DE102017218481A1 - bearing arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a bearing assembly comprising a housing and a shaft, a pivot bearing with an outer ring in the housing and / or an inner ring on the shaft, a fastened to the housing or the shaft fastener, and a deformation element with a radial portion radially outside of the outer ring or radially inside the inner ring, wherein the radial section is compressed by attaching the fastening element in the axial direction and is thickened by the compression for a backlash-free fixation of the rotary bearing in the radial direction.

Description

The present invention relates to a bearing assembly for supporting a shaft in a housing. Furthermore, the invention relates to a deformation element of this bearing assembly and a method for mounting the bearing assembly.

A well-known problem in the storage of shafts with pivot bearings, especially with bearings, is the bearing clearance theme "noise". These are not only due to noise causes in the bearing interior (eg rolling noise, rattling noise due to axial / radial play between the bearing inner / outer ring and the rolling elements). In particular rattling noises are usually by relative movements between the bearing (inner / outer ring) to the adjacent components in the axial and radial directions, z. B. shaft, housing, screw, etc., caused. The magnitude of the relevant games results on the one hand from design specifications and manufacturing tolerances, but it can also come with "zero backlash" in the idle state by introducing dynamic forces or thermal influences during operation to noise-relevant gap formation. Even playing values in the μm range can cause considerable noise. Material pairings with different coefficients of thermal expansion, z. As a combination of steel bearings and aluminum housing, under the influence of temperature can increase the gap formation in addition.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bearing assembly that is as easy to assemble and after installation, the radial clearance between the bearing and shaft / housing, even under operating conditions, preferably completely prevented. Also for the axial direction between the bearing and integration play-free solutions should be presented, if they are required and not by other components such. B. corrugated or disc spring already be prevented.

The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

Thus, the object is achieved by a bearing arrangement comprising a housing, a shaft, a pivot bearing, a fastening element and a deformation element. The bearing arrangement is preferably used in a vehicle, in particular in the steering gear of the vehicle.

The rotary bearing is preferably a roller bearing. The housing is the assembly, which is located radially outside of the pivot bearing. Thus, the housing may be a fixed assembly. However, a hollow shaft arranged radially outside the rotary bearing can also form the housing. The shaft is arranged radially inside the pivot bearing. The rotary bearing allows rotation of the shaft relative to the housing.

The pivot bearing comprises an outer ring in the housing and / or an inner ring on the shaft. If the deformation element is arranged on the outer ring, a pivot bearing without inner ring can be used, wherein the shaft represents the running surface for the rolling elements. If the deformation element is arranged on the inner ring, a rotary bearing without outer ring can be used, wherein the housing represents the running surface for the rolling elements. In a preferred embodiment, however, it is provided that the rolling bearing comprises both an inner ring and an outer ring, wherein a deformation element is arranged on at least one ring.

The deformation element has a radial section. The radial section is arranged radially outside the outer ring. It is particularly provided that the radial portion rests directly on the outside of the outer ring. Alternatively, the radial section can be arranged radially inside the inner ring. It is particularly provided that the radial portion rests directly on the inside of the inner ring.

The deformation element may have at least one axial section in addition to the radial section. This embodiment will be explained in detail.

The radial portion is compressed by attaching the fastener in the axial direction. By this axial compression, the fastener is thickened in the radial direction, resulting in a backlash-free fixation of the pivot bearing. The fastening of the fastening element is preferably carried out by screwing or a press fit.

In particular, it is provided that the fastening element is moved during fastening by an axial force acting in the axial direction. As a result, the deformation element between the housing and the fastening element is compressed in the axial direction. By this compression, the deformation element undergoes a positive change in its thickness in the radial direction, whereby the space between the outer ring and housing or between inner ring and shaft is completely filled. In particular, the thickening produces a bias acting in the radial direction on the pivot bearing, which ensures a backlash-free storage even with thermal expansion of the pivot bearing and the surrounding assemblies.

The deformation element leads in addition to the play-free storage to a damping and / or centering of the pivot bearing.

If the deformation element is located on the outer ring, the fastening element is preferably fastened to the housing. In particular, the housing forms an axial stop for the deformation element on one axial side. The fastener presses on the opposite side of the deformation element.

If the deformation element is located on the inner ring, the fastening element is preferably fastened to the shaft. In particular, the shaft forms an axial stop for the deformation element on one axial side. The fastener presses on the opposite side of the deformation element.

