thrust bearing

Abstract

This invention provides a thrust bearing, including a bearing stator, a bearing rotor, and a magnetic thrust structure. The bearing stator has a mounting cavity with an inner surface extending axially along the bearing stator. The bearing rotor is rotatably mounted into the mounting cavity along its axis, and has a thrust surface opposite to the inner surface. The magnetic thrust structure is disposed between the inner surface and the thrust surface, and generates a cooperating magnetic force between the inner surface and the thrust surface. In the thrust bearing provided by this invention, the magnetic thrust structure is disposed between the thrust surface and the inner surface. When the bearing rotor undergoes axial displacement due to rotation, it also pulls the bearing stator axially, thereby transmitting the generated axial force to the bearing stator. Direct contact between the bearing stator and the bearing rotor is avoided, preventing wear during rotation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bearing technology, and more particularly to a thrust bearing. Background Technology

[0002] Thrust bearings are crucial components of marine propulsion systems, primarily functioning to transmit thrust from the propeller to the hull via the shafting system, thus propelling the ship. Currently, traditional thrust bearings mostly employ a thrust disc-thrust pad structure. During start-up, shutdown, and low-speed operation, the inability to establish an effective hydrodynamic lubrication film between the disc and pad leads to severe wear of the thrust pad, increasing the risk of bearing failure and other malfunctions. This significantly reduces the reliability of the thrust bearing, impacting the safe operation of the marine propulsion system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a thrust bearing to solve the problem of thrust bearing bearing wear and reduce thrust bearing wear.

[0004] This invention provides a thrust bearing, comprising:

[0005] A bearing stator has an internal mounting cavity, and the mounting cavity has an inner side extending along the axial direction of the bearing stator;

[0006] A bearing rotor is rotatably mounted into the mounting cavity along its axis, the bearing rotor having a thrust surface opposite to the inner surface; and,

[0007] A magnetic thrust structure is disposed between the inner side surface and the thrust surface, and the magnetic thrust structure is used to generate a cooperating magnetic force on the inner side surface and the thrust surface.

[0008] According to the thrust bearing provided by the present invention, the magnetic thrust structure includes two magnetic rings that are magnetically attracted to each other. One of the two magnetic rings is disposed on the inner side surface, and the other is disposed on the thrust surface.

[0009] According to the thrust bearing provided by the present invention, two magnetic rings together form a magnetic traction group, and multiple magnetic traction groups are provided, which are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the mounting cavity.

[0010] According to the thrust bearing provided by the present invention, the two magnetic rings arranged adjacent to each other along the axial direction of the mounting cavity have opposite polarities.

[0011] According to the thrust bearing provided by the present invention, the mounting cavity further has two inner end faces that are arranged opposite to each other along the axial direction of the bearing stator;

[0012] The bearing rotor has two mating surfaces that are respectively arranged opposite to the two inner end faces;

[0013] The thrust bearing further includes a disc structure disposed between at least one of the inner end faces and the corresponding mating surface to transmit thrust between the inner end face and the mating surface.

[0014] According to the thrust bearing provided by the present invention, the bearing structure includes a thrust bearing and a thrust disk that are mutually coupled, wherein one of the thrust bearing and the thrust disk is disposed on the inner end face and the other is disposed on the mating surface.

[0015] According to the thrust bearing provided by the present invention, at least one of the inner end faces is provided with a thrust protrusion at the middle position;

[0016] The mating surface is recessed with a thrust groove corresponding to the thrust protrusion;

[0017] The disc structure is located between the end face of the thrust protrusion and the bottom surface of the thrust groove.

[0018] According to the thrust bearing provided by the present invention, a first gap is formed between the end face of the thrust protrusion and the bottom surface of the thrust groove;

[0019] A second gap is formed between the inner end face and the mating surface;

[0020] Wherein, the first gap is smaller than the second gap.

