Thrust bearing spring bundle limiting structure and mounting method thereof
By designing the integrated spring beam limiting structure, the problems of complex design and insufficient positioning accuracy of the traditional limiting baffle are solved, efficient installation and stable operation of thrust bearings are achieved, and overall performance and reliability are improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411918230.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-04
AI Technical Summary
The traditional spring beam limit baffle is designed in complex, difficult to install, and insufficient positioning accuracy, which affects the performance and stability of the thrust bearing.
An integrated spring beam limiting structure is designed, including a limiting baffle, an outer baffle, a spacer block, a spring beam and a watt. Through a precisely matched design and a tightly surround structure, the efficient positioning and stability of the spring beam is achieved.
It improves installation efficiency and positioning accuracy, enhances the overall performance and reliability of thrust bearings, reduces maintenance costs and failure probability, and improves safety and equipment service life.
Smart Images

Figure CN119554318A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of thrust bearings of hydroelectric generator sets, and in particular to a thrust bearing spring bundle limiting structure and an installation method thereof. Background Art
[0002] In vertical hydroelectric generator sets, thrust bearings play a critical role, bearing the weight of the rotating components and the thrust of the water, ensuring safe and stable operation. Hydroelectric thrust bearings are large sliding bearings, typically employing a segmented pad design. This design allows the pads to swing freely around the bearing support center. As the unit rotates, a wedge-shaped oil film forms between the bearing pad and the mirror plate. This film can lift the rotor, which weighs hundreds or even thousands of tons, thereby reducing friction and wear and ensuring smooth operation.
[0003] The spring bundle support structure is one of the main support structures in the thrust bearing of a hydropower unit. It is widely used due to its advantages such as large load-bearing capacity and low temperature rise. In the spring bundle support structure, the layout and limit design of the spring bundle have a significant impact on the performance of the thrust bearing. Traditional spring bundle limit baffles are mostly decentralized designs, and the installation process is complicated and time-consuming. Specifically, the existing spring limit baffles need to be positioned after the springs are arranged, which not only increases the difficulty of installation, but also requires a large number of holes to be drilled in the thrust bearing base to accommodate the installation of the spring limit baffles. Drilling holes at the inner diameter, in particular, is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but also easily affects the structural strength of the base.
[0004] Furthermore, traditional decentralized spring retaining plates lack positioning accuracy, making it difficult to ensure the spring bundle remains correctly positioned during operation. This can affect the thrust bearing's load capacity and stability. Therefore, it was necessary to design a new spring bundle retaining structure to improve installation efficiency, enhance positioning accuracy, and optimize the thrust bearing's overall performance.
[0005] In summary, the existing technology has significant shortcomings in the design and installation of spring bundle limit baffles, and a more concise, efficient, and precise limit structure is needed to address these issues. This patent application addresses this background and proposes a design for an integrated spring bundle limit baffle, aiming to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and improve the performance and reliability of thrust bearings. Summary of the Invention
[0006] The present invention aims to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art and provides a thrust bearing spring bundle limiting structure and an installation method thereof.
[0007] The technical solution adopted in the present invention is as follows:
[0008] A thrust bearing spring bundle limiting structure includes: a limiting baffle, an outer baffle, a thrust base, a spacer, a spring bundle and a watt support. The spacer blocks are provided on both sides of the thrust base, the spring bundle is provided in the middle of the thrust base, and a limiting baffle is provided between the spring bundle and the spacer blocks.
[0009] The limit baffle is set as a whole, and its outer shape matches the spacer blocks on both sides, and its inner shape matches the spring bundle;
[0010] The outer baffle is arranged on the radial outer side of the spring bundle, and the watt support is arranged between the spacer blocks on the spring bundle.
[0011] Furthermore, the outer side of the limit baffle is set to a V-shaped structure that matches the spacer blocks on both sides, and the inner side is set according to the shape of the spring bundle arrangement.
[0012] Furthermore, after the outer baffle is installed, it is connected to the limit baffle to form a complete limit structure that is tightly arranged around the spring bundle.
