DE102007017678A1 - Sheet metal cage or cage pot for an axial spherical roller bearing and method for its design - Google Patents

Abstract

It is the object of the present invention to propose a sheet metal cage for a Axialpendelrollenlager and a method for its interpretation, which is manufactured inexpensively and has improved performance properties. For this purpose, a sheet metal cage (1) for a Axialpendelrollenlager or cage head as an intermediate for the sheet metal cage with a bottom ring 2, with a cover ring 3 and a plurality of connecting webs (4), each integrally with the bottom ring (2) and the cover ring (3 ) and windows (5) for receiving barrel rollers separate from each other, proposed, wherein the radially outer upper sides of the connecting webs (4) in the connecting direction between the bottom ring and cover ring are non-curved and / or straight.

Description

Field of the invention

The The invention relates to a sheet metal cage for an axial spherical roller bearing or a cage pot as an intermediate for the sheet metal cage - below in summary with sheet metal cage designated - with a bottom ring, with a cover ring and with a plurality of Connecting webs, each in one piece with the bottom ring and the cover ring are connected and windows for receiving barrel rollers separate from each other, as well as a method for designing the sheet metal cage.

Spherical roller thrust bearings allow the absorption of high axial loads and additionally of radial forces and typically have contact angles greater than 20 degrees. In particular, allow axial spherical roller bearings To compensate for angular errors by the bearing discs in relation on the central axes to pivot each other. Come as rolling elements in axial pendulum bearings spherical barrel rollers are used, which are usually are formed asymmetrically.

by virtue of The force absorption of the axial spherical roller bearings tend the barrel rollers to tilt or restrict in operation. To get a sufficient guide To ensure the barrel rolls, have axial spherical roller bearings mostly cages with window on, with the windows separated by webs are. The webs have guide surfaces for the barrel rollers on sides pointing in the direction of rotation, the guide surfaces often are realized in osculation, so that the radius of curvature of the guide surfaces is slightly larger as the radius of curvature the snuggling barrel roll.

considered the shape of such cages, so these are often spherical or angled in the area of the windows realized, so that in this area a convex shaped lateral surface results.

It The object of the present invention is a sheet metal cage for a Axialpendelrollenlager and a procedure for to propose its interpretation, which is inexpensive to produce and improved Has use properties.

These Task is accompanied by a sheet metal cage the features of claim 1, by one or the sheet metal cage with the features of claim 9 and by a method for the interpretation of such sheet metal cages solved with the features of claim 19. Preferred or advantageous embodiments The invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the following description and / or the attached Characters.

in the Frame of the invention is a sheet metal cage and / or a cage pot as an intermediate for the sheet metal cage suggested, both hereinafter collectively referred to as sheet metal cage become. The sheet metal cage is for an axial spherical roller bearing suitable and / or trained and / or prepared.

Under Axialpendelrollenlager are in the invention preferably roller bearing with a pressure angle greater than 20 °, especially greater than 30 ° and in particular greater than 40 ° understood.

Of the sheet metal cage is preferably made of a steel material and includes a Bottom ring, a cover ring and a plurality of connecting webs, each in one piece are connected to said rings, so that the sheet-metal cage integrally formed is. Preferably, the bottom ring and cover ring is defined as that the bottom ring has a smaller diameter than the cover ring having.

According to the invention, it is provided that the radially outer Upper sides of the connecting webs in the connecting direction between Bottom ring and lid ring not curved and / or are currently being trained. In particular, the tops are the connecting webs realized so that these line-shaped a flat surface come to rest, the support line parallel to the direction of connection is aligned between bottom ring and cover ring.

Preferably gets through the sheet metal cage in the area of the windows and / or the connecting webs a circumferential lateral surface formed, the frustoconical and / or cone-shaped is trained. In consideration as a truncated cone and / or cone in particular assumed a straight circular truncated cone, wherein the surface lines of the circular truncated cone correspond to the bearing lines. The frustoconical lateral surface takes over a central axis of the sheet metal cage an angle between 30 ° and 60 °, preferably between 35 ° and 50 ° and especially between 40 ° and 45 °.

The invention is based on the consideration that the production can be substantially facilitated by the sectional conical or frusto-conical or conical shape of the lateral surface of the sheet metal cage. Current sheet metal cages are produced by first a pot is made by forming, in particular cold forming and in a second step, the windows are punched out. The product according to this manufacturing stage is referred to herein as a cage pot. In order to set a correct axial position of the window when punching, it is necessary in the known sheet metal cages that a pot or Kä Not only does it have to be adjusted linearly in one direction, but also - because of the crowning or curvature of the shell of the pot in the area of the planned window - it has to be displaced and additionally pivoted or rotated. This adjustment is obviously expensive and error prone.

