SE2150780A1

SE2150780A1 - A bearing cap, a bearing cap arrangement, a joint arrangement and a vehicle

Info

Publication number: SE2150780A1
Application number: SE2150780A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Jens Nilsson
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2021-06-17
Filing date: 2021-06-17
Publication date: 2022-12-18
Also published as: DE102022107351A1; SE545471C2

Abstract

A bearing cap (1) is disclosed. The bearing cap (1) comprises an inner peripheral surface (3) arranged to support a bearing element (5) and arranged to enable rolling of the bearing element (5) on the inner peripheral surface (3) and an outer peripheral surface (7) arranged to abut an inner surface (9) of a bearing mount structure (11). The outer peripheral surface (7) comprises an outer threaded section (13) arranged for mounting of the bearing cap (1) in the bearing mount structure (11) by rotational cooperation between the outer threaded section (13) of the bearing cap (1) and an inner threaded section (15) of the inner surface (9) of the bearing mount structure (11). The bearing cap (1) is a one-piece structure bearing cap (1). The present disclosure further relates to a bearing cap arrangement (23), to a joint arrangement (29) and to a vehicle (2).

Description

A bearing cap, a bearing cap arrangement, a joint arrangement and a vehicle TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to the area of bearing of transmission components in a vehicle. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a bearing cap and a bearing cap arrangement. The present disclosure further relates to a joint arrangement for a propeller shaft and to a vehicle comprising a joint arrangement.

BACKGROUND A bearing is a machine element arranged to reduce friction between moving parts. ln a vehicle, there is a number of rotating elements that are supported by bearings. A bearing comprises a bearing cap and bearing elements accommodated within the cap. Traditionally, retaining rings have been used in order to keep the bearing cap in a desired position in a bearing mount structure and to pre-tension and to center the position of the bearing cap in the bearing mount structure.

One drawback with using retaining rings is that, because of a need of material processing, there may arise gaps between the retaining rings and the caps that may cause vibrations during use.

Further positioning of a cap in relation to a mount structure is limited when using retaining rings.

Thus, it is desirable to improve a bearing cap regarding reduction of risks for vibrations and facilitating positioning of a bearing cap in relation to a mount structure.

SUMMARY lt is an object of the present disclosure to overcome, or at least alleviate, at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks and problems.

According to a first aspect of the disclosure, the object is achieved by a bearing cap according to claim 1. Thus, the object is achieved by a bearing cap configured to be used in a vehicle, the bearing cap comprises: -an inner peripheral surface arranged to support a bearing element and arranged to enable rolling of the bearing element on the inner peripheral surface and -an outer peripheral surface arranged to abut an inner surface of a bearing mount structure, 2 wherein the outer peripheral surface comprises an outer threaded section arranged for mounting of the bearing cap in the bearing mount structure by rotational cooperation between the outer threaded section of the bearing cap and an inner threaded section of the inner surface of the bearing mount structure, and wherein the bearing cap is a one-piece structure bearing cap _ Since the outer peripheral surface comprises an outer threaded section arranged for mounting of the bearing cap in the bearing mount structure by rotational cooperation between the outer threaded section and the inner threaded section, the bearing cap can be mounted in the bearing mount structure, i.e. can be connected to the bearing mount structure, by being screwed into the bearing mount structure. Thus, the connection of the bearing cap to the bearing mount structure is faciiitated. Further, the position of the bearing cap in relation to the bearing mount structure along a direction para||e| with a rotational axis of the bearing cap can be adjusted simply by screwing the bearing cap into or out from the bearing mount structure. As a result, positioning of the bearing cap in relation to the bearing mount structure in the direction para||e| with the rotational axis of the bearing cap is faciiitated. As a further result no retaining rings are required to keep the bearing cap in a desired position in the bearing mount structure.

Further, since the bearing cap is a one-piece structure bearing cap the number of ingoing parts is reduced and thereby risk for gap between the parts is also reduced. As a result, risk for vibrations during use of the bearing cap is also reduced and the lifetime of the bearing cap can thereby be increased.

