Novel thrust pad structure for improving hydrodynamic lubrication
Through the multi-stage oil wedge supply, two-way dynamic pressure lubrication and elastic buffer connection design, the problems of uneven oil supply, one-way dynamic pressure lubrication failure and poor thermal expansion compatibility in the traditional thrust washer structure are solved, achieving stable operation under high load conditions and extending equipment life.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511019976.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-14
AI Technical Summary
The traditional thrust washer structure has problems such as uneven oil supply, failure of one-way dynamic pressure lubrication and poor thermal expansion compatibility, which results in the lubricating oil being unable to fully cover the contact surface, oil supply interruption in the edge area under heavy load conditions, one-way dynamic pressure lubrication being unable to adapt to reverse conditions, and the rigid connection structure being prone to stress concentration and loosening during thermal expansion.
It adopts multi-stage oil wedge supply, two-way dynamic pressure lubrication and elastic buffer connection design, realizes uniform distribution of lubricating oil through multi-stage oil tank structure, uses elastic washers and anti-loosening glue to prevent loose connection, sets elastic support column to compensate for thermal expansion, designs inclined moving space to adapt to forward and reverse working conditions, and optimizes oil tank layer and lubricating material to improve lubrication effect.
It improves the fluid dynamic pressure lubrication performance, enhances the structural stability and adaptability to working conditions, reduces friction and wear, extends the equipment life, reduces maintenance costs, and is suitable for high-parameter power equipment.
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Figure CN120777282A_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of thrust bearing, in particular to a new thrust pad structure for improving hydrodynamic lubrication. BACKGROUND
[0002] In modern industry and mechanical equipment operation, thrust bearing, as a key transmission component, bears the core function of transmitting axial load and maintaining stable operation of the equipment, and is widely used in large power equipment such as steam turbines, water turbines and ship propulsion systems. Its lubrication performance directly affects the reliability, operating efficiency and service life of the equipment, especially under severe working conditions (high load, high speed), the stability of hydrodynamic lubrication becomes the key factor determining the service life of the bearing. The traditional thrust pad structure usually adopts a single large-area pad design, which relies on the principle of dynamic pressure lubrication to form an oil film, i.e. lubricating oil enters the contact surface of the bearing pad and the thrust disc through the oil supply system, and under high-speed rotation, the oil wedge effect generates hydrodynamic pressure to support the axial load and reduce friction.
[0003] However, the existing technology has significant defects. On the one hand, the single pad area is too large, which causes the lubricating oil to be unable to fully cover the contact surface, especially under heavy load conditions, the edge area is prone to oil supply interruption, causing local temperature rise. Although some improved schemes alleviate this problem by increasing the oil supply pressure or adjusting the oil hole layout, they do not fundamentally solve the problem of uneven oil supply caused by the excessive bearing area of the single pad. On the other hand, the traditional structure only supports one-way dynamic pressure lubrication, and under reverse rotation conditions (such as forward and reverse rotation switching of ship propulsion systems), the oil wedge direction does not match the rotation direction, resulting in dynamic pressure failure and aggravating wear. In the existing technology, some schemes use external mechanical devices to force oil supply to achieve bidirectional lubrication, but this significantly increases the system complexity and failure rate.
[0004] Further, the existing water-lubricated thrust pad structure, as described in CN114382782B, improves the lubrication effect by designing a specific water groove structure. These designs improve the effective lubrication at low speed to some extent and reduce friction and wear at high speed. However, under extreme working conditions (such as start-stop, thermal transient, etc.), the water film thickness decreases significantly, the lubrication state enters the semi-liquid film lubrication stage, and the liquid film temperature rises sharply, posing a threat to the stable operation of the bearing. In addition, the complexity of the water groove structure increases the processing difficulty and manufacturing cost, and the high requirement for water quality also limits its application range and increases the maintenance cost.
[0005] Meanwhile, the oil lubrication thrust bearing structure, as described in CN211371054U, improves the anti-wear ability of the bearing under the conditions of idling and low speed by complex oil path design and surface hardening treatment technology. This structure is particularly suitable for emergency operation under the condition of power failure of the whole plant. By optimizing the lubricating oil circulation path and the bush material, the damage of the bush caused by the discontinuity of the oil film is reduced. However, the high complexity of the oil lubrication system not only increases the manufacturing cost, but also increases the maintenance cost. The sensitivity of the system to environmental conditions (such as temperature and humidity) and the potential risk of oil leakage are also important problems that the structure needs to face. In addition, the high requirements for the surface treatment of the thrust disc further increase the complexity and cost of the manufacturing process, affecting the long-term stability and reliability of the bearing.
