DE102011007719A1 - Bearing arrangement for a wheel bearing - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a bearing arrangement (1, 41) for a wheel bearing, comprising two axially spaced apart bearings (3, 5, 43, 45) each with an inner bearing ring (11, 29) and arranged on an axle (7, 47) each with an outer bearing ring (17, 21), the axle (7, 47) having an axle shoulder (9, 49) at one end on which the inner bearing ring (11, 29) of the first bearing (3, 5, 43, 45) is supported axially, the outer bearing ring (17, 21) of the first bearing (3, 5, 43, 45) being attached to the outer bearing ring (17, 21) of the second bearing (3rd bearing) via a connecting element (19, 59) , 5, 43, 45) is supported axially. This includes a bracing means (33, 73) which braces the inner bearing ring (11, 29) of the first bearing (3, 5, 43, 45) with respect to the axle shoulder (9, 49). This ensures the necessary preload for its reliable function, also taking into account the settlement and wear of a bearing arrangement (1, 41) during operation.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a bearing assembly for a wheel bearing, comprising two axially spaced bearings arranged on an axis, each having an inner bearing ring, and each having an outer bearing ring, wherein the axis has at one end an axle shoulder on which the inner bearing ring of the first Bearing axially supported, and wherein the outer bearing ring of the first bearing is axially supported via a connection element on the outer bearing ring of the second bearing.

Background of the invention

Bearing arrangements in wheel bearings of motor vehicles are used in particular for the exact guidance of stored vehicle wheels. The load of a wheel bearing and thus the bearing assembly is influenced by a variety of factors, of which, for example, the wheel load, the road conditions, the loads when cornering and as well as the average speed in the individual driving conditions are taken into account. The type of tires, as well as the braking and driving forces on the tire have an influence on the stress on the wheel bearing. Conventional bearing types such as tapered roller bearings, compact bearings or insert bearings with integrated seals have hitherto often been used to support the resulting requirements as well as possible.

From the DE 10 2007 060 562 A1 is known a wheel bearing for commercial vehicles. The wheel bearing is designed as a so-called insert bearing and consists essentially of a wheel hub, an axial end axle journal and two arranged between the hub and the journal journal bearings. The angular contact bearings are employed against each other, wherein the rolling elements by in each case in two rows with parallel. Pressure angle axes juxtaposed ball rollers are formed. By their use can according to the DE 10 2007 060 562 A1 the resulting friction on the inner bearing rings reduces and the axial length of the inner bearing rings are shortened.

Next is from the DE 10 2007 009 918 A1 a wheel bearing for supporting a rotatable about a rotation axis wheel known. The wheel bearing includes a tapered roller bearing with a tapered roller row and an angular ball bearing with a first and a second. Ball row, which are guided between with a one-piece outer ring and a split inner ring. The partial stocks are also employed against each other. Here, a radially projecting flange is integrally formed on the one-piece outer bearing ring, which is provided for attachment to a vehicle frame.

Although a safe wheel bearing can be achieved according to the two above-described bearing arrangements, however, an undesired change in the bearing position due to subsidence during operation can not be safely excluded.

Object of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a comparison with the prior art improved bearing assembly, which allows a secure wheel bearing even at high loads.

Solution of the task

The object of the invention is achieved by a bearing assembly for a wheel bearing, comprising two axially spaced from each other on an axis bearing, each with an inner bearing ring, and each having an outer bearing ring, wherein the axis has at one end an axle shoulder, at the the inner bearing ring of the first bearing is axially supported, and wherein the outer bearing ring of the first bearing is axially supported via a connection element on the outer bearing ring of the second bearing. Here, a tensioning means is provided, which braces the inner bearing ring of the first bearing relative to the axle shoulder.

The invention takes into account that a certain bearing position is necessary for safe wheel bearing. The bearing position of a bearing assembly is in this case basically achieved by hiring two bearings against each other, thereby ensuring the management task of the bearings and thus damage to the bearings, for example, as a result of tilting and edge stresses to be prevented.

In this case, however, it should be borne in mind that, despite preset bearing preload during operation, subsidence at the bearing points or even undesired signs of wear can frequently occur, as a result of which the employment of the bearings mutually changes in the worst case. Consequently, the desired bearing preload can no longer be maintained.

To prevent this and to prevent unwanted play of the components to each other, there is always the possibility to brace the components against each other block. However, the torque acting on the bearing components usually requires too high a preload in the bearing assembly, so that even here a trouble-free function can not be guaranteed.