Accordingly, an improved bearing cap is provided and the above-mentioned object is thereby achieved.

Optionally, the outer peripheral surface comprises a section arranged to abut a Iocking member arranged to lock the bearing cap in a rotational direction in relation to the bearing mount structure. Thus, the section is arranged to enable a contact with the Iocking member to generate friction forces between a surface of the section and a surface of the Iocking member to prevent rotation of the bearing cap in relation to the bearing mount structure.

Optionally, the section comprises a plurality of subsections circumferentially spaced apart from each other, wherein each subsection is arranged to abut the Iocking member. The plurality of subsections enable Iocking of the bearing cap in different rotational positions of 3 the bearing cap in relation to the bearing mount structure. Thus, a yet improved bearing cap is provided.

Optionaily, the section is arranged within the threaded section of the outer peripheral surface of the bearing cap. As a result, an improved Iocking effect of the bearing cap in a rotational direction in relation to the bearing mount structure can be achieved.

Optionally the bearing cap comprises a flange, wherein the outer threaded section is arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the flange. The flange can contribute to an improved control of the position of the bearing cap in relation to the bearing mount structure in a direction parallel with the rotationai axis of the bearing cap. The flange may prevent the bearing cap to be screwed to long in the direction parallel with the rotationai axis of the bearing cap by cooperation with a corresponding part, for example a circumferential groove, of the bearing mount structure. Thus, a yet improved bearing cap is provided.

Optionaily, the bearing cap comprises a bearing element accommodated within the bearing cap and supported by the inner peripheral surface.

,Further object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved bearing cap arrangement. The object is achieved by bearing cap arrangement according to c|aim 7. Thus, the object is achieved by a bearing cap arrangement comprising a bearing cap according to any one of the embodiments described herein, and a bearing mount structure. The bearing cap is mounted in the bearing mount structure by a rotationai cooperation between the outer threaded section of the bearing cap and an inner threaded section of an inner surface of the bearing mount structure.

Since the outer peripheral surface comprises an outer threaded section arranged for mounting of the bearing cap in the bearing mount structure by rotationai cooperation between the outer threaded section and the inner threaded section, the bearing cap can be mounted in the bearing mount structure, i.e. can be connected to the bearing mount structure, by being screwed into the bearing mount structure. Thus, connection of the bearing cap to the bearing mount structure is facilitated. Further, the position of the bearing cap in relation to the bearing mount structure along a direction parallel with a rotationai axis of the bearing cap can be adjusted by screwing the bearing cap into or out from the bearing mount structure. As a result, positioning of the bearing cap in relation to the bearing mount structure in the direction parallel with the rotationai axis of the bearing cap is facilitated. As a further result no retaining rings are required to keep the bearing cap in a desired position in the 4 bearing mount structure. Thus, there is no need of preparation of the bearing mount structure for enabling mounting of a retaining ring in the bearing mount structure which implies that the bearing mount structure can be used for positioning of the bearing cap in a larger extension comparing to the cases with retaining rings. For example, the bearing cap can be screwed into the bearing mount structure such that an edge of the bearing cap passes an outer edge of the bearing mount structure.

Further, since the bearing cap is a one-piece structure bearing cap there is no need of any additional parts. Thus, the number of ingoing parts is reduced and thereby risk for gap between the parts is also reduced. As a result, risk for vibrations during use of the bearing cap arrangement is also reduced and the lifetime of the bearing cap arrangement can thereby be increased.

Accordingly, an improved bearing cap arrangement is provided. As a result, the above- mentioned object is achieved Optionally, the bearing mount structure is a one-piece bearing mount structure. Thus, the number of ingoing parts of the bearing mount structure is reduced and thereby risk for gap between the parts is also reduced. As a result, risk for vibrations during use of the bearing cap arrangement is also reduced and the lifetime of the bearing cap arrangement can be increased.

