Supporting structure for rim propeller

Abstract

The invention relates to a supporting structure for a rim propeller, a flange plate serves as a supporting structure stress piece for the rim propeller, and an outer side circular ring and a flange hole of the flange plate are directly connected with a motor shell of the rim propeller and used for transmitting thrust load on the supporting structure for the rim propeller to the motor shell; the flange plate is connected with a radial bearing sliding assembly and a top wheel sliding assembly through a plurality of sets of limiting blocks, and a thrust pad is installed on a circular ring on the inner side of the flange plate and provides axial support for the rim propeller. Radial, axial and starting auxiliary support can be provided for the rim propeller, overall installation is convenient and fast, and the problem that the rim propeller is difficult to start can be effectively solved; according to the method, the clearance of the friction pair can be compensated in real time according to the abrasion condition of the tiles, so that the lubricating clearance is kept in a reasonable range, the lubricating performance stability is ensured, the whole machine does not need to be disassembled for replacement in a dock, in addition, the tiles can be utilized to the maximum extent, material waste is avoided, and the maintenance and use cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a rim propeller of a ship power system, in particular to a supporting structure for the rim propeller. Background Art

[0002] As a new type of propeller, the rim thruster has been favored by ship owners and research institutions for its high efficiency and low noise. The propeller of the propeller is directly driven by the motor, and the motor rotor drives the propeller to rotate. The thrust generated by the propeller is generally directly borne by the water-lubricated bearing and transmitted to the motor housing, and then transmitted to the hull itself, forming the power of the ship. In addition to the propeller thrust, the water-lubricated bearing also needs to bear the deadweight of the rotating parts such as the propeller and the radial fluctuation load during the operation of the whole machine.

[0003] As the key supporting structure of the rim thruster, the water-lubricated bearing is in direct contact with the propeller and other rotating parts, and forms a corresponding friction pair. The thrust bearing and radial bearing on the bearing will gradually become thinner as the service time of the rim thruster increases, which will lead to a larger contact gap, resulting in a decrease in lubrication performance and additional vibration shock due to the large contact gap. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly dock and replace the bearing to ensure the optimal lubrication effect and operational stability. At present, water-lubricated bearings at home and abroad generally use interference fit, welding or bolting to combine copper alloy materials with composite materials to ensure the lubrication performance and structural stiffness of the bearing, but this structure generally has the following problems:

[0004] 1. Once the existing water-lubricated bearings are worn out, they need to be replaced in time. After docking, the rim thrusters will be disassembled and assembled to complete the replacement of the water-lubricated bearings. The overall maintenance cost is high and the maintenance cycle is long.

[0005] 2. The rotating parts such as the rim thruster propeller in a stationary state are directly pressed on the water-lubricated bearing under the action of gravity. Due to the large contact area and the inability to form an effective lubricating water film in time, the running resistance is large. When the thruster is just started, the current will increase sharply, which may easily lead to startup failure, abnormal operation, or equipment overload and other faults.

[0006] 3. Due to the complex and changeable sailing conditions, the rim thruster is susceptible to external impact, which will eventually be "absorbed" by the water-lubricated bearing. Although the contact pad of the water-lubricated bearing is generally made of composite materials, the vibration reduction effect is general. Frequent vibration impacts can easily cause damage and failure of key components of the thruster, resulting in frequent maintenance and a short service life.

[0007] The present invention is a support structure for a rim thruster, which can effectively solve the above-mentioned problems faced by existing rim thrusters. It can not only monitor the contact state of the friction pair at all times, but also automatically compensate for the radial clearance after the bearing is worn, thereby achieving the maximum utilization rate of the contact pad while ensuring the lubrication performance, reducing the maintenance and replacement costs, and improving the operating reliability of the whole machine.

[0008] In addition, the support structure can also play a role in vibration reduction and buffering, which can effectively absorb the vibration impact during the operation of the rim thruster, avoid damage to the internal structure of the thruster, and alleviate the problem of sudden increase in starting current caused by excessive friction resistance at the moment of thruster startup. Summary of the invention

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to propose a support structure for a rim thruster, which overcomes the shortcomings of the existing rim thruster support structure in use and improves the stability, reliability, intelligence and other requirements of the rim thruster support structure.