In contrast, sees the invention that the pot in the region of the punching frustoconical design is, so that this area in this area on a corresponding surface bearing surface can be hung up. For adjusting the relative position of cage pot and punching tool must be the cage (or the punching tool) only with a linear movement along the overlying surface line shifted, but not over one combined linear rotational movement can be positioned.

at a preferred embodiment The invention is the sheet metal cage made from a process of forming and stamping. This will be first forming a pot manufactured, in the following the windows be introduced by punching, so that the cage pot is formed.

at a particularly preferred embodiment The invention is the sheet metal cage designed for receiving asymmetric barrel rolls. asymmetric Barrel rolls point in a longitudinal section on the treads a uniform radius of curvature but with the center of curvature not symmetrical to the free ends of the barrel rolls arranged is, but is positioned asymmetrically. This makes the barrel rolls in each case a free end section with a larger diam water and a free one End portion formed with a smaller diameter. The sheet metal cage is preferably designed to receive the asymmetric barrel rollers that the window width in the region of the cover ring is selected to be greater than in the area of the Bottom ring.

at a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting webs each on both sides in the direction of rotation and parallel to the connecting webs extending formations, which each have a contact zone for the barrel rolls provide. Preferably, this contact zone is arranged asymmetrically and in particular closer positioned to the bottom ring as to the cover ring.

Prefers it is provided that the contact zone at least in the longitudinal direction the connecting webs curved is formed, wherein the radius of curvature so chosen is that the barrel rollers cling to the contact zones. Here, the radius of curvature becomes the moldings or the contact zones greater than the applied radius of curvature the rolling elements selected. Of the Difference of radii of curvature is based on the larger radius of curvature preferably less than 10%.

at a preferred method of manufacturing the sheet metal cage is made this, by the formations formed by embossing the connecting webs are. This is from radially inside a in the connection section V-shaped stamp pressed on the connecting webs, wherein the active surfaces of the stamping die the wished Radius of the to be impressed Show contact zone. Accordingly, in this preferred embodiment the sheet metal cage through a process sequence forming-stamping-embossing manufactured. Preferably, the embossing process forms the transition from the intermediate cage pot to the final product sheet metal cage.

One Another object of the invention relates to a sheet metal cage, optionally according to the preamble of claim 1 or claim 1, optionally with any combination of the additional features in the subclaims and / or in the description. Thus, this object of the invention relates on the sheet metal cage or to an intermediate, which, however, preferably no coins has at the connecting webs.

According to the invention the connecting webs on the long side a separation contour, which by a combination of at least three circular sections is formed. The long side is as corner-free long side defined, where appropriate, existing circular sections, which the transition from the transverse side of a window to the long side of the window, not counted become.

This next Part of the invention is based on the consideration that the contact zones At the formations are usually insufficiently formed, as at the embossing There is not enough material available on the connecting bridges. As a result, the for an oscillation usable contact zone only over narrow areas along the Connecting webs realized. The small extent. the contact zone can lead to, that the barrel rolls when tilting or cabinets to an edge or the like tarnish so that the lubrication decreases and / or the friction elevated is.

However, it has been found that - by using a separating contour with at least three circular sections with different center points and radii - a sufficient contact zone in the region of the embossing paths can be produced controllably. Thus, quasi "adjusting screws" were found with which the shape of the embossing web and thus the extension of the contact zone can be adjusted effectively and in a controlled manner It is particularly preferred to use the claimed separating contour in the sheet metal cage with the non-curved connecting webs, since otherwise it can not be ruled out that the contact zones would be smaller than at the sheet metal cages according to the prior art with a convex lateral surface in the region of the window.

While at the cage pot the release contour is undeformed, can in the embossed sheet metal cage the Release contour by the embossing - in particular in cages with a small diameter, z. B. in the range of 100 mm - deformed so that also has a sheet metal cage within the scope of the invention, which is characterized in that this from a cage pot according to the invention is made.

at a preferred embodiment, the at least three circular sections along the separating contour arranged so that they merge tangentially into each other. This condition for the connection of the circular sections promotes u in the later embossed sheet metal cage. a. the minimization of points of application for shear forces.

