Rolling bearings, especially large diameter rolling bearings

Abstract

A rolling bearing comprises an inner ring (12) and an outer ring (14), at least the inner ring or the outer ring is formed as a split ring and is divided into a plurality of continuous circumferential ring segments (20, 22). The rolling bearing further comprises at least one alignment member (34, 36) which is circumferentially interposed between each pair of facing ends (20a, 22a) of the continuous ring segments of the split ring, the alignment member (34, 36) being fixed to one of the facing ends (20a, 22a) and protruding into a recess (30, 32) formed on the other facing end, so as to align the pair of facing ends in the radial direction and the axial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of large diameter rolling bearings, in particular large diameter rolling bearings for use in tunnel boring machines or in defense equipment such as radar, chars or excavator applications. Large diameter rolling bearings can also be used to mount rotor blades on wind turbines. Background Art

[0002] A large diameter rolling bearing generally includes two concentric inner and outer rings, and at least one row of rolling elements radially inserted between the inner and outer rings.

[0003] In some application areas, rolling bearings are delivered with the inner ring and the outer ring formed as split-rings to allow transportation and / or assembly on corresponding machines. In this case, each of the inner ring and the outer ring is divided into a plurality of continuous circumferential ring segments.

[0004] Therefore, after delivery, the ring segments ( / ring segments) must be joined together to assemble each split ring.

[0005] However, during assembly, the ring segments may not be aligned in the axial and radial directions. In this case, the assembly process of the rolling bearing is interrupted until the ring segments are disassembled and then realigned.

[0006] This adjustment step can be laborious and interrupt the assembly process and lead to increased costs for the entire rolling bearing. Summary of the invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to overcome these disadvantages.

[0008] In one embodiment, the rolling bearing comprises an inner ring and an outer ring, at least the inner ring or the outer ring (formed as a split ring and) is divided into a plurality of continuous circumferential ring segments.

[0009] According to a general feature of the invention, the rolling bearing further comprises at least one alignment member interposed in the circumferential direction between each pair of facing ends of consecutive ring segments of the split ring.

[0010] The alignment member is fixed to one of the facing end portions and protrudes into a recess formed on the other facing end portion to align the pair of facing end portions in the radial direction and the axial direction.

[0011] With this configuration, during assembly, the ring segments of the split ring can be easily and perfectly aligned in the axial direction and the radial direction. Using such an alignment member facilitates assembly and avoids disassembling the split ring in the event of imperfect alignment of the ring segments. The overall cost can be reduced and the process can be simplified.

[0012] The alignment member may be fixed into a recess formed on the one facing end portion, the recess on the one facing end portion facing a recess formed on the other facing end portion.

[0013] In a particular embodiment, the rolling bearing comprises a first alignment member extending in the axial direction and a second alignment member extending in the radial direction, the first alignment member and the second alignment member being circumferentially interposed between the facing ends of the pair of consecutive ring segments of the split ring. In this case, each of the first alignment member and the second alignment member may comprise a pin, for example, a spherical pin.

[0014] As another option, only one alignment member may be circumferentially interposed between the pair of facing ends. In this case, the alignment member may be spherical.

[0015] Chamfers may be provided to provide better adjustment between each recess on the associated facing ends of the ring segments.

[0016] Advantageously, the rolling bearing may further comprise a fixing component for fixing the continuous ring segments of the split ring together. In one embodiment, the fixing component is fixed to the outer surface of the split ring.

[0017] A circumferential space may be provided between each pair of facing ends of consecutive ring segments of the split ring.

[0018] In a particular embodiment, the rolling bearing further includes a plate interposed between the pair of facing ends in the circumferential direction to close the circumferential space.

[0019] The rolling bearing may also include at least one row of rolling elements radially between the inner ring (raceway) and the outer ring raceway. In this case, the plate may partially define the raceway of the split ring. For example, the rolling elements may be balls. As another option, other types of rolling elements, such as cylindrical rollers, may also be considered. The rolling elements may be arranged in a cage, for example, in a cage made of plastic, steel, etc. The cage may also be segmented or made in one piece ( / made in one part). As another option, the rolling bearing may include a plurality of spacers circumferentially between the rolling elements.

