Bearing with a sealing element and an adjusting shim for axial displacement thereof

Abstract

A bearing (10) comprises a first ring assembly (OR) and a second ring assembly (IR), the first ring assembly (OR) comprising at least a first ring (12) and an outer cover (20) reversibly fixed to the first ring (12), the bearing comprising at least one sealing element (26, 29) radially mounted into a cylindrical surface (12g, 20b) of the first ring assembly (OR) and provided with a sealing lip (26b, 29b) in sliding friction contact with the second ring assembly (IR). The bearing further comprises at least one adjusting shim (40) radially mounted between the first ring assembly (OR) and the second ring assembly (IR), the adjusting shim (40) being axially located between the outer cover (20) of the first ring assembly (OR) and the sealing element (26) or between the first ring (12) of the first ring assembly (OR) and the sealing element (29).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to the field of seals mounted between two rings of rolling bearings.

[0003] The present invention relates to large diameter rolling bearings, in particular slewing bearings for use in marine applications, for example in tidal or marine turbine power stations.

[0004] The invention is not limited to this application and may be used in other applications, such as in large diameter rolling bearings used in tunnel boring machines such as roadheaders. Background Art

[0005] Large diameter rolling bearings usually include an inner ring, an outer ring and a sealing element arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring to define a closed annular space, in which at least one row of rolling elements (such as balls or rollers, for example) is arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring.

[0006] Slewing bearings are used in harsh environments, especially in marine applications. Sealing elements prevent external elements such as dust, abrasive particles, water and marine species (e.g. plankton and algae) from entering the interior of the bearing and damaging its components. These external elements may also alter the sealing element itself, resulting in a shortened service life of the sealing element.

[0007] Typically, the sealing element is fixed to one of the rings and comprises a sealing lip in sliding contact with the other ring. Typically, a plurality of adjacent sealing elements are arranged on the front side of the bearing in direct contact with the salt water. The lips of adjacent sealing elements may have different orientation directions.

[0008] However, the sealing of such bearings may be inadequate ( / inadequate), especially when used in submersible machines or tunnel boring machines.

[0009] In fact, the first sealing element is the first seal to be damaged. The additional sealing element increases the cost and weight of the rolling bearing.

[0010] Furthermore, after a few years of use, the sealing element running surfaces wear out. The rings comprising such running surfaces must then be replaced, which increases the maintenance costs of the rolling bearing. In fact, the rings of rolling bearings used in slewing bearings or bearings for tunneling machines are quite expensive, since the material used for those rings must be corrosion-resistant and hard to limit wear.

[0011] There is a need to provide improved sealing of rolling bearings while extending the service life of the rings of the rolling bearings, in particular the sealing running surfaces. Summary of the invention

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a rolling bearing with an effective sealing element which is protected against the ingress of external elements and which has a prolonged service life, in particular in harsh environments, and which is easy to implement.

[0013] The present invention provides a bearing, comprising: a first ring assembly, and a second ring assembly, wherein the first ring assembly comprises at least a first ring and an outer cap reversibly fixed to the first ring, for example, the outer cap is fixed on the front surface of the first ring.

[0014] The bearing further comprises at least one sealing element mounted in radial direction in contact with the cylindrical surface of the first ring assembly and provided with a sealing lip in sliding frictional contact with the second ring assembly.

[0015] The bearing further comprises at least one adjusting shim mounted radially between the first ring assembly and the second ring assembly, for example, the at least one adjusting shim is mounted on a cylindrical surface of the first ring assembly.

[0016] In one embodiment, the adjustment spacer is axially located between the outer cover (eg, the first shoulder) of the first ring assembly and the sealing element.

[0017] In another embodiment, the adjustment washer is axially located between the first ring of the first ring assembly (eg, axially opposite to the second shoulder of the first shoulder) and the sealing element.

[0018] The adjusting washer is therefore configured to adopt at least two axial positions within the bearing.

[0019] The adjusting spacer allows the sealing element to have a different running surface, thereby significantly extending the service life of the sealing running surface.

[0020] In fact, by displacing the adjusting washer along the running surface, the sealing element is also displaced in the axial direction along the sealing running surface provided on the second ring, thereby extending the life of the second ring.

[0021] For example, the sealing element comprises an annular heel mounted on the cylindrical surface of the first ring assembly.

[0022] Advantageously, the adjusting spacer comprises an annular ring and an annular axial flange extending axially from the annular ring, the annular axial flange being configured to block the sealing element in a radial direction.

[0023] The annular axial flange allows the sealing element to be held radially and maintains the static sealing function.

[0024] For example, the adjusting spacer is segmented into at least two segments in the circumferential direction.

[0025] For example, the number of gasket segments may be greater than two, such as six. Segmented gaskets are easier to install and are therefore cheaper.

[0026] Preferably, the regulating gasket is made of a plastic material, such as a polymer, for example PEEK or any seawater resistant material.

