The present disclosure generally relates to the field of bearings, more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a cage for a roller bearing.
Background:
A rolling-element bearing, also known as a rolling bearing or a roller bearing, is a bearing which carries a load by placing rolling elements, such as balls or rollers between two bearing rings. The relative motion of the bearing rings causes the rolling elements to roll with very little rolling resistance and with little sliding. The rolling elements are generally disposed between the bearing rings and are angularly spaced apart from each other. The rolling elements are retained in between the bearing rings at pre-determined angular spacing by means of a cage. The cage is disposed between the rolling elements and includes a plurality of angularly spaced apart cavities, wherein each cavity of the cage is adapted to retain a corresponding rolling element therein. The cage restrains any outward movement of the rolling element and is subjected to various loads and as such is prone to frequent failure. Further, the conventional cage is having a configuration that restricts proper lubrication of the rolling element held therein.
Accordingly, there is a need for a cage element for a rolling bearing assembly that is simple in construction and reliable in operation. Further, there is a need for a cage element for a rolling bearing assembly that is lighter in weight but still does not compromises with the strength. Further, there is a need for a cage element for a rolling bearing assembly that exhibits enhanced service life and is inexpensive. Furthermore, there is a need for a cage element for a rolling
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bearing assembly that has provision for better lubrication of the rolling elements held inside the cavities configured on the cage.
Objects of the Disclosure:
Some of the objects of the present disclosure which at-least one embodiment is able to satisfy, are described herein below:
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cage for a rolling bearing assembly that is simple in construction and that ensures reliable operation of the roller bearing.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cage element for a rolling bearing assembly that is lighter in weight but still does not compromises with the strength.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cage element for a rolling bearing assembly that exhibits enhanced service life and is inexpensive.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cage element for a rolling bearing assembly that has provision for better lubrication of the rolling elements held inside the cavities configured in the cage.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cage element for a rolling bearing assembly that reduces friction losses.
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Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cage element for a rolling bearing assembly that reduces chances of failure of the rolling bearing.
Summary
A roller bearing assembly is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The roller bearing assembly is having an outer race, an inner race disposed within the outer race and a cage element disposed between the inner race and the outer race. The cage element defines a plurality of cavities for receiving and retaining roller elements. The cavities receive and retain the plurality of roller elements within space between the inner race and the outer race. The walls defining cavities of the cage element are having at least a pair of recesses configured thereon for facilitating lubrication of rolling elements received inside corresponding cavities.
In accordance with an embodiment, the recesses configured on walls defining the cavities of the cage element are through apertures.
Typically, the first through aperture is configured on a first wall defining the cavities and a second through aperture is configured on opposite wall defining the cavities such that first and second through apertures are aligned to each other and facilitate fluid flow between interior of the cavities and exterior of the cavities.
Brief Description of the Accompanying Drawings:
The disclosure will now be explained in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which:
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Figure 1a illustrates a side view of a cage element for a rolling bearing assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 1b illustrates an isometric view of the cage element of Figure 1a;
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of a conventional cage element of a rolling bearing assembly in accordance with the prior art;
Figure 3 illustrates a schematic representation of a cage element of a rolling bearing assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein each of the rolling element retaining cavities of the cage element is configured with at least a pair of recesses;
Figure 4 illustrates a schematic representation of a 3-d model of the conventional cage element of Figure 2 used for simulation analysis, wherein simulated loads are applied to simulate stresses acting on the conventional cage element, under such simulated loads;
Figure 5 illustrates a schematic representation of a 3-d model of the cage element of Figure 3 used for simulation analysis, wherein simulated loads that were applied on the 3-d model of the conventional cage element are applied on the 3-d model of the cage element to simulate stresses acting on the cage element;
Figure 6 illustrates a schematic representation of von Mises stress diagram for a front face of the 3-d model of the conventional cage element of Figure 4, depicting stresses acting on different regions of the front face of the 3-d model of the conventional cage element under simulated load conditions;
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Figure 7 illustrates a schematic representation of von Mises stress diagram for a front face of the 3-d model of the cage element of Figure 5, depicting stresses acting on different regions of the front face of 3-d model of the cage element under simulated load conditions;
Figure 8 illustrates a schematic representation of von Mises stress diagram for a rear face of the 3-d model of the conventional cage element of Figure 4, depicting stresses acting on different regions of the rear face of the 3-d model of the conventional cage element under simulated load conditions;
Figure 9 illustrates a schematic representation of von Mises stress diagram for a rear face of the 3-d model of the cage element of Figure 5, depicting stresses acting on different regions of the rear face of the 3-d model of the cage element under simulated load conditions.
