Lightweight metal segmented retainer

Abstract

The invention discloses a light-weight metal segmented retainer which comprises a metal segmented body, the metal segmented body is composed of two arc-shaped segments and window beams which are connected with the two arc-shaped segments and are evenly arranged at intervals, and pocket holes are formed between the adjacent window beams; the window beam located in the middle of the arc-shaped section is composed of two first thin plate elements provided with arc-shaped contact faces, and a gap is reserved between the two thin plate elements. Due to the existence of the gaps, the weight of the window beam is reduced, a certain amount of oil can be contained, and lubrication and friction reduction are facilitated. The two ends of the arc-shaped sections protrude out of the second thin plate element, and it is ensured that the adjacent metal section bodies are in contact through the extending arc-shaped section parts. By means of the design, collision between the window beams located at the ends is avoided, and therefore abrasion caused by collision is reduced. The retainer can be manufactured by adopting a casting process, so that the uniformity and compactness of a metal material can be ensured, and the strength and the wear resistance of the retainer are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of wind turbine pitch bearing cages, and in particular, relates to a lightweight metal segmented cage. Background Art

[0002] As the core component of the wind power generation system, wind turbine pitch bearings have significant features including large-size structure, complex and variable loads, adaptability to high-speed rotation environment, high wear resistance and long-term service in harsh natural conditions. Its key component, the cage, must strictly follow a series of standards in design and material selection. The cage must have sufficient strength and rigidity to cope with the complex stresses experienced by the pitch bearing during operation, which includes alternating stress and sudden impact loads. Given that wind turbine pitch bearings need to operate continuously and efficiently, the wear resistance of the cage is crucial, as it can effectively reduce friction losses and thus extend the overall service life of the bearing. In addition, the design of the cage must also take into account convenient maintenance and installation processes, aiming to reduce maintenance costs and shorten downtime.

[0003] At present, segmented cages are widely used due to their unique advantages. This design not only simplifies the manufacturing and installation process, reduces production costs and complexity, but also effectively disperses stress through the segmented structure, significantly improving the overall load-bearing capacity and system stability. It is particularly worth mentioning that the segmented engineering plastic cage, with its lightness, helps to reduce the weight of the entire wind turbine pitch system, thereby enhancing the flexibility and operating efficiency of the system. In practical applications, segmented engineering plastic cages have gradually shown some limitations. Especially under low-speed and heavy-load working conditions, complex mechanical effects often cause damage to the window beam, especially the corners of the segmented cage are prone to cracking. After in-depth analysis of the cause, we found that when the rolling element drives the segmented cage to move, the resistance of the oil will cause a speed difference between the two, which will cause the rolling element to hit the window beam, and collisions will also occur between adjacent segmented components. Due to the limited tensile strength of the engineering plastic cage, it is difficult to withstand the pressure caused by such a collision. However, if high tensile strength materials such as alloys are used to make the retaining frame, although the tensile resistance can be enhanced, the weight of the entire system will inevitably increase, which poses new challenges to the flexibility and efficiency of the wind turbine pitch system. It can be seen that the existing technology needs to be further improved and enhanced. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention provides a lightweight metal segmented retainer to at least solve or alleviate one or more technical problems in the prior art, or at least provide a beneficial option.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] A lightweight metal segmented retainer comprises a metal segmented main body, which is composed of two arc-shaped segments and window beams connecting the two segments at even intervals, and pockets are formed between adjacent window beams;

[0007] The window beam located in the middle of the arc-shaped segment comprises two first thin plate elements with arc-shaped contact surfaces, and a gap is reserved between the two thin plate elements;

[0008] The window beams at both ends of the arc-shaped segment are formed by a single second thin plate element, and the arc-shaped contact surface thereof is arranged correspondingly to the arc-shaped contact surface of the adjacent first thin plate element;

[0009] Both ends of the arc-shaped segment protrude from the second thin plate element, ensuring that adjacent metal segment bodies are in contact with each other through the extended arc-shaped segment portions, so as to avoid wear caused by collision between window beams at the ends.

