SE1950729A1 - A washer for a bearing arrangement, a bearing arrangement and a vehicle comprising such a bearing arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a washer (20) for a bearing arrangement (10), the washer (20) comprising an annular body (22) with an inner diameter (Di) and an outer diameter (Do), wherein the body (22) surrounds a centre axis (A) and wherein the body (22) has an axially folded configuration to make the body (22) resilient and thereby allow the axial thickness (TA) of the body (22) to vary.

Description

A washer for a bearing arrangement, a bearing arrangement and a vehicle comprising such a bearing arrangement TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a washer for a bearing arrangement. Theinvention also relates to a bearing arrangement and a vehicle comprising such a bearing arrangement.

BACKGROUND Washers come in many forms and sizes and may for example be used fordistributing loads of fasteners, as spacers, as springs or for transmitting andresolving axial forces in rotating mechanisms. ln different applications, differentwashers may be required and specifically the thickness of the washer will varydepending on the application. Sometimes relatively thick washers are required.This is typically the case for so called thrust washers, where the purpose of thewasher is to handle axial forces. Thick washers are more expensive tomanufacture since they require a different manufacturing process than thinwashers, and thus cannot be manufactured by stamping/punching. Thick washers also requires more material.

Document GB 2245183 A discloses thrust washer for use in gearboxes. The thrust washer comprises a pair of annular plates and a spring mounted there between, so that the thrust washer can accommodate a range of tolerances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Despite known solutions in the field, it would be desirable to develop a washer, which alleviates or at least reduces drawbacks with prior art.

An object of the present invention is thus to achieve an advantageous washer,which is easier and less expensive to manufacture. Another object of the presentinvention is to achieve an advantageous bearing arrangement, which is easier and less expensive to manufacture.

The herein mentioned objects are achieved by a washer, a bearing arrangementand a vehicle comprising such a bearing arrangement, according to theindependent claims.

Hence, according to an aspect of the present invention, a washer for a bearingarrangement is provided, the washer comprising: an annular body with an innerdiameter and an outer diameter, wherein the body surrounds a centre axis andwherein the body has an axially folded configuration to make the body resi|ientand thereby allow the axial thickness of the body to vary.

According to another aspect of the invention, a bearing arrangement is provided,the bearing arrangement comprising: a bearing unit; and a washer as disclosedherein, wherein the washer is arranged to abut a first side of the bearing unit.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a vehicle comprising a bearing arrangement as mentioned above is provided.

By configuring the washer according to the invention with a body that is axiallyfolded, the washer can have a relatively large axial thickness but at the sametime be resi|ient. The washer can thereby act as a spring and can ensure apretension of the bearing arrangement in which the washer is comprised. Lessmaterial will be required to achieve the same thickness compared to solid thickwashers, and no additional springs are required to achieve pretension. Thus, asingle unit washer can fulfil thickness requirements and act as a spring. Thewasher is thereby easier to manufacture and will be less expensive.

Further objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention willbecome apparent to one skilled in the art from the following details, and also byputting the invention into practice. Whereas the invention is described below, itshould be noted that it is not restricted to the specific details described.Specialists having access to the teachings herein will recognise furtherapplications, modifications and incorporations within other fields, which are within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For fuller understanding of the present invention and further objects andadvantages of it, the detailed description set out below should be read togetherwith the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference notations denote similar items in the various drawings, and in which: Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle according to anexample; Figure 2a-b schematically illustrates a washer according to anexample; Figure 3a-b schematically illustrate cross-sectional views of awasher according to examples; Figure 4a-c schematically illustrate cross-sectional views of awasher according to examples; and Figure 5 schematically illustrate a bearing arrangement according to an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To facilitate manufacturing and also lower costs a washer according to the present disclosure have been developed. The washer disclosed herein may be applicable for different applications, however, the washer may specifically relatethrust washers for thrust bearing arrangements.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a washer for a bearingarrangement is provided. The washer comprises an annular body with an innerdiameter and an outer diameter, wherein the body surrounds a centre axis andwherein the body has an axially folded configuration to make the body resi|ientand thereby allow the axial thickness of the body to vary. The axial thicknessmay be defined as the extension of the body in direction along the centre axis.Thus, by axially folding the body of the washer, the washer becomesresilient/flexible in direction of the centre axis and the axial thickness of thebody/washer can be affected. When forces are applied on the washer, forexample when the washer is clamped between two components, the foldedconfiguration will allow the body to be axially compressed and thereby achievea pretension of the body. When no forces are acting on the washer, the bodywill automatically extend to its normal axial thickness. lt is to be understood thatthe difference in axial thickness may not be visible to the human eye.