[0021] According to the thrust bearing provided by the present invention, the bearing stator is provided with a shaft hole extending along the axial direction of the bearing stator, the shaft hole communicating with the mounting cavity and being coaxially arranged with the mounting cavity;

[0022] The thrust bearing also includes a rotating shaft, which is rotatably inserted into the shaft hole;

[0023] The bearing rotor is fixedly sleeved on the rotating shaft.

[0024] According to the thrust bearing provided by the present invention, the thrust bearing further includes a support bearing disposed between the rotating shaft and the shaft hole.

[0025] In the thrust bearing provided by the present invention, a mounting cavity is formed inside the bearing stator, and the bearing rotor rotates within the mounting cavity. The thrust surface and the inner side surface are arranged opposite to each other, and a magnetic thrust structure is provided between the thrust surface and the inner side surface. When the bearing rotor generates axial displacement due to rotation, the bearing stator is also pulled axially through the magnetic thrust structure, so as to transmit the generated axial force to the bearing stator, thereby driving the axial movement of an external object fixedly connected to the bearing stator. In this case, the bearing stator and the bearing rotor do not need to be in direct contact, thus avoiding wear during rotation. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the thrust bearing provided by the present invention.

[0028] Figure label:

[0029] 100. Thrust bearing; 1. Bearing stator; 2. Bearing rotor; 31. Magnetic ring; 41. Thrust pad; 42. Thrust disc; 51. First clearance; 52. Second clearance; 6. Rotating shaft; 7. Support bearing. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0031] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0032] Please see Figure 1 The present invention provides a thrust bearing 100, including a bearing stator 1, a bearing rotor 2, and a magnetic thrust structure; the bearing stator 1 has a mounting cavity, and the mounting cavity has an inner side extending along the axial direction of the bearing stator 1; the bearing rotor 2 is rotatably mounted into the mounting cavity along the axis of the mounting cavity, and the bearing rotor 2 has a thrust surface opposite to the inner side; the magnetic thrust structure is disposed between the inner side and the thrust surface, and the magnetic thrust structure is used to generate a magnetic force that cooperates with each other on the inner side and the thrust surface.

[0033] In the thrust bearing 100 provided by the present invention, a mounting cavity is formed in the bearing stator 1, and the bearing rotor 2 rotates in the mounting cavity. A magnetic thrust structure is provided between the thrust surface and the inner surface. When the bearing rotor 2 generates axial displacement, the bearing stator 1 is also pulled axially through the magnetic thrust structure, so as to transmit the generated axial force to the bearing stator 1, thereby driving the axial movement of an external object fixedly connected to the bearing stator 1. The bearing stator 1 and the bearing rotor 2 do not need to be in direct contact, avoiding wear during rotation. At the same time, the magnetic thrust structure is located between the thrust surface and the inner surface, resulting in a larger effective area.

[0034] It should be noted that the magnetic thrust structure can be implemented in various ways. For example, magnetic blocks that attract each other can be provided on the inner side and the thrust surface, and the magnetic blocks can be used for attraction and cooperation. Alternatively, two magnetic blocks that repel each other can be provided, and the two magnetic blocks are staggered along the axial direction. The bearing rotor 2 pushes the bearing stator 1 to move by the repulsive force.

[0035] Additionally, it should be noted that the mounting cavity is cylindrical to facilitate uniform rotation of the bearing rotor within the mounting cavity.

[0036] Specifically, in this embodiment, the magnetic thrust structure includes two magnetically attracted rings 31 that are magnetically attracted to each other. One of the two magnetically attracted rings 31 is disposed on the inner side surface, and the other is disposed on the thrust surface. In this embodiment, the two magnetically attracted rings 31 are attracted to each other. When the bearing rotor 2 generates axial displacement, the magnetic attraction between the magnetically attracted rings 31 also generates an axial pulling force on the bearing stator 1. The magnetic thrust structure is arranged in a ring shape to ensure the uniformity of the magnetic force between the bearing rotor 2 and the bearing stator 1, and to avoid uneven magnetic force on the bearing rotor 2, which would cause shaking during rotation.