[0020] Advantageously, the alignment member is set back or flush with respect to the frontal face of the split ring. Thus, the alignment member does not protrude beyond the frontal face of the split ring in the axial direction. Due to this configuration, there is no additional space requirement in the axial direction for the installation of the alignment member.

[0021] Alternatively or in combination, the alignment member may be set back or flush with respect to the hole and the outer surface of the split ring. Thus, the alignment member does not protrude beyond the hole and the outer surface of the split ring in the radial direction. Due to this configuration, there is no additional space requirement in the radial direction for the installation of the alignment member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The invention and its advantages will be better understood by studying the detailed description of a particular embodiment given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] - Figure 1 is a partial side view of a rolling bearing according to a first example of the present invention,

[0024] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial stereogram of a rolling bearing.

[0025] - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The cross section on III-III,

[0026] - Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The IV-IV section,

[0027] - Figure 5 is a partial cross section of a rolling bearing according to a second example of the present invention,

[0028] - Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A partial side view of a rolling bearing, and

[0029] - Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Partial cross section on VII-VII. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the rolling bearing 10 is a large diameter rolling bearing including an inner ring 12 and an outer ring 14. The inner ring 12 and the outer ring 14 are concentric ( / coaxial) and axially along the bearing rotation axis XX' ( Figure 3 and Figure 4)extend.

[0031] For example, the rolling bearing 10 may be used in a tunnel boring machine, a wind turbine, or any other application where large diameter rolling bearings are used.

[0032] As in Figure 3 As shown more clearly in FIG. 1 , the rolling bearing 10 further comprises a row of rolling elements 16 mounted between the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 14 , where the rolling elements 16 are arranged in the form of balls. The rolling bearing 10 further comprises a cage 18 for maintaining the rolling elements 16 at regular circumferential spacing.

[0033] The outer ring 14 comprises a cylindrical hole 14a, an outer cylindrical outer surface 14b and two opposite radial frontal lateral faces 14c, 14d, which define the hole 14a and the outer surface 14b in the axial direction. In the disclosed example, the cylindrical hole 14a defines a raceway for rolling elements 16. As another option, a toroidal raceway can be formed on the hole 14a of the outer ring to define the raceway.

[0034] The inner ring 12 includes a cylindrical hole 12a and an outer cylindrical surface 12b, and a circular ring raceway (not marked) for rolling elements 16 is formed by the outer cylindrical surface 12b, and the raceway points radially outward. The inner ring 12 also includes two opposite radial positive lateral faces 12c, 12d, which axially define the hole 12a and the outer surface 12b of the ring. The lateral face 12d of the inner ring is coplanar with the lateral face 14d of the outer ring. The lateral face 12c of the inner ring is offset outwardly relative to the lateral face 14c of the outer ring in the axial direction.

[0035] Refer again Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the inner ring 12 is segmented and is formed by two continuous circumferential ring segments 20, 22. The inner ring 12 is formed as a split-ring.

[0036] The outer ring 14 is also formed as a split ring. The outer ring 14 is also formed by two continuous circumferential ring segments 24, 26. As another option, at least one of the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 14 may be formed by at least three continuous ring segments.

[0037] In the disclosed embodiment, the axial length of the inner ring 12 is greater than the axial length of the outer ring 14 so as to hold the ring segments 20 , 22 of the inner ring together by assembly bolts, as will be described later.

[0038] The ring segments 20, 22 forming the inner ring 12 are identical to each other. Each ring segment 20, 22 comprises a first end 20a, 22a and a second end (not visible in the figure) which delimit the ring segment in the circumferential direction. The first ends 20a, 22a of the ring segments 20, 22 face each other in the circumferential direction. A circumferential space 28 is provided between the first ends 20a, 22a. The second ends of the ring segments 20, 22 also face each other in the circumferential direction. A circumferential space is also provided between these second ends.