[0027] In an embodiment, the bearing further comprises at least two sealing elements and at least one guide ring arranged axially between the two sealing elements, the guide ring comprising a flange protruding radially toward the second ring assembly and inclined in the same direction as the sealing lip of one of the sealing elements. Thus, the adjusting gasket can be clamped with the sealing element by the guide ring, for example, the guide ring can be assembled to the bearing by bolts.

[0028] In an embodiment, the bearing may comprise two guide rings or a plurality of two guide rings.

[0029] For example, the guide ring further includes an annular axial collar, which is configured to block an annular heel of another sealing element in the radial direction.

[0030] In an embodiment, the bearing comprises at least two adjustment shims mounted radially between the first ring assembly and the second ring assembly, for example, the at least two adjustment shims are mounted on a cylindrical surface of the first ring assembly.

[0031] In an embodiment, the first adjusting shim is axially located between an outer cover (eg, first shoulder) of the first ring assembly and the second adjusting shim, and the second adjusting shim is axially located between the first adjusting shim and an uppermost sealing element.

[0032] In another embodiment, the first adjustment shim is axially located between the outer cover (e.g., first shoulder) of the first ring assembly and the uppermost sealing element, and the second adjustment shim is axially located between the first ring of the first ring assembly and the lowermost sealing element.

[0033] In another embodiment, the first adjustment gasket is axially located between the lowermost sealing element and the second adjustment gasket, and the second adjustment gasket is axially located between the first ring of the first ring assembly (for example, the second shoulder axially opposite to the first shoulder) and the first adjustment gasket.

[0034] For example, in an embodiment, the annular axial flange of the second adjusting washer radially blocks the uppermost sealing element (eg, the annular heel thereof), while the annular axial flange of the first adjusting washer radially blocks the annular ring of the second adjusting washer.

[0035] For example, in an embodiment, the annular axial flange of the first adjusting gasket radially blocks the uppermost sealing element (e.g., its annular heel), while the annular axial flange of the second adjusting gasket radially blocks the lowermost sealing element (e.g., its annular heel).

[0036] For example, in an embodiment, the annular axial flange of the first adjusting gasket radially blocks the lowermost sealing element (eg, the annular ring heel thereof), while the annular axial flange of the second adjusting gasket radially blocks the annular ring of the first adjusting gasket.

[0037] By displacing the adjustment spacer along the seal running surface of the second ring assembly, the sealing element is also displaced axially along the seal running surface, thereby extending the life of the second ring assembly.

[0038] The adjusting disk can thus be clamped with the sealing element via the guide ring.

[0039] When positioning the adjusting spacers, the first adjusting spacer and / or the second adjusting spacer are reversed so that the annular axial flange clamps ( / grips) the associated sealing element in radial direction and maintains the static sealing function.

[0040] Each adjusting pad can be a single annular ring of 360° or can include multiple ring segments, each ring segment having an annular ring portion and an axial flange. For example, each adjusting pad can be segmented into six segments. As another option, each adjusting pad can be segmented into two or more segments. For example, one adjusting pad can be an annular ring, while another adjusting pad can be segmented. As an alternative, the number of segments of each adjusting pad can be different.

[0041] As an alternative, the number of adjusting shims may be different. For example, the bearing may include one adjusting shim with at least two different axial positions, or a number greater than three adjusting shims.

[0042] For example, the adjusting spacer is mounted in a cylindrical surface of the outer cover or in a cylindrical surface of the first ring.

[0043] For example, the sealing element is mounted at least in a cylindrical surface of the outer cover or in a cylindrical surface of the first ring.

[0044] For example, the bearing is a rolling bearing comprising at least one row of rolling elements arranged between the ring assemblies. As an alternative, the bearing may be a sliding bearing.

[0045] In an embodiment, the first ring is an outer ring of the bearing.

[0046] In an embodiment, the bearing is a slew bearing.

[0047] In another embodiment, the bearing is a roller bearing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] 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:

[0049] - Figure 1 is a partial view of an axial cross section of a bearing with an adjustable shim in a first position according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a bearing wherein the adjustable spacer is in a second position;

[0051] - Figure 3 is a perspective view of an adjustable spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] - Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Detailed view of the adjustable spacer;

[0053] - Figure 5 is a partial view of an axial section of a bearing with two adjustable shims in a first position according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

[0054] - Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The bearing of claim 1, wherein the adjustable spacer is in a second position; and

[0055] - Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A bearing with the adjustable spacer in the third position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The expressions "outer" and "inner" refer to the axis of rotation X1-X1 of the bearing, the inner part being closer to said axis of rotation than the outer part.

[0057] First refer to Figures 1 to 4 , which shows an embodiment of a bearing 10 , for example a large diameter slewing bearing intended to be used in particular in marine applications such as for example tidal power stations (not shown).

