WO2023202790A1 - Self-aligning roller bearing cage - Google Patents

Self-aligning roller bearing cage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023202790A1
WO2023202790A1 PCT/EP2022/082404 EP2022082404W WO2023202790A1 WO 2023202790 A1 WO2023202790 A1 WO 2023202790A1 EP 2022082404 W EP2022082404 W EP 2022082404W WO 2023202790 A1 WO2023202790 A1 WO 2023202790A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cage
bearing
side wall
wall portion
inner ring
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2022/082404
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Xiang Zhang
Erik Mitchell
Lars Per Stefan NEMETH
Original Assignee
Aktiebolaget Skf
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Aktiebolaget Skf filed Critical Aktiebolaget Skf
Publication of WO2023202790A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023202790A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C33/00—Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
    • F16C33/30—Parts of ball or roller bearings
    • F16C33/66—Special parts or details in view of lubrication
    • F16C33/6603—Special parts or details in view of lubrication with grease as lubricant
    • F16C33/6629—Details of distribution or circulation inside the bearing, e.g. grooves on the cage or passages in the rolling elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C33/00—Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
    • F16C33/30—Parts of ball or roller bearings
    • F16C33/38—Ball cages
    • F16C33/42—Ball cages made from wire or sheet metal strips
    • F16C33/422—Ball cages made from wire or sheet metal strips made from sheet metal
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C33/00—Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
    • F16C33/30—Parts of ball or roller bearings
    • F16C33/46—Cages for rollers or needles
    • F16C33/54—Cages for rollers or needles made from wire, strips, or sheet metal
    • F16C33/542—Cages for rollers or needles made from wire, strips, or sheet metal made from sheet metal
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C33/00—Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
    • F16C33/30—Parts of ball or roller bearings
    • F16C33/66—Special parts or details in view of lubrication
    • F16C33/6637—Special parts or details in view of lubrication with liquid lubricant
    • F16C33/6681—Details of distribution or circulation inside the bearing, e.g. grooves on the cage or passages in the rolling elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C19/00—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement
    • F16C19/22—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing rollers essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows, e.g. needle bearings
    • F16C19/34—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing rollers essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows, e.g. needle bearings for both radial and axial load
    • F16C19/38—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing rollers essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows, e.g. needle bearings for both radial and axial load with two or more rows of rollers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C23/00—Bearings for exclusively rotary movement adjustable for aligning or positioning
    • F16C23/06—Ball or roller bearings
    • F16C23/08—Ball or roller bearings self-adjusting
    • F16C23/082—Ball or roller bearings self-adjusting by means of at least one substantially spherical surface
    • F16C23/086—Ball or roller bearings self-adjusting by means of at least one substantially spherical surface forming a track for rolling elements

