U.S. patent application number 14/224623 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-01 for spacer for rolling bearing having at least a reinforcing beam.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aktiebolaget SKF. The applicant listed for this patent is Cyril Bouron, Jean-Baptiste Magny, Pascal Ovize, Pascal Vioux. Invention is credited to Cyril Bouron, Jean-Baptiste Magny, Pascal Ovize, Pascal Vioux.
Application Number | 20150275969 14/224623 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54012493 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150275969 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bouron; Cyril ; et
al. |
October 1, 2015 |
SPACER FOR ROLLING BEARING HAVING AT LEAST A REINFORCING BEAM
Abstract
The spacer is adapted for a rolling bearing comprising an inner
ring, an outer ring and at least one row of contact rollers
disposed between raceways provided on the rings. The spacer
comprises opposite first and second portions 11, 12 facing one
another and at least a first lateral portion 13 extending
transversally between the first and second portions and connected
to the portions. The first and second portions and the first
lateral portion delimit at least partly a pocket 14 laterally open
on the side opposite to the lateral portion 13 and configured to
receive at least a contact roller. The first and second portions
each comprise an inner contact surface 11a, 12a with an end face of
the roller. The spacer further comprises at least one reinforcing
beam 16, 17 extending transversally between the first and second
portions and connected to the portions.
Inventors: |
Bouron; Cyril; (Puits de
Courson, FR) ; Magny; Jean-Baptiste; (Mige, FR)
; Ovize; Pascal; (Chitry Le Fort, FR) ; Vioux;
Pascal; (Provency, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bouron; Cyril
Magny; Jean-Baptiste
Ovize; Pascal
Vioux; Pascal |
Puits de Courson
Mige
Chitry Le Fort
Provency |
|
FR
FR
FR
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Aktiebolaget SKF
Goteborg
SE
|
Family ID: |
54012493 |
Appl. No.: |
14/224623 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
384/551 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16C 33/4605 20130101;
F16C 33/51 20130101; F16C 19/30 20130101; F16C 2300/14
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16C 33/38 20060101
F16C033/38 |
Claims
1. A spacer for a rolling bearing including: an inner ring, an
outer ring, and at least one row of contact rollers disposed
between raceways provided on the inner and outer rings, the spacer
comprising: opposite first and second portions facing one another;
and at least a first lateral portion extending transversally
between the first and second portions and connected to the first
and second portions, wherein the first and second portions and the
first lateral portion delimit a pocket laterally open on the side
opposite to the lateral portion and configured to receive at least
a contact roller, wherein the first and second portions each
provide an inner contact surface with an end face of the contact
roller, and wherein the spacer further includes at least one first
and second reinforcing beams extending transversally between the
first and second portions and connected to the first and second
portions, the first and second reinforcing beams being disposed
both toward one side of the first and second portions, the first
reinforcing beam being disposed on a side of the first and second
portions opposite to the first lateral portion and the second
reinforcing beam being angled such that an interior surface of the
second reinforcing beam faces in a direction away from the first
lateral portion.
2. The spacer according to claim 1, wherein the first and second
reinforcing beams extends- transversally between the inner contact
surfaces of the first and second portions and is connected to the
surfaces.
3. The spacer according to claim 2, wherein the first and second
reinforcing beams each includes an inner contact surface forming a
bearing surface for an exterior rolling surface of the contact
roller.
4. The spacer according to claim 3, wherein the inner contact
surface has in cross-section a profile in the shape of an arc of
circle with a radius (R) defined by:
0.5.times.D.ltoreq.R.ltoreq.0.57.times.D with D corresponding to
the diameter of the contact roller.
5. The spacer according to claim 4, wherein the first and second
reinforcing beams extends longitudinal edges of the first and
second portions.
6. The spacer according to claim 5, wherein the first and second
reinforcing beams is are disposed at a corner of the first and
second portions.
7. The spacer according to claim 6, wherein the first reinforcing
beam is disposed on the side opposite to the first lateral
portion.
8. The spacer according to claim 7, wherein the first reinforcing
beam extends between lateral edges of the first and second
portions.
