EP2379905A1

EP2379905A1 - Retaining ring for a rolling bearing

Info

Publication number: EP2379905A1
Application number: EP09760815A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robert Heuberger; Marc-André SCHÄFER
Original assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG and Co KG
Current assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG and Co KG
Priority date: 2008-12-19
Filing date: 2009-11-19
Publication date: 2011-10-26
Also published as: CN102245919B; WO2010069699A1; BRPI0923069A8; DE102008063958A1; BRPI0923069A2; CN102245919A

Abstract

The invention relates to a retaining ring for axially fixing an inner ring on one side in relation to an outer ring of a premounted rolling bearing. The aim of the invention is to simplify the handling of such rolling bearings. The retaining ring according to the invention has at least one opening which connects the rolling compartment to the surroundings of the premounted rolling bearing.

Description

Name of the invention

Retaining ring for rolling bearings

description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a retaining ring for the one-sided, axial fixing of an inner ring relative to an outer ring of a preassembled rolling bearing. Furthermore, the invention relates to the preassembled rolling bearing with such a retaining ring.

One of such retaining ring is used in preassembled bearings that must be installed in an impure and / or humid environment on the vehicle. Such conditions are usually present when the installation of the rolling bearing, in particular wheel bearing, outside of the appropriate workshops must be done. Therefore, it is in the rolling bearings and pre-mounted bearings, in which the inner ring, the outer ring and the rolling elements are already placed inside each other. In most cases, lubrication has already been carried out before delivery.

Normally, the preassembled bearings are single-row roller bearings, such as tapered roller or angular contact ball bearings, which have on the one axial side of the rolling chamber a sealing arrangement which is provided for sealing the Wälzraumes during operation of the rolling bearing. On the other axial side of the rolling bearing is still a transport seal, which, as the name implies, is provided for the protection of the rolling bearing during transport. The seal on the axial side of the transport direction of the bearing is in the mounted state, including during operation, by another Guaranteed sealing arrangement, for example, comes from a second preassembled bearings. In other words, it is possible to unite the rolling space of the preassembled rolling bearing in the sense of a seal during operation with another rolling space of a further, optionally preassembled rolling bearing. The transport seal remains in the rolling space, but fulfilled in the fully assembled state of the rolling bearing or during operation of the same, no more essential functions.

In practice, such preassembled bearings have proven to be very useful because they have prevented during assembly or during transport, the axial displacement of the inner ring relative to the outer ring. This is possible both in an angular contact ball bearing arrangement as well as in a tapered roller bearing arrangement with board. Nevertheless, the transport seal does not necessarily have a sealing function, since it does not necessarily have to be sealing between outer ring and inner ring. It has opened up an opening through which moisture and dirt particles penetrate into the bearing and damage it later during operation lasting.

It is also conceivable that, when the inner ring is axially removed from the outer ring, a sealing lip folds over within the sealing arrangement and, in the case of the axial return of the rings, no longer rests on the sealing surface provided for it or has been permanently damaged. This allows dirt particles, but in particular moisture, to penetrate into the rolling space of the bearing.

In addition, it is not excluded that the fitter intentionally replaced inner ring and / or outer ring during assembly, whereby the rolling room exposed directly adverse environmental influences. If this is the case, the customer usually loses the warranty claims with respect to the bearing life compared to the manufacturer. The manufacturer and the customer therefore have an interest in ensuring that the rolling room of the premounted bed is not exposed at any time. From EP 1 623 127 A1 a preassembled wheel bearing unit is known which has a transport seal and whose rings can shift axially relative to each other. Here there is a high risk of contamination on one of the aforementioned occasions.

On the other hand, it has turned out to be problematic that a transport seal can permanently hinder the flow of the lubricant when the rolling spaces of two preassembled rolling bearings are joined together.

In the manufacture of the preassembled unit of the transport ring is used, then greased over the axially opposite seal assembly and finally sealed. This type of lubrication, in particular in the vicinity of the transport ring, has proven to be disadvantageous due to the bearing geometry and axial distance from the point of introduction.

WO 2007/115539 A1 discloses a truck kit which consists of two preassembled roller bearing units. These preassembled rolling bearing units have a transport ring which axially holds or secures the inner ring relative to the outer ring. However, there are the problems mentioned in terms of lubrication and redistribution of lubricant within the common rolling space of two preassembled bearings during operation.