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to improved lubrication of a self-aligning roller bearing. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a new self-aligning roller bearing cage design and a self-aligning roller bearing provided with such a cage.
  • Self-aligning roller bearings comprising an inner ring, an outer ring, a plurality of rollers distributed between the inner ring and the outer ring often use a cage positioned between the inner ring and the outer ring for separation and/or guiding of the rollers.
  • Some self-aligning roller bearings are provided with axial seals configured to seal between the inner ring and the outer ring.
  • the seals are provided on opposite axial sides of the cage such that the cage and the rollers are confined in a space, wherein the space is delimited by the seals, the inner ring and the outer ring, whereby the sealing also can take place distanced to the bearing in its mounting environment.
  • a lubricant is present in this space. Properly maintained lubrication conditions are key for an unshortened service life of the bearing.
  • An object of the present invention is to optimize lubrication conditions in a selfaligning roller bearing.
  • a bearing cage as defined in claim 1 , with various embodiments described in dependent claims 2 and 3.
  • the cage comprises a side wall portion extending circumferentially about a central axis of the cage.
  • the side wall portion comprises a central opening aligned with the central axis.
  • the cage comprises a circumferential cage bar extending from a radially outer portion of the side wall portion.
  • the cage bar is configured to keep rollers of the bearing separated.
  • the side wall portion comprises a plurality of recesses extending radially outwards about the central axis from the central opening.
  • the recesses enable movement of lubricant between opposite axial sides of the side wall portion of the cage, i.e. between a side facing the rollers, and a side facing the respective seal.
  • lubricant moves around in the space inside the bearing due to centrifugal force and due to stickiness of lubricant to moving surfaces.
  • the movement of lubricant is subjected to a centrifugal force acting radially outwards on the lubricant.
  • the proposed cage design enables improved lubrication closer to the inner ring and by the seal, thus mitigating increased friction and mitigating wear of the seal.
  • the recesses may be evenly distributed about the circumference of a radially inner portion of the side wall portion. The even distribution of the recesses keeps the cage axially balanced and promotes an even distribution of lubricant around the inner ring by the seal.
  • the bearing comprises an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of rollers distributed between the inner ring and the outer ring.
  • the bearing further comprises the above-described cage positioned between the inner ring and the outer ring such that the cage bar separates the rollers.
  • the bearing comprises two axial seals configured to seal between the inner ring and the outer ring. The seals are provided on opposite axial sides of the cage such that the cage and the rollers are confined in a space, said space being delimited by the seals, the inner ring and the outer ring. Further, a lubricant is provided in the space for lubrication.
  • the rollers Upon rotation of the inner ring relatively the outer ring, the rollers keep the inner ring aligned inside the outer ring whilst enabling low friction between the inner ring and the outer ring.
  • the cage keeps the rollers separated from each other and correctly positioned within the bearing.
  • the seals protect the bearing from contamination, and also keep the lubricant confined inside the bearing.
  • the lubricant lubricates surfaces inside the bearing to reduce friction and wear.
  • the recesses enable movement of lubricant between opposite axial sides of the side wall portion of the cage, i.e. between a side facing the rollers, and the side facing the respective seal.
  • the proposed cage design enables improved lubrication closer to the inner ring and by the seal, thus mitigating increased friction and mitigating wear of the seal.
  • the outer ring may comprise at least one refill opening for introduction of lubricant into the space.
  • the refill opening(s) may be used to inject lubricant before seals are installed at assembly of the bearing, and the refill opening(s) may also be used to introduce lubricant after the seals have been installed. If more than one refill opening is provided, lubricant may leave the inner space of the bearing through one refill opening as lubricant is injected through another refill opening, to allow introduction of more lubricant with reduced risk of displacement of the seals caused by pressure increase in the bearing.
  • the size of the refill opening may be large enough to allow gas to leave through the same refill opening as the one through which lubricant is injected into the bearing.
  • the central opening of the side wall portion may be sized to fit with the inner ring such that the cage 1 rotates in the same rotational direction as the inner ring when the bearing is in use.
  • Each seal may comprise a sealing lip or an end portion forming a sealing gap at the radially inner circumference of the respective seal for sealing to the inner ring.
  • Each sealing lip or end portion is spaced apart from the cage enough to allow movement of lubricant through the recess even at axial relative displacement of each cage with respect to each respective adjacent sealing lip or end portion at axial loading of the bearing, preferably with a spacing when the bearing is axially loaded of at least 0.1 mm.