Since the washer only consists of the body and thus is a single unit washer, thefeatures relating to the body thereby also relates to the washer. Thus, the bodyhaving an inner diameter and an outer diameter means that the washer has aninner diameter and an outer diameter. The outer diameter of the washer may bebetween 100-300 millimetres, for example between 150-200 millimetres. Thebody thus has an outer circumference and an inner circumference, wherein theinner circumference surrounds an opening. The radial extension of the body maybe defined as the distance from the outer circumference to the innercircumference. The radial extension of the body may be referred to as the radialthickness of the body/washer.

The body having an axially folded configuration may be explained as the bodyhaving a cross-section along a plane coinciding with the centre axis, whichcross-section has a folded shape. The cross-section may thus have a substantial zigzag shape. The body having an axially folded configuration meansthat if the body was to be unfolded, the body would have the form of a cylinder.The washer may be made of sheet metal, for example steel. The thickness ofthe sheet metal may be around 1 millimetre. The washer may be referred to as a folded drawn cup washer.

According to an example, the body comprises a first radially extending sectionwith a first contact surface; at least one outer bend facing away from the centreaxis; at least one inner bend facing towards the centre axis; at least oneintermediate section connecting the at least one outer bend and the at least oneinner bend; and a second radially extending section with a second contactsurface, wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface facesaway from each other in opposite directions. The at least one outer bend maydefine the outer diameter of the body. The second radially extending sectionmay be connected to the at least one inner bend. The first section thustransitions into the at least one outer bend, which transitions into theintermediate section, which transitions into the at least one inner bend, whichtransitions into the second section. The body may thus have a cross-sectionshape which is Z-shaped or N-shaped. The bends of the folded bodyconfiguration makes the body resilient. The at least one inner bend facingtowards the centre axis thus comprises a curved/convex surface facing thecentre axis. The at least one outer bend faces away from the centre axis, andthus comprises a curved/convex surface facing outwardly, away from the washer. The at least one inner bend may define the inner diameter.

The first contact surface of the first section is essentially flat and may beconfigured to abut another component when the washer is used. The secondcontact surface is also essentially flat and may be configured to abut anothercomponent when the washer is used. The first section and the second sectionare arranged essentially in parallel with each other. The radial extension of thefirst section and/or the second section may define the radial thickness of thebody. The axial extension/thickness of the body may be defined as the axial distance between the first section and the second section. The axial thicknessof the washer may be between 4-10 millimetres, for example between 5-8millimetres. The first section and the second section may have similar lengths(radial extension). This way, the washer will have similar radial thickness on bothsides of the body.

According to an example, the body comprises two outer bends and twointermediate sections connecting the at least one inner bend with the two outerbends. The body may thus comprise a first radially extending section, a firstouter bend, at least one inner bend, a first intermediate section connecting thefirst outer bend and the at least one inner bend, a second outer bend and asecond intermediate section connecting the at least one inner bend and thesecond outer bend, and a second radially extending section. The body may thushave a cross-section shape in the form of an l\/l. ln this case, the two outer bendsmay be arranged, so that they both define the outer diameter of the body. Thesecond radially extending section will in this case be connected to the secondouter bend. Thus, the first section transitions into the first outer bend, whichtransitions into the first intermediate section, which transitions into the at leastone inner bend, which transitions into the second intermediate section, whichtransitions into the second outer bend, which transitions into the second section. lt is to be understood that the washer/body may comprise any number of outer bends and inner bends, for example three outer bends and two inner bends.

According to another example, the body further comprises a third contactsurface defining the inner diameter of the body. The third contact surface maythus encircle the opening and define the inner circumference of the body. Thethird contact surface may function as a guiding surface when mounting thewasher, for example on a fastener, such as a bolt, screw or similar. The thirdcontact surface may thus be configured to abut a component being insertedthrough the opening in the body. The third contact surface may be formed onthe at least one inner bend. Thus, the third contact surface may be a curved/convex surface. The third contact surface will thus depend on the radii ofthe at least one inner bend. The larger the radii of the at least one inner bend, the larger is the third contact surface.

