A BEARING ARRANGEMENT AND AN ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SUCH BEARING ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bearing arrangement (104) connectable to a shaft (102), the bearing arrangement comprising a bearing (105, 105) comprising a plurality of rolling elements (110) arranged to rotate relative to an inner raceway (302) for said bearing arrangement; and a ring shaped contact element (114, 114) having an extension in an axial direction thereof, the ring shaped contact element further comprising a first contact surface (402) adapted to face the plurality of rolling elements, wherein an inner diameter of the ring shaped contact element at the axial position of the first contact surface has a larger diameter in comparison to a diameter (412) of the inner raceway, such that a continuous radial gap (414) is provided in the circumferential direction between the ring shaped contact element and the inner raceway when the bearing arrangement is connected to the shaft, wherein the radial gap (414) is arranged to be provided in fluid communication with a lubricating flow channel (306) of the shaft when the bearing arrangement is connected to the shaft.

Claims

1. A bearing arrangement (104) connectable to a shaft (102), the bearing arrangement (104) comprising: a bearing (105, 105) comprising a plurality of rolling elements (110) arranged to rotate relative to an inner raceway (302) for said bearing arrangement; and a ring shaped contact element (114, 114) having an extension in an axial direction thereof, said ring shaped contact element (114, 114) further comprising a first contact surface (402) adapted to face the plurality of rolling elements (110), wherein an inner diameter (410) of the ring shaped contact element (114, 114) at the axial position of the first contact surface (402) has a larger diameter in comparison to a diameter (412) of said inner raceway (302), such that a continuous radial gap (414) is provided in the circumferential direction between the ring shaped contact element (114, 114) and the inner raceway (302) when said bearing arrangement (104) is connected to said shaft (102), wherein said radial gap (414) is arranged to be provided in fluid communication with a lubricating flow channel (306) of the shaft (102) when said bearing arrangement is connected to said shaft.

2. The bearing arrangement (104) according to claim 1, wherein a shaft connecting portion (408) of the ring shaped contact element (114, 114) is connected to the shaft (102) when the bearing arrangement (104) is connected to the shaft (102).

3. The bearing arrangement (104) according to claim 2, wherein the shaft connecting portion (408) of the ring shaped contact element (114, 114) is intended to be press fitted to the shaft (102).

4. The bearing arrangement (104) according to claim 3, wherein an inner diameter of the shaft connecting portion (408) is equal to or smaller than the diameter (412) of the inner raceway (302).

5. The bearing arrangement (104) according to claim 3, wherein an inner diameter of the shaft connecting portion (408) is larger than the diameter (412) of the inner raceway (302).

6. The bearing arrangement (104) according to claim 2, wherein the shaft connecting portion (408) is arranged at an opposite axial end of the ring shaped contact element (114, 114) in comparison to the first contact surface (402).

7. The bearing arrangement (104) according to claim 1, wherein the rolling elements (110) are cylindrical roller bearing elements.

8. An assembly (100) comprising: a shaft (102) comprising a lubricating flow channel (306) arranged in at least a radial direction within the shaft (102); and a bearing arrangement (104) connected to the shaft (102), said bearing arrangement (104) comprising a bearing (105, 105) comprising a plurality of rolling elements (110) arranged to rotate relative to an inner raceway (302) for said bearing arrangement (104); and a ring shaped contact element (114, 114) having an extension in an axial direction thereof, said ring shaped contact element (114, 114) further comprising a first contact surface (402) facing the plurality of rolling elements (110), wherein an inner diameter (410) of the ring shaped contact element (114, 114) at the axial position of the first contact surface (402) has a larger diameter in comparison to a diameter (412) of said inner raceway (302), such that a continuous radial gap (414) is provided in the circumferential direction between the ring shaped contact element (114, 114) and the inner raceway (302), wherein said radial gap (414) is arranged in fluid communication with said lubricating flow channel (306) of the shaft (102).

9. The assembly (100) according to claim 8, wherein the ring shaped contact element (114, 114), the shaft (102) and the bearing (105, 105) enclose an opening (312) of said lubricating flow channel (306).