[0010] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical solution of the present invention is: a support structure for a rim thruster, comprising a flange plate, a radial bearing sliding assembly, a top wheel sliding assembly, and a thrust washer. The flange plate serves as a force-bearing member of the support structure for the rim thruster. The outer ring and flange hole of the flange plate are directly connected to the motor housing of the rim thruster, and are used to transfer the thrust load on the support structure for the rim thruster to the motor housing, and then to the hull itself; the radial bearing sliding assembly and the top wheel sliding assembly are connected to the flange plate through multiple sets of limit blocks, and the thrust washer is installed on the inner ring of the flange plate to provide axial support for the rim thruster.

[0011] Furthermore, the radial bearing sliding assembly consists of a radial bearing, a radial bearing support, an underwater hydraulic cylinder, and a mounting bracket. The radial bearing is fixedly mounted on the radial bearing support. The radial bearing support and the hydraulic rod of the underwater hydraulic cylinder are connected with a screw. A pressure sensor is arranged between the radial bearing support and the underwater hydraulic cylinder. A displacement sensor is arranged on the underwater hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder body of the underwater hydraulic cylinder is fixed on the flange plate by the mounting bracket to form a radial bearing sliding assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, there are a total of 5 radial bearing sliding assemblies, which are evenly distributed between the limit blocks of the flange plate, allowing radial displacement to provide radial support for the propeller rotating assembly. Driven by the underwater hydraulic cylinder, the radial bearings and radial bearing supports can achieve radial movement.

[0013] Furthermore, when the radial pad forms a friction pair contact with the propeller rotating assembly, the displacement sensor and the pressure sensor monitor the movement of the radial pad and the radial pad support and the pressure in real time; when the radial pad contact surface is severely worn, the underwater hydraulic cylinder is driven to push the radial pad for radial replenishment, and the contact gap is maintained at a stable value in combination with the real-time monitoring values ​​of the displacement sensor and the pressure sensor, thereby ensuring the stability of the lubrication performance without the need for docking for maintenance and replacement; if emergency braking is required during navigation, the radial pad is controlled by the underwater hydraulic cylinder to radially retract and stop the propeller; when the rim thruster itself is suddenly subjected to vibration shock during navigation, the underwater hydraulic cylinder absorbs the impact energy to achieve the effect of reducing vibration and noise, thereby improving the reliability of the rim thruster and the navigation comfort.

[0014] Furthermore, the top wheel sliding assembly consists of a top wheel, a top wheel mounting bracket, a top wheel fixing bracket, and a top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder. The top wheel is installed on the top wheel fixing bracket through a center hole. The top wheel has rotational freedom. The end of the top wheel fixing bracket is connected to the hydraulic rod screw of the top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder. A pressure sensor is arranged between the top wheel fixing bracket and the top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder. A displacement sensor is arranged on the top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder body of the top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder is fixed to the limit block through the top wheel mounting bracket to form a top wheel sliding assembly.

[0015] Furthermore, there are five groups of top wheel sliding assemblies, which are evenly distributed between the limit blocks of the flange plate, allowing radial displacement to provide radial auxiliary ejection support for the propeller rotating assembly.

[0016] Furthermore, driven by the top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder, the top wheel can achieve radial movement. When the top wheel contacts the propeller rotating assembly, the pressure sensor and the displacement sensor monitor the movement amount and the pressure of the top wheel in real time. Before the rim thruster is started, the top wheel sliding assembly is started, and the top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder pushes the top wheel out to lift the propeller rotating assembly to separate it from the radial pads, converting the sliding friction into rolling friction, reducing the starting friction resistance, and avoiding excessive starting current. After the propeller speed increases, the top wheel can be retracted, and the radial pads provide radial support for it to establish a lubricating water film.

[0017] Furthermore, the flange plate includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and a limit block. The inner ring, the outer ring, and the limit block are connected by welding, casting or bolts. The limit blocks are symmetrically arranged and a total of 5 are designed. Limit steps are provided at both ends of the limit blocks to allow the sliding assembly to slide in the radial direction but prevent the sliding assembly from sliding outward.

[0018] Furthermore, the thrust washer is directly mounted on the inner ring, a pressure sensor is arranged between the thrust washer and the inner ring, and the number of the thrust washer is an integer multiple of the radial washer.

[0019] Furthermore, the support structure for the rim thruster is arranged symmetrically, and one rim thruster is arranged with two sets of support structures for the rim thruster, wherein the thrust pads, radial pads and top wheels are all made of water-lubricated composite materials, and the installation method of the radial pads and thrust pads and the base is a conventional tile installation method.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the present invention are mainly reflected in:

[0021] 1. The support structure can provide radial, axial and start-up auxiliary support for the rim thruster. The overall installation is convenient and can effectively avoid the problem of difficulty in starting the rim thruster.