Additionally or alternatively, the third contact surface is formed on a third sectionextending in parallel with the centre axis. The body may thus comprise a thirdsection with a third contact surface. The third section may extend essentiallyperpendicularly to the first and second sections. ln this case, the third contactsurface will be essentially cylinder shaped. The third section may be arrangedto define the inner diameter of the washer. The third section may extend fromthe second section towards the first section, so that there is a gap between thethird section and the first section. Thus, the third section will be shorter than theaxial thickness of the body. The third section will thus extend along a part of theaxial thickness of the body. By having a gap between the third section and thefirst section, the body is allowed to flex in direction of the centre axis. Thus, thesize of the gap, and thus the length of the third section, determines how muchthe body can be compressed and thus how much the axial thickness of the bodycan vary. When the third section abuts the first section, the body cannot befurther compressed. lt is to be understood that the third section similarly mayextend from the first section towards the second section, so that there is a gapbetween the third section and the second section. ln the event that the bodycomprises two outer bends and the third section, two intermediate sections maybe shorter than the first section and the second section, so that the inner bendis arranged radially at a distance from the third section. The third section maythus extend axially past the at least one inner bend. The third section may thusbe arranged radially closer to the centre axis than the at least one inner bend(inwardly of the at least one inner bend) and thereby surround the at least oneinner bend internally of the body. ln the event that the body comprises only oneouter bend, the third section may extend from the first section in directiontowards the at least one inner bend, so that there is a gap between the third section and the at least one inner bend. ln another example, the body comprises two third sections, one extending fromthe first section towards the second section, and the other extending from thesecond section towards the first section. The two third sections may be arranged,so that there is a gap between the two third sections. The two third sections mayeach extend along essentially half the axial thickness of the body.

According to an example, the body comprises two inner bends and twointermediate sections connecting at least one outer bend with the two innerbends. The body may thus comprise a first radially extending section, a firstinner bend, at least one outer bend, a first intermediate section connecting thefirst inner bend and the at least one outer bend, a second inner bend and asecond intermediate section connecting the at least one outer bend and thesecond inner bend, and a second radially extending section. The body may thushave a cross-section shape in the form of a W. ln this case, the two inner bendsmay be arranged, so that they both define the inner diameter of the body. Thesecond radially extending section will in this case be connected to the secondinner bend. Thus, the first section transitions into the first inner bend, whichtransitions into the first intermediate section, which transitions into the at leastone outer bend, which transitions into the second intermediate section, whichtransitions into the second inner bend, which transitions into the second section.ln this case, the third contact surface may be formed on the two inner bends.The washer may in this example also comprise a third section extending inparallel with the centre axis. The body may thus comprise a third section with athird contact surface. ln this example, the third section will define the outerdiameter of the body. The third section may extend essentially perpendicularlyto the first and second sections. ln this case, the third contact surface will beessentially cylinder shaped. The third section may extend from the secondsection towards the first section, so that there is a gap between the third sectionand the first section. Thus, the third section will be shorter than the axialthickness of the body. The third section will thus extend along a part of the axialthickness of the body. lt is to be understood that the third section similarly mayextend from the first section towards the second section, so that there is a gap between the third section and the second section. The third section may extendaxially past the at least one outer bend and thereby surround the at least oneouter bend externally of the body.

The washer according to the present disclosure may be a thrust washer.Typically, the washer may be used to substitute thick solid washers irrespective of application.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a bearing arrangement isprovided. The bearing arrangement comprises a bearing unit and a washer asdisclosed herein, wherein the washer is arranged to abut a first side of thebearing unit. The bearing arrangement may further comprise a plain washerarranged to abut a second side of the bearing unit. The plain washer is aconventional flat washer. The bearing unit of the bearing arrangement may be athrust bearing. The thrust bearing may be a thrust ball bearing, a fluid thrustbearing or a magnetic thrust bearing. Alternatively, the bearing unit may be aslide bearing. The bearing arrangement may be comprised in atransmission/gearbox of a vehicle to handle axial forces. All the features andexamples mentioned herein in relation to the washer aspect are also applicableon the bearing arrangement aspect of the present disclosure. Thus, the bearingarrangement comprises a washer comprising an annular body with an innerdiameter and an outer diameter, wherein the body surrounds a centre axis andwherein the body has an axially folded configuration to make the body resilient and thereby allow the axial thickness of the body to vary.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle comprising arotating mechanism is provided. The vehicle comprises a bearing arrangementas disclosed herein for transmitting and resolving axial forces in the rotatingmechanism. The rotating mechanism may be part of a transmission or gearbox of the vehicle.

The present disclosure will now be further illustrated with reference to the appended figures.