When particularly workable has been found when the bends the circle sections with respect to the respective adjacent window are formed alternately convex-concave. So is after each a convex circle section a concave circle section and thereafter again realized a convex circular section (or vice versa).

at a constructive realization is preferred that the connecting webs on each side have exactly four of the circular sections. These Number of circular sections represents a preferred compromise between the adaptation of the formations and thus the contact zones and at the same time of complexity of the punching tool.

It It was found that the shape and position of the molding with exactly four of the circular sections are positioned with sufficient accuracy and can be defined so that this number is virtually an optimum for the ratio effort / benefit represents.

In In a practical realization, the separating contour is based on the lid ring in the direction of the bottom ring consecutive convex-concave-convex-concave educated. Preferably, by the first convex circular section the width of a parallel to the connecting webs extending Lubricant gaps set.

With regard to the barrel roll length in the axial extent or the window length in the connecting direction between the cover and bottom ring, the radii of curvature of the circular sections are preferably realized as follows:
first circle section:
R1 = 1.5-2.2 times the barrel roll length or the window length
and or
second circle section:
R2 = 0.3-0-8 times the barrel roll length or the window length
and or
third circle section:
R3 = 3.5-6.3 times the barrel roll length or the window length
and or
fourth circle section:
R4 = 0.2-0.5 times the barrel roll length or the window length.

As previously discussed, the formations are at the connecting webs preferred as Prägeleisten trained, with the Prägeleisten wear the contact zones. These contact zones extend preferably over a range between 20% to 60% of the window length. It should be noted that this wide extension region of the contact zones prevail on the selected separating contour is due.

at the said execution with exactly four circular sections, the stamping bar preferably shows one parallel to the connecting web extending or extending end edge, which - at least in sections - in Area of the third circle section is arranged. With that defined the radius of curvature of the third circle section the height or extension of the embossing bar or the contact zone.

at a most preferred embodiment is provided that the sheet metal cage is designed by the following method.

Another object of the invention relates to a method for the design of the sheet metal cage, wherein in a first step, a load-compatible contact zone is determined at the connecting webs of the cage. This contact zone is dependent on a plurality of parameters, such. As pressure angle, load design, geometric sizes, etc. determined. In a second step, a separating contour on the connecting webs, which is formed by at least three preferably exactly tangentially merging into each other circular sections, adapted by varying the radii of curvature and / or the centers of curvature of the circular sections, so that the modeled contact zone of the particular, load-sensitive contact zone corresponds or at least as far as possible ent speaks. This adaptation can be carried out by any of the known methods such. B. a rating function or an optimization function.

at In one preferred embodiment, one or the first circular section determines the width of the lubricant gap between barrel roller and connecting bar, one or the second circle section the height of the stamping strip in an initial area, one or the third circle section the height of Prägeleiste in a central area and one or the fourth circle section the height of the stamping strip in an end region.

Further Features, advantages and effects of the invention will become apparent the following description of a preferred embodiment the invention and the attached Characters. Showing:

1 a three-dimensional schematic representation of a sheet metal cage for a Axialpendelrollenlager as an embodiment of the invention;

2 a schematic sectional view of the sheet metal cage in 1 ;

3 a detail in the 1 in the same representation;

4 a further schematic sectional view of the sheet metal cage in 1 ,

The 1 shows in a schematic, three-dimensional representation of a sheet metal cage 1 for an axial spherical roller bearing as an embodiment of the invention. The sheet metal cage 1 is preferably rolling body, the axial spherical roller bearing has a pressure angle of more than 20 °.

The sheet metal cage 1 is integrally formed and shows a bottom ring 2 and a lid ring 3 , where the lid ring 3 coaxial, but offset in height to the bottom rings 2 is arranged and has a larger outer diameter. bottom ring 2 and cover ring 3 are via connecting bridges 4 connected to each other, wherein the connecting webs 4 are aligned so that they are in imaginary extension with the central axis of the sheet metal cage 1 to cut. Between the connecting bridges 4 are windows 5 arranged, which are adapted to receive asymmetric barrel rollers (not shown).

The sheet metal cage 1 is manufactured by a process sequence, wherein in one step a pot is produced by forming technology, in a further step, the window 5 punched or punched, so that a cage pot is formed, and in a further step, the connecting webs 4 be embossed, as will be explained below.

Also due to the manufacturing method is the cover ring 3 formed as an axially extending, circumferential and closed sheet metal strip. The bottom ring 2 on the other hand is designed as a radially oriented disc. Before punching are cover ring 3 and bottom ring 2 over a continuous jacket area 6 connected with each other. The jacket area 6 is formed as a straight truncated cone, so that a connecting and / or generating line between cover ring 3 and bottom ring 2 is formed straight and / or unrestricted.