9. The spacer according to claim 8, wherein the second reinforcing
beam faces the first reinforcing beam, the first and second
reinforcing beams being disposed both on one side of the first and
second portions.
10. The spacer according to claim 9, wherein the second reinforcing
beam is connected to the first lateral portion.
11. The spacer according to claim 10, further comprising, on the
side opposite to the first lateral portion, a retaining means
extending from one of the first and second portions towards the
other portion and having an inner surface forming a bearing surface
for an exterior rolling surface of the contact roller.
12. The spacer according to claim 11, wherein the retaining means
comprises a hook.
13. The spacer according to claim 11, wherein the retaining means
provides a second lateral portion facing the first lateral portion,
the lateral portions delimiting together with the first and second
portions the pocket.
14. The spacer according to claim 13, wherein the first reinforcing
beam is connected to the second lateral portion.
15. A rolling bearing comprising: an inner ring; an outer ring; at
least one row of contact rollers disposed between raceways provided
on the inner and outer rings; and a plurality of spacers disposed
circumferentially between the contact rollers and having opposite
first and second portions facing one another and at least a first
lateral portion extending transversally between the first and
second portions and connected to the portions, wherein the first
and second portions and the first lateral portion delimit a pocket
laterally open on the side opposite to the lateral portion and
configured to receive at least a contact roller, wherein the first
and second portions each provide an inner contact surface with an
end face of the contact roller, and wherein the spacer further
includes first and second reinforcing beams extending transversally
between the first and second portions and connected to the first
and second portions, the first and second reinforcing beams being
disposed both toward one side of the first and second portions, the
first reinforcing beam being disposed on a side of the first and
second portions opposite to the first lateral portion and the
second reinforcing beam being angled such that an interior surface
of the second reinforcing beam faces in a direction away from the
first lateral portion.
16. A spacer for a rolling bearing including an inner ring, an
outer ring, and at least one row of contact rollers disposed
between raceways provided on the inner and outer rings, the spacer
comprising: opposite first and second portions facing one another;
and at least a first lateral portion extending transversally
between the first and second portions and connected to the first
and second portions, wherein the first and second portions and the
first lateral portion delimit a pocket laterally open on the side
opposite to the lateral portion and configured to receive at least
a contact roller, wherein the first and second portions each
provide an inner contact surface with an end face of the contact
roller, and wherein the spacer further includes first and second
reinforcing beams extending transversally between the first and
second portions and connected to the first and second portions,
wherein the first and second reinforcing beams extend transversally
between the inner contact surfaces of the first and second portions
and is connected to the surfaces, wherein the first and second
reinforcing beams include an inner contact surface forming a
bearing surface for an exterior rolling surface of the contact
roller, wherein the inner contact surface has in cross-section a
profile in the shape of an arc of circle with a radius (R) defined
by: 0.5.times.D.ltoreq.R.ltoreq.0.57.times.D with D corresponding
to the diameter of the contact roller, wherein the first and second
reinforcing beams extend longitudinal edges of the first and second
portions, wherein the first and second reinforcing beams are
disposed at a corner of the first and second portions, wherein the
first reinforcing beam is disposed on the side opposite to the
first lateral portion, wherein the first reinforcing beam extends
between lateral edges of the first and second portions, wherein the
second reinforcing beam faces the first reinforcing beam, the first
and second reinforcing beams being disposed both on one side of the
first and second portions, wherein the second reinforcing beam is
connected to the first lateral portion, wherein, on the side
opposite to the first lateral portion, a retaining means extends
from one of the first and second portions towards the other portion
and having an inner surface forming a bearing surface for an
exterior rolling surface of the contact roller, and wherein the
retaining means comprises a hook.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from European Patent
Application No. EP13160802 filed Mar. 25, 2013.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of rolling
bearings, in particular rolling bearings having an inner ring, an
outer ring, and one or more rows of contact rollers therebetween.
The invention relates more particularly to the field of
large-diameter rolling bearings, notably those used in a tunnel
boring machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A large-diameter rolling bearing comprises generally two
concentric inner and outer rings, at least a row of contact rollers
arranged between raceways provided on the rings, and a plurality of
spacers disposed circumferentially between the rollers. Such
rolling bearings are generally loaded, both axially and radially,
often with a relatively strong load.
