DE102007044014A1 - Cage for receiving a number of rolling elements of a rolling bearing and method for lubricating a rolling bearing - Google Patents

Abstract

A cage (1) is shown for receiving a number of rolling elements (4) of a roller bearing (2) with a number of pockets (3) receiving the rolling elements (4), the cage (1) being provided with at least one lubricant ( 15, 15 ') filled depot space (11) to a delivery of the lubricant (15, 15') in operation. It is provided that the depot space (11) has at least two depot sections (14) in which different lubricants (15, 15 ') are arranged, and that each depot section (14) has at least one lubricant-permeable passage area (16, 27) for delivering the Lubricant (15, 15 ') comprises.

Description

Field of the invention

The The invention relates to a cage for receiving a number of rolling elements of a rolling bearing, with a number of the rolling bodies receiving pockets, the cage being at least one with a lubricant filled depot space to a release of the lubricant in the Operation includes. The invention further relates to a method for lubrication of a rolling bearing.

One Rolling bearings often include a so-called inner ring and an outer ring, wherein between the inner ring and the Outer ring a number of rolling elements is arranged. The rolling elements are common arranged in a cage, such that the rolling elements through the cage at a defined distance from each other being held. In the operation of such a rolling bearing The rolling elements received in the cage roll along a raceway on the inner ring and the outer ring from.

For The operation of the bearing is a lubrication means a lubricant advantageous. The amount of between the rolling elements and the outer / inner ring available Lubricant often has a direct influence on the service life and the functioning of a rolling bearing. For example If there is too little lubricant, this can be premature Wear of the rolling bearing lead. Too much Lubricant leads to an increase in the frictional resistance.

In the US 7 114 852 B2 a cage is specified with an internal depot space for lubricant, whereby the lubricant is led through channels to the rolling elements.

Object of the invention

task The invention is one for a rolling bearing indicate a life-prolonging cage, the as versatile as possible.

Solution of the task

The The object is achieved by a cage for receiving a number of rolling elements a rolling bearing, with a number of the rolling elements receiving pockets, wherein the cage at least one with a lubricant filled depot space to a levy of the lubricant during operation. It is envisaged that the depository has at least two depot sections in which different lubricants are arranged, and that each depot section at least one lubricant-permeable passage area for dispensing the lubricant.

By the provision of at least two depot sections with different ones It is lubricants with different lubricating properties possible, in different environmental conditions one Demand-optimized lubrication of the rolling bearing with one each to the given ambient condition adapted lubricant achieve. Depot sections are generally space areas understood, in which the lubricants are located. The depot sections for the different lubricants need locally not separate or demarcated. Also, the Depot sections interlock in principle, for example, then if the lubricants are immiscible lubricants, which are arranged together in a room.

about In particular, a targeted Delivery of the lubricant from the corresponding depot section towards the area to be lubricated, z. B. to the rolling elements. This provides a smooth lubrication between the rolling element and, for example, the inner ring ensured the rolling bearing. The passband is preferably arranged so that a release of the lubricant in which the rolling elements receiving pockets takes place. In this case, the lubricant becomes, for example, a drop into the bag, so that the drop is the surface wetted in the pocket rolling element, so that by the rotation of the rolling element of the Lubricant evenly along the track of the Rolling is distributed. Alternatively, it is also possible orient the corresponding passband so that a Delivery of the lubricant directly to the raceway of the rolling element he follows. The delivery of a lubricant over the corresponding Passage area then takes place, for example, from a single Depot section or alternatively, for example, the levy a mixture of several lubricants from different depot sections possible.

Of the Depot space is for example as a cavity within the cage formed, wherein the individual depot sections, for example are separated by walls. The respective lubricants For example, be as a lubricating oil or introduced as a grease in the depot section. additional or alternatively, the depot space has a porous material on, for example, a sponge or a porous Cage section, wherein the corresponding lubricant, for example soaked in the porous material. In each of Depot sections in particular each case is a lubricant in the intended for the life of the bearing arranged so that no subsequent filling the depot sections becomes necessary.

