DE102009007014B4 - Bearing arrangement with at least two bearings located at an axial distance - Google Patents

Abstract

Bearing arrangement with at least two axially spaced bearings, each comprising at least one inner ring (19, 21), the two inner rings (19, 21) having differently sized bore diameters, with a sleeve-shaped one between the two inner rings (19, 21) Connecting piece (23) is arranged with a substantially frustoconical shape, the connecting piece (23) in its axial end regions having an inner diameter which corresponds to the respective bore diameter of the adjacent inner rings (19, 21), so that contact points (25, 27) between the Connecting piece and the inner rings (19, 21) are formed, the spacer at each contact point (25, 27) having at least one at least partially radially circumferential projection (29, 31) which is designed such that it mounts the respective inner ring (19, 21 ) at least partially overlaps axially, the projection (29, 31) and / or the inner ring (19, 21) in the area ch an overlap area defined by the overlap of the overhang (29, 31) and the inner ring (19, 21) is designed in such a way that there is a frictional connection between the overhang (29, 31) and the inner ring (19, 21), the overhang ( 29, 31) is designed such that it overlaps the corresponding inner ring (19, 21) with respect to the radial direction from the outside.

Description

The present invention relates to a bearing arrangement with at least two axially spaced bearings, each comprising at least one inner ring, the two inner rings having differently sized bore diameters, a sleeve-shaped spacer with an essentially frustoconical shape being arranged between the two inner rings, wherein the spacer has an inner diameter in its axial end regions, which corresponds to the respective bore diameter of the adjacent inner rings, so that contact points arise between the spacer and the inner rings.

Such bearing arrangements are known. They are used, for example, in wheel bearings, preferably in trucks. The two inner rings of the bearing arrangement allow a wheel bearing to be rotatably supported on a wheel axle which engages in the inner rings of the bearing arrangement. The spacer serves to secure the inner rings against axial slipping. The wheel axis has two different sections of different circumference in the axial direction. The circumferences correspond to the bore diameters of the inner rings, so that a positive fit of the wheel axle within the inner rings is made possible. Between the sections of different circumferences there is another section, the circumference of which varies corresponding to the truncated cone-shaped spacer, so that a positive fit of the wheel axle in the spacer is also possible here. To simplify mounting of the wheel carrier on the wheel axle, the inner ring of smaller diameter is arranged on an outer side with respect to the direction of insertion of the wheel axle and the inner ring of larger diameter is arranged on an inner side of the wheel carrier. The circumference of the wheel axle corresponds to the bore diameters of the inner rings and the spacer in such a way that when the wheel carrier is mounted on the wheel axle, the section of smaller circumference must first be passed through the inner ring of larger diameter and the spacer, which is easily possible due to the size relationships. Once the smaller circumference section is fully inserted into the smaller diameter inner ring, the frustoconical section is in the spacer and the larger circumference section is in the larger diameter inner ring.

In the case of the three-part construction described, it turns out to be problematic for the assembly that the spacer in the basic construction is not secured against axial slipping. As a result, there can be no smooth transition between the inner rings and the spacer, so that the wheel axle can hit the spacer itself or the smaller inner ring when it is inserted into the wheel bearing. This makes assembly difficult.

A solution to this problem is in the US 5,757,084 A disclosed. A cylindrical auxiliary element is introduced into the wheel bearing, the circumference of which corresponds to the bore diameter of the smaller inner ring. In the axial direction it is larger than the smaller inner ring, so that if it is positioned appropriately in the wheel bearing, it holds the spacer in position. When the wheel axle is inserted, the auxiliary element is pushed outwards from the wheel bearing. When the auxiliary element is introduced, however, the basic problem continues, only the assembly of the wheel axle is made easier.

Wheel bearings are also known in which the two inner rings have the same inner diameter. Here, too, the inner rings are often secured against axial slipping by a spacer. From the US 7,121,728 B2 such a wheel bearing is known. Here, the spacer is held in the intended position by an internal support ring. The inner rings have sections at the facing ends with a slightly larger inner diameter, which corresponds to the outer diameter of the support ring. There is space for the thin support ring, so that a smooth, continuous inner surface is created to accommodate the wheel axle. The support ring also has two circumferential formations, which engage positively in correspondingly shaped grooves on the inner sides of the inner rings in the section of the larger inner diameter. This ensures that the individual components slip during assembly. The use of such a support ring in principle solves the problem of the spacer slipping, but with a significantly increased production outlay.

The publication EP 0126607 A2 discloses a wheel bearing assembly with two tapered roller bearings and an intermediate spacer and document US 5492419 A describes a gearbox bearing. In addition, the publication discloses GB 691084 A Bearing arrangements and the document DE 10 2004 043 351 A1 describes a rolling bearing arrangement. The publication also discloses US 6786645 B2 a bearing for a vehicle wheel.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a simply constructed bearing arrangement for preferred use in a wheel bearing, in which the problems described are largely avoided.

The object is achieved by a bearing arrangement with the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous refinements are the subject of Subclaims or can be found in the following description.