Optionally, the bearing mount structure is a yoke of a propeller shaft.

Optionally, the outer threaded section has an outer section length measured along a rotational axis of the bearing cap, wherein the outer section length is shorter than an inner section length of the inner threaded surface of the bearing mount structure measured along an axis parallel to the rotational axis of the bearing cap. As a result, positioning of the bearing cap in relation to the bearing mount structure in a direction parallel with the rotational axis of the bearing cap may be facilitated.

Optionally, the bearing mount structure comprises a circumferential groove, wherein the inner threaded section of the bearing mount structure is arranged on an inner peripheral surface of the circumferential groove. The circumferential groove can contribute to an improved control of the position of the bearing cap in relation to the bearing mount structure in a direction parallel with the rotational axis of the bearing cap. The circumferential groove may prevent the bearing cap to be screwed to long in the direction parallel with the rotational axis of the bearing cap by cooperation with a corresponding part, for example a flange, of the bearing cap. Thus, a yet improved bearing cap arrangement is provided.

Optionally, the bearing mount structure comprises a through hole arranged to receive a locking member arranged to lock the bearing cap in a rotational direction in relation to the bearing mount structure.

Optionally, the bearing cap arrangement comprises a bearing element accommodated within the bearing cap and supported by the inner peripheral surface.

Yet further object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved joint arrangement for a propeller shaft. The object is achieved by a joint arrangement according to claim 14. Thus, the object is achieved by a joint arrangement for a propeller shaft, the joint arrangement comprising a joint, wherein the joint comprises a plurality of joint arms, wherein - at least one joint arm of the plurality of joint arms is rotatably connected to a bearing cap arrangement according to any one of the embodiments described herein, or - at least two joint arms of the plurality of joint arms are each rotatably connected to a bearing cap arrangement according to any one of the embodiments described herein.

Because the at least one joint arm of the plurality of joint arms is rotatably connected to the bearing cap arrangement, centring of the joint can be achieved by screwing the bearing cap into and out from the bearing mount structure. Thus, centring of the joint is facilitated. Further, because the at least two joint arms of the plurality of joint arms are each rotatably connected to the bearing cap arrangement, centring of the joint is yet facilitated comparing to the case where at least one joint arm is connected to the bearing cap arrangement. With at least two joint arms, each connected to the bearing cap arrangement, the bearing cap of a first bearing cap arrangements can be screwed in a direction substantially opposite to the direction the bearing cap of a second bearing cap arrangement is screwed. Thus, the joint can be centered and preloaded by means of the at least two bearing cap arrangements without need of use of retaining rings as it is often required according to the known solutions. With the wording "to be centered" is meant to position the joint in a center, in a middle, in relation to a structure the joint is attached to.

The preloading of the joint reduces risks for gaps and thereby risk for vibrations during use of the joint arrangement. As a result, lifetime of the joint arrangement can be improved. 6 Optionally, the at least tvvo joint arms are arranged along a common rotational axis b and opposite to each other in relation to a center c of the joint. Thus, centring of the joint is further facilitated, as well as preloading of the joint.