Preferably the passage area and / or the lubricants are designed such that the release of the respective lubricant in dependence from a current operating state. The lubrication with ensures a lubricant adapted to the respective operating condition the functionality and increases the life of the rolling bearing.

The Delivery of the corresponding lubricant is preferred automatically for example via a speed-dependent Force, z. B. via a centrifugal force regulated. As well It is possible that a regulation of the levy of the corresponding Lubricant on the effect of a chemical reaction is provided, for example via a by a chemical Reaction variable control element.

advantageously, the lubricants have different viscosities on. For example, in this embodiment, it is simple Way possible, the different flow properties the lubricants for automatic dosing of each to use the delivered amount of lubricant. The delivery of a lubricant with a high viscosity above the corresponding Passage range, for example, only under the effect of a magnitude greater radial force, z. As a centrifugal force, as the release of a lubricant with a lower viscosity. Thus it is for example possible that the lubrication of the bearing with a mixture of lubricants of different viscosities, where z. B. at a growing centrifugal force, the proportion of a high viscosity lubricant increases.

In A preferred embodiment of the invention is the passband oriented in the radial direction. The passband is accordingly essentially in the direction of the axis of rotation around which the cage moves in operation, oriented, so the delivery of the lubricant directly into the raceway of the rolling element he follows. As a result, in particular, a minimum quantity lubrication allows. It is also in this version advantageous possible, the delivered amount of lubricant over the effect of a force acting in the radial direction, z. B. one Centrifugal force acting on the cage during operation, in easy to dose as needed. The for the the current operating state required lubricant quantity is thus "automatically" in the raceway of the rolling element dosed.

Conveniently, the cage comprises at least one porous section, which forms the passage region, wherein the porous section is provided for dispensing the lubricant. This embodiment is particularly easy and inexpensive to realize, by the example of plastic or metal Cage is designed to be porous overall. By the effect of, for example, a centrifugal force becomes the lubricant then "automatically" from the depot section in the radial direction pushed the passband so that a delivery of the Lubricant directly into the raceway of the rolling element he follows. Preferably, the porosity varies within a passband or between different passbands to a scheme to achieve the delivered amount of lubricant.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention comprises Passage area a channel for the delivery of the lubricant. In this Execution it is z. B. on the choice of an opening cross-section the channel possible, in particular the delivery amount of the corresponding Targeted lubricant.

By a precise positioning of the channel opening over the known career of the rolling element is also possible, a demand-based lubrication of the rolling element to realize in his career. Overall, in this embodiment the amount of lubricant delivered is reduced to a necessary minimum become.

preferably, The channels for the depot sections have different opening cross-sections on. This is the choice of the corresponding opening cross-section a lubricant-specific optimal discharge amount from the corresponding Depot section controlled.

Conveniently, is the opening cross-section of the channel variable, d. H. it can be varied during operation. It is especially provided that the opening cross section depends on the temperature changed, for example via a temperature-dependent Expansion of the cage material surrounding the channel. Thereby is it possible that, for example, the opening of the channel is temperature dependent opened, or closed is and thus a release of the lubricant takes place, or prevented becomes. By appropriate choice of materials are the various Depotabschnitten preferably associated with different channels, their respective opening each changes at a different temperature, so that the delivery of a lubricant from the corresponding depot section Temperature-dependent can be controlled.

In an advantageous development, the passage region comprises a closure component, wherein the closure component is provided to open the passage region for the delivery of the lubricant, depending on an ambient condition. Such a Verschlusskompo An example is a plug which closes the corresponding channel and which is dissolved, for example, in the presence of an acid or a basic fluid, so that the corresponding channel is opened for the delivery of a lubricant adapted to an acidic or basic ambient condition. Alternatively, such a closure component, for example, a component, the z. B. in the manufacture of the porous portion of the cage, which forms the passage area, is added and depending on the ambient conditions, for example due to chemical or physical processes changed their volume. For example, the component is chosen to reduce its volume over a certain temperature interval, thereby releasing the pores of the passband for the delivery of a lubricant tuned to that temperature interval. Alternatively, the component responds to the ph value of the medium surrounding the cage. In a further alternative, the closure component is an active closure component, e.g. B. as a piezoelectric element formed.

