DE102005055237A1 - Bearing especially for vehicle steering systems fits into housing with frictional contact through plastic deformation of housing and through elastic deformation of bearing - Google Patents

Abstract

The bearing (1) is mounted in the housing (2) which is plastically deformed to reduce its inner diameter and connect with the bearing through friction contact. Whilst the housing is plastically deformed at the bearing point the bearing itself is deformed elastically to spring back radially outwards. The bearing is a ball bearing with inner ring (4) and outer ring (3) with cage for balls inbetween. The housing is a sleeve tube for vehicle steering systems. Independent claim describes fixing device (9) for bearing having a re-shaping tool (22) with socket bore (23) for housing and with pressing member radially guided onto housing to press it together with the bearing.

Description

The The invention relates to a bearing according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for its attachment in a housing according to the generic term of claim 6 and a device for carrying out the Process.

A generic bearing, a method for its attachment in a housing and an apparatus for performing the method is known from DE 101 50 613 B4 known. The bearing is first pushed into an axial receiving bore of the housing until the camp strikes against an inwardly standing collar. Thereafter, a caulking is axially moved to the housing end, whereby the housing is plastically deformed at its inner edge. As a result of this deformation, the housing undergoes a local reduction in its inner diameter at this point and holds the bearing between the collar and the Verstemmungsstelle immovable.

The however, both components to be joined together are each for themselves Inferior manufacturing tolerances. Due to the defined stop On the collar it can happen that the bearing protrudes axially out of the housing. As a result, caulking is no longer possible, so that on the one hand the well-known Device is useless and on the other hand, the camp by the one-sided Fixation has insufficient support in the housing.

Of the Invention is based on the object, a generic bearing to further develop that even at high mechanical loads in a relatively simple manner, a secure hold of the bearing is made possible in the housing. Furthermore, a method and a device for fastening of the bearing in the housing be specified.

The Task is inventively by the features of claim 1 with respect to the camp and by the features of claim 6 with regard to the method and by the features of claim 10 with respect to the device solved.

by virtue of its that the bearing in the housing receives a frictional connection with this, in which the case is deformed inward in the device in the radial direction, the case at the location of the bearing plastically and the bearing elastic radial outward resiliently is narrowed play when mounting the bearing in the housing axial manufacturing tolerances not matter. Also radial manufacturing tolerances fall in terms the feasibility the attachment of the bearing in the housing not seriously significant. Own the camp a larger outer diameter as the inner diameter of the housing, could the bearing pressed into the housing which makes it in the case already has a good stop a priori. Doing that on in any case, a pressing means of the device on the forming tool the housing guided radially becomes, between camp and housing a sufficiently good and final Compression with defined holding force. As a result of the setting a high degree of friction becomes a particularly safe turning and non-slip grip guaranteed. Since manufacturing tolerances are not particularly important, so too no precise Forming the contours of housing and bearing required what the manufacturing cost of the two connection partners and the associated equipment costs significantly reduced. Special arrangements for positioning the bearing in the housing, such as For example, the known collar, eliminated in a simple manner.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention according to claim 2 and the corresponding embodiment of the method according to the invention According to claim 7, the frictional engagement over the entire length of Camp. This allows absorbed mechanical forces better absorbed in the camp be, with the force spread over a larger area. This also leads to further improve the hold of the bearing in the housing.

In a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the bearing according to the invention According to claim 3, this is designed as a ball bearing, consisting of a outer ring and an inner ring and a cage carrying balls, which is arranged between the rings and held by these. Of the outer ring forms the frictional engagement with the housing. Due to the clearance of the Balls will be the outside of the outer ring absorbed catching force, so no compression of the inner ring occurs, which the bearing function of the inner ring massively disturb would.

A further preferred embodiment of the bearing according to the invention represents claim 4, wherein the housing is a jacket tube of a motor vehicle steering is. On the one hand here the steering column structure is simplified because the jacket tube as housing for the bearing is used. The invention particularly affects the steering column advantageous from because in a crash, the holding forces to obtain the steering shaft bearing have to be particularly high.

