DE102008020853A1 - Roller bearing, particularly needle bearing for supporting steering shaft of vehicle, has outer ring forming outer rolling body raceway, and part integrally connected with outer ring - Google Patents

Abstract

The roller bearing (1) has an outer ring (130) forming an outer rolling body raceway, and a part integrally connected with outer ring. The part concentrically encloses the outer ring, and has a wall. The wall has a front side, whose orthogonal surface (FO) is aligned in the longitudinal direction (L) of the roller bearing. An independent claim is included for a tolerance ring for bridging a radial distance between a roller bearing.

Description

Field of the invention

The The invention relates to a rolling bearing, in particular a needle bearing, for supporting a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, comprising at least an outer rolling raceway forming outer ring and at least one piece connected to the outer ring, this concentrically surrounding Part which has a wall which at least partially with their longitudinal extent in the longitudinal direction of the rolling bearing is aligned. Furthermore, the invention relates to a tolerance ring for bridging a radial distance between a rolling bearing and a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, with a radial outer surface for contact with the rolling bearing and a radial inner surface for engagement with the steering shaft.

Background of the invention

such Rolling bearings serve the steering shaft of a motor vehicle to store stable against the steering housing and so to a perfect function of the steering of a motor vehicle contribute.

From the series production of the applicant a generic rolling bearing is known ( 1 ). Specifically, it is a needle roller bearing. The integrally connected to an outer ring, this concentrically surrounding part, has a wall with substantially three sections. Starting from the outer ring of the bearing, the first wall portion extends radially outward and then passes by means of a first bend in a second wall portion, which points with its longitudinal extent in the longitudinal direction of the rolling bearing. A third wall section, which in turn extends radially inwards, likewise adjoins the second wall section by means of a bend.

conditioned by the said bends, the known rolling bearing on its outer diameter thus on both sides radii on. In the assembled state of the steering shaft in a tubular Steering housing is to the rolling bearing for transmission of axial forces (for example crash loads) a sufficient axial stop are available. The axial stop is in this case usually by a radial inner shoulder of the realized tubular steering housing, against the the outer diameter of the rolling bearing abuts. Because of the radii of the rolling bearing outer diameter must the inner shoulder of the tubular steering housing however, bigger ones are chosen, leading to Weight and cost increases leads.

From the DE 102 20 688 A1 the applicant is another rolling bearing for supporting a steering shaft known. The rolling bearing is designed as an angular contact ball bearing with a bearing inner ring, a bearing outer ring and a radially inner Tolleranzring arranged. The bearing outer ring in this case has a wall, which merges into a wall section following the region forming the rolling body track, which is aligned axially with its longitudinal extent in the longitudinal direction of the rolling bearing. Finally, the wall merges into a radially outwardly bent wall section, wherein the wall has an end face whose surface orthogonal also points radially outward.

In the DE 198 55 538 A1 The applicant is a tolerance ring is described, which is used in conjunction with a steering bearing. Tolerance rings, which are used between a steering shaft and arranged on the steering shaft steering bearings, for example, to compensate for differences (diameter differences) between the steering shaft and the steering bearing to keep sliding forces between the steering shaft and the steering bearing in desired orders, dampen shocks and vibrations and to transmit steering forces or steering moments between the steering shaft and the steering bearing. To fulfill the latter task, the tolerance ring is provided on its radially inner surface with a longitudinal rib-like internal toothing, which cooperates with a corresponding external toothing of the steering shaft substantially form-fitting manner.

Object of the invention

outgoing from the solutions of the known prior art The invention is based on the object, a generic To develop rolling bearings in such a way that on the one hand a safer Axial stop of the rolling bearing on the inner shoulder of a tubular Part, in particular a steering housing guaranteed is, on the other hand, as cost-effective as possible Solution is feasible.

Description of the invention

Of the Invention is based on the finding that bends in the Wall of a generic rolling bearing the effort for its safe axial support increase significantly in a tubular part.