Preferably, the fastening element is also designed for axial attachment of the pivot bearing. In this case, the fastening element is in particular designed such that it projects on the axial side not only via the deformation element but also via the outer ring or inner ring. As a result, not only the deformation element can be compressed with the fastening element, but at the same time the fastening element also serves for the axial fixation or fastening of the respective ring. In certain embodiments, the fastener is in its fastened state on an axial side of the outer ring or inner ring or on the axial portion of the deformation element.

For a simple, in particular toolless, mounting of the deformation element is preferably provided that remains a gap before upsetting between deformation element and housing and / or deformation element and outer ring or between deformation element and shaft and / or between the deformation element and inner ring. The gap is preferably at least 0.1 mm.

Preferably, the deformation element extends in the circumferential direction of the pivot bearing over at least 330 °. The deformation element is thus annular. Particularly preferably, the deformation element extends completely over 360 ° in the circumferential direction of the pivot bearing. The deformation element can be closed in the circumferential direction or have a slot.

The deformation element may be formed by a ring or by a plurality of parallel rings. The multiple rings can be interconnected. However, it is also possible to assemble the deformation element, for example, from two separate rings. This is particularly advantageous if the deformation element has an axial section on both sides of the pivot bearing.

The radial section, in particular the entire deformation element, is preferably made of plastic, in particular of an elastomer, and / or of metal and / or a composite material. The composite material is in particular fiber-reinforced plastic. The composite material offers the advantage that specifically different thermal expansions in the different spatial directions can be used.

These different materials can also be combined with each other. In this case, provision is made in particular for the radial section to have a plurality of partial regions which line up in the axial direction. In the circumferential direction, the individual subregions preferably extend the same distance, for example over at least 330 °. The portions of the radial portion may be formed by a ring or by using multiple rings by a plurality of rings. In this case, a ring form one or more subregions of the radial section. The sections of the radial section may be made of different materials and / or in different geometry.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the deformation element extends, even after its compression, at least over the entire length of the pivot bearing. The length of the pivot bearing is defined in the axial direction.

The deformation element preferably comprises an axial section on at least one axial side of the rotary bearing. In particular, the axial section is provided on both opposite sides. When attaching the fastener of the axial section is compressed in the axial direction. This compression leads to a bias in the axial direction of the pivot bearing and thus serves the play-free fixation.

Preferably, the respective axial portion is fixedly connected at least to a portion of the radial portion, in particular made in one piece.

If the deformation element has an axial section on both sides, it is preferably provided that the deformation element is formed from at least two rings, which can be plugged onto the rotary bearing from the two sides. Alternatively, the deformation element can also be designed so elastic that it can be slipped onto the outer ring or into the inner ring despite the two axial sections.

The radial section has a first length before compression and a second length after compression. The lengths are each defined in the axial direction. Preferably, the second length is at most 99%, preferably at most 97%, more preferably at most 95%, particularly preferably at most 90%, of the first length. Furthermore, embodiments are provided in which preferably the second length is at most 85%, preferably at most 80%, particularly preferably at most 75%, of the first length.

If the radial section is formed of a plurality of partial regions, these partial regions may possibly be spaced apart from one another prior to the compression. The "first length" is the sum of the individual lengths of the subregions.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the radial section, at least in a partial area, has a wave structure. The radial section preferably has a wave structure over its entire length or in all subregions.

The wave structure may be made in particular of metal, e.g. made of sheet metal, plastic, e.g. Elastomer or fiber reinforced plastic may be formed. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the radial section has at least two partial regions, in each case in a wave structure, of different materials.

The wave structure preferably has a greater wavelength before compression than after compression. When upsetting the radial portion of the individual waves are thus pushed toward each other, whereby the wavelength is reduced and the amplitude increases, so that the radial portion is thickened.

Alternatively or additionally, the radial section has a different structure in at least one partial area, which can also be compressed. The other structure includes, for example, recesses or cavities of a porous material, which are compressed in compression in the axial direction. In particular, the recesses are grooves extending in the circumferential direction.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the radial section, at least in a partial region, is wedge-shaped and can be pushed against a wedge-shaped counter-surface in the axial direction during the compression.

The wedge-shaped counter surface may be stiff and thereby be formed by the housing or the shaft. Alternatively, a correspondingly rigid ring with the wedge-shaped mating surface between the housing and the deformation element or between the shaft and the deformation element can also be used. Moreover, it is possible to form the wedge-shaped counter surface on the outer side of the outer ring or on the inner side of the inner ring.

In particular, the radial section is wedge-shaped over its entire length. In this case, the radial section preferably extends over the entire length of the pivot bearing. Alternatively, the radial portion is formed shorter than the pivot bearing, so that radially outside the outer ring or radially inside the inner ring in the region of the tip of the wedge-shaped radial portion no deformation element. As a result, the pivot bearing is located in this area directly on the rigid housing or on the rigid shaft, whereby a desired gimbals and position / movement-dependent stiffness of the storage can be achieved.