  • said spacing is positively supported by the design of the cage showing a planar outward face side of the side wall portion or also by a design where the outward face side of the annular region of the side wall portion comprising the recesses is axially inwards indented as against the ones of other annular regions of the side wall portion.
  • the bearing may be a radial bearing or a thrust bearing.
  • Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a double-row spherical roller bearing according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 2 shows a cross sectional view in section A of the bearing also shown in fig. 1.
  • Figs. 3-5 show various views of a cage for use in the bearing shown in figs. 1-2. Detailed description
  • a first embodiment of a self-aligning roller bearing cage 1 for a self-aligning roller bearing being a double-row spherical roller bearing 2 will hereinafter be described with reference to the appended drawings in conjunction with the use of the cage 1 in a first embodiment of the bearing 2.
  • the cage 1 is positioned inside the bearing 2 for keeping rollers 7 of the bearing 2 separated and correctly positioned within the bearing 2.
  • the illustrated bearing 2 comprises two cages - one cage 1 for each row of rollers 7 of the bearing 2. In other bearing designs, a single cage 1 may be sufficient. This of course applies anyhow, when the bearing 2 only has one row of rollers 7.
  • the cage 1 comprises a side wall portion 3 extending circumferentially about a central axis 4 of the cage 1.
  • the side wall portion 3 comprises a central opening 5 aligned with the central axis 4.
  • the central opening 5 of the side wall portion 3 is sized to fit with the inner ring 9 such that the cage 1 rotates in the same rotational direction as the inner ring 9 when the bearing 2 is in use.
  • the cage 1 further comprises a circumferential cage bar 6 extending from a radially outer portion of the side wall portion 3.
  • the cage bar 6 is provided with recesses or openings for each roller 7 and the material between the recesses/openings positions and guides the rollers 7 within the bearing 2.
  • the side wall portion 3 has an essentially planar outward face side 13. Further the side wall portion 3 comprises a plurality of recesses 8 extending radially outwards about the central axis 4 from the central opening 5.
  • the recesses 8 enable improved movement of lubricant particularly a lubricating grease between opposite axial sides of the side wall portion 3 of the cage 1 , i.e. between a side facing the rollers 7, and a side facing a respective seal 11 of the bearing, as shown in fig. 2.
  • lubricant moves around in the space inside the bearing 2 due to centrifugal force and due to stickiness of lubricant to moving surfaces.
  • movement of lubricant is subjected to a centrifugal force acting radially outwards on the lubricant.
  • centrifugal force tends to move lubricant radially outwards away from the inner ring 9, reducing the amount of lubricant present closer to the inner ring 9, at the same time, lubricant moves through the recesses in the cage 1 from the side facing the rollers 7 to the side facing the seal 11 or vice versa.
  • the proposed cage 1 design enables improved lubrication by the inner ring 9 and by the seal 11 , thus mitigating increased friction and mitigating wear of the seal 11.
  • the recesses 8 are evenly distributed about the circumference of a radially inner portion of the side wall portion 3. The even distribution of the recesses 8 keep the cage 1 axially balanced and promotes an even distribution of lubricant around the inner ring 9 by the seal 11.
  • the circumferential distribution and sizing of the recesses 8 may alternatively be different, i.e. not evenly distributed recesses of a same size and shape.
  • the two axial seals 11 are configured to seal between the inner ring 9 and the outer ring 10.
  • the seals 11 are provided on opposite axial sides of the cage 1 such that the cage 1 and the rollers 7 are confined in a space, said space being delimited by the seals 11 , the inner ring 9 and the outer ring 10. Further, a lubricant is provided in the space for lubrication.
  • Each seal 11 comprise a sealing lip at the radially inner circumference of the respective seal 11 for sealing to the inner ring 9.
  • Each sealing lip is spaced apart from the cage 1 enough to allow movement of lubricant through the recess even at axial relative displacement of each cage 1 with respect to each respective adjacent sealing lip at axial loading of the bearing 2, preferably with a spacing when the bearing 2 is axially loaded of at least 0.1 mm.
  • the outer ring 10 comprises three refill openings 12 for introduction of lubricant into the space.
  • the refill openings 12 may be closed by plugs (not illustrated) which can be temporarily removed for access to the refill openings 12. In other embodiments, any suitable number of refill openings 12 may alternatively be provided instead, or the refill openings may be omitted.
  • the refill opening 12 enables injection of lubricant after seals 11 have been installed at assembly of the bearing 2. If more than one refill opening 12 are provided, lubricant may leave the inner space of the bearing 2 through one refill opening 12 as lubricant is injected through another refill opening 12, to allow introduction of more lubricant with reduced risk of displacement of the seals 11 caused by pressure increase in the bearing 2. Alternatively, the size of the refill opening 12 may be large enough to allow gas to leave through the same refill opening 12 as the one through which lubricant is injected into the bearing 2.
  • the cage bar of the cage 1 is adapted to the design of rollers 7 of choice of the bearing 1.
  • the lubricant may for example be oil or grease.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Rolling Contact Bearings (AREA)