[0010] By adopting the lightweight metal segmented retainer of the present application, the metal material has higher strength and rigidity than traditional engineering plastics while maintaining a lighter weight. The window beam located in the middle of the arc-shaped segment is composed of two first thin plate elements equipped with arc-shaped contact surfaces, and a gap is retained between the two thin plate elements. The presence of the gap reduces the weight of the window beam and can also accommodate a certain amount of oil, which helps lubrication and reduces friction. The two ends of the arc-shaped segment protrude from the second thin plate element to ensure that the adjacent metal segment bodies are in contact through the extended arc-shaped segment parts. This design avoids collisions between the window beams at the ends, thereby reducing wear caused by collisions. The retainer can be manufactured using a casting process, which can ensure the uniformity and density of the metal material and improve the strength and wear resistance of the retainer. At the same time, the casting process can also achieve precise manufacturing of complex shapes and structures to meet the design requirements of the retainer.

[0011] In a preferred implementation, the side where the first thin plate element / the second thin plate element is connected to the arc segment has a bonding interface and a non-bonding interface. The bonding interface fits tightly with the arc segment, and the non-bonding interface forms an oil-passing gap with the arc segment.

[0012] In a preferred implementation, the cross section of the first thin plate element / the second thin plate element along the depth direction of the pocket gradually changes from a thick portion on one side to a thin portion on one side, the bonding interface is located in the thick portion, and the non-bonding interface is located in the thin portion.

[0013] In a preferred implementation, the thin portion forms an elastic deformation section and the thick portion forms a rigid connection section. The rigid connection section ensures the connection between the thin plate element and the arc segment, and the elastic deformation section disperses the impact of the rolling body on the thin plate element, reducing the risk of breakage of the thin plate element.

[0014] In a preferred implementation, an elastic connector is provided between adjacent first thin plate elements, and the elastic connector connects adjacent elastic deformation sections to connect the two first thin plate elements into one, so that the two first thin plate elements support each other.

[0015] In a preferred implementation, the elastic connecting member is U-shaped or V-shaped.

[0016] In a preferred implementation, the elastic connector is arranged higher than the end surface of the arc-shaped segment, thereby reducing the direct contact area between the arc-shaped segment and the inner and outer rings of the bearing and reducing the collision wear of the arc-shaped segment.

[0017] In a preferred implementation, a wear-resistant protrusion is provided on one side of the thick portion of the second thin plate element, and the wear-resistant protrusion is arranged higher than the end face of the arc segment, thereby reducing the direct contact area between the arc segment and the inner and outer rings of the bearing and reducing the collision wear of the arc segment.

[0018] In a preferred implementation, the second thin plate element is provided with an inclined elastic support foot, which is arranged on the inner side of the protruding parts at both ends of the arc-shaped segment. The second thin plate element is equipped with a trigger member. The protruding parts at both ends of the arc-shaped segment are severely worn to cause the elastic support foot to deform. The trigger member can detect the deformation to send a signal to the control system for maintenance and repair.

[0019] In a preferred implementation, the elastic legs of adjacent second thin plate elements are arranged in a staggered manner.

[0020] The above structure has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] 1. Metal material has higher strength and rigidity. The window beam located in the middle of the arc segment is composed of two first thin plate elements with arc-shaped contact surfaces, and a gap is retained between the two thin plate elements. The existence of the gap reduces the weight of the window beam and can also accommodate a certain amount of oil, which helps lubrication and reduces friction. The two ends of the arc segment protrude from the second thin plate element to ensure that the adjacent metal segment bodies are in contact through the extended arc segment part. This design avoids collisions between the window beams at the ends, thereby reducing wear caused by collisions.