In addition, it is provided to arrange a further deformation element with the wedge-shaped counter surface radially outward (when arranged on the outer ring) or radially inside (when arranged on the inner ring) of the deformation element. The two deformation elements have wedge-shaped surfaces facing each other. During compression both deformation elements are deformed and thus experience a thickening in the radial direction.

The deformation elements are preferably claimed in normal operation only in the "elastic" range. In other words, a plastic deformation of the deformation elements does not occur, so that the deformation is always reversible.

The invention further comprises a deformation element of a bearing arrangement. The deformation element is designed in particular for use in the bearing arrangement described here. The deformation element comprises a compressible radial section to be arranged radially outside the outer ring or radially inside the inner ring of a pivot bearing. The radial section can be thickened by axial compression for a backlash-free fixation of the pivot bearing in the radial direction. The embodiments of the deformation element described within the framework of the bearing arrangement according to the invention find correspondingly advantageous application to the deformation element according to the invention.

The invention further comprises a method for assembling a bearing arrangement, preferably the bearing arrangement described here. In the method, the deformation element is inserted with a radial section radially outside the outer ring or radially inside the inner ring of the rotary bearing. This is followed by a fastening of the fastening element, whereby an axial force acts on the deformation element as a result of the fastening, so that the radial portion is compressed by the fastening element in the axial direction, wherein the radial portion thickened by the compression for a backlash-free fixation of the rotary bearing in the radial direction. The advantageous embodiments described in the context of the bearing assembly according to the invention and dependent claims find correspondingly advantageous application to the method according to the invention.

• 1 eine schematische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Lageranordnung,
• 2 eine schematische Ansicht einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Lageranordnung,
• 3 eine schematische Ansicht einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Lageranordnung,
• 4 eine schematische Ansicht einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Lageranordnung,
• 5 eine schematische Ansicht einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Lageranordnung,
• 6 unterschiedliche Varianten zur Ausgestaltung eines Radialabschnitts eines Deformationselements der erfindungsgemäßen Lageranordnung,
• 7 eine schematische Ansicht einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Lageranordnung,
• 8 eine schematische Ansicht einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Lageranordnung,
• 9 eine schematische Ansicht einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Lageranordnung, und
• 10 unterschiedliche Varianten zur Ausgestaltung eines konvexen Radialabschnitts des Deformationselements.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the figures. Show it:

• 1 a schematic view of a bearing arrangement according to the invention,
• 2 a schematic view of another bearing arrangement according to the invention,
• 3 a schematic view of another bearing arrangement according to the invention,
• 4 a schematic view of another bearing arrangement according to the invention,
• 5 a schematic view of another bearing arrangement according to the invention,
• 6 different variants for the design of a radial section of a deformation element of the bearing arrangement according to the invention,
• 7 a schematic view of another bearing arrangement according to the invention,
• 8th a schematic view of another bearing arrangement according to the invention,
• 9 a schematic view of another bearing arrangement according to the invention, and
• 10 different variants for the design of a convex radial portion of the deformation element.

The 1 to 5 and 7 to 9 show in schematic view different embodiments of a bearing assembly 1 in half section. With the ecxeption of 7 , is on the left side of the bearing assembly 1 before assembly and on the right side the bearing assembly 1 shown after assembly.

The bearing arrangement 1 includes a pivot bearing 2 with outer ring 3 , Inner ring 4 and rolling elements 5 between the two rings 3 . 4 , Furthermore, the bearing arrangement comprises 1 a wave 6 , a housing 7 and a fastener 8th , The inner ring 4 sits on the shaft 6 , The outer ring 3 is located in the housing 7 , When assembled, the fastener forms 8th a part of the housing so that the fastener 8th Also can be referred to as a housing part.

The figures each show a radial direction 40 and perpendicular to an axial direction 41 , The axial direction 41 runs parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft 6 or the pivot bearing 2 ,

Furthermore, the bearing arrangement comprises 1 a deformation element 20 , In the examples shown, the deformation element is 20 radially outside the outer ring 3 in a gap between housing 7 and outer ring 3 arranged. However, it is also possible, the different deformation elements 20 radially inside the inner ring 4 in a gap between inner ring 4 and wave 6 to arrange.

The deformation element 20 includes a radial section 21 , This radial section 21 is located radially outside of the pivot bearing 2 , The radial section 21 can be divided into several parts 22 (see eg 4 ) be formed. In addition to the radial section 21 can the deformation element 20 at least one axial section 23 respectively.