[0006] In addition, although the application of a complex cooling system can improve heat dissipation performance, it leads to a significant increase in equipment size, weight and energy consumption, and high maintenance costs. For example, the energy consumption of the cooling system of some large hydro turbine thrust bearings accounts for more than 5% of the total machine, and the failure rate increases by 30%. At the same time, the traditional rigid connection structure is prone to local stress concentration when the thrust pad expands due to heat, leading to cracks or deformation. Although the existing technology buffers thermal expansion through reserved gaps or elastic elements, it does not solve the problem of dynamic imbalance under the coupling action of thermal expansion and vibration. According to statistics, the failure rate of large steam turbine thrust bearings due to lubrication failure accounts for 42%, of which 70% is directly related to uneven oil supply or bidirectional lubrication failure.
[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new thrust pad structure that solves the problems of oil supply uniformity, bidirectional dynamic pressure lubrication and thermal expansion compatibility from the perspective of structural design, to meet the needs of modern industrial equipment development towards high parameters and long service life. This new structure should be able to simplify the design, optimize the lubrication mechanism, reduce the manufacturing cost and enhance the environmental adaptability, thereby overcoming the shortcomings of traditional structures and providing more reliable and efficient lubrication solutions for nuclear power equipment and other rotating machinery. SUMMARY
[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present application is to provide a new thrust pad structure that improves fluid dynamic pressure lubrication, solves the key problems of uneven oil supply, bidirectional dynamic pressure lubrication failure and poor thermal expansion compatibility of thrust bearings in the field of mechanical transmission technology. In the prior art, the traditional thrust pad structure is designed with a single large-area pad, which causes the lubricating oil to be unable to fully cover the contact surface, especially in heavy load conditions, the edge area is prone to oil supply interruption, causing local overheating; at the same time, its unidirectional dynamic pressure lubrication mechanism cannot adapt to the reverse rotation condition, causing the oil wedge to fail and exacerbating wear; in addition, the rigid connection structure is prone to stress concentration when it expands due to heat, causing cracks or deformation, and the connection of the components relies on a single mode, which is prone to loosening problems.
[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present application adopts the following technical solutions: To systematically solve the lubrication failure and thermal damage problems of thrust bearings under complex working conditions, and to improve the hydrodynamic lubrication performance, structural stability and working condition adaptability of the thrust bearings, the present application proposes a new type of thrust pad structure for improving hydrodynamic lubrication. The structure realizes stable operation under high load and forward and reverse rotation working conditions through innovative designs such as multi-stage oil wedge oil supply, bidirectional hydrodynamic lubrication and elastic buffer connection, and contains the following detailed designs: 1. Overall structural layout The thrust pad structure includes a base, a thrust support, a support disc, a pad and a thrust pad are sequentially installed on the base. A positioning ring is arranged between the pad and the thrust pad, and the three are first connected by threads and then connected into one body by a positioning pin to ensure the stability of the structure. An oil groove layer is formed on the upper end surface of the thrust pad, and the oil groove layer is provided with a plurality of vertically intersecting oil grooves, and the surface of the thrust pad is gradually raised with the oil grooves. This design builds the basis of a multi-stage oil wedge oil supply system. Lubricating oil enters through a specific channel and diffuses along the inclined oil grooves (similar to the structure of the oil grooves gradually rising) under the action of pressure difference, forming an oil film pressure field that increases from the center to the edge, which helps to evenly distribute and flow the lubricating oil, increases the lubricating oil coverage area compared to the traditional single groove design, improves the uniformity of the oil film thickness in the edge area, effectively eliminates the "blind area" of oil supply under heavy load working conditions, and avoids overheating failure caused by local dry friction.
[0010] 2. Connection and anti-loosening design The base and the thrust support are detachably connected by bolts, and an elastic washer is arranged at the bolt connection. The elastic washer can effectively buffer the vibration between the base and the thrust support, reduce the loosening of the bolts caused by vibration, and improve the stability of the connection. The thrust support and the support disc are connected by threads, and anti-loosening glue is applied at the connection part. The anti-loosening glue can prevent the loosening of the threaded connection due to vibration or stress change during equipment operation, ensuring that the thrust support and the support disc are always tightly connected. A positioning ring is arranged between the pad and the thrust pad, and screw holes and pin holes are provided on the positioning ring. The thrust pad and the pad are connected into one body by installing screws in the screw holes; the positioning pin is installed in the pin hole, and the positioning pin connects the thrust pad, the pad and the positioning ring, accurately positions the three, prevents mutual movement, and ensures the integrity and stability of the structure. This connection and anti-loosening design provides reliable connection protection for the entire thrust pad structure, ensuring that the components will not produce additional vibration and wear due to loosening under complex working conditions, and ensuring the stable operation of the structure.