2 shows the sheet metal cage 1 in a partially cut and rotated representation. From this illustration it can be seen that the sheet metal cage 1 in the jacket area 6 linear on a flat surface 7 rests. The support line is about 42 ° relative to the central axis of the sheet metal cage 1 inclined. It can also be seen in this view that the sheet metal cage 1 in cross-section is exactly twice angled. By the formation of the jacket area 6 can the sheet metal cage 1 when punching or punching the windows 5 be positioned very accurately in a simple manner. Due to the straight support contour in the jacket area 6 can the sheet metal cage 1 with a linear displacement movement along the arrow 8th be aligned exactly in the axial direction. The outer contour lies on a hole die (not shown), which has the same contour as the sheet metal cage 1 has. On the one hand, production costs are due to the simplified alignment of the sheet metal cage 1 saved, on the other hand, the perforated die is due to the simplified contour low in the production, so that in addition tooling costs can be saved.

The 3 shows the detail A in the 1 so the windows 5 can be seen in magnification. The window 5 each have two transverse sides 9a , b and two long sides 10 on, taking the bottom ring 2 assigned lateral side 9a is formed narrower than the lid ring 3 assigned lateral side 9b , The transition from the transverse sides 9a , b to the long sides 10 takes place in the contour of the window 5 each over a Eckenkrümmungsbereich 11 , The window 5 are through the connecting bridges 4 separated in the direction of rotation. Towards the bottom ring 2 and the cover ring 3 is still a marginal strip of the original shell area 6 Remained and separated the windows from the respective rings.

The long sides 10 go to the corner curvature areas 11 in a contour over, which is formed by four circular sections R (1), R (2), R (3) and R (4) which are tangentially connected to each other or tangentially into each other. The circular sections are alternately curved, so that a sequence, starting from the lid ring 3 closest circle section R (1) is a sequence of concave-convex-concave-convex with respect to the associated window 5 results.

Based on the length of the rolling elements or barrel rollers to be used, the radii of the circular sections are coordinated as follows:
R (1) = 1.5-2.2 times the barrel roll length;
R (2) = 0.3-0-8 times the barrel roll length;
R (3) = 3.5-6.3 times the barrel roll length;
R (4) = 0.2-0.5 times the barrel roll length.

The 4 shows in a schematic partially sectioned view of the circumferential direction in the side surface of a connecting web 4 , After punching or punching the windows 5 become the connecting bridges 4 with a cross-sectionally V-shaped punch, which engages radially inwardly embossed to form contact zones for guiding the rolling elements. The embossing process produces a marking bar 12 , which in the direction of rotation and along the connecting webs 4 extends. The stamping bar 12 has on the radially inside top an embossing surface 13 on, which at least in a contact zone 14 a curvature contour comprises, in the longitudinal extent of the connecting webs 4 shows a concave curvature, which is designed as osculation for the barrel rollers to be used. The contact zone 14 ideally extends over a range of 20% to 60% of the window length, starting from the transverse side 9a ,

The embossing surface 14 has a boundary edge in the radial direction 15 on which in the region of the contact zone 14 parallel or substantially parallel to the top of the connecting web 4 is aligned. The advantage of this design is a very good tangential nestling of the barrel roll, low touch point migrations in role skewing, such. B. in pressure angle changes or Schränkwinkeln and no roller contact in the lid ring near the region of the longitudinal side 10 , Preferably, the stamping bar 12 in the direction of the cover ring 3 designed so expiring, so that between the later used barrel roller and the connecting web 4 a gap for supplying lubricant to the roller board contact is formed.

The contour of the long side 10 and the training of Prägeleiste 12 and optionally the lubricant gap are coupled together by the embossing process such that by the contour of the longitudinal side 10 the training of the Prägeleiste 12 controllable or at least selectively influenced. To ensure a long, tangential contact zone 14 To execute, the radii of the circular sections R (1), R (2), R (3) and R (4) or their centers are to be defined so that in the region of the contact zone 14 the boundary running parallel to the outer contour 15 the guide surface 13 results. Here is the contact zone 14 arranged in the region of the circular section R (3). The contour of the lubricant gap is significantly described and / or determined by the radii of the circular sections R (1) and R (2).