Detailed Description of the Accompanying Drawings:
The disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein.
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Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The present disclosure envisages a cage element for a rolling bearing assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cage element is disposed between a pair of bearing rings of the rolling bearing assembly and retains rolling elements between the pair of bearing rings. The cage element also restrains any outward movement of the rolling elements. More specifically, the cage includes a plurality of angularly spaced apart cavities or rolling element retaining cavities, wherein each cavity of the cage retains a corresponding rolling element therein. Further, each of the rolling element retaining cavities of the cage element is configured with at least a pair of recesses.
Figure 1a illustrates a side view of a cage element 100 for a rolling bearing assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1b illustrates an isometric view of the cage element 100. Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of a conventional cage element 10 of a rolling bearing assembly in accordance with the prior art, wherein each rolling element retaining cavity 11 of the cage element 10 retains a rolling ball element therein. Figure 3 illustrates a schematic representation of the cage element 100 of a rolling bearing assembly, wherein each of the rolling element retaining cavities 110 of the cage element 100 that retains a rolling ball element “B” is configured with at least a pair of recesses 120. With such configuration of the cage element 100, the cage element 100 is lighter in weight compared to convention cage and still does not compromises with the strength thereof. Further, with such configuration of the cage element 100, the cage element 100 experiences less torque and there are less frictional losses due to less contact area between the rolling ball element “B” and the cavity 110 therefor and less temperature rise.
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Furthermore, such configuration of the cage element 100 ensures proper lubrication of the rolling ball element “B” held therein.
The roller bearing assembly is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The roller bearing assembly is having an outer race, an inner race disposed within the outer race (not illustrated in accompanying Figures) and a cage element 100 disposed between the inner race and the outer race. The cage element 100 defines a plurality of cavities 110 for receiving and retaining roller elements, “B”. The cavities 110 receive and retain the plurality of roller elements “B” within space between the inner race and the outer race. The walls defining cavities 110 of the cage element 100 are having at least a pair of recesses 120 configured thereon for facilitating lubrication of rolling elements “B” received inside corresponding cavities.
In accordance with an embodiment, the recesses 120 configured on walls defining the cavities 110 of the cage element 100 are through apertures.
Typically, the first through aperture 120 is configured on a first wall defining the cavities 110 and a second through aperture 120 is configured on opposite wall defining the cavities 110 such that the first and second through apertures 120 are aligned to each other and facilitate fluid flow between interior of the cavities 110 and exterior of the cavities 110.
Finite element analysis was performed in order to substantiate the above mentioned advantageous of the cage element 100 of the present disclosure over the conventional cage element 10. More specifically, the solid models of conventional cage element 10 and the solid model of the cage element 100 of the present disclosure were subjected to similar simulated load conditions to simulate stresses acting on the conventional cage element 10 and the cage
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element 100. More specifically, the conventional cage element 10 and the cage element 100 are made of same material and retain rolling ball element “B” of same material and are subjected to same loads at same points. The conventional cage element 10 and the cage element 100 are of material having Young’s modulus of 193000MPA and Poisson’s Ratio of 0.25.
