DE102014206634A1 - Bearing assembly and washing machine with a bearing assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a bearing assembly with two rolling bearings and a washing machine with such a bearing assembly. According to the invention it is provided that acts on one of the two bearings, a spring element which presses an inner ring of the rolling bearing on the other of the two rolling bearings.

Description

• – ein Lagergehäuse mit einer Lagergehäusebohrung,
• – eine in der Lagergehäusebohrung aufgenommene Welle,
• – ein erstes Wälzlager mit einem ersten Außenring und einem ersten Innenring, sowie
• – ein zweites Wälzlager mit einem zweiten Außenring und einem zweiten Innenring,

wobei der erste Außenring und der zweite Außenring axial fixiert in die Lagergehäusebohrung eingebracht sind und wobei der erste Innenring und der zweite Innenring in Lospassung auf die Welle aufgebracht sind.The present invention relates to a bearing assembly comprising

• A bearing housing with a bearing housing bore,
• A shaft received in the bearing housing bore,
• - A first rolling bearing with a first outer ring and a first inner ring, and
• A second rolling bearing having a second outer ring and a second inner ring,

wherein the first outer ring and the second outer ring are axially fixed in the bearing housing bore and wherein the first inner ring and the second inner ring are applied in Lippassung on the shaft.

Bearing arrangements are used in particular for washing machines, in which case typically the shaft is connected to a drum of the washing machine. During a washing process carried out with the washing machine, the laundry in the drum is stochastically distributed. This results in imbalances, which lead to high mechanical loads on the equipment, especially the drum storage.

In a Lospassung the inner ring is loose, which means that located in the ball bearing rolling elements, typically balls, can move relatively freely and unguided. In other words, here there are degrees of freedom which are undesirable or not useful. This leads to attacks and uneven force or force transmission of or over the balls. The balls run on a wave-shaped circulation path on the running surfaces of the rings. This causes operating noise and reduces the life of the bearing.

The EP 1 091 037 A1 shows a laundry treatment machine with a cantilevered drum and with a bearing housing in which two radial ball bearings are introduced lossitzfrei with their outer rings. With their inner rings, they pick up a shaft journal connected to the drum. The inner rings are in the installed state lossitzfrei with respect to the shaft journal and axially defined braced arranged in relation to the outer rings.

The DE 100 52 586 C1 shows a laundry treatment machine with a cantilevered drum and a bearing housing in which two radial ball bearings are arranged lossitzfrei with their outer rings and with axial distance from each other and record with their inner rings connected to the drum shaft journals in the transitional seat. The shaft journal carries at its end opposite the drum an axially adjustable clamping element and is surrounded at least in an axial portion of a spring element. This allows an installation depth adjustment.

The DE 1 460 896 A shows a washing drum bearing for a washing drum, in which two ball or roller bearings are secured at least on one side by an expansion ring against axial displacement.

The invention further relates to a washing machine with a bearing arrangement.

Against this background, an object of the invention is to provide a structurally optimized bearing assembly in which operating noise is reduced and / or the life of the bearing is optimized. It is a further object of the invention to provide a washing machine with an optimized bearing arrangement.

These objects are achieved by a bearing assembly or a washing machine with the features of claim 1 and the features of claim 11.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description and from the accompanying drawings and from the subclaims, the features of which can be used individually and in any combination with each other.

The invention provides for a bearing arrangement of the type mentioned above, that a spring element is provided which is arranged on a side facing away from the respective other rolling bearing end face of an inner ring and biases it in the direction of the respective other rolling bearing.

This ensures that the above-mentioned degrees of freedom no longer exist and the rolling elements run in a predetermined configuration. As a result, the noise-causing movement, which is also referred to as rattling or Lagerklockern prevented or at least considerably reduced. The storage thus always has defined operating situations. In other words, the rolling elements, such as balls, permanently in the power flow, so that no more shocks can occur. Also advantageous are an increase in the life of the bearing, an increase in the rigidity of the bearing system, an improved uptake of tilting moments and compared to other designs according to the prior art lower installation costs. Furthermore, by the spring element also advantageous Temperature-related changes in length and manufacturing tolerances are compensated.