[0058] The slewing bearing 10 includes an outer ring 12 as a first ring, a rotating inner ring 14 as a second ring, two rows of rolling elements 16, 17 (such as balls, for example) arranged between the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 14, and two cages 18, 19, each cage being configured to maintain the circumferential spacing of the rolling elements 16, 17 in each row. Such a slewing bearing 10 forms an axial thrust configured to transmit axial loads and radial loads as well as torque.

[0059] As an alternative, a single row of rolling elements between the inner and outer rings can be envisaged to form an axial thrust configured to transfer axial loads. Other rolling elements than balls are also possible, such as rollers or any rolling element for example.

[0060] The outer ring 12 and the inner ring 14 are in the form of concentric rings rotatable about the axis of rotation X1 - X1 of the bearing 10 , the outer ring 12 surrounding the inner ring 14 in the radial direction.

[0061] As shown, the outer ring 12 is solid and is defined radially by an inner cylindrical surface 12a and an outer cylindrical surface 12b. The outer ring 12 has two annular grooves 12c and 12d on its inner cylindrical surface 12a, and the curvature radius of the annular grooves 12c and 12d is slightly larger than the radius of the rolling elements 16 and 17 and forms a bearing raceway for the rolling elements 16 and 17.

[0062] The outer ring 12 may be manufactured by machining or by pressing a steel blank and then ground (optionally polished) at the bearing raceways 12c, 12d to give the ring 12 its geometrical characteristics and its final surface finish.

[0063] The outer ring 12 is formed as a single piece, but may comprise a plurality of ring segments that are assembled.

[0064] The outer ring 12 also comprises two radial front surfaces 12e, 12f which delimit axially the inner cylindrical surface 12a and the outer cylindrical surface 12b.

[0065] The outer cylindrical surface 12b and the first front surface 12e are directly exposed to the marine environment and may be covered with an anti-corrosion layer (not shown), while the inner cylindrical surface 12a and the second front surface 12f are arranged in a chassis (not shown) and are therefore less susceptible to corrosion.

[0066] The first front surface 12 e of the outer ring 12 comprises a circumferential groove 12 g which opens radially toward the inner ring 14 and is axially defined between the radial shoulder 12 h of the outer ring and the first shoulder 20 a of the outer cover 20 .

[0067] The outer cover 20 is reversibly fixed to the outer ring 12 by fixing means such as screws 21 screwed into threaded holes (not shown) provided in the outer cover 20 and the outer ring 12. The outer cover 20 is mounted in the circumferential recess 13 provided on the first front surface 12e of the outer ring 12.

[0068] As shown, the outer cover 20 is annular. As another option, the outer cover may include a plurality of circumferentially adjacent outer cover portions.

[0069] The outer cover 20 also includes a circumferential groove 20b coaxial with the circumferential groove 12g of the outer ring 12. The assembly including the outer cover 20 and the outer ring 12 can form an outer ring assembly OR of a slewing bearing. The shoulder 20a of the cover is referred to as the first shoulder of the outer ring assembly, and the shoulder 12h of the outer ring 12 is referred to as the second shoulder of the outer ring assembly, and the second shoulder is axially opposite to the first shoulder compared to the sealing element.

[0070] As shown, the inner ring 14 is solid and is defined radially by an inner cylindrical surface 14a and an outer cylindrical surface 14b. The inner ring 14 has two annular grooves 14c and 14d on its outer cylindrical surface 14b, and the curvature radius of the annular grooves 14c and 14d is slightly larger than the radius of the rolling elements 16 and 17 and forms a bearing raceway for the rolling elements 16 and 17.

[0071] The inner ring 14 may be manufactured by machining or by pressing a steel blank, which is then ground (optionally lapped) at the bearing raceways 14 c , 14 d to give the ring 14 its geometrical characteristics and its final surface finish.

[0072] The inner ring 14 is formed as a single piece, but may comprise a plurality of ring segments that are assembled.

[0073] The inner ring 14 also comprises two radial front surfaces 14e, 14f which delimit axially the inner cylindrical surface 14a and the outer cylindrical surface 14b.

[0074] The first front surface 14e is directly exposed to the marine environment and may be covered with an anti-corrosion layer (not shown), whereas the second front surface 14f is disposed in a chassis (not shown) and is therefore less susceptible to corrosion.

[0075] The first front surface 14 e of the inner ring 14 includes a circumferential groove 15 that opens radially toward the outer ring 12 in the radial direction and is configured to receive the annular seal contact member 22 .

[0076] The annular seal contact member 22 is fixed to the inner ring 14 by fixing means such as screws 23 screwed into threaded holes (not shown) provided in the seal contact member 22 and the inner ring 14. The assembly including the seal contact member 22 and the inner ring 14 may form an inner ring assembly IR of the slewing bearing.

[0077] As shown, the annular sealing contact member 22 is annular. Alternatively, the annular sealing contact member 22 may include a plurality of circumferentially adjacent annular sealing contact member portions.

[0078] The annular seal contact member 22 is defined radially by an inner cylindrical surface 22a and an outer cylindrical surface 22b, and axially by a first front surface 22c and an opposite second front surface 22d.