[0022] 2. The support structure can compensate the friction pair clearance in real time according to the wear of the tiles, so that the lubrication clearance is maintained in a reasonable range, ensuring the stability of the lubrication performance. There is no need to dismantle the entire machine for replacement. This compensation method can make the most of the tiles, will not cause material waste, and reduce maintenance and use costs.

[0023] 3. The support structure can timely absorb and alleviate the vibration impact of the rim thruster during operation by arranging underwater hydraulic cylinders and sensors. At the same time, it can monitor the internal force and displacement state of the thruster in real time, which is convenient for debugging. It can also assist in emergency stop of the propeller, making the operation more intelligent and transparent, and improving its comfort, safety and reliability.

[0024] In summary, the inventive design of the support structure for the rim thruster can effectively promote the universal and high-level application of the rim thruster. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a support structure for a rim thruster;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the flange plate (partially interrupted);

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a radial bearing sliding assembly;

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the top wheel slide assembly;

[0029] In the figure, 1. radial bearing sliding assembly, 2. flange plate, 3. top wheel sliding assembly, 4. thrust bearing, 1-1. radial bearing, 1-2. radial bearing support, 1-3. pressure sensor A, 1-4. displacement sensor A, 1-5. underwater hydraulic cylinder, 1-6. mounting bracket, 2-1. inner ring, 2-2. outer ring, 2-3. limit block, 3-1. top wheel mounting bracket, 3-2. top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder, 3-3. pressure sensor B, 3-4. top wheel, 3-5. top wheel fixing bracket, 3-6. displacement sensor B, 4-1. pressure sensor C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a support structure for a rim thruster provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes a radial bearing sliding assembly 1, a flange plate 2, a top wheel sliding assembly 3, and a thrust washer 4. The flange plate 2 is the main force-bearing member of the support structure for the rim thruster, and is composed of an inner ring 2-1, an outer ring 2-2, and five groups of limit blocks 2-3. The outer ring 2-1 is arranged with a flange hole, which can be directly connected to the motor housing of the rim thruster, and is responsible for transmitting the thrust and other loads on the support structure for the rim thruster to the motor housing, and then to the hull itself. The five groups of limit blocks 2-3 facilitate the arrangement of the radial bearing sliding assembly 1 and the top wheel sliding assembly 3, and the inner ring 2-2 is the mounting base of the thrust washer 4, providing axial support for the rim thruster.

[0032] The radial bearing sliding assembly 1 is composed of a radial pad 1-1, a radial pad support 1-2, an underwater hydraulic cylinder 1-5, and a mounting bracket 1-6. The radial pad 1-1 can be installed on the radial pad support 1-2 by interference fit, welding, or bolt connection. The radial pad support 1-2 and the hydraulic rod of the underwater hydraulic cylinder 1-5 are connected by screws, and a pressure sensor 1-3 is arranged between the two. In addition, a displacement sensor 1-4 is arranged on the underwater hydraulic cylinder 1-5. The cylinder body of the underwater hydraulic cylinder 1-5 is fixed on the flange plate 2 by the mounting bracket 1-6. The above constitutes the radial bearing sliding assembly 1. The assembly has a total of 5 pieces, which are evenly arranged between the limit blocks 2-3 of the flange plate 2, and radial displacement can be allowed to provide radial support for the propeller rotating assembly. Driven by the underwater hydraulic cylinder 1-5, the radial pad 1-1 and the radial pad support 1-2 can realize radial movement. At the same time, the underwater hydraulic cylinder 1-5 itself is equipped with a pressure sensor 1-3 and a displacement sensor 1-4. When the radial pad 1-1 forms a friction pair contact with the propeller rotating assembly, the movement amount and pressure of the radial pad 1-1 and the radial pad support 1-2 can be monitored in real time. When the contact surface of the radial pad 1-1 is worn out, the underwater hydraulic cylinder 1-5 can be driven to push the radial pad 1-1 for radial replenishment. Combined with the real-time monitoring values ​​of the displacement sensor 1-4 and the pressure sensor 1-3, the contact gap can be maintained at a stable value to ensure the stability of the lubrication performance without docking for maintenance and replacement. If emergency braking is required during navigation, the radial pad 1-1 can also be controlled by the underwater hydraulic cylinder 1-5 to radially retract and stop the propeller. In addition, if the rim thruster itself is suddenly subjected to vibration shock during navigation, the underwater hydraulic cylinder 1-5 can also absorb the impact energy to achieve the effect of vibration reduction and noise reduction, thereby improving the reliability of the rim thruster and the comfort of navigation.