Figure 1 schematicaiiy shows a side view of a vehicie 1 comprisirig a prcpuisionunit 2. The vehicie 1 aisc coriiprises a rotating mechanism 4 ccrnprised in atransmission ö. The vehicle 1 furthermore comprises a bearing arrangement 10arranged for transmitting and resolving axial forces in the rotating mechanism 4.The sensor arrangernent 10 is further described in Figure 5. The vehicle 1 maybe a heavy vehicle, e.g. a truck or a bus. The vehicle 1 may alternatively be apassenger car. The vehicle 1 may be manually operated, remotely operated or autonomously operated.

Figure 2a-b schematically illustrate different views of a washer 20 for a bearingarrangement 10 according to an example. The washer 20 may be mounted ona vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 may be configured as disclosed in Figure 1. Thewasher comprises an annular body 22 with an inner diameter Di and an outerdiameter DO. The body 22 surrounds a centre axis A and the body 22 has anaxially folded configuration to make the body 22 resilient and thereby allow theaxial thickness TA of the body 22 to vary. The axial thickness TA of the body 22is defined as the extension of the body 22 along the centre axis A.

The body 22 has an outer circumference Co and an inner circumference Ci,wherein the inner circumference Ci surrounds an opening 30. The radialextension of the body 22 may be defined as the distance from the outercircumference Co to the inner circumference Ci. The radial extension of the body 22 may be referred to as the radial thickness Tri of the body 22.

Figure Sa and 3b schematically illustrates washers 20 according to examples ofthe present disclosure. The washers 20 may be configured as disclosed inFigures 2a-b. The figures shows cross-sectional views of the washer 20,wherein the cross-section is in a plane coinciding with the centre axis A. ln theseexamples, the annular body 22 comprises a first radially extending section 23with a first contact surface 24; at least one outer bend 25 defining the outerdiameter Do of the body 22; at least one inner bend 27 facing towards the centre axis A; at least one intermediate section 26 connecting the at least one outer 25 11 and inner bend 26; and a second radially extending section 28 with a secondcontact surface 29, wherein the first contact surface 24 and the second contactsurface 29 faces away from each other in opposite directions. The secondradially extending section 28 is connected to the at least one inner bend 27. Thebody 22 may thus have a cross-section shape which is Z-shaped or N-shaped.

The first contact surface 24 of the first section 23 is essentially flat and may beconfigured to abut another component when the washer 20 is used. The secondcontact surface 29 is also essentially flat and may be configured to abut anothercomponent when the washer 20 is used. The first section 23 and the secondsection 28 are arranged essentially in parallel with each other. The axialextension/thickness TA of the body 22 may be defined as the distance betweenthe first section 23 and the second section 28. The first section 23 and thesecond section 28 may have similar lengths (radial extension). ln Figure 3a, the washer may comprise a third contact surface 50 defining theinner diameter Di of the body 22. The third surface 50 thus faces towards thecentre axis A. The third contact surface 50 may function as a guiding surfacewhen mounting the washer 20. The third contact surface 50 is in this exampleformed on the inner bend 27. Thus, the third contact surface 50 may be acurved/convex surface of the inner bend 27. ln Figure 3b the washer 20 is configured as in Figure 3a with the difference thatthe third contact surface 50 is formed on a third section 52 extending in parallelwith the centre axis A. The body 22 may thus comprise a third section 52 with athird contact surface 50. The third section 52 may extend essentiallyperpendicularly to the first section 23 and the second section 28. ln this case,the third contact surface 50 will be essentially flat. The third section 52 extendsfrom the first section 23 in direction towards the inner bend 27, so that there isa gap 60 between the third section 52 and the inner bend 27. 12 Figures 4a-c schematically illustrates washers 20 according to examples of thepresent disclosure. The washers 20 may be configured as disclosed in Figures2a-b. The figures shows cross-sectional views of the washer 20, wherein thecross-section is in a plane coinciding with the centre axis A. ln these examples,the body 22 comprises a first radially extending section 23 with a first contactsurface 24; a first outer bend 25 defining the outer diameter Do of the body 22;at least one inner bend 26 facing towards the centre axis A; a first intermediatesection 27 connecting the first outer bend 25 and the inner bend 26; a secondintermediate section 26" and a second outer bend 25" connected to the secondintermediate section 26", and a second radially extending section 28 with asecond contact surface 29. The first contact surface 24 and the second contactsurface 29 faces away from each other in opposite directions. The body maythus have a cross-section shape in the form of an l\/l. The first outer bend 25 andthe second outer bend 25" are arranged, to that they both define the outerdiameter Do of the body 22. The second section 28 is connected to the secondouter bend 25".