[0013] Furthermore, a groove for limiting the position of the limit baffle is provided at the junction of the spacer block and the thrust base.
[0014] Furthermore, the height of the groove is set to be slightly greater than the height of the limiting baffle.
[0015] Furthermore, the outer baffle is provided with bolt holes, and corresponding positions of the thrust base are provided with bolt holes for fixing the outer baffle.
[0016] Furthermore, the limit baffle and the outer baffle are both symmetrically arranged along the radial direction of the thrust base.
[0017] Furthermore, a surface of the outer baffle connecting to the spring bundle is configured to be in an arc shape that matches the shape of the spring bundle.
[0018] Furthermore, a method for installing a thrust bearing spring bundle limiting structure includes the following steps:
[0019] S1: Install the spacer block on the thrust base and place one end of the limit baffle on the thrust base;
[0020] S2: After cleaning the groove, push the limit baffle in radially along the thrust base;
[0021] S3: The limit baffle is pushed inwards and locked into the groove;
[0022] S4: Arrange multiple spring bundles according to the bearing design drawing;
[0023] S5: Install the outer baffle and tighten it with bolts.
[0024] Furthermore, in step S5, the outer baffle is first installed for trial, and after confirming that the outer baffle and the limit baffle are tightly fitted with the spring bundle, the bolt hole positions are marked on the thrust base, and then the outer baffle is removed and holes are drilled in the thrust base, and then the outer baffle is installed through the drilled bolt holes.
[0025] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:
[0026] 1. Improved installation efficiency: The integrated spring-loaded retaining plate significantly simplifies the installation process. Compared to traditional, discrete retaining plates that require separate assembly and positioning of multiple components, the integrated design reduces installation steps and time. In particular, it reduces the number of on-site threaded holes required for machining and drilling, significantly reducing installation complexity.
[0027] 2. Enhanced positioning accuracy: The outer shape of the integrated limit baffle matches the spacer block, and the inner shape is consistent with the spring bundle layout. This precise matching design ensures accurate positioning of the spring bundle and improves the working accuracy and stability of the thrust bearing.
[0028] 3. Optimize structural stability: The outer baffle and the limit baffle form a complete limiting structure, which is tightly arranged around the spring bundle, effectively preventing the spring bundle from deflecting or loosening during operation, enhancing the stability of the structure and thus improving the overall performance of the thrust bearing.
[0029] 4. Reduce maintenance costs: The rationally designed limit structure reduces the wear of the thrust bearing, reduces maintenance costs, and extends the service life of the equipment. In addition, precise positioning and a stable structure reduce the probability of failure and reduce the frequency of maintenance.
[0030] 5. Improved safety: This design ensures the stability of the thrust bearing during operation, thereby improving the safety of the entire unit. Stable bearing performance can reduce the risk of downtime due to bearing failure and ensure the continuity and reliability of power production.
[0031] 6. Reduced on-site processing time: The integrated limit baffle design reduces the need for drilling holes in the thrust bearing base, especially at the inner diameter, which significantly saves on-site processing time and speeds up the project schedule.
[0032] 7. Easy to disassemble and maintain: The symmetrically set limit baffles and outer baffles and the reasonable bolt hole design make the disassembly and maintenance of the thrust bearing more convenient and quick, reducing the workload and time of maintenance personnel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention;
[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the limit baffle of the present invention;
[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after the limit baffle of the present invention is installed;
[0036] Figure 4 This Figure 3 A-A cross-section.
[0037] Markings in the figure:
[0038] 1-limit baffle, 2-outer baffle, 3-thrust base, 4-spacer block, 5-spring bundle, 6-watt support, 7-groove, 8-bolt hole.