Summary of the invention

The invention has for its object to provide a retaining ring and a preassembled rolling bearing with a retaining ring, the inner ring and outer ring holds together axially and does not have the aforementioned disadvantages.

This object is achieved by a retaining ring of the type mentioned above in that the retaining ring has at least one opening which connects the rolling space with the surroundings of the preassembled rolling bearing. FER ner, the object is achieved by a rolling bearing assembly, in particular wheel bearing assembly, which has such a retaining ring.

The retaining ring according to the invention for one-sided, axial fixation of an inner ring relative to an outer ring of a preassembled bearing to ensure the mutual attitude of the rings during transport, as well as during assembly. A preassembled rolling bearing is a rolling bearing in which the constituents, e.g. the outer ring, the inner ring, the rolling elements and possibly other components are arranged substantially as required by the operation of the rolling bearing. Likewise, the pre-assembled bearings is already pre-greased, which is why it does not have to be disassembled into its components during assembly, but can be installed directly. The retaining ring has at least one opening which connects the rolling space of the rolling bearing with its surroundings. The retaining ring limits the rolling space of the preassembled bearing, but does not completely close this due to the opening. The opening can be designed such that the existing lubricant can not flow out of the rolling bearing space. This can be ensured by weighing the viscosity of the lubricant, especially grease, and the size and shape of the opening.

Advantageously, the lubricant penetrates so far from the rolling space through the opening in the vicinity of the rolling bearing, that the lubricant there, for example as a fat collar, can be used to receive dirt particles during assembly by simply wiping and a partial removal of the lubricant at the Wälzraum remote side of the retaining ring can be removed, if necessary. Alternatively, another substance instead of the lubricant can be used by targeted application to the opening for it. Thus, the choice of lubricant or its viscosity of the design of the opening is independent. In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one opening is partially formed by the inner ring and / or the outer ring. This makes it possible to choose a location that dirt particles are not very accessible. Furthermore, there is the advantage that the openings are easier to attach to the retaining ring.

In a foremost embodiment, the opening is oriented in the axial and / or radial direction. In the case of an opening in the axial direction facing away from the axis of rotation of the roller bearing, less contamination is to be expected due to the position of the opening. However, an opening in the axial direction is better suited to ensure a subsequent lubrication and to ensure a better redistribution of lubricant in an adjacent rolling room.

In an advantageous embodiment, the opening is designed as a vent hole and / or as a Befettungsloch. The opening is therefore to ensure pressure equalization within two adjacent Wälzerräume, but also to allow an overpressure within the rolling space of the preassembled bearing by a release of compressed air in which the environment of the bearing. Alternatively or additionally, the opening can also be used as a greasing hole.

In an advantageous embodiment, the retaining ring - optionally together the bearing rings - one, two, three or more openings, which have one or more of the aforementioned functions, in particular greasing or venting. The openings can thus be limited only by the retaining ring or by at least one bearing ring and the retaining ring. It is conceivable, for example, a retaining ring which is severed at one point such that two ends of the retaining ring have arisen, facing each other and form an opening together with the bearing rings.

Advantageously, an opening may have several shapes suitable for the particular application are suitable, such as gap shape, star shape, circular shape or similar shapes.

In an advantageous embodiment, at least a part of the openings forms a spring tooth profile. Such a spring tooth profile can be very easily manufactured, at the same time the total open area on the retaining ring by a selection of the number of openings is easily regulated, so leads to a manufacturing advantage. Further, the spring tooth profile can form an axial or radial suspension, which makes the rolling bearing assembly with retaining ring very vibration resistant.

In an advantageous embodiment, the retaining ring in a longitudinal section to the rotational axis of the rolling bearing on an I-shape, an S-shape, a C-shape, an L-shape or a similar shape. Such shapes may be chosen to accommodate the dimensions of the inner ring and the outer ring, and optionally also the configuration of the rolling element cage. At the bearing rings adjacent sides of the retaining ring are at least partially provided for retaining force transmission between the retaining ring and the respective bearing ring. The adjacent sides of the retaining ring are connected to each other by at least one annular wall of the retaining ring or coupled together for power transmission. The adjacent sides of the retaining ring can in this case non-positively (mutual axial displacement of the inner and outer ring is prevented by a frictional force) and / or form-fitting (mutual axial displacement of the inner and outer ring is prevented by the expansion and shape of the retaining ring) be appropriate.