The fastener 8th is with the marked force 42 in the axial direction 41 moved and on the case 7 attached. The fastener presses 8th in the axial direction 41 on the deformation element 20 , This will be the radial section 21 in the axial direction 41 compressed and in the radial direction 40 thickened. Before mounting the fastener 8th has the radial section 21 a first length 25 and after compression a second length 26 on.

In the examples shown, the fastener extends 8th not only over an axial side of the deformation element 20 but also over an axial side of the pivot bearing 2 and thus also for the axial attachment of the pivot bearing 2 be used.

1 shows a deformation element 20 , only with radial section 21 , The deformation element 20 is made of an elastomer. The radial section 21 has a wave structure. The wave structure is achieved by attaching the fastener 8th upset, causing the radial section 21 in the radial direction 40 thickened. The radial section 21 extends after the compression over the entire length, defined in the axial direction 41 , the pivot bearing 2 ,

2 shows the same configuration of the bearing assembly 1 as 1 , However, the deformation element 20 formed from a wave-shaped bent sheet metal.

3 shows a one-piece deformation element 20 with two opposite axial sections 23 , The one-piece deformation element 20 is made of an elastomer and so elastic that it over the pivot bearing 2 can be put on. The power 42 in the attachment of the fastener 8th here leads not only to a compression of the radial section 21 but at the same time also to a compression of the two axial sections 23 , Through the two compressed axial sections 23 a preload acts on the pivot bearing 2 in the axial direction 41 ,

4 shows the same configuration of the bearing assembly 1 as 3 , However, here is the deformation element 20 formed from two unconnected rings. This simplifies compared to the embodiment in 3 the assembly, as the two rings from the two sides to the pivot bearing 2 can be deferred.

5 shows an embodiment of the radial section 21 with three sections 22 , The middle section 22 is formed by a corrugated metal sheet. The two outer sections 22 are made of elastomer in wave structure. The subareas 22 can be interconnected; For example, the sheet is encapsulated by the elastomer. However, at least a subarea can also be 22 be formed by a separate ring.

Independent of the subareas 22 and the use of different materials 5 in that instead of at least one axial section 23 the deformation element 22 a separate element, such as a spring 30 , axial side of the pivot bearing 2 can be used. In addition to the illustrated variant, it is also possible that the deformation element 20 on one side an axial section 23 having, on the other side no element or a separate element, such as the spring 30 , is located.

The examples in the 1 to 5 should in particular clarify that the radial section 21 may have different geometries as well as different materials. 6 shows in addition several variants A to I for the design of the radial section 21 before the compression. According to variant A, the radial section 21 , at least in one subarea 22 , a sinusoidal wave structure. According to variant B, the radial section 21 , at least in one subarea 22 , Have a wave structure with trapezoidal waves. Variant C illustrates that the radial section 21 , at least in one subarea 22 , may also have a wave structure with very different amplitudes and wavelengths.

By the variants D to F, in particular the rigidity of the compressed radial section 21 in the subareas 22 be designed differently. Variant D shows a lower wavelength in a middle subrange 22 , Variant E shows in the middle section 22 a larger wavelength than in the outer sections 22 , Variant F shows the possibility of being in a subarea 22 on one side to make the wavelength shorter than on the other side. In particular, by the shorter wavelengths results in a stiff portion 22 of the radial section 21 in the compressed state.

The variants A to F show, with the help of metal sheets, the possibility of configuring the wave structure differently. However, the same can also be used for deformation elements 20 made of other materials. For example, variant G shows a wave-shaped radial section 21 of an elastomer whose waveform and wavelength can be adjusted as well as in variants A to F.

Variant H shows that, in particular in the case of an elastomer, a wave structure can be achieved by a mutual arrangement of grooves.

Variant I is an example of all other possibilities, due to the geometric design of the radial section 21 to allow its compression and thickening. For this purpose, for example, recesses in the radial section 21 be used. For example, it is also possible, through other cavities, for example by correspondingly porous material, the necessary properties of the radial section 21 to reach.

7 shows another bearing arrangement 1 in the assembled state. This illustration clarifies that the deformation element 20 even on one axial side an axial section 23 may have, wherein on the opposite side of another element, such as the spring 30 , can be located. Independently of this shows 7 in that the radial section 21 , at least in one subarea 22 , wedge-shaped, wherein this wedge shape for centering the pivot bearing 2 is being used. In addition to the wedge-shaped section shown 22 can the radial section 21 also other subareas 22 respectively.

