Rolling bearing comprising bore and groove

Abstract

The rolling bearing comprises an outer ring and an inner ring concentrically rotatable relative to each other about a longitudinal axis, at least one row of rolling elements being arranged between the outer ring and the inner ring, the rolling bearing being provided with a first outer face defining an axial length of the bearing and a second outer face axially opposite the first outer face. The outer ring has a longitudinal bore (40) opening at a first outer face of the rolling bearing, at least one edge (42, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68) of the outer ring has a longitudinal marking (44, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78), the bore and the marking of the outer ring being separated by an angle alpha. The inner ring has a longitudinal bore (50) opening at the second outer face of the rolling bearing, at least one edge (52) of the inner ring has a longitudinal marking (54), the bore and marking of the inner ring being separated by an angle [beta]. When the indicia of the outer ring and the inner ring are contained in the same longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis, the holes of the outer ring and the holes of the inner ring are separated by an angle gamma.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The invention relates in particular to the field of large-diameter rolling bearings having an inner ring and an outer ring which are arranged concentrically about an axis of rotation extending in the axial direction.

[0003] Such large-diameter rolling bearings may, for example, be used in marine applications, for example in tidal or ocean turbine power stations, or in tunnel boring machines, or in mining excavators, or in wind turbines. Background Art

[0004] Large diameter rolling bearings generally include two concentric inner and outer rings and at least one row of rolling elements, such as rollers or balls, disposed between the inner and outer rings. The bearings also include a seal disposed between the inner and outer rings to define a closed space in which the rolling elements are disposed.

[0005] Large diameter rolling bearings are often used in aggressive environments, especially in marine applications. Seals prevent external elements such as dust, abrasive particles, water and marine species, such as plankton and algae, from entering the interior of the bearing and damaging the components of the bearing. These external elements may also alter the seal itself, resulting in a shortened seal life.

[0006] Typically, a plurality of additional adjacent seals are arranged on the front side of the bearing which is in direct contact with the aggressive environment, for example with salt water. These additional seals are fixed to the sealing ring of one of the inner and outer rings and comprise sealing lips which are in sliding contact with the running surface of the sealing ring of the other ring. Thus, a plurality of adjacent closed outer chambers are defined between the sealing lips of adjacent seals.

[0007] If water begins to enter the interior of the rolling bearing (by first entering the interior of the first outer seal chamber), it is desirable to prevent further movement of water or contaminants inside the bearing until the rolling space. Water intrusion can occur in most applications, but is particularly severe for submerged applications (such as in tidal turbines).

[0008] Generally speaking, the sealing rings are designed to optimize the seal and facilitate seal maintenance. Therefore, in a certain type of design, all or most of the sealing rings include one or more leak test channels.

[0009] Before the rolling bearing is used, the leakage test channel enables the introduction of fluid into the area where the seal is located. Thus, the efficiency of the sealing components and seals can be tested. The introduced fluid can be compressed air, lubricant, colored liquid, etc.

[0010] The closure plug can be attached to the inlet orifice and / or outlet orifice of the leakage test channel by any appropriate means (e.g., by threaded connection). Preferably, the closure plug is made of a transparent material to enable visual detection of the presence of contaminated fluid during the inspection of the rolling bearing. The closure plug can be re-covered by a potting material and embedded in the interior of the material. Therefore, the relevant threads of the closure plug are sealed.

[0011] The rolling bearing described above works well and satisfactorily. However, it has some disadvantages.

[0012] The rolling bearing structure is complex and its implementation in or between devices can be complex. It is difficult to orient the outer ring with one part of the device and it is difficult to orient the inner ring with another part of the device. Maintenance of the bearing can also be complicated because of the need to accurately position the outer ring or the inner ring relative to the component parts, or to accurately position the two rings relative to each other. This creates other disadvantages, such as considerable cost and considerable assembly time. Summary of the invention

[0013] The present invention particularly seeks to overcome these disadvantages. The present invention seeks to optimize rolling bearing installation by making rolling bearing installation simpler. As a corollary, the present invention seeks to reduce assembly time and facilitate maintenance.

[0014] The present invention relates to a rolling bearing, which comprises an outer ring and an inner ring which are rotatable concentrically relative to each other around a longitudinal axis, at least one row of rolling elements being arranged between the outer ring and the inner ring, and the rolling bearing being provided with a first external face defining the axial length of the bearing and a second external face axially opposite to the first external face.