The invention is therefore based on a rolling bearing, in particular needle bearing, for supporting a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one outer race forming a rolling outer race and at least one integrally connected to the outer ring, this concentrically around giving part, which is a wall has, which is at least partially aligned with its longitudinal extent in the longitudinal direction of the rolling bearing. In addition, the invention provides that the wall has at least one end face whose surface orthogonal is aligned substantially in the longitudinal direction of the rolling bearing.

By This structure is achieved that the front of the wall with the corresponding wall thickness completely against the plant an inner shoulder of a tubular part, for example a Steering housing can serve. The inner shoulder of the steering housing need only be very small, which only very small material additions necessary and cost-effective to manufacture Solution leads.

The Subclaims describe preferred developments or Embodiments of the invention.

According to one first embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the wall has a deburring in the area of the front side. Deburring can be done, for example, by scrubbing and can the risk of chip formation during assembly of the rolling bearing reduce or completely exclude.

According to one second embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the rolling bearing at least one an inner roller raceway having inner ring, with a wall, wherein in longitudinal section the rolling bearing views a part of the wall in the longitudinal direction and two parts aligned in the radial direction of the rolling bearing are. By this measure, the provision of a captive unit consisting of outer ring and inner ring possible.

It is further advantageous if the wall of the outer ring at least partially with a radially inward direction Flare is provided. So can in a simple way axial stop for a bearing cage of the rolling body will be realized. Preferably, at both axial ends of the Outer ring such, inwardly directed curl available.

moreover is in accordance with an appropriate Development of the invention provided that the inner ring a Slit extending, in the longitudinal direction of the inner ring considered extending from one side to the other side of the inner ring. Here, the longitudinal orientation of the slot runs preferably at an angle to the longitudinal orientation of the inner ring, which is not equal to 0 ° or 90 °. This becomes the a trouble-free rolling over of the rolling elements On the other hand, this is the prerequisite created, the inner ring can expand radially and thus achieved a certain radial backlash of the bearing can be.

Of Furthermore, a tolerance ring is proposed for bridging a radial distance between the rolling bearing and the Steering shaft of a motor vehicle, with a radial outer surface for engagement with the rolling bearing and a radial inner surface for contact with the steering shaft. According to the invention between the outer surface and the inner surface at least partially provided a clear space or cavity. It can advantageously provided several spaces be, which - preferably evenly - over to distribute the scope of the tolerance ring. Alternatively may be suitably provided that a cavity is present, which is essentially over extends the entire circumference of the tolerance ring. Through this constructive Measures, the tolerance ring occurring tolerances compensate very flexibly and also movements of the steering shaft well take up.

According to one most appropriate embodiment of Invention it is provided that the radial inner surface of the tolerance ring has a contour with a contour of Steering shaft substantially coincides. By the thus produced positive connection is a safe transmission of steering torque possible.

to on demand, in particular reduction of Axial displacement force of the steering shaft may suitably be provided that the radial outer surface and the radial inner surface of the tolerance ring in their Width differ from each other, preferably the width of the radial inner surface is less than the width of the radial outer surface.

If the tolerance ring advantageously one in the longitudinal direction running through, continuous slot is also a very easy final assembly of the tolerance ring possible.

Brief description of the drawings

The The invention will be described below in several preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings explained. Showing:

1 a known, generic rolling bearing of the applicant;

2 a longitudinal section through an inventive rolling bearing with a schematically illustrated tolerance ring;

3 the rolling bearing according to 2 in pers pectic representation in longitudinal section without tolerance ring;

4 a first embodiment of a tolerance ring according to the invention;

5 a second embodiment of a tolerance ring according to the invention;

6 a third embodiment of a tolerance ring according to the invention;

7 a perspective view of the rolling bearing mounted in a tubular steering housing according to the invention, again with a tolerance ring shown in principle.

Detailed description the drawings

In 1 is a rolling bearing 6 represented according to the prior art. It has needle-shaped rolling elements 610 up in a storage cage 611 be guided. The rolling elements 610 roll on one through an outer ring 620 formed outer rolling element raceway. With the outer ring 620 is a first, radially outwardly directed wall section 621 a rolling bearing outer part 62 integrally connected. At the wall section 621 closes a second axially aligned wall section 622 and to this in turn a radially inwardly directed wall section 623 at.