In the bearing arrangement 1 to 8th becomes radially outside of the deformation element 20 another deformation element 27 used. The two deformation elements 20 . 27 have mutually facing wedge surfaces 24 on. By the force 42 become the two wedge surface 24 pushed together, causing it to compression and thickening of both deformation elements 20 . 27 comes.

In the bearing arrangement 1 to 9 also becomes the deformation element 20 used, its radial section 21 a wedge surface 24 having. The complementary wedge surface 24 is located on a radial inside of the housing 7 ,

According to a variant, the radial section 21 wedge-shaped over its entire length. In this case, the radial section extends 21 preferably over the entire length of the pivot bearing 2 in the axial direction 41 ,

Alternatively, the radial section 21 shorter than the pivot bearing 2 , so that radially outside the outer ring 3 in the area of the tip of the wedge-shaped radial section 21 no deformation element 20 located. This is the pivot bearing 2 in this area directly on the rigid housing 7 on, which can achieve a desired Kardanik or rigidity of the storage. Contrary to the illustration in 9 , that would be the pivot 2 then not directly on the housing 7 or fastener 8th issue. Rather, it is preferably provided for the Kardanik, on one or both axial sides elastic elements, such as the axial sections described 23 or feathers 30 to arrange.

10 shows different variants A to D, which for all presented deformation elements 20 illustrate that a radial outer side and / or a radial inner side of the deformation element 20 convex can be configured. This can in particular a desired Kardanik the bearing assemblies 1 according to the 1 to 5 be achieved.

Variant A shows a convex configuration of the radial outer side of the deformation element 20 , Variant B shows a convex configuration of the radial inner side of the deformation element 20 , The variants C and D show that, for example, at the respective non-convex sides, grooves for deliberately influencing the compression properties can be provided.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

bearing arrangement

2

pivot bearing

3

outer ring

4

inner ring

5

rolling elements

6

wave

7

casing

8th

Fastening element (housing part)

20

deformation element

21

radial section

22

subregions

23

axial

24

Wedge surface (s)

25

first length

26

second length

27

further deformation element

30

feather

40

radial direction

41

axially

42

force

Claims (10)

Bearing arrangement (1) comprising A housing (7) and a shaft (6), A pivot bearing (2) with an outer ring (3) in the housing (7) and / or an inner ring (4) on the shaft (6), • a fastened to the housing (7) or the shaft (6) fastener (8), and A deformation element (20) with a radial section (21) radially outside the outer ring (3) or radially inside the inner ring (4), • wherein the radial portion (21) is compressed by attaching the fastening element (8) in the axial direction (41) and thickened by the compression for a backlash-free fixation of the rotary bearing (2) in the radial direction (40). Bearing arrangement after Claim 1 , wherein the deformation element (20) extends over the entire length of the pivot bearing (2), defined in the axial direction (41). Bearing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformation element (20) on at least one axial side of the pivot bearing (2) has an axial portion (23) which is compressed by the fastening element (8) in the axial direction (41) and by the compression for a backlash-free fixation of the pivot bearing (2) is biased in the axial direction. Bearing assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the radial portion (21) before compression a first length (25) and after compression a second length (26), respectively defined in the axial direction (41), wherein the second length (26) at most 99%, preferably at most 97%, more preferably at most 95%, particularly preferably at most 90%, the first length is. Bearing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the radial portion (21), at least in a partial region (22), has a wave structure. Bearing assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the radial portion (21) at least a portion (22) of elastomer, preferably in wave structure, and at least one portion (22) of metal, preferably in wave structure comprises. Bearing arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the radial portion (21), at least in a partial region (22), is wedge-shaped and in the compression in the axial direction (41) is slidable against a wedge-shaped mating surface. Bearing arrangement after Claim 7 comprising a further deformation element (27) with the wedge-shaped counter surface. Deformation element (20) of a bearing arrangement (1), preferably designed for use in a bearing arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a radial section (21) arranged radially outside the outer ring (3) or radially inside the inner ring (4) of one Rotary bearing (2), wherein the radial portion (21) by axial compression for a backlash-free fixation of the pivot bearing (2) in the radial direction can be thickened. Method for mounting a bearing arrangement (1), preferably a bearing arrangement (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th comprising the following steps: inserting a deformation element (20) with a radial section (21) radially outside the outer ring (3) or radially inside the inner ring (4) of a pivot bearing (2), and fastening a fastening element (8) by the attachment of the fastener (8) an axial force (42) acts on the deformation element (20), so that the radial portion (21) by the fastening element (8) in the axial direction (41) is compressed, wherein the radial portion (21) the compression for a backlash-free fixation of the pivot bearing (2) in the radial direction (40) thickened.

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