DE102010048834A1 - roller bearing assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

Rolling bearing arrangement, comprising a rolling bearing with a stationary and a bearing ring rotating relative thereto and rolling bodies which roll between the bearing rings in a rolling element receiving space, the rolling element receiving space being sealed on at least one side by means of a labyrinth seal, two ring elements which are axially adjacent at least in sections being provided to form the labyrinth seal , wherein a first ring element (8) is assigned to the rotating bearing ring and has surface structures at least in sections, by means of which dirt penetrates or penetrates into the labyrinth seal (7) from the outside when the rotatable bearing ring and thus the first ring element (8) rotate Adjacent second ring element (9) openings at least partially formed are conveyed out of the labyrinth seal (7).

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a rolling bearing assembly, comprising a rolling bearing with a fixed and a relatively rotating bearing ring and rolling between the bearing rings in a Wälzkörperaufnahmeraum rolling elements, wherein the Wälzkörperaufnahmeraum is sealed at least one side by means of a labyrinth seal, wherein at least partially axially to form the labyrinth seal adjacent ring elements are provided.

Background of the invention

Rolling bearing assemblies are known in a variety of different types and applications. For example, these in the form of both radial and axial loads receiving angular contact ball bearings can be used approximately in Ausrücklageranordnungen, that is, as a release bearing.

For sealing rolling bearings against the leakage of bearing lubricants such as bearing grease or the like different sealing options are known. In this case, so-called non-contact seals, which do not heat up during rotation of the rolling bearing, are often preferred. These include, in particular, labyrinth seals, which are regularly formed by means of at least two axially adjacent ring elements, which delimit a narrow labyrinthine gap space. Due to the widespread in the axial direction seal shape of the lubricant or grease space is increased, resulting in longer lubrication intervals.

However, it is possible with sealed with labyrinth seals rolling bearings that solid and / or liquid contaminants, that is, in particular splash water, can pass through the labyrinth gears in the bearing interior, which may be a direct detriment to the running properties of the bearing and on the other to the Bearings can also cause adverse corrosion effects.

Summary of the invention

The invention is therefore based on the problem, a rolling bearing assembly with improved protection against the ingress of impurities from the outside, in particular wastewater specify.

The problem is solved by a rolling bearing arrangement of the type mentioned above, which is characterized in that a first ring member is associated with the rotating bearing ring and at least partially surface structuring, on the rotation of the rotatable bearing ring and thus the first ring member from the outside into the labyrinth seal penetrating or penetrated contamination by at the axially adjacent second ring element at least partially formed openings from the labyrinth seal are transported to the outside.

The invention thus presents a novel principle by which from the outside on the penetrating through the gap formed between the annular elements in the labyrinth seal or already partially penetrated solid and / or liquid contaminants, in particular spray, are prevented from penetrating into the Wälzkörperaufnahmeraum. The invention is based on the utilization of axially outwardly directed centrifugal or centrifugal forces arising on rotation of the rotating bearing ring, which together with the surface structuring formed on the first ring element convey said contaminations in the axial direction out of the rolling bearing. In order to make this possible, corresponding apertures or apertures are provided on the first annular element, axially opposite, that is, with respect to the rolling bearing axially outer second annular element, through which the contaminants are conveyed to the outside. Consequently, contamination occurs in the labyrinth seal, experience this rotationally realized by the surface structuring on the first ring element, directional change or influencing their flow direction from the labyrinth seal and thus out of the rolling bearing. The number of surface textures or openings may vary by design. Basically, the above-described effect is enhanced with a correspondingly high number of surface structuring or openings. The number of surface structures does not have to correspond to the number of openings.

In principle, the openings formed on the second ring element also allow contaminants to enter the labyrinth seal, but due to the countercurrent caused by the surface structuring, these immediately escape from the openings. Likewise, the geometry of the openings can advantageously be chosen such that, while permitting the outflow of contaminants, it is difficult or prevent the penetration of contaminants.