[0039] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a first axial recess 30 is formed on each first end 20a, 22a of the ring segments 20, 22. The recesses 30 face each other in the circumferential direction. The recesses 30 are identical. Each recess 30 extends axially from the lateral surface of the ring segments 20, 22 that partially defines the lateral surface 12c of the inner ring. Each recess 30 extends axially into the thickness of the ring segments 20, 22. Here, each recess 30 is a blind recess ( / blind groove).

[0040] A second radial recess 32 is also formed on each first end 20a, 22a of the ring segments 20, 22. Only the second radial recess 32 formed on the first end 22a of the ring segment 22 is visible ( Figure 4 ).

[0041] The second radial recesses 32 face each other in the circumferential direction. The recesses 32 are identical. Each recess 32 extends radially from a hole of the ring segments 20, 22 that partially defines the hole 12a of the inner ring. Each recess 32 extends radially into the thickness of the ring segments 20, 22 and is radially distanced (separated) from the outer surface of the ring segments. In the disclosed example, each radial recess 32 leads to the axial recess 30. As another option, the radial recesses 32 can be spaced apart in the radial direction relative to the axial recess 30.

[0042] In order to align the first ends 20a, 22a of the ring segments 20, 22 of the inner ring, the rolling bearing 10 further comprises an axial pin 34 and a radial pin 36 which are respectively located in the recesses 30, 32 of said ring segments.

[0043] The axial pin 34 extends into the two recesses 30 of the ring segments 20, 22 of the inner ring. The pin 34 extends into the recess 30 in the axial direction. The pin 34 is completely accommodated in the recess 30 in the axial direction. The pin 34 is set back relative to the lateral surface 12c of the inner ring. The pin 34 also extends into the recess 30 in the circumferential direction. The pin 34 is fixed to one of the first ends 20a, 22a of the ring segments 20, 22 of the inner ring, here fixed to the first end 22a. The pin 34 can be fixed to the first end 22a by any suitable means, here fixed to the first end 22a by screwing.

[0044] The radial pin 36 extends into the two recesses 32 of the ring segments 20, 22 of the inner ring. The pin 36 extends into the recess 32 in the radial direction. The pin 36 is completely accommodated in the recess 32 in the radial direction. The pin 36 is retracted relative to the hole 12a of the inner ring. The pin 36 also extends into the recess 32 in the circumferential direction. Similar to the axial pin 34, the radial pin 36 is also fixed to the first end 22a of the ring segment 22 by a threaded connection.

[0045] The shape of the recesses 30, 32 is complementary to the shape of the associated pins 34, 36. In the disclosed example, each pin 34, 36 has a cylindrical shape. As another option, each pin 34, 36 can have a different cross-sectional shape, such as a rectangle, a square, etc.

[0046] The first ends 20a, 22a of the ring segments 20, 22 of the inner ring are positioned relative to each other in the radial direction by means of the axial pins 34. The radial pins 36 enable the first ends 20a, 22a of the ring segments 20, 22 to be positioned relative to each other in the axial direction. Thus, the first ends 20a, 22a of the ring segments 20, 22 are aligned in the radial direction as well as in the axial direction.

[0047] Similar to the first ends 20 a , 22 a of the ring segments 20 , 22 of the inner ring, the rolling bearing 10 further comprises axial pins and radial pins (not visible in the figure) circumferentially interposed between the second ends of the ring segments 20 , 22 .

[0048] The rolling bearing 10 further comprises a first fixing member and a second fixing member 40 for fixing the ring segments 20, 22 of the inner ring together. Only the first fixing member 40 is visible in the figures.