10. The assembly (100) according to claim 8, wherein the ring shaped contact element (114, 114) comprises a second contact surface (404) arranged on an axially opposite side of the ring shaped contact element (114, 114) in comparison to the first contact surface (402), wherein the second contact surface (404) is abutting a radially protruding portion of the shaft (403).

11. The assembly (100) according to claim 8, wherein the inner raceway (302) is formed by a portion of a circumferential surface of said shaft (102).

12. A ring shaped contact element (114, 114) connectable to a shaft (102) provided with a bearing (105, 105) comprising a plurality of rolling elements (110) arranged to rotate relative to said shaft (102) around an inner raceway (302), said ring shaped contact element (114, 114) has an extension in an axial direction thereof and comprises a shaft connecting portion (408) arranged to be connected to the shaft (102), and a first contact surface (402) adapted to face the plurality of rolling elements (110), wherein an inner diameter (410) of the ring shaped contact element (114, 114) at the axial position of the first contact surface (402) has a diameter which is arranged to be larger in comparison to a diameter (412) of said inner raceway (302) for providing a continuous radial gap (414) in the circumferential direction between the ring shaped contact element (114, 114) and the inner raceway (302) when the ring shaped contact element (114, 114) is connected to the shaft (102), wherein the ring shaped contact element (114, 114) is arranged to be connected to the shaft in such a way that said radial gap (414) is provided in fluid communication with a lubricating flow channel (306) of the shaft (102).

13. A method for assembling the bearing arrangement (104) according to claim 1 to a shaft (102), the method comprising the steps of: connecting the bearing (105, 105) to the shaft (102) at a position axially adjacent an opening (312) of a lubricating flow channel (306) of said shaft (102); and connecting the ring shaped contact element (114, 114) to the shaft such that a portion of the ring shaped contact element (114, 114) is positioned radially above the opening (312) of the lubricating flow channel (306), and in such a way that a radial gap (414) is provided in the circumferential direction between the ring shaped contact element (114, 114) and the inner raceway (302).

14. A transmission arrangement (200) for a vehicle (1), the transmission arrangement (200) comprising a shaft (102) comprising a lubricating flow channel (306) arranged in at least a radial direction within the shaft; and a bearing arrangement (104) according to claim 1.

15. A vehicle (1) comprising a transmission arrangement (200), said transmission arrangement (200) comprising a shaft (102) comprising a lubricating flow channel (306) arranged in at least a radial direction within the shaft; and a bearing arrangement (104) according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, wherein:

[0041] FIG. 1 is a lateral side view illustrating an example embodiment of a vehicle in the form of a truck;

[0042] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an assembly comprising a shaft and a bearing arrangement according to an example embodiment;

[0043] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of the assembly in FIG. 2;

[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates a section of the assembly in FIG. 3 in further detail; and

[0045] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example embodiment for assembling the bearing arrangement to the shaft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0046] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness. Like reference character refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0047] With particular reference to FIG. 1, there is provided a vehicle 1 with a transmission arrangement 200 and a prime mover 202. The transmission arrangement 200 comprises an assembly 100 (FIG. 2) provided with a shaft 102 and a bearing arrangement 104 according to the present invention. The vehicle 1 depicted in FIG. 1 is a truck for which the inventive assembly 100 and bearing arrangement 104, as will be described further below, is particularly suitable for.

[0048] Turning to FIG. 2, which is a perspective view illustrating the assembly 100 comprising the shaft 102 and the bearing arrangement 104 according to an example embodiment. The assembly depicted in FIG. 2 further comprises a gear wheel 106. The gear wheel 106 comprises a plurality of gear teeth 108. The gear teeth 108 are in FIG. 2 depicted as straight gear teeth. It should however be readily understood that the gear teeth 108 may be helical such that the gear wheel 106 can sustain axial loads acting thereon. Furthermore, the gear wheel may also comprise clutch teeth (not shown) that are used in connection with an engaging sleeve (not shown) for connecting the gear wheel 106 to the shaft 102, or to other parts of the transmission 200.

