Bearing ring and rolling bearing

Abstract

A bearing ring and a rolling bearing comprising the same, the bearing ring (1) comprising: a plurality of bearing ring sections (10), a plurality of connecting pieces (20) and a plurality of bolts (30), the plurality of bearing ring sections (10) being configured to be capable of being spliced into a ring shape, each bearing ring section (10) comprising: a connecting portion located on an axial end face of the bearing ring section (10) and adjacent to a circumferential end face of the bearing ring section (10), and at least one fixing hole (12) located on and extending from the connecting portion, each connecting piece (20) comprising a plurality of through holes (21), each connecting piece (20) being configured to be arranged on adjacent connecting portions of two adjacent bearing ring sections (10) when a plurality of bearing ring sections (10) are joined to each other, the connecting piece (20) is provided with a plurality of through holes (21), so that the plurality of through holes (21) of the connecting piece (20) respectively correspond to the fixing holes (12) of two adjacent bearing ring sections (10), the through holes (21) and the corresponding fixing holes (12) extend obliquely to the axial direction of the bearing ring, and each bolt (30) is configured to be inserted into the through holes (21) of the connecting piece (20) and the corresponding fixing holes (12) of the bearing ring sections (10) so as to connect the plurality of bearing ring sections (10) to each other. The bearing ring improves the connection performance of the bearing ring sections.

Description

Bearing rings and rolling bearings Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rolling bearing, and more particularly to a bearing ring for a rolling bearing. Background Art

[0002] In industries like mining and cement, when large equipment like hoists and conveyor belts need to be shut down for maintenance due to bearing damage, removing the old bearings and replacing them with new ones is time-consuming, resulting in significant production losses. Using split bearings can shorten the maintenance time required for bearing removal and replacement.

[0003] A split bearing has a two-part inner ring and a two-part outer ring. For example, the inner and outer rings of an unsplit bearing can be cut into two halves. The outer ring can be directly bolted together at the split point. However, the inner ring cannot be bolted together directly. One existing mounting method involves widening the axial width of the inner ring, making it wider than the outer ring. This allows a locking ring to be used to secure the inner ring at the widened portion. While this split bearing maintains a high degree of load-bearing capacity compared to an unsplit bearing, the wider inner ring requires modifications to the surrounding structure, limiting its applicability. Another existing mounting method involves reducing the size of the rolling elements in the split bearing to maintain the same width as an unsplit bearing, thereby securing the split inner ring. However, this significantly reduces the load-bearing capacity and service life of the split bearing compared to an unsplit bearing.

[0004] Therefore, a bearing ring and a rolling bearing with a split structure that can improve the connection performance are needed.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a bearing ring for a split rolling bearing and a rolling bearing that improves connection performance. Another object of the present invention is to provide a bearing ring and a rolling bearing that achieve a balance between size and load-bearing capacity. Another object of the present invention is to provide a bearing ring and a rolling bearing that maintain the axial width of the bearing. Another object of the present invention is to provide a bearing ring and a rolling bearing that maintain the load-bearing capacity of the bearing.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a bearing ring, comprising: a plurality of bearing ring segments configured to be assembled into an annular shape, wherein each bearing ring segment includes: a connecting portion located on an axial end surface of the bearing ring segment and adjacent to a circumferential end surface of the bearing ring segment, and at least one fixing hole located on and extending from the connecting portion; a plurality of connecting plates, wherein each connecting plate includes a plurality of through holes; and a plurality of bolts, wherein when the plurality of bearing ring segments are assembled together, each connecting plate is configured to be arranged on adjacent connecting portions of two adjacent bearing ring segments, such that the plurality of through holes of the connecting plates correspond to the fixing holes of the two adjacent bearing ring segments, the through holes and the corresponding fixing holes extending obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the bearing ring, and each bolt is configured to be inserted into the through holes of the connecting plates and the fixing holes of the corresponding bearing ring segment to connect the plurality of bearing ring segments to each other. Thus, an embodiment of the present invention provides a bearing ring having a split structure, wherein the bearing ring segments are connected and fixed at their axial end surfaces by the connecting plates and the bolts. Therefore, the bearing ring according to the embodiments of the present invention enables rapid installation and removal of a split-structure bearing ring without sacrificing the bearing's load-bearing capacity. By designing the fixing holes in the bearing ring segments to be tilted relative to the axial direction of the bearing ring, bolts can be inserted into the fixing holes at an angle, providing improved shear resistance when connecting the bearing ring segments.