[0011] 3. Support and positioning design The middle part of the support disc is provided with a hole, and an elastic support column is arranged in the hole to connect the support disc and the base. The elastic coefficient is selected according to the load and operation condition of the equipment, so that appropriate elastic support force can be provided to compensate for the slight deformation of the support disc under stress, so that the support disc can always maintain a stable support state and adapt to the load change under different working conditions. This design provides elastic buffering connection for the thrust pad structure, which is similar to the elastic buffering mechanism for solving the poor thermal expansion compatibility problem in the application. When the thrust pad generates thermal expansion due to temperature change, the elastic support column can absorb the thermal expansion difference through elastic deformation to avoid structural stress concentration and crack caused by thermal expansion. A groove is arranged at the top of the thrust support, and a boss is arranged at the bottom of the support disc, and the two are clamped to realize the circumferential positioning of the support disc, so that the support disc cannot rotate circumferentially during equipment operation, and the stability of the structure is ensured. One side of the thrust support groove is provided with an inclined moving space, and the inclination angle of the moving space is matched with the inclination angle of the thrust pad generated under the effect of fluid dynamic pressure. Under the forward and reverse rotation conditions of the equipment, the thrust pad can generate a certain inclination movement in the moving space to ensure that an effective oil wedge can always be formed, improve the lubrication effect, adapt to the operation requirements in different directions, and innovatively introduce the reverse inclination mechanism of the thrust pad to solve the problem of bidirectional dynamic pressure lubrication failure. When the thrust disc is reversed, the fluid dynamic pressure effect pushes the thrust pad to overcome the elastic constraint (similar to the elastic constraint principle of the elastic support column), and the thrust pad is reversely inclined along the axial direction to form a reverse oil wedge. At this time, the lubricating oil generates an equivalent dynamic pressure bearing force in the reverse oil wedge as in the forward working condition, ensuring that the axial load is supported by the fluid dynamic pressure during reverse rotation, rather than direct metal contact, so that the friction coefficient is reduced during reverse rotation, the wear rate is reduced, and the service life of the bearing is significantly prolonged under frequent start-stop or direction change conditions.
[0012] 4. Connection enhancement design between thrust pad and thrust disc A groove is arranged at the bottom of the thrust disc, the support disc is clamped in the groove at the bottom of the thrust disc, and the support disc is connected with the thrust disc through bolts to form an integral whole, so as to enhance the connection strength and stability between the thrust disc and the support disc. A plurality of elastic bolts are arranged between the thrust disc and the thrust pad, a plurality of screw holes are arranged on the upper surface of the thrust disc, the elastic bolts are arranged in the screw holes and installed on the upper surface of the thrust disc, and the lower surface of the thrust pad is supported. The elastic bolts can be elastically deformed according to the stress between the thrust disc and the thrust pad, and can play a buffering and supporting role to reduce the friction and wear between the parts. This design further strengthens the connection between the thrust disc and the thrust pad, and at the same time, through the elastic buffering effect, the rigid impact between the parts is reduced, the reliability and durability of the structure are improved, and the elastic buffering concept in the overall structure is echoed, which together guarantees the stable operation of the thrust pad under complex working conditions.
[0013] 5. Gap and lubrication design The gap size between the bearing pad and the thrust pad is set according to the operating parameters and lubrication requirements of the equipment, and the gap is filled with wear-resistant lubricating material. The wear-resistant lubricating material can reduce the friction between the bearing pad, the thrust pad and the positioning ring, reduce energy loss, and at the same time, the positioning ring can prevent lubricating oil leakage and ensure lubrication effect. The oil groove layer on the thrust pad is divided into multiple regions, and the distribution density and direction of the oil groove in each region are designed according to the load and lubrication requirements of the region in the equipment operation. This regional design can realize reasonable distribution of lubricating oil, optimize the dynamic pressure effect, improve the lubrication efficiency, and meet the lubrication requirements of different regions, which is a specific embodiment of the multi-stage oil wedge oil supply system. The intersection of the oil grooves is provided with a round corner transition, and the round corner radius is reasonably selected according to the width and depth of the oil groove, so as to avoid stress concentration at the intersection of the oil grooves and prolong the service life of the oil groove. The left side of the oil groove is provided with an inward chamfer, and the right side is provided with an outward chamfer, and the radius of the chamfer is optimized and designed according to the flow characteristics of the lubricating oil and the size of the oil groove, so as to reduce the flow resistance of the lubricating oil in the oil groove, make the lubricating oil uniformly distributed on the surface of the thrust pad, and improve the lubrication effect.
[0014] Through the synergistic effect of the above-mentioned multi-stage oil wedge oil supply, bidirectional dynamic pressure lubrication and elastic buffer connection, the present application systematically solves the lubrication failure and thermal damage problems of the thrust bearing under complex working conditions, effectively improves the fluid dynamic pressure lubrication performance of the thrust pad, improves the stability and working condition adaptability of the structure, reduces the friction and wear between parts, prolongs the service life of the equipment, reduces the maintenance cost, and is suitable for high-parameter power equipment such as steam turbines, water turbines and ship propulsion systems, and has significant economic and safety value.