Abstract

A cage (1) for a bearing (2), wherein the cage (1) comprises a side wall portion (3) extending circumferentially about a central axis (4) of the cage (1). The side wall portion (3) comprises a central opening (5) aligned with the central axis, wherein the cage (1) comprises a circumferential cage bar (6) extending from a radially outer portion of the side wall portion (3). Also, the cage bar (6) is configured to keep rollers (7) of the bearing (2) separated. The side wall portion (3) comprises a plurality of recesses (8) extending radially outwards about the central axis (4) from the central opening (5). The outward face side of the annular region of the side wall portion (3) comprising the recesses (8) is coincident with the ones of other annular regions of the side wall portion (3) or is axially inwards indented as against these. The recesses (8) remain without any firm lock enabling movement of a lubricant between opposite axial sides of the side wall portion (3) of the cage (1).

Description

Self-aligning roller bearing cage
Technical field
The present disclosure relates to improved lubrication of a self-aligning roller bearing. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a new self-aligning roller bearing cage design and a self-aligning roller bearing provided with such a cage.
Background
Self-aligning roller bearings comprising an inner ring, an outer ring, a plurality of rollers distributed between the inner ring and the outer ring often use a cage positioned between the inner ring and the outer ring for separation and/or guiding of the rollers. Some self-aligning roller bearings are provided with axial seals configured to seal between the inner ring and the outer ring. The seals are provided on opposite axial sides of the cage such that the cage and the rollers are confined in a space, wherein the space is delimited by the seals, the inner ring and the outer ring, whereby the sealing also can take place distanced to the bearing in its mounting environment. Usually, a lubricant is present in this space. Properly maintained lubrication conditions are key for an unshortened service life of the bearing.
Summary
An object of the present invention is to optimize lubrication conditions in a selfaligning roller bearing.
According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, these and other objects are achieved by a bearing cage as defined in claim 1 , with various embodiments described in dependent claims 2 and 3. The cage comprises a side wall portion extending circumferentially about a central axis of the cage. The side wall portion comprises a central opening aligned with the central axis. The cage comprises a circumferential cage bar extending from a radially outer portion of the side wall portion. The cage bar is configured to keep rollers of the bearing separated. The side wall portion comprises a plurality of recesses extending radially outwards about the central axis from the central opening. Thus, instead of having a circular central opening, the present disclosure teaches the provision of the above-mentioned recesses. The recesses enable movement of lubricant between opposite axial sides of the side wall portion of the cage, i.e. between a side facing the rollers, and a side facing the respective seal. At relative rotation between the outer ring and the inner ring as a bearing provided with such a cage is used, lubricant moves around in the space inside the bearing due to centrifugal force and due to stickiness of lubricant to moving surfaces. The movement of lubricant is subjected to a centrifugal force acting radially outwards on the lubricant. Although centrifugal force tends to move lubricant radially outwards away from the inner ring, reducing the amount of lubricant present closer to the inner ring, at the same time, lubricant moves through the recesses in the cage from the side facing the rollers to the side facing the seal or vice versa.
Accordingly, the proposed cage design enables improved lubrication closer to the inner ring and by the seal, thus mitigating increased friction and mitigating wear of the seal.
The recesses may be evenly distributed about the circumference of a radially inner portion of the side wall portion. The even distribution of the recesses keeps the cage axially balanced and promotes an even distribution of lubricant around the inner ring by the seal.
According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, these and other objects are also achieved by a bearing as defined in claim 4, with various embodiments described in dependent claims 5-9. The bearing comprises an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of rollers distributed between the inner ring and the outer ring. The bearing further comprises the above-described cage positioned between the inner ring and the outer ring such that the cage bar separates the rollers. Also, the bearing comprises two axial seals configured to seal between the inner ring and the outer ring. The seals are provided on opposite axial sides of the cage such that the cage and the rollers are confined in a space, said space being delimited by the seals, the inner ring and the outer ring. Further, a lubricant is provided in the space for lubrication.