Furthermore, the manufacturing tolerances of the components are to be considered by means of which an influence on the bearing preload is possible. By a suitable definition of the manufacturing tolerances of the components, a desired clearance between the components can be set in a targeted manner. However, the determination of the component tolerances is usually associated with an undesirably high assembly and manufacturing costs, as well as high production costs.

Overall, it is so far only possible with difficulty to provide a bearing position that ensures the required bias for the safe operation of a bearing assembly, taking into account the settlements.

In view of this, the invention recognizes that this problem can be overcome if a tensioning means is used, which braces the inner bearing ring of the first bearing relative to the axle shoulder in particular to block.

By using a tensioning means, the respective components can be joined within a tolerance range. This is thus a so-called set-right employment, with a compensation of the manufacturing tolerances of the components is achieved by the use of the tensioning means.

An exact control of the component tolerances is not necessary because with any combination of the manufactured components, the employment or the bias voltage at the bearings is within a mathematically predefined range.

In other words, a complex measurement of the components as well as the use of additional compensation elements can be omitted. Also, a manual adjustment or the use of additional compensation elements can be omitted, since the components are already factory preset. As a result, the assembly costs werter and also reduce manufacturing costs.

The components of the bearing assembly can be made and joined accordingly within a relatively wide tolerance range, so that a complex and expensive measurement is accordingly avoidable. About the bracing of the bearing components against each other by means of the tensioning means, the desired bearing position is then achieved during operation of a wheel bearing.

The bias voltage is transmitted from the first bearing to the second bearing, as it were, along an axially extending support chain. The support chain is in this case particularly dependent on the combination or coordination of the height tolerance of the first bearing, the residue tolerance of the second bearing, the formation of the connecting element and the Achsschulter and the block bracing.

Overall, thus can be prevented by the employment coordination of the two camps in combination with the block tension of the inner bearing ring of the first bearing against the Achsschulter unwanted subsidence or at least balanced, so that the required bias of the bearing assembly can be guaranteed during operation.

Both the first bearing, a so-called outboard bearing, and the second bearing, a so-called inboard bearing, are each formed with an inner bearing ring, and an outer bearing ring. Rolling elements are guided between the bearing rings, which absorb radial and axial forces and at the same time allow the rotation of components mounted on the axle. The forces acting on the inner bearing ring are thereby from this on the rolling elements on the outer. Transfer bearing ring. Here, the friction and thus the power loss and wear should remain as low as possible, which can be achieved in particular by a lubrication of the bearing components or the bearing interior.

As materials for the bearing rings usually hard materials such as metals or metal alloys for the individual bearing components are used, which withstand the operational requirements. For the rolling elements, for example, ceramic materials can be used.

The bearings may be formed, for example, as angular contact ball bearings or tapered roller bearings. Either both bearings can be of the same bearing type. Alternatively, when combining an angular contact ball bearing with a tapered roller bearing, for example, the advantages of both types of bearings can be combined in one unit. The rows of balls of an angular contact ball bearing offer, for example, a very low friction, whereas the use of a tapered roller bearing leads to a very high load capacity. In principle, however, other types of bearings for use in a wheel bearing or in a bearing assembly for a wheel bearing are possible.

The axis on which the bearings are arranged axially spaced from each other, at an axial end, the so-called stub axle, with formed an axle shoulder. The Achsschulter or so-called Achsstummelstufe is formed in the form of a radially ersteckenden fold. The Achsschulter thus provides a contact surface available, which serves the axial abutment of a pushed onto the axle bearing ring.

The inner bearing ring of the first bearing is supported correspondingly axially on the Achsschulter the axis. In other words, the inner bearing ring of Outboardlagers is braced by means of the tensioning means relative to the Achsschulter. The forces acting on the inner bearing ring forces are transmitted from this on the rolling elements on the outer bearing ring of the first bearing. This in turn is supported axially via the connecting element on the outer bearing ring of the second bearing. The support can for example also take place via a shoulder for abutment or via a collar, wherein the means for supporting or abutment is expediently designed as a part of the connection element.

The connection element is designed for example as part of a wheel hub. Alternatively, the connection element may for example also be designed as a so-called rim connection part for fastening a wheel. Preferably, the connection element consists of a stable and wear-resistant material. For this purpose, as with the bearing components, especially metals or metallic alloys are suitable.

The power transmission of the outer bearing ring of Outboardlagers on the outer bearing ring of the inboard bearing via the connection element. For this purpose, the connection element expediently has a further contact surface, which allows an abutment of the outer bearing ring of the inboard bearing. This counter bearing additionally prevents undesired axial displacement or slippage of the bearing components relative to one another and along the axis.

