DE102012221096A1 - Cage for a roller bearing, set with several such cages and method for producing the cage - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cage (1) for a rolling element bearing with two cage rings (3a, b) and with a plurality of webs (4, 11) and pockets (5) for rolling elements, the webs (4, 11) being located between the cage rings (3a, b) extend and the pockets (5) are arranged between the webs (4). The invention also relates to a set with a plurality of such cages and to a method for the manufacture thereof. In order to provide a cage (1) that can be flexibly adapted to different types of rolling element bearings, the invention proposes that the cage (1) have at least one deformation area (10), the deformation area (10) being designed, a shortening or extension of the cage (1) in the axial direction by a bending process.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a cage for a roller bearing with two cage rings and with a plurality of webs and pockets for rolling elements, wherein the webs extend between the cage rings and the pockets are arranged between the webs. The invention also relates to a set with a plurality of such cages and to a method for the production thereof.

Background of the invention

Bearing cages for rolling bearings serve to guide and / or spacing the rolling elements and are used together with the rolling elements, e.g. disposed between an outer ring and an inner ring of the rolling bearing. The storage cages can u. a. be designed as solid cages, which are produced by a machining production, or as so-called sheet metal cages, which are made by separation and bending operations.

The bearing cages must be adapted in their geometric dimensions of the rolling elements and the rolling bearing, so that for each type of bearing a type-bonded bearing cage must be made. Especially for small quantities, the type-based production is complex, so that measures have already been developed to manufacture different types of cage types simplified.

For this purpose, the document proposes DE 10 2004 003 655 A1 , which is probably the closest prior art, before a cage for a cylindrical roller bearing. The cage has two axially spaced-apart side rings which are interconnected by circumferentially equally spaced webs. The webs are produced as an endless extruded profile and cut according to the later desired axial extent of the cage, so that cages with different axial width can be produced in a simple manner.

Object of the invention

The invention has for its object to propose a cage for a roller bearing, which can be flexibly adapted to different Wälzkörperlagertypen.

Description of the invention

This object is achieved by a cage having the features of claim 1, a set having the features of claim 9 and a method having the features of claim 10. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the following description and the accompanying drawings.

In the context of the invention, a cage is proposed, which is designed for a roller bearing. The rolling element bearing is particularly preferably designed as a radial bearing. In particular, the cage is used to guide rollers, in particular cylindrical rollers, in particular of needles, so that the roller bearing is realized as a needle bearing. Optionally, the invention also relates to the roller bearing with the cage. In concrete embodiments, the roller bearing may be formed as a cylindrical roller bearing, as a solid needle bearing, as a sleeve bearing or as a needle ring.

The cage comprises two cage rings, which are preferably formed continuously in the direction of rotation. The cage rings are realized in particular as sleeve sections, that is to say as hollow cylinder sections running coaxially to a rotation axis.

Further, the cage includes a plurality of lands that extend in an axial direction between and connect the two cage rings. Particularly preferably, the plurality of webs in the circumferential direction are evenly distributed. Between the webs pockets are formed for rolling elements. The bags can also be called windows. Particularly preferably, the two cage rings and the webs are integrally formed.

In principle, the cage can be made of plastic, but it is particularly preferred that the cage is realized as a metal cage. In particular, it is preferred that the cage is realized as a sheet metal cage, which is made of a sheet as a semi-finished by separation and forming operations, in particular punching and bending operations. In particular, the two cage rings and the webs arranged therebetween originate from a common metal sheet and are already joined together in one piece therewith.

In the context of the invention, it is proposed that the cage has at least one deformation region, preferably some deformation regions, wherein the deformation region is designed to permit a shortening or lengthening of the cage in the axial direction by a bending process.

A bending process is preferably understood to mean pivoting or folding over a surface portion in relation to a remaining surface portion, in particular of a sheet metal section. In particular, the bending process takes place in the closed cage in the circumferential direction. The bending process is especially as a plastic Deformation process formed. The advantage of the invention is that the cage is flexibly adjustable to different axial widths by means of the bending process. It is possible on the one hand that the cage is shortened in the axial width by the bending process, on the other hand it is possible that the cage is extended in the axial width by the bending process.

