WO2017029049A1

WO2017029049A1 - Yoke for a universal joint assembly having a bearing cover

Info

Publication number: WO2017029049A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/067155
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dieter Maier; Simon Ritter; Peter Grawenhof
Original assignee: Voith Patent Gmbh
Priority date: 2015-08-19
Filing date: 2016-07-19
Publication date: 2017-02-23
Also published as: DE102015215773A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a yoke (1) having a bearing bore (7) for accommodating a journal cross (5). The bearing bore (7) is provided with radial protrusions (21) for forming a bayonet mechanism (17), wherein the bearing bore (7) can be closed by a bearing cover (11) by means of the bayonet mechanism (17) and wherein the bearing cover (11) is provided with radial protrusions (19). The bearing cover has an inner cut-out (29) and can be closed by means of an inner cover (31).

Description

Articulated fork for a universal joint arrangement with bearing cap

The invention relates to a yoke for a universal joint assembly and a bearing cap for a yoke. Universal joint arrangements for use in propeller shafts comprise a cross member mounted in two joint forks, in particular joint yokes, wherein the individual pins are mounted in corresponding bearing arrangements in bearing bores of the joint yoke halves. From EP 785 370 A a universal joint arrangement for a propeller shaft is known. The universal joint comprises joint forks in which fork eyes are formed. Each fork eye is assigned a bearing cap. The bearing cap is axially positively connected to an outer ring of a radial bearing. Due to the arrangement, the bearing cap itself can absorb deformations of the outer ring by displacements in the radial direction. The wear on the end faces of the bearing cap and in the radial bearing is significantly reduced compared to known cross journal bearings. To shield the radial bearing is provided between the bearing cap and the outer collar of the outer ring, for example, a seal carrier in the form of a ring or a disc which is fixed in the axial direction by means of securing elements, such as circlips and / or positively connected to the bearing cap. In order to minimize stress on the bearing cap in the radial direction during elastic deformation of the bearing bore of the yoke under torque load and to realize a positive connection with the outer ring of the radial bearing, the bearing cap in the region of its outer periphery on a lid edge in the installed position in radial Direction over part of the width of the radial bearing , ,

extends, preferably so that this part of the outer periphery of the bearing cap in particular shields the rolling elements in the axial direction. In the installed position of the lid edge is located with a part of its inner axis facing the hinge surface on a partial surface of a recess provided for this purpose on the outer collar of the outer ring of the radial bearing. The lid edge is designed elastically deformable in the installed position in the radial direction. For this purpose, this has a small cross-section. The retaining ring is then arranged between the lid edge of the bearing cap and the collar and the seal carrier. To adapt the bearing cap to the deformations of the bearing bores this is so positively coupled to the outer collar of the outer ring of the radial bearing that Ausweichmöglichkeiten in the presence of elastic deformation of the lid edge are possible. To realize the sealing function of the seal carrier two sealing elements are assigned.

Another possibility is to couple the bearing cap to realize an axial securing by means of non-positive and / or positive connection elements indirectly via an intermediate element with the outer collar of the outer ring of the thrust bearing via a bearing assembly. The bearing cap then has, for example, a U-shaped lid edge. The edge of the lid is supported with a part of its end face facing the hinge axis in the installed position directly on a part of the face of the recess of the outer ring of the radial bearing facing away from the hinge axis. The bearing cap and the outer ring, in particular the collar of the radial bearing are designed such that they also create each other in the radial direction. The collar, with its surface facing the pin axis, forms a stop in the radial direction for the surface of the lid edge facing away from the pin axis. For sealing the radial bearing relative to the environment in installation position in the axially outer region between the bearing cap and outer collar of the outer ring of the radial bearing a sealing element, for example in the form of a sealing ring is provided. The single bearing arrangement includes - -

at least one radial bearing and preferably also a thrust bearing. The arrangement of the thrust bearing can be done in various ways, preferably this is displaced in the region of the journal root of the journal cross. The bearings are usually roller bearings. These are lubricated. To avoid the entry of contaminants in the bearing assembly this is sealed from the environment, that is, the space between the spider of the bearing assembly and the yoke half is sealed. For this purpose, appropriate sealing devices are provided in the rule, which can be designed in various ways.

From CN 104315006 a yoke is disclosed, the bearing bores can be closed by joint fork cover with a bayonet mechanism. In the bayonet mechanism extending projections are formed over an angular range. In the middle of these projections grooves are formed, which have a depth of 2-3 mm and have a diameter in the range of 1 to 1, 5 mm. The diameter of the grooves is larger than the diameter of the screws provided for fixing.