[0008] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the connecting portion of each bearing ring segment is configured as a connecting groove recessed from the axial end surface of the bearing ring segment, and each connecting piece is configured to be arranged in the consecutive connecting grooves of two adjacent bearing ring segments. By arranging the connecting pieces in the recessed connecting grooves, the bearing ring according to embodiments of the present invention can achieve rapid installation and removal of the split-structure bearing ring without increasing the bearing ring width, thereby providing a wider range of installation applicability.

[0009] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the fixing hole of each bearing ring segment is configured to extend obliquely from the connecting groove in a direction gradually away from the circumferential end surface of the bearing ring segment. By arranging the fixing holes in adjacent connecting grooves of two connected bearing ring segments to extend obliquely in a direction gradually away from the circumferential end surfaces of the bearing ring segments, bolts arranged in the fixing holes can provide a greater preload force when connecting the bearing ring segments.

[0010] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the connecting groove of each bearing ring segment is configured in an arc shape, and each connecting piece is also configured in an arc shape. By configuring the connecting groove and connecting piece in an arc shape, more bolts can be arranged between adjacent connecting grooves of two bearing ring segments, thereby reducing the requirements for bolt selection.

[0011] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the bearing ring further includes a locking pin, wherein the locking pin is configured to be connected to a bolt, wherein the connecting plate includes a locking groove communicating with the through-hole thereof, and the locking pin is configured such that when the bolt to which the locking pin is connected is inserted into the through-hole of the connecting plate and the fixing hole of the corresponding bearing ring segment, at least one locking pin can be bent and at least partially accommodated in the locking groove of the connecting plate. By providing a locking structure including the locking pin, it is possible to prevent the bolts from loosening after the bearing ring segments of the bearing ring are assembled, thereby preventing the bearing ring from being installed and operating.

[0012] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the bolt includes a mounting groove located on its head and extending in the axial direction of the bolt, and the anti-loosening pin is configured to be detachably connected to the mounting groove of the bolt. By providing the mounting groove for the anti-loosening pin on the bolt head, the anti-loosening pin can be detachably connected, achieving quick installation and removal.

[0013] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the mounting slot and the locking pin have matching wedge shapes, and the wedge shape of the mounting slot is configured to prevent the locking pin from moving away from the connecting piece along the axial direction of the bolt. By providing the locking pin and the locking slot with a wedge shape, installation of the locking pin is facilitated, improving installation efficiency.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the bearing ring includes two bearing ring segments and two connecting pieces.

[0015] One aspect of the present invention provides a rolling bearing including a bearing ring according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the bearing ring is an inner ring of a rolling bearing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a rolling bearing according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a bearing ring according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a bearing ring according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] FIG4 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of portion A in FIG2 .

[0021] FIG5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG2 .

[0022] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a connecting piece according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 6 .

[0024] FIG8 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of portion C in FIG6 .

[0025] 9 is a schematic side view of a bolt according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a bolt according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an anti-loosening pin according to some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following detailed description and the accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the principles of the present invention by way of example. The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The following description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, and unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The schemes described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all schemes of the present invention. On the contrary, these schemes are merely examples of systems and methods of various aspects of the present invention involved in the appended claims.

[0029] The present invention provides a bearing ring and a rolling bearing having a split structure. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings illustrate only certain embodiments of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention should be determined based on the claims.

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a rolling bearing according to certain embodiments of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1 , the rolling bearing includes an inner ring 1, an outer ring 2, and multiple rolling elements 3. The outer ring 2 may include a radially inner raceway located on its radially inner surface. The inner ring 1 may include a radially outer raceway located on its radially outer surface. The rolling elements 3 can roll between the radially inner and radially outer raceways. For example, the inner ring 1 has a split structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, and thus can serve as the bearing ring claimed for protection by the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The outer ring 2 may also have a split structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, and thus can serve as the bearing ring claimed for protection by the present invention. When the outer ring 2 has a split structure, it can be connected and fixed using the connection method provided by the present invention, or it can be connected and fixed using other existing connection methods, such as directly connecting and fixing the two halves of the outer ring with bolts on the radially outer side of the outer ring.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a bearing ring according to certain embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic top view of a bearing ring according to certain embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4 is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of section A in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 2.