[0015] The present application provides a new type of thrust pad structure for improving fluid dynamic pressure lubrication, which has the following beneficial effects: 1. The present application solves the key problems of uneven oil supply, bidirectional dynamic pressure lubrication failure and poor thermal expansion compatibility of the thrust bearing in the field of mechanical transmission technology, and overcomes the limitations of the prior art such as the inability of the traditional thrust pad structure to fully cover the contact surface with lubricating oil due to the design of a single large-area pad, the interruption of oil supply in the edge area under heavy load working conditions and local overheating, the inability of the one-way dynamic pressure lubrication mechanism to adapt to reverse working conditions, oil wedge failure and accelerated wear, stress concentration when the rigid connection structure is thermally expanded, causing cracks or deformation, and the easy loosening of the connection between parts.
[0016] 2. The multi-element anti-loosening connection system constructed by the present application uses multiple connection methods and cooperates with elastic washers, anti-loosening glue and other measures to enhance the overall stability of the structure and overcome the problem of easy loosening of the traditional single connection method.
[0017] 3. The present application provides elastic support columns and inclined moving spaces, and the elastic coefficient of the elastic support columns can be selected according to the load and operating conditions of the equipment, which can dynamically adjust the support force and compensate for the slight deformation of the support disc under stress, so that the structure can adapt to different loads and working condition changes.
[0018] 4. The present invention uses the tilted moving space design of the thrust support groove to enable the support pad to produce corresponding tilt according to the fluid dynamic pressure effect, ensuring that an effective oil wedge can be formed when the equipment is rotated forward and reverse, solving the problem that the traditional unidirectional dynamic pressure lubrication mechanism is difficult to adapt to the reverse working condition.
[0019] 5. The present invention carries out regional design of the oil tank layer and optimizes the details at the intersection and on both sides of the oil tank, thereby improving the rationality and flow efficiency of the lubricating oil distribution, improving the problem of insufficient lubrication targeting in the traditional oil tank design, and solving the problem of uneven oil supply caused by the traditional single-piece large-area tile design.
[0020] 6. The present invention sets a gap between the support pad and the thrust pad and fills it with wear-resistant lubricating material. At the same time, elastic bolts are used for auxiliary support to reduce friction between components, reduce wear, buffer the impact of vibration, further reduce friction and wear between components, reduce energy loss, and make the equipment run more efficiently.
[0021] 7. The stable support and good lubrication conditions of the present invention reduce equipment vibration and noise, and improve the smooth operation of the equipment.
[0022] 8. The present invention effectively extends the service life of the thrust pad and its related components, reduces equipment maintenance costs and downtime, and improves equipment reliability and availability by reducing wear, avoiding stress concentration, and preventing lubricating oil leakage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the oil tank of the present invention; Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the overall structure of the oil tank of the present invention; Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the local structure of the mobile space of the present invention; In the figure: oil tank layer 1, thrust pad 2, support pad 3, support plate 4, thrust support 5, base 6, screw 7, elastic bolt 8, positioning pin 9, positioning ring 10, elastic support column 11, oil tank 101, moving space 501. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The technical solutions of the present invention are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments: Example 1 like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a new thrust pad structure for improving fluid dynamic lubrication, and the specific structure is as follows: The structure comprises a base 6, a thrust bearing 5 is detachably connected to the base 6 by bolts, and an elastic washer is arranged at the bolt connection position to buffer the vibration between the base 6 and the thrust bearing 5, thereby ensuring the stability of the structure in operation.
[0025] A hole is formed in the middle of the support disc 4, and an elastic support column 11 is arranged in the hole.
[0026] An inclined moving space 501 is arranged on one side of the groove of the thrust bearing 5, and the inclination angle of the moving space 501 is matched with the inclination angle of the thrust pad 2 under the fluid dynamic pressure effect, so as to provide a certain inclination range for the thrust pad 2, thereby ensuring that the effective oil wedge can be formed under the forward and reverse rotation conditions of the equipment, and the bidirectional fluid dynamic pressure lubrication is realized.
[0027] The support disc 4 is clamped in the groove at the bottom of the thrust pad 3 and is connected to the thrust pad 3 by bolts.
[0028] The gap between the thrust pad 2 and the thrust pad 3 is set according to the operation parameters and lubrication requirements of the equipment, and wear-resistant lubricating materials are filled in the gap to reduce the friction between the thrust pad 2, the thrust pad 3 and the positioning ring 10.
[0029] The upper end face of the thrust pad 2 is provided with an oil groove layer 1, which is divided into multiple areas. The distribution density and direction of the oil groove 101 in each area are designed according to the load and lubrication requirements of the area during equipment operation, so as to realize reasonable distribution of lubricating oil and optimization of dynamic pressure effect. The intersection of the oil grooves 101 is provided with a fillet transition, and the fillet radius is reasonably selected according to the width and depth of the oil groove 101, so as to avoid stress concentration at the intersection of the oil grooves 101 and improve the structural strength and service life of the thrust pad 2. The left side of the oil groove 101 is provided with an inward chamfer, and the right side is provided with an outward chamfer. The radius of the chamfer is optimized and designed according to the flow characteristics of the lubricating oil and the size of the oil groove 101, so as to reduce the flow resistance of the lubricating oil in the oil groove 101, improve the flow efficiency of the lubricating oil, and make the lubricating oil uniformly distributed on the surface of the thrust pad 2.