[0022] 2. The design of the rigid connection section of the thin plate element ensures a firm connection between the thin plate element and the arc-shaped segment. Since the rigid connection section has high strength and rigidity, as the main force-bearing area, it can withstand large loads without significant deformation. This helps to maintain the geometric shape and dimensional accuracy of the cage and ensure the smooth movement of the rolling elements in the pockets. The design of the elastic deformation section allows the thin plate element to undergo a certain degree of elastic deformation when it is hit by the rolling element. This deformation can absorb and disperse the impact energy, reduce the impact force directly acting on the rigid connection section, and thus reduce the risk of fracture of the thin plate element.

[0023] 3. The first thin plate elements connected by the elastic connector form an integral structure, and the adjacent thin plate elements can support each other. When one element is under pressure, the adjacent elements will share part of the load, thereby reducing the stress of the single element.

[0024] 4. By setting up elastic feet and triggers, the wear of the arc segments can be monitored. Once the wear reaches the preset threshold, the trigger device will immediately send a signal to provide early warning, allowing maintenance personnel to take maintenance measures in time to avoid damage to the equipment due to excessive wear. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a schematic implementation of a lightweight metal segmented cage of the present application is depicted;

[0027] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of another exemplary embodiment of the lightweight metal segmented cage of the present application is depicted;

[0028] Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional structure diagram of a schematic implementation of the first thin plate element of the present application is depicted;

[0029] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a schematic implementation scheme of the combination state of adjacent lightweight metal segmented cages of the present application is depicted;

[0030] Description of labels:

[0031] 1. Arc-shaped segmentation; 2. Window beam; 20. First thin plate element; 201. Thin part; 200. Thick part; 202. Oil-passing gap; 203. Gap; 2000. Bonding interface; 2001. Non-bonding interface; 21. Second thin plate element; 210. Elastic support foot; 22. Elastic connecting piece; 23. Wear-resistant protrusion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In the following, only some exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the described embodiments may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the drawings and descriptions are considered to be exemplary and non-restrictive in nature.

[0033] The present invention will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0034] The specific plans adopted are:

[0035] like Figure 1-4 As shown, the present invention provides a lightweight metal segmented retainer, including a metal segmented body, which is composed of two arc-shaped segments 1 and window beams 2 connected thereto at even intervals, and pockets are formed between adjacent window beams 2;

[0036] The window beam 2 located in the middle of the arc-shaped segment 1 comprises two first thin plate elements 20 with arc-shaped contact surfaces, and a gap 203 is reserved between the two thin plate elements;

[0037] The window beams 2 at both ends of the arc-shaped segment 1 are formed by a single second thin plate element 21, and the arc-shaped contact surface thereof is arranged correspondingly to the arc-shaped contact surface of the adjacent first thin plate element 20;

[0038] Both ends of the arc-shaped segment 1 protrude from the second thin plate element 21, ensuring that adjacent metal segment bodies are in contact with each other through the extended arc-shaped segment 1, so as to avoid wear caused by collision between the window beams 2 at the ends.

[0039] The above structure uses metal materials (such as high-strength lightweight alloys such as aluminum alloy and titanium alloy) to make the retainer body. Compared with traditional engineering plastics, metal materials have higher strength and rigidity while maintaining a lighter weight. The window beam 2 located in the middle of the arc-shaped segment 1 is composed of two first thin plate elements 20 equipped with arc-shaped contact surfaces, and a gap is retained between the two thin plate elements. The existence of the gap reduces the weight of the window beam 2 and can also accommodate a certain amount of oil, which helps lubrication and reduces friction. The two ends of the arc-shaped segment 1 protrude from the second thin plate element 21 to ensure that the adjacent metal segment bodies are in contact through the extended arc-shaped segment 1. This design avoids collisions between the window beams 2 at the ends, thereby reducing wear caused by collisions. The retainer can be manufactured using a casting process, which can ensure the uniformity and density of the metal material and improve the strength and wear resistance of the retainer. At the same time, the casting process can also achieve precise manufacturing of complex shapes and structures to meet the design requirements of the retainer.