[0079] The inner cylindrical surface 22 a or bore is coaxial with the outer cylindrical surface 14 b of the inner ring 14 .

[0080] As shown, the cover 20 is also provided with a cover sealing member 24, which includes an annular heel 24a installed in an annular slot 24c in a hole provided in the first shoulder 20a of the cover 20, and a sealing lip 24b protruding radially inwardly toward the inner ring 14. The sealing lip 24b has a free end that is in sliding friction contact with a sealing contact surface provided on a first front surface 22c of the sealing contact member 22. The sealing lip 24b provides a dynamic sealing function with the sealing contact member 22 fixed to the inner ring 14. The contact between the sealing lip 24b and the sealing contact member 22 is axial. The cover sealing member 24 is designed to limit the penetration of particles and dust toward the rolling elements.

[0081] The slewing bearing 10 further includes a lower seal 25 axially opposed to the cover seal member 24. The lower seal 25 includes an annular heel 25a mounted in an annular slot provided in the outer surface 14b of the inner ring 14 and a sealing lip 25b protruding radially outwardly toward the outer ring 12. The sealing lip 25b has a free end in sliding frictional contact with a sealing contact surface provided on the inner cylindrical surface or bore 12a of the outer ring 12. The sealing lip 25b provides a dynamic sealing function with the outer ring 12. The contact between the sealing lip 25b and the outer ring 12 is radial. As another option, the lower seal may be mounted on the inner ring 14.

[0082] The cover sealing member 24 and the lower seal 25 define an annular closed space 11 between the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 14, within which the rows of rolling elements 16, 17 are arranged. Advantageously, the annular closed space 11 is filled with a lubricant.

[0083] The slewing bearing 10 further includes upper sealing elements 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 mounted in the circumferential groove 12 g of the outer ring 12 and in the circumferential groove 20 b of the outer cover 20 .

[0084] As another option, the slewing bearing may include one, two or more than two upper sealing elements. The upper sealing elements 26, 27, 28, 29 may be made of an elastic material, such as polyurethane. The upper sealing elements 26, 27, 28, 29 are designed to limit the penetration of liquid from the seabed environment between the inner ring 14 and the outer ring 12.

[0085] The upper sealing elements 26, 27, 28, 29 each include an annular heel 26a, 27a, 28a, 29a installed in the circumferential groove 12g of the outer ring 12 and the circumferential groove 20b of the outer cover 20. As shown in the figure, and as a non-limiting example, one sealing element 29 is installed in the circumferential groove 12g of the outer ring 12, and three sealing elements 26, 27, 28 are installed in the circumferential groove 20b of the outer cover 20.

[0086] The upper sealing elements 26, 27, 28, 29 also each include a sealing lip 26b, 27b, 28b, 29b that protrudes radially inwardly toward the inner ring 14. The sealing lips 26b, 27b, 28b, 29b are flexible in the radial direction. As shown in the figure, the sealing lips 26b, 27b, 28b, 29b extend obliquely relative to the radial plane. As shown in the figure, the lowermost seal 29 is provided with a sealing lip 29b, and the orientation of the sealing lip 29b is opposite to the orientation of the sealing lip 26b of the uppermost sealing element 26.

[0087] The sealing lip 29 b of the lowermost sealing element 29 is in sliding contact with a sliding contact surface provided on the outer cylindrical surface 14 b of the inner ring 14 .

[0088] The uppermost sealing element 26 and the sealing lips 26 b , 27 b , 28 b of the intermediate sealing elements 27 , 28 located therebetween are in sliding contact with a sliding contact surface provided on the outer cylindrical surface 22 b of the annular sealing contact member 22 .

[0089] For example, the uppermost sealing element 26 and the first intermediate sealing element 27 allow protection against the intrusion of foreign particles, dust and liquids. The lowermost sealing element 29 allows protection against grease leakage, and the second intermediate sealing element 28 forms a back-up seal in the event of damage to one of the other sealing elements 26, 27, 29.

[0090] The sealing lips 26b, 27b, 28b, 29b provide a dynamic sealing function with the inner ring 14. The friction contact between the lips and the sealing contact surface is radial.

[0091] Advantageously, the free ends of the sealing lips each have a triangular cross-section in order to limit the friction between the sealing element and the inner ring 14 and the sealing contact member 22 .

[0092] As shown, the slewing bearing 10 further includes a first guide ring 30 and a second guide ring 32 disposed in the circumferential groove 20b of the outer cover 20. Alternatively, the slewing bearing 10 may include a single guide ring located between two adjacent sealing elements.

[0093] The guide rings 30, 32 are annular. The first guide ring 30 is axially mounted between the annular heel 26a of the uppermost sealing element 26 and the annular heel 27a of the first intermediate sealing element 27. The second guide ring 32 is axially mounted between the annular heel 27a of the first intermediate sealing element 27 and the annular heel 28a of the second intermediate sealing element 28. As shown in the figure, the two guide rings 30, 32 are similar.