Yet a further object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved vehicle. The object is achieved by a vehicle according to claim 16. Thus, the object is achieved by a vehicle comprising a joint arrangement according to any one of the embodiments described herein.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1a illustrates a perspective view of a bearing cap, Fig. 1b illustrates a cross sectional view of the bearing cap illustrated in Fig. 1a, Fig. 2a illustrates a perspective view of a bearing cap arrangement comprising a bearing cap illustrated in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, Fig. 2b illustrates a cross sectional view of the bearing cap arrangement illustrated in Fig. 2a, Fig. 3a illustrates a perspective view of a joint arrangement comprising a joint and a bearing cap arrangement illustrated in Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b, Fig. 3b illustrates a cross sectional view of the joint arrangement illustrated in Fig. 3a, and Fig. 4 illustrates a vehicle comprising a joint arrangement illustrated in Fig 3a and Fig. 3b, the joint arrangement is illustrated schematically.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Fig. 1a illustrates a perspective view of a bearing cap 1 and Fig. 1b illustrates a cross sectional view of the bearing cap 1 illustrated in Fig. ta. The bearing cap 1 is configured to be used in a vehicle 2. The vehicle 2 is illustrated in Fig. 4. The bearing cap 1 comprises: -an inner peripheral surface 3 arranged to support a bearing element 5 and arranged to enable rolling of the bearing element 5 on the inner peripheral surface 3 and 7 -an outer peripheral surface 7 arranged to abut an inner surface 9 of a bearing mount structure 11. The bearing mount structure 11 is illustrated in details in Fig. 2a and in Fig. 2b. The outer peripheral surface 7 comprises an outer threaded section 13 arranged for mounting of the bearing cap 1 in the bearing mount structure 11 by rotational cooperation between the outer threaded section 13 of the bearing cap 1 and an inner threaded section 15 of the inner surface 9 of the bearing mount structure 11. Thus, the bearing cap 1 can be screwed in and out from the bearing mount structure 11. The bearing cap 1 is a one-piece structure bearing cap 1. Thus, the bearing cap 1 is manufactured as a one-piece structure by, for example a moiding process. Consequently, there is only one piece structure forming the bearing cap 1 without any additional parts or structures.

The outer peripheral surface 7 comprises a section 17 arranged to abut a locking member 19 arranged to lock the bearing cap 1 in a rotational direction in relation to the bearing mount structure 11. The locking member 19 is illustrated in Fig. 3b. After the bearing cap 1 has been screwed into the bearing mount structure 11, into a desired position in relation to the mount structure 11, the bearing cap 1 can be locked in the rotational direction in relation to the bearing mount structure 11 by means of friction forces acting between a surface of the locking member 19 and a corresponding surface of the section 17.

The section 17 comprises a plurality of subsections 17" circumferentially spaced apart from each other, wherein each subsection 17" is arranged to abut the locking member 19. Thus, depending on the position of the bearing cap 1 in relation to the bearing mount structure 11, a suitable subsection 17" can interact with the locking member 19 in order to lock the bearing cap 1 in relation to the bearing mount structure 11.

The section 17 is arranged within the threaded section 13 of the outer peripheral surface 7 of the bearing cap 1.

The bearing cap 1 comprises a flange 21, wherein the outer threaded section 13 is arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the flange 21.

The bearing cap 1 can comprise a bearing element 5 accommodated within the bearing cap 1 and supported by the inner peripheral surface 3.

Fig. 2a illustrates a perspective view of a bearing cap arrangement 23 comprising a bearing cap 1 illustrated in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b and Fig. 2b illustrates a cross sectional view of the bearing cap arrangement 23 illustrated in Fig. 2a.

The bearing cap arrangement 23 comprises a bearing cap 1 and a bearing mount structure 11. The bearing cap 1 is mounted in the bearing mount structure 11 by a rotational cooperation between the outer threaded section 13 of the bearing cap 1 and an inner threaded section 15 of an inner surface 9 of the bearing mount structure 11. Thus, the bearing cap 1 can be screwed into and out from the bearing mount structure 11. As a result, connection of the bearing cap 1 to the bearing mount structure 11 is facilitated. Further, the position of the bearing cap 1 in relation to the bearing mount structure 11 along a direction parallel with a rotational axis a of the bearing cap 1 can be adjusted by screwing the bearing cap 1 into or out from the bearing mount structure 11. As a result, positioning of the bearing cap1 in relation to the bearing mount structure 11 in the direction parallel with the rotational axis a of the bearing cap 1 is facilitated. As a further result no retaining rings are required to keep the bearing cap 1 in a desired position in the bearing mount structure 11. Thus, there is no need of preparation of the bearing mount structure 11 for enabling mounting of a retaining ring in the bearing mount structure 11, which implies that the bearing mount structure 11 can be used for positioning of the bearing cap 1 in a larger extension comparing to the cases with retaining rings. For example, the bearing cap 1 can be screwed into the bearing mount structure 11 such that an edge 4 of the bearing cap 1 passes an outer edge 6 of the bearing mount structure 11.