[0004] French patent FR 2 222 898 relates to apertured spacers for
rolling bearing which, by being assembled together, form a cage for
the rollers. Each apertured spacer is of a substantially
rectangular shape and is provided with a recess retaining the
associated roller introduced by force through one aperture, the
width of the aperture being less than the diameter of the roller. A
convex boss is located at a lower corner of the spacer whereas a
concave recess having a complementary shape is located at an
opposite lower corner. Adjacent spacers are interengaged by virtue
of the engagement of the boss of each spacer in the recess of the
adjacent spacer.
[0005] With such spacers, the number of contact rollers which can
be introduced between the rings of the rolling bearing is strongly
limited. This leads to a low load bearing capacity as well as a
limited service life.
[0006] One aim of the present invention is to overcome these
drawbacks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is a particular object of the present invention to
provide a spacer adapted to increase the load bearing capacity of
the associated rolling bearing.
[0008] It is a particular object of the present invention to
provide a spacer which is simple to manufacture, economic and
having a good reliability.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
spacer having a good stiffness while guaranteeing low deformations
during and after manufacturing.
[0010] In one embodiment, the spacer for rolling bearing comprising
an inner ring, an outer ring and at least one row of contact
rollers disposed between raceways provided on the rings, comprises
opposite first and second portions facing one another and at least
a first lateral portion extending transversally between the first
and second portions and connected to the portions, the first and
second portions and the first lateral portion delimiting at least
partly a pocket laterally open on the side opposite to the lateral
portion and configured to receive at least a contact roller. The
first and second portions each comprise an inner contact surface
with an end face of the roller. The spacer further comprises at
least one reinforcing beam extending transversally between the
first and second portions and connected to the portions.
[0011] In one preferred embodiment, the at least one reinforcing
beam extends transversally between the inner contact surfaces of
the first and second portions and is connected to the surfaces.
[0012] Advantageously, the at least one reinforcing beam may
comprise an inner contact surface forming a bearing surface for an
exterior rolling surface of the roller. In one embodiment, the
inner contact surface has in cross-section a profile in the shape
of an arc of circle with a radius R defined by:
0.5.times.D.ltoreq.R.ltoreq.0.57.times.D,
with D corresponding to the diameter of the roller.
[0013] In one embodiment, the at least reinforcing beam is disposed
at a corner of the first and second portions.
[0014] Preferably, the at least one reinforcing beam extends
longitudinal edges of the first and second portions.
[0015] In one embodiment, the spacer comprises a first reinforcing
beam disposed on the side opposite to the first lateral portion.
The first reinforcing beam may extend between lateral edges of the
first and second portions which are located on the side opposite to
the first lateral portion.
[0016] The spacer may further comprise a second reinforcing beam
facing the first reinforcing beam, the reinforcing beams being
disposed both on one side of the first and second portions. In one
embodiment, the second reinforcing beam is connected to the first
lateral portion.
[0017] The spacer may further comprise, on the side opposite to the
first lateral portion, a retaining means extending from one of the
first and second portions towards the other portion and having an
inner surface forming a bearing surface for an exterior rolling
surface of the roller.
[0018] In one embodiment, the retaining means comprises a hook.
[0019] In another embodiment, the retaining means comprises a
second lateral portion facing the first lateral portion, the
lateral portions delimiting together with the first and second
portions the pocket. The first and second lateral portion may each
comprise an inner contact surface forming a bearing surface for an
exterior rolling surface of the roller.
[0020] Advantageously, the first reinforcing beam is connected to
the second lateral portion. A free edge of the second lateral
portion may define with one of the first and second portions an
aperture in order to open laterally the pocket on the side opposite
to the first lateral portion.
[0021] In one embodiment, the spacer comprises at least first and
second reinforcing beams extending transversally between the first
and second portions and connected to the portions. The reinforcing
beams are disposed both on one side of the first and second
portions. The first reinforcing beam is disposed on the side
opposite to the first lateral portion and the second reinforcing
beam faces the first reinforcing beam.