1

sheet metal cage

2

bottom ring

3

bezel

4

connecting webs

5

window

6

cladding region

7

level

8th

arrow

9

transverse sides of the window

10

long sides of the window

11

Corner bend areas of the window

12

stamping strip

13

embossing surface

14

contact zone

Claims (19)

Sheet metal cage ( 1 ) for a Axialpendelrollenlager or cage pot as an intermediate for the sheet metal cage - hereinafter collectively referred to as a sheet metal cage - with a bottom ring ( 2 ), with a lid ring ( 3 ) and with a plurality of connecting webs ( 4 ), each integral with the bottom ring ( 2 ) and the cover ring ( 3 ) and windows ( 5 ) for receiving barrel rollers separate, characterized in that the radially outer upper sides of the connecting webs ( 4 ) in the connecting direction between the bottom ring and cover ring are not curved and / or straight. Sheet metal cage ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that a sheet metal cage ( 1 ) in the area of the windows ( 5 ) and / or the connecting webs ( 4 ) circumferential lateral surface ( 6 ) is frusto-conical and / or conical. Sheet metal cage ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that this is designed or prepared for a Axialpendelrollenlager with a pressure angle of greater than 20 °, preferably greater than 30 °, in particular greater than 40 °. Sheet metal cage ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheet metal cage ( 1 ) with the process steps forming and punching is made. Sheet metal cage ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheet metal cage ( 1 ) is designed or prepared for receiving asymmetric barrel rollers. Sheet metal cage ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting webs ( 4 ) in the circumferential direction extending formations ( 12 ) having a contact zone ( 14 ) for the barrel rolls. Sheet metal cage ( 1 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the contact zones ( 14 ) are each formed with a radius of curvature, so that the barrel rollers to the contact zones ( 14 ) cling. Sheet metal cage ( 1 ) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the moldings as Prägeleisten ( 12 ) by embossing the connecting webs ( 4 ) are formed. Sheet metal cage ( 1 ) according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to claim 1, each optionally with any combination of further features in the dependent claims, characterized in that the connecting webs ( 4 ) on the longitudinal side ( 10 ) have a separating contour, which is formed by a connection of at least three circular sections (R (1), R (2), R (3), R (4)). Sheet metal cage ( 1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least three circular sections (R (1), R (2), R (3), R (4)) transition tangentially into one another to form the separating contour. Sheet metal cage ( 1 ) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the curvatures of the circular sections (R (1), R (2), R (3), R (4)) with respect to the respective adjacent window ( 5 ) are formed alternately and / or alternately convex-concave. Sheet metal cage ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting webs ( 4 ) have exactly four of the circular sections (R (1), R (2), R (3), R (4)). Sheet metal cage ( 1 ) according to claim 12, characterized in that starting from the lid ring ( 3 ) and with respect to the adjacent window ( 5 ) a first circular section (R (1)) convex, a subsequent second circular section (R (2)) concave,. a subsequent third circular section (R (3)) is convex and a subsequent fourth (R (4)) circular section is concave. Sheet metal cage ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the radii of curvature of the circular sections (R (1), R (2), R (3), R (4)) are defined as follows: first circular section (R (1 )): R1 = 1.5-2.2 times the barrel roll length or the window length and / or second circle segment (R (2)): R2 = 0.3-0-8 times the barrel roll length or the window length and / or third circle segment (R (3)): R3 = 3.5-6.3 times the barrel roll length or the window length and / or fourth circle segment (R (4)): R4 = 0.2-0.5 times the barrel roll length or the window length. Sheet metal cage ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 6 to 14, characterized in that the contact zones ( 14 ) in each case over a range between 20% to 60% of the length of the window ( 5 ). Sheet metal cage ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the stamping strip ( 12 ) one parallel to the connecting web ( 4 ) running end edge ( 15 ), which is arranged at least in sections in the region of the third circular section (R (3)). Sheet metal cage ( 1 ) according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the windows ( 5 ) in the region of the cover ring ( 3 ) one between the connecting webs ( 4 ) and provide the barrel rollers arranged lubricant gap, which is at least partially arranged in the region of the first circular section (R (1)). Sheet metal cage ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheet metal cage is designed by the following method. Method for designing the sheet metal cage ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the steps: determination of a load-appropriate contact zone ( 14 ) at the connecting webs ( 4 ) of the sheet metal cage; Adaptation of a separating contour on the longitudinal side formed by at least four circular sections (R (1), R (2), R (3), R (4)) tangent to each other ( 10 ) of the connecting webs ( 4 by varying the radii of curvature and / or centers of curvature of the circular sections (R (1), R (2), R (3), R (4)).