[0030] Embodiment 2 In another preferred embodiment, based on the above-mentioned embodiment 1, as shown in the figure, the present embodiment provides a new type of thrust pad structure for improving fluid dynamic pressure lubrication. The structure of the present embodiment is basically the same as that of embodiment 1, but some details are further optimized and adjusted to adapt to higher requirement working conditions. Figure 2
[0031] The base 6 is also included, which is detachably connected with the thrust support 5 through high-strength bolts, and double-layer elastic washers are additionally arranged at the bolt connection positions to further enhance the vibration buffering effect. The thrust support 5 is integrally connected with the support disc 4 through precise threads, and high-performance anti-loosening glue is coated at the connection positions to ensure stable connection without loosening during high-speed and high-load operation.
[0032] The elastic support column 11 in the middle of the support disc 4 is made of more advanced materials, and its elastic coefficient can be dynamically adjusted according to the real-time load and operation conditions of the equipment to provide more accurate and adaptive elastic support force. The groove on the top of the thrust support 5 and the boss on the bottom of the support disc 4 are precisely machined to improve the precision and stability of clamping.
[0033] The inclined moving space 501 on one side of the groove of the thrust support 5 is optimally designed, and its inclination angle and movement range can be accurately adjusted according to the forward and reverse rotation conditions of the equipment and the lubrication requirements to ensure the formation of the best oil wedge under various working conditions.
[0034] The connection mode between the thrust pad 2 and the thrust pad 3 is upgraded, the positioning ring 10 is made of higher strength materials, and the screws 7 and the positioning pins 9 are also subjected to corresponding strengthening treatment to improve the reliability and durability of the connection. At the same time, the number and distribution of the elastic bolts 8 are optimized to provide more uniform and stable support force.
[0035] The gap between the shoe 3 and the thrust pad 2 is filled with an upgraded wear-resistant lubricating material, which has higher wear resistance and lubricating performance, to further reduce friction and wear.
[0036] The oil groove layer 1 on the thrust pad 2 is designed innovatively. The distribution density and direction of the oil groove 101 in each area are not only designed according to the load and lubrication requirements, but also optimized by introducing fluid dynamics simulation technology, to achieve more efficient and uniform lubricating oil distribution. The round corner transition and chamfer design of the oil groove 101 are also further optimized to improve the structural strength, service life and lubricating effect of the thrust pad 2.
[0037] Embodiment 3 In another preferred embodiment, based on the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2, as shown in Figure 4 this embodiment provides a new type of thrust pad structure for improving fluid dynamic pressure lubrication, which exhibits unique advantages in specific industrial application scenarios, and the specific structure is as follows: The base 6 is made of high-strength alloy steel, and its surface is treated by a special heat treatment process to enhance its fatigue resistance. The base 6 is connected to the thrust support 5 by high-strength bolts, which are treated with a special anti-rust coating. Multiple elastic washers are arranged at the connection, which not only have the function of buffering vibration, but also can effectively compensate for the thermal expansion and contraction difference caused by temperature changes, ensuring the stability of the connection between the base 6 and the thrust support 5.
[0038] The connection between the thrust support 5 and the support disc 4 adopts a specially designed thread structure with self-locking function, and cooperates with high-performance anti-loose glue, providing double protection against loosening under extreme working conditions. The elastic support column 11 in the middle of the support disc 4 is made of a new type of composite material, which has high elastic modulus and good corrosion resistance. Its elastic coefficient can be intelligently adjusted according to the long-term operation data of the equipment and the real-time monitored load changes, providing accurate and durable elastic support for the support disc 4.
[0039] The groove on the top of the thrust support 5 and the boss on the bottom of the support disc 4 are processed by precision machining technology, with extremely high surface roughness, ensuring that the two are tightly clamped and the circumferential positioning is accurate. The inclined moving space 501 on one side of the groove is verified by a large number of fluid dynamics simulations and experiments, and its inclination angle and size can perfectly adapt to the inclined movement of the shoe 3 under complex fluid dynamic pressure effects, providing sufficient and reasonable movement range for the shoe 3, ensuring that the equipment can form a stable and effective oil wedge under various complex working conditions.
[0040] The positioning ring 10 between the thrust pad 2 and the thrust pad 3 adopts an integrated structure with high precision processing, reducing the number of connecting components and potential failure points. The screw holes and pin holes on the positioning ring 10 adopt a special positioning process to ensure the accuracy and stability of the installation of the screws 7 and the positioning pins 9. The elastic bolts 8 between the thrust pad 2 and the thrust pad 3 are made of a new type of elastic material, which has better elasticity and durability, and can automatically adjust the supporting force according to the stress condition of the thrust pad 2, ensuring the uniform and stable gap between the thrust pad 2 and the thrust pad 3.