The invention is based on the consideration that conventional bearing cages for rolling bearings are normally produced by means of a type-bound tool, which is suitable for exactly one cage type. This means that a separate tool must be made for each cage type. Alternatively, in small quantities also produced bearing cages can be made, but these are very expensive. Each of the type-based tools is manufactured and tuned with considerable effort, which consumes capital and consumes storage space. The management of the type-based tools also creates a large administrative effort.

To overcome these and other disadvantages, the invention proposes that the cage can be made by using the at least one deformation range starting from a basic shape with a starting width in a final shape with a final width, wherein the initial length is formed differently than the final width. This makes it possible that the cage can be flexibly adapted to different axial widths of the rolling element bearing. With the cage according to the invention thus rolling element bearings can be supplied with different widths, starting from a single cage of a basic shape, without requiring a type-bound tool. As a result, a high flexibility in the production is achieved even with very different required quantities.

According to the invention, the cage is thus designed variable in length and can be changed as required in the axial length in order to produce the desired length for a specific roller bearing on the cage.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the deformation region is formed as a bead or a curl or bend. In particular, from a functional point of view, for example, the bend is designed like an accordion region that can change the axial width of the cage. The deformation region forms in particular a length reserve in the axial direction, which can be used to lengthen or shorten the axial width of the cage. In the formation as beading or rolling, the bead bottom or the rolling ground can be viewed locally, e.g. radially inward or outward, the rolling ground is viewed locally e.g. protrude radially inwards or outwards over the cage, in particular via the web or the cage ring. By compressing the bead or the rolling in the axial direction of the cage can be shortened, by a divergence or smooth drawing of the bead or rolling the cage can be extended in the axial direction.

It is particularly preferred that the deformation region in the axial direction is adjacent to an intermediate region on both sides, wherein the intermediate region is designed to remain unchanged in the bending process, in particular undeformed. The at least one deformation region thus serves for a targeted local deformation of the cage for changing the axial width of the cage. In particular, the expansion of the pockets in the direction of rotation in the bending process does not change.

It is further particularly preferred that the radial position of the webs, in particular the contact regions of the webs with the rolling elements, does not change in the bending process. In this way it is ensured that no uncontrolled delay of the cage takes place in the bending process, but this is changed only in terms of the axial width.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that at least one of the webs has such a deformation region, wherein the deformation region is formed to allow a shortening or lengthening of the web in the axial direction by the bending process. This embodiment has the advantage that the length of the pockets adjacent to the asteg is changed together with the length of the web, so that the cage can be adapted to differently long rolling elements, in particular rollers or needles.

In a possible structural embodiment of the invention, the cage is designed so that a subset of the webs each have such a deformation region, as described above, and another subset of the webs is formed as a comb webs, so only edge-side web sections having opposite web sections unconnected. In this way, only the subset of the webs must be changed with the deformation range in the axial length, the other subset of the webs can be carried in the axial direction due to the lack of connection of the web portions. It is particularly preferred that the subset of the webs are distributed with the deformation regions regularly in the direction of rotation of the cage. As a result of this structural design, the number of deformation regions can be kept small, so that errors due to incorrect bending of the cage regions are reduced.

In another constructive embodiment of the invention, however, the cage is designed so that each of the webs has at least one such deformation region. In this embodiment, although more deformation areas must be deformed by means of the bending process, the connection and thus the overall stability of the cage is better than in the embodiment with the comb webs.

In a possible structural embodiment of the invention, the web has a central portion and two side portions, wherein the central portion between the two side portions is arranged and wherein the central portion is arranged offset in the radial direction to the cage rings. In particular, the central portion is offset radially inwardly relative to the cage rings, the lateral portions forming transition portions between the cage rings and the central portion with respect to the radial direction. The deformation region can optionally be arranged in the middle section, for example centrally, and alternatively or optionally additionally in the side section (s).

