Composite steel bearing and manufacturing method

Abstract

A bearing comprising: layers of high-strength steel and a base layer of mild steel fused together via a fusion zone; raceways machined across the bearing and having a higher strength than can be achieved using conventional steel hardening processes A much greater bearing support depth is obtained; and a retaining structure machined into at least the base layer of mild steel and used to retain the bearing on the underlying bearing support.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates to composite steel bearings. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to composite steel bearings and manufacturing processes and applications, including but not limited to wind turbines and other heavy equipment. Multiple ring bearings and flat bearings can be manufactured using aspects of the invention. Background technique [0002] Due to well-known metallurgical and chemical properties, the thickness of the hardened layer, especially when surface hardening is used, is strictly limited. As a result, bearing engineers are often limited by the depth of the case for a given load and / or environment. For example, Figures 3a, 4a and 5a show a number of different cross-sectional views taken through a steel bearing raceway, where the hardness pattern is designated "hp". The depth of hardened steel is limited, especially for induction hardened raceways. [0003] Prior to this invention, for large bearings, the need...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0003] Prior to this invention, for large bearings, the needs of such large bearings could not be fully satisfactorily met in steel races because the race metal near the rolling elements was too soft or could not be hardened, or cut in The metal of the race portion of the gear tooth or in which the fastening device is machined or welded is too hard or too brittle to provide the fully desired ductility, toughness and strength characteristics

If the metal portion of the bearing race that is in contact with the balls or other rotating elements is too soft because it cannot be hardened sufficiently, that portion of the race will deform or wear or otherwise adversely affect the characteristics of the bearing; but If the remaining metal parts of the race were too hard, they would be brittle and crack such that they were not strong, tough, and ductile enough for the function they were supposed to perform, and would not be machined to Form structures such as gear teeth that have sufficient tensile strength and toughness or can be welded smoothly

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