In an advantageous embodiment, the retaining ring on stiffening struts. Stiffening struts can be provided on each side of the retaining ring. Particularly advantageous is an attachment of the stiffening struts on at least one annular wall of the retaining ring, which is provided for holding power transmission between the adjacent sides of the retaining ring. For example, projections of the stiffening strive in X-, in W- and / or radial arrangement conceivable to improve the structural stability of the force-transmitting wall and thus the retaining ring itself. Particular advantages can be achieved if the arrangement of the stiffening struts can be combined in a special way with the openings. In an X-arrangement, an attachment of the openings between the crossing points of the stiffening struts, ie relatively centrally on the wall of the retaining ring, possible. In a W-arrangement, one or two rows of openings offer themselves at the edges of the wall. In a radial arrangement there is a certain flexibility of the arrangement in the radial direction.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is a rolling bearing assembly or a rolling bearing, in particular wheel bearing assembly or wheel bearing, with a retaining ring according to the invention.

Further advantageous embodiments and preferred developments of the invention can be taken from the description of the figures and / or the dependent claims.

In the following, the invention will be described and explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures.

Show it:

1 shows a single-row tapered roller bearing according to the prior art,

2 a single row tapered roller bearing with retaining ring in longitudinal section,

3 shows the retaining ring of Figure 2 in the neck,

4 shows a first form of a retaining ring in longitudinal section, 5 shows a second form of a Haltehngs in longitudinal section,

6 shows a third form of a retaining ring in longitudinal section,

7 shows various arrangements of stiffening struts on an axial wall of a retaining ring,

8 is an axial view of a retaining ring with Befettungslöchern,

9 is an axial view of a retaining ring with Befettungslöchern and vent holes,

10 is an axial view of a retaining ring with vent holes,

11 a mounted in a tapered roller bearing retaining ring with a first guard ring,

12 a installed in a tapered roller bearing retaining ring with a second guard ring,

Fig. 13 is a installed in a tapered roller bearing retaining ring with a

Protector,

14 is a installed in a tapered roller bearing retaining ring with a spring tooth profile,

15 is a partial view of a retaining ring with a first spring tooth profile, and

16 shows a detail of a retaining ring with a second spring tooth profile. Fig. 1 shows a single-row tapered roller bearing according to the prior art. The tapered roller bearing has an inner ring 6, rolling elements 7, a seal assembly 8 and an outer ring 5. The tapered roller bearing lies with one side on a substrate 15, as is the case for example in a packaging. Due to the smaller axial extent of the outer ring 5 in comparison to the inner ring 6, this is held by no other component of the tapered roller bearing and falls from the rolling elements 7 on the substrate 15 down. In spite of the sealing arrangement 8, the rolling space is thus exposed to the surroundings of the preassembled rolling bearing and dirt particles and moisture can penetrate. The seal is no longer in the intended position. It can lead to disturbances in the process (eg rubbing). The sealing function is no longer guaranteed.

In principle, the tapered roller bearing could also be placed with the other side on the substrate 15, wherein the outer ring 5 would remain at the intended location by the rolling elements 7. However, it can not be guaranteed that the handling of the tapered roller bearing is not even the other side, as shown in Fig. 1, comes to rest.

A corresponding packaging, which optionally holds together both the outer ring 5 and the inner ring 6, can not guarantee that after removal from the packaging, the outer ring 5 will not slip off axially.

Fig. 2 shows a single-row tapered roller bearing with retaining ring 1. The retaining ring 1 is frictionally and / or positively mounted on the inner ring and secures the outer ring 5 axially, or clamps this between itself and the rolling elements 7 a. Thus, the tapered roller bearing or its Wälzraum is sealed to the outside.

In an advantageous development of the outer ring 5 is sealing on the retaining ring 1 during transport. During operation of the tapered roller bearing in the fully assembled state may be between the retaining ring 1 and the outer ring 5 set a distance, so that there is no additional friction surface. This slight misplacement of the outer ring 5 in comparison to the operating state is within the tolerance range of the sealing surfaces of the sealing arrangement 8, whereby despite slight misplacement nevertheless an optimal sealing can be realized.

Alternatively, it is possible that the retaining ring 1 is also non-positively and / or positively rests on the outer ring 5 and at the first turns a material abrasion on the retaining ring 1, for example, on the positive connection to the inner ring adjusts.