The outer ring 620 and the wall sections 621 to 623 are drawn from a metal sheet, with the wall sections 621 to 623 are connected by radii r. However, these radii r are for an axial abutment of the wall sections 621 or 623 at a anyway only very small contact surface of a radial inner shoulder in a tubular steering housing unsuitable. This is also on the radial inner shoulder of the steering housing 300 in 7 directed.

In the 2 and 3 , Which is an inventive rolling bearing 1 show is the rolling bearing 1 on a tolerance ring 2 assembled. The rolling bearing 1 has acicular rolling elements 11 on, between an inner rolling raceway forming, sleeve-like inner ring 10 and an outer race forming an outer race 130 roll off. The inner ring 10 has a central, axially oriented wall portion 101 and two axially outer, radially oriented wall sections 102 on.

It should also be mentioned that the inner ring 10 is provided with an obliquely to its longitudinal axis L extending slot (not shown), extending from one axial side to the other axial side of the inner ring 10 extends.

The rolling elements 11 be in a camp cage 12 made of sheet metal held at a distance, with the outer ring 130 with three, about 120 ° around the circumference of the rolling bearing 1 distributed, radially inwardly facing crimps 135 is provided. These curls 135 serve as an axial stop for the bearing cage 12 , Axially opposite the outer ring 130 a radially inwardly facing annular flange 136 have, as an axial stop for the needle-shaped rolling elements 11 can serve.

The outer ring 130 is integral with a first, radially outwardly extending wall portion 131 a rolling bearing outer part 13 connected. At the wall section 131 closes in the longitudinal or axial direction L of the bearing 1 extending second wall section 132 at. The outer ring 130 and the wall sections 131 and 132 are made of a drawn sheet metal.

The wall section 132 ends with a front side 133 , whose surface has a surface orthogonal FO, substantially in the longitudinal direction L or axial direction of the rolling bearing 1 is aligned. This front page 133 has a radial outer edge 134 on. As a result of this relatively sharp-edged geometry compared to the prior art, an axial stop with only a small contact surface (as in FIG 7 with reference number 300 shown). However, it is beneficial and therefore recommended if the wall section 132 in the area of the front side 133 is deburred, preferably by scrubbing. This can be during assembly, in which the rolling bearing 1 with the wall 132 in a steering box 3 ( 7 ) is pushed, the risk of chip formation are largely excluded.

The already mentioned tolerance ring 2 is only shown in principle. It is a catch element 20 recognizable, which is the mounting of the tolerance ring 2 with the rolling bearing 1 facilitated. Furthermore, the tolerance ring 2 an inner bore 21 on, which serves to receive a (not shown) steering shaft. The tolerance ring may for example be made of plastic (Pa66). It is in 2 recognizable that the tolerance ring 2 with a surface of an unspecified ferred radial flange on the wall 131 is applied. It can also be seen that the rolling bearing 1 or the inner ring 10 on a between locking element 20 and radial flange located radially outer surface of the tolerance ring 2 rest.

The 4 now shows a first embodiment 40 a tolerance ring according to the invention in detail. The tolerance ring 40 has a radial outer surface 41 for contact with the rolling bearing 1 and a ra diale inner surface 42 to rest on a steering shaft, not shown. Furthermore, a notch-like, axially and radially aligned material thinning 45 to make the tolerance ring more flexible 2 intended.

Within the radial outer surface 41 of the tolerance ring 40 are four locking elements 44 about 90 ° around the circumference of the outer surface 41 arranged distributed to the latching or clip-like mounting of the tolerance ring 2 with the rolling bearing 1 serve. The tolerance ring 40 further points between the outer surface 41 and the inner surface 42 four shaped clear spaces 43 on. These spaces 43 are about 90 ° around the circumference of the tolerance ring 40 distributed and circumferentially each between the locking elements 44 arranged. It can also be seen that the outer surface 41 an axial width B1 and the inner surface 42 has an axial width B2, wherein the widths B1 and B2 are approximately equal here. Further, an outwardly directed, circumferential radial flange 46 as an attachment for the rolling bearing 2 can serve.