[0022] With such an arrangement, the mounting of the roller into
the spacer may be made by a simple axial pushing movement. In the
mounted position, the associated roller is axially maintained in
one direction. Besides, the mounting of the spacer and its
associated roller into the rolling bearing is easier since the
roller is carried by the beams on one side of the spacer.
[0023] In another aspect of the invention, a rolling bearing
comprises an inner ring, an outer ring, at least one row of contact
rollers disposed between raceways provided on the rings, and a
plurality of spacers as previously defined and disposed
circumferentially between the rollers.
[0024] The rolling bearing as previously defined may be
particularly useful as a bearing for a tunnel boring machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The present invention and its advantages will be better
understood by studying the detailed description of specific
embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated
by the appended drawings on which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a half section of a rolling bearing according to a
first example of the invention,
[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a spacer of the rolling
bearing of FIG. 1,
[0028] FIG. 3 is a side view of the spacer of FIG. 2 with its
associated roller,
[0029] FIG. 4 is a front view of the spacer of FIGS. 2 and 3 with
its roller,
[0030] FIG. 5 is a section on V-V of FIG. 4,
[0031] FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of a spacer according to
a second example of the invention,
[0032] FIG. 8 is a front view of the spacer of FIGS. 6 and 7 with
its associated roller, and
[0033] FIG. 9 is a section on IX-IX of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] The rolling bearing as illustrated on the FIG. 1 is a
large-diameter rolling bearing comprising an inner ring 1 and an
outer ring 2 between which is housed one row of contact rollers 3.
The rolling bearing also comprises a plurality of spacers 4
disposed circumferentially between the rollers 3 to maintain their
circumferential spacing. As will be described later, the spacers 4
each exhibit a good stiffness and are adapted to avoid high
deformations during and after manufacturing.
[0035] The inner and outer rings 1, 2 are concentric and extend
axially along the bearing rotation axis (not shown) of the rolling
bearing. The rings 1, 2 are of the solid type. A "solid ring" is to
be understood as a ring obtained by machining with removal of
material (by machining, grinding) from metal tube stock, bar stock,
rough forgings and/or rolled blanks.
[0036] The rollers 3 are identical with one another and each
comprise an exterior rolling surface 3a and opposite end transverse
faces 3b, 3c delimiting axially the rolling surface. In the
illustrated example, the rolling surface 3a of each roller has a
cylindrical profile. Alternatively, the rolling surfaces may have a
spherical profile or a logarithmic profile. In the illustrated
example, the angle between the rotation axis 3d of each roller and
the bearing axis is equal to 90.degree.. The rotation axis 3d of
each roller extends radially.
[0037] The inner ring 1 has a bore 1a of cylindrical shape designed
to be fixed to a chassis or to a structure of machine (not shown)
and delimited by opposite radial lateral surfaces 1b, 1c. The inner
ring 1 also comprises a stepped exterior cylindrical surface 1d
onto which an annular radial raceway 5 is formed. The raceway 5 has
in cross-section a straight internal profile in contact with the
rolling surfaces 3a of the rollers 3. The raceway 5 is formed by
the radial surface provided between a first axial surface 6 of
small-diameter and a second axial surface 7 of large-diameter of
the stepped exterior cylindrical surface 1d. The axial surface 6
forms an annular guiding surface which may be in radial contact
with the spacers 4. The axial guiding surface 6 is straight,
disposed perpendicular to the raceway 5 and connected to the edge
of small-diameter of the raceway by an annular concave fillet. The
guiding surface 6 extends axially from the edge and is connected to
the radial surface 1c of the inner ring. The guiding surface 6 and
the raceway 5 of the inner ring delimit an annular groove.
