a peripheral portion of the respective support ring ( 1 . 2 ). A method for producing a window cage of a first support ring, a second support ring, and a plurality of cage segments comprises as such on the two support rings to a ring body are summarized, wherein the cage segments are made in the context of a forming step by sheet metal forming of a sheet material such that they each have receiving structures, and the cage segments thus created recognized in the context of a subsequent joining step to the support rings and connected to these materially. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that that this includes a manufacturing step in its frame adjacent cage segments welded together become.