[0033] The top wheel sliding assembly 3 is composed of a top wheel 3-4, a top wheel mounting bracket 3-1, a top wheel fixing bracket 3-5, and a top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder 3-2. It is a support auxiliary device, with a total of five groups. Similar to the radial bearing sliding assembly 1, it is arranged in the limit block 2-3 of the flange plate 2. Under the drive of the underwater hydraulic cylinder, the top wheel can achieve radial movement. At the same time, the underwater hydraulic cylinder itself is equipped with a pressure sensor and a displacement sensor. When the top wheel 3-4 contacts the propeller rotating assembly, the top wheel movement and the pressure it receives can be monitored in real time. Before the rim rim thruster is started, the top wheel sliding assembly can be started. The top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder 3-2 pushes the top wheel 3-4 out of the top propeller rotating assembly to separate it from the radial tile 1-1, converting the sliding friction into rolling friction, reducing the starting friction resistance, and avoiding excessive starting current. After the propeller speed comes up, the top wheel 3-4 can be retracted, and the radial tile 1-1 provides radial support for it to establish a lubricating water film.

[0034] The top wheel 3-4 is installed on the top wheel fixing bracket 3-5 through the center hole. The top wheel 3-4 has rotational freedom. The end of the top wheel fixing bracket 3-5 is connected to the hydraulic rod screw of the top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder 3-2, and a pressure sensor B3-3 is arranged between the two. In addition, a displacement sensor B3-6 is arranged on the top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder 3-2. The cylinder body of the top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder 3-2 is fixed to the limit block 2-3 through the top wheel mounting bracket 3-1. The above constitutes the top wheel sliding assembly 3. The assembly has a total of 5 pieces, which are evenly distributed between the limit blocks 2-3 of the flange plate 2. Radial displacement is allowed to occur, providing radial auxiliary ejection support for the propeller rotating assembly.

[0035] The thrust washer 4 is directly mounted on the inner ring 2-1, with a pressure sensor C4-1 arranged between the two. The number of thrust washer is an integer multiple of the radial washer, and 10 are arranged here. The thrust washer 4 provides bearing support for the propeller rotating assembly.

[0036] The flange plate 2 includes an inner ring 2-1, an outer ring 2-2, and a limit block 2-3, which are connected by welding, casting or bolts. The limit blocks 2-3 are symmetrically arranged and designed in 5 locations. Limit steps are designed at both ends of the limit blocks 2-3, which can allow the sliding assembly to slide in the radial direction but prevent the sliding assembly from sliding outward.

[0037] The support structure for the rim thruster needs to be arranged symmetrically on both sides of the rim thruster, which can provide axial and radial support for both sides of the propeller rotating assembly, limit the axial and radial displacement, so that it can establish a good friction pair inside the thruster, and then stably rotate to generate thrust. Before the motor is started, the propeller rotating assembly has not rotated yet, and is pressed on the radial tile 1-1 by gravity. At this time, the underwater hydraulic cylinder 1-5 is started first, and the radial tile is pushed to the initial position. The propeller rotating assembly will move with it. At this time, the underwater hydraulic cylinder 3-2 is started again, and it is lifted up by the top wheel 3-4, and then the motor is started to drive the propeller rotating assembly to rotate. Rolling friction is established between the propeller rotating assembly and the top wheel. After the propeller rotating assembly rotates, the underwater hydraulic cylinder 3-2 is retracted to retract the hydraulic rod, and the top wheel 3-4 is retracted. The radial bearing sliding assembly 1 provides radial support.

[0038] Note: In this implementation case, only 5 pieces, 10 blocks, etc. are used for introduction, but this number should not be regarded as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A support structure for a rim thruster, characterized in that: It includes a flange plate, a radial bearing sliding assembly, a top wheel sliding assembly, and a thrust washer. The flange plate serves as a load-bearing member of the support structure for the rim thruster. The outer ring and flange hole of the flange plate are directly connected to the motor housing of the rim thruster to transfer the thrust load on the support structure for the rim thruster to the motor housing and then to the hull itself. The radial bearing sliding assembly and the top wheel sliding assembly are connected to the flange plate through multiple sets of limit blocks, and the thrust washer is installed on the inner ring of the flange plate to provide axial support for the rim thruster.