[0015] The outer ring has a longitudinal hole, the hole opening at a first outer face of the rolling bearing, at least one edge of the outer ring has a longitudinal mark, the hole and the mark of the outer ring being separated by an angle α,

[0016] The inner ring has a longitudinal hole opening at the second outer face of the rolling bearing, at least one edge of the inner ring has a longitudinal marking, the hole and the marking of the inner ring being separated by an angle β.

[0017] When the markings of the outer race and the inner race are contained in the same longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis, the apertures of the outer race and the apertures of the inner race are separated by an angle γ.

[0018] Angles α and β are measured according to the same direction of rotation, and angle γ is β minus α. Since angles α and β are known, angle γ is also known. Therefore, two pins, each placed in a hole, separate the known angle γ. In other words, it is sufficient to place all the markings of the ring in the same plane to adjust the distance between the pins. As a result, it is easier to place each ring on a part of the device. Effectively, each pin has a protrusion that is placed in a hole of the device. The two holes that receive the protrusions of the pins are offset by an angle value γ. This allows the outer ring and the inner ring to be easily positioned in the device. Due to the holes and the pins, the angular position of the outer ring and the inner ring is correct. The resulting advantages are that the installation of the rolling bearing is easier and faster, maintenance is easier, and the cost is lower.

[0019] In one embodiment, the outer ring includes at least a first rolling ring and at least one first sealing ring fixed to the first rolling ring, and the inner ring includes at least one second rolling ring and at least one second sealing ring fixed to the second rolling ring. This makes it possible to strengthen the sealing of the bearing.

[0020] The first sealing ring of the outer ring is a split ring and includes at least two part rings, the part ring farthest from the rolling ring is an end ring, each part ring has a longitudinal through hole located on a first diameter Φ1, the outer peripheral edge of each part ring has a longitudinal mark, the through hole and the mark of the outer peripheral edge are separated by an angle α, the first rolling ring of the outer ring has a longitudinal through hole located on the first diameter Φ1, the outer peripheral edge of the first rolling ring has a longitudinal mark, the through hole and the mark of the outer peripheral edge are separated by an angle α, when all the marks of the part ring and the first rolling ring are aligned, all the through holes in the part ring and the through holes in the first rolling ring are aligned and form a hole opening at the first face of the rolling bearing. As a result, when the pin is in place in the hole opening at the first face of the rolling bearing, the pin prevents all the rings from rotating relative to each other.

[0021] Two of the partial rings are twin rings of identical design, each having two longitudinal through holes located on the first diameter Φ1 and separated by an angle γ, each having a first mark at the level of one of the through holes and a second mark at the level of the other of the through holes, the twin rings being adjacent and offset. This simplifies the construction of the rolling bearing.

[0022] The end ring of the first sealing ring has radial markings contained in a longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis, the longitudinal plane containing the markings of the peripheral edge of the end ring. This allows an observer to see the position of the end ring from several different viewpoints.

[0023] The first sealing ring of the outer ring comprises five partial rings. With this number of rings a very good operation is obtained, in particular for the sealing of rolling bearings.

[0024] The second sealing ring of the inner ring has a longitudinal mark, and the second rolling ring of the inner ring has a longitudinal mark, the longitudinal mark is contained in a longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis, the hole opening at the second face of the rolling bearing is located on a second diameter Φ2, the hole and the two longitudinal marks are separated by an angle β. Therefore, the positioning of the pin in the hole opening out at the second face is known.

[0025] The second sealing ring of the inner ring has radial markings contained in the longitudinal plane containing the longitudinal markings. This allows an observer to see the position of the second sealing ring from several different viewpoints.

[0026] The value of the angle α is 0°, the value of the angle β is 3°, and the value of the angle γ is 3°. With these values, very good results have been obtained.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a method for installing a rolling bearing as described above, the method comprising the following steps: placing a pin in the longitudinal hole of the outer ring so that the pin protrudes; placing another pin in the longitudinal hole of the inner ring so that the pin protrudes; positioning the outer ring relative to the inner ring so that their corresponding marks are contained in the same longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis; fixing one of the outer ring and the inner ring to a rotating device, with the protruding portion of the pin being placed in an orifice of the device; fixing the other of the outer ring and the inner ring to another rotating device, with the protruding portion of the pin being placed in the orifice of the device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The invention and its advantages will be better understood by studying the detailed description of a particular embodiment given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] - Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a side surface of a first outer surface of a rolling bearing according to an example of the present invention,

[0030] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1A partial perspective view of the side surface of the second outer surface of the rolling bearing, the second outer surface is opposite to the first outer surface,

[0031] - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A partial perspective view of a rolling bearing showing the second outer face and the inner edge,

[0032] - Figure 4 yes Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Partial cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The rolling bearing 10 shown is a large diameter rolling bearing comprising a first ring 12 and a second ring 14. In the example shown, the first ring 12 is an outer ring and the second ring 14 is an inner ring. The rolling bearing may be used, for example, in tidal or marine turbine power stations, tunnel boring machines, wind turbines, large offshore cranes or any other application where large diameter rolling bearings are used.