The bearing mount structure 11 is a one-piece bearing mount structure 11. Thus, the bearing mount structure 11 is manufactured as a one-piece bearing mount structure by, for example a molding process. Consequently, there is only one piece forming the bearing mount structure 11 without any additional parts or structures.

The bearing mount structure 11 may, for example be a yoke of a propeller shaft.

The outer threaded section 13 has an outer section length I1 measured along a rotational axis a of the bearing cap 1. The outer section length I1 is shorter than an inner section length l2 of the inner threaded surface 15 of the bearing mount structure 11 measured along an axis parallel to the rotational axis a of the bearing cap 1. The outer section length I1 may be in a range, for example, 50 to 95 % of the inner section length l2.

The bearing mount structure 11 comprises a circumferential groove 25, wherein the inner threaded section 15 of the bearing mount structure 11 is arranged on an inner peripheral surface of the circumferential groove 25. 9 The bearing mount structure 11 may comprise a through hole 27 arranged to receive a locking member 19 arranged to lock the bearing cap 1 in a rotational direction in relation to the bearing mount structure 11. An example embodiment of the trough hole 27 is illustrated in Fig. 3b. According to some embodiments the locking member 19 can be screwed into the through hole 27 in a direction towards the bearing cap 1 in order to lock the bearing cap 1 in relation to the bearing mount structure 11.

As illustrated in Fig. 2a and in Fig. 2b, the bearing cap arrangement 23 may comprise a bearing element 5 accommodated within the bearing cap 1 and supported by the inner peripheral surface 3.

Fig. 3a illustrates a perspective view of a joint arrangement 29 comprising a joint 31, and a bearing cap arrangement 23 illustrated in Fig. 2a and in Fig. 2b. Fig. 3b illustrates a cross sectional view of the joint arrangement 29 illustrated in Fig. 3a.

The joint arrangement 29 is arranged for a propeller shaft 35. A part of the propeller shaft 35 is illustrated in Fig. 4. The joint arrangement 29 comprises a joint 31 comprising a plurality of joint arms 33. At least one joint arm 33 of the plurality of joint arms 33 is rotatably connected to a bearing cap arrangement 23. According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b two joint arms 33 of the plurality of joint arms 33 are each rotatably connected to a bearing cap arrangement 23. The two joint arms 33 are arranged along a common rotational axis b and opposite to each other in relation to a center c of the joint 31.

Because the two joint arms 33 of the plurality of joint arms 33 are each rotatably connected to the bearing cap arrangement 23, centring of the joint 31 is facilitated. With at least two joint arms 33, each connected to the bearing cap arrangement 23, the bearing cap 1 of a first bearing cap arrangements 23 can be screwed in a direction d1 substantially opposite to a direction d2 that the bearing cap 1 of a second bearing cap arrangement 23 is screwed into. Thus, the position of the center c of the joint 31 can be adjusted along the common rotational axis b and thereby, the joint 31 can be centered and preloaded by means of the at least two bearing cap arrangements 23.

According to some embodiments, not illustrated in Fig. 3b, each of the four joint arms 33 can be rotatably connected to a bearing cap arrangement 23. Thus, the center c of the joint 31 can be adjusted along the common rotational axis b and along a rotational axis perpendicular to the common rotational axis b. Thereby, the joint 31 can be centered and preloaded in an yet improved manner.

The preloading of the joint 31 decreases risks for gaps and thereby risks for vibrations during use of the joint arrangement 29. As a result, lifetime of the joint arrangement 29 can be improved.

Fig. 4 iliustrates a vehicle 2 comprising ajoint arrangement 29 illustrated in Fig 3a and Fig. 3b. The joint arrangement 29 is illustrated schematically and is arranged for a propeller shaft 35 of the vehicle 2.

