DE102011007635B4 - Safety concept for a rolling bearing - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for securing a rolling bearing, wherein the rolling bearing comprises a bearing outer ring (110), a bearing inner ring (120) and a bearing cage (130), wherein the device (100) comprises a fastening means (105) for the bearing cage (130) and configured to axially support the bearing cage (130) secured to the device (100) via the device (100) on the bearing outer race (110) and / or the bearing inner race (120), the device (100) comprising two parts which are coupled together at one end by a hinge (160) so that they can be moved with a folding mechanism against each other, wherein the device (100) is further designed as a clamping device (100) in a closed state with the bearing cage (100). 130) can be clamped and wherein the fastening means (105) is formed with a bore for receiving a bolt (135) or a screw (135) fastened to the bearing cage (130).

Description

The present invention is in the field of bearing technology, particularly in the field of toroidal, barrel and spherical roller bearings.

Tapered roller bearings are single-row bearings that are designed for high impact radial forces, but are only slightly resilient in the axial direction. They are well suited to compensate for misalignments, as they are adjustable in angle and the outer ring may have a spherical tread. The rolling bodies, the so-called barrel rollers, are barrel-shaped. Barrel bearings are single row, d. H. they have a bunch of barrel rolls in a cage.

The spherical roller bearing withstands axial and radial loads and is well suited to compensate for misalignments. Spherical roller bearings are, like the roller bearings, adjustable in angle, but double row. They are suitable for the heaviest loads and therefore have high load ratings.

CARB (Compact Aligning Roller Bearing) or Toroidal Roller Bearing is a bearing type that can combine the angular mobility of a spherical roller bearing with the non-constraining axial displaceability of the cylindrical roller bearing. Moreover, like needle roller bearings, it can offer the advantage of compact design. Toroidal roller bearings are similar in their outer geometry needle bearings, but have toroidal rollers. Together with correspondingly shaped roller tracks, they can compensate for both axial and angular misalignment without increasing the frictional torque of the bearing. Thus, a toroidal roller bearing can simultaneously fulfill the function of a cylindrical roller bearing and a spherical roller bearing.

Toroidal roller bearings can be used over a very large load range. They are suitable for non-locating bearings, but offer opportunities to reduce the size, weight and manufacturing costs of machines due to their ability to simultaneously compensate misalignments and axial displacements in the bearing. By targeted axial displacement of the two bearing rings against each other, it is also possible to adjust the radial clearance exactly.

Toroidal roller bearings can smaller and lighter bearings at the same or higher mileage, z. B. in planetary gears. Also, bearings of long shafts that need to compensate for temperature-related changes in length, can be made simpler. Toroidal roller bearings are single-row bearings with long, slightly crowned rollers. The raceways in the inner and outer ring are concave and are centric to the center of the bearing. The optimally coordinated raceway profiles ensure an advantageous stress distribution in the bearing and low-friction running.

The roles of toroidal bearings can have self-adjusting properties, i. H. they always automatically assume the position in which the load is distributed evenly over the length of the roll - regardless of whether the inner ring is displaced and / or skewed relative to the outer ring.

The load capacity of these roller bearings can be very high - even when misalignment or axial displacements are compensated. The result is reliable bearings with a long service life.

Especially with larger versions of this camp, the assembly can be problematic. For example, in wind turbines come bearings with a diameter of more than 1000 mmm, z. B. 1500 mm, used. These are then mounted on drive shafts, the drive shafts having corresponding diameters and a corresponding weight. For example, in vertical assembly, the bearings are applied and mounted on the vertical shaft with a crane or gripper. For this purpose, the bearing is held by the gripper or crane for mounting on the bearing rings. In this case, the rolling elements together with the bearing cage can slip in such a way that damage to the running surfaces or the rolling elements occurs.

When mounting a CARB bearing vertically, z. B. move the roller set down until the clearance is used up. This in turn can lead to tension or indentations in the raceways or in the surfaces of the rolling elements. To prevent this come mounting aids or mounting fuses are used. Without mounting protection, for example, one of the bearing rings could move so far relative to the bearing cage, or vice versa, so that it to the o. G. Damage can come. Therefore, mounting fuses are used, which limit the range of motion of the bearing cage, so that shifts are possible only in a non-critical area. For example, plate-shaped brackets can be used, which complete the bearing rings at their axial ends, the plates then passing through the spaces between the rolling elements in the bearing on the rolling elements over z. B. via webs, screws, struts o. Ä. Are mechanically connected to each other.