Upon rotation of the inner ring relatively the outer ring, the rollers keep the inner ring aligned inside the outer ring whilst enabling low friction between the inner ring and the outer ring. The cage keeps the rollers separated from each other and correctly positioned within the bearing. The seals protect the bearing from contamination, and also keep the lubricant confined inside the bearing. The lubricant lubricates surfaces inside the bearing to reduce friction and wear. As mentioned above, the recesses enable movement of lubricant between opposite axial sides of the side wall portion of the cage, i.e. between a side facing the rollers, and the side facing the respective seal. Although centrifugal force tends to move lubricant radially outwards away from the inner ring, reducing the amount of lubricant present closer to the inner ring, at the same time, lubricant moves through the recesses in the cage from the side facing the rollers to the side facing the seal or vice versa. The seals keep the lubricant within the inner space of the bearing. Accordingly, the proposed cage design enables improved lubrication closer to the inner ring and by the seal, thus mitigating increased friction and mitigating wear of the seal.
The outer ring may comprise at least one refill opening for introduction of lubricant into the space. The refill opening(s) may be used to inject lubricant before seals are installed at assembly of the bearing, and the refill opening(s) may also be used to introduce lubricant after the seals have been installed. If more than one refill opening is provided, lubricant may leave the inner space of the bearing through one refill opening as lubricant is injected through another refill opening, to allow introduction of more lubricant with reduced risk of displacement of the seals caused by pressure increase in the bearing. Alternatively, the size of the refill opening may be large enough to allow gas to leave through the same refill opening as the one through which lubricant is injected into the bearing.
The central opening of the side wall portion may be sized to fit with the inner ring such that the cage 1 rotates in the same rotational direction as the inner ring when the bearing is in use.
Each seal may comprise a sealing lip or an end portion forming a sealing gap at the radially inner circumference of the respective seal for sealing to the inner ring. Each sealing lip or end portion is spaced apart from the cage enough to allow movement of lubricant through the recess even at axial relative displacement of each cage with respect to each respective adjacent sealing lip or end portion at axial loading of the bearing, preferably with a spacing when the bearing is axially loaded of at least 0.1 mm. Among other things, said spacing is positively supported by the design of the cage showing a planar outward face side of the side wall portion or also by a design where the outward face side of the annular region of the side wall portion comprising the recesses is axially inwards indented as against the ones of other annular regions of the side wall portion.
The bearing may be a radial bearing or a thrust bearing.
Brief description of drawings
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a double-row spherical roller bearing according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2 shows a cross sectional view in section A of the bearing also shown in fig. 1. Figs. 3-5 show various views of a cage for use in the bearing shown in figs. 1-2. Detailed description
A first embodiment of a self-aligning roller bearing cage 1 for a self-aligning roller bearing being a double-row spherical roller bearing 2 will hereinafter be described with reference to the appended drawings in conjunction with the use of the cage 1 in a first embodiment of the bearing 2.
As shown in figs. 1-5, the cage 1 is positioned inside the bearing 2 for keeping rollers 7 of the bearing 2 separated and correctly positioned within the bearing 2. As shown in fig. 2, the illustrated bearing 2 comprises two cages - one cage 1 for each row of rollers 7 of the bearing 2. In other bearing designs, a single cage 1 may be sufficient. This of course applies anyhow, when the bearing 2 only has one row of rollers 7.
The cage 1 comprises a side wall portion 3 extending circumferentially about a central axis 4 of the cage 1. The side wall portion 3 comprises a central opening 5 aligned with the central axis 4. The central opening 5 of the side wall portion 3 is sized to fit with the inner ring 9 such that the cage 1 rotates in the same rotational direction as the inner ring 9 when the bearing 2 is in use.