The surface structuring and the openings are expediently formed on respective radial ring element sections of the ring elements. The radial ring element sections, which in Direction of the radially inner or radially outer bearing ring extend, depending on where the respective ring member is arranged, that is, whether it is assigned to the radially outer or the radially inner bearing ring, serve as a preferred location for the arrangement of the surface structures respectively the openings, there such Centrifugally aligned flow control according to the invention is particularly effective. In this case, the ring element sections can at least partially overlap or at least partially run parallel to form the gap forming the labyrinth seal. It is conceivable that the radial ring element sections extend at least in sections angled with respect to the bearing axis, which may be beneficial to the inventive principle, that is, the transport of contaminants substantially axially outward from the rolling bearing in terms of flow optimization. In exceptional cases, of course, other locations of the arrangement of the surface structures or openings may be provided on the respective ring elements.

In a further development of the invention, the surface structuring on an axially with respect to the roller bearing ring element and the openings are formed on a side opposite this and with respect to the rolling bearing axially outer ring element section. This arrangement is essential for the proper functioning of the principle according to the invention, wherein the surface structuring convey solid and / or liquid contaminants axially outward through the openings of the axially adjacent ring element or the radial ring element section associated therewith from the rolling bearing or labyrinth seal.

In order to convey the contaminants as uniformly as possible with respect to the circumference of the ring elements from the rolling bearing, it is advantageously provided that the openings and the surface structuring are arranged distributed uniformly on the respective ring element sections or ring elements. Such is circumferentially given a constant effect of the correspondingly structured or perforated ring elements. In exceptional cases, the surface structuring or openings may also be arranged differently or distributed unevenly.

Preferably, the openings are formed as longitudinal slots. Longitudinal slots, that is elongate openings require a large passage area through the second ring element respectively the radial ring element section and thus support the escape of even relatively large amounts of dirt. The longitudinal slots preferably extending in the direction of rotation may have a flow-optimized shape in order to be optimized in terms of their shape in view of different levels of contamination. Likewise, the longitudinal slots are preferably designed such that the corresponding ring element section of the second ring element has the required mechanical properties. Of course, other opening geometries than longitudinal slots, for example, at least partially radially extending openings conceivable.

The surface structures are preferably formed as rising against the direction of rotation, with respect to the rolling bearing axially outwardly standing blade-like elevations. The correspondingly shaped blade-like elevations can be introduced, for example, by embossing operations in the ring member and are useful due to their trained against their preferred against the direction of rotation tendency of the axial transport of contaminants from the rolling bearing. Optionally, the surface structuring or a part of these may also increase in the direction of rotation. In principle, the opening angles of the respective blade-like elevations, which therefore also show preferably in the direction of rotation, should not be too great. Good results of the dirt-repellent effect achieved by the surface structuring can be achieved, for example, with opening angles in the range of approximately 20 to 40 °, in particular approximately 30 °. Of course, exceptionally larger or smaller than the above opening angle can be realized.

The effect of the blade-like elevations can be further improved if they extend radially obliquely outwardly with respect to the first ring element. The dirt in the labyrinth seal "paddling" effect can thereby be further increased, since in addition a radial influence on the flow direction of the contaminants can be generated, that is, the forces acting on the contaminants forces are increased, which is why these axially to a greater extent Labyrinth seal are crowded.

It is preferred that the first ring element is assigned to the radially inner bearing ring and the second ring element is assigned to the radially outer bearing ring. In this case, the radially inner bearing ring is insofar rotatable relative to the radially outer bearing ring, which also results in that the first ring element rotates relative to the second ring element. Of course, a reverse arrangement is possible, so therefore an arrangement of the first ring member on the radially outer rotating bearing ring, which rotates in this case relative to the fixed inner ring.