[0041] The wear-resistant lubricating material filled in the gap between the thrust pad 2 and the thrust pad 3 is a new type of nano composite material with extremely low friction coefficient and excellent wear resistance, which can effectively reduce the wear between components and prolong the service life. At the same time, the sealing structure of the positioning ring 10 is optimized and designed with double sealing technology to further prevent lubricating oil leakage and ensure the durability and stability of the lubricating effect.
[0042] The oil groove layer 1 on the thrust pad 2 is designed to fully consider the dynamic load changes during equipment operation. Through advanced sensor technology and data analysis algorithm, the load condition of each area is monitored in real time, and the distribution density and direction of the oil groove 101 are dynamically adjusted according to the monitoring results. The round corner transition at the intersection of the oil groove 101 and the chamfer design on both sides are calculated accurately using an optimization algorithm to ensure that the stress concentration and flow resistance are reduced while maximizing the flow efficiency and lubricating effect of the lubricating oil, forming a uniform and stable oil film on the surface of the thrust pad 2, significantly improving the fluid dynamic pressure lubrication performance.
[0043] Example 4 In another preferred embodiment, based on the above-mentioned example 3, as shown in Figure 4 , this embodiment provides a new type of thrust pad structure for improving fluid dynamic pressure lubrication, which is specially optimized for super-high-speed and high-precision equipment, and the specific structure is as follows: The base 6 is made of carbon fiber composite material, which has high strength, low density and good shock absorption performance, can effectively reduce the overall weight of the equipment, and at the same time reduce the influence of vibration on the thrust pad structure. The base 6 and the thrust support 5 are connected by a new type of magnetic bolt, which not only has high strength connection performance, but also can automatically adjust the connection position through magnetic action to ensure the accuracy of the connection. An intelligent elastic washer is provided at the bolt connection, which is provided with a sensor inside and can monitor the vibration condition in real time and automatically adjust the elastic coefficient according to the vibration data to realize intelligent vibration buffering.
[0044] The thrust bearing 5 and support plate 4 are connected using laser welding technology, which provides high strength, tightness, and excellent fatigue resistance. A special anti-loosening coating is applied to the welded areas to further prevent loosening. The elastic support column 11 in the center of the support plate 4 is made of a shape-memory alloy. This material automatically adjusts its shape and elastic modulus according to the operating state of the equipment, providing dynamic elastic support for the support plate 4 and adapting to the complex stress conditions under ultra-high-speed operation.
[0045] The groove at the top of the thrust support 5 and the boss at the bottom of the support plate 4 are machined with nanometer-level precision, forming a special lubricating film on their surfaces. This reduces friction and wear between them, improving the stability and durability of the mounting. The tilting space 501 on one side of the groove is adjustable. A built-in micro-hydraulic device allows for real-time adjustment of the tilt angle and range of motion based on the equipment's operating parameters, ensuring that the support bearing 3 consistently forms an ideal oil wedge during ultra-high-speed forward and reverse rotation.
[0046] The locating ring 10 between the support pad 3 and the thrust pad 2 is manufactured using 3D printing technology, enabling precise molding of complex structures. The screw and pin holes in the locating ring 10 are inlaid with self-lubricating materials, reducing friction between the screw 7 and the locating pin 9 during installation, improving installation smoothness and stability. The elastic bolt 8 between the support pad 3 and the thrust pad 2 is made of intelligent material and can adjust its elastic force in real time based on changes in the force applied to the thrust pad 2. Built-in sensors transmit this force data to the equipment control system, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment of the thrust pad structure.
[0047] The wear-resistant lubricant filling the gap between the support pad 3 and the thrust pad 2 is a novel graphene-based lubricant with an ultra-low coefficient of friction and exceptionally high wear resistance, ensuring stable lubrication even at ultra-high speeds. The seal structure of the retaining ring 10 utilizes dynamic sealing technology, automatically adjusting the seal strength based on pressure fluctuations during operation, ensuring no lubricant leaks.
[0048] The oil groove layer 1 on the thrust pad 2 utilizes a micro-nanostructure design. By creating tiny textures and grooves on the surface of the oil groove 101, the flow path and distribution of the lubricating oil are further optimized. Leveraging advanced fluid simulation software and experimental verification, the distribution density, orientation, fillet transitions, and chamfer dimensions of the oil groove 101 are precisely designed to achieve ultra-uniform distribution of lubricating oil across the thrust pad 2 surface, forming an extremely stable and efficient oil film. This significantly enhances hydrodynamic lubrication and meets the stringent thrust bearing requirements of ultra-high-speed, high-precision equipment.