Although this concept limits displacements of the bearing cage in the axial direction, it has the disadvantage that for mounting this fuse in the space between the rolling elements braces are used for the plates, which during assembly or disassembly, Damage to the running surfaces or on the rolling elements can cause. In addition, the assembly effort is very large, because the assembly / disassembly of the braces of such plates must be carried out very carefully in order to avoid the above-mentioned damage.

The publication DE 2 130 953 A shows a bearing cage with a bendable edge, which is supported on an outer end surface of an inner bearing ring. The publication US 3,694,043 A discloses an annular securing device with a latching mechanism for locking with a bearing cage.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an improved concept for securing a roller bearing.

The object is achieved according to the independent claims.

Some embodiments of the present invention are based on the recognition that a backup of a bearing during assembly can also be achieved by fixing the bearing cage relative to the bearing rings. If the bearing cage, and thus also the rolling elements, is fixed relative to the bearing rings, a secure assembly can take place without the bearing cage with the rolling elements shifting relative to the bearing rings.

Embodiments may also be based on the knowledge that even with extreme lack of space and poor accessibility can be used with a clamping device mounted on one side, which can hold a bearing cage and thus the rolling elements and the bearing rings relative to each other in position. Furthermore, embodiments may offer the advantage that it is possible to dispense with components which are guided through a free space between the rolling elements during assembly securing. This can significantly reduce the risk of damage to the running surfaces and the rolling elements. Thus, disadvantages of a two-sided attached clamping device, in which inevitably components must be passed through the camp, be overcome.

Embodiments provide a device for securing a rolling bearing, wherein the rolling bearing comprises a bearing outer ring, a bearing inner ring and a bearing cage. The device comprises a fastening means for the bearing cage and is designed to support the bearing cage fixed to the device, via the device axially on the bearing inner ring and / or the bearing outer ring. This can for example be realized in that the device is designed such that it has a radial overlap region with the inner bearing ring and / or with the outer bearing ring in the state fixed to the bearing cage over which the bearing cage is supported.

In other words, the device has fastening means by means of which the device can be fastened to the bearing cage. In the vertical mounting, in which the bearing is taken on the bearing rings, the cage tries to move with the rolling elements therein due to gravity against the bearing rings down. The device is designed such that the bearing cage on the device can now be supported on the bearing rings, so that they can not move down. In the concrete example in which, for example, the bearing outer ring of a bearing is grasped by means of a gripper, it can be ensured in one exemplary embodiment that the bearing cage does not shift relative to the outer ring, because the device is fastened to the bearing cage and overlaps the bearing outer ring in such a way in that the device rests on it. The same applies to the bearing inner ring.

In embodiments, the attachment means may be configured as a bore for receiving a bolt or bolt secured to the bearing cage. However, any other fastening means are conceivable, such. B. a locking mechanism of a recess of the device with a matching latching hook, which is attached to the bearing cage.

As a result, embodiments may also provide a bearing cage for a rolling bearing with a retaining means. The holding means may be adapted to support the bearing cage and held by this rolling elements on the device for securing against the bearing inner ring of the bearing and / or the bearing outer ring of the bearing. The holding means can be realized, for example, by a bore with a retaining bolt or a retaining screw fastened in the bore. Here are also other embodiments conceivable, such. B. all structural characteristics that allow engagement of a latching hook, or a latching hook itself.

The device may further comprise alignment means or clamping means via which a position of a bearing cage fixed to the device is adjustable relative to the bearing outer race and / or relative to the bearing inner race. This can be realized, for example, by adjusting screws or spacers, which allow a precise adjustment of the distance between the device and the bearing rings, whereby the position of the bearing cage relative to the bearing rings can be set or specified.

In other words, the device may comprise as alignment means screws, via which a distance of the device to a bearing inner ring or a bearing outer ring is adjustable. In embodiments, the device may be designed as a clamping device which can be clamped in a closed state with the bearing cage. For example, a clamp-like embodiment is possible, wherein the device comprises two parts, which are coupled together at one end via a hinge, so that they can be moved with a folding mechanism against each other. The two parts can have a recess which, in a folded state of the device, a corresponding holding means, for. B. a bolt or screw head, enclose on a bearing cage. The clamping device may further comprise a locking means with which the clamping device can be locked in the closed state. The locking means can be realized, for example, by a screw over which the two parts can be jammed in the closed state.

In embodiments, the device may be designed to secure a Toroidal- a spherical roller and / or a barrel roller bearing, which are in principle also other types of rolling bearing with embodiments assured.