Conveniently, is additionally provided, the closure component depending from an ambient condition the pass band for the Close the lubricant. This will total the functionality and life of the rolling elements and the entire rolling bearing significantly increased, as a vote of the lubricant to changing environmental conditions he follows.

According to one expedient development is the closure component such that they only once, and in particular at certain extraordinary environmental conditions acts, in particular opens. As a result, depending on the environmental conditions Once the appropriate lubricant can be selected. In particular, this measure serves to ensure of one-off emergency running properties at extraordinary Conditions, for example, if the bearing is aggressive chemicals is suspended.

Preferably the closure component acts temperature dependent, wherein For this purpose, a material pairing with different thermal expansion coefficients is provided. By a suitable combination of the material of Closure component and the material of the closure component comprehensive passband is over a temperature-dependent Volume change of the closure component of the passband temperature-dependent for a release of the lubricant automatically from the depot section assigned to the passband opened or closed. In this version it is easily possible, for example, the lubrication the rolling elements with one for the given Temperature to ensure suitable lubricant automatically.

In a preferred embodiment is the temperature dependent adjustable closure component as a in the respective channels formed inserted tube, wherein the thermal expansion coefficient of the tube and of the material surrounding the channel are. In this variant, for example, simply a plastic tube inserted into a channel associated with a depot section, so that, for example, the delivery of the located in the depot section Lubricant is possible at a low temperature. When the temperature rises, the plastic tube expands faster out than the opening cross section of the channel, so off a certain temperature limit, the tube as it were clogged the channel, so that the lubricant is no longer through the channel can flow. In particular, it is thus also easily possible For example, in the respective channel of various depot sections Tubes with different material composition insert. Depending on the different ones Thermal expansion coefficient of each tube is the temperature-dependent expansion behavior of the tubes predetermined, so that an opening or a closure of the channel for the delivery of the corresponding lubricant temperature dependent to regulate.

The Task is further solved according to the invention by a method having the features of claim 15 on the cage cited advantages and preferred Embodiments can be opened accordingly transfer the procedure.

With Such a method has the advantage of a need-based, especially depending on the ambient conditions lubricant dosage to reach. Of particular advantage is further that the lubricant is integrated directly in the cage, so no elaborate Lubricant supply is required.

Short description of the drawing

embodiments The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. In each case show very schematically:

1 in a cross section, a detail of a detail of a cage in a first embodiment,

2 in a cross section, a detail of a detail of a cage in a second embodiment,

3 in a cross section of a detail of a detail of a cage in a third embodiment.

Equivalent Parts are provided in the figures with the same reference numerals.

Detailed description the drawing

According to the figures, a cage comprises 1 a fragmentary illustrated rolling bearing 2 evenly distributed in the circumferential direction several pockets 3 , in each of which a rolling element 4 is included. In the partial representations of the figures is only one bag 3 and a rolling element 4 shown. The cage 1 with the rolling element 4 is between an inner ring 5 and an outer ring 6 arranged. The rolling elements 4 stick out of the pockets 3 out and rolling in the running on a particular career 7 of the inner ring 5 and the outer ring 6 from. In use is one of the rings 5 . 6 fixed and the other ring 6 . 5 rotates about a central axis of rotation of the bearing 2 , for example, in the direction of movement 10 ,

The cage 1 includes a number of depot rooms 11 , In the cut-out representations of the figures are each two depot spaces 11 to see. Every deposit room 11 again comprises two depot sections 14 , Each deposit section 14 is with a lubricant 15 . 15 ' filled. The lubricating properties of the respective lubricants 15 . 15 ' differ from each other. The dimensions and the volume of the respective depot section 14 are chosen so that the amount of lubricant 15 . 15 ' for the life of the rolling bearing 2 is sufficient.