A bearing arrangement is specified with at least two bearings located at an axial distance, each of which comprises at least one inner ring, the two inner rings having differently sized bore diameters, a sleeve-shaped connecting piece with an essentially frustoconical shape being arranged between the two inner rings, the The connector in its axial end regions has an inner diameter which corresponds to the respective bore diameter of the adjacent inner rings, so that contact points are formed between the connector and the inner rings. The spacer has at least one at least partially radially circumferential projection at each contact point, which is designed such that it at least partially axially overlaps the respective inner ring. The cantilever protects the spacer against radial slipping, so that the problems encountered with known solutions during assembly are avoided. The spacer is preferably made in one piece, so that the fixation results without the use of an additional fuse. In the case of the relative arrangement of the inner rings and the spacer sleeve, it should preferably be noted that the transition between the inner rings and the spacer sleeve is as smooth as possible on the inner sides, so that the wheel hub can be inserted as easily as possible. At least in the direction of insertion of the wheel hub, there should be no increase at the transitions so that the wheel hub cannot hit.

Corresponding spacer sleeves can also be used in bearing arrangements in which the inner rings have the same inner diameter. In this case, the spacer sleeve should not be frustoconical, but cylindrical with an adapted inner diameter. The cantilevers can be arranged analogously, so that slipping is prevented in a simple manner.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the projections is designed such that it overlaps the corresponding inner ring with respect to the radial direction from the outside. With this arrangement, the wheel hub does not come into contact with the projection during assembly, so that damage is excluded and the securing of the spacer sleeve is ensured.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, at least one of the projections is designed such that it overlaps the corresponding inner ring with respect to the radial direction from the inside. This design of the cantilever offers a simple possibility of securely fixing the spacer sleeve in its position.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the projections are arranged on the outside of the spacer in the radial direction. Such a spacer is particularly easy to manufacture. For example, the overhang can be produced from a prefabricated frustoconical tube by removing some material from the inside at the ends, so that a larger inner diameter is produced in end regions of the spacer, which corresponds to the outer diameter of the inner ring to be overlapped. The material can be removed by turning, for example.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the projections are designed to run completely radially all around. This version has the greatest possible stability, so that the spacer sleeve remains securely in its position even under heavy loads.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cantilever and / or the inner ring are designed in the region of an overlap area defined by the overlap of the cantilever and the inner ring in such a way that a frictional connection is created between the cantilever and the inner ring. In this version, the components are secured against axial slipping so that they can be pre-assembled and prepared for installation in a wheel suspension, for example. Such a bearing arrangement has great stability and can be preassembled in a simple manner.

Further advantages and refinements of the invention result from the exemplary embodiments described below in connection with the attached figure.

As a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, the figure shows sections of a wheel bearing in radial section. Only components relevant to the description of the exemplary embodiment are shown and described below. The wheel bearing comprises a carrier unit 1 to attach a rim to the wheel bearing. Two roller bearings 3 and 5 serve for the rotatable mounting of the wheel bearing on a wheel axle, not shown here. The roller bearings 3 and 5 each have an outer ring 7 respectively. 9 , Rolling elements 11 respectively. 13 , Cages 15 respectively. 17 and inner rings 19 respectively. 21 on. The inner rings 19 and 21 are of different sizes with regard to their bore diameter, with the smaller inner ring 19 in relation to the direction of insertion of the wheel axle behind the larger inner ring 21 is arranged.

The roller bearings 3 and 5 are spaced apart in the axial direction. Between the roller bearings 3 and 5 is a spacer 23 arranged that in contact with the inner rings 19 and 21 stands and so the axial distance of the rolling bearings 3 and 5 sets. The spacer is sleeve-shaped so that the wheel axle can be passed through. The bore diameter of the spacer is selected such that it is at radially circumferential contact points 25 and 27 with the inner rings 19 respectively. 21 the respective bore diameter of the adjacent inner ring 19 respectively. 21 is essentially aligned. If necessary, it can be made slightly smaller or larger. It is important to ensure that the component with the smaller bore diameter is always positioned further forward in relation to the insertion direction of the wheel axle. This prevents places where easy insertion of the wheel axle is hindered by hitting projections. The selected design of the spacer gives it an essentially frustoconical shape. Near the contact points 25 and 27 can the spacer 23 each have a section with a constant bore diameter.

The spacer 23 each end has a projection 29 respectively. 31 on. These are shaped in such a way that they each have one of the inner rings 19 respectively. 21 enclose radially all around. For this purpose, they have an inner radius that corresponds to the outer radius of the corresponding inner ring 19 respectively. 21 equivalent. This is a form-fitting enclosure of the inner rings 19 respectively. 21 reached in the outer area, causing a radial displacement of the spacer 23 relative to the inner rings 19 and 21 is prevented. The spacer 23 is consequently held in the position shown, so that the wheel axle can be inserted without problems.