The cage 1 further comprises a circumferential cage bar 6 extending from a radially outer portion of the side wall portion 3. The cage bar 6 is provided with recesses or openings for each roller 7 and the material between the recesses/openings positions and guides the rollers 7 within the bearing 2.
The side wall portion 3 has an essentially planar outward face side 13. Further the side wall portion 3 comprises a plurality of recesses 8 extending radially outwards about the central axis 4 from the central opening 5.
The recesses 8 enable improved movement of lubricant particularly a lubricating grease between opposite axial sides of the side wall portion 3 of the cage 1 , i.e. between a side facing the rollers 7, and a side facing a respective seal 11 of the bearing, as shown in fig. 2.
At relative rotation between the outer ring 10 and the inner ring 9 as a bearing provided with such a cage 1 is used, lubricant moves around in the space inside the bearing 2 due to centrifugal force and due to stickiness of lubricant to moving surfaces. As shown by the arrows in fig. 2, movement of lubricant is subjected to a centrifugal force acting radially outwards on the lubricant. Although centrifugal force tends to move lubricant radially outwards away from the inner ring 9, reducing the amount of lubricant present closer to the inner ring 9, at the same time, lubricant moves through the recesses in the cage 1 from the side facing the rollers 7 to the side facing the seal 11 or vice versa. Accordingly, the proposed cage 1 design enables improved lubrication by the inner ring 9 and by the seal 11 , thus mitigating increased friction and mitigating wear of the seal 11. The recesses 8 are evenly distributed about the circumference of a radially inner portion of the side wall portion 3. The even distribution of the recesses 8 keep the cage 1 axially balanced and promotes an even distribution of lubricant around the inner ring 9 by the seal 11. In other embodiments, the circumferential distribution and sizing of the recesses 8 may alternatively be different, i.e. not evenly distributed recesses of a same size and shape.
The two axial seals 11 are configured to seal between the inner ring 9 and the outer ring 10. The seals 11 are provided on opposite axial sides of the cage 1 such that the cage 1 and the rollers 7 are confined in a space, said space being delimited by the seals 11 , the inner ring 9 and the outer ring 10. Further, a lubricant is provided in the space for lubrication.
Each seal 11 comprise a sealing lip at the radially inner circumference of the respective seal 11 for sealing to the inner ring 9. Each sealing lip is spaced apart from the cage 1 enough to allow movement of lubricant through the recess even at axial relative displacement of each cage 1 with respect to each respective adjacent sealing lip at axial loading of the bearing 2, preferably with a spacing when the bearing 2 is axially loaded of at least 0.1 mm.
Upon rotation of the inner ring 9 relatively the outer ring 10, the rollers 7 keep the inner ring 9 aligned inside the outer ring 10 whilst enabling low friction between the inner ring 9 and the outer ring 10. The seals 11 protect the bearing 2 from contamination and oxidation, and also keep the lubricant confined inside the bearing. The outer ring 10 comprises three refill openings 12 for introduction of lubricant into the space. The refill openings 12 may be closed by plugs (not illustrated) which can be temporarily removed for access to the refill openings 12. In other embodiments, any suitable number of refill openings 12 may alternatively be provided instead, or the refill openings may be omitted.
The refill opening 12 enables injection of lubricant after seals 11 have been installed at assembly of the bearing 2. If more than one refill opening 12 are provided, lubricant may leave the inner space of the bearing 2 through one refill opening 12 as lubricant is injected through another refill opening 12, to allow introduction of more lubricant with reduced risk of displacement of the seals 11 caused by pressure increase in the bearing 2. Alternatively, the size of the refill opening 12 may be large enough to allow gas to leave through the same refill opening 12 as the one through which lubricant is injected into the bearing 2.
Although a specific bearing 2 design and cage 1 design is illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this specific design and that the same principles are applicable to other bearing designs like a toroidal roller bearing. For example, the cage bar of the cage 1 is adapted to the design of rollers 7 of choice of the bearing 1. The lubricant may for example be oil or grease.
Figure imgf000008_0001

