Bearing having at least one segmented ring and an assembly plate

Abstract

A bearing comprises an outer ring 10 and an inner ring 12 which can rotate concentrically relative to each other, at least one of the inner ring and the outer ring being a split ring and being divided into a plurality of continuous circumferential ring segments 30, 32. Each pair of adjacent continuous ring segments 30, 32 of the split ring is fixed together by at least one fixing plate 34. The fixing plate 34 is arranged in a first groove 36 provided on one of the ring segments and a second groove 38 provided on the other ring segment. The fixing plate 34 is at least set back or flush with respect to the surface of each of the ring segments where the first groove 36 or the second groove 38 is formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of bearings.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to the field of large diameter rolling bearings which are able to accommodate axial loads and radial loads and have an inner ring and an outer ring which are arranged concentrically around an axis of rotation extending in the axial direction.

[0003] Such large diameter rolling bearings can be used, for example, in tunnel boring machines, mining machines or wind turbines. Large diameter rolling bearings can also be used in defense fields such as radar or charcoal burning ( / charring) (chars). Background Art

[0004] Large diameter rolling bearings generally include two concentric inner and outer rings and at least one row of rolling elements, such as rollers, radially interposed between the inner and outer rings.

[0005] In some application fields, rolling bearings are delivered with inner and outer rings formed as split rings to allow transportation and / or assembly on corresponding machines. In this case, each of the inner and outer rings is divided into a plurality of continuous circumferential ring segments.

[0006] Therefore, after delivery, the hoop segments must be connected together to assemble each split hoop.

[0007] Typically, during this assembly of each split ring, flanges are used to secure the successive ring segments together. Each end of each ring segment is secured to the facing end of the successive ring segment with one flange. For example, the flange may be secured to one of the frontal faces of the split ring.

[0008] This flange protrudes axially relative to the front face of the split ring. This increases the overall size of the rolling bearing. Summary of the invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to overcome this disadvantage.

[0010] The present invention relates to a bearing, comprising an outer ring and an inner ring which are rotatable concentrically relative to each other, at least one of the inner ring and the outer ring being a split ring and being divided into a plurality of continuous circumferential ring segments.

[0011] According to a general feature, each pair of adjacent continuous ring segments of the split ring is fixed together by at least one fixing plate.

[0012] According to another general feature, the fixing plate is arranged in a first groove provided on one of the segments and in a second groove provided on the other segment.

[0013] The fixing plate is at least set back or flush with respect to a surface of each of the facing ring segments forming the first groove or the second groove.

[0014] Thanks to the invention, the fixing plate does not protrude relative to the surface of each ring segment provided with the grooves. Thus, the overall dimensions of the bearing are reduced.

[0015] In addition, the fixing plate can be made of a rigid material, such as steel. This increases the rigidity of the bearing.

[0016] Preferably, the fixing plate is set back or flush with the split ring.

[0017] Advantageously, the bearing further comprises at least a first alignment member and a second alignment member extending through the fixing plate, the first alignment member protruding into a recess formed in the thickness of one of the ring segments and the second alignment member protruding into a recess formed in the thickness of the other ring segment.

[0018] With this configuration, during reassembly, for example after transport, the ring segments of the split ring can be easily and perfectly aligned at least in the axial direction with respect to their initial position during manufacture.

[0019] The use of alignment members inserted into the recesses facilitates the reassembly process. In fact, with conventional bearings, during reassembly, the ring segments may not be aligned in the axial direction. In this case, the reassembly process of the bearing is interrupted until the ring segments are disassembled and then realigned.

[0020] Preferably, the first and second alignment members are set back or flush with respect to the outer surface of the fixing plate on the opposite side of the first and second grooves of the ring segment. For example, each of the first and second alignment members may include a pin.

[0021] In one embodiment, the bearing further comprises at least one first fixing screw and at least one second fixing screw extending through the fixing plate. The first fixing screw engages in a threaded hole formed on one of the ring segments, and the second fixing screw engages in a threaded hole formed on the other ring segment. The threaded holes may be formed from the bottom of the associated groove.

[0022] The first and second fixing screws are distinct from the first and second alignment members.

[0023] Preferably, the screw heads of the first fixing screw and the screw heads of the second fixing screw are set back or flush with the outer surface of the fixing plate on the opposite sides of the first groove and the second groove of the ring segment.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first groove and the second groove may be provided on an outer cylindrical surface of the ring segment, the outer cylindrical surface of the ring segment at least partially defining an outer cylindrical surface of the split ring.