It is conceivable that the radially outer bearing ring associated ring element on the outer circumference of the radially outer bearing ring, in particular by engagement in a formed on the outer circumference of the radially outer bearing ring undercut, in particular a groove, is fixed. The radially outer bearing ring associated ring element is so easily accessible and easy to attach to the radially outer bearing ring and optionally detachable from this. Undercuts such as grooves or the like can cause a mechanical anchoring of the ring member and thus increase the strength of the connection between the ring member and the radially outer bearing ring. Similarly, a tailor-made positioning is possible in such a way, since the undercut receives a mounting portion of the ring member and this is so far in a defined position or position with respect to the outer bearing ring can be arranged. The ring element is fastened, for example via a press fit on the outer circumference. Other convenient types of attachment are also conceivable.

Short description of the drawing

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing and will be described in more detail below. Show it:

1 a sectional view through a rolling bearing assembly of an exemplary embodiment;

2 a sectional perspective view through a rolling bearing assembly of an exemplary embodiment;

3 a sectional perspective view through a rolling bearing assembly of an exemplary embodiment;

4 a perspective view of a first ring member of an exemplary embodiment;

5 a perspective view of a second ring member of an exemplary embodiment;

6 a section of a first ring element; and

7 a section of a second ring element.

Detailed description of the drawing

1 shows a sectional view through a rolling bearing assembly 1 an exemplary embodiment. The rolling bearing arrangement 1 associated rolling bearings 2 , which is designed for example as a greased angular contact ball bearing, comprises as essential parts a radially outer bearing ring in the form of the outer ring 3 , a radially inner bearing ring in the form of the inner ring 4 , as well as in one between the outer ring 3 and the inner ring 4 trained rolling element receiving space 5 arranged rolling elements 6 , here in the form of balls. In the rolling element receiving space 5 There is also a lubricant (not shown) which controls the running properties of the rolling bearing 2 improved, in particular by reducing friction and wear. This in 1 shown bearings 2 has a rotating inner ring 4 and a fixed outer ring 3 on. Nevertheless, an inverse configuration would be conceivable.

To the escape of lubricant from the Wälzkörperaufnahmeraum 5 and thus from the rolling bearing 2 To prevent or reduce, is the rolling bearing 2 in the left area over a labyrinth seal 7 sealed. The labyrinth seal 7 is essentially about two cross-sectionally S-shaped ring elements 8th . 9 and parts of the inner circumference of the outer ring 3 formed, so that there is a labyrinthine gap 10 forms. There is evidence of the gap 10 in principle, an entry possibility for impending from outside solid and / or liquid contaminants, in particular spray, in the labyrinth seal 7 and optionally further into the Wälzkörperaufnahmeraum 5 ,

The inventive principle for preventing undesired entry of dirt into the interior of the rolling bearing 2 deliberately allows the entry of dirt into the labyrinth seal 7 to a certain extent, since in the following the specially designed ring elements 8th . 9 during operation of the rolling bearing 2 , Thus, in the embodiment shown according to 1 during rotation of the inner ring 4 and thus the ring element 8th a substantially axial transport of the contaminants from the labyrinth seal 7 and thus from the rolling bearing 2 enable. This is by the arrow 11 illustrated, the preferred flow direction of solid and / or liquid contaminants during rotation of the inner ring 4 or of the ring element 8th displays. For the equally possible case that dirt also through the longitudinal slots 14 in the labyrinth seal 7 penetrate the principle of the invention applies equally, that is, by the blade-like elevations 12 generated flow from the rolling bearing 2 or the labyrinth seal 7 acts over the longitudinal slots 14 counteracting soiling, so that these directly from the area of the labyrinth seal 7 be encouraged.