[0037] In order to ensure the magnitude of the magnetic force of the bearing rotor 2, the magnetic ring 31 can be extended along the axial direction of the mounting cavity, so that the entire inner side surface and the thrust surface generate thrust.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the two magnetic rings 31 together form a magnetic traction group, and multiple magnetic traction groups are provided, which are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the mounting cavity. In this embodiment, by providing multiple magnetic traction groups, the magnetic force between the bearing stator 1 and the bearing rotor 2 is increased, which facilitates the transmission of the axial force received by the bearing rotor 2 to the bearing stator 1. By providing multiple magnetic traction groups, the magnetic traction structure is modularly designed, which facilitates the subsequent installation and replacement of the internal magnetic traction groups.

[0039] It should be noted that the magnetic attraction group can be arranged in various ways. For example, two magnetic rings arranged adjacent to each other can maintain the same polarity to increase the attraction force. Furthermore, among the multiple magnetic attraction groups, there are staggered first attraction groups and second attraction groups. The first attraction group includes a first number of magnetic attraction groups, and the second attraction group includes a second number of magnetic attraction groups. The polarity of the magnetic attraction groups in the first attraction group is opposite to that in the second attraction group. By setting the opposite polarity, after the bearing rotor 2 undergoes axial displacement, it will further push the bearing stator 1 to move due to the repulsive force, so that the position of the bearing rotor 2 relative to the bearing stator remains stable.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the two magnetic rings 31 arranged adjacent to each other along the axial direction of the mounting cavity have opposite polarities. In this embodiment, the attraction between the bearing rotor 2 and the bearing stator 1 is increased by multiple magnetic groups. At the same time, the polarities of the two adjacent magnetic rings 31 in two adjacent magnetic groups are set to be opposite, so that the opposing magnetic rings 31 in the two magnetic groups are in a repulsive state. When the bearing rotor 2 undergoes axial displacement, the repulsive force between the two adjacent magnetic groups ensures that the position of the bearing rotor 2 within the bearing stator 1 is relatively stable. At the same time, since the polarities of the multiple magnetic groups are opposite, the attraction and repulsion forces are arranged alternately, making the effect of the attraction and repulsion forces better.

[0041] It should be noted that there are various ways to form magnetic components in the magnetic attraction structure, such as electromagnetic components that generate magnetic fields by controlling the magnetic field through additional equipment. In this embodiment, the magnetic attraction structure is formed by a permanent magnet, thereby ensuring the long-term use of the magnetic push structure 100 without the need for frequent replacement and maintenance.

[0042] On the other hand, the mounting cavity also has two inner end faces that are arranged opposite to each other along the axial direction of the bearing stator 1; the bearing rotor 2 has two mating surfaces that are respectively arranged opposite to the two inner end faces; the thrust bearing 100 also includes a disc structure, which is disposed between at least one of the inner end faces and the corresponding mating surface to transmit thrust between the inner end face and the mating surface.

[0043] When the magnetic thrust structure transmits thrust, under thrust overload, misalignment and separation may occur between the bearing stator 1 and the bearing rotor 2, causing them to cease operation. In this embodiment, a disc structure is provided on one of the inner end faces and the corresponding mating surface. When a displacement deviation occurs between the bearing rotor 2 and the bearing stator 1, the disc structure continues to transmit thrust, preventing collision between the bearing rotor 2 and the bearing stator 1. At the same time, due to the presence of the magnetic thrust structure, the thrust between the disc structures is distributed, reducing the load-bearing requirements of the disc structure and improving the reliability of the disc structure.

[0044] It should be noted that the disc structure can be set only on one of the inner thrust surfaces and its corresponding mating surface. When the thrust bearing 100 only needs a single thrust direction, it is only necessary to ensure that there is a disc structure on one side, which can ensure practicality and reduce costs.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the thrust bearing 100 acts on the hull and needs to ensure both forward and backward movement. In this embodiment, the disc structure is provided between the two inner thrust surfaces and the corresponding two mating surfaces to ensure that the thrust bearing 100 can generate thrust in both axial directions, thereby improving the applicability of the thrust bearing 100.