[0038] The outer ring 2 comprises an outer cylindrical surface 2a
delimited by opposite radial lateral surfaces 2b, 2c. The outer
ring 2 also comprises a stepped annular bore 2d of cylindrical
shape into which an annular radial raceway 8 is formed. The raceway
8 has in cross-section a straight internal profile in contact with
the rolling surfaces 3a of the rollers 3. The raceway 5 of the
inner ring and the raceway 8 of the outer ring axially face each
other and are parallel. The raceway 8 is formed by the radial
surface provided between a first axial surface 9 of small-diameter
and a second axial surface 10 of large-diameter of the stepped bore
2d. The axial surface 10 forms an annular guiding surface which may
be in radial contact with the spacers 4. The guiding surface 10 of
the outer ring and the guiding surface 6 of the inner ring radially
face each other and are parallel. The guiding surface 10 is
straight, disposed perpendicular to the raceway 8 and connected to
the edge of large-diameter of the raceway by an annular concave
fillet. The guiding surface 10 extends axially from the edge and is
connected to the radial surface 2b of the outer ring. The guiding
surface 10 and the raceway 8 of the outer ring delimit an annular
groove.
[0039] The raceway 5 and the guiding surface 6 of the inner ring
define together with the raceway 8 and the guiding surface 10 of
the outer ring an annular space inside which the rollers 3 and the
spacers 4 are disposed. Each roller 3 arranged between the raceways
5, 8 is maintained by the associated spacer 4 which may bear
against the guiding surfaces 6, 10 and the raceways 5, 8.
[0040] The spacers 4 are identical with one another and each placed
between two consecutive rollers 3. Each spacer 4 is made in one
part by molding a polymer material such as polyamide.
Alternatively, the spacers 4 may be made from metal or bronze.
[0041] As shown on FIGS. 2 to 5, each spacer 4 comprises two
parallel inner and outer portions 11, 12 adapted to come into
contact with the facing guiding surfaces and the raceways of the
inner and outer rings, and a lateral portion 13 extending
transversally between the opposite portions 11, 12 and adapted to
be located circumferentially between two adjacent rollers 3. The
lateral portion 13 is connected to a lateral edge of the inner
portion 11 and to the opposite facing lateral edge of the outer
portion 12. The inner and outer portions 11, 12 forming first and
second portions and the lateral portion 13 each have a rectangular
shape with similar length and thickness. The width of the portions
11, 12 and 13 is slightly smaller than the radius of the roller
3.
[0042] As shown on FIG. 1, the raceways 5, 8 and the guiding
surface 6, 10 of the inner and outer rings each form a flank having
a direct contact surface with the inner and outer parts 11, 12 of
each spacer to have a slight relative sliding between each spacer 4
and the rings 1, 2. In order to limit the induced friction torque
of the spacers 4, slight axial clearances are foreseen between each
spacer and the raceways 5, 8 of the rings and slight radial
clearances are foreseen between each spacer and the guiding surface
6, 10.
[0043] Referring once again to FIGS. 2 to 5, the inner and outer
portions 11, 12 and the lateral portion 13 of each spacer have in
cross-section the overall shape of a C and delimit a pocket 14 for
receiving one roller 3. The pocket 14 is laterally open on the side
opposite to the lateral portion 13 between the inner and outer
portions 11, 12. In the mounted position of the spacer 4 into the
rolling bearing, the pocket 14 is delimited in the circumferential
direction by the lateral portion 13 and is delimited in the radial
direction by the inner and outer portions 11, 12. In this mounted
position, the pocket 14 of one spacer 4 is circumferentially open
towards the adjacent spacer 4. The pocket 14 of each spacer 4 is
open both axially in the two directions and circumferentially in
one direction. The pocket 14 is open on three sides. With regard to
the rotation axis 3d of the associated roller 3, the inner and
outer portions 11, 12 extend radially, the lateral portion 13
extends axially between the portions and the pocket 14 is radially
open toward the outside. On the side opposite to the lateral
portion 13, an opening or aperture is delimited axially by the free
lateral edges of the inner and outer portions 11, 12 and extends
axially between these portions in order to open laterally the
pocket 14.
[0044] The inner and outer portions 11, 12 of each spacer have
inner planar contact surfaces 11a, 12a facing each other and
forming bearing surfaces for the end faces 3b, 3c of the associated
roller. The gap between the planar contact surfaces 11a, 12a is
substantially equal to the length of the roller 3. The lateral
portion 13 comprises an inner planar contact surface 13a forming a
bearing surface for the rolling surface 3a of the associated
roller.