Particularly preferably, the side sections have a first partial section initially extending in the axial direction and a second partial section connecting the first partial section to the central section, wherein it is particularly preferred that the deforming section is arranged in the first partial section. In this latter embodiment, the deformation section is particularly easy to achieve due to the exposed position for the bending process. In contrast, the arrangement of the deformation portion in the central portion has the advantage that the bending process leads to a symmetrical change in length of the web and thus to a symmetrical change in length of the cage with respect to a central radial plane.

In an alternative or optional supplement, it is provided that at least one of the cage rings, preferably both cage rings, has such a deformation area as has been described above. The deformation region may be formed, for example, as a circumferential bead or curl and thus as a circumferential groove, wherein the cage ring width in the axial direction and thus the axial width of the cage is changed by the bending process. This embodiment has the advantage that by adjusting the axial width of the cage, the axial length of the pockets is not changed, so that the same rolling elements can be used even with different Wälzkörperlagertypen.

Another object of the invention relates to a set of at least two cages, wherein one of the cages is formed as described above in the basic form and has a starting width as an axial width. According to the invention, the set comprises a second cage having an end width, wherein the end width is formed differently than the starting width, and wherein the cage is produced in the final shape by at least one bending process in the deformation area of a cage of the same design as the cage.

• a) Bereitstellen des Käfigs in der Grundform;
• b) Verformen des mindestens einen Verformbereichs durch einen Biegeprozess zur Herstellung des Käfigs in der Endform.

Preferably, the cage in the basic form of the cage type, which has the largest number of parts in the proposed range of parts, so that the supply of the "main type" without plastic deformation and thus cost-neutral compared to a manufacture with type-bound tool that "companion types" with other axial widths can produced from the "main type" by the bending process, so that no additional type-bound tool for the "accompanying types" is needed. Another object of the invention relates to a method for producing the set of cages, as described above. The method comprises the steps:

• a) providing the cage in the basic form;
• b) deforming the at least one deformation region by a bending process to produce the cage in the final shape.

The bending process takes place in the cage closed in a ring shape. Preferably, the bending process is carried out by using a delivered in the axial direction or passed through the cage stamp. Alternatively or additionally, the cage is pulled during assembly over a mandrel or pressed into a device. In this case, the cage changes its length dimension only and exclusively on the at least one deformation area. In particular, the diameter of the cage does not change as a result of the bending process.

Optionally, further adjustments of the cage or its integration into the roller bearing can be done by a selection of roles, especially needles, with an adapted length.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features, advantages and effects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and the accompanying figures. Showing:

1 a schematic three-dimensional view of a cage as an embodiment of the invention;

2 a schematic illustration of webs of the cage in the 1 in different lengths states;

3 in the same representation as the 2 an alternative of the webs in the 1 ;

4 in the same representation as in the 2 Another alternative of the webs in the 1 ;

5 a highly schematic representation of a development of a cage as a further embodiment of the invention;

6 in the same representation as in the 2 to 4 an alternative embodiment for the cage rings of the cage in the 1 ,

Detailed description of the drawings

In the 1 is a cage in a schematic three-dimensional representation 1 represented for a roller bearing. The cage 1 is designed for a radial bearing and defines a rotation axis 2 , The cage 1 includes two cage rings 3a , b, which are coaxial with the axis of rotation 2 are arranged, as well as a plurality of webs 4 which are the two cage rings 3a connect b. The bridges 4 are parallel or rectified to the axis of rotation 2 arranged and form in the interstices to each other together with the cage rings 3a , b bags 5 - Also called windows or recordings - for rolling elements of the rolling element bearing. The rolling element bearing is designed as a roller bearing, in particular as a needle bearing. Accordingly, the bags 5 designed for receiving trained as rollers or needles rolling elements.

The cage 1 defined in the axial direction to the axis of rotation 2 by its external dimensions an axial width B. Through the space between the cage rings 3a , b is an axial length l for the rolling elements in the pockets 5 Are defined.

The cage 1 has at least one forming area 6 on, which allows the axial width B of the cage 1 by a forming process, namely by a bending process, can be changed. The forming areas 6 are in the 1 shown only schematically, since they can be arranged at different positions, as will be explained below in connection with the other figures.