[0039] Specific examples
[0040] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0041] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0042] Example 1
[0043] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 、 2 As shown, a thrust bearing spring bundle limiting structure includes: a limiting baffle 1, an outer baffle 2, a thrust base 3, a spacer block 4, a spring bundle 5 and a watt support 6. The spacer blocks 4 are provided on both sides of the thrust base 3, the spring bundle 5 is provided in the middle of the thrust base 3, and the limiting baffle 1 is provided between the spring bundle 5 and the spacer block 4;
[0044] The limit baffle 1 is set as a whole, and its outer shape matches the spacer blocks 4 on both sides, and its inner shape matches the spring bundle 5;
[0045] The outer baffle 2 is arranged radially outside the spring bundle 5 , and the watt support 6 is arranged between the spacer blocks 4 on the spring bundle 5 .
[0046] Specifically, the stopper plate 1 features an integral design, its outer shape precisely matching the contours of the spacer block 4 to ensure accurate alignment during installation. The inner shape is customized to the layout of the spring bundle 5, ensuring stability during operation. The outer stopper plate 2 fits snugly against the outer edge of the spring bundle 5, forming a complete stopper structure. The stopper plate 6 then restricts axial displacement of the spring bundle 5, achieving its limiting function.
[0047] This integral limit baffle 1 design improves the positioning accuracy of the spring bundle 5, abandons the segmented bolt fixing method, ensures that the spring bundle 5 remains stable during operation, and thus improves the overall performance and reliability of the thrust bearing.
[0048] Furthermore, the outer side of the limit baffle 1 is set to a V-shaped structure that matches the spacer blocks 4 on both sides, and the inner side is set according to the arrangement shape of the spring bundle 5.
[0049] The V-shaped arrangement combined with the fixed arrangement of the outer baffle 2 can limit the movement of the limit baffle 1 in the radial direction of the thrust base 3.
[0050] The outer side design of the V-shaped structure enhances the matching degree between the limit baffle 1 and the spacer block 4, improving the convenience and stability of installation. The inner side is set according to the shape of the spring bundle 5, further ensuring the precise positioning of the spring bundle 5 and avoiding deviation during operation.
[0051] Furthermore, after installation, the outer baffle 2 is connected to the limiting baffle 1 to form a complete limiting structure that is tightly arranged around the spring bundle 5.
[0052] Specifically, the interface between the outer baffle 2 and the limit baffle 1 is set as an inclined surface matching the V-shaped surface of the limit baffle 1. After installation, the inner side surfaces of the outer baffle 2 and the limit baffle 1 form a shape matching the outer side surface of the spring bundle 5.
[0053] The complete limiting structure tightly surrounds the spring bundle 5, effectively preventing the spring bundle 5 from deflecting or loosening during operation, thereby enhancing the stability of the structure and increasing the load-bearing capacity and service life of the thrust bearing.
[0054] The installation of the outer baffle 2 ensures that the spring bundle 5 will not move laterally during operation. The complete limiting structure tightly surrounds the spring bundle 5, providing all-round protection and support.
[0055] Furthermore, a groove 7 for limiting the position of the limit baffle 1 is provided at the junction of the spacer block 4 and the thrust base 3 .
[0056] The groove 7 is designed to provide a stable snap-in position for the limit baffle 1, ensuring that the limit baffle 1 will not loosen or fall off after installation, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the entire limit structure.
[0057] Furthermore, the height of the groove 7 is set to be slightly greater than the height of the limiting baffle 1 .
[0058] Specifically, a long strip groove 7 is provided at the bottom of the spacer block 4, which matches the thickness of the limit baffle 1. After the limit baffle 1 is inserted, its radial displacement can be limited. Due to the V-shaped structure design, the limit baffle 1 can only be pushed into the groove 7 from the outer baffle 2, so that after the spring bundle 5 and the outer baffle 2 are installed, the limit baffle 1 can be completely fixed.
[0059] The height of the groove 7 is slightly greater than that of the limiting baffle 1 to ensure that the limiting baffle 1 can be completely inserted into the groove 7 while avoiding installation difficulties due to excessive height or insufficient stability due to excessive height.
[0060] Furthermore, the outer baffle 2 is provided with bolt holes 8 , and corresponding positions of the thrust base 3 are provided with bolt holes 8 for fixing the outer baffle 2 .