[0045] The inner portion 11 of each spacer also comprises a planar
outer surface 11b opposite to the inner surface 11a and two spaced
guiding ribs (not referenced) provided on the outer surface. The
guiding ribs protrude outwards relative to the outer surface 11b
and extend transversally on the outer surface from one of the
longitudinal edges of the inner portion 11 to the other edge. The
opposite longitudinal edges delimit the inner and outer surfaces
11a, 11b. In the mounted position of the spacer 4 into the rolling
bearing, the outer surface 11b faces the guiding surface 6 of the
inner ring while remaining distant from the latter, and the guiding
ribs may come into contact with the guiding surface. Since the
inner and outer portions 11, 12 of each spacer are similar in the
illustrated example, only one of them is described here in
detail.
[0046] The lateral portion 13 of each spacer comprises a planar
outer surface 13b opposite to the inner contact surface 13a and two
spaced guiding ribs (not referenced) provided on the outer surface.
The guiding ribs protrude outwards relative to the outer surface
13b and extend transversally on the outer surface from one of the
longitudinal edge of the lateral portion 13 to the other edge. The
opposite longitudinal edges delimit the outer surface 13b. In
another embodiment, it may be possible to have a spacer deprived of
ribs on the inner, outer and lateral portions 11, 12 and 13.
[0047] The spacer 4 further comprises a hook 15 which slightly
protrudes inwards toward the inner portion 11 from the free edge of
the outer portion 12. The hook 15 is disposed on the outer portion
12 on the side opposite to the lateral portion 13. The hook 15 is
centered on the free edge of the outer portion 12 and remains
distant from the longitudinal edges of the outer portion. The hook
15 comprises an inner planar contact surface forming a bearing
surface for the rolling surface 3a of the associated roller. The
hook 15 is adapted to interfere with the roller 3 in order to avoid
an escape from the open pocket 14. The hook 15 forms a
circumferential retaining means for the roller 3.
[0048] The spacer 4 further comprises first and second reinforcing
beams 16, 17 extending transversally between the inner and outer
portions 11, 12. The reinforcing beams 16, 17 extend transversally
between the planar contact surfaces 11a, 12a of the inner and outer
portions and are connected to the surfaces. The reinforcing beams
16, 17 are disposed both on one side of the portions 11, 12.
[0049] The first reinforcing beam 16 is disposed on the side
opposite to the lateral portion 13. The reinforcing beam 16 extends
transversally between the free facing lateral edges of the inner
and outer portions 11, 12 which are located on the side opposite to
the lateral portion 13. The reinforcing beam 16 is connected to the
lateral edges. The reinforcing beam 16 also extends transversally
between the facing longitudinal edges of the inner and outer
portions 11, 12 and is connected to the edges. The reinforcing beam
16 extends both the free lateral edges of the inner and outer
portions 11, 12 and the longitudinal edges of the portions. The
reinforcing beam 16 is disposed at a corner of the planar contact
surfaces 11a, 12a of the inner and outer portions. The reinforcing
beam 16 has a concave inner surface 16a directed inward towards the
pocket 14 and forming a bearing surface for the rolling surface 3a
of the roller.
[0050] The second reinforcing beam 17 faces the first reinforcing
beam 16 and is connected to the lateral portion 13. The reinforcing
beam 17 protrudes from the planar contact surface 13a towards the
first reinforcing beam 16. The reinforcing beam 17 extends
transversally between the facing longitudinal edges of the inner
and outer portions 11, 12 and is connected to the edges. The
reinforcing beam 17 is disposed at a corner of the planar contact
surfaces 11a, 12a of the inner and outer portions. The reinforcing
beam 17 has a concave inner surface 17a directed inward towards the
pocket 14 and forming a bearing surface for the rolling surface 3a
of the roller. The inner surface 17a extends the planar contact
surface 13a of the lateral portion 13. Each of the inner contact
surfaces 16a, 17a of the reinforcing beams has in cross-section a
profile in the shape of an arc of circle with a radius R defined by
0.5.times.D.ltoreq.R.ltoreq.0.57.times.D with D corresponding to
the diameter of the roller, R and D being expressed in mm.