[0046] Specifically, the bearing structure includes a thrust bearing 41 and a thrust disk 42 that are arranged in a mutually cooperating manner. One of the thrust bearing 41 and the thrust disk 42 is located on the inner end face, and the other is located on the mating surface. Under high thrust operating conditions, the magnetic thrust structure provides a certain axial thrust. At the same time, when the bearing rotor 2 experiences excessive axial displacement, the thrust bearing 41 and the thrust disk 42 continue to transmit thrust, preventing the bearing rotor 2 from impacting the bearing stator 1. Furthermore, the magnetic thrust structure reduces the load-bearing wear between the thrust bearing 41 and the thrust disk 42.

[0047] In this embodiment, during start-up, shutdown, and low-speed operation, the thrust bearing 100 transmits thrust through a magnetic thrust structure, ensuring no contact or wear between the thrust disc 42 and the thrust bearing 41. Under high-thrust operation, the thrust is transmitted jointly by the magnetic force and the disc-bearing structure, reducing the load-bearing requirements of the disc-bearing structure, improving the lubrication between the disc-bearing structures, reducing wear between the thrust disc 42 and the thrust bearing 41, extending the service life of the thrust bearing 100, and improving the reliability of the thrust bearing 100.

[0048] It should be noted that the specific selection of the thrust plate 42 and the thrust bearing 41 is relatively mature in the bearing field, and will not be elaborated here. As long as it can ensure that the thrust bearing 41 and the thrust plate 42 can generate normal relative rotation and thrust, it is acceptable.

[0049] Additionally, it should be noted that since the thrust bearing 100 operates in the ship's environment, the thrust bearing 41 and the thrust disc 42 are immersed in water. The disc structure directly generates liquid film force through water lubrication, eliminating the need for a dedicated lubrication and cooling system. When the thrust bearing 41 and the thrust disc rotate relative to each other, liquid film force is generated through dynamic pressure lubrication, ensuring the normal rotation of the bearing rotor 2 within the bearing stator 1.

[0050] Furthermore, at least one of the inner end faces has a thrust protrusion at its middle position; a thrust groove is recessed on the mating surface corresponding to the thrust protrusion; wherein the disc structure is disposed between the end face of the thrust protrusion and the bottom surface of the thrust groove. The thrust protrusion on the bearing stator 1 improves the structural strength of the bearing stator 1. The disc structure is disposed between the thrust protrusion and the thrust groove. When the thrust bearing 41 and the thrust disc 42 rotate in cooperation, force acts on the thrust protrusion and the thrust groove, preventing structural damage to the bearing stator 1 and the bearing rotor 2.

[0051] In addition, in this embodiment, thrust protrusions are provided on both inner end faces, and thrust grooves are provided on both mating surfaces. Two disc structures are provided, with the two disc structures respectively located between the two thrust protrusions and the thrust grooves, so as to ensure that the same durability and effect are achieved regardless of which end moves along the axial direction.

[0052] Furthermore, a first gap 51 is formed between the end face of the thrust protrusion and the bottom surface of the thrust groove; a second gap 52 is formed between the inner end face and the mating surface; wherein the first gap 51 is smaller than the second gap 52. In this embodiment, the first gap 51 is smaller than the second gap 52, so that when the bearing rotor 2 generates axial displacement, the collision only occurs between the thrust protrusion and the thrust groove, and the bearing stator 1 and the bearing rotor 2 will not directly collide or rub against each other, ensuring the safety of the bearing stator 1 and the bearing rotor 2 in use.

[0053] On the other hand, to facilitate the rotation of the bearing rotor 2, the bearing stator 1 is provided with a shaft hole extending axially along the bearing stator 1. The shaft hole communicates with the mounting cavity and is coaxially arranged with the mounting cavity. The thrust bearing 100 also includes a rotating shaft 6, which rotatably passes through the shaft hole. The bearing rotor 2 is fixedly sleeved on the rotating shaft 6. The rotating shaft 6 rotates along its own axis, thereby driving the bearing rotor 2 to rotate within the mounting cavity. The rotating shaft 6 generates thrust, which is transmitted to the bearing rotor 2. Through the magnetic thrust structure on the bearing rotor 2, the thrust is transmitted to the bearing stator 1, thereby driving the movement of external components connected to the bearing stator 1.

[0054] Furthermore, to facilitate the rotation of the rotating shaft 6 within the shaft hole, the thrust bearing 100 also includes a support bearing 7, which is disposed between the rotating shaft 6 and the shaft hole. The support bearing 7 ensures the rotation of the rotating shaft 6 within the shaft hole.

[0055] Furthermore, to ensure the rotation of the rotating shaft 6, multiple support bearings 7 are provided, and these multiple support bearings 7 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the shaft hole. By providing multiple support bearings 7, the stability of the rotating shaft 6 is ensured, facilitating its normal rotation.

[0056] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thrust bearing, characterized by, The thrust bearing comprises: a bearing stator, which is internally formed with a mounting cavity, the mounting cavity having an inner side surface arranged along an axial direction of the bearing stator; a bearing rotor, which is rotatably mounted into the mounting cavity along an axial direction of the mounting cavity, the bearing rotor having a thrust surface arranged opposite to the inner side surface; and a magnetic thrust structure, which is arranged between the inner side surface and the thrust surface, and is used to generate a mutual magnetic force on the inner side surface and the thrust surface. The mounting cavity further has two inner end surfaces arranged opposite along the axial direction of the bearing stator. The bearing rotor has two matching surfaces arranged opposite to the two inner end surfaces, respectively. The thrust bearing further comprises a shoe structure, which is arranged between at least one of the inner end surfaces and the corresponding matching surface, and is used to transmit a thrust force between the inner end surface and the matching surface; wherein the shoe structure comprises a thrust shoe and a thrust disc arranged in cooperation, one of the thrust shoe and the thrust disc is arranged on the inner end surface, and the other is arranged on the matching surface. A thrust protrusion is arranged at a middle position of at least one of the inner end surfaces. A thrust groove corresponding to the thrust protrusion is arranged on the matching surface. The shoe structure is arranged between an end surface of the thrust protrusion and a groove bottom surface of the thrust groove. A first gap is formed between the end surface of the thrust protrusion and the groove bottom surface of the thrust groove. A second gap is formed between the inner end surface and the matching surface, and the first gap is smaller than the second gap. In a case where the magnetic thrust structure is overloaded and cannot continue to work, the shoe structure is used to continue to transmit the thrust force between the inner end surface and the matching surface, so as to prevent a collision between the bearing rotor and the bearing stator; and the magnetic thrust structure is used to divide the thrust force between the shoe structures, so as to reduce a load requirement of the shoe structures.

2. The thrust bearing of claim 1, wherein The magnetic thrust structure comprises two magnetic attraction rings arranged in magnetic attraction cooperation, one of the two magnetic attraction rings is arranged on the inner side surface, and the other is arranged on the thrust surface.

3. The thrust bearing of claim 2, wherein, The two magnetic attraction rings form a magnetic attraction group, and a plurality of magnetic attraction groups are arranged along the axial direction of the mounting cavity.

4. The thrust bearing of claim 3, wherein, Polarities of two magnetic attraction rings arranged adjacent along the axial direction of the mounting cavity are opposite.

5. The thrust bearing of claim 1, wherein, The bearing stator is provided with an axial hole extending along the axial direction of the bearing stator, the axial hole is communicated to the mounting cavity, and is coaxially arranged with the mounting cavity. The thrust bearing further comprises a rotating shaft, which is rotatably arranged in the axial hole. The bearing rotor is fixedly arranged on the rotating shaft.

6. The thrust bearing of claim 5, wherein, The thrust bearing further comprises a support bearing, which is arranged between the rotating shaft and the axial hole.

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