[0049] As described, the assembly 100 comprises the bearing arrangement 104. The bearing arrangement 104 is thus arranged between the shaft 102 and the gear wheel 106. The bearing arrangement 104 comprises a bearing 105 provided with a plurality of cylindrical roller bearing elements 110 which are preferably arranged on a self-contained roller and cage assembly 112. It should however be readily understood that the present invention is not limited to the use of cylindrical roller bearing elements. Other types of rolling elements are of course conceivable such as e.g. tapered roller bearing elements, etc. However, for simplicity, the rolling elements will in the following be referred to as cylindrical roller bearing elements. As will be described further in relation to the description of FIG. 3, the bearing arrangement 104 preferably comprises a bearing 105 with the inner ring integrated in the shaft 102 and the outer ring integrated in the gear wheel 106.

[0050] The bearing arrangement 104 further comprises a ring shaped contact element 114. The ring shaped contact element 114, which will be described in further detail below, is arranged to abut an end surface of the rolling elements 110 when the bearing arrangement 104 is exposed to axial loading from e.g. mesh forces from the gear wheel 106. Moreover, the ring shaped contact element 114 is arranged in axial connection with the protruding portion (403 in FIG. 4) of the shaft 102 or, as depicted in FIG. 2, with a protruding portion of a contact ring 116 which is connected to the shaft 102.

[0051] In order to describe the invention in further detail reference is therefore made to FIGS. 3 and 4 which are cross-sectional side views illustrating the assembly 100 and the bearing arrangement 104 in further detail. As stated above and as depicted in e.g. FIG. 3, the assembly comprises the shaft 102 at which the bearing arrangement 104 is connected, which bearing arrangement 104 comprising the bearing 105, 105 and the ring shaped contact element 114, 114. As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the assembly comprises a first 105 and a second bearing 105, wherein the first bearing 105 is arranged at a left hand side and the second bearing 105 is arranged at a right hand side as seen in the figures. Similarly, the assembly comprises a first 114 and a second 114 ring shaped contact element arranged on the respective left and right hand sides. The bearings 105, 105 comprises a plurality of cylindrical roller bearing elements 110 which are arranged to roll against an inner 302 and an outer 304 raceway for the bearing arrangement 104. The inner raceway 302 is constituted by a portion of the circumferential surface of the shaft 102. Hence, according to the example embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner ring is integrated in the shaft 102. The outer raceway 304 on the other hand is constituted by a portion of a circumferential inner surface of the gear wheel 106. The outer bearing ring is thus integrated in the gear wheel 106.

[0052] The bearing arrangement 104 and the gear wheel 106 are preferably assembled to the shaft 102 from the left hand side towards the right hand side as illustrated by the assembly direction 500. The assembly of the bearing arrangement 104 and the gear wheel 106 will be described in further detail below in relation to the description of FIG. 5.

[0053] Furthermore, the shaft 102 comprises a plurality of lubricating flow channels 306. The lubricating flow channels 306 are arranged to supply lubrication to the bearings 105, 105 and extends from a center portion 308 and radially towards a radially outer end surface 310 of the shaft 102. Thus, the lubricating flow channels 306 end in an opening 312 at the radially outer end surface 310 in the vicinity of the bearing arrangement 104. Although not depicted in the figures, the lubricating flow channels may have an extension also in the axial direction thereof such that angled lubricating flow channels are obtained.

[0054] Particular reference is now made to FIG. 4 in which the ring shaped contact element is depicted in further detail. Firstly, the first ring shaped contact element 114 will be described. Specifics not described in relation to the first ring shaped contact element 114 will thereafter be described with reference to the second ring shaped contact element 114.

[0055] The ring shaped contact element 114 comprises a first contact surface 402 which is facing the end surfaces of the cylindrical roller bearing elements 110. Thus, when the bearing arrangement 104 is exposed to axial loading, the end surface of at least some of the cylindrical roller bearing elements 110 will abut the first contact surface 402 of the ring shaped contact element 114 for transferring the axial loads to e.g. the shaft 102. The ring shaped contact element 114 thus has an extension in the axial direction from the first contact surface 402 to a second contact surface 404 arranged in abutment with a radially protruding portion 403 of the shaft 102, or as depicted in FIG. 4, a radially protruding portion of a contact ring 116 which is connected to the shaft 102.