Due to its S-shape of the retaining ring 1 is provided in particular for a frictional connection with the inner ring 6, but at the same time provides enough space for the roller bearing cage 9 is available.

Fig. 4 shows a first form of a retaining ring in longitudinal section. The parallel ends of an S-shaped retaining ring are particularly well suited for a frictional connection with one of the bearing rings.

Fig. 5 shows a second form of a retaining ring in longitudinal section. A C-shaped retaining ring is particularly suitable for rings with a similar axial width. The retaining ring finds support, but can also make room for the Wälzkörperkäfig available.

Fig. 6 shows a third form of a retaining ring in longitudinal section, namely the L-shape. It can also, like the s-shaped retaining ring, be used in different width bearing rings, with a fold can be saved.

Fig. 7 shows various arrangements 4a, 4b, 4c of stiffening struts on an axial wall of a retaining ring from the viewing direction A (see Fig. 3). Each leads to a different stability characteristic, which corresponds to the force transmission tion on the annular walls of the retaining ring can take into account. Furthermore, openings can be arranged radially alternately in a W arrangement 4a. With an X-arrangement, a radially central row of openings is possible and with a radial arrangement 4c there is a certain freedom to distribute openings radially between the struts.

Fig. 8 shows an axial view of a retaining ring only with Befettungslöchern 11 from the axial direction of view A (see Fig. 3). By means of the lubricating holes 11 is a subsequent addition of lubricant, such. Lubricating grease possible. This is not provided in conventional, pre-assembled units, as previously been attached to a structural seclusion value. Conceivable, therefore, is a development in which the Erstbefettung is introduced via the Befettungslöcher of the retaining ring.

Alternatively or additionally, the Befettungslöcher 11 may be provided for venting, so also represent vent holes.

Fig. 9 shows an axial view of a retaining ring with two Befettungslöchern 11 and two vent holes 12 from the axial direction of view A (see Fig. 3). The Befettungslöcher 11 have the same function as the Befettungslöcher in Figure 8. In addition to venting the Befettungslöchern 11 and the vent holes 12 bleed the bearings. It is possible to dispense with a high number of Befettungslöchern 11, since the rolling bearing can redistribute enough, the entire open area and thus the penetration of dirt particles can be kept low.

Both axial and radial Befettungslöchern results in an advantageous access to the Befettungsbrause. In addition, the Befettungslöcher counteract the design-related conveying behavior of the tapered roller bearing.

Fig. 10 shows an axial view of a retaining ring only with vent holes 12 from the axial direction of view A (see Fig. 3). On the lubrication function can also be dispensed with, whereby the openings are only used for pressure equalization via air or lubricant.

Fig. 11 shows a retaining ring 2a installed in a tapered roller bearing with a first guard ring 3a. The retaining ring 2a has a C-shape with at least one axial opening 10a, which can be thought of as both a lubrication hole or vent hole. If the protection via the addition of the opening 10a can not be achieved by the sealing lubricant alone, then a longitudinally L-shaped protective ring 3a can be used, which closes off at least the opening 10a or only over an axial surface with the retaining ring 2a is in contact and radially forms a gap with the retaining ring 2a. If this gap exists, it is advantageous for the sealing function and the protective function of the protective ring 3a when the protective ring 3a is in contact with the lubricant. Thus, the rolling space does not have to be disadvantageously completed.

During installation, the protective ring 3a protecting the rolling space may be removed. Advantageously, this also removes the portion of the lubricant that is possibly contaminated with foreign particles or has absorbed moisture.

FIG. 12 shows a retaining ring 2b installed in a tapered roller bearing with a second guard ring 3b (transport dirt protection ring). Due to its annular disk shape, the guard ring 3b is simple in design and clamped into the outer ring 6. Alternatively, it may also be retained by the adhesive effect of the lubricant on the retaining ring 2b or held by retaining lugs (not shown) which protrude into the opening (s) 10b. The hold can be done by snapping or a slight overlap.

Even if the guard ring 3b is removed, this takes similarly we protection ring 3a of FIG. 11, regardless of whether there was a gap between the guard ring 3b and the retaining ring 2a, the soiled portion of the lubricant with it and thus from a common rolling space two - he pre-assembled bearings out.

In addition, the lubrication through the opening 10b and / or venting is possible.