Figure 4 illustrates a schematic representation of a 3-d model of the conventional cage element 10 used for simulation analysis, wherein simulated loads are applied to simulate stresses acting on the conventional cage element 10, under such simulated loads. The 3-d model of the conventional cage element 10 has properties defined to simulate the conventional cage element 10 in all aspects. The 3-d model of the conventional cage element 10 is subjected to 100 N load acting radially outwardly on the walls of the cavity 11 retaining the rolling ball element “B”. Further, the 3-d model of the conventional cage element 10 is subjected to radial load acting on the holes configured thereon. Figure 5 illustrates a schematic representation of a 3-d model of the cage element 100 used for simulation analysis, wherein 3-d model of the cage element 100 has properties defined to simulate the cage element 100 in all aspects. The simulated loads that were applied on the 3-d model of the conventional cage element 10 are applied on the 3-d model of the cage element 100 to simulate stresses acting on the cage element. The 3-d model of the cage element 100 is subjected to 100 N load acting radially outwardly on the walls of the cavity 110 retaining the rolling ball element “B”. Further, the 3-d model of the conventional cage element 100 is subjected to radial load acting on the holes configured thereon.
Figure 6 illustrates a schematic representation of von Mises stress diagram for a front face of the 3-d model of the conventional cage element 10, depicting
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stresses acting on different regions of the front face of the 3-d model of the conventional cage element 10 under simulated load conditions.
Figure 7 illustrates a schematic representation of von Mises stress diagram for a front face of the 3-d model of the cage element 100, depicting stresses acting on different regions of the front face of 3-d model of the cage element under simulated load conditions. The maximum stress experienced by the conventional cage element 10 is at the pocket edge, emphasizing that the cage element 100 can bear more stress than conventional cage element 10 and accordingly the rolling bearing with the cage element 100 can bear similar or greater loads as compared to a rolling bearing with the conventional cage element 10.
Figure 8 illustrates a schematic representation of von Mises stress diagram for a rear face of the 3-d model of the conventional cage element 10, depicting stresses acting on different regions of the rear face of the 3-d model of the conventional cage element under simulated load conditions;
Figure 9 illustrates a schematic representation of von Mises stress diagram for a rear face of the 3-d model of the cage element 100, depicting stresses acting on different regions of the rear face of the 3-d model of the cage element under simulated load conditions.
Technical Advantages and economic significance:
A recessed cage for a roller bearing assembly has several technical advantages including but not limited to the realization of:
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 a cage element for a roller bearing assembly is simple in construction and that ensures reliable operation of the roller bearing;
 a cage element for a rolling bearing assembly is lighter in weight but still does not compromises with the strength;
 a cage element for a rolling bearing assembly exhibits enhanced service life and is inexpensive;
 a cage element for a rolling bearing assembly has provision for better lubrication of the rolling elements held inside the cavities configured in the cage;
 a cage element for a rolling bearing assembly reduces friction losses;
 a cage element for a rolling bearing assembly that reduces chances of failure of the rolling bearing; and
 a cage element for a rolling bearing assembly that reduces maintenance required for the rolling bearing.
The numerical values given of various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher or lower than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure and the claims unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
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The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

WE CLAIM:
1. A roller bearing assembly having an outer race, an inner race disposed within said outer race and a cage element disposed between said inner race and said outer race, said cage element defining a plurality of cavities for receiving and retaining roller elements within space between said inner race and said outer race,
characterized in that walls defining cavities of said cage element are having at least a pair of recesses configured thereon for facilitating lubrication of rolling elements received inside corresponding cavities.
2. The roller bearing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said recesses configured on walls defining said cavities of said cage element are through apertures.
3. The roller bearing assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first through aperture is configured on a first wall defining said cavities and a second through aperture is configured on opposite wall defining said cavities such that first and second through apertures are aligned to each other and facilitate fluid flow between interior of said cavities and exterior of said cavities.
Dated this 12th day of January, 2015
MOHAN DEWAN
OF R.K. DEWAN & CO.
APPLICANT’S PATENT ATTORNEY
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ABSTRACT
A roller bearing assembly is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The roller bearing assembly is having an outer race, an inner race disposed within the outer race and a cage element disposed between the inner race and the outer race. The cage element defines a plurality of cavities for receiving and retaining roller elements. The cavities receive and retain the plurality of roller elements within space between the inner race and the outer race. The walls defining cavities of the cage element are having at least a pair of recesses configured thereon for facilitating lubrication of rolling elements received inside corresponding cavities.