An axial fixation of the outer rings can preferably be achieved by interference fit.

Preferably, the spring element is supported opposite to the end face of the inner ring on a part of the shaft, in particular a shaft shoulder, or on a component connected to the shaft, in particular a belt pulley. Thus, a bias of the respective bearing is achieved relative to the shaft.

Further preferably, the one inner ring, on which the spring element is not arranged, adjoins a part of the shaft, in particular a shaft shoulder, or a component connected to the shaft, in particular a belt pulley, and is thereby prestressed in the direction of the respective other roller bearing , Thus, a force generated by the spring element can be used to provide a defined preload for both bearings.

Preferably, the shaft has three regions of different diameters, wherein a first region has the largest diameter, an adjacent second region has a smaller diameter, and a third region, which in turn adjoins the latter, has an even smaller diameter. This allows, in particular in connection with the embodiments described below, a structurally simple design. The first area preferably adjoins a drum when using the bearing arrangement in a washing machine.

In this case, the first rolling bearing is preferably arranged on the second region adjacent to the transition between the first and second regions. The transition thus forms a defined contact surface for the first roller bearing or for the spring element when the spring element between the first region and the first roller bearing is arranged. The first region can also be referred to as a wave shoulder, for example. Alternatively, it can also be replaced by a bushing applied to the shaft.

More preferably, the second rolling bearing is arranged on the third area adjacent to the transition between the second and third areas. Thus, the third area forms a defined and axially limited surface for the second rolling bearing.

According to one embodiment, the spring element is arranged between the transition between the first and second region and the first rolling bearing. Then typically the spring element abuts against an end face of the first inner ring. In such a case, it is further advantageous if the second inner ring of the second rolling bearing is adjacent to a component connected to the shaft, in particular to a pulley, and preferably with an end face facing away from the first rolling bearing. Thus, a force exerted by the spring force can be used to generate a defined bias for both bearings.

According to an alternative embodiment, the spring element between the second roller bearing and a pulley connected to the shaft is arranged. This pushes the second rolling bearing towards the first rolling bearing. In such a case, it is particularly advantageous in particular if the first inner ring of the first rolling bearing adjoins a transition region between a first and a second section, as described above, preferably with an end face facing away from the second rolling bearing. Thus, a force exerted by the spring force can also be used to generate a defined bias for both bearings.

Preferably, the spring element is formed circumferentially around the shaft. This leads to a uniform action of a force exerted by the spring element.

More preferably, the first rolling bearing and the second rolling bearing together form a salaried storage (a storage in which the outer rings of the bearings are supported in the one and the inner rings of the bearings in the opposite direction), in particular in O-shape (also O-arrangement called). This can be achieved in particular as described above in that both roller bearings with respective end faces either to the spring element or to a portion of the shaft or a shaft connected to the component, in particular a pulley, adjacent. This achieves an advantageous absorption of the forces introduced by the drum into the bearing arrangement.

The invention further relates to a washing machine with a tub and a drum, wherein an attached to the tub container assembly according to the invention is provided. The drum is connected to the shaft of the bearing assembly. The first rolling bearing is preferably arranged on the drum side.

For the rolling bearing or the bearing arrangement, all variants and designs can be used as described above in the washing machine according to the invention. The comments on the benefits achieved with it apply accordingly.

The invention will be further explained with reference to an embodiment shown figuratively. Show it:

1 : a bearing assembly of a washing machine according to a first embodiment,

2 a bearing assembly of a washing machine according to a second embodiment.