Embodiments may include a method for securing a rolling bearing, wherein the rolling bearing comprises a bearing outer ring, a bearing inner ring, a bearing cage and a plurality of rolling elements. The method comprises attaching a securing device to the bearing cage and supporting the bearing cage on the bearing inner ring and / or the bearing outer ring of the rolling bearing via the securing device.

Some embodiments will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

1 an embodiment of a device for securing a rolling bearing and a bearing cage;

2 an embodiment of a device for securing a rolling bearing in three-dimensional representation and an embodiment of a bearing cage;

3 an embodiment of a device for securing a rolling bearing and a bearing cage in the assembled state;

4 an embodiment of a device for securing a rolling bearing and a bearing cage in the assembled state in another representation;

5 an embodiment of a device for securing a rolling bearing with dimensions; and

6 an embodiment of a device for securing a rolling bearing with dimensions from another perspective.

1 shows an embodiment of a device 100 for securing a rolling bearing and a bearing cage 130 , The 1 shows a section of a rolling bearing with a bearing outer ring 110 , a bearing inner ring 120 and a bearing cage 130 , Furthermore, the shows 1 rolling elements 200 , wherein for the sake of clarity, only one rolling element is provided with a reference numeral. In addition, the shows 1 an embodiment of a device 100 at the camp cage 130 can be attached.

The device 100 includes a fastener 105 for the storage cage 130 , In the embodiment of 1 is the fastener 105 exemplified as a recess or bore. In other words, the device can 100 Have recesses that can enclose a bolt or a screw o. Ä. The bolt or the screw, which in the following also means of holding 135 for the storage cage 130 is called in the 1 also indicated. The fastener 105 is designed to the holding means 135 at the camp cage 130 to encase the at the device 100 fortified camp cage 130 , about the device 100 axially on the Bearing outer ring 110 and / or the bearing inner ring 120 support. Accordingly, the fastener 105 with a bore for receiving one on the bearing cage 130 fastened bolt 135 or a screw 135 be educated.

In the 1 In addition, it can be seen that the device 100 as a clamping device 100 is executed. There is a hinge on the right side 160 over which the two-piece running device can be opened and closed. On the opposite side, in the 1 on the left side, there are locking means 150 . 155 about which the device 100 can be fixed or locked in the closed state. As will be explained in more detail below, the device further comprises alignment means and / or clamping means 140a . 140b on, about which there is a distance between the device 100 and the bearing rings 110 . 120 can be adjusted, or by means of which the device 100 over the holding means 135 with the bearing cage 130 and the bearing outer ring 110 and / or the bearing inner ring 120 can be jammed.

In other words, the device can 100 be designed as a terminal, which serves to the bearing cage 130 , or on to the bearing cage 130 fastened bolts or screws 135 to be attached, so that the bearing cage 130 opposite the bearing rings 110 . 120 can no longer move, especially when the bearing is mounted horizontally, ie with a substantially vertically oriented axis of rotation.

As the 1 further shows, this can be achieved by the device 100 is formed so that they are in the bearing cage 130 attached state a radial overlap region with the bearing outer ring 110 and / or with the bearing inner ring 120 over which the bearing cage 130 supported, or over which the device 100 rests on the bearing rings.

The 2 shows an embodiment of the device 100 for securing a rolling bearing in three-dimensional representation. The 2 shows the same components as they already have based on the 1 a repeated description is omitted, the same components carry the same reference numerals.

In the 2 is the clamping device 100 from a different perspective and presented in three dimensions. The clamping device 100 is open, the side with the hinge 160 lies on the side facing away from the viewer. On the side facing the viewer, the locking means can be seen by the screw 150 and the groove 155 be formed. In embodiments, other embodiments of the locking are possible, such as a closure with a bracket, a hook, a clasp, etc. In other words, the device can be used as a clamping device 100 be executed in a closed state with the bearing cage 130 is clamped.

In the 2 are also alignment means and / or clamping means 140a . 140b to recognize about this one location of the device 100 fortified camp cage 130 relative to the bearing outer ring 110 and / or relative to the bearing inner ring 120 is adjustable or clamped, this in conjunction with the holding means 135 and the fastener 105 he follows. In other words, the orientation of the bearing cage depends 130 from the bolt 135 and the fastener 105 , as well as from the screw 140a and the spacer 140b from. Likewise, the security device 100 over the screw 140a and the spacer 140b against the bolt 135 in the hole 105 be jammed.