Claims

Claims
1. A self-aligning roller bearing cage (1) of a self-aligning roller bearing (2), wherein the cage (1) comprises a side wall portion (3) extending circumferentially about a central axis (4) of the cage (1), wherein the side wall portion (3) comprises a central opening (5) aligned with the central axis, wherein the cage (1) comprises a circumferential cage bar (6) extending from a radially outer portion of the side wall portion (3), and wherein the cage bar (6) is configured to keep rollers (7) of the bearing (2) separated, characterized in that the side wall portion (3) comprises a plurality of recesses (8) extending radially outwards about the central axis (4) from the central opening (5), the outward face side of the annular region of the side wall portion (3) comprising the recesses (8) is coincident with the ones of other annular regions of the side wall portion (3) or is axially inwards indented as against these, and the recesses (8) remain without any firm lock enabling movement of a lubricant between opposite axial sides of the side wall portion (3) of the cage (1).
2. The cage (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the recesses (8) are evenly distributed about the circumference of a radially inner portion of the side wall portion (3).
3. The cage (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the outward face side (13) of the side wall portion (3) is essentially planar.
4. A self-aligning roller bearing (2) comprising an inner ring (9), an outer ring (10), a plurality of rollers (7) distributed between the inner ring (9) and the outer ring (10), a cage (1) according to any one of claims 1-3 positioned between the inner ring (9) and the outer ring (10) such that the cage bar separates the rollers (7), two axial seals
(11) configured to seal between the inner ring (9) and the outer ring (10), the seals
(11) being provided on opposite axial sides of the cage (1) such that the cage (1) and the rollers (7) are confined in a space, wherein the space is delimited by the seals
(12), the inner ring (9) and the outer ring (10), and wherein a lubricant is provided in the space.
5. The bearing (2) according to claim 4, wherein the outer ring (10) comprises at least one refill opening (12) for introduction of lubricant into the space.
6. The bearing (2) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the central opening (5) of the side wall portion (3) is sized to fit with the inner ring such that the cage (1) rotates in the same rotational direction as the inner ring (9) when the bearing (2) is in use.
7. The bearing (2) according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein each seal (12) comprises a sealing lip or an end portion forming a sealing gap at the radially inner circumference of the respective seal (12) for sealing to the inner ring (9), wherein each sealing lip or end portion is spaced apart from the cage (1) enough to allow movement of lubricant through the recess even at axial relative displacement of each cage (1) with respect to each respective adjacent sealing lip or end portion at axial loading of the bearing (2), preferably with a spacing when the bearing is axially loaded of at least 0.1 mm.
8. The bearing (2) according to any one of claims 4-7, wherein the bearing is a radial bearing or a thrust bearing.
9. The bearing (2) according to any one of the claims 4-8, wherein the bearing (2) is a single-row or double-row spherical roller bearing or a toroidal roller bearing.
PCT/EP2022/082404 2022-04-19 2022-11-18 Self-aligning roller bearing cage WO2023202790A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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PCT/EP2022/060266 WO2023202762A1 (en) 2022-04-19 2022-04-19 Cage for a bearing
EPPCT/EP2022/060266 2022-04-19

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PCT/EP2022/082404 WO2023202790A1 (en) 2022-04-19 2022-11-18 Self-aligning roller bearing cage

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005116470A1 (en) * 2004-05-31 2005-12-08 Nsk Ltd. Self-aligning roller bearing
FR3000772A1 (en) * 2013-01-10 2014-07-11 Ntn Snr Roulements Cage for spherical bearing, has annular side rings facing each other, where radial inner edge or radial outer edge of one of side rings comprises recessed area that is formed relative to inner circular envelope or outer circular envelope
US20150159696A1 (en) * 2012-02-14 2015-06-11 Aktiebolaget Skf Bearing component
US20180245639A1 (en) * 2017-02-28 2018-08-30 Aktiebolaget Skf Rolling element bearing

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3029245B1 (en) * 2014-12-01 2017-03-17 Ntn-Snr Roulements PIECE AND SEALING SYSTEM FOR BEARINGS, AND BEARINGS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH PARTS AND SYSTEMS
FR3040749B1 (en) * 2015-09-09 2018-04-13 Ntn-Snr Roulements BEARING SYSTEM WITH AT LEAST ONE CAGE
DE102017123190A1 (en) * 2017-10-06 2019-04-11 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Sheet metal cage for a tapered roller bearing

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005116470A1 (en) * 2004-05-31 2005-12-08 Nsk Ltd. Self-aligning roller bearing
US20150159696A1 (en) * 2012-02-14 2015-06-11 Aktiebolaget Skf Bearing component
FR3000772A1 (en) * 2013-01-10 2014-07-11 Ntn Snr Roulements Cage for spherical bearing, has annular side rings facing each other, where radial inner edge or radial outer edge of one of side rings comprises recessed area that is formed relative to inner circular envelope or outer circular envelope
US20180245639A1 (en) * 2017-02-28 2018-08-30 Aktiebolaget Skf Rolling element bearing

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