1 shows a first embodiment of a bearing assembly 10 a washing machine with a tub 11 , This has a bearing housing 12 with a bearing housing bore 13 on. The bearing housing 12 is with a wall of the tub 11 at least positively connected, wherein the compound, for example, in an injection molding of the tub 11 by overmolding the bearing housing 12 made with plastic. Adjacent to the bearing housing arrangement 10 is a drum 15 the washing machine arranged. To drive the drum 15 serves a pulley 17 , Both the drum 15 as well as the pulley 17 are opposite each other on a shaft 20 appropriate. The wave 20 is in the bearing housing bore 13 added. By means of the pulley 17 can the wave 20 and therefore also the drum 15 be driven by a motor via a belt.

Inside the bearing housing bore 13 are also a first rolling bearing 30 and a second rolling bearing 40 arranged. The first rolling bearing 30 has a first outer ring 32 , a number of balls 34 and a first inner ring 36 on. The second rolling bearing 40 has a second outer ring 42 , a number of balls 44 and a second inner ring 46 on. The first rolling bearing 30 is closer to the drum 15 arranged as the second rolling bearing 40 , The first rolling bearing 30 is thus arranged on the drum side. The second rolling bearing 40 on the other hand is arranged on the belt side.

The respective outer rings 32 . 42 are each in press fit in the bearing housing bore 13 fixed. Thus, they are relative to the bearing housing 12 immobile. The respective inner rings 36 . 46 are on the other hand in the past on the wave 20 applied. Thus, the wave can 20 and the inner rings 36 . 46 basically move axially relative to each other.

The wave 20 is divided into three areas, each with a different diameter. The drum side is initially a first area 21 formed with the largest diameter. This can also be referred to as a wave shoulder. In an alternative embodiment, for example, it could be replaced by a bushing.

Adjacent to the first area is a second area 22 formed with a smaller diameter. On this is the first rolling bearing 30 applied, adjacent to a transition 24 between the first area 21 and the second area 22 ,

Again adjacent to the second area 22 is a third area 23 formed with even smaller diameter. On this is the second rolling bearing 40 applied, adjacent to a transition 25 between the second area 22 and the third area 23 ,

Between the second rolling bearing 40 and the pulley 17 there is a section 26 the wave 20 on which an annular spring element 50 is applied. This spring element 50 rests on the pulley 17 and pushes the second inner ring 46 of the second rolling bearing 40 towards the first rolling bearing 30 , At the same time, the wave becomes 20 pressed in the opposite direction.

As shown, the first inner ring is adjacent 36 of the first rolling bearing 20 immediately to the transition 24 between the first area 21 and the second area 22 at. Due to the spring element 50 on the wave 20 exerted force is thus the first inner ring 36 towards the second rolling bearing 40 too pressed. This allows a tension of the two rolling bearings 30 . 40 against each other with the help of only one spring element 50 ,

The by the spring element 50 mediated force on the two inner rings 36 . 46 causes them to move towards each other. However, this movement is very limited by the fact that the respective inner rings 36 . 46 while the respective balls 34 . 44 move axially, which in turn turn on the respective outer rings 32 . 42 support. The latter are firmly in the bearing housing 12 anchored.

With reference number 60 is in 1 a typical force curve shown. For example, an axial force acts in 1 to the right on the shaft 20 , so this passes over the first inner ring 36 over the balls 34 on the first outer ring 32 and continue through the bearing housing 12 to the second outer ring 42 of the second rolling bearing 40 , From there it passes over the balls 44 to the second inner ring 46 from where the force on the spring element 50 on the pulley 17 and again with the wave 20 connected component is passed. This force curve is particularly advantageous because it provides a defined preload of the bearings 30 . 40 is achieved, what uncontrolled movements of the balls 34 . 44 in derogation.

2 shows a second embodiment of a bearing assembly 10 , This is largely identical to the one in 1 shown executed first embodiment. Therefore, only the differences are discussed below.