Starting from the outer bearing ring of the inboard bearing, the force is transmitted via the rolling elements on the inner bearing ring, which in turn is counteracted on the axis.

Overall, the force that is introduced by the tensioning means at the end of the axis in the bearing assembly, thus along the Abstützkette, ie from the Outboardlager on the connection element and the inboard storage, forwarded and allows the secure positioning of the components with the desired preload at the bearings.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the tensioning means is designed as a nut. This embodiment allows a simple clamping of the components against each other. The nut can be screwed at one end of the axle to a thread formed there and come to rest on the inner bearing ring of Outboardlagers. In other words, the inner bearing ring of Outboardlagers is braced by the mother on the axle shoulder block. The required preload can be adjusted by tightening the nut. Here, the maximum torque for fixing the nut is suitably adapted to the respective areas of the component tolerances of the bearing components and the respective contact surfaces.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the connecting element has a first hub collar on which the outer bearing ring of the first bearing is axially supported. The axial support on the hub collar allows the transmission of power from the bearing ring on the connection element and also prevents axial slippage of the bearing components outside the limits of the permissible game. The hub collar in particular circumscribes the connection element in full circumference, so that a contact surface is available for this at any point along the circumference of the bearing ring. Furthermore, the width of the hub collar is expediently variable, so that, for example, an adjustment or adjustment with respect to the required preload and the acting forces can already take place here before assembly.

Conveniently, the connecting element has a second hub collar, which is supported axially on the outer bearing ring of the second bearing. In other words, the second hub collar allows the support of the connection element on the outer bearing ring of the inboard bearing. The axial support on the hub collar allows the transmission of power from the bearing ring on the connection element and also prevents axial slippage of the bearing components of the inboard bearing. Also, the second hub collar extends in the radial direction and surrounds the connection element in particular full circumference. As already described above, the second hub collar also prevents axial slippage of the bearing components. The width of the hub collar is variable taking into account the other components or their tolerance ranges and with regard to the required bias.

Preferably, the or each hub collar is made in one piece with the connection element. Due to the one-piece production, a secure counter bearing or axial support of the bearing rings of the bearings can be ensured. Furthermore, the coming to the or each hub collar bearing rings are limited in the axial direction with respect to their movement.

Preferably, the inner bearing ring of the second bearing is supported axially on a contact surface of the axis. During operation, the inner bearing ring of the inboard bearing is pressed against the contact surface by means of the axial forces acting through the tensioning means, this preventing a displacement of the bearing along the axis. Thus, the bearings are on both sides axially bounded on both sides by the tensioning means and on the other hand by the contact surface on the axis.

Advantageously, the first bearing is designed as an angular contact ball bearing. Angular contact ball bearings have in the direction of the bearing axis offset from each other arranged raceways in the inner and outer ring. They are particularly suitable for bearings that need to absorb combined loads, ie simultaneously acting radial and axial loads. The axial load capacity of the angular contact ball bearings increases with the size of the so-called contact angle. The angle of contact is defined as the angle which the connecting line of the two contact points between the ball and the raceways encloses with the radial plane and under which the load is transmitted from one raceway to the other. An angular contact ball bearing can be either open or sealed.

Preferably, the second bearing is designed as a tapered roller bearing. Tapered roller bearings, as well as angular contact ball bearings, have high radial and one-sided axial loads. A tapered roller bearing usually consists of solid outer and inner bearing rings with tapered Wälzkörperlaufbahnen. As rolling elements tapered rollers are used, which are guided in cages. The bearings are not self-retaining, so that and inner bearing ring with the tapered rollers and the cage can be installed separately from the outer bearing ring. For axial countermeasure usually a second bearing is necessary, which is then arranged in mirror image. With the single-row tapered roller bearings, the bearing clearance or preload only results after installation and depends on the setting against a second bearing, which takes over the opposite direction.

As already mentioned, of course, other types of bearings can be used for both the inboard store and for the outboard store, if required. Thus, for example, the use of two axially adjacent and against each other employed tapered roller bearings is conceivable, in particular because of their high load capacity and wear resistance.

Conveniently, at least one sealing element for sealing the or each bearing is included. The sealing element is for this purpose attached in particular to a bearing ring. The bearing interior can be sealed in the axial direction on both sides by a sealing element. This variant offers a substantially complete protection of the bearing interior in a dirt-intensive environment. Since the sealing element is preferably made of a material such as a plastic, which withstands high loads and temperatures during operation.