In a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the bearing according to the invention according to claim 5 and the corresponding embodiment of the method according to claim 8, the bearing on its outer side has a recess into which the housing projects in a form-fitting manner. Here, the housing is pressed into the recess of the bearing under plastic formation of the positive connection. By producing a positive connection, the holding forces are further increased. The positive connection can be generated in a simple manner in the course of the formation of the frictional connection, wherein the housing is plastically pressed. The depression can be advantageously and procedurally formed in training the camp with. The outside of the bearing is designed so that it is locally plastically deformable, such as by a wall thickness reduction. In the course of narrowing and reaching the frictional connection at the surrounding locations a permanent indentation is formed locally on the housing, wherein - as already mentioned - with this depression form-synchronous recess is created. The type of recess may be one or more wells that increase the rotational resistance of the bearing in the housing. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to form a circumferential groove.

In a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention According to claim 9, the concentration takes place by compressing the housing and of the bearing by means of a fluidic external high pressure. In appropriate Embodiment of the device according to the invention according to claim 11 for this purpose the forming tool on a radial channel, at the receiving bore in a ring surrounding the housing annular space ends and the other side to a fluid high pressure generating plant connected. The pressing means is in this case a through the radial channel supplied pressurized fluid. In addition to the associated simple construction of the device includes these no wear-prone kinematic Components. Furthermore, this also accounts for massive butt edges of Press punches that come in contact with the housing during the forming process and this can damage it by shearing. The embodiment of the invention of the method is thus very component-friendly. Since the external high pressure in Circumferential direction can act on all sides, can for the connection between the housing and Stock a consistent circumferential frictional engagement can be achieved, which also has longer bearing lengths in easy way possible is. For this purpose, only the annulus is corresponding in its dimension to dimension.

In a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention According to claim 12, the annular space is axially of two sealing packages limited, which is arranged in a recess of the Aufnahmebohrungswandung are. This will cause leakage from the forming tool avoided, which is particularly resource-saving and only small Pressure fluid quantities for makes the transformation necessary. At the same time, one with a Leakage accompanying pressure reduction prevented, which the forming process disturbs, so that with the sealing packages according to the invention even with many Use of the device always ensures a reproducible deformation is.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention according to claim 13 supports one of the seal packages on the one hand to a recess edge and then again an intermediate spacer ring on the other seal package from. The other seal package is the distance to the side facing away from the spacer supported on a lid, the outside of the forming tool is screwed. Due to the two-sided support the sealing packages are these in their recess before a through the fluid pressure caused sliding out of the device secured. Except Operation of the device can the seal packages in a simple manner by unscrewing the lid introduced into the recess or replaced in case of wear for new seal packages become.

In a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention According to claim 14, the device includes a socket for Plugging into the housing, which rests in the inserted position with a shoulder on the end edge of the housing and theirs outside of the housing located final edge is chamfered on the outside. Because the Seal packages with respect to the outer diameter of the housing undersize with their inner diameter is determined by the Arrangement of a beveled at the end edge of the plug sleeve pushing the forming tool and thus the seal packages on the housing completely considerably relieved. In use position are the seal packages with preload on the housing and thereby already have before the exercise of fluid high pressure high sealability. The socket is a simple component and easy to handle. She will after the Forming of the housing deducted again, leaving them for several successive mounting operations of bearing and housing are used can. Furthermore, the plug-in sleeve serves as a stop for the bearing to achieve and maintain a defined situation during the Forming.

In a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention according to claim 15, the plug-in sleeve carries in the insertion region a sealing ring, which rests in the inserted position with bias on the inner wall of the housing. The sealing ring serves as a captive for the socket, it would otherwise be possible to slip out of the housing. The sealing ring is designed so that it still continues despite the preloaded installation position is compressible. This prevents that the insertion sleeve is clamped by the constricting deformation of the housing by means of the fluid pressure in the housing so that it is no longer be pulled out.

in the The invention is based on an illustrated in the drawings embodiment explained in more detail.

there shows:

1 in a lateral longitudinal section, a bearing arranged in a housing with a device in the position of use for fastening the housing to the bearing,

2 in a lateral longitudinal section according to the invention to be fastened to a housing bearing.