[0040] As a preferred embodiment of the present application, the side where the first thin plate element 20 / the second thin plate element 21 is connected to the arc segment 1 is provided with a bonding interface 2000 and a non-bonding interface 2001. The bonding interface 2000 is tightly fitted with the arc segment, and the non-bonding interface 2001 forms an oil-passing gap 202 with the arc segment 1. By designing the bonding interface 2000 and the non-bonding interface 2001, the distribution of the metal material can be controlled. The bonding interface 2000 needs to be tightly fitted to ensure the strength and stability of the structure, while the non-bonding interface 2001 forms an oil-passing gap 202, which does not require additional material to fill. Thereby reducing the overall weight of the retainer.

[0041] The design of the oil gap 202 allows the lubricating oil between adjacent window holes to be connected back and forth. This helps to ensure that the rolling body can be fully lubricated during movement, reducing the friction and wear between the rolling body and the window beam 2. At the same time, the connected lubricating oil can also help dissipate heat and extend the service life of the cage.

[0042] Furthermore, the cross section of the first thin plate element 20 / the second thin plate element 21 along the depth direction of the pocket gradually changes from a thick portion 200 on one side to a thin portion 201 on one side, the bonding interface 2000 is located in the thick portion 200 , and the non-bonding interface 2001 is located in the thin portion 201 .

[0043] By designing the bonding interface 2000 in the thick portion 200, the strength and rigidity of this area can be significantly improved. The bonding interface 2000 is the key connection point between the window beam 2 and the arc-shaped segment 1, and needs to withstand the pressure and impact force from the rolling body. The design of the thick portion 200 can ensure that these forces are effectively dispersed and absorbed to avoid structural damage and wear. The non-bonding interface 2001 is located in the thin portion 201, which reduces the material usage in this area. The gradual transition design from the thick portion 200 to the thin portion 201 helps to reduce stress concentration, can smoothly disperse stress, and improve the overall strength and durability of the structure.

[0044] Specifically, the thin portion 201 forms an elastic deformation section and the thick portion 200 forms a rigid connection section. The rigid connection section ensures the connection between the thin plate element and the arc segment 1, and the elastic deformation section disperses the impact of the rolling body on the thin plate element, reducing the risk of breakage of the thin plate element.

[0045] The design of the rigid connection section ensures a firm connection between the thin plate element and the arc-shaped segment 1. As the rigid connection section has high strength and rigidity, it is the main force-bearing area and can withstand large loads without significant deformation. This helps to maintain the geometric shape and dimensional accuracy of the cage and ensure the smooth movement of the rolling elements in the pockets. The design of the elastic deformation section allows the thin plate element to undergo a certain degree of elastic deformation when it is hit by the rolling element. This deformation can absorb and disperse the impact energy, reduce the impact force directly acting on the rigid connection section, and thus reduce the risk of the thin plate element breaking.

[0046] Compared with the design of pure rigid contact (i.e., there is no thin portion 201 of the non-bonding interface 2001, and the entire thin plate element is tightly bonded to the arc segment 1), since the entire thin plate element is tightly bonded to the arc segment 1, when subjected to impact or pressure from the rolling body, stress is easily concentrated at the contact point or edge area. Such stress concentration may cause local damage or fracture of the thin plate element.

[0047] For further information, see Figure 1 , Figure 3An elastic connector 22 is provided between adjacent first thin plate elements 20, and the elastic connector 22 connects adjacent elastic deformation sections, connects the two first thin plate elements 20 into one, and makes the two first thin plate elements 20 support each other. When one of the first thin plate elements 20 is subjected to external force, the force will be quickly transmitted to the adjacent thin plate element through the elastic connector 22. This force transmission is efficient because the elastic connector 22 provides a direct connection path. Due to the presence of the elastic connector 22, adjacent thin plate elements can support each other. When one element is subjected to pressure, the adjacent elements will share part of the load, thereby reducing the stress of the single element.

[0048] The first sheet elements 20 connected by the elastic connector 22 form an integral structure. This integral structure is more stable when subjected to force because the interaction between the individual elements enhances the stiffness of the entire structure. The elastic connector 22 allows a certain degree of elastic deformation, and the structure can return to its original shape when the external force is removed. This recovery ability is essential for resisting fatigue and maintaining long-term stability.