In 5 is a second embodiment of a tolerance ring 30 shown. The tolerance ring 30 also has a radial outer surface 31 and a radial inner surface 32 on, being between these surfaces 31 . 32 also clear spaces 33 (in with 4 comparable manner) are introduced. Again, the radial outer surface 31 or the radial inner surface 32 axial widths B1 and B2, which differ from each other in this embodiment. Specifically, the axial width B2 of the radial inner surface 32 significantly smaller (about half the width) as the axial width B1 of the ra dialen outer surface 31 , Again, there is a circumferential radial flange 36 to see. Furthermore, locking elements 34 , comparable to the tolerance ring 40 according to 4 , available.

The gaps 33 respectively. 43 increase the flexibility or damping property of the tolerance rings 30 respectively. 40 , By choosing the width B1 of the radial inner surface 32 respectively. 42 An applied axial displacement force of the tolerance rings relative to a steering shaft (not shown) can be influenced.

In 6 is a tolerance ring 50 made of rubber (for example made of the material NBR65), wherein the hardness of the rubber can be varied. Among other things, this depends on how well movements of the steering shaft can be absorbed or damped. Again, there is a radial outer surface 51 and a radial inner surface 52 recognizable. In contrast to the tolerance rings already described 30 and 40 has the tolerance ring 50 a longitudinal gap S on, whereby a simplified assembly of the tolerance ring 50 is possible. Furthermore, the tolerance ring 50 an annular cavity 53 on, between the radial outer surface 51 and the radial inner surface 52 of the tolerance ring 50 is introduced. For mounting the rolling bearing 1 is a circumferential detent slope 54 available. A circumferential radial flange 56 for contact with a bearing outer ring is also in this tolerance ring 50 intended.

At old in the 4 to 6 shown tolerance rings, the radial inner surface has a cloverleaf-shaped inner contour. This serves to receive a (not shown) steering shaft with an equally cloverleaf-shaped outer contour. However, depending on the application and existing outer contour of the steering shaft, the inner contour of the tolerance rings can also be chosen differently.

In 7 is the rolling bearing of the invention 1 together with a tolerance ring, again only shown in principle 2 shown, wherein in a tubular steering housing 3 mounted state is shown. It can be seen that the wall 132 with her front side 133 against a radial In nenabsatz 300 of the steering housing 3 encounters. The radial inner shoulder 300 offers only a very small axial abutment surface and an effective axial stop of the rolling bearing 1 is only the angular, not bent contour in the area of the front side 133 possible.

During assembly, first the rolling bearing 1 with the inner ring 10 in the steering box 3 mounted or pushed into this. Subsequently, the tolerance ring 2 pushed onto the steering shaft and with the rolling bearing 1 clipped. The initially possibly still existing radial clearance of the rolling bearing 1 is due to the slotted inner ring 10 and the radially outwardly pressing tolerance ring 2 minimized.

1

inventive roller bearing

10

inner ring

101

middle Wall section of the inner ring

102

external Wall sections of the inner ring

11

rolling elements

12

bearing cage

13

Rolling bearing outer part

130

outer ring

131

first Wall section of the rolling bearing outer part

132

second Wall section of the rolling bearing outer part

133

front the wall of the second wall section

134

Radially outer Edge of the second wall section

135

flanging

136

flanging

2

tolerance ring (Schematic diagram)