The cage 1 is in the embodiment of 1 made of a material with porous properties, allowing a release of the respective lubricant 15 . 15 ' from the corresponding depot section 14 over a porous section 16 of the cage 1 he follows. The depot sections are through an inner wall 17 separated from each other. In operation of the rolling bearing 2 becomes the lubricant 15 . 15 ' under the action of a radial direction 19 acting force, z. B. under the action of a centrifugal force, from the respective depot section 14 pushed out and directly on the track 7 of the rolling element 4 dosed. By the movement of the rolling element 4 becomes the lubricant 15 . 15 ' then evenly on the track 7 distributed. The higher the speed of the cage 1 and accordingly also the rolling element 4 is, the larger is the radial direction 19 acting radial force, and the larger is that from the depot section 14 on the inner ring 5 delivered amount of lubricant 15 . 15 ' , so that automatically a speed-dependent lubricant delivery takes place.

The porosity of the porous sections 16 differs among themselves, depending on which depot section 14 the porous section 16 assigned. This ensures that automatically the different lubricants 15 . 15 ' , speed-dependent in a different mixing ratio on the track 7 be dosed. For example, the lubricant 15 ' have a higher viscosity, such that z. B. only under the action of a higher, in the radial direction 19 acting force a tax from the corresponding depot section 14 over the porous section 16 is possible. Because of the porous section 16 , the corresponding depot section 14 is assigned, has a higher porosity, so a larger pore density, increases the proportion of the output at a higher speed lubricant 15 ' relatively faster than the proportion of the lubricant delivered 15 , Thus, by choosing the lubricating properties of the lubricants 15 . 15 ' and the porosity of the corresponding porous section 16 the suitable mixing ratio of the lubricants 15 . 15 ' be set for the respective speed range.

In the embodiment of 2 are the lubricants 15 . 15 ' each by means of a sponge 26 , respectively, of the corresponding lubricant 15 . 15 ' saturated, in the respective deposit section 14 stored. Due to this, the respective depot sections must 14 of the depot room 11 not like in 1 represented by a partition wall 17 be separated from each other.

The delivery of the respective lubricant 15 . 15 ' from the corresponding depot section 14 happens over a number of channels 27 in the radial direction 19 are oriented. In operation of the rolling bearing 2 becomes the lubricant 15 . 15 ' under the action of a radial direction 19 acting force from the respective depot section 14 pushed out and on the career path 7 of the rolling element 4 dosed, causing the lubricant 15 . 15 ' evenly on the track 7 is distributed.

The individual channels 27 have a different diameter 30 and thus a different opening cross-section. This lubricant-specific optimal release amount from the respective depot section 14 to be controlled.

In the individual depot sections 14 are lubricants 15 . 15 ' preferably filled with different viscosities. In this case, in particular, a lubricant 15 ' for lubrication at a low temperature up to a limit T1. The other lubricant 15 is intended for lubrication at a higher temperature from a T2 limit. Each depot section 14 is one channel each 27 assigned, over which the respective lubricant 15 . 15 ' under the action of a radial direction 19 acting force from the respective depot section 14 is discharged and directly on the career path 7 is dosed.

To a temperature-dependent release of one of the lubricants 15 . 15 ' from the respective depot section 14 to control is in the embodiment of 3 in one of the channels 27 as a closure component, a tube 31 inserted from a plastic. The picture shows the condition of the cage 1 as it appears at a high operating temperature that is above T1:
The tube 31 is in the channel 27 inserted in the depot section 14 with the lubricant provided for a low temperature 15 ' assigned. In the illustrated state, ie at a high operating temperature above a value T1, the inserted tube closes 31 the channel 27 and thus prevents the release of the corresponding lubricant 15 ' , In this case, if the temperature drops below a value T1, then the expansion of the tube "shrinks" 31 such that a flow of the lubricant 15 ' is possible.