[0049] Force dispersion: When a first thin plate element 20 is subjected to force, the force is dispersed throughout the structure through the elastic connector 22. This force dispersion reduces the force concentration on any single element, thereby improving the durability of the entire structure.

[0050] As a preferred example of this implementation, the elastic connecting member 22 is U-shaped or V-shaped.

[0051] The U-shaped and V-shaped designs allow the connector to undergo greater elastic deformation when subjected to external force, thereby absorbing and storing more energy, better dispersing stress, and avoiding structural damage caused by stress concentration.

[0052] In addition to the U-shape and the V-shape, the elastic connector 22 can also adopt other shapes, such as: a wave-shaped connector having a wavy shape, which can provide good elasticity and deformation ability in multiple directions. They are usually used in applications that need to withstand multi-directional loads.

[0053] As a preferred embodiment of the present application, the elastic connector 22 is arranged higher than the end surface of the arc segment 1 , thereby reducing the direct contact area between the arc segment 1 and the inner and outer rings of the bearing and reducing the collision wear of the arc segment 1 .

[0054] Pitch bearings for wind power need to withstand complex and variable loads, including radial force, axial force and overturning moment. These loads lead to uneven contact and stress concentration between the arc segment 1 and the inner and outer rings of the bearing. By placing the elastic connector 22 on the end face of the arc segment 1, a buffer layer is actually set between the arc segment 1 and the inner and outer rings of the bearing, reducing the direct contact area between the two, thereby reducing the wear caused by friction and collision. When the elastic connector 22 collides with the inner and outer rings of the bearing, due to its elastic properties, it can absorb and disperse the impact force generated by the collision. It also transfers the force to the thin plate element connected to it.

[0055] See also Figure 1 As shown, the elastic connector 22 is U-shaped. When the roller collides with the first thin plate element 20 and the elastic connector 22 contacts the inner ring or outer ring of the bearing at the same time, the interaction of these two forces in the structure can produce a balancing effect. When the roller collides with the first thin plate element 20, an impact force is generated. This impact force is usually perpendicular to the movement direction of the roller and the surface of the first thin plate element 20. The impact force is transmitted along the first thin plate element 20 to the elastic connector 22 connected thereto. When the elastic connector 22 contacts the inner and outer rings of the bearing, it generates a reaction force. The impact force of the roller on the first thin plate element 20 and the reaction force of the elastic connector 22 and the inner and outer rings of the bearing interact with each other in the structure. If the magnitude and direction of these two forces are appropriate, they can produce a balancing effect in the structure. The balancing effect means that the resultant force of these two forces in the structure is zero or close to zero, thereby reducing the vibration and deformation of the structure.

[0056] See also Figure 2 A wear-resistant protrusion 23 is provided on one side of the thick portion 200 of the second thin plate element 21. The wear-resistant protrusion 23 is arranged higher than the end face of the arc-shaped segment 1, thereby reducing the direct contact area between the arc-shaped segment 1 and the inner ring or outer ring of the bearing and reducing the collision wear of the arc-shaped segment 1.

[0057] As a preferred embodiment of the present application, the second thin plate element 21 is provided with an inclined elastic support foot 210, and the elastic support foot 210 is arranged on the inner side of the protruding parts at both ends of the arc-shaped segment 1. The elastic support feet 210 of adjacent second thin plate elements 21 are staggered, and the second thin plate element 21 is provided with a trigger member. The protruding parts at both ends of the arc-shaped segment 1 are severely worn to cause the elastic support foot 210 to deform. The trigger member can detect the deformation to send a signal to the control system for maintenance and repair.

[0058] By providing the elastic support leg 210 and the triggering member, the triggering member can be formed into a switch and a transmitter, when the protruding parts at both ends of the arc-shaped segment 1 of the segmented retainer are worn to a certain extent, the elastic support leg 210 will abut against the opposite window beam 2 surface and deform, thereby triggering the travel switch. This mechanism can provide an early warning before the wear problem becomes serious, allowing timely maintenance and repair to avoid potential failures and downtime.