[0049] Compared with the prior art, the significant innovation of the present application lies in that through a plurality of technical measures such as optimizing the connection mode of the base and the thrust support, adding elastic washers and anti-loosening glue, adopting an elastically supporting column with dynamic adjustment, optimizing the design of the inclined moving space, upgrading the connection mode of the supporting tile and the thrust tile and the wear-resistant lubricating material, and innovatively designing the oil groove layer, the structure of the thrust tile is comprehensively improved and optimized. The non-obviousness and practicality of these technical features make the present application have significant progress and contribution in the technical field of thrust bearings, and can meet higher requirements of working conditions and use requirements.
[0050] In the preferred scheme, the base 6 and the thrust support 5 are detachably connected through bolts, and elastic washers are arranged at the bolt connection positions to buffer the vibration between the base 6 and the thrust support 5. The above arrangement not only facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the base 6 and the thrust support 5, improves the maintenance convenience, but also effectively reduces the noise generated by vibration during operation, and enhances the stability and service life of the equipment.
[0051] In the preferred scheme, the thrust support 5 and the supporting disc 4 are integrally connected through threads, and the connecting positions are coated with anti-loosening glue to prevent loosening during equipment operation. The above arrangement ensures the stable connection between the thrust support 5 and the supporting disc 4, effectively improves the stability and durability of the overall structure, and at the same time, the scheme also considers the convenience of disassembly and maintenance, and is designed with a disassembly structure that is easy to operate.
[0052] In the preferred scheme, a hole is formed in the middle of the supporting disc 4, and an elastically supporting column 11 is installed in the hole. The elastically supporting column 11 is installed between the supporting disc 4 and the base 6, and its elastic coefficient is selected according to the load and operating conditions of the equipment to provide appropriate elastic supporting force and compensate for the slight deformation of the supporting disc 4 under stress. The above arrangement ensures the stability and precision of the entire device during operation. In addition, the edges of the supporting disc 4 are uniformly distributed with a plurality of limiting blocks 5, which cooperate with the limiting grooves on the base 6 to further enhance the stability of the supporting disc 4 and prevent it from shaking during work.
[0053] In the preferred scheme, the top of the thrust support 5 is provided with a groove, and the bottom of the supporting disc 4 is provided with a boss, and the two are clamped to position the supporting disc 4 in the circumferential direction. The above arrangement enables the supporting disc 4 to be accurately and quickly aligned with the thrust support 5 during installation, not only improving the assembly efficiency, but also effectively preventing the circumferential movement of the supporting disc 4 during operation, and enhancing the stability and reliability of the equipment.
[0054] In the preferred scheme, one side of the groove of the thrust bearing 5 is provided with an inclined moving space 501, the inclination angle of which is matched with the inclination angle of the support pad 3 under the hydrodynamic pressure effect, so as to provide a certain inclination range for the support pad 3, so as to ensure that the effective oil wedge can be formed under the forward and reverse rotation conditions of the equipment; the above setting effectively improves the stability and carrying capacity of the thrust bearing in different running directions; at the same time, the lubricating grease in the moving space 501 can further reduce the friction and prolong the service life of the equipment, so as to ensure the efficient and stable operation of the whole transmission system.
[0055] In the preferred scheme, the bottom of the support pad 3 is provided with a groove, the support disc 4 is clamped in the groove at the bottom of the support pad 3 and is connected with the support pad 3 as a whole through bolts; the above setting makes the connection between the support disc 4 and the support pad 3 more stable, which can effectively prevent relative displacement from occurring during the work process, so as to ensure the stability and reliability of the equipment.
[0056] In the preferred scheme, the positioning ring 10 is arranged between the support pad 3 and the thrust pad 2, the positioning ring 10 is provided with a screw hole and a pin hole, the screw 7 is arranged in the screw hole to connect the thrust pad 2 and the support pad 3 as a whole, and the positioning pin 9 is arranged in the pin hole to connect the thrust pad 2, the support pad 3 and the positioning ring 10, so as to position the three and prevent mutual movement; the above setting effectively improves the structural stability of the thrust pad assembly, ensures the precise cooperation between the thrust pad 2 and the support pad 3 during high-speed operation, reduces wear and prolongs the service life, at the same time, facilitates installation, disassembly and maintenance, and improves the operation efficiency and reliability of the whole equipment.
[0057] In the preferred scheme, a plurality of elastic bolts 8 are further arranged between the support pad 3 and the thrust pad 2, the upper surface of the support pad 3 is provided with a plurality of screw holes, the elastic bolts 8 are arranged in the screw holes and installed on the upper surface of the support pad 3 to support the lower surface of the thrust pad 2; the above setting enables the thrust pad 2 to be buffered and adjusted to a certain extent through the elastic bolts 8 when subjected to axial thrust, so as to effectively disperse and absorb the thrust, and enhance the stability and durability of the thrust bearing.