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a further form of a bearing cap for a yoke and a yoke with bearing cap, wherein the yoke cover can be easily mounted in the yoke or mountable.

Furthermore, the invention has the object without disassembly of the bearing cap to provide access to the storage of the universal joint in the bearing bore, in particular to be able to carry out maintenance work comfortably.

A further development of the invention is based on the object of providing a hinged lid which, moreover, reliably remains in the installed state under load. , ,

The object is achieved by a yoke with a yoke cover, which is connectable to the yoke by a bayonet mechanism. Through the hinge fork cover bearing bores of the yoke are closed. The bearing bores are provided for receiving a spider, wherein the bearing bore is provided with radial projections to form a bayonet mechanism. The bearing cap is provided with radial projections, wherein the bayonet mechanism is provided by the radial projections of the bearing bores and the radial projections of the bearing cap. According to the invention, the bearing cap has an internal recess for receiving assembly tools.

Preferably, the inner recess is formed as a penetrating inner recess. The penetrating inner recess is recloseable by an inner lid. Through the inner lid of the inner region of the yoke is accessible through the inner lid without the entire bearing cap must be removed.

Preferably, the inner recess has an orientation perpendicular to the surface of the bearing cap. As a result, in conjunction with an assembly tool, with a linear movement of the bearing cap into the bearing bore even with occurring resistance forces, by which a tilting moment can be justified, ensures an accurate guidance of the bearing cap in the bearing bore. The resistance forces may be due to friction, for example. The inner recess may have a round or angular shape with corresponding boundaries, which may be formed as a flat boundary edges. Furthermore, the inner recess may be formed centrally or decentrally in the bearing cap. The central training is particularly advantageous in terms of manufacture and assembly. , ,

In an advantageous development it is provided that a spring element is provided for the provision of a frictional connection of the bayonet mechanism. By means of the spring element, a frictional connection of the mutually engaged in operative connection projections of the bearing cap and the bearing bore of the Bajonettmechanismusses is ensured. The spring element can be mounted or received on the bearing cap or in the bearing bore.

In a further development, it is provided that the inner lid is provided on the inside with a recess for receiving at least one electronic element. This area is easily accessible through the removable inner lid. In particular, electronic modules for a wireless signal connection and / or sensors, for example for the detection of temperature and lubricating state, can be provided here.

In a development, a rotation of the bearing cap is provided. This prevents that during operation occurring, acting on the cover and the yoke, forces comes to a rotation of the bearing cap.

It has been found to be advantageous that the anti-rotation device comprises at least one locking element. The locking element can with the yoke half and / or the bearing cap, z. B. via a screw connection, be firmly connected.

Advantageously, both the bearing cap and the fork have corresponding recesses for the locking element. The power transmission between the bearing cap and anti-rotation and between anti-rotation and fork is purely on positive engagement and the mounting screws are used exclusively for holding the locking element. - -

If the locking element firmly connected to a bearing cap and / or a fork without recess, the mounting screws are used in addition to power transmission or direct rotation.

The anti-rotation device is mounted only after completed complete assembly of the bearing cap. This fixed connection is detachable and must be removed for disassembly of the bearing cap.

The inner lid can be mounted and released independently of the anti-twist device.

In a further development it is provided that the locking element has an outer contour and is received by a formed in the yoke or the bearing cap locking recess with an opposing contour. As a result, a flat support between the locking element and Arretierausnehmung is achieved and the forces are distributed over the contact surface.

In a further development, it is provided that the locking element has an angular, angular, preferably conical outer contour. By choosing the angle of the conical locking element, an optimized absorption of forces occurring in the circumferential direction can be achieved. The lateral forces acting on the locking element are reduced.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the locking element has a round outer contour. The round outer contour has the advantage that the outer contour is kerbarm.

The bearing cap according to the invention is provided for closing a bearing bore in a yoke with radial projections for connection to the yoke by means of a bayonet mechanism. The bearing cap has a closable by an inner lid inner recess. The - -

Inner recess, in particular penetrating inner recess can be used for maintenance purposes as an inspection opening. Furthermore, lubricants can be introduced for greasing. Also, the inner recess can be used for the assembly for a connection with mounting tool.

In a further development of the bearing cap is provided to provide the bearing cap with a radial seal and / or an axial seal. In a further development, it is provided that the bearing cover comprises a spring element.

In a further embodiment of a bearing cap is provided that the inner cover by means of a bayonet mechanism or by means of a snap ring or by means of a screw connection is firmly and detachably connectable to the bearing cap.