The first contact surface 24 of the first section 23 is essentially flat and may beconfigured to abut another component when the washer 20 is used. The secondcontact surface 29 is also essentially flat and may be configured to abut anothercomponent when the washer 20 is used. The first section 23 and the secondsection 28 are arranged essentially in parallel with each other. The axialextension/thickness TA of the body 22 may be defined as the distance betweenthe first section 23 and the second section 28. The first section 23 and thesecond section 28 may have similar lengths (radial extension).

The body 22 may further comprise a third contact surface 50 defining the innerdiameter Di of the body 22. The third surface 50 thus faces towards the centreaxis A. The third contact surface 50 may function as a guiding surface whenmounting the washer 20. ln Figure 4a, the third contact surface 50 is formed onthe inner bend 27. Thus, the third contact surface 50 may be a curved/convexsurface of the inner bend 27. 13 ln Figure 4b, the third contact surface 50 is formed on a third section 52extending in parallel with the centre axis A. The body 22 may thus comprise athird section 52 with a third contact surface 50. The third section 52 may extendessentially perpendicularly to the first section 23 and the second section 28. Thethird contact surface 50 will be essentially flat. ln this example, the third section52 extends from the second section 28 towards the first section 23, so that thereis a gap 60 between the third section 52 and the first section 23. Thus, the thirdsection 52 will be shorter than the axial thickness TA of the body 22. ln Figure4c, the washer is configured as disclosed in Figure 4b with the difference thatthe third section 52 extends from the first section 23 towards the second section28, so that there is a gap 60 between the third section 52 and the second section28.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a bearingarrangement 10 according to an example. The bearing arrangement 10comprises a bearing unit 12 and a washer 20 as disclosed in Figure 2a-b, 3a-bor 4a-c. The washer 20 is arranged to abut a first side 13 of the bearing unit 12.The bearing unit 12 of the bearing arrangement 10 may be a thrust bearing. Thebearing arrangement 10 may further comprise a plain washer 14 arranged toabut a second side 15 of the thrust bearing 12. The plain washer 14 is a conventional flat washer.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present inventionis provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. lt is not intended to beexhaustive or to restrict the invention to the variants described. l\/lanymodifications and variations will obviously be apparent to one skilled in the art.The embodiments have been chosen and described in order best to explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications and hence make itpossible for specialists to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications appropriate to the intended use.

Claims (12)

14 Claims

1. A washer (20) for a bearing arrangement (10), the washer (20) comprising: an annular body (22) with an inner diameter (Di) and an outerdiameter (Do), wherein the body (22) surrounds a centre axis (A) and whereinthe body (22) has an axially folded configuration to make the body (22) resilientand thereby allow the axial thickness (TA) of the body (22) to vary.

2. The washer (20) according to claim 1, wherein the body (22) comprises: a first radially extending section (23) with a first contact surface(24): at least one outer bend (25, 25”) facing away from the centre axis(A); at least one inner bend (27) facing towards the centre axis (A); at least one intermediate section (26, 26”) connecting the at leastone outer bend (25, 25”) and the at least one inner bend (27); and a second radially extending section (28) with a second contactsurface (29),wherein the first contact surface (24) and the second contact surface (29)faces away from each other in opposite directions.

3. The washer (20) according to claim 2, wherein the first section (23) and the second section (28) have similar lengths.

4. The washer (20) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the body (22) comprisestwo outer bends (25, 25”) and two intermediate sections (26, 26”) connecting theat least one inner bend (27) with the two outer bends (25, 25”).

5. The washer (20) according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein the body (22)further comprises a third contact surface (50) defining the inner diameter (Di) ofthe body (22).

6. The washer (20) according to claim 5, wherein the third contact surface (50) is formed on the at least one inner bend (27).

7. The washer (20) according to claim 5, wherein the third contact surface (50)is formed on a third section (52) extending in para||e| with the centre axis (A).

8. The washer (20) according to claim 7, wherein the third section (52) extendsfrom the second section (28) towards the first section (23), so that there is a gap(60) between the third section (52) and the first section (23).

9. The washer (20) according to any one of the preceding c|aims, wherein thewasher is a thrust washer.

10. A bearing arrangement (10), comprising: a bearing unit (12); and a washer (20) according to any one of the preceding c|aims,wherein the washer (20) is arranged to abut a first side (13) of the bearing unit(12).

11. The bearing arrangement (10) according to claim 10, further comprising aplain washer (14) arranged to abut a second side (15) of the bearing unit (12).

12. A vehicle (1) comprising a rotating mechanism (4), wherein the vehicle (1)comprises a bearing arrangement (10) according to any one of c|aims 10-11, fortransmitting and reso|ving axia| forces in the rotating mechanism (4).