[0025] As another option, the first groove and the second groove may be provided on an inner cylindrical surface of the ring segment, the inner cylindrical surface of the ring segment at least partially defining an inner cylindrical bore of the split ring.

[0026] In another embodiment, the first groove and the second groove may be provided on a front face of the ring segment, the front face of the ring segment at least partially defining a front face of the split ring.

[0027] In one embodiment, the bearing further comprises at least one row of rolling elements arranged between the raceways provided on the inner ring and the outer ring. The bearing may comprise at least one row of axial rolling elements arranged between the radial raceways provided on the inner ring and the outer ring, and at least one row of radial rolling elements arranged between the axial raceways provided on the inner ring and the outer ring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] 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:

[0029] - Figure 1 is a partial cross section of a rolling bearing according to a first example of the present invention,

[0030] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial stereogram of the outer ring of a rolling bearing.

[0031] - Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of

[0032] - Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of an outer ring of a rolling bearing according to a second example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] like Figure 1 The rolling bearing shown above is a large diameter rolling bearing comprising an outer ring 10 and an inner ring 12. The rolling bearing may be used, for example, in tunnel boring machines, wind turbines or any other application where large diameter rolling bearings are used.

[0034] The outer ring 10 and the inner ring 12 are concentric and extend axially along a bearing rotation axis (not shown) extending in the axial direction. The rings 10, 12 are of the solid type.

[0035] The outer ring 10 is formed as a split ring and includes a first ring 14 and a second ring 16 stacked relative to each other in the axial direction. Each of the first ring 14 and the second ring 16 of the outer ring is provided with a plurality of aligned through holes (not shown) for connection by assembly bolts.

[0036] As will be described later, the outer ring 14 is also formed as a split ring in the circumferential direction.

[0037] In the example shown, the rolling bearing includes three rows of axial rollers 18 , 20 , 22 and one row of radial rollers 24 , which are arranged between the outer ring 10 and the inner ring 12 to form an axial thrust, and one row of radial rollers 24 are arranged between the outer ring 10 and the inner ring 12 to form a radial thrust.

[0038] The rollers 18 to 24 in a row are identical to one another. The axis of rotation of each roller 24 is parallel to the axis of the bearing and perpendicular to the axis of each roller 18, 20 and 22. In the example shown, the roller row 18 is superimposed on the roller row 20. In the example shown, the diameter of the roller 24 is smaller than the diameter of the rollers 18 to 22.

[0039] The inner ring 12 comprises an annular protruding nose 26 engaging in an annular groove 28 of the outer ring. The nose 26 extends radially outwards. The groove 28 opens inwards towards the inner ring 12 in the radial direction.

[0040] The inner ring 12 also includes an inner cylindrical hole 12a and a stepped outer cylindrical surface 12b radially opposite to the hole 12a. The protruding nose 26 protrudes radially from the outer cylindrical surface 12b. The inner ring 12 also includes two opposite radial front surfaces 12c, 12d that axially define the hole 12a and the outer cylindrical surface 12b.

[0041] The roller rows 18, 20, 22 are arranged axially between the nose 26 of the inner ring and the groove 28 of the outer ring. The roller rows 18, 20 and 22 are arranged on each side of the nose 26 of the inner ring.

[0042] The rollers 24 are arranged radially between the raceways and grooves 28 formed on the nose 26. The roller row 24 is radially offset outwardly relative to the roller rows 18, 20, 22. The roller row 24 is located between the roller rows 18, 20 and the roller row 22 in the axial direction.

[0043] The outer ring 10 includes an inner stepped cylindrical surface or hole 10a, and the groove 28 is formed by the inner stepped cylindrical surface or hole 10a. The outer ring 10 also includes an outer cylindrical surface 10b radially opposite to the hole 10a. The outer ring 10 also includes two opposite radial positive surfaces 10c, 10d that axially define the hole 10a and the outer surface 10b of the outer ring 10.

[0044] As mentioned above, the outer ring 10 is also divided in the circumferential direction. Each of the first and second rings 14, 16 of the outer ring is segmented. Since the design of the two rings 14, 16 is similar, only the ring 14 will be described here.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown above, the first circle 14 of the outer circle is formed by two consecutive circumferential circle segments 30, 32. As another alternative, the first circle 14 may include at least three consecutive circumferential circle segments.

[0046] Each segment 30, 32 of the first ring 14 of the outer ring is provided with a first end 30a, 32a and a second end (not visible) which delimit the segment in the circumferential direction. The first end 30a, 32a and the second end of each segment 30, 32 are opposite in the circumferential direction.