[0061] The bolt holes 8 are designed to facilitate the fixing of the outer baffle 2 and ensure the stability of the limiting structure. At the same time, the symmetrically arranged bolt holes 8 make installation more convenient and quick, thereby improving installation efficiency.
[0062] Furthermore, the limiting baffle 1 and the outer baffle 2 are both arranged radially symmetrically along the thrust base 3 .
[0063] The symmetrical setting ensures the balance and stability of the limit structure, avoids stress concentration or offset during operation caused by asymmetry, and improves the performance of the thrust bearing.
[0064] Furthermore, a surface of the outer baffle 2 that meets the spring bundle 5 is configured to be in an arc shape that matches the shape of the spring bundle 5 .
[0065] The arc-shaped design ensures close contact between the outer baffle 2 and the spring bundle 5, avoids gaps or looseness during operation, and improves the effectiveness and reliability of the limiting structure.
[0066] Example 2
[0067] Based on the first embodiment, a method for installing a thrust bearing spring bundle limiting structure is provided, comprising the following steps:
[0068] S1: Install the spacer block 4 on the thrust base 3, and place one end of the limit baffle 1 on the thrust base 3;
[0069] S2: After cleaning the groove 7, push the limit baffle 1 radially along the thrust base 3;
[0070] S3: The limit baffle 1 is pushed inwards and locked into the groove 7;
[0071] S4: Arrange the multiple spring bundles 5 according to the bearing design drawing;
[0072] S5: Install the outer baffle 2 and tighten it with bolts.
[0073] This installation method is simple and efficient, reducing on-site processing time and improving installation accuracy and efficiency. At the same time, the symmetrical arrangement of the limit baffle 1 and the outer baffle 2 and the reasonable design of the bolt hole 8 make the disassembly and maintenance of the thrust bearing more convenient and quick.
[0074] Furthermore, in step S5, the outer baffle 2 is first installed for trial, and after confirming that the outer baffle 2 and the limit baffle 1 are tightly fitted with the spring bundle 5, the position of the bolt hole 8 is marked on the thrust base 3, the outer baffle 2 is removed and a hole is drilled in the thrust base 3, and then the outer baffle 2 is installed through the drilled bolt hole 8.
[0075] In this way, the optimal limiting position of the outer baffle 2 is achieved, preventing the occurrence of gaps and reducing the limiting effect.
[0076] The method of trial installation and marking the position of the bolt holes 8 ensures accurate installation of the outer baffle 2, avoids rework or structural instability due to improper installation, and improves installation quality and efficiency.
[0077] Specific installation process:
[0078] 1. Installation Preparation
[0079] Confirm the integrity of components such as the thrust base 3, spacer block 4, spring bundle 5, limit baffle 1, outer baffle 2 and watt support 6.
[0080] Clean the surface of the thrust base 3 to ensure that there is no oil, dust or other impurities.
[0081] 2. Install spacer block 4
[0082] Install the spacer block 4 at the predetermined position of the thrust base 3 according to the requirements of the design drawing.
[0083] Make sure that the spacer block 4 is installed firmly and positioned correctly.
[0084] 3. Install limit baffle 1
[0085] Place one end of the limit baffle 1 on the thrust base 3.
[0086] Clean the groove 7 where the spacer block 4 and the thrust base 3 meet.
[0087] Push the limit baffle 1 radially along the thrust base 3 until it is completely engaged in the groove 7 .
[0088] 4. Arrange spring bundle 5
[0089] According to the bearing design drawings, multiple spring bundles 5 are arranged in the middle of the thrust base 3.
[0090] Ensure that the position of the spring bundle 5 is accurate and matches the inner shape of the limit stop 1.
[0091] 5. Install outer baffle 2
[0092] Try to install the outer baffle 2 and confirm that it fits tightly with the limit baffle 1 and the spring bundle 5.
[0093] Mark the positions of the bolt holes 8 on the thrust base 3.
[0094] Remove the outer baffle 2 and drill holes on the thrust base 3 according to the marked positions.
[0095] Install the outer baffle 2 through the drilled bolt holes 8 and tighten with bolts.