Short description of the drawing

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. Showing:

1 a bearing assembly for a wheel bearing with an angular contact ball bearing and an axially adjacent tapered roller bearing in a longitudinal section, as well

2 a bearing assembly for a wheel bearing with two axially adjacent tapered roller bearings in a longitudinal section.

Detailed description of the drawing,

In 1 is a bearing arrangement 1 with an angular contact ball bearing 3 and a tapered roller bearing 5 shown in a longitudinal section. It is thus a combined bearing arrangement 1 , The two camps 3 . 5 are set against each other and axially spaced from each other on an axis 7 arranged. By combining the angular contact ball bearing 3 with the tapered roller bearing 5 The advantages of both types of storage can be used effectively.

The axis 7 has at its outer axial end, the so-called stub axle, an axle shoulder 9 on. The shoulder of the shoulder 9 is designed as a radially ersteckende fold and provides the contact surface for the manufactured from a bearing steel inner bearing ring 11 of angular contact ball bearing 3 to disposal. The inner bearing ring 11 is supported correspondingly axially on the axle shoulder 9 from.

The force coming from the axle 7 on the inner bearing ring 11 of angular contact ball bearing 3 is then transferred from this over the rolling elements 13 . 15 on the outer, also made of a bearing steel bearing ring 17 ü contribute. As a rolling element 13 . 15 In the present case balls made of a ceramic material are used.

From the outer bearing ring 17 of angular contact ball bearing 3 is the force on the made of a metallic material connection element 19 transfer. The connection element 19 is designed as a hub and allows the attachment of a wheel, but this is not shown here. From the connection element 19 starting, the forces acting during operation on the outer bearing ring 21 tapered roller bearing 5 transfer.

For power transmission, the connection element 19 two hubbands 23 . 25 on, both in one piece with the connecting element 19 are made. Both hubbands 23 . 25 revolve around the connection element 19 fully and thus allow at any point along the circumference a uniform counter bearing or axial support of the respective outer bearing ring 17 . 21 ,

The first hubbands 23 in this case represents the axial contact surface for the outer bearing ring 17 of angular contact ball bearing 3 dar. The outer bearing ring 17 of angular contact ball bearing 3 thus supports axially on the hub collar 23 from.

The second hubbands 25 serves the installation of the outer bearing ring 21 itself the tapered roller bearing 5 , wherein the outer hub collar 25 axially on the outer bearing ring 21 of the inboard warehouse 5 supported. In addition to the axially secure positioning is thus on the hub collar 25 the force from the connection element 19 on the outer bearing ring 21 transfer.

From the outer bearing ring 21 tapered roller bearing 5 the forces on the rolling elements designed as tapered rollers 27 on the inner bearing ring 29 transfer. This in turn is supported axially on a contact surface 31 from, in the form of a radially extending fold in the axis 7 is introduced.

To secure all components with the required bias to each other and a safe function of the bearing assembly 1 to ensure is at the outer axial end of the axis 7 a tensioning means designed as a central nut 33 appropriate. The mother 33 is at the end of the axis 7 screwed onto a thread and opposite the axle shoulder 9 braced.

Through the use of the mother 33 For example, the respective components can be joined within a tolerance range without the need for precise knowledge of the manufacturing tolerances.

In addition, the tapered roller bearing 5 with two sealing elements 35 . 37 formed, which limit the bearing interior in the axial direction on both sides. The sealing elements 35 . 37 provide the needed. Protection of bearing components against unwanted contamination as well as the loss of lubricant.

In 2 is another bearing arrangement 41 shown for the wheel bearing of a vehicle. The bearing arrangement 41 has as well as the bearing arrangement 1 in 1 two mutually employed camps 43 . 45 on.

In contrast to 1 However, in the present case is not a combined bearing assembly 1 but a bearing arrangement 41 shown with two identical bearing types. Both the inboard store 43 as well as the outboard camp 45 are designed as tapered roller bearings, which are employed against each other axially adjacent to one axis 47 are arranged. The bearing components are each made of a temperature-resistant metallic material.

The axis 47 points, as well as in 1 an axle shoulder 49 on, on the inner bearing ring 51 of the first tapered roller bearing 43 is counter-supported or at which this is supported axially. About the rolling elements 53 , which are formed as tapered rollers, the force from the inner bearing ring 51 on the outside. bearing ring 57 the outboard camp 43 , And from this starting over the connection element 59 on the inboard warehouse 45 transfer.