[0034] The outer ring 12 and the inner ring 14 are concentric and extend axially along the bearing rotation axis (not shown), which extends in the axial direction. In the example shown, the rings 12, 14 are of solid type and the rolling bearing 10 extends longitudinally between a first outer face 16 and a second outer face 18 opposite to the first outer face 18.

[0035] The outer ring 12 includes a rolling ring 20 and a sealing ring 22 fixed to the rolling ring 20. The inner ring 14 also includes a rolling ring 24 and a sealing ring 26 fixed to the rolling ring 24. The sealing ring 22 of the outer ring 12 radially surrounds the sealing ring 26 of the inner ring 14. Therefore, the first outer face 16 is partially defined by the rolling ring 20 of the outer ring 12 and partially defined by the rolling ring 24 of the inner ring 14. The rolling ring 20 and the rolling ring 24 are optionally flush or offset in the axial direction. In the same spirit, the second outer face 18 is partially defined by the sealing ring 22 of the outer ring and partially defined by the sealing ring 26 of the inner ring 14. The sealing ring 22 and the sealing ring 26 are optionally flush or offset in the axial direction.

[0036] A plurality of continuous seals (not shown) are disposed radially between the seal rings 22 , 26 .

[0037] In the example shown, the rolling bearing 10 further comprises two rows of balls (not shown) arranged between a first raceway of the rolling ring 20 of the outer ring 12 and a second raceway of the rolling ring 24 of the inner ring 14 .

[0038] The sealing ring 22 of the outer ring 12 is installed in the axial direction to contact against the rolling ring 20. The sealing ring 22 protrudes in the axial direction relative to the rolling ring 20. The sealing ring 22 is reversely attached or fixed to the rolling ring 20. The sealing ring 22 radially surrounds the sealing ring 26 of the inner ring 14. Each of the sealing rings 22, 26 can be made of stainless steel or treated steel that has been painted or treated for corrosion.

[0039] In the example shown, the seal ring 22 is formed as a split ring and includes a first partial ring 30, a second partial ring 32, a third partial ring 34, a fourth partial ring 36, and a fifth partial ring 38 stacked relative to each other in the axial direction. As another option, the seal ring 22 may include more or fewer rings. The fifth partial ring 38 is an end ring, and the second partial ring 32, the third partial ring 34, and the fourth partial ring 36 are intermediate rings.

[0040] The first partial ring 30 is reversely fixed to the rolling ring 20 by screws (not shown) spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The first partial ring 30 abuts against the rolling ring 20 in the axial direction. Similarly, the second partial ring 32 is reversely fixed to the first partial ring 30 by screws (not shown) on the side opposite to the rolling ring 20 in the axial direction. The third partial ring 34 is reversely fixed to the second partial ring 32 by screws on the side opposite to the first partial ring 30 in the axial direction. The fourth partial ring 36 is reversely fixed to the third partial ring 34 by screws on the side opposite to the second partial ring 32 in the axial direction. The fifth partial ring 38 is reversely fixed to the fourth partial ring 36 by screws on the side opposite to the third partial ring 34 in the axial direction. The head of the screw of the first partial ring 30 can be covered again by the potting material and embedded inside the material. Therefore, the relevant thread of the screw is sealed.

[0041] Figure 1The outer ring 12 is shown to have a longitudinal hole 40, the hole 40 opening at the first face 16 of the rolling bearing 10, and at least one edge 42 of the outer ring 12 having a longitudinal mark 44, the hole 40 and the mark 44 of the outer ring 12 being separated by an angle α. The hole 40 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rolling bearing 10. The edge 42 may be the outer peripheral surface of the rolling ring 20. The longitudinal mark 44 is a groove, but as another option, the longitudinal mark 44 may be a series of dots, a coloured inscription or any equivalent. In a non-limiting manner, the value of the angle α is 0°, which means that both the hole 40 and the mark 44 are contained in the same longitudinal plane of the rolling bearing 10 containing the longitudinal axis of rotation. However, the value of the angle α may be different, for example a few degrees. In this case, the hole 40 and the mark 44 will be offset angularly.