[0049] The first fixing member 40 includes two flanges 40, 42 fixed to the outer surface of the inner ring 12. The flanges 40, 42 are fixed to the portion of the inner ring 12 that protrudes in the axial direction relative to the outer ring 14. The flange 40 is fixed to the ring segment 22, and the flange 42 is fixed to the ring segment 22. The flanges 40, 42 are fixed near the circumferential space 28 provided between the first ends 20a, 22a of the ring segments 20, 22. The first fixing member 40 is also provided with a bolt 46 extending through the holes of the flanges 40 and 42 and a nut 48 to fix the bolt. The second fixing member is the same as the first fixing member 40. The first fixing member and the second fixing member are diametrically opposed.

[0050] The rolling bearing 10 further comprises a plate 50 which closes the space 28 arranged between the first ends 20a, 22a of the ring segments 20, 22. The plate 50 is fixed to the first end 22a of the ring segment 22 by a threaded connection. The plate 50 comprises an upper surface 50a flush with the raceway of the inner ring to prevent surface discontinuities at the height ( / level) of the space 28. The plate 50 partially forms the raceway for the rollers 16. A similar plate (not visible) can also be foreseen to close the space arranged between the second ends of the ring segments 20, 22.

[0051] As mentioned above, the outer ring 14 is also provided with ring segments 24 , 26 which are identical to each other.

[0052] Each ring segment 24, 26 comprises a first end 24a, 26a and a second end (not visible in the figure) which delimit the ring segment in the circumferential direction. The first ends 24a, 26a of the ring segments 24, 26 face each other in the circumferential direction. A circumferential space 52 is provided between the first ends 24a, 26a. The second ends of the ring segments 24, 26 also face each other in the circumferential direction. A circumferential space is also provided between these second ends.

[0053] Similar to the ring segments 20 and 22 , the rolling bearing 10 includes an axial pin 54 and a radial pin 56 which are inserted circumferentially between the first ends 24 a , 26 a of the ring segments 24 , 26 .

[0054] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a first axial recess 58 is formed on each first end 24a, 26a of the ring segments 24, 26. The recesses 58 face each other in the circumferential direction. The recesses 58 are identical. Each recess 58 extends axially from the lateral surface of the ring segments 24, 26 that partially defines the lateral surface 14c of the outer ring. Each recess 58 extends axially into the thickness of the ring segments 24, 26.

[0055] A second radial recess 60 is also formed on each first end 24a, 26a of the ring segments 24, 26. Only the second radial recess 60 formed on the first end 26a of the ring segment 26 is visible ( Figure 4 ). The second radial recesses 60 face each other in the circumferential direction. The recesses 60 are identical. Each recess 60 extends radially from the outer surface of the ring segments 24, 26 that partially defines the outer surface 14b of the outer ring. Each recess 60 extends radially into the thickness of the ring segments 24, 26 and is radially distanced from the holes of the ring segments. Each recess 60 is a blind groove. In the disclosed example, each radial recess 60 extends through the axial recess 58. As another option, the radial recesses 60 can be spaced apart in the radial direction relative to the axial recess 58.

[0056] The axial pin 54 extends into two recesses 58 of the ring segments 24, 26 of the outer ring. The pin 54 extends into the recess 58 in the axial direction. The pin 54 is completely accommodated in the recess 58 in the axial direction. The pin 54 retreats ( / retracts) relative to the lateral surface of the outer ring. The pin 54 also extends into the recess 58 in the circumferential direction. The pin 54 is fixed to one of the first ends 24a, 26a of the ring segments 24, 26 of the outer ring, and is fixed to the first end 26a here. The pin 54 can be fixed to the first end 26a by any suitable means, here by threading ( / screw connection).

[0057] The radial pin 56 extends into two recesses 60 of the ring segments 24, 26 of the outer ring. The pin 56 extends radially into the recess 60. The pin 56 is completely accommodated in the recess 60 in the radial direction. The pin 56 is set back ( / retracted) relative to the outer surface 14b of the outer ring. The pin 56 also extends circumferentially into the recess 60. Similar to the axial pin 54, the radial pin 56 is also fixed to the first end 26a of the ring segment 26 by a threaded connection ( / screw connection). The shape of the recesses 58, 60 is complementary to the shape of the associated pins 54, 56.