[0051] The reinforcing beams 16, 17 extend from the contact
surfaces 11a, 12a of the inner and outer portions and do not
protrude outwards with regard to these portions. The reinforcing
beams are spaced apart one form another along the facing
longitudinal edges of the inner and outer portions 11, 12 and
delimit an opening or aperture into which the roller 3 protrudes.
On one side of the spacer 4, the reinforcing beams 16, 17 and the
inner and outer portions 11, 12 form a rectangular frame inside
which extends the rolling surface 3a of the roller.
[0052] The use of the reinforcing beams 16, 17 makes it possible to
increase the mechanical strength of the spacer 4. The stiffness of
the spacer 4 is also increased by interposing, between the facing
inner and outer portions 11 and 12, rigidifying beams 16, 17. In
the mounted position of the spacer 4 into the rolling bearing, the
stiffness of the spacer is increased in the radial direction.
[0053] Besides, with the reinforcing members 16, 17 acting as
transversal crossbars connected to the inner and outer portions,
the deformations of the inner and outer portions are limited. The
reinforcement beams 16, 17 limit the bending of one of the inner
and outer portions 11, 12 relative to the other. In fact, with a
spacer deprived of such reinforcing beams 16 and 17, during and
after the manufacturing, the spacer is free to shrink or bend on
itself and the inner and outer portions 11, 12 may be deformed
inwards one relative to the other. This phenomenon can be
problematic in the use of such a spacer later on because it can be
impossible to mount the associated roller or the spacer can squeeze
the roller during operation.
[0054] Otherwise, with the spacer 4 comprising the reinforcing
beams 16 and 17, the mounting of the the spacer and its associated
roller 3 is easier since the roller is carried by the beams on one
side of the spacer.
[0055] In the mounted position of the roller 3 inside the spacer 4,
the inner and outer portions 11, 12, the lateral portion 13 and the
hook 15, and the reinforcing beams 16, 17 maintain the roller. In
the mounted position of each spacer 4 into the rolling bearing, the
inner and outer portions 11, 12 maintain radially the roller 3, and
the lateral portion 13 and the hook 15 circumferentially maintain
the roller 3. The reinforcing beams 16, 17 axially maintain the
roller 3 in one direction.
[0056] In the mounted position of the spacers 4 into the rolling
bearing, at least one of the guiding ribs of the lateral portion of
each spacer 4 bears against the rolling surface 3a of the roller 3
which is housed into the adjacent spacer 4 since the pocket of the
spacer is laterally open towards the lateral portion 13 of the
other spacer. There is a direct contact between the guiding rib(s)
of the lateral portion of one spacer and the adjacent roller 3
supported by the successive spacer 4 in the circumferential
direction. In the mounted position, there is only one lateral
portion 13 disposed circumferentially between two successive
rollers 3. The pocket 14 of each spacer enables to reduce the
circumferential space between two successive rollers 3.
Accordingly, the number of rollers 3 disposed between the inner and
outer rings 1 and 2 may be increased. This leads to higher load
bearing capacity of the rolling bearing as well as an increase of
the service life.
[0057] In the second example illustrated on FIGS. 6 to 9, in which
identical parts are given identical references, the spacer 4 is
adapted to maintain a roller 3 having an increased length, for
example equal to twice the length of the roller illustrated in the
first example. Alternatively, a pair of two superposed rollers may
be maintained by the spacer 4. In this case, the two associated
rollers are mounted axially in contact to one another with regard
to their common rotation axis.
[0058] In this example, the spacer 4 further comprises a second
lateral portion 18 extending transversally from the outer portion
12 towards the inner portion 11 and facing the first lateral
portion 13. The first and second lateral portions 13, 18 are
parallel to one another. The second lateral portion 18 extends from
the edge of the outer portion 12 located on the side opposite to
the first lateral portion 13. The lateral portion 18 extends
towards the inner portion 11 while remaining distant from the
latter. The inner and outer portions 11, 12 and the lateral
portions 13, 18 each have a rectangular shape with similar
thickness. The width of the inner and outer portions 11, 12 and the
lateral portions 13, 18 is slightly smaller than the radius of the
roller 3.