It is different with the channel 27 , the depository section 14 with the lubricant 15 is assigned for lubrication at a high temperature. The diameter 30 this channel 27 is chosen so that at a high temperature which is above a value T2, a release of the corresponding lubricant 15 is possible. In this case, if the temperature drops below the given limit value T2, the viscosity of the lubricant increases on the one hand 15 with which the lubricant 15 becomes viscous. On the other hand, the diameter "shrinks" 30 of the canal 27 , Overall, therefore, the lubricant 15 no longer through the channel 27 can flow. This will automatically be adapted to the given temperature condition lubrication of the bearing 2 guaranteed.

1

Cage

2

roller bearing

3

bag

4

rolling elements

5

inner ring

6

outer ring

7

career

10

movement direction

11

depot space

14

depot section

15 15 '

lubricant

16

porous section

17

partition wall

19

radial direction

26

sponge

27

channel

30

diameter

31

tube

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - US 7114852 B2 [0004]

Claims (14)

Cage ( 1 ) for receiving a number of rolling elements ( 4 ) of a rolling bearing ( 2 ), with a number of the rolling elements ( 4 ) receiving pockets ( 3 ), with the cage ( 1 ) at least one with a lubricant ( 15 . 15 ' ) filled depot space ( 11 ) to a release of the lubricant ( 15 . 15 ' ) in operation, characterized in that the depot space ( 11 ) at least two depot sections ( 14 ), in which different lubricants ( 15 . 15 ' ) and that each depot section ( 14 ) at least one lubricant-permeable passage area ( 16 . 27 ) for dispensing the lubricant ( 15 . 15 ' ). Cage ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the passband ( 16 . 27 ) and / or the lubricants ( 15 . 15 ' ) are formed such that the delivery of the respective lubricant ( 15 . 15 ' ) takes place as a function of a current operating state. Cage ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lubricants ( 15 . 15 ' ) have different viscosities. Cage ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passband ( 16 . 27 ) in the radial direction ( 19 ) is oriented. Cage ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one porous section ( 16 ), which forms the passage region, wherein the porous portion ( 16 ) for dispensing the lubricant ( 15 . 15 ' ) is provided. Cage ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passage region comprises a channel ( 27 ) for dispensing the lubricant ( 15 . 15 ' ). Cage ( 1 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the channels ( 27 ) for the depot sections ( 14 ) have different opening cross sections. Cage ( 1 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the opening cross-section of the channel ( 27 ) is variable. Cage ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passband ( 16 . 27 ) a closure component ( 31 ), wherein the closure component ( 31 ) is provided, depending on an environmental condition, the passband ( 16 . 27 ) for the delivery of the lubricant ( 15 . 15 ' ) to open. Cage ( 1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the closure component ( 31 ) is provided, depending on an environmental condition, the passband ( 16 . 27 ) for the delivery of the lubricant ( 15 . 15 ' ) close. Cage ( 1 ) according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the closure component ( 31 ) acts only once depending on an extraordinary environmental condition. Cage ( 1 ) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the closure component ( 31 ) acts temperature-dependent, for which purpose a material pairing with different thermal expansion coefficients is provided. Cage ( 1 ) according to claim 12, characterized in that for the formation of the temperature-dependent acting closure component in the channel ( 27 ) a tube ( 31 ), wherein the thermal expansion coefficients of the tube ( 31 ) and of the channel ( 27 ) are different. Method for lubricating a roller bearing ( 2 ) with a cage ( 1 ), in which a number of rolling elements ( 4 ) in bags ( 3 ), wherein for the lubrication of the rolling bearings ( 2 )) from one with a lubricant ( 15 . 15 ' ) filled depot space ( 11 ) of the cage ( 1 ) in the operation of lubricant ( 15 . 15 ' ) is characterized in that in the cage at least two different lubricants ( 15 . 15 ' ) are stored and that the rolling bearing ( 2 ) is lubricated according to demand at least with one of the two lubricants.