[0056] The ring shaped contact element 114 further comprises a shaft connecting portion 408. The shaft connecting portion 408 is connected to the shaft 102, preferably by being press fitted to the shaft 102. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the first ring shaped contact element 114 has an L-shaped form, while the second ring shaped contact element 114 has a straight form. The L-shaped form is suitable at positions where the contact area on the shaft 102 is arranged at a diameter which is equal to, or smaller than the diameter 412 of the inner raceway 302. The straight ring shaped contact element 114 is thus suitable to use where the contact area on the shaft 102 is arranged at a diameter which is larger than the diameter 412 of the inner raceway 302. Accordingly, the inner diameter of the shaft connecting portion 408 may be either equal to, or smaller than the diameter 412 of the inner raceway 302, or larger than the diameter 412 of the inner raceway 302, which is thus dependent on the geometries of the shaft 102.

[0057] Furthermore, the ring shaped contact element 114 is positioned relative the inner raceway 302 in such a way that a continuous radial gap 414 is formed between the ring shaped contact element 114 and the inner raceway 302. The continuous radial gap 414 is formed by providing larger diameter 410 of the ring shaped contact element 114 at the axial position of the first contact surface 402 in comparison to the diameter 412 of the inner raceway 302.

[0058] By means of the axial extension of the ring shaped contact element 114 and the radial gap 414 between the ring shaped contact element 114 and the inner raceway 302, the opening 312 of the lubricating flow channel 306 is enclosed and a circumferential distribution channel 406 is formed. The circumferential distribution channel 406 extends continuously around the circumference of the inner raceway 302 for providing a continuous flow of lubrication to the bearing 105. The circumferential distribution channel 406 is also depicted in FIG. 5.

[0059] Turning now to FIG. 5 which illustrates an exploded perspective view for assembling the bearing arrangement 104 and the gear wheel 106 to the shaft 102. The bearing arrangement 104 and the gear wheel 106 are assembled from the left to the right as seen by the illustrated assembly direction 500. Firstly, the second ring shaped contact element 114 is connected to the shaft 102 at a position located axially to the right of the right most raceway 302 of the shaft 102 as seen in FIG. 5. More particularly, the shaft connecting portion 408 of the second ring shaped contact element 114 is press fitted to the shaft 102. The diameter of the second ring shaped contact element 114 at the shaft connecting portion 408 is preferably larger than the diameter 412 of the raceway 302, and could be equal to the inner diameter 410 at the first contact surface 402.

[0060] Thereafter, the second bearing 105 is connected to the shaft 102 at the right most raceway 302 of the shaft 102. The second bearing 105 is thus arranged to the shaft 102 such that the first contact surface 402 of the second ring shaped contact element 114 is positioned in the vicinity of the end surfaces of the cylindrical roller bearing elements 110. The gear wheel 106 is thereafter connected to the shaft 102 such that the second bearing 105 is enclosed between the shaft 102 and the gear wheel 106. The first bearing 105 is thereafter positioned between the shaft 102 and the gear wheel 106. Hereby, the first bearing 105 is positioned at the left most raceway 302 of the shaft 102. When the first bearing 105 is placed in its position, the first ring shaped contact element 114 is connected to the shaft 102. More particularly, the shaft connecting portion 408 of the first ring shaped contact element 114 is press fitted to the shaft 102. The diameter of the first ring shaped contact element 114 at the shaft connecting portion 408 is preferably equal to, or smaller than the diameter 412 of the raceway 302. The first contact surface 402 of the first ring shaped contact element 114 is positioned in the vicinity of the end surfaces of the cylindrical roller bearing elements 110.

[0061] Finally, the contact ring 116 is connected to the shaft 102 such that a portion of the contact ring 116 is arranged in connection with the second contact surface 402 of the first ring shaped contact element 114.

[0062] As further depicted in FIG. 5, when the bearing arrangement 104 has been assembled to the shaft 102, the above described circumferential distribution channel 406 is formed.

[0063] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.