The use of a bayonet mechanism for connecting the bearing cap with the yoke has the advantage that a compact design is possible. At the same time a highly reliable embodiment is ensured by the widest possible renouncement of screws.

The solution according to the invention is explained below by way of example by way of example. Individual aspects explained with reference to the exemplary embodiments may represent independent inventive features. It shows:

Figure 1: Top view of the yoke with cover and the lid releasably secured fixing;

FIG. 2: section of FIG. 1 along A-A;

FIG. 3: section of FIG. 1 along BB; - -

Figure 4: top view of a yoke with cover and releasably secured to the yoke fixing;

Figure 5 cover in plan view;

FIG. 6 shows a section through the cover from FIG. 5 along A-A;

FIG. 7 shows a section through the cover from FIG. 5 along B-B;

FIG. 8 shows a quadrangular fixing element;

Figure 9 conical fixing element;

FIG. 10 oval fixing element;

Figure 1 1 round fixing element;

FIG. 12, semicircular fixing element.

1 shows a plan view of the yoke 1 with bearing cap 1 1 is shown. In fact, only one half of the jointed fork 3 can be seen. The yoke half 3 has a center axis 4. The center axis 4 extends centrally through the bearing bore 7 of the yoke half. The bearing bore 7 is also referred to as fork eye. The bearing bore 7 is closed by a bearing cap 1 1. At the bearing bore projections 21 are formed. These projections 21 of the bearing bore are in contact with formed on the bearing cap 1 1 projections 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing bore is formed with two projections 21 which are associated with two formed on the bearing cap 1 1 projections 19. It can also be provided a different number of projections. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections are arranged offset in 180 ° to each other. The projections formed on the bearing bore are arranged on the center axis 4. Since the yoke is round in the circumferential direction, along BB, and cylindrical in the direction of the center axis, as can be seen from Figures 2 and 3, a formation of the projections on the center axis is possible because the yoke half 3 has sufficient material there. The yoke does not need to be sized larger for the formation of the projections 21st By the projections 21 of the yoke half 3 and the projections 19 of the bearing cap is a , ,

Bayonet mechanism formed. By the bayonet mechanism of the bearing cap 1 1 is connected to the bearing bore 7. On the bearing cap an inner recess 29 is formed. As can be seen from Figures 2 and 3, the inner recess 30 is penetrating, d. H. the penetrating inner recess constitutes an opening in the bearing cap 11. The inner recess 29 is formed in the center of the bearing cap 11. The bearing cap 1 1 is provided in the region of the projections 19 with holes for the attachment of a locking element 47 of a rotation 45. By fastening screws 51, the locking element 47 is releasably connected to the bearing cap 1 1.

In the embodiment according to Figure 4, the locking member 47 with the yoke half 3 by fastening screws 51 releasably and firmly connected. In Figure 4 it can be seen that a contact surface 49 is formed for the locking member 47 on the bearing cap 1 1. This contact surface 49 is formed in the region of each projection 19. Thus, the bearing cap 1 1 can be mounted rotated 180 ° without preferential direction.

The inner recess 29 is closed by means of an inner lid 31. In the embodiment shown, a snap ring 39 is used as a fixation 37 for the inner lid 31. The inner lid has two mounting recesses 34. Furthermore, the inner lid 31 is provided with one or more threaded holes, which are closable by means of one or more screws 33. Through the bushings z. B. a supply of lubricant.

From the section along AA, the bearing cap 1 1 and the inner lid 31 can be seen in section. Through the bearing cap 1 1, the bearing bore 7 is closed. Within the bearing bore 7 a spider 5 is mounted in a bearing assembly 9. The bearing cap 1 1 is provided with an axial seal 13 and a radial seal 15. Also, the inner lid 31 is provided with a radial seal 35. Through the inner lid becomes a penetrating , ,

Inner recess 30, also referred to as axial recess, closed. In the inner lid, a recess 41 is further formed. This recess 41 can be used for the arrangement of an electronic module. Thus, e.g. in the recess 41 may be provided a sensor for measuring the temperature. It is also possible to sense the condition and the level of the lubricant at this area. Furthermore, a transmission / reception unit can be provided there for wireless transmission of sensor data.

FIG. 3 shows section B-B from FIG. In this illustration, the round shape of the yoke in the circumferential direction is visible. Here it is easy to see that in the lateral areas no material for the formation of protrusions in the yoke is present. The bearing cap 1 1 is pushed into the bearing bore. Subsequently, the bearing cap is rotated by 90 °, whereby the projections 19 of the bearing cap are held by the projections 21 on the bearing bore 7. It is an axial sealing element 13 and a radial sealing element 15 is provided. Also, the inner lid is provided with a sealing element 35.