[0058] Similar to the first ends 24 a , 26 a of the ring segments 24 , 26 of the outer ring, the rolling bearing 10 further includes an axial pin and a radial pin (not visible in the figure) inserted between the second ends of the ring segments 24 , 26 in the circumferential direction.

[0059] The rolling bearing 10 further comprises a fixing member 62 for fixing the ring segments 24, 26 of the outer ring together. The fixing member 62 comprises a plate ring 64 mounted on the outer surface of the outer ring 14 and a plurality of radial screws 64 for fixing the plate ring to the outer ring. The plate ring 64 may be annular or may be divided into a plurality of parts.

[0060] The rolling bearing 10 further comprises a plate 68 which closes the space 52 arranged between the first ends 24a, 26a of the ring segments 24, 26. The plate 68 is fixed to the first end 26a of the ring segment 26 by a threaded connection. The plate 68 comprises a lower surface (not numbered) flush with the hole 14a of the outer ring. The plate 68 partially forms a raceway for the rollers 16. A similar plate (not visible) can also be foreseen to close the space arranged between the second ends of the ring segments 24, 26.

[0061] In addition, as mentioned above, in the example shown, both the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 14 of the rolling bearing are formed as split rings. As another option, the rolling bearing may have only one ring formed by a continuous circumferential ring segment.

[0062] For example, in Figures 5 to 7 In the example shown above, in which identical parts are given identical reference numerals, only the outer ring 14 is formed by continuous circumferential ring segments 24, 26. In this example, the plate ring 64 extends over a limited angular sector. Similar ring segments (not visible) are diametrically opposed. With respect to the first example, the relative radial arrangement of the pins 54, 56 is reversed.

[0063] In this example, the inner ring 12 comprises two parts stacked relative to each other in the axial direction. The two parts of the inner ring 12 are provided with a plurality of aligned through holes (not numbered) to be joined together by assembly bolts (not shown).

Claims

1. A rolling bearing, comprising an inner ring (12) and an outer ring (14), at least the inner ring or the outer ring being formed as a split ring and being divided into a plurality of continuous circumferential ring segments (20, 22), characterized in that: The rolling bearing further comprises at least one alignment member (34, 36) interposed between each pair of facing ends (20a, 22a) of the continuous ring segments of the split ring in the circumferential direction, the alignment member (34, 36) being fixed to one of the facing ends (20a, 22a) and protruding into a recess (30, 32) formed on the other facing end, so that each pair of facing ends are aligned in the radial direction and the axial direction. The invention comprises a first alignment member (34) extending in the axial direction and a second alignment member (36) extending in the radial direction, wherein the first alignment member (34) and the second alignment member (36) are circumferentially interposed between each pair of facing ends (20a, 22a) of the continuous ring segments of the split ring.

2. The rolling bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The alignment member (34, 36) is fixed into a recess (30, 32) formed on the one facing end, the recess on the one facing end facing the recess (30, 32) formed on the other facing end.

3. The rolling bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Each of the first alignment member (34) and the second alignment member (36) comprises a pin.

4. The rolling bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also comprises a fixing component (40) for fixing the continuous ring segments of the split ring together.

5. The rolling bearing according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fixing member (40) is fixed to the outer surface of the split ring.

6. The rolling bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A circumferential space (28) is provided between each pair of facing ends of the continuous ring segments (20, 22) of the split ring.

7. The rolling bearing according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also included is a plate (50) circumferentially interposed between each pair of facing ends to close the circumferential space (28).

8. The rolling bearing according to claim 7, characterized in that: The invention also comprises at least one row of rolling elements (16) radially interposed between the raceways of the inner ring and the outer ring, and the plate (50) partially defines the raceway of the split ring.

9. The rolling bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The alignment members (34, 36) are set back or flush with respect to the front face of the split ring and / or are set back or flush with respect to the hole and outer surface of the split ring.

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