[0059] The inner and outer portions 11, 12 and the opposite first
and second lateral portions 13, 18 delimit the pocket 14. An
opening or aperture 19 is defined between the second lateral
portion 18 and the inner portion 11. The pocket 14 is laterally
open on the side opposite to the first lateral portion 13 between
the inner portion 11 and the second lateral portion 18. In the
mounted position of the spacer 4 into the rolling bearing, the
pocket 14 is delimited in the circumferential direction by the
first and second lateral portions 13, 18. In this mounted position,
the pocket 14 of one spacer 4 is circumferentially open towards the
adjacent spacer 4 with the aperture 19. The pocket 14 of each
spacer 4 is open both axially in the two directions and
circumferentially in one direction. The pocket 14 is open on three
sides. With regard to the rotation axis 3d of the roller 3 held
into the pocket 14 of each spacer, the inner and outer portions 11,
12 extend radially, the first and second lateral portions 13, 18
and the reinforcing beams 16, 17 extend axially between the
portions, and the pocket 14 is radially open toward the outside.
The aperture 19 is delimited axially by the inner portion 11 and
the lateral portion 18. A free end of the lateral portion 18
defines with the free edge of the inner portion 11 the aperture 19
to open laterally the pocket 14 on the side opposite to the first
lateral portion 13. The free edge of the second lateral portion 18
remains distant from the inner portion 11 to delimit the aperture
19.
[0060] The second lateral portion 18 of the spacer comprises an
inner planar contact surface 18a facing the contact surface 13a of
the lateral portion 13 and forming a bearing surface for the
rolling surface 3a of the roller. In the case of the spacer 4
maintains two superimposed rollers, the lateral portion 18 may have
a length greater than the length of the upper roller in order to
extend beyond the zone of contact between the upper roller and the
lower roller. Accordingly, the inner contact surface 18a also forms
a bearing surface for the rolling surface of the lower roller.
[0061] In this example, the first reinforcing beam 16 comprises an
extension 20 which protrudes from the longitudinal edge of the beam
located on the side opposite the first lateral portion 13 and which
is connected to the second lateral portion 18. The extension 20 of
the reinforcing beam has a length equal to the one of the lateral
portion 18 and is connected to the planar contact surface 12a of
the outer portion. The extension 20 extends transversally between
the free edge of the lateral portion 18 and the longitudinal edge
of the outer portion 12. The extension 20 faces the first
reinforcing beam 16. The extension 20 has a concave inner surface
20a forming a bearing surface for the rolling surface 3a of the
roller which extends the concave inner surface 16a and which is
connected to the planar contact surface 18a of the lateral portion
18.
[0062] The general structure of each spacer 4 is lightened by the
provision of a pocket 14 defined by three or four portions or lugs
and open in the circumferential direction towards the outside on
the side opposite to the lateral portion 13. A weight reduction for
each spacer 4 is thus obtained. Besides, with the reinforcing beams
16, 17 extending between the inner and outer portions 11 and 12,
the mechanical strength and the stiffness of the spacer 4 are
increased. The deformations of the portions of the spacer are also
reduced during and after the manufacturing and during use.
[0063] In the disclosed examples, each spacer comprises two
reinforcing struts or beams provided between the inner and outer
portions 11, 12. Alternatively, it could be possible to foresee
only one reinforcing beam, for instance the one disposed on the
side opposite to the lateral portion 13, or more than two
reinforcing beams.
[0064] Although the invention has been illustrated on the basis of
a rolling bearing having a single row of contact rollers, it should
be understood that the invention can be applied to bearings having
more rows of rollers. Otherwise, in the illustrated examples, the
rolling bearing is adapted to accommodate axial loads.
Alternatively, it may also be possible to have a rolling bearing
adapted to accommodate radial loads or both axial and radial loads.
Furthermore, the inner ring and/or the outer ring may comprise
gearing teeth on their outer periphery, so as to be connected to
driving gears for instance connected to the output shaft of a
motor.
* * * * *