The alignment and / or clamping means 140a , B are in the present embodiment by a screw 140a realized about the the distance of the device 100 to the bearing outer ring 110 can be adjusted and thus the position of the bearing cage 130 relative to the bearing outer ring 110 is determined, or on the bearing cage 130 attached bolts 135 in the hole 105 can be jammed. In other words, the alignment and / or clamping means 140a , B screws, over which a distance of the device 100 to the bearing inner ring 120 or the bearing outer ring 110 is adjustable.

Generally, the device can 100 be designed to secure any rolling bearings. For example, with the device 100 Toroidal, spherical roller or barrel roller bearings are secured. 3 illustrates the embodiment of the device 100 for securing the rolling bearing and the bearing cage 130 in the assembled state in a sectional view. The 3 shows the same components as they already have based on the 1 and 2 were explained. The same components bear the same reference numerals. The 3 shows that with the device 100 secured rolling bearings when mounted in or on a housing 205 , In the in the 3 illustrated sectional view can be the recess 105 So the fastener 105 the device 100 , as well as the holding means 135 of the bearing cage 130 detect. In this embodiment, as a holding means 135 a screw or bolt head 135 used in the recess 105 the device 100 rests, or can be clamped. The recess 105 itself may include a bore whose diameter is to the side of the bearing cage 130 tapered, which can be achieved for example by a hole with a smaller diameter. In addition, in the bore may be formed a collar on which the holding means 135 , in the 3 the screw or bolt head, rests.

After gravity the bearing cage 130 with the rolling elements therein 200 pulls down, the device is supported 100 via the alignment means or clamping means 140a , b on the bearing rings 110 and 120 from. In the 3 is also clearly seen how about the alignment means 140a , b is the distance between the device 100 and the bearing rings, and thus indirectly the position of the bearing cage 120 and the rolling element 200 , can be adjusted. In addition, the safety device can for example be mounted on the overlying bearing, ie the bearing rests on a flat surface and its axis of rotation is perpendicular. In this condition, bearing rings can 110 . 120 and cage 130 due to the flat support align against each other. When the safety device 100 now is attached, then the cage 130 not yet gravitational against the bearing rings 110 . 120 moved down. The alignment means and / or clamping means 140a , b can now also for jamming the safety device 100 will be used. In other words, the securing device 100 be closed and by the screw 140a relative to the bearing cage 130 be raised until the bolt 135 in the recess 105 jammed and thus the bearing cage opposite the bearing rings 110 . 120 jammed.

With regard to the 3 It should also be noted that the device 100 here alignment means or clamping means 140a , b on both sides. On the in the 3 shown left side is a screw 140a about which the distance of the device 100 to the bearing outer ring 110 can be adjusted. On the opposite side is also an alignment means or clamping means 140b that here as a spacer sleeve or spacer 140b is shown. The spacer can here to the structure of the bearing ring 120 be adapted, for. B., the spacer may have a circular surface, which is a good support on the bearing ring 120 allowed. Furthermore, embodiments may provide the alignment and / or clamping means 140a . 140b also rotatable to install, z. B. can the spacer 140b be rotatably mounted so that it can be adjusted by turning to the respective bearing ring. For example, an adjustment of the height and / or an adjustment of the inclination of the bearing surface can take place by turning.

Like in the 3 is shown, the spacer 140b also via a screw on the device 100 be attached to a defined distance between the device 100 and the bearing inner ring 120 sure. In other embodiments, of course, both sides screws or spacers may be provided. In one embodiment, it would be conceivable that two screws are used to adjust the distance of the device 100 both to the bearing outer ring 110 as well as to the bearing inner ring 120 adjust. This would correspond approximately to a constellation that has a screw on both sides 140a has, as in the 3 on the left side of the device 100 is shown.

The 4 shows an embodiment of the device 100 for securing the rolling bearing and the bearing cage 130 in assembled state in another representation. The clipping in the 4 is shown, the rolling bearing in full axial extent. The 4 illustrates in particular, the extreme lack of space in the assembly of the bearing in a housing 205 can prevail. Also is from the 4 to recognize that the position of the bearing cage 130 and thus indirectly the position of the rolling elements 200 about the alignment means 140b can be adjusted, and that this can hold its components in a non-critical position during assembly of the bearing.

From the 4 It can also be seen that the device 100 despite the considerable lack of space can be easily removed after assembly. After the embodiment of the device 100 only one-sided on the bearing cage 130 is mounted, this can by opening and thus by simply loosening the attachment between the device 100 and the storage cage 120 , just be removed. In particular, in comparison with conventional concepts, which have a brace, such as by a threaded rod, by the clearance between the rolling elements 200 leads to secure both from the top and from the bottom plate, considerable advantages can be achieved here, since no components from the spaces between the rolling elements 200 must be removed. Exemplary embodiments can thus bring about a considerable reduction in the risk during assembly, in particular in wind power plants. In addition, the assembly process can be accelerated. Because the device 100 can be removed quickly and easily after the assembly has finished and the bearing has been brought to its operating position.