[0032] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG2 , the inner ring 1 includes two inner ring segments 10. Exemplarily, these inner ring segments 10 may serve as the bearing ring segments claimed in the present invention. These two inner ring segments 10 may be assembled into an annular shape. Each inner ring segment 10 has a generally arcuate shape when viewed in its axial direction, as shown in FIG2 . Each inner ring segment 10 has two circumferential end faces and two axial end faces. When the two inner ring segments 10 are assembled into an annular shape, the circumferential end faces of the inner ring segments 10 face each other. In some embodiments, the inner ring segments 10 may be formed by cutting a complete annular inner ring, for example. In exemplary embodiments, the multiple inner ring segments 10 have the same shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the multiple inner ring segments 10 may have different shapes, such as different curvatures when viewed in the axial direction of the inner ring segments. Herein, the axial direction of the inner ring is the same as the axial direction of the inner ring segments, and the circumferential direction of the inner ring is the same as the circumferential direction of the inner ring segments.

[0033] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the inner ring segments 10 include connecting portions located on their axial end surfaces and adjacent to their circumferential end surfaces for connecting the individual inner ring segments 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting portions of the inner ring segments 10 are configured as connecting grooves 11. The connecting grooves 11 are formed recessed from the axial end surfaces of the inner ring segments 10. In some embodiments, the inner ring segments 10 are provided with two connecting grooves 11 on their axial end surfaces, preferably on each axial end surface. The two connecting grooves 11 may be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the inner ring segments 10 and respectively located adjacent to the circumferential end surfaces of the inner ring segments 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting grooves 11 are configured in an arc shape when viewed in the axial direction of the inner ring segments 10.

[0034] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the inner ring segment 10 further includes one or more fixing holes 12 located in and extending from the connecting groove 11. In some embodiments, when the inner ring segment 10 includes multiple fixing holes 12, the multiple fixing holes 12 are evenly spaced. In some embodiments, when the inner ring segment 10 includes multiple fixing holes 12, the multiple fixing holes 12 are spaced along an arc when viewed axially from the inner ring segment 10. In some embodiments, when two inner ring segments 10 are joined together, adjacent multiple fixing holes 12 on the two inner ring segments 10 are spaced along an arc.

[0035] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2 , the inner ring 1 further includes two connecting pieces 20 and a plurality of bolts 30 for connecting and fixing the inner ring segments 10 .

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a connecting piece according to certain embodiments of the present invention. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line DD in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of section C in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a schematic side view of a bolt according to certain embodiments of the present invention. Figure 10 is a schematic bottom view of a bolt according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting piece 20 is configured to be arc-shaped, i.e., has a substantially arcuate shape, as shown in FIG7 . In some embodiments, the bolt 30 includes a head 31 and a shank 32, as shown in FIG9 . When the two inner ring segments 10 are assembled together, as shown in FIG2 and FIG5 , the connecting piece 20 can be arranged in the continuous connecting grooves 11 of the two inner ring segments 10.

[0038] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the connecting plate 20 includes multiple through-holes 21, as shown in FIG6 . When two inner ring segments 10 are assembled and the connecting plate 20 is arranged in two consecutive connecting grooves 11, the multiple through-holes 21 of the connecting plate 20 can correspond to the fixing holes 12 of the two inner ring segments 10, as viewed in the axial direction of the inner ring 1, as shown in FIG5 . Thus, bolts 30 can be sequentially inserted into the through-holes 21 of the connecting plate 20 and the fixing holes 12 of the inner ring segments 10. The size and number of the fixing holes 12 and through-holes 21 can be selected based on the size and type of the bearing. When the two inner ring segments 10 are assembled, multiple bolts 30 can be inserted into each inner ring segment 10 at the consecutive connecting grooves 11 (i.e., at a connection point) to connect the connecting plate 20 to the two inner ring segments 10, as shown in FIG1 . When the two inner ring segments 10 are connected at two connection positions respectively by two connection plates 20 and a plurality of bolts 30 , the inner ring 1 is connected and fixed.

[0039] By configuring the connecting grooves 11 and connecting plates 20 in an arc shape, more bolts 30 can be placed between adjacent connecting grooves 11 of the two inner ring segments 10, thus reducing the need for bolt selection. By distributing the multiple fixing holes 12 along an arc, the force applied to the multiple bolts 30 is more evenly distributed, thereby increasing the service life and preload of the inner ring 1. The diameter and length of the bolts 30 can be selected based on the size and type of the bearing.