[0094] The first guide ring 30 includes a flange 30a which protrudes radially toward the inner ring 14, for example, inclined in the same direction as the sealing lip 26b of the uppermost sealing element 26 to prevent any reversion of the sealing lip 26b. The first guide ring 30 also includes an annular axial flange ( / collar) 30b which radially blocks the annular heel 27a of the first intermediate sealing element 27 from moving radially inward ( / in a radially inward direction).

[0095] The second guide ring 32 includes a flange 32a which protrudes radially toward the inner ring 14, for example, inclined in the same direction as the sealing lip 27b of the first intermediate sealing element 27 to prevent any reversal of the sealing lip 27b. The second guide ring 32 also includes an annular axial flange 32b which radially blocks the annular heel 28a of the second intermediate sealing element 28 inwardly in the radial direction. The heel 28a of the second intermediate sealing element 28 and the heel 29a of the lowermost sealing element 29 are axially held between the shoulder 12h of the outer ring 12 and the second guide ring 32.

[0096] The slewing bearing 10 further includes an adjustment washer 40 including an annular ring 42 and an annular axial flange 44 extending from the annular ring 42 in the axial direction.

[0097] The adjusting shim 40 is configured to adopt two axial positions within the slew bearing 10:

[0098] The first axial position, such as Figure 1 As shown, the annular ring 42 is mounted in the circumferential groove 20b of the outer cover 20 and is axially located between the shoulder 20a of the outer cover 20 and the annular heel 26a of the uppermost sealing element 26; and

[0099] The second axial position, such as Figure 2 As shown, the annular ring 42 is mounted in the circumferential groove 12 g of the outer ring 12 and is located axially between the shoulder 12 h of the outer ring 12 and the annular heel 29 a of the lowermost sealing element 29 .

[0100] In the first axial position, the annular axial flange 44 of the adjusting washer 40 radially blocks the annular heel 26a of the uppermost sealing element 26 and in the second axial position, said annular axial flange 44 radially blocks the annular heel 29a of the lowermost sealing element 29 .

[0101] As an alternative, the adjusting shim 40 may be configured to adopt three or more axial positions within the slew bearing 10 , such as, for example, a neutral position in which the adjusting shim 40 is located between a sealing element and an adjacent guide ring.

[0102] By shifting the adjusting gasket 40 from the first axial position to the second axial position, the outer cover 20 can be disconnected from the outer ring 12, and the sealing elements 26, 27, 28, and 29 can be shifted axially along the sealing operating surfaces provided on the outer cylindrical surface 14b of the inner ring 14 and the outer cylindrical surface 22b of the sealing contact member 22, thereby increasing the life of the sealing operating surfaces.

[0103] As an alternative, the number of adjusting shims may be different. For example, the slew bearing 10 may include two or more adjusting shims having at least two different axial positions.

[0104] The adjusting disk 40 is axially braced with the sealing elements 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 via the guide rings 30 , 32 .

[0105] When the adjusting shim 40 is positioned in the second position, the shim 40 is reversed so that the annular axial flange 44 clamps ( / grips) the associated sealing element in the radial direction and maintains the static sealing function.

[0106] As from Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen from the figure, the adjusting pad can be a single annular ring of 360 °, or can include multiple ring segments, each of which has annular ring portions 42a, 42b and axial flanges 44a, 44b. As shown in the figure, the adjusting pad 40 is segmented into six sections. As another option, the adjusting pad 40 can be segmented into two or more sections.

[0107] Preferably, the adjusting shim 40 is made of a seawater resistant material, for example a polymer material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or any thermoplastic polymer as long as it is seawater resistant and compatible with the lubricant used in the bearing.

[0108] The sealing assembly formed by the cover 20, the sealing elements 26, 27, 28, 29, the guide rings 30, 32 and the adjusting shims 40 is held axially and radially relative to the inner ring 14. Furthermore, these elements are easy to install axially during assembly of the slewing bearing 10. These elements are also easy to remove and replace by new elements during maintenance operations of the slewing bearing.

[0109] Now refer to Figures 5 to 7 , which shows another embodiment of a roller bearing 100 , for example the roller bearing 100 is a large diameter roller bearing intended to be used in particular in a tunnel boring machine or a mooring buoy.

[0110] The roller bearing 100 includes an outer ring 112 as a first ring, a rotating inner ring 114 as a second ring, and three groups of rolling elements 115, 116, 117, such as rollers 115a, 116a, 117a, 117b, are arranged between the outer ring 112 and the rotating inner ring 114. Alternatively, the roller bearing 100 may include other numbers of groups of rolling elements or other configurations of those rolling elements.

[0111] The rollers 115 a of the first set 115 and 117 a , 117 b of the third set 117 are radial rollers having a rotation axis Y1 - Y1 , Y2 - Y2 perpendicular to the rotation axis X2 - X2 of the roller bearing 100 .