Claims

1. 1. A bearing cap (1) configured to be used in a vehicle (1), the bearing cap (1) comprising: -an inner peripheral surface (3) arranged to support a bearing element (5) and arranged to enable roliing of the bearing element (5) on the inner peripheral surface (3) and -an outer peripheral surface (7) arranged to abut an inner surface (9) of a bearing mount structure (1 1), wherein the outer peripheral surface (7) comprises an outer threaded section (13) arranged for mounting of the bearing cap (1) in the bearing mount structure (11) by rotational cooperation between the outer threaded section (13) of the bearing cap (1) and an inner threaded section (15) of the inner surface (9) of the bearing mount structure (11), and wherein the bearing cap (1) is a one-piece structure bearing cap (1 ).

2. The bearing cap (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outer peripheral surface (7) comprises a section (17) arranged to abut a Iocking member (19) arranged to lock the bearing cap (1) in a rotational direction in relation to the bearing mount structure (11).

3. The bearing cap (1) according to claim 2, wherein the section (17) comprises a plurality of subsections (17') circumferentially spaced apart from each other, wherein each subsection (17') is arranged to abut the Iocking member (19).

4. The bearing cap (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the section (17) is arranged within the threaded section (13) of the outer peripheral surface (7) of the bearing cap (1).

5. The bearing cap (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, comprising a flange (21), wherein the outer threaded section (13) is arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the flange (21).

6. The bearing cap (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, comprising a bearing element (5) accommodated within the bearing cap (1) and supported by the inner peripheral surface (3).

7. A bearing cap arrangement (23) comprising a bearing cap (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6 and a bearing mount structure (11), wherein the bearing cap (1) is mounted in the bearing mount structure (11) by a rotational cooperation between the outer threaded section (13) of the bearing cap (1) and an inner threaded section (15) of an inner surface (9) of the bearing mount structure (11).

8. The bearing cap arrangement (23) according to claim 7, wherein the bearing mount structure (11) is a one-piece bearing mount structure (11).

9. The bearing cap arrangement (23) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the bearing mount structure (11) is a yoke of a propeller shaft.

10. The bearing cap arrangement (23) according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the outer threaded section (13) has an outer section length (I1) measured along a rotational axis (a) of the bearing cap (1), wherein the outer section length (I1) is shorter than an inner section length (l2) of the inner threaded surface (15) of the bearing mount structure (11) measured along an axis parallel to the rotational axis (a) of the bearing cap (1).

11. The bearing cap arrangement (23) according to any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the bearing mount structure (11) comprises a circumferential groove (25), wherein the inner threaded section (15) of the bearing mount structure (11) is arranged on an inner peripheral surface of the circumferential groove (25).

12. The bearing cap arrangement (23) according to any of claims 7 to 11, wherein the bearing mount structure (11) comprises a through hole (27) arranged to receive a locking member (19) arranged to lock the bearing cap (1) in a rotational direction in relation to the bearing mount structure (11).

13. The bearing cap arrangement (23) according to any of claims 7 to 12, comprising a bearing element (5) accommodated within the bearing cap (1) and supported by the inner peripheral surface (3).

14. A joint arrangement (29) for a propeller shaft, the joint arrangement (29) comprising a joint (31 ), wherein the joint (31) comprises a plurality of joint arms (33), wherein - at least one joint arm (33) of the plurality ofjoint arms (33) is rotatably connected to a bearing cap arrangement (23) according to any one of claims 7-13, or - at least two joint arms (33) of the plurality of joint arms (33) are each rotatably connected to a bearing cap arrangement (23) according to any one of claims 7-

15. The joint arrangement (29) according to claim 14, wherein the at least two joint arms (33) are arranged along a common rotational axis (b) and opposite to each other in relation to a center (c) of the joint (31).

16. A vehicle (2) comprising a joint arrangement (29) according to claim 14 or 15.