[0040] In some embodiments, two connected inner ring segments 10 of the inner ring 1 have a predetermined gap between their adjacent circumferential end faces. In some embodiments, each inner ring segment 10 can be constrained radially from the outside by a collar, ensuring a predetermined gap between adjacent circumferential end faces. The segments 10 are then connected and secured to each other using connecting plates 20 and bolts 30. Maintaining a predetermined gap between adjacent circumferential end faces of each inner ring segment 10 of the inner ring 1 provides a preload force within the inner ring 1, achieving a tight fit with components such as a shaft.

[0041] In exemplary embodiments, the fixing holes 12 and corresponding through-holes 21 are configured to extend obliquely relative to the axial direction of the inner ring 1. By designing the fixing holes 12 in the inner ring segments 10 and the through-holes 21 in the connecting plates 20 to be oblique relative to the axial direction of the inner ring 1, the bolts 30 can be inserted into the through-holes 21 and fixing holes 12 at an angle, thereby providing improved shear resistance when connecting the inner ring segments 10. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG5 , the fixing holes 12 extend obliquely from the connecting grooves 11 in a direction gradually away from the circumferential end faces of the inner ring segments 10. In this case, as shown in FIG7 , the through-holes 21 extend obliquely from the surface of the connecting plates 20 facing away from the connecting grooves 11 in a direction gradually away from the circumferential end faces of the inner ring segments 10. As a result, at the connecting groove 11 between the two inner ring segments 10, the bolt 30 on one inner ring segment 10 is tilted toward the other inner ring segment 10. That is, the head 31 of the bolt 30 on one inner ring segment 10 is closer to the other inner ring segment 10 than its shank 32, and vice versa. This allows the bolt 30 to provide a greater preload force when connecting the inner ring segments 10. The tilt angle of the fixing hole 12 can be selected based on the size and type of the bearing.

[0042] To prevent the bolts 30 from loosening after the inner ring segments 10 are assembled, thereby affecting the installation and operation of the inner ring 1, the present invention may also provide an anti-loosening structure. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of an anti-loosening pin according to certain embodiments of the present invention. Figure 12 is a partial schematic diagram of the inner ring according to certain embodiments of the present invention. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a bolt and anti-loosening pin according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the inner ring 1 further includes an anti-loosening pin 40. The anti-loosening pin 40 is configured to be connected to the bolt 30 to limit the rotation of the bolt 30. In some embodiments, the anti-loosening pin 40 is configured to be detachably connected to the bolt 30.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the bolt 30 includes a mounting groove 33 for connecting the locking pin 40. In some embodiments, the mounting groove 33 is formed on the head 31 of the bolt 30 and extends in the axial direction of the bolt 30. The locking pin 40 can be configured to be detachably connected to the mounting groove 33 of the bolt 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking pin 40 has a wedge shape, and the mounting groove 33 has a wedge shape that matches the locking pin 40, that is, the mounting groove 33 gradually narrows in a direction away from the rod portion 32. The wedge shape of the mounting groove 33 is configured to prevent the locking pin 40 from moving away from the connecting piece 20 in the axial direction of the bolt 30.

[0045] In the exemplary embodiment, the connecting piece 20 includes a locking groove 22 to partially accommodate the locking pin 40. The locking groove 22 of the connecting piece 20 communicates with the through hole 21. It should be noted that only two locking grooves 22 are shown in the figure for example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The number of locking grooves 22 can be set according to specific needs.

[0046] During installation, the locking pin 40 can be inserted from below the head 31 of the bolt 30 into the mounting groove 33 and protrude from the upper opening of the mounting groove 33. The bolt 30, with the locking pin 40 attached, can then be inserted into the through-hole 21 of the connecting piece 20 and the fixing hole 12 of the inner ring segment 10. This allows the locking pin 40, along with the head 31 of the bolt 30, to be inserted into the through-hole 21 of the connecting piece 20. After the bolt 30 is screwed into place, the locking pin 40 can be bent to be at least partially accommodated in the locking groove 22 of the connecting piece 20. After installation, any portion of the locking pin 40 protruding from the connecting piece 20 can be removed by grinding or other means. During disassembly, the bent locking pin 40 can be straightened, allowing the bolt 30 to be loosened, allowing the inner ring segment 10 and the connecting member 20 to be separated.

[0047] The inner ring 2 is described above as including two inner ring segments 10. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inner ring 2 may also include three or more inner ring segments, which may be assembled into a ring shape.