[0112] The rollers 116 a of the second set 116 are axial rollers having an axis of rotation X3 - X3 parallel to the axis of rotation X2 - X2 of the roller bearing 100 .

[0113] The third group 117 comprises two superposed rows of rollers 117a, 117b along the axis of rotation Y2-Y2 of said rollers, making them coaxial. Alternatively, the third group may have a single row of rollers.

[0114] The inner ring 114 and the outer ring 112 are concentric and extend axially along the rotation axis X2 - X2 of the roller bearing 100 .

[0115] This set of rollers will not be described further, as the invention is not limited to this configuration.The rollers may also have an inclined axis of rotation.

[0116] As shown, the outer ring 112 includes two outer ring parts 112a, 112b assembled together by bolts (not shown). Alternatively, the outer ring 112 can be a single-piece ring. The inner ring 114 includes two inner ring parts 114a, 114b assembled together by bolts (not shown). Alternatively, the inner ring 114 can be a single-piece ring.

[0117] The outer ring 112 and the inner ring 114 are in the form of concentric rings rotatable about the rotation axis X2 - X2 of the bearing 100 , with the outer ring 112 surrounding the inner ring 114 in the radial direction.

[0118] As shown, the outer race 112 is solid and is radially bounded by an inner cylindrical surface or bore 113a and an outer cylindrical surface 113b.

[0119] The roller bearing 100 further includes an outer cover 120, which is reversibly fixed to the outer ring 112, in particular to the second portion 112b, by a fixing member, such as a screw (not shown) screwed into a threaded hole (not shown) provided in the outer cover 120 and the outer ring 112. The outer cover 120 is annular. Alternatively, the outer cover may include a plurality of outer cover portions adjacent in the circumferential direction.

[0120] As shown, the inner race 114 is radially defined by an inner cylindrical surface or bore 119a and an outer cylindrical surface 119b.

[0121] The second portion 114b of the inner ring 114 forms an annular sealing contact member that is fixed to the first portion 114a by a fixing member such as a screw (not shown) screwed into a threaded hole (not shown) provided in the sealing contact member 114b and the first portion 114a of the inner ring 114. The first portion 114a of the inner ring 114 includes a plurality of gear teeth 114c on a hole thereof.

[0122] As shown, the annular sealing contact member 114b is annular. Alternatively, the annular sealing contact member 114b may include a plurality of circumferentially adjacent annular sealing contact member portions.

[0123] The roller bearing 100 further comprises upper sealing elements 126, 127, 128 mounted in the bore 113a of the second portion 112b of the outer ring 112. The uppermost sealing element 126 and the intermediate sealing element 127 allow for prevention of the intrusion of foreign particles, dust and liquids as well as small rocks. The lowermost sealing element 128 allows for prevention of grease leakage.

[0124] As another option, the roller bearing 100 may include one, two or more than two upper sealing elements. The upper sealing elements 126, 127, 128 may be made of an elastic material, such as nitrile rubber.

[0125] The upper sealing elements 126 , 127 , 128 each include an annular heel 126a , 127a , 128a mounted in the bore 113a of the second portion 112b of the outer ring 112 .

[0126] The upper sealing elements 126, 127, 128 also each include a sealing lip 126b, 127b, 128b protruding radially inwardly toward the inner ring 114 (especially the annular sealing contact member 114b). The sealing lips 126b, 127b, 128b are flexible in the radial direction. As shown in the figure, the sealing lips 126b, 127b, 128b extend obliquely relative to the radial plane. As shown in the figure, the lowermost seal 128 is provided with a sealing lip 128b, and the orientation of the sealing lip 128b is opposite to the orientation of the sealing lip 126b of the uppermost sealing element 126.

[0127] The sealing lips 126b, 127b, 128b of the sealing elements 126, 127, 128 are in sliding contact with a sliding contact surface provided on the outer cylindrical surface 119b of the annular seal contact member 114b.

[0128] The sealing lips 126b, 127b, 128b provide a dynamic sealing function with the inner ring 114. The frictional contact between the lips and the sealing contact surface is radial.

[0129] Advantageously, the free ends of the sealing lips each have a triangular cross-section in order to limit the friction between the sealing element and the sealing contact member 114b.

[0130] As shown in the figure, the roller bearing 100 further includes a first guide ring 130 and a second guide ring 132 arranged in the circumferential groove of the second portion 112b of the outer ring 112. The second portion 112b and the outer cover 120 serve as an outer cover.

[0131] As another alternative, the roller bearing 100 may include a single guide ring between two adjacent sealing elements.

[0132] The guide rings 130, 132 are annular. The first guide ring 130 is axially mounted between the annular heel 126a of the uppermost sealing element 126 and the annular heel 127a of the middle sealing element 127. The second guide ring 132 is axially mounted between the annular heel 127a of the middle sealing element 127 and the annular heel 128a of the lowermost sealing element 128. As shown in the figure, the two guide rings 130, 132 are different.