In the 2 is an azimuthal plan view in the direction of rotation on one of the webs 4 according to the arrows XX in the 1 shown in a very schematic way. It can be seen that the footbridge 4 in a middle section 7 and two side sections 8a , b can be subdivided. The middle section 7 is opposite the cage rings 3a , B arranged radially offset inwards to guide the rolling elements can. The side sections 8a , b each have a first section 9a and a second subsection 9b on, with the first section 9a the cage ring 3a , b extended in the axial direction and is rectified to this in this illustration and the second section 9b the transition in radial height of the cage ring 3a , b to the middle section 7 forms and to the first section 9a is arranged at an angle. In modified embodiments can also on the first section 9a be waived.

In the middle section 7 is a deformation area 10 arranged in the embodiment in the 2 is formed as a radially outwardly curved bead or curl. The deformation area 10 may also be formed as a bend with a series of several beads, so that instead of a U-shaped curve results in a w-shaped or multi-serrated or wavy course.

The jetty 4 indicates in the first illustration in the 2 an axial length L0. By pulling on the cage rings 3a , b or by pressing on the deformation area 10 in the radial direction, a bending process is implemented, wherein the deformation area 10 is deformed by the bending process and due to the deformation, the axial length of the web 4 is changed, for example, from the length L0 to the length L1 is increased.

In the event that everyone in the 1 shown bridges 4 a corresponding deformation area 10 Thus, can the axial width B of the cage 1 be enlarged to the cage 1 to adapt to the axial width of another Wälzkörperlagertyps.

In the third presentation in the 2 is the jetty 4 further axially pulled apart and / or further acted upon by a radially inwardly acting force, so that the axial length of the web 4 has increased to the value L2, where: L2>L1> L0.

In the fourth presentation on the 2 is a way to reduce the axial width B of the cage 1 shown by the axial length of the web 4 by compressing the deformation area 10 is changed from L0 to L3, where L <L0 is formed. In this embodiment, the deformation range 10 folded or compressed so that the axial length is reduced.

With bars 4 that have such an adaptable deformation range 10 Thus, the cage can 1 in the axial width B from a starting width B to a final width with a desired nominal dimension B 'are adjusted.

In the 3 is in the same representation as in the 2 an alternative to the jetty 4 shown, where the deformation range 10 is again formed as a bead or curl, in this example, however, radially inward and not radially outward as in the 2 is turned. For the other details and variants in the length change is to the previous description of the 2 directed.

In the 4 is shown a further alternative embodiment, wherein a deformation range 10 on the first section 9a of the page section 8a is arranged. With this deformation section 10 can the first section 9a and thus the footbridge 4 be changed again in the axial length to the values L1, L2 and L3. It is optionally possible that on the opposite first subsection 9a of the page section 8b a similar deformation section 10 is arranged. Also in this embodiment, it is possible that the deformation area 10 not facing radially outward - as shown - but turned radially inward. It is also possible that in addition to the deformation areas 10 on the side sections 8a , b one or more deformation areas 10 in the middle sections 7 are arranged. It is also possible that the deformation areas 10 are formed accordion-like, so that they are formed as a series of alternately radially outward and radially inwardly facing beads or curls.

In the 5 is a development in radial plan view of a second embodiment of a cage 1 to recognize which again two cage rings 3a , b. The bridges 4 however, are only partly continuous between the cage rings 3a , b trained. Between the continuous bridges 4 are comb bridges 11 arranged, being between two opposing comb webs 11 each a free space 12 remains.

The bridges 4 each have either in the middle section 7 (as shown) or in the side sections 8a , b (not shown) at least one of the deformation areas 10 on which in the 5 only strongly symbolically represented. The width B of the cage 1 can by changing the axial length of the webs 4 be reinstated, as in the 2 to 4 has already been described, so that reference is made to the preceding description. The ridges 11 can due to the clearance 12 be carried free-running.