[0047] In the example shown, the first ends 30a, 32a of the segments 30, 32 face and abut each other in the circumferential direction. Similarly, the second ends of the segments 30, 32 also face and abut each other in the circumferential direction.

[0048] The segments 30, 32 forming the first ring 14 may be identical to each other. The outer cylindrical surface of each segment 30, 32 partially defines the outer surface 10b of the outer ring. One of the front surfaces of each segment 30, 32 partially defines the front surface 10d of the outer ring.

[0049] The outer ring 10 is also provided with a plurality of fixing plates 34 to fix the continuous ring segments 30, 32 together. Each fixing plate 34 fixes each pair of facing ends of two continuous ring segments 30, 32 together. Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, only one fixing plate 34 is visible. The number of fixing plates 34 is equal to the number of consecutive circumferential ring segments.

[0050] The installation of one fixing plate 34 will be described here, and it should be understood that the installation of the other fixing plates 34 is the same.

[0051] like Figure 3 As more clearly shown above, the first groove 36 and the second groove 38 are formed on the ring segments 30, 32 of the first ring 14 of the outer ring, respectively.

[0052] A first groove 36 is formed on the outer surface of the ring segment 30. The groove 36 opens on the first end 30a in the circumferential direction. In the example shown, the groove 36 extends over the entire width of the outer surface of the ring segment 30. Alternatively, the groove 36 may have a reduced width.

[0053] The second groove 38 is formed on the outer surface of the ring segment 32. The groove 38 is open on the first end 32a in the circumferential direction. The groove 38 faces the groove 36 of the ring segment 30 in the circumferential direction. In the example shown, the groove 38 is the same as the groove 36. As another option, the grooves 36, 38 can have different shapes and / or sizes.

[0054] As will be described later, the fixing plate 34 is completely received in the grooves 36, 38 of the ring segments 30, 32. The fixing plate 34 is mounted against the bottom of the grooves 36, 38 in the radial direction.

[0055] The rolling bearing further comprises a first screw 40 and a second screw 42 to fix the fixing plate 34 in the grooves 36, 38 of the ring segments 30, 32. In the example shown, the rolling bearing comprises two first screws 40 and two second screws 42. As another alternative, a different number of first screws 40 and second screws 42 can be foreseen.

[0056] Each of the first screws 40 extends through the fixing plate 34 and engages in a threaded hole 44 formed from the bottom of the slot 36. Each threaded hole 44 extends axially into the thickness of the ring segment 30. The first screws 40 fix the fixing plate 34 to the ring segment 30.

[0057] Each of the second screws 42 extends through the fixing plate 34 and engages in a threaded hole 46 formed from the bottom of the slot 38. Each threaded hole 44 extends axially into the thickness of the ring segment 32. The second screws 42 secure the fixing plate 34 to the ring segment 32.

[0058] The rolling bearing further comprises a first pin 46 and a second pin 48, which extend through the fixing plate 34 and protrude into a first recess 50 and a second recess 52, respectively, formed on the ring segments 30, 32. The first recess 50 is formed from the bottom of the groove 36. The second recess 52 is formed from the bottom of the groove 38. The first recess 50 and the second recess 52 extend in the radial direction.

[0059] Each pin 46, 48 is fully received within the fixing plate 34 and the associated recess 50, 52. In the example shown, each pin 46, 48 is set back relative to the outer surface 34a of the fixing plate on the radially opposite side of the first and second slots 36, 38.

[0060] The shape of each recess 50, 52 is complementary to the shape of the associated pin 46, 48. In the disclosed example, each pin 46, 48 has a cylindrical shape. As another option, each pin 46, 48 can have a different cross-sectional shape, such as rectangular, square, etc. Each pin 46, 48 is fixed in the associated recess 50, 52 by any suitable means (such as by press fitting).

[0061] As previously mentioned, the fixing plate 34 is completely housed in the grooves 36, 38 of the ring segments 30, 32 of the first ring 14 of the outer ring. In other words, the fixing plate 34 does not protrude relative to the ring segments 30, 32. In the example shown, the outer surface 34a of the fixing plate is flush with the outer cylindrical surface of each ring segment 30, 32. Each front surface 34b, 34c of the fixing plate is flush with one of the front surfaces of each ring segment 30, 32. In this example, the front faces 34b, 34c of the fixing plate delimit the outer surface 34a in the axial direction.

[0062] The fixing plate 34 does not increase the overall size of the rolling bearing. In order not to increase the overall size of the rolling bearing, in the example shown, the screw heads of the pins 46, 48 and the screws 40, 42 are also set back relative to the outer surface 34a of the fixing plate.