[0133] The first guide ring 130 includes a flange 130a which protrudes radially toward the second portion 114b of the inner ring 114, for example, inclined in the same direction as the sealing lip 126b of the uppermost sealing element 126 to prevent any reversal of the sealing lip 126b. The first guide ring 130 also includes an annular axial flange 130b which radially blocks the annular heel 127a of the intermediate sealing element 127 from moving inwardly in the radial direction.

[0134] The second guide ring 132 includes a flange 132a that projects radially toward the second portion 114b of the inner ring 114, for example, inclined in the same direction as the sealing lip 127b of the intermediate sealing element 127 to prevent any reversal of the sealing lip 127b. As shown, the second guide ring 132 does not include an annular axial flange that radially blocks the annular heel of the lowermost sealing element 128. As another option, the second guide ring 132 may have a flange that projects toward the second portion 114b and is inclined in the same direction as the sealing lip 128b of the lowermost sealing element 128.

[0135] The roller bearing 100 further includes two adjustment washers 140 , 150 , each of which includes an annular ring 142 , 152 and an annular axial flange 144 , 154 extending in the axial direction from the corresponding annular ring 142 , 152 .

[0136] Each adjustment shim 140, 150 is mounted in a hole 113a of the second ring portion 112b and is configured to adopt three axial positions within the slew bearing 100:

[0137] The first axial position, such as Figure 5 As shown, two adjusting washers 140, 150 are adjacent and axially mounted between an annular axial flange 120a of the cover 120 extending axially toward the sealing elements 126, 127, 128 and the uppermost sealing element 126 (especially the annular heel 126a);

[0138] The second axial position, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first adjustment gasket 140 is axially mounted between the annular axial flange 120a of the cover 120 and the uppermost sealing element 126, and the second adjustment gasket 150 is axially mounted between the lowermost sealing element 128 (especially the annular heel 128a) and the shoulder 120b of the second ring portion 112b; and

[0139] The third axial position, such as Figure 7 As shown, two adjusting washers 140, 150 are adjacent and are mounted axially between the lowermost sealing element 28 (in particular the annular heel 128a) and the shoulder 120b of the second ring portion 112b.

[0140] In the first axial position, the annular axial flange 154 of the second adjusting washer 150 radially blocks the annular heel 126 a of the uppermost sealing element 126 , while the annular axial flange 144 of the first adjusting washer 140 radially blocks the annular ring 152 of the second adjusting washer 150 .

[0141] In the second axial position, the annular axial flange 144 of the first adjusting washer 140 radially blocks the annular heel 126a of the uppermost sealing element 126 , while the annular axial flange 154 of the second adjusting washer 150 radially blocks the annular heel 128a of the lowermost sealing element 128 .

[0142] In the third axial position, the annular axial flange 144 of the first adjusting shim 140 radially blocks the annular ring heel 128 a of the lowermost sealing element 128 , while the annular axial flange 154 of the second adjusting shim 150 radially blocks the annular ring 142 of the first adjusting shim 140 .

[0143] By shifting the adjusting gaskets 140, 150 from the first axial position to the second axial position, the outer cover 120 is disconnected from the outer ring 112, and the sealing elements 126, 127, 128 are shifted axially along the sealing running surface provided on the outer cylindrical surface 119b of the sealing contact member 114b, thereby extending the life of the sealing running surface.

[0144] The adjusting washers 140 , 150 are clamped together with the sealing elements 126 , 127 , 128 via the guide rings 130 , 132 .

[0145] When the adjustment shims 140 , 150 are positioned in the second position, the second adjustment shim 150 is reversed so that the annular axial flange 154 clamps ( / grips) the associated sealing element in the radial direction and maintains the static sealing function.

[0146] When the adjusting washers 140 , 150 are positioned in the third position, the first adjusting washers 140 are reversed so that the annular axial flange 144 clamps the associated sealing element in the radial direction and maintains the static sealing function.

[0147] Each adjusting pad 140, 150 can be a single annular ring of 360°, or can include multiple ring segments, each ring segment having an annular ring portion and an axial flange. For example, each adjusting pad 140, 150 can be segmented into six segments. As another option, each adjusting pad 140, 150 can be segmented into two or more segments. For example, one adjusting pad can be an annular ring, while the other adjusting pad can be segmented. As an alternative, the number of segments of each adjusting pad can be different.

[0148] As an alternative, the number of adjusting shims may be different. For example, the roller bearing 100 may include one adjusting shim with at least two different axial positions, or a plurality of adjusting shims greater than three.

[0149] Preferably, each adjustment spacer 140, 150 is made of a seawater resistant material, such as, for example, a polymer material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or any thermoplastic polymer.

[0150] In an alternative, the adjustment shims 140 , 150 may be made of steel, such as S355.

[0151] An assembly including the outer ring portions 112 a , 112 b and the cover 120 may be referred to as an outer ring assembly OR.

