Sealing arrangement for a bearing

Abstract

A sealing device of a bearing, comprising a skeleton (10), a sealing member (20) and a plurality of elastic members (40), the skeleton (10) and the sealing member (20) are annular and connected to each other, the skeleton (10) is used for fixing to a first ring of a bearing, the sealing member (20) is used for abutting to a second ring of the bearing, the plurality of elastic members (40) are distributed in a circumferential direction of the sealing member (20) at intervals, the elastic members (40) are used for applying elastic force to the sealing member (20) to press the sealing member (20) against the second ring. A bearing comprising the sealing device. The sealing device can be applied to a bearing with large diameter and has good sealing effect.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of bearings, and in particular to a sealing device for a bearing. BACKGROUND

[0002] Figure 1 A possible sealing device S for a bearing is shown. The sealing device S is annular, and is sleeved between an outer ring B1 and an inner ring B2 of the bearing, to prevent leakage of lubricant on the inner side of the bearing (the left side of the sealing device S in the figure), and to prevent foreign matter such as dust and water from entering the bearing on the outer side of the bearing (the right side of the sealing device S in the figure).

[0003] The sealing device S comprises a skeleton S1, a sealing member S2, and a spring S3, all of which are annular. The skeleton S1 is connected to the outer ring B1 in an interference fit, the sealing member S2 is attached to the skeleton S1, and the main lip S21 and the auxiliary lip S22 of the sealing member S2 are both abutted against the inner ring B2. The spring S3 is a helical spring, and is connected to the sealing member S2 and applies a force to the sealing member S2 towards the radial inner side, so as to press the sealing member S2 (especially the main lip S21) against the inner ring B2.

[0004] The face of the main lip S21 towards the inner ring B2 and the inner side of the bearing is a bevel f. In the case of splashing of lubricant on the inner side of the bearing as the bearing rotates, the lubricant splashing onto the bevel f will be blocked by the bevel f and pumped towards the inner side of the bearing. Especially during high-speed operation of the bearing, the bevel f functions to pump the lubricant that may leak towards the inner side of the bearing.

[0005] However, the sealing effect of the sealing device S described above is not ideal for bearings with low rotational speed, or bearings with large diameter (such as the bearings of a wind turbine).

[0006] For example, for bearings with low rotational speed, lubricant is more likely to accumulate on the outer periphery of the inner ring B2 rather than splashing; and for the lubricant that does splash, only a small portion will splashing onto the bevel f and be further pumped towards the inner side of the bearing. In this case, the lubricant is more likely to accumulate at the main lip S21 and leak.

[0007] For example, for bearings with large diameter (such as the main shaft bearings of a wind turbine, which have a diameter greater than 1 meter and can be several meters), the sealing device S will be subjected to a large centrifugal force during rotation due to the large diameter, which is not conducive to the main lip S21 abutting tightly against the inner ring B2. On the other hand, when the diameter of the sealing device S increases and the self-weight increases, the radial force of the spring S3 will be distributed unevenly in the circumferential direction, making it difficult to calculate and design a spring S3 with appropriate structural dimensions. SUMMARY

[0008] The present application aims to overcome or at least alleviate the deficiencies existing in the prior art, and provide a sealing device with good sealing effect.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present application, there is provided a sealing device of a bearing, comprising a skeleton, a sealing component and a plurality of elastic members, the skeleton and the sealing component are annular and connected to each other, the skeleton is used for being fixed to a first ring of the bearing, and the sealing component is used for abutting against a second ring of the bearing, wherein,

[0010] The plurality of elastic members are distributed in a circumferential direction of the sealing component in a spaced manner,

[0011] The elastic members are used for applying elastic force to the sealing component so as to press the sealing component against the second ring.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the elastic members are C-shaped.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the material of the skeleton comprises fabric.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the material of the sealing component comprises rubber.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the sealing component and the elastic members are connected together through a vulcanization process.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, a plurality of through holes are formed on the elastic members, and the sealing component partially penetrates through the through holes.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, a plurality of positioning holes are formed on the elastic members, and the positioning holes are used for cooperating with positioning devices on a mold to help determine the circumferential position of the elastic members on the sealing component.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, a surface of the sealing component for facing the inner side region of the second ring and the bearing is partially recessed to the outer side of the sealing device to form a plurality of oil pumping grooves, and the plurality of oil pumping grooves are distributed in the circumferential direction of the sealing component.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the opening of the oil pumping groove is larger as it goes to the inner side of the bearing.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the sealing component comprises a main lip and a secondary lip, the main lip is inclined to one side in the axial direction of the sealing component, the secondary lip is inclined to the other side in the axial direction, the main lip is used for facing the inner side of the bearing, and the secondary lip is used for facing the outer side of the bearing.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the main lip is configured to contact the second ring.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, the sealing device further comprises an additional lip configured to contact the second ring towards the outside of the bearing, the additional lip being made of a material having air permeability.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the secondary lip further comprises an additional lip configured to contact the second ring, the additional lip being made of felt.