[0048] The connection portion of the inner ring segment 10 is described above as being configured as a connection groove. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. According to embodiments of the present invention, the connection portion of the inner ring segment 10 may also be configured as a flat surface or a protrusion, and the fixing hole 12 may be configured as an extension of the connection portion of the inner ring segment 10.

[0049] The above description shows that the plurality of fixing holes 12 are distributed at uniform intervals. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the plurality of fixing holes 12 can also be distributed at non-uniform intervals.

[0050] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the configurations and methods of the above-described embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent configurations. In addition, although the various elements and method steps of the disclosed invention are shown in various exemplary combinations and configurations, other combinations including more or fewer elements or methods also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0051] Reference Signs List

[0052] 1 inner circle;

[0053] 2 outer ring;

[0054] 3 rolling elements;

[0055] 10 inner ring section;

[0056] 11 connection slot;

[0057] 12 fixing holes;

[0058] 20 connecting pieces;

[0059] 21 through holes;

[0060] 22 anti-loosening groove;

[0061] 30 bolts;

[0062] 31 head;

[0063] 32 rods;

[0064] 33 mounting slot;

[0065] 40 anti-loosening pin.

Claims

1. A bearing ring (1), comprising: A plurality of bearing ring segments (10) are configured to be assembled into a ring shape, wherein each bearing ring segment (10) comprises: a connecting portion located on an axial end surface of the bearing ring segment (10) and adjacent to a circumferential end surface of the bearing ring segment (10), and at least one fixing hole (12) located on and extending from the connecting portion; a plurality of connecting pieces (20), wherein each connecting piece (20) includes a plurality of through holes (21); and a plurality of bolts (30), Wherein, when the multiple bearing ring segments (10) are assembled with each other, each connecting piece (20) is configured to be arranged on the adjacent connecting parts of two adjacent bearing ring segments (10), so that the multiple through holes (21) of the connecting piece (20) respectively correspond to the fixing holes (12) of the two adjacent bearing ring segments (10), the through holes (21) and the corresponding fixing holes (12) extend obliquely to the axial direction of the bearing ring, and each bolt (30) is configured to be inserted into the through hole (21) of the connecting piece (20) and the corresponding fixing hole (12) of the bearing ring segment (10) to connect the multiple bearing ring segments (10) to each other.

2. The bearing ring (1) according to claim 1, wherein The connecting portion of each bearing ring segment (10) is configured as a connecting groove (11) recessed from the axial end surface of the bearing ring segment (10), and Each connecting piece (20) is configured to be arranged in a continuous connecting groove (12) of the two adjacent bearing ring sections (10).

3. The bearing ring (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The fixing hole (12) of each bearing ring segment (10) is configured to extend obliquely from the connecting groove (11) in a direction gradually away from the circumferential end surface of the bearing ring segment (10).

4. The bearing ring (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The connecting groove (11) of each bearing ring segment (10) is configured in an arc shape, and each connecting piece (20) is configured in an arc shape.

5. The bearing ring (1) according to claim 4, further comprising an anti-loosening pin (40), wherein: The locking pin (40) is configured to be connected to the bolt (30). The connecting piece (20) includes an anti-loosening groove (22) connected to its through hole (21), and the anti-loosening pin (40) is configured so that when a bolt (30) connected with the anti-loosening pin (40) is inserted into the through hole (21) of the connecting piece (20) and the fixing hole (12) of the corresponding bearing ring section (10), at least one of the anti-loosening pins can be bent and at least partially accommodated in the anti-loosening groove (22) of the connecting piece (20).

6. The bearing ring (1) according to claim 5, wherein The bolt (30) includes a mounting groove (33) located on its head (31) and extending in the axial direction of the bolt (30), and the anti-loosening pin (40) is configured to be detachably connected to the mounting groove (33) of the bolt (30).

7. The bearing ring (1) according to claim 6, wherein The mounting groove (33) and the anti-loosening pin (40) have matching wedge shapes, and the wedge shape of the mounting groove (33) is configured to prevent the anti-loosening pin (40) from moving away from the connecting piece (20) along the axial direction of the bolt (30).

8. The bearing ring (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The bearing ring (1) comprises two bearing ring sections (10) and two connecting pieces (20).

9. A rolling bearing comprising a bearing ring (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The rolling bearing according to claim 9, wherein: The bearing ring (1) is the inner ring of the rolling bearing.

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