[0152] The assembly including the inner ring portions 114a, 114b may be referred to as an inner ring assembly IR.

[0153] The annular axial flange 120a of the cover 120 is referred to as a first shoulder of the outer ring assembly and the shoulder 120b of the second outer ring portion 112b is referred to as a second shoulder of the outer ring assembly, the second shoulder being axially opposite to the first shoulder compared to the sealing element.

[0154] The seal assembly formed by the second ring portion 112b, the cover 120, the sealing elements 126, 127, 128, the guide rings 130, 132 and the adjusting washers 140, 150 is held axially and radially relative to the inner ring 114. Furthermore, these elements are easy to install in the axial direction during assembly of the roller bearing 100. These elements are also easy to remove and replace by new elements during maintenance operations of the roller bearing.

[0155] The invention is applicable to rolling bearings, but also to sliding bearings.

[0156] The present invention provides a bearing configured to ensure relative rotation between a first ring and a second ring, the bearing having improved sealing performance and having an improved service life of a sealing running surface.

[0157] Due to the adjusting shims, the service life of the sealing running surfaces of the rolling bearing is significantly extended ( / increased).

[0158] Furthermore, maintenance costs are significantly reduced, since the entire ring with the sealing running surface does not need to be changed.

Claims

1. A bearing (10, 100), comprising: - First Circle Components (OR), and a second ring assembly (IR), said first ring assembly (OR) comprising at least a first ring (12, 112) and an outer cover (20, 120) reversibly fixed to said first ring (12, 112), and - at least one sealing element (26, 29; 126, 128) mounted radially in contact with the cylindrical surface (12g, 20b; 113b) of the first ring assembly (OR) and provided with a sealing lip (26b, 29b; 126b, 128b) in sliding friction contact with the second ring assembly (IR), characterized in that the bearing comprises at least one adjusting washer (40; 140, 150) mounted radially between the first ring assembly (OR) and the second ring assembly (IR), the adjusting washer (40; 140, 150) being axially located between the outer cover (20, 120) of the first ring assembly (OR) and the sealing element (26, 126) or between the first ring (12, 112) of the first ring assembly (OR) and the sealing element (29; 128), The bearing (10; 100) comprises at least two sealing elements (26, 27, 28, 29; 126, 127, 128) and at least one guide ring (30, 32; 130, 132) arranged axially between the two sealing elements, and the adjusting washer is clamped with the sealing element through the guide ring.

2. The bearing (10; 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The adjusting gasket (40; 140, 150) includes an annular ring (42; 142, 152) and an annular axial flange (44; 144) extending axially from the annular ring (42; 142, 152), and the annular axial flange (44; 144, 154) is configured to block the sealing element (26, 29; 126, 128) in the radial direction.

3. The bearing (10; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The adjusting spacer (40; 140, 150) is segmented into at least two segments (42, 42b; 44a, 44b) in the circumferential direction.

4. The bearing (10; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The adjusting gasket (40; 140, 150) is made of plastic material.

5. The bearing (10; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The at least one guide ring (30, 32; 130, 132) comprises a flange (30a, 32a; 130a) which protrudes radially toward the second ring assembly (14, 114) and is inclined in the same direction as the sealing lip of one of the sealing elements.

6. The bearing (10; 100) according to claim 5, characterized in that The guide ring (30, 32; 130) comprises an annular axial flange (30b, 32b; 130b) which is configured to block another sealing element in a radial direction.

7. The bearing (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bearing (100) comprises at least two adjustment washers (140, 150) radially mounted between the first ring assembly (OR) and the second ring assembly (1R), wherein: - the first adjusting gasket (140) is axially located between the outer cover (120) of the first ring assembly (OR) and the second adjusting gasket (150), and the second adjusting gasket (150) is axially located between the first adjusting gasket (140) and the uppermost sealing element (126); or - the first adjusting gasket (140) is axially located between the outer cover (120) of the first ring assembly (OR) and the uppermost sealing element (126), and the second adjusting gasket (150) is axially located between the first ring (112) of the first ring assembly (OR) and the lowermost sealing element (128); or - The first adjusting gasket (140) is axially located between the lowermost sealing element (128) and the second adjusting gasket (150), and the second adjusting gasket (150) is axially located between the first ring (112) of the first ring assembly (OR) and the first adjusting gasket (140).

8. The bearing (10; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The adjusting gasket (40; 140, 150) is installed in the cylindrical surface (20b) of the outer cover (20) or in the cylindrical surface (12g; 113a) of the first ring (12; 112).

9. The bearing (10; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The sealing element is installed at least in the cylindrical surface (20b) of the outer cover (20) or in the cylindrical surface (12g; 113a) of the first ring (12; 112).

10. The bearing (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The bearing (10) further comprises at least one row of rolling elements (16, 17; 115, 116, 117) arranged between the first ring assembly (OR) and the second ring assembly (IR).

Images