As in particular from the 2 to 7 can be seen, are the ring elements 8th . 9 at corresponding radial ring element sections 8a . 9a specially configured, that is, that in the exemplary embodiments rotatably with the inner ring 4 connected first ring element 8th includes axially outward blade-like elevations 12 their opening angle against the arrow 13 (see. 2 . 3 ) indicated direction of rotation of the bearing 2 that is the inner ring 4 increases with an opening angle of about 30 °. This results in rotation of the inner ring 4 and thus the ring element 8th a substantially axially outwardly directed centrifugal force and further in particular a "paddling effect", which the soils by at the axially adjacent second ring element 9 that is, at the radial ring element section 9a formed openings in the form of longitudinal slots 14 transported to the outside (see arrow 11 . 1 ).

As in particular from the 4 and 5 It can be seen are the blade-like elevations 12 or the longitudinal slots 14 arranged circumferentially evenly distributed. The blade-like elevations 12 also run diagonally outwards.

The blade-like elevations 12 as well as the longitudinal slots 14 are z. B. produced by simple stamping / stamping process, provided the ring elements 8th . 9 are formed of metallic materials. Are the ring elements 8th . 9 For example, made of plastic, the blade-like elevations or the longitudinal slots 14 be prepared by appropriately trained molding injection molding tools via plastic injection molding.

The 2 . 3 also show the training of one on the outer ring 3 of the rolling bearing 2 circumferentially encircling groove 15 into which an axial ring element section 9b of the ring element 9 engages and is preferably secured by an approximately produced by caulking interference fit. Also the ring element 8th can be via a press fit on the inner ring 4 be attached.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

roller bearing assembly

2

roller bearing

3

outer ring

4

inner ring

5

Wälzkörperaufnahmeraum

6

rolling elements

7

labyrinth seal

8th

ring element

8a

Ring element portion

9

ring element

9a

Ring element portion

9b

Ring element portion

10

gap

11

arrow

12

scoop-like elevation

13

arrow

14

longitudinal slot

15

groove

Claims (9)

Rolling bearing assembly, comprising a rolling bearing with a fixed and a relatively rotating bearing ring and between the bearing rings in a Wälzkörperaufnahmeraum rolling rolling elements, wherein the Wälzkörperaufnahmeraum is sealed on at least one side by means of a labyrinth seal, wherein at least partially axially adjacent annular elements are provided to form the labyrinth seal , characterized in that a first ring element ( 8th ) is assigned to the rotating bearing ring and at least partially has surface structuring, on the rotation of the rotatable bearing ring and thus of the first ring element ( 8th ) from the outside into the labyrinth seal ( 7 ) penetrating or penetrated soiling by at the axially adjacent second ring element ( 9 ) at least partially formed openings from the labyrinth seal ( 7 ) are transported to the outside. Rolling bearing arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface structuring and the openings at respective radial ring element sections ( 8a . 9a ) of the ring elements ( 8th . 9 ) are formed. Rolling bearing arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the surface structuring on a with respect to the rolling bearing ( 2 ) axially inner ring element section ( 8a ) are formed and the openings arranged at a this opposite, with respect to the rolling bearing ( 2 ) axially outer ring element section ( 9a ) are formed. Rolling bearing arrangement according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the openings and the surface structuring on the respective ring element sections ( 8a . 9a ) are arranged evenly distributed. Rolling bearing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the openings as longitudinal slots ( 14 ) are formed. Rolling bearing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface structuring as rising against the direction of rotation, with respect to the rolling bearing ( 2 ) axially outward blade-like elevations ( 12 ) are formed. Rolling bearing arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the blade-like elevations ( 12 ) with respect to the first ring element ( 8th ) extend radially obliquely outwards. Rolling bearing arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the first ring element ( 8th ) the radially inner bearing ring ( 4 ) and the second ring element ( 9 ) the radially outer bearing ring ( 3 ) assigned. Rolling bearing arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the radially outer bearing ring ( 3 ) associated ring element on the outer circumference of the radially outer bearing ring ( 3 ), in particular by engagement in one on the outer circumference of the radially outer bearing ring ( 3 ) formed undercut, in particular a groove ( 15 ), is attached.

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