20

locking element

21

internal bore of the tolerance ring

3

tubular steering housing

30

first Embodiment for tolerance ring

31

radial External surface for contact with the rolling bearing

32

radial Inner surface for contact with the steering shaft

33

lights Space between inner and outer surface

34

locking element

35

notch shaped material thinning

36

radial outer flange

300

radial Inner shoulder of the steering housing

40

second Embodiment for tolerance ring

41

radial External surface for contact with the rolling bearing

42

radial Inner surface for contact with the steering shaft

43

lights Space between inner and outer surface

44

locking element

45

notch shaped material thinning

46

radial outer flange

50

third Embodiment for tolerance ring

51

radial External surface for contact with the rolling bearing

52

radial Inner surface for contact with the steering shaft

53

cavity between inner and outer surface

54

Outstanding Rest slope

56

radial outer flange

6

roller bearing (State of the art)

62

Rolling bearing outer part

610

rolling elements

611

bearing cage

620

outer ring of the rolling bearing

621

first Wall section of the rolling bearing outer part

622

second Wall section of the rolling bearing outer part

623

third Wall section of the rolling bearing outer part

B1

axial Width of the radial outer surface

B2

axial Width of the radial inner surface

L

longitudinal direction of the rolling bearing

FO

Space Orthogonal

r

radii between the wall sections

S

longitudinal gap in the tolerance ring

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

• DE 10220688 A1 [0005]
• - DE 19855538 A1 [0006]

Claims (13)

Roller bearing ( 1 ), in particular needle bearing, for supporting a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one outer race forming an outer rolling raceway (US Pat. 130 ) and at least one integral with the outer ring ( 130 ), this concentrically surrounding part ( 13 ), which has a wall ( 131 . 132 ), which at least partially with its longitudinal extent in the longitudinal direction (L) of the rolling bearing ( 1 ), characterized in that the wall ( 132 ) at least one end face ( 133 ) whose surface orthogonal (FO) substantially in the longitudinal direction (L) of the rolling bearing ( 1 ) is aligned. Rolling bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that the wall ( 132 ) in the area of the front side ( 133 ) has a deburring. Rolling bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rolling bearing ( 1 ) at least one inner raceway forming an inner race ( 10 ), with a wall, wherein in the longitudinal section of the rolling bearing ( 1 ) considers a part ( 101 ) of the wall in the longitudinal direction (L) and two parts ( 102 ) in the radial direction of the rolling bearing ( 1 ) are aligned. Rolling bearing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall ( 131 ) of the outer ring ( 130 ) at least partially with a radially inwardly directed curl ( 135 . 136 ) is provided. Rolling bearing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner ring ( 10 ) has a slot which, in the longitudinal direction of the inner ring ( 10 ), from one side to the other side of the inner ring ( 10 ). Rolling bearing according to claim 5, characterized in that the longitudinal orientation of the slot at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the inner ring ( 10 ), which is not equal to 0 ° or 90 °. Tolerance ring ( 30 . 40 . 50 ) for bridging a radial distance between a rolling bearing ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6 and a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, with a radial outer surface ( 31 . 41 . 51 ) for contact with the rolling bearing ( 1 ) and a radial inner surface ( 32 . 42 . 52 ) for engagement with the steering shaft, characterized in that between the outer surface ( 31 . 41 . 51 ) and the inner surface ( 32 . 42 . 52 ) at least partially a clear space or cavity ( 33 . 43 . 53 ) is provided. Tolerance ring ( 30 . 40 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that several intermediate spaces ( 33 ; 43 ) are provided, which are beyond the scope of the tolerance ring ( 30 ; 40 ) are distributed. Tolerance ring ( 50 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that a cavity ( 53 ) is provided, which extends substantially over the entire circumference of the tolerance ring ( 50 ). Tolerance ring ( 30 . 40 . 50 ) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the radial inner surface ( 32 . 42 . 52 ) has a contour which substantially coincides with a contour of the steering shaft. Tolerance ring ( 30 ) according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the radial outer surface ( 31 ) and the radial inner surface ( 32 ) differ in their width (B1; B2). Tolerance ring ( 30 ) according to claim 11, characterized in that the width (B2) of the radial inner surface ( 32 ) of the tolerance ring ( 30 ) is smaller than the width (B1) of the radial outer surface ( 31 ) of the same. Tolerance ring ( 50 ) according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the tolerance ring ( 50 ) has a continuous slot (S) extending in its longitudinal direction.