[0042] Figure 3 The inner ring 14 is shown to have a longitudinal hole 50, which opens at the second outer face 18 of the rolling bearing 10, and at least one edge 52 of the inner ring 14 has a longitudinal mark 54, the hole 50 and the mark 54 of the inner ring 14 being separated by an angle β. The hole 50 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rolling bearing 10. The edge 52 can be the inner peripheral surface of the rolling ring 24. The longitudinal mark 54 is a groove, but as another option, the longitudinal mark 54 can be a series of dots, a colored inscription or any equivalent. In a non-limiting manner, the value of the angle β is a few degrees, for example three degrees, which means that the hole 50 and the mark 54 are offset.

[0043] according to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , when the markings 44, 54 of the outer ring 12 and the inner ring 14 are contained in the same longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis, the hole 40 of the outer ring 12 and the hole 50 of the inner ring 14 are separated by an angle γ. The angles α and β are measured according to the same direction of rotation, and the angle γ is β minus α. Since the angles α and β are known, the angle γ is also known. Therefore, the two pins each placed in the holes 40, 50 are separated by the known angle γ. For example, in a non-limiting manner, the value of the angle γ can be 3°.

[0044] As a result, it is easier to place each ring 12, 14 on a portion of the device. Effectively, each pin has a protrusion that takes place in a hole of the device. The two holes that receive the protrusions of the pins are offset by an angle value γ. This allows the outer ring 12 and the inner ring 14 to be easily positioned in the device. Thanks to the holes 40, 50 and the pins, the angular position of the outer ring 12 and the inner ring 14 is correct.

[0045] Always in the examples shown, according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , each partial ring 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 has a longitudinal through hole (not shown) located on the first diameter Φ1, and each peripheral edge 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 of each partial ring 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 has a longitudinal marking 70, 72, 74, 76, 78 respectively, and the markings of the through hole and the peripheral edge are separated by an angle α.

[0046] The first rolling ring 20 of the outer ring 12 has a longitudinal through hole (not shown) located on the first diameter Φ1, and the peripheral edge 42 of the first rolling ring 20 has a longitudinal mark 44 as seen before, the through hole and the mark 44 of the peripheral edge 42 being separated by an angle α. When all the marks 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 44 of the partial rings 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and the first rolling ring 20 are aligned, all the through holes in the partial rings 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and the through holes in the first rolling ring 20 are aligned and form a hole 40 opening at the first face 16 of the rolling bearing 10. As a result, when the pin is in place in the hole 40 opening at the first face of the rolling bearing, the pin prevents all the rings (rings) from rotating relative to each other.

[0047] In a non-limiting manner, two of the intermediate rings 32, 34 are twin rings of the same design. In other words, the twin rings 32, 34 have the same structure. Each twin ring 32, 34 has two longitudinal through holes, which are located on a first diameter Φ1 and separated by an angle γ. Each twin ring 32, 34 has a first mark 72, 74 at the level of one of the through holes and a second mark 82, 84 at the level of the other of the through holes, the twin rings 32, 34 being adjacent and offset. This simplifies the structure of the rolling bearing.

[0048] Figure 2 The end ring 38 of the first seal ring 22 is shown having radial indicia 86 contained in a longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis that contains the indicia 78 of the outer peripheral edge 68 of the end ring 38 .

[0049] Figure 3The second sealing ring 26 of the inner ring 14 is shown to have a longitudinal mark 88, and the second rolling ring 24 of the inner ring 14 has a longitudinal mark 54, which is the longitudinal mark of the inner ring 14 seen previously. Both longitudinal marks 88, 54 are contained in a longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis, and the hole 50 opening at the second face 18 of the rolling bearing 10 is on the second diameter Φ2, and the hole 50 and the two longitudinal marks 88, 54 are separated by an angle β. Therefore, the positioning of the pin in the hole 50 opening at the second face 18 is known.

[0050] The second sealing ring 26 of the inner ring 14 has radial markings 90 which are contained in the longitudinal plane containing the longitudinal markings 88 , 54 .

[0051] The value of the angle α is 0°, the value of the angle β is 3°, and the value of the angle γ is 3°. With these values, very good results have been obtained.

[0052] In the example described, the rolling bearing 10 comprises two rows of rolling elements. Alternatively, the rolling bearing 10 may comprise only one row of rolling elements, or three or more rows of rolling elements. The rolling elements may be balls, rollers or others.

[0053] All markings are grooves, but could alternatively be color markings, ribs, rows of dimples, or any other markings.