In contrast to the first embodiment, the spring element is in the second embodiment 50 not between the second inner ring 46 and the pulley 17 arranged but between the transition 24 between the first area 21 and the second area 22 and the first inner ring 36 , The spring force acts on the first inner ring 36 and press it according to the illustration of 2 to the right. At the same time lies the second inner ring 46 on the pulley 17 and is by one of the spring element 50 to the left on the shaft 20 applied force pressed to the left. This results in a very similar effect as in the first embodiment, namely that the two rolling bearings 30 . 40 Be biased O-shaped against each other. This leads to the already mentioned advantages.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

 bearing arrangement

11

 tub

12

 bearing housing

13

 Knuckle bore

15

 drum

17

 pulley

20

 wave

21

 first area

22

 second area

23

 third area

24

 crossing

25

 crossing

26

 section

30

 first rolling bearing

32

 first outer ring

34

 roll

36

 first inner ring

40

 second rolling bearing

42

 second outer ring

44

 roll

46

 second inner ring

50

 spring element

60

 force curve

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

• EP 1091037 A1 [0004]
• DE 10052586 C1 [0005]
• DE 1460896 A [0006]

Claims (11)

Bearing arrangement ( 10 ), in particular for a washing machine, comprising - a bearing housing ( 12 ) with a bearing housing bore ( 13 ), - one in the bearing housing bore ( 13 ) recorded wave ( 20 ), - a first rolling bearing ( 30 ) with a first outer ring ( 32 ) and a first inner ring ( 36 ) and - a second rolling bearing ( 40 ) with a second outer ring ( 42 ) and a second inner ring ( 46 ), wherein the first outer ring ( 32 ) and the second outer ring ( 42 ) axially fixed in the bearing housing bore ( 13 ) and wherein the first inner ring ( 36 ) and the second inner ring ( 46 ) in Lospassung on the wave ( 20 ) are applied, and wherein a spring element ( 50 ) on one of the other rolling bearings ( 30 . 40 ) facing away from the end face of an inner ring ( 36 . 46 ) is arranged and this in the direction of the other rolling bearing ( 40 . 30 ). Bearing arrangement ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element ( 50 ) opposite to the end face of the inner ring ( 36 . 46 ) on a part of the shaft ( 20 ), in particular a shaft shoulder, or at one with the shaft ( 20 ), in particular a pulley ( 17 ). Bearing arrangement ( 10 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the one inner ring ( 36 . 46 ), on which the spring element ( 50 ) is not arranged, to a part of the shaft ( 20 ), in particular to a shaft shoulder, or to one with the shaft ( 20 ) connected component, in particular a pulley ( 17 ), and thereby in the direction of the other rolling bearing ( 40 . 30 ) is biased. Bearing arrangement ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaft ( 20 ) three areas ( 21 . 22 . 23 ) of different diameter, wherein a first region ( 21 ) has the largest diameter, an adjoining second area ( 22 ) has a smaller diameter and a third region ( 23 ) has an even smaller diameter. Bearing arrangement ( 10 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first rolling bearing ( 30 ) on the second area ( 22 ) adjacent to the transition ( 24 ) between the first and second areas ( 21 . 22 ) is arranged. Bearing arrangement ( 10 ) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the second rolling bearing ( 30 ) on the third area ( 23 ) adjacent to the transition ( 25 ) between the second and third areas ( 22 . 23 ) is arranged. Bearing arrangement ( 10 ) according to at least one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the spring element ( 50 ) between the transition ( 24 ) between the first and second areas ( 21 . 22 ) and the first rolling bearing ( 30 ) is arranged. Bearing arrangement ( 10 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the spring element ( 50 ) between the second rolling bearing ( 40 ) and one with the shaft ( 20 ) connected pulley ( 17 ) is arranged. Bearing arrangement ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element ( 50 ) around the shaft ( 20 ) is formed circumferentially. Bearing arrangement ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first rolling bearing ( 30 ) and the second rolling bearing ( 40 ) Together form a salaried storage, especially in O-form. Washing machine with a tub ( 11 ) and a drum ( 15 ), characterized by a on the tub ( 11 ) mounted bearing assembly ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drum ( 15 ) with the wave ( 20 ) of the bearing assembly ( 10 ), and wherein preferably the first rolling bearing ( 20 ) is arranged drum side.

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