In 1 is a warehouse 1 shown in a housing 2 , which is formed by a jacket tube of a motor vehicle steering, is arranged. The warehouse 2 , which in a modification in 2 is clarified, is designed as a ball bearing, which consists of an outer ring 3 and an inner ring 4 as well as a cage 5 exists in the freely rotatable balls 6 are included. The cage 5 is between the two rings 3 and 4 arranged and held by these. The Rings 3 and 4 support each other over the balls 6 from, wherein they on the sides facing each other circumferential grooves 7 and 8th in which the balls 6 intervention. The recording grooves 7 and 8th are in their contour of the spherical shape of the balls 6 customized.

To attach the bearing 1 in the case 2 the procedure is as follows. First, the camp 1 coaxial with the housing 2 inserted into this and positioned there with game. The device according to the invention 9 for fixing the bearing 1 in the case 2 includes a socket 10 in the case 2 is inserted. The insertion sleeve 10 is on a plug-side end portion to form a plug-in extension 11 gradually rejuvenated. With this plug-in extension 11 dips the insertion sleeve 10 in the case 2 one. In the position of use is then the insertion sleeve 10 with a shoulder 12 , which is formed by the stepped taper at the opposite end edge 13 of the housing 2 at. At the front 14 of the insertion extension 11 supports the outer ring 3 with his the extension 11 facing end face 15 axially. The outside of the case 2 located closing edge 16 the insertion sleeve 10 points to the outside 17 the sleeve 10 a circumferential chamfer 18 on. The socket 10 furthermore carries in the insertion area and in an annular groove 19 , following the shoulder 12 on the outside of the insertion extension 11 is located, a sealing ring 20 , in the insertion position of the socket 10 with preload on the inner wall 21 of the housing 2 is applied.

Then a forming tool 22 the device 9 with a receiving hole 23 on the cylindrical housing 2 pushed. The receiving bore wall 24 has an open in the axial direction on one side annular recess 25 on, in the position of use of the forming tool 22 over the entire camp 1 and a substantial part of the socket 10 extends. In the recess 25 are two gasket packages 26 and 27 embedded in the form of sealing rings, axially by a spacer ring 28 spaced apart from each other. The with a circumferential groove 29 provided spacer ring 28 points in this groove 29 one or more inlet holes to the housing 2 on. The on the outside of the spacer ring 28 located circumferential groove 29 limited together with the adjacent lying of several individual rings composing seal packages 26 and 27 an annulus 30 , The seal packages 26 and 27 are held in the recess to the effect that the sealing package 26 on the one hand on a recess flank 31 and on the other hand via the intermediate spacer ring 28 at the other seal package 27 supported while this to the spacer ring 28 facing away from a cylindrical neck 32 a lid 33 which supports on the outside 34 of the forming tool 22 screwed on.

In the annulus 30 that's the case 2 surrounds, a radial channel opens 35 that in the forming tool 22 runs and is connected to the other side to a fluid high pressure generating plant. When pushing the forming tool 22 on the case 2 become the seal packages 26 and 27 about the phase 18 the socket 10 on the case 2 , which has over the outside of the inner diameter of the gasket packages oversized, threaded and thereby spread, so that the gasket packages 26 and 27 in the position of use of the forming tool 22 with preload on the outside of the housing 2 issue. The one with a central hole 36 provided lids 33 has a concentric, radially into the central bore 36 standing collar 37 on, a stop at the trailing edge 16 the socket 10 forms and thus the forming tool 22 automatically brings in a defined position of use. At the same time, the ring collar acts 37 in addition to the sealing ring 20 as captive for the socket 10 ,

In the now occupied position of use of the forming tool 22 is via the fluid high pressure generating system the annulus 30 through the radial canal 35 passed through a pressurized fluid and from the annulus 30 via the inlet bore or the inlet bores are guided radially on the housing. The pressurized fluid is now stretched by the fluid high pressure generating system and thereby forms a pressing means for the housing 2 , Under the influence of the generated fluidic external high pressure, the housing 2 and the outer ring 3 of the camp 1 over the entire extent of the camp 1 concentrated, with the housing 2 in the place of the camp 1 plastically deformed with local reduction of its inside diameter. The outer ring 3 of the camp 1 is therefore deformed inwardly only to an elastic extent. After relaxing the fluidic pressure, the outer ring springs 3 elastic on while the case 2 plastically deformed remains. This creates between the housing 2 and the outer ring 3 of the camp 1 a very high friction, the strength of which can be adjusted individually by controlling the fluidic pressure. The housing 2 is thus with the camp 1 pressed.