[0058] In the preferred scheme, the gap between the support pad 3 and the thrust pad 2 is set according to the operation parameters and lubrication requirements of the equipment, the gap is filled with wear-resistant lubricating material to reduce the friction between the support pad 3, the thrust pad 2 and the positioning ring 10, and the positioning ring 10 is arranged to prevent leakage of lubricating oil and ensure the lubrication effect; the above setting ensures the stability and durability of the thrust bearing assembly during operation; in addition, the surface of the thrust pad 2 is treated by a special process to improve the wear resistance, thereby further prolonging the service life of the equipment.
[0059] In the preferred scheme, the oil groove layer 1 on the thrust pad 2 is divided into multiple regions, the distribution density and direction of the oil groove 101 in each region are designed according to the load and lubrication demand of the region in the equipment operation, so as to realize reasonable distribution of lubricating oil and optimization of dynamic pressure effect; the above setting ensures that the thrust pad can maintain a good lubrication state under different working conditions, effectively reduces the friction loss, improves the operation efficiency and stability of the equipment, and prolongs the service life of the thrust pad.
[0060] In the preferred scheme, the oil groove 101 is provided with a fillet transition at the intersection of each two, and the fillet radius is reasonably selected according to the width and depth of the oil groove 101, so as to avoid stress concentration at the intersection of the oil groove 101, improve the structural strength and service life of the thrust pad 2; the above setting can also ensure that the flow of lubricating oil in the oil groove is smoother, reduce the resistance, and effectively improve the lubrication effect. At the same time, the optimized design of the oil groove is also helpful for heat dissipation, reduces the working temperature of the thrust pad, and further prolongs the service life.
[0061] In the preferred scheme, the left side of the oil groove 101 is provided with an inward chamfer, and the right side is provided with an outward chamfer, and the radius of the chamfer is optimized and designed according to the flow characteristics of the lubricating oil and the size of the oil groove 101, so as to reduce the flow resistance of the lubricating oil in the oil groove 101, improve the flow efficiency of the lubricating oil, and make the lubricating oil uniformly distributed on the surface of the thrust pad 2; the above setting ensures that the thrust pad 2 can be fully lubricated during high-speed operation, effectively reduces the friction loss and wear, and prolongs the service life of the equipment. At the same time, the design also improves the overall lubrication effect, enhances the stability and reliability of the equipment.
[0062] In summary, the present application proposes a new thrust pad structure for improving fluid dynamic pressure lubrication, which is committed to solving the key problems of uneven oil supply, bidirectional dynamic pressure lubrication failure and poor thermal expansion compatibility of thrust bearings in the field of mechanical transmission technology. The traditional thrust pad structure has many drawbacks, the single large-area pad design makes it difficult for lubricating oil to fully cover the contact surface, and the edge area is prone to oil supply interruption and local overheating under heavy load conditions; the unidirectional dynamic pressure lubrication mechanism is difficult to adapt to the reverse working condition, which may cause oil wedge failure and aggravate wear; the rigid connection structure is prone to stress concentration during thermal expansion, causing cracks or deformation, and the connection of parts relies on a single mode, which is prone to looseness.
[0063] To overcome these limitations, the present application constructs a multi-element anti-loose connection system. The base 6 and the thrust support 5 are connected by bolts and provided with elastic washers, realizing detachable and buffering vibration, reducing the risk of connection loosening; the thrust support 5 is threadedly connected with the support disc 4 and coated with anti-loose glue, providing double protection against running loosening; the supporting tile 3 and the thrust tile 2 are connected through the screws 7 and the positioning pins 8 on the positioning ring 10, the positioning pins 8 prevent movement, and the screws 7 ensure the connection strength, improving the overall stability of the structure in multiple dimensions. At the same time, in the design of supporting and moving space, the elastic support column 11 is installed in the middle of the support disc 4 to connect the base, and its elastic coefficient can be selected according to the load and working condition of the equipment, which can dynamically compensate the slight deformation of the support disc 4 under stress and provide stable support for the thrust tile 2; the groove of the thrust support 5 is set to adapt to the inclined moving space of the supporting tile 3, so that the supporting tile 3 has a certain inclined moving range when the equipment is reversed, ensuring the formation of an effective oil wedge and providing a new idea to adapt to different working conditions.
[0064] In the design of the oil groove layer, the present application carries out regionalization and detail optimization. The oil groove layer 1 on the thrust tile 2 is divided into multiple regions, and the distribution density and direction of the oil groove 101 are accurately designed according to the load and lubrication requirements of each region, realizing reasonable distribution of lubricating oil and improving the targeting and effectiveness of lubrication. The intersection of the oil groove 101 is provided with a round corner transition, and the round corner radius is reasonably selected according to the width and depth of the oil groove 101, avoiding stress concentration, enhancing structural strength, and prolonging service life; the two sides are provided with inward and outward chamfers, and the chamfer radius is optimized and designed according to the lubricating oil flow characteristics and the size of the oil groove 101, reducing flow resistance and improving flow efficiency, so that the lubricating oil is more evenly distributed on the surface