[0063] In the example shown, the grooves 36 , 38 are provided on outer cylindrical surfaces of the ring segments 30 , 32 which partially delimit the outer surface 10 b of the outer ring and with which the outer surface 34 a of the fixing plate 34 is flush.

[0064] As another option, in Figure 4 In the example shown above, in which identical parts are given identical reference numerals, the grooves 36, 38 are provided on the front surfaces of the ring segments 30, 32, which partially delimit the front surface 10d of the outer ring. Here, the outer surface 34a of the fixing plate 34 is flush with these front surfaces of the ring segments 30, 32. In this example, the front faces 34b, 34c of the fixing plate delimit the outer surface 34a in the radial direction. In the example shown, the fixing plate 34 is also provided with through holes (not shown) aligned with the through holes of the first ring 14 for connecting the first ring and the associated second ring (not shown).

[0065] In the example shown, the outer ring 10 is formed as a split ring in the axial direction. Alternatively, depending on the design of the rolling bearing, the outer ring 10 may not be segmented in the axial direction but may be segmented only in the circumferential direction.

[0066] In the previously described example, only the outer ring 10 is segmented in the circumferential direction. Alternatively or in combination, the inner ring can also be formed as a split ring, which includes at least two continuous circumferential ring segments. In this case, the first groove 36 and the second groove 38 can be arranged on the inner cylindrical surface of the ring segment, the inner cylindrical surface of the ring segment at least partially defines the hole of the inner split ring, or on the front surface of the ring segment, the front surface of the ring segment partially defines the front surface of the inner split ring.

[0067] In the example described, the rolling bearing is provided with three rows of rolling elements. As another option, the rolling bearing may include only one row of rolling elements, or two rows of rolling elements, or four or more rows of rolling elements. In the example shown, the rolling elements are rollers. The rolling bearing may include other types of rolling elements, such as balls. In another variant, the bearing may also be a sliding bearing without rolling elements.

Claims

1. A bearing comprising an outer ring (10) and an inner ring (12) which are rotatable concentrically relative to each other, at least one of the inner ring and the outer ring being a split ring and being divided into a plurality of continuous circumferential ring segments (30, 32), characterized in that: Each pair of adjacent continuous ring segments (30, 32) of the split ring is fixed together by at least one fixing plate (34), wherein the fixing plate (34) is arranged in a first groove (36) provided on one of the ring segments and a second groove (38) provided on the other ring segment, and the fixing plate (34) is at least set back or flush with the surface of each of the ring segments forming the first groove (36) or the second groove (38).

2. The bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing plate (34) is set back or flush with the split ring.

3. The bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The bearing also includes at least a first alignment member (46) and a second alignment member (48) extending through the retaining plate (34), the first alignment member (46) protruding into a recess (50) formed in the thickness of one of the ring segments and the second alignment member (48) protruding into a recess (52) formed in the thickness of the other ring segment.

4. The bearing according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first and second alignment members (46, 48) are set back or flush relative to an outer surface (34a) of the retaining plate (34) on opposite sides of the first and second grooves (36, 38) of the collar segment.

5. The bearing according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each of the first alignment member (46) and the second alignment member (48) includes a pin.

6. The bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The bearing also includes at least one first fixing screw (40) and at least one second fixing screw (42) extending through the fixing plate (34), the first fixing screw (40) being engaged in a threaded hole (44) formed on one of the ring segments, and the second fixing screw (42) being engaged in a threaded hole formed on the other ring segment.

7. The bearing according to claim 6, characterized in that The screw heads of the first fixing screw (40) and the second fixing screw (42) are set back or flush with the outer surface (34a) of the fixing plate (34) on the opposite side of the first groove (36) and the second groove (38) of the ring segment.

8. The bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first groove (36) and the second groove (38) are arranged on the outer cylindrical surface of the ring segment, and the outer cylindrical surface of the ring segment at least partially defines the outer cylindrical surface (10b) of the split ring, or the first groove (36) and the second groove (38) are arranged on the inner cylindrical surface of the ring segment, and the inner cylindrical surface of the ring segment at least partially defines the inner cylindrical hole (12a) of the split ring.

9. The bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first groove (36) and the second groove (38) are arranged on the front side of the ring segment, and the front side of the ring segment at least partially defines the front side (10d, 12d) of the split ring.

10. The bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The fixing plate (34) is made of a rigid material.

11. The bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The fixing plate (34) is made of steel.

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