[0059] The trigger device only transmits a signal when the travel switch is touched, so it consumes electricity only when needed, reducing energy consumption. Since there is enough area on both sides of the window beam of the segmented cage to install the trigger, considering that the trigger may be soaked in lubricating oil, the selected travel switch and transmitter are IP68 or higher waterproof and dustproof level to ensure that the trigger device can work reliably and extend its service life.

[0060] Anything not described in the present invention can be achieved by adopting or drawing on existing technologies.

[0061] The above are only specific embodiments of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of various changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, which should be included in the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A lightweight metal segmented cage, characterized in that: The invention comprises a metal segmented body, which is composed of two arc-shaped segments and window beams connecting the two segments and arranged at even intervals, and pockets are formed between adjacent window beams; The window beam located in the middle of the arc-shaped segment comprises two first thin plate elements with arc-shaped contact surfaces, and a gap is reserved between the two thin plate elements; The window beams at both ends of the arc-shaped segment are formed by a single second thin plate element, and the arc-shaped contact surface thereof is arranged correspondingly to the arc-shaped contact surface of the adjacent first thin plate element; Both ends of the arc-shaped segment protrude from the second thin plate element, ensuring that adjacent metal segment bodies are in contact with each other through the extended arc-shaped segment portions, so as to avoid wear caused by collision between window beams at the ends.

2. The lightweight metal segmented cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side where the first thin plate element / the second thin plate element is connected to the arc segment has a bonding interface and a non-bonding interface. The bonding interface is tightly fitted with the arc segment, and an oil-passing gap is formed between the non-bonding interface and the arc segment.

3. The lightweight metal segmented cage according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cross section of the first thin plate element / the second thin plate element along the depth direction of the pocket gradually changes from a thick portion on one side to a thin portion on the other side, the bonding interface is located in the thick portion, and the non-bonding interface is located in the thin portion.

4. The lightweight metal segmented cage according to claim 3, characterized in that: The thin portion forms an elastic deformation section and the thick portion forms a rigid connection section. The rigid connection section ensures the connection between the thin plate element and the arc segment. The elastic deformation section disperses the impact of the rolling body on the thin plate element, reducing the risk of breakage of the thin plate element.

5. The lightweight metal segmented cage according to claim 4, characterized in that: An elastic connector is provided between adjacent first thin plate elements, and the elastic connector connects adjacent elastic deformation sections to connect the two first thin plate elements into one body, so that the two first thin plate elements support each other.

6. The lightweight metal segmented cage according to claim 5, characterized in that: The elastic connecting piece is U-shaped or V-shaped.

7. The lightweight metal segmented cage according to claim 5, characterized in that: The elastic connecting piece is arranged higher than the end surface of the arc-shaped segment, so as to reduce the direct contact area between the arc-shaped segment and the inner and outer rings of the bearing and reduce the collision wear of the arc-shaped segment.

8. The lightweight metal segmented cage according to claim 3, characterized in that: A wear-resistant protrusion is provided on one side of the thick portion of the second thin plate element. The wear-resistant protrusion is arranged higher than the end face of the arc-shaped segment, thereby reducing the direct contact area between the arc-shaped segment and the inner and outer rings of the bearing and reducing the collision wear of the arc-shaped segment.

9. The lightweight metal segmented cage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second thin plate element is provided with an inclined elastic support foot, which is arranged on the inner side of the protruding parts at both ends of the arc-shaped segment. The second thin plate element is equipped with a trigger component. The protruding parts at both ends of the arc-shaped segment are severely worn to cause the elastic support foot to deform. The trigger component can detect the deformation to send a signal to the control system for maintenance and repair.

10. The lightweight metal segmented cage according to claim 9, characterized in that: The elastic legs of adjacent second thin plate elements are arranged in a staggered manner.

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