In the 6 is an alternative embodiment of the cage 1 being shown in the 6 Although a similar representation as in the 2 to 4 is selected, in the border areas, however, the cage rings 3a , b are attached. In this embodiment, the cage rings 3a , b the deformation areas 10 , which are again formed as beads or rolling. In this embodiment, the deformation areas 10 For example, formed with a constant in the circumferential direction cross-section. So these are realized, for example, as a circumferential groove or circumferential bead. By a bending process, it is again possible, the axial extent of the deformation areas 10 to change the width B of the cage 1 can be changed from the initial width B0 to the final width B1, B2, B3. It should be noted that in the embodiments according to the 2 to 4 the pocket length l is changed, whereas in the embodiment in the 6 the pocket length l remains constant, as only the width of the cage rings 3a , b for variation of the width of the cage 1 from B to B 'and not the length of the bars 4 will be changed.

When changing the width B of the cage 1 become the deformation zone (s) 10 by means of a bending process or a forming process, which contains at least one bending part, so changed that the cage 1 can be adjusted to a desired end width B '. The deformation areas 10 are each in the axial direction on both sides of intermediate areas 13 surrounded, which remain undeformed in the bending process. This ensures, for example, that the expansion of the pockets 5 in the direction of rotation during the bending process remain the same.

This described, special production of cages 1 allows it based on a cage 1 in a basic form as the main type different cages 1 with deviating axial width B 'to produce as a minor types, without that for these auxiliary types own type-bound tools must be provided and managed. It is advantageous if the main type has the cage width B, which is used the most, and the side types refer to cage widths B ', which are rarely needed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Cage

2

 axis of rotation

3a, b

 cage rings

4

 Stege

5

 Bags

6

 forming regions

7

 midsection

8a, b

 side sections

9a, b

 sections

10

 Verformbereiche

11

 comb lamellae

12

 free space

13

 between areas

B, B0, B1, B2, B3

axial width of the cage 1

B '

 width

l

Length for rolling elements / pocket length

L, L0, L1, L2, L3

 axial length

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 102004003655 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Cage ( 1 ) for a roller bearing, with two cage rings ( 3a , b), with a plurality of webs ( 4 . 11 ) as well as bags ( 5 ) for rolling elements, wherein the webs ( 4 . 11 ) between the cage rings ( 3a , b) extend and the pockets ( 5 ) between the bridges ( 4 ) are arranged, characterized in that the cage ( 1 ) at least one deformation area ( 10 ), wherein the deformation region ( 10 ), a shortening or lengthening of the cage ( 1 ) in the axial direction by a bending process. Cage ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the deformation area ( 10 ) is formed as a bead, as a curl or as a bend. Cage ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the deformation region ( 10 ) in the axial direction on both sides of an intermediate region ( 13 ) is adjacent. where the deformation area ( 13 ) is formed to remain unchanged in the bending process. Cage ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the webs ( 4 ) such a deformation area ( 10 ), wherein the deformation region ( 10 ) is formed, a shortening and / or extension of the web ( 4 ) in the axial direction through the bending process. Cage ( 1 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that a subset of the webs ( 4 ) each have such a deformation area ( 10 ) and that a different subset of the webs than comb webs ( 11 ) are formed. Cage ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each of the webs ( 4 ) at least one such deformation area ( 10 ) having. Cage ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the web ( 4 ) a middle section ( 7 ) and two side sections ( 8a , b), wherein the middle section ( 7 ) between the two side sections ( 8a , b) and wherein the middle section ( 7 ) offset in the radial direction to the cage rings ( 3a , b), wherein the deformation area ( 10 ) in the middle section ( 7 ) and / or in the side section ( 8a , b) is arranged. Cage ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the cage rings ( 3 a, b) such a deformation area ( 10 ) having. Set of at least two cages ( 1 ), whereby one of the cages ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims in a basic shape and has an initial width (B) as an axial width and wherein the second cage ( 1 ) has an end width (B ', B1, B2, B3) as the axial width, wherein the end width (B', B1, B2, B3) is formed differently than the initial width (B) and wherein the cage ( 1 ) in the final shape by at least one bending process in the deformation area ( 10 ) one to the cage ( 1 ) in the basic form identical cage ( 1 ) is made. Method for producing a set of cages according to claim 9, characterized by the steps: a) providing the cage ( 1 ) in the basic form; b) deforming the at least one deformation region ( 10 ) by a bending process for the production of the cage ( 1 ) in the final form.

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