The cantilevers 29 and 31 can, for example, by turning material from a blank of the spacer 23 getting produced. The blank thus initially has a constant material thickness. In the end area of the blank, material is removed from the inside, so that the overhangs 29 and 31 arise. Here are the inner surfaces of the cantilevers 29 and 31 to be designed such that a positive overlap of the inner rings 19 and 21 is made possible. The material thickness can also be increased at the ends in order to be able to produce a more stable projection.

To ensure a smooth and stable transition between a sloping, central area of the spacer 23 and the areas of the cantilevers 29 and 31 to create, the spacer points 23 shortly before the overhangs 29 respectively. 31 a transition to an area with a constant outside diameter. This enables stable cantilevers in particular 29 and 31 create with constant material thickness. The spacer points for additional stabilization 23 another optional thickening 33 with increased material thickness before the overhang 31 on. This can also be done before the overhang 29 or in front of both overhangs 29 and 31 be trained.

For the assembly of the wheel bearing, it is advantageous if the inner rings 19 and 21 and the spacer 23 are axially biased against each other. By means of the overhangs 29 and 31 With a suitable design, there can be a frictional connection between the inner rings 19 respectively. 21 and the spacer 23 achieve so that an axial tension after mounting the spacer 23 is maintained. The axial tension can be generated, for example, by compressing it. Methods are known to the person skilled in the art to generate a frictional connection. So can be used in the manufacture of inner rings 19 and 21 , as well as the overhangs 29 and 31 For example, create rough surfaces in the area of the overlap.

The contact points can advantageously be used 25 and 27 between the spacer 23 and the inner rings 19 respectively. 21 provide a sealing element, for example a rubber ring. This seals the area of the roller bearings from the area for receiving the wheel axle, so that no moisture can penetrate. Alternatively, the inside of the cantilevers 29 and 31 coat with sealing varnish so that a sealing effect occurs after assembly.

Due to the construction of the bearing arrangement according to the invention, it is possible to have the opposite end faces of the inner rings 19 and 21 , as well as the spacer 23 plan to perform, since they do not have to serve the axial fixation by special design. In this way, the internal clearance can be kept as low as possible.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

support unit

3.5

roller bearing

7.9

outer ring

11.13

rolling elements

15.17

Cage

19.21

inner ring

23

spacer

25.27

contact point

29.31

projection

33

thickening

Claims (9)

Bearing arrangement with at least two axially spaced bearings, each comprising at least one inner ring (19, 21), the two inner rings (19, 21) having differently dimensioned bore diameters, with a sleeve-shaped one between the two inner rings (19, 21) Connecting piece (23) is arranged with a substantially frustoconical shape, the connecting piece (23) in its axial end regions having an inner diameter which corresponds to the respective bore diameter of the adjacent inner rings (19, 21), so that contact points (25, 27) between the The connecting piece and the inner rings (19, 21) are formed, the spacer at each contact point (25, 27) having at least one at least partially radially circumferential projection (29, 31) which is designed such that it mounts the respective inner ring (19, 21 ) axially overlapped at least partially, wherein the overhang (29, 31) and / or the inner ring (19, 21) are designed in the region of an overlap area defined by the overlap of the overhang (29, 31) and the inner ring (19, 21) such that a frictional connection between the overhang (29, 31) and the inner ring (19, 21), the projection (29, 31) being designed such that it overlaps the corresponding inner ring (19, 21) with respect to the radial direction from the outside. Bearing arrangement with at least two axially spaced bearings, each comprising at least one inner ring (19, 21), the two inner rings (19, 21) having differently dimensioned bore diameters, with a sleeve-shaped one between the two inner rings (19, 21) Connecting piece (23) is arranged with a substantially frustoconical shape, the connecting piece (23) in its axial end regions having an inner diameter which corresponds to the respective bore diameter of the adjacent inner rings (19, 21), so that contact points (25, 27) between the The connecting piece and the inner rings (19, 21) are formed, the spacer at each contact point (25, 27) having at least one at least partially radially circumferential projection (29, 31) which is designed such that it mounts the respective inner ring (19, 21 ) axially overlapped at least partially, wherein the overhang (29, 31) and / or the inner ring (19, 21) are designed in the region of an overlap area defined by the overlap of the overhang (29, 31) and the inner ring (19, 21) such that a frictional connection between the overhang (29, 31) and the inner ring (19, 21), the inside of the projections (29, 31) being coated with sealing lacquer. Bearing arrangement after Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the projections (29, 31) are arranged in the radial direction on the outside of the spacer. Bearing arrangement after Claim 1 . 2 or 3 , wherein the projections (29, 31) are each completely radially circumferential. Bearing arrangement after Claim 1 . 2 or 3 The projection (29, 31) is designed such that it at least partially radially surrounds the respective inner ring (19, 21) in a form-fitting manner. Bearing arrangement according to one of the above claims, wherein the inner ring (19, 21) at least in the area of the overlap area and the projection (29, 31) in the area of the overlap area have such a rough surface that the frictional connection occurs. Bearing arrangement after Claim 1 A sealing element is provided at each contact point (25, 27). Bearing arrangement according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the bearings are designed as roller bearings (3, 5). Bearing arrangement according to one of the above claims, characterized in that it is part of a wheel bearing.

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