For this purpose, also has the connection element 59 according to 2 two circumferential, one-piece hubbands made with this 63 . 65 on, as an attachment in each case for the outer bearing rings 57 . 61 serve. Furthermore, the hubbands act 63 . 65 as an axial lock, by preventing unwanted slippage of the bearing rings 57 . 61 prevent in the axial direction.

From the outer bearing ring 61 of the inboard warehouse 45 The forces on the trained also as tapered rollers are 67 on the inner bearing ring 69 transfer. This in turn is supported by a contact surface 71 starting in the form of a radial bend in the axis 47 is introduced.

As well as in 1 is a trained as a central nut bracing 73 includes. The mother 73 is for clamping the inner bearing ring 51 of the inboard warehouse 43 at the outer end of the axle 47 screwed onto a thread, not shown. In this way, the inner bearing ring 51 opposite the axle shoulder 49 braced and allows a secure employment of the bearings 43 . 45 ,

In addition, the inboard warehouse 45 axially on both sides by means of two sealing elements 75 . 77 sealed against unwanted contamination and lubricant loss.

For the further detailed description of the individual bearing components is at this point on the description of the bearing assembly 1 according to 1 referenced, which in the present case to the bearing components of the bearing assembly 41 can be transferred.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

bearing arrangement

3

camp

5

camp

7

axis

9

axle collar

11

inner bearing ring

13

rolling elements

15

rolling elements

17

outer bearing ring

19

connecting element

21

outer bearing ring

23

hub collar

25

hub collar

27

rolling elements

29

inner bearing ring

31

contact surface

33

bracing means

35

sealing element

37

sealing element

41

bearing arrangement

43

camp

45

camp

47

axis

49

axle collar

51

inner bearing ring

53

rolling elements

57

outer bearing ring

59

connecting element

61

outer bearing ring

63

hub collar

65

hub collar

67

rolling elements

69

inner bearing ring

71

contact surface

73

bracing means

75

sealing element

77

sealing element

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007060562 A1 [0003, 0003]
• DE 102007009918 A1 [0004]

Claims (9)

Bearing arrangement ( 1 . 41 ) for a wheel bearing comprising two axially spaced apart on an axis ( 7 . 47 ) arranged bearings ( 3 . 5 . 43 . 45 ) each with an inner bearing ring ( 11 . 29 ), and each with an outer bearing ring ( 17 . 21 ), where the axis ( 7 . 47 ) at one end an axle shoulder ( 9 . 49 ), at which the inner bearing ring ( 11 . 29 ) of the first warehouse ( 3 . 5 . 43 . 45 ) is axially supported, wherein the outer bearing ring ( 17 . 21 ) of the first warehouse ( 3 . 5 . 43 . 45 ) via a connecting element ( 19 . 59 ) on the outer bearing ring ( 17 . 21 ) of the second warehouse ( 3 . 5 . 43 . 45 ) is axially supported, and wherein a tensioning means ( 33 . 73 ) comprising the inner bearing ring ( 11 . 29 ) of the first warehouse ( 3 . 5 . 43 . 45 ) opposite the shoulder ( 9 . 49 ) braced. Bearing arrangement ( 1 . 41 ) according to claim 1, wherein the tensioning means ( 33 . 73 ) is formed as a mother. Bearing arrangement ( 1 . 41 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting element ( 19 . 59 ) a first hub collar ( 23 . 63 ), on which the outer bearing ring ( 17 . 57 ) of the first warehouse ( 3 . 43 ) is axially supported. Bearing arrangement ( 1 . 41 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element ( 19 . 59 ) a second hub collar ( 25 . 65 ), which axially on the outer bearing ring ( 21 . 61 ) of the second warehouse ( 5 . 45 ) is supported. Bearing arrangement ( 1 . 41 ) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the or each hub collar ( 23 . 25 . 63 . 65 ) in one piece with the connection element ( 19 . 59 ) is made. Bearing arrangement ( 1 . 41 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner bearing ring ( 17 . 57 ) of the second warehouse ( 5 . 45 ) on a contact surface ( 31 . 71 ) of the axis ( 7 . 47 ) is axially supported. Bearing arrangement ( 1 . 41 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a bearing (16) is designed as an angular contact ball bearing. Bearing arrangement ( 1 . 41 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a bearing ( 3 . 43 ) is formed as a tapered roller bearing. Bearing arrangement ( 1 . 41 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a sealing element ( 35 . 37 ) for sealing the or each bearing ( 3 . 5 . 43 . 45 ) is included.

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