In the illustration shown in FIG. 3, a spring element 14 is provided which is not shown in the illustration shown in FIG. By this spring element 14 of the bearing cap 1 1 is pressed against the projections of the bearing bore 21. As a result, a frictional connection of the projections 19 of the bearing cap 1 1 with the projections 21 of the bearing bore 7 is produced. In addition, 45, the locking member 47 is provided for the rotation. The locking element 47 is arranged in a locking recess 48, as shown in FIG.

In Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 7 of the bearing cover previously described with reference to Figure 1 to 3 is shown individually. In Figure 5, the projections formed on the bearing cap are clearly visible. The bearing cap has a closure nose 20, as can be seen from the sectional view in Figure 7. - -

This closing lug prevents splash water from getting directly onto the seals and thus forms an additional labyrinth.

In the following figures 8 to 12 different embodiments of locking elements are shown. FIG. 8 shows a square locking element 53. FIG. 9 shows a quadrangular cone-shaped arresting element 55. Meet the extensions of the leg sides in the center of the bearing cap and thus are the side surfaces of the locking element perpendicular to the direction of rotation, so only shear forces and no radial shear forces occur. The production of such a locking element 55 is simple.

FIG. 10 shows an oval locking element 57 and FIG. 11 shows a round locking element 59 and FIG. 12 shows a semicircular locking element. The outer contour of these locking elements 57, 59 and 61 bear with a round outer contour 52 on an oppositely formed contour of the locking recess. As a result, a notchable connection between the locking element and locking recess is produced.

, ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 joint fork

3 yoke half

4 center axis

5 cones cross

7 Bearing hole of the yoke half, fork eye

9 bearing arrangement (cone cross)

1 1 bearing cap

13 axial sealing element

14 spring element

15 radial sealing element

17 bayonet mechanism

19 radial projections on the lid

20 radial end nose

21 projections on the bearing bore

29 inner recess

30 axial recess

31 inner lid

32 bushing (tapped hole)

33 screw

34 mounting recess

35 sealing element on the inner lid

37 fixation

39 snap ring

41 recess in the inner lid

45 anti-twist device

47 locking element

48 locking recess

49 contact surface for locking element

51 fixing screws , ,

External contour Anti-twist quadrangular locking element Conical locking element Oval locking element

round locking element

semicircular locking element

Claims

claims

Joint fork (1) for a universal joint with a bearing bore (7) for receiving a journal cross (5), wherein the bearing bore (7) with radial projections (21) for forming a bayonet mechanism (17) is provided and wherein the bearing bore (7) by means of the bayonet mechanism (17) by a bearing cap (1 1) is closable and wherein the bearing cap (1 1) is provided with radial projections (19),

characterized,

the bearing cover (11) has an inner recess (29) which can be closed by an inner cover (31), in particular a penetrating inner recess (30).

Articulated fork according to claim 1,

characterized,

in that a spring element (14) is provided for producing a frictional connection of the bayonet mechanism (17).

Articulated fork according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

the inner cover (31) is provided on the axial inner side with a recess (41) for receiving at least one electronic element / electronic module.

Articulated fork according to one of the preceding claims, characterized,

an anti-rotation lock (45) is provided.

5. Fork according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

in that the anti-twist device (45) comprises at least one locking element (47), wherein the locking element (47) can be positively connected to the articulated fork half (3) and / or the bearing cover (11).

6. Fork according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

the arresting element has an outer contour (52) and is received by a locking recess (48) formed in the articulated fork (1) or the bearing cap (11) with an opposing contour.

7. Fork according to one of the preceding claims 5 to 6,

characterized,

the arresting element (47) has an edged or angular, preferably rectangular or conical outer contour (53, 55).

8. Articulated fork according to one of the preceding claims 5 to 6,

characterized,

the locking element (47) has a round outer contour (57, 59, 61).

9. Bearing cap for closing a bearing bore in a yoke, wherein the bearing cap is provided with radial projections for connection to the yoke by means of a bayonet mechanism

characterized, the bearing cover (11) has an inner recess (29) which can be closed by an inner cover (31) which can be fastened by means of a snap ring (39).

Bearing cover according to claim 9,

characterized,

the bearing cover (11) is provided with a radial seal (15) and / or an axial seal (13).

Bearing cover according to one of claims 9 or 10,

characterized,

that the inner lid (31) by means of a bayonet mechanism or by means of a snap ring (39) or by means of a screw connection with the bearing cap (1 1) is connectable.