In addition to that by the compression of the housing 2 and the camp 1 over the entire length of the camp 1 extending frictional engagement can be between the bearing 1 and the housing 2 When compressing a positive connection can be achieved. For this purpose, according to 2 the outer ring 38 a circumferential recess 39 on, in which the case 2 is plastically formed during compression, so that a permanent positive connection is achieved.

Instead of the pressurized fluid and the fluid high-pressure generating system can also be used as pressing means stamp, which is for a compression of the housing 2 to care. In contrast to the use of a pressurized fluid as a pressing means, the punches can be the housing 2 Seen over the circumference compress only locally, which can not form a continuously continuous frictional connection in the circumferential direction.

Claims (15)

Bearing, which is arranged in a housing and fixed by plastically deforming the housing with local reduction of the inner diameter thereof, characterized in that the bearing ( 1 ) with the housing ( 2 ) is frictionally connected, wherein the housing ( 2 ) in the place of the camp ( 1 ) plastic and the bearing ( 1 ) elastically deformed radially receding to the outside is deformed. Bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that the frictional engagement over the entire length of the bearing ( 1 ). Bearing according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the bearing ( 1 ) is a ball bearing consisting of an outer ring ( 3 ) and an inner ring ( 4 ) as well as a sphere ( 6 ) carrying cage ( 5 ) that exists between the rings ( 3 . 4 ) and held by these, and that the outer ring ( 3 ) the frictional engagement with the housing ( 2 ). Bearing according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the housing ( 2 ) is a jacket tube of a motor vehicle steering. Bearing according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the bearing ( 1 ) on its outside a recess ( 39 ), in which the housing ( 2 ) protrudes positively. Method for fixing a bearing in a housing, wherein the housing is plastically deformed with local reduction of its inner diameter, characterized in that the housing ( 2 ) in the place of the camp ( 1 ) plastic and the bearing ( 1 ) is resiliently compressed radially outward to form a frictional connection. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing ( 2 ) and the warehouse ( 1 ) over the entire extent of the camp ( 1 ) are concentrated. Method according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the housing ( 2 ) into a depression ( 39 ) of the warehouse ( 1 ) is pressed under plastic formation of a positive connection. Method according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the concentration by compressing the housing ( 2 ) and the camp ( 1 ) takes place by means of a fluidic external high pressure. Contraption ( 9 ) for fixing a bearing ( 1 ) in a housing ( 2 ), with a forming tool ( 22 ), which has a receiving bore ( 23 ) for the arrangement of the housing ( 2 ) therein, and with a pressing means, which via the forming tool ( 22 ) on the housing ( 2 ) is radially guided and over which the housing ( 2 ) with the warehouse ( 1 ) is compressible with each other. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the forming tool ( 22 ) a radial channel ( 35 ), which at the receiving bore ( 23 ) in a housing ( 2 ) around the surrounding annulus ( 30 ) and which is connected to the other side to a fluid high pressure generating plant, and that the pressing means through the radial channel ( 35 ) is supplied pressurized fluid. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the annular space ( 30 ) axially of two Sealing packages ( 26 . 27 ) which is in a recess ( 25 ) of the receiving bore wall ( 24 ) are arranged. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that one of the sealing packages ( 26 ) on the one hand at a recess edge ( 31 ) and on the other hand via an intermediate spacer ring ( 28 ) on the other sealing package ( 27 ) and that the other sealing package ( 27 ) to the spacer ring ( 28 ) facing away from a lid ( 33 ), which on the outside ( 34 ) of the forming tool ( 22 ) is screwed. Device according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the device ( 9 ) a socket ( 10 ) for insertion into the housing ( 2 ), which in the inserted position with a shoulder ( 12 ) at the end edge ( 13 ) of the housing ( 2 ) and whose outside the housing ( 2 ) located end edge ( 16 ) on the outside ( 17 ) is chamfered. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the plug-in sleeve ( 10 ) in the insertion area a sealing ring ( 20 ) carries in the inserted position with bias on the inner wall ( 21 ) of the housing ( 2 ) is present.