Claims

1. A rolling bearing (10) comprising an outer ring (12) and an inner ring (14) which are rotatable concentrically relative to each other about a longitudinal axis, at least one row of rolling elements being arranged between the outer ring (12) and the inner ring (14), the rolling bearing (10) being provided with a first outer face (16) defining the axial length of the bearing and a second outer face (18) axially opposite to the first outer face (16), characterized in that: the outer ring (12) has a longitudinal hole (40) which opens at a first outer face (16) of the rolling bearing (10), at least one edge (42, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68) of the outer ring (12) has longitudinal markings (44, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78), - the holes (40) and the markings (44, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78) of the outer ring (12) are separated by an angle α, the inner ring (14) has a longitudinal hole (50) which opens at the second outer face (18) of the rolling bearing (10), - at least one edge (52) of the inner ring (14) has a longitudinal marking (54), - said hole (50) and said mark (54) of said inner ring (14) are separated by an angle β, - When the markings (44, 54, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78) of the outer ring (12) and the inner ring (14) are contained in the same longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis, the holes (40) of the outer ring (12) and the holes (50) of the inner ring (14) are separated by an angle γ.

2. The rolling bearing (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer ring (12) includes at least a first rolling ring (20) and at least one first sealing ring (22) fixed to the first rolling ring (20), and the inner ring (14) includes at least one second rolling ring (24) and at least one second sealing ring (26) fixed to the second rolling ring (24).

3. The rolling bearing (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first sealing ring (22) of the outer ring (12) is formed as a split ring and comprises at least two partial rings (30, 32, 34, 36, 38), the partial ring (38) farthest from the rolling ring (20) is an end ring, each partial ring (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) has a longitudinal through hole located on a first diameter (Φ1), the outer peripheral edge (60, 62, 64, 66, 68) of each partial ring (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) has a longitudinal mark (70, 72, 74, 76, 78), the through hole and the mark (70, 72, 74, 76, 78) of the outer peripheral edge (60, 62, 64, 66, 68) are separated by an angle α, and the The first rolling ring (20) of the outer ring (12) has a longitudinal through hole located on the first diameter (Φ1), and the outer peripheral edge (42) of the first rolling ring (20) has a longitudinal mark (44), and the through hole and the mark (44) of the outer peripheral edge (42) are separated by an angle α. When all the marks (70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 44) of the partial rings (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) and the first rolling ring (20) are aligned, all the through holes in the partial rings (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) and the through holes in the first rolling ring (20) are aligned and form a hole (40) opening at the first surface (16) of the rolling bearing (10).

4. The rolling bearing (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that Two of the partial rings (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) are twin rings of identical design, each twin ring (32, 34) having two longitudinal through holes located on the first diameter (Φ1) and separated by an angle γ, each twin ring (32, 34) having a first mark (72, 74) at the level of one of the through holes and a second mark (82, 84) at the level of the other of the through holes, the twin rings (32, 34) being adjacent and offset.

5. The rolling bearing (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The end ring (38) of the first seal ring (22) has radial markings (86) contained in a longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis, the longitudinal plane containing the markings (78) of the outer peripheral edge (68) of the end ring (38).

6. The rolling bearing (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The first sealing ring (22) of the outer ring (12) comprises five partial rings (30, 32, 34, 36, 38).

7. The rolling bearing (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that The second sealing ring (26) of the inner ring (14) has a longitudinal mark (88), and the second rolling ring (24) of the inner ring (14) has a longitudinal mark (54), and the longitudinal marks (88, 54) are contained in a longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis. The hole (50) opening at the second face (18) of the rolling bearing (10) is located on a second diameter (Φ2), and the hole (50) and the two longitudinal marks (88, 54) are separated by an angle β.

8. The rolling bearing (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that The second sealing ring (26) of the inner ring (14) has radial markings (90) contained in the longitudinal plane containing the longitudinal markings.

9. Rolling bearing (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The angle value (α) is 0°, the angle value (β) is 3°, and the angle value (γ) is 3°.

10. A method for mounting a rolling bearing (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: - placing a pin in the longitudinal hole (40) of the outer ring (12) so that the pin protrudes, - placing another pin in the longitudinal hole (50) of the inner ring (14) so ​​that the pin protrudes, - positioning the outer ring (12) relative to the inner ring (14) so ​​that their respective markings (44, 54, 70, 72, 76, 78, 84, 86, 88, 90) are contained in the same longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis, - fixing one of the outer ring (12) and the inner ring (14) to a rotating device, the protruding part of the pin being seated in an orifice of the device, - fixing the other of the outer ring (12) and the inner ring (14) to another rotating device, the protruding part of the pin being seated in the orifice of the device.

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