[0096] 6. Install Watt 6
[0097] The watt support 6 is installed between the spacer blocks 4 on the spring bundle 5.
[0098] Make sure that Watt 6 is installed firmly and in the correct position.
[0099] 7. Pre-operation check
[0100] Check the installation of all components to ensure that there is no looseness or misalignment.
[0101] Check the oil system to ensure that the oil circuit is unobstructed and free of blockage.
[0102] 8. Operation and maintenance
[0103] Start the unit and observe the operation of the thrust bearing to ensure there is no abnormal noise or vibration.
[0104] Regularly check the temperature, wear, etc. of the thrust bearing and replace damaged parts in time.
[0105] Clean the oil system regularly to ensure that the oil circuit is unobstructed.
[0106] Adjust and maintain according to actual conditions to ensure long-term stable operation of the thrust bearing.
[0107] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the invention should be included in the scope of protection of the invention.
Claims
1. A thrust bearing spring bundle limiting structure, characterized in that: include: A limit baffle (1), an outer baffle (2), a thrust base (3), a spacer block (4), a spring bundle (5) and a watt support (6), wherein the spacer blocks (4) are arranged on both sides of the thrust base (3), a spring bundle (5) is arranged in the middle of the thrust base (3), and a limit baffle (1) is arranged between the spring bundle (5) and the spacer block (4); The limit baffle (1) is arranged as a whole, and its outer shape matches the spacer blocks (4) on both sides, and its inner shape matches the spring bundle (5); The outer baffle (2) is arranged on the radial outer side of the spring bundle (5), and the watt support (6) is arranged between the spacer blocks (4) on the spring bundle (5).
2. According to the thrust bearing spring bundle limiting structure as described in claim 1, it is characterized in that: The outer side of the limit baffle (1) is arranged as a V-shaped structure matching the spacer blocks (4) on both sides, and the inner side is arranged according to the shape of the spring bundle (5).
3. According to the thrust bearing spring bundle limiting structure as described in claim 1, it is characterized in that: After installation, the outer baffle plate (2) is connected to the limit baffle plate (1) to form a complete limit structure that is tightly arranged around the spring bundle (5).
4. According to the thrust bearing spring bundle limiting structure as described in claim 1, it is characterized in that: A groove (7) for limiting the position of the limit baffle (1) is provided at the junction of the spacer block (4) and the thrust base (3).
5. A thrust bearing spring bundle limiting structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The height of the groove (7) is set to be slightly greater than the height of the limit baffle (1).
6. A thrust bearing spring bundle limiting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer baffle plate (2) is provided with a bolt hole (8), and the thrust base (3) is provided with a bolt hole (8) at a corresponding position for fixing the outer baffle plate (2).
7. A thrust bearing spring bundle limiting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limit baffle (1) and the outer baffle (2) are both arranged radially symmetrically along the thrust base (3).
8. According to the thrust bearing spring bundle limiting structure as described in claim 1, it is characterized in that: A surface of the outer baffle plate (2) that is in contact with the spring bundle (5) is arranged in an arc shape that matches the shape of the spring bundle (5).
9. A method for installing a thrust bearing spring bundle limiting structure, applied to a thrust bearing spring bundle limiting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1: Install the spacer block (4) on the thrust base (3), and place one end of the limit baffle (1) on the thrust base (3); S2: After cleaning the groove (7), the limit baffle (1) is pushed radially along the thrust base (3); S3: The limit baffle (1) is pushed inwards until it is in place and then snaps into the groove (7); S4: Arrange the plurality of spring bundles (5) according to the bearing design drawing; S5: Install the outer baffle (2) and tighten it with bolts.
10. The method for installing a thrust bearing spring bundle limiting structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: In the step S5, the outer baffle (2) is first installed for trial, and after confirming that the outer baffle (2) and the limit baffle (1) are tightly fitted to the spring bundle (5), the position of the bolt hole (8) is marked on the thrust base (3), and then the outer baffle (2) is removed and holes are drilled in the thrust base (3), and then the outer baffle (2) is installed through the drilled bolt holes (8).