2. The support structure for a rim thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radial bearing sliding assembly consists of a radial bearing, a radial bearing support, an underwater hydraulic cylinder, and a mounting bracket. The radial bearing is fixedly mounted on the radial bearing support. The radial bearing support and the hydraulic rod of the underwater hydraulic cylinder are connected with a screw. A pressure sensor is arranged between the radial bearing support and the underwater hydraulic cylinder. A displacement sensor is arranged on the underwater hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder body of the underwater hydraulic cylinder is fixed on the flange plate by the mounting bracket to form a radial bearing sliding assembly.

3. The support structure for a rim thruster according to claim 2, characterized in that: There are a total of 5 radial bearing sliding assemblies, which are evenly distributed between the limit blocks of the flange plate, allowing radial displacement to provide radial support for the propeller rotating assembly. Driven by the underwater hydraulic cylinder, the radial bearing and the radial bearing support can achieve radial movement.

4. The support structure for a rim thruster according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the radial pad forms a friction pair contact with the propeller rotating assembly, the displacement sensor and pressure sensor monitor the movement of the radial pad and the radial pad support and the pressure in real time; when the radial pad contact surface is severely worn, the underwater hydraulic cylinder is driven to push the radial pad for radial replenishment, and the contact gap is maintained at a stable value in combination with the real-time monitoring values ​​of the displacement sensor and the pressure sensor to ensure the stability of the lubrication performance without the need for docking for maintenance and replacement; if emergency braking is required during navigation, the radial pad is controlled by the underwater hydraulic cylinder to radially retract and stop the propeller; when the rim thruster itself is suddenly subjected to vibration shock during navigation, the underwater hydraulic cylinder absorbs the impact energy to achieve the effect of vibration reduction and noise reduction, thereby improving the reliability of the rim thruster and navigation comfort.

5. The support structure for a rim thruster according to claim 3, characterized in that: The top wheel sliding assembly consists of a top wheel, a top wheel mounting bracket, a top wheel fixing bracket, and a top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder. The top wheel is installed on the top wheel fixing bracket through a center hole. The top wheel has rotational freedom. The end of the top wheel fixing bracket is connected to the hydraulic rod screw of the top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder. A pressure sensor is arranged between the top wheel fixing bracket and the top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder. A displacement sensor is arranged on the top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder body of the top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder is fixed to the limit block through the top wheel mounting bracket to form a top wheel sliding assembly.

6. The support structure for a rim thruster according to claim 5, characterized in that: There are five groups of top wheel sliding assemblies, which are evenly distributed between the limit blocks of the flange plate, allowing radial displacement to provide radial auxiliary ejection support for the propeller rotating assembly.

7. The support structure for a rim thruster according to claim 6, characterized in that: Driven by the top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder, the top wheel can achieve radial movement. When the top wheel contacts the propeller rotating assembly, the pressure sensor and the displacement sensor monitor the movement and pressure of the top wheel in real time. Before the rim thruster is started, the top wheel sliding assembly is started, and the top wheel underwater hydraulic cylinder pushes the top wheel out to lift the propeller rotating assembly to separate it from the radial bushings, converting the sliding friction into rolling friction, reducing the starting friction resistance, and avoiding excessive starting current. After the propeller speed is accelerated, the top wheel can be retracted, and the radial bushings provide radial support for it to establish a lubricating water film.

8. The support structure for a rim thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flange plate includes an inner ring, an outer ring and a limit block, which are connected by welding, casting or bolts. The limit blocks are symmetrically arranged and designed at 5 locations in total. Limit steps are provided at both ends of the limit blocks to allow the sliding assembly to slide in the radial direction but prevent the sliding assembly from sliding outward.

9. The support structure for a rim thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thrust washer is directly mounted on the inner ring, a pressure sensor is arranged between the thrust washer and the inner ring, and the number of thrust washer is an integer multiple of the radial washer.

10. The support structure for a rim thruster according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The supporting structure for the rim thruster is arranged symmetrically, and one rim thruster is arranged with two sets of supporting structures for the rim thruster. Among them, the thrust pad, radial pad and top wheel are all made of water-lubricated composite materials, and the installation method of the radial pad and thrust pad and the base adopts the conventional tile installation method.

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