A protective ring 3a or 3b can be removed before installation on the hub before, or for the sake of simplicity remain on the retaining ring, but it is more useful in adjacent rolling areas of two preassembled bearings the soiled part, namely the guard ring 3a and 3b and so that the carried dirt particles to remove before.

Fig. 13 shows the installed in a tapered roller bearing retaining ring 2a with a protective film 3c, which keeps the dirt to the assembly. The protective foil 3c is easy to apply and to remove. Advantageously, it can be provided to yield to a possible internal pressure due to its elasticity and to allow it to escape to the outside. Thus, the protective film 3c would also have a sealing function, without actually completing the rolling room, in particular hermetically complete.

Fig. 14 shows an installed in a tapered roller bearing retaining ring 2c, 2d with spring tooth profile. The spring tooth profile is formed by a circumferentially alternating series of openings 10c or 10d which enclose a tooth 13c or a tooth 13d in the circumferential direction. The teeth 10c or 10d form a resilient structure which, due to the elasticity of the material used, e.g. Plastic or spring steel allow axial suspension without losing contact with the inner ring 5, with increased heat generation is to be considered when using spring steel.

A spring tooth profile allows compensation of shock during transport without risking a displacement of the retaining ring. 15 shows a detail of a retaining ring 2c in the radial direction B (see FIG. 14) with a first spring tooth profile, which is formed from alternating teeth 13c and openings 10c and acts on the basis of material elasticity resiliently.

16 shows a detail of a retaining ring 2d in the radial direction B (see FIG. 14) with a second spring tooth profile with axially projecting teeth 13d, which are also partially oriented in the circumferential direction and enclose the openings 10d. The spring action is not limited to the elasticity of the material, but is structurally supported.

In summary, the invention relates to a retaining ring for one-sided, axial fixation of an inner ring relative to an outer ring of a pre-assembled rolling bearing. The aim is to simplify the handling of such rolling bearings. This is achieved by the retaining ring having at least one opening which connects the rolling space with the surroundings of the preassembled rolling bearing.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

A axial view

B radial view 1 retaining ring

2a C-shaped retaining ring

2 b C-shaped retaining ring

2c C-shaped retaining ring

2d C-shaped retaining ring 3a L-shaped guard ring

3b protection ring

3c protective film

4a stiffening struts in W arrangement

4 b Stiffening struts in X arrangement 4c Stiffening struts in radial arrangement

5 outer ring

6 inner ring

7 rolling elements

8 sealing arrangement 9 Wälzkörperkäfig

10a radial opening

10b axial opening

10c radial opening

10d radial opening 11 Befettungsloch

12 vent hole

13c spring tooth

13d spring tooth

15 underground

Claims

claims

1. retaining ring (1, 2) for one-sided, axial fixing of an inner ring (6) against an outer ring (5) of a preassembled bearing, characterized in that the retaining ring (1, 2) has at least one opening (10, 11, 12) , which connects the Wälzraum with the environment of the pre-assembled rolling bearing.

Second retaining ring (1, 2) according to claim 1, wherein the opening (10,11, 12) partially from the inner ring (6) and / or from the outer ring (5) is formed.

3. retaining ring (1, 2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (10,11, 12) in the axial (10 b) and / or radial direction (10a, 10c, 10d) is oriented.

4. retaining ring (1, 2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (10,11, 12) as a vent hole (12) and / or Befettungsloch (11) is executed.

5. retaining ring (1, 2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining ring (1, 2) optionally together with at least one of the bearing rings (5,6) one, two, three or more openings (10c, 10d).

6. retaining ring (1, 2) according to claim 5, wherein at least a part of the openings (10c, 10d) form a spring tooth profile (13c, 13d).

7. retaining ring (1, 2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining ring (1, 2) in a longitudinal section to the rotational axis of the rolling bearing has an I-shape, S-shape, C-shape, L-shape or a similar shape ,

8. retaining ring (1, 2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining ring (1, 2) stiffening struts, in particular in X- (4b), W- (4a) or in the radial (4c) arrangement comprises.

9. retaining ring (1, 2) according to any one of the preceding claims, with a protective cover, in particular a protective ring (3a, 3b) and / or a protective film (3c), to cover at least one or all openings (10, 1 1, 12) ,

10. Rolling arrangement, in particular wheel bearing arrangement, with at least one retaining ring (1, 2) according to one of claims 1 to 9.