The 5 and 6 illustrate the embodiment of the device 100 as a clamping device with concrete dimensions. For reasons of clarity, a repetition of all reference signs has been dispensed with. The dimensions of the 5 and 6 are given in mm and describe a clamp tested in the above manner 100 with the components also described in detail above. The device 100 itself may have metal or plastic as a material. The 5 bottom left shows a cross section through the recess or bore 105 , The bore may therefore have bevels which jamming with a correspondingly shaped holding means or bolts 135 can effect. The safety device 100 can then for example via the alignment and / or clamping means 140a , b with the bearing cage 130 be jammed.

Accordingly, embodiments also provide a method for securing a rolling bearing, wherein the rolling bearing comprises a bearing outer ring, a bearing inner ring, a bearing cage and a plurality of rolling elements. The method comprises attaching a securing device to the bearing cage and supporting the bearing cage on the bearing inner ring and / or the bearing outer ring of the rolling bearing via the securing device. Furthermore, embodiments may also include a mounting method for a rolling bearing, wherein the bearing is first secured as described above and then brought with a crane or gripper in a vertical position. Vertical position is to be understood here that the bearing can be mounted on a arranged with its axis of rotation substantially in the vertical direction drive shaft.

In another embodiment, the bearing can be secured in a vertical position, for example, it can be stored on a flat surface, so that the bearing rings and the cage are aligned with each other. An attachment of the securing device in this position is also possible. Then the secured storage can then be raised and mounted. After assembly, the drive shaft, and with it the bearing, is returned to the horizontal position (i.e., to a position in which the axis of rotation of the drive shaft is substantially horizontal) and the securing device is removed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

Device for securing

105

fastener

110

Bearing outer ring

120

Bearing inner ring

130

bearing cage

135

holding means

140a, b

alignment means

150

locking

155

locking groove

160

hinge

200

rolling elements

205

casing

Claims (6)

A device ( 100 ) for securing a rolling bearing, wherein the rolling bearing a bearing outer ring ( 110 ), a bearing inner ring ( 120 ) and a bearing cage ( 130 ), the device ( 100 ) a fastening means ( 105 ) for the bearing cage ( 130 ) and adapted to the on the device ( 100 ) fixed bearing cage ( 130 ), about the device ( 100 ) axially on the bearing outer ring ( 110 ) and / or the bearing inner ring ( 120 ), the device ( 100 ) comprises two parts hinged at one end by a hinge ( 160 ) are coupled together so that they can be moved with a folding mechanism against each other, wherein the device ( 100 ) as a clamping device ( 100 ) is executed, which in a closed state with the bearing cage ( 130 ) is clamped and wherein the fastening means ( 105 ) with a bore for receiving one on the bearing cage ( 130 ) fastened bolt ( 135 ) or a screw ( 135 ) is trained. The device ( 100 ) according to claim 1, wherein the device ( 100 ) is formed such that it in on the bearing cage ( 130 ) attached state a radial overlap region with the bearing outer ring ( 110 ) and / or with the bearing inner ring ( 120 ), over which the bearing cage ( 130 ) is supported. The device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising alignment means and / or clamping means ( 140a ; 140b ), via which a position of the device ( 100 ) fixed bearing cage ( 130 ) relative to the bearing outer ring ( 110 ) and / or relative to the bearing inner ring ( 120 ) is adjustable. The device ( 100 ) according to claim 3, wherein the alignment means ( 140 a ; 140b ) Screws, over which a distance of the device ( 100 ) to the bearing inner ring ( 120 ) or the bearing outer ring ( 110 ) is adjustable. The device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims used to secure a toroidal bearing. Method for securing a rolling bearing, wherein the rolling bearing comprises a bearing outer ring, a bearing inner ring, a bearing cage and a plurality of rolling elements, with fastening a securing device to the bearing cage, by moving two parts of a device ( 100 ), which are hinged together at one end by a hinge in a folding mechanism, and jamming one on the bearing cage ( 130 ) fastened bolt ( 135 ) or a screw ( 135 ) in a bore of a fastener ( 105 ); and supporting the bearing cage on the bearing inner ring and / or the bearing outer ring of the rolling bearing via the securing device.

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