[0024] In at least one embodiment, the inner diameter of the skeleton is not less than 1 m.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the application, a bearing is provided, comprising a first ring and a second ring nested and rotatable relative to each other, characterized in that it further comprises a sealing device according to the application.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, the bearing is a main shaft bearing of a wind turbine.

[0027] The sealing device according to the application can be used for bearings having a large diameter, and has a high reliability and a good sealing effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a possible sealing device mounted on a bearing is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic axial view of a sealing device S according to a first embodiment of the application.

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a magnified portion of Figure 2

[0031] Figure 4 is a half of a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axial direction of a sealing device S according to a first embodiment of the application.

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic view of an elastic member 40 according to a first embodiment of the application.

[0033] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a magnified portion of Figure 2

[0034] Figure 7 is a schematic view of a sealing device S according to a second embodiment of the application, partially sectioned.

[0035] Figure 8 is a schematic view of an elastic member 40 according to a second embodiment of the application.​​

[0036] Figure 9 is a half of a sectional view of the sealing device S according to the second embodiment of the present application, taken in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0038] B1 outer ring; B2 inner ring; S1 backbone; S2 sealing member; S3 spring; S21 main lip; S22 sub-lip; f bevel;

[0039] S sealing device; 10 backbone; 20 sealing member; 21 main lip; 22 sub-lip; 23 pump oil groove; 231 first face; 232 second face; 233 third face; 234 fourth face;

[0040] 30 additional lip; 40 elastic member; 41 through hole; 42 positioning hole;

[0041] A axial direction; R radial direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific description is merely for the purpose of teaching one skilled in the art how to practice the present application, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way.

[0043] Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference Figure 4 and Figure 9 , A denotes an axial direction of the sealing device S, which coincides with the axial direction of the bearing, and R denotes a radial direction of the sealing device S, which coincides with the radial direction of the bearing.

[0044] Referring to Figures 2 to 9 , a sealing device S of a bearing according to the present application will be described.

[0045] (First Embodiment)

[0046] First, referring to Figures 2 to 6 , a sealing device S according to the first embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0047] As shown in Figure 2 , the sealing device S is annular.

[0048] Further referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the sealing device S includes a backbone 10, a sealing member 20, an additional lip 30, and an elastic member 40, each of which is annular.

[0049] In this embodiment, the sealing member 20 is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the frame 10. The frame 10 is used to be connected to the outer ring of the bearing (also referred to as the first ring in this embodiment) with an interference fit, and the sealing member 20 is used to abut against the inner ring of the bearing (also referred to as the second ring in this embodiment) and can rotate relative to the inner ring.

[0050] The skeleton 10 is made of fabrics, such as cotton or nylon. This makes the skeleton 10 highly flexible, easy to manufacture, low in cost, and easy to assemble into the outer ring of the bearing. This advantage is particularly evident for skeletons 10 with larger diameters (e.g., around 1m or greater).

[0051] The sealing component 20 is made of, for example, rubber. The sealing component 20 is connected to the skeleton 10, for example, through a vulcanization process.

[0052] by Figure 4 Taking the orientation shown as an example, the left side of the sealing device S in the figure is the inner side of the bearing (i.e., the lubricant side), and the right side of the sealing device S is the outer side of the bearing (i.e., the air side).

[0053] The sealing component 20 includes a main lip 21 and a secondary lip 22. The main lip 21 is inclined inward relative to a plane perpendicular to the axial direction A, and the secondary lip 22 is inclined outward.

[0054] There are multiple elastic elements 40, which are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the sealing component 20.

[0055] The elastic element 40 is roughly C-shaped, with the opening of the C-shape facing roughly towards the inside of the bearing.

[0056] The elastic element 40 is partially connected to the main lip 21 to ensure that, when the sealing device S is installed on the bearing, the elastic element 40 can apply at least a radial component force to the main lip 21, so that the main lip 21 is in close contact with the inner ring.

[0057] Simultaneously refer to Figure 5 The elastic element 40 mainly comprises three connected, obliquely arranged sheet-like portions (first fold 401, second fold 402, and third fold 403). Preferably, the end of the third fold 403 away from the second fold 402 is also connected to a fourth fold 404, the bending direction of the fourth fold 404 being opposite to the opening direction of the C-shaped elastic element 40, and the fourth fold 404 extending toward the frame 10. The surface of the elastic element 40 facing the C-shaped opening substantially coincides with the inward-facing surface of the sealing member 20.

[0058] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5The first flap 401 is coupled to the (axially) inner side of the main lip 21 and extends toward the radially outer side while extending toward the axially outer side. The second flap 402 is coupled to the narrow portion of the radially middle portion of the seal member 20 and is located on the (axially) inner side of the narrow portion, extending substantially along the radial direction R. The third flap 403 is coupled to the base portion of the seal member 20 connected to the backbone 10, and the third flap 403 extends toward the radially outer side while extending toward the axially inner side. The first flap 401 and the third flap 403 are opposite to each other in the radial direction R so as to be able to apply an elastic force to the main lip 21 toward the inner ring of the bearing.

[0059] The elastic member 40 is provided with a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) through holes 41 (also referred to as overflow holes). The elastic member 40 is coupled to the seal member 20, for example, by a vulcanization process, in which the semi-solid rubber is able to pass through the through holes 41 and partially wrap the elastic member 40, i.e., the seal member 20 partially passes through the through holes 41, which makes the coupling of the elastic member 40 to the seal member 20 firm.

[0060] Preferably, at least one through hole 41 is provided on each of the first flap 401, the second flap 402, and the third flap 403.

[0061] The surface of the main lip 21 toward the inner ring and the inner side of the bearing is partially recessed toward the outer side to form a plurality of pumping grooves 23, which are preferably uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction of the seal member 20.

[0062] In the present embodiment, with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 6 The pumping groove 23 includes four inner surfaces to form a shape of a horn (the opening of the pumping groove 23 is larger as it goes toward the inner side), which are a first surface 231, a second surface 232, a third surface 233, and a fourth surface 234. The fourth surface 234 is located at the deepest part of the pumping groove 23 and is substantially parallel to the surface perpendicular to the axial direction A. The first surface 231 and the third surface 233 are located on both sides of the fourth surface 234 in the circumferential direction, and the second surface 232 is located on the radially outer side of the fourth surface 234 and is connected to both the first surface 231 and the third surface 233.

[0063] The above-described arrangement of the pumping groove 23 makes it more likely for the oil splashed from the inner side to hit the inclined inner surfaces (mainly the first surface 231, the second surface 232, and the third surface 233) of the pumping groove 23, so as to be pumped back by these inclined inner surfaces and not easily accumulated near the main lip 21 or leaked to the outer side of the bearing.

[0064] It should be understood that the pumping groove 23 is not limited to being composed of four inner surfaces, and it may, for example, include a larger number of inclined inner surfaces, or the inner surfaces of the pumping groove 23 may include curved surfaces.

[0065] Continuing to refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the case where the main lip 21 is in contact with the inner ring, the sub-lip 22 can or can not be in contact with the inner ring. And when the sub-lip 22 is also in contact with the inner ring, the sub-lip 22 is in contact with the inner ring with a very small radial force, the radial force of the sub-lip 22 against the inner ring is smaller than the radial force of the main lip 21 against the inner ring.

[0066] The sub-lip 22 is connected with an additional lip 30, preferably, the additional lip 30 is arranged on the surface of the sub-lip 22 facing the outside. Preferably, the additional lip 30 is connected to the sub-lip 22 by means of gluing.

[0067] The additional lip 30 is made of material with good air permeability. Preferably, the material of the additional lip 30 includes felt. Preferably, in the case where the sealing device S is installed on the bearing, the additional lip 30 is in contact with the inner ring.

[0068] The first aspect, the additional lip 30 plays a role in preventing foreign matter from the outside into the inside of the bearing; the second aspect, the additional lip 30 plays a role in protecting the sub-lip 22, so that the sub-lip 22 can not be directly in contact with foreign matter from the outside and can not be in contact with the inner ring without being easily worn, and the additional lip 30 made of felt is tough and not easily torn; the third aspect, the additional lip 30 can prevent foreign matter such as water from the outside into the inside of the bearing, while the additional lip 30 does not limit the circulation of air, so that the air pressure on both sides of the sub-lip 22 in the axial direction can be balanced or close to balance.

[0069] (Second embodiment)

[0070] Hereinafter, the second embodiment according to the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are used for components having the same or similar structures or functions as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description of these components will be omitted. Figures 7 to 9 The second embodiment according to the present application will be described. The same reference numerals are used for components having the same or similar structures or functions as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description of these components will be omitted.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the sealing member 20 is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the cage 10. The cage 10 is configured to be connected to the inner ring (also referred to as the first ring in the present embodiment) of the bearing in an interference fit, the cage 10 does not rotate relative to the inner ring, and the sealing member 20 is configured to abut against the outer ring (also referred to as the second ring in the present embodiment) of the bearing, the sealing member 20 can rotate relative to the outer ring.

[0072] In the present embodiment, the elastic member 40 is provided with a plurality of (two in the present embodiment) positioning holes 42 in addition to the through hole 41 for passing the rubber. The positioning holes 42 are used to align the positioning pins on the vulcanization mold during the vulcanization process of connecting the elastic member 40 and the sealing member 20, so as to ensure the accuracy of the positioning of the elastic member 40 on the sealing member 20.

[0073] It should be understood that parts or features of the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined.

[0074] It should be understood that the present application also provides a bearing comprising the above-described sealing device S. Preferably, the bearing has a diameter of 1 meter to several meters. Preferably, the bearing is a bearing for a main shaft of a wind turbine.

[0075] The following briefly describes some beneficial effects of the above-described embodiments of the present application.

[0076] (i) The plurality of C-shaped elastic members 40 uniformly provide the sealing member 20 with a radial force against the second raceway at different circumferential positions, so that the sealing member 20 can be in close contact with the second raceway, and the sealing device S has a good sealing effect.

[0077] (ii) The overflow holes (through holes 41) on the elastic members 40 allow the sealing member 20 composed of, for example, rubber to partially pass through, and the connection between the elastic members 40 and the sealing member 20 is firm.

[0078] (iii) The trumpet-shaped oil pumping groove 23 can effectively pump the lubricant near the main lip 21 to the inside of the bearing, and the lubricant is not easy to leak.

[0079] (iv) The additional lip 30 can prevent outside contaminants from entering the inside of the bearing, while protecting the secondary lip 22 from being easily torn or worn, and the good air permeability and water resistance of the additional lip 30 balance the pressure on both axial sides of the secondary lip 22.

[0080] It should be understood that the above-described embodiments are only exemplary and are not intended to limit the present application. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to the above-described embodiments under the teachings of the present application without departing from the scope of the present application. For example,

[0081] (i) Although the inner race of the main shaft bearing of a wind turbine is usually a rotating race and the outer race is a fixed race, the present application does not limit the working state of the inner race and the outer race of the bearing, for example, in the above two embodiments, either of the inner race and the outer race can be a rotating race and the other can be a fixed race.

[0082] (ii) The present application does not limit the shape and number of the through holes 41 and the positioning holes 42 of the elastic members 40, for example, the through holes 41 can be circular, square or other shapes.

[0083] (iii) The elastic member 40 of the present application can also not be C-shaped, but for example, L-shaped or Z-shaped, or the elastic member 40 comprises at least two regions bent relative to each other, and when the sealing device is installed to the bearing, the elastic member 40 is in a compressed state, so that the elastic member 40 can apply an elastic force to the sealing member 20 to press the sealing member 20 against the second raceway.

[0084] control Figure 5 For example, in the case where the elastic member is substantially L-shaped, the elastic member can include Figure 5 the first flap 401 and the second flap 402 shown in FIG. 4.

Claims

1. A sealing device for a bearing, comprising a frame (10), a sealing member (20), and a plurality of elastic elements (40), wherein the frame (10) and the sealing member (20) are both annular and connected to each other, the frame (10) is used to fix to a first ring of the bearing, and the sealing member (20) is used to abut against a second ring of the bearing, wherein, The plurality of elastic elements (40) are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the sealing member (20). The elastic element (40) is used to apply an elastic force to the sealing member (20) so that the sealing member (20) presses against the second ring. The elastic element (40) has a plurality of through holes (41) formed therethrough, and the sealing element (20) passes through the through holes (41) in part.

2. The sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element (40) is C-shaped.

3. The sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The skeleton (10) is made of fabric.

4. The sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing component (20) is made of rubber.

5. The sealing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sealing component (20) and the elastic component (40) are connected together by a vulcanization process.

6. The sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element (40) has a plurality of positioning holes (42) formed thereon, which are used to cooperate with the positioning device on the mold to help determine the circumferential position of the elastic element (40) on the sealing member (20).

7. The sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the sealing member (20) facing the inner region of the second ring and the bearing is partially recessed outward to form a plurality of oil pump grooves (23), which are distributed circumferentially on the sealing member (20).

8. The sealing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The closer to the inside of the bearing, the larger the opening of the pump oil groove (23).

9. The sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing component (20) includes a main lip (21) and a secondary lip (22). The main lip (21) is inclined to one side of the sealing component (20) in the axial direction, and the secondary lip (22) is inclined to the other side in the axial direction. The main lip (21) is used to face the inside of the bearing, and the secondary lip (22) is used to face the outside of the bearing.

10. The sealing device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The main lip (21) is used to contact the second ring.

11. The sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing device further includes an additional lip (30) for facing outwards from the bearing and contacting the second ring, the additional lip (30) being made of a breathable material.

12. The sealing device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The secondary lip (22) is further provided with an additional lip (30), which is used to contact the second ring. The additional lip (30) is made of felt.

13. The sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the skeleton (10) is not less than 1m.

14. A bearing comprising a first ring and a second ring nested together and rotatable relative to each other, characterized in that, The bearing further includes a sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The bearing according to claim 14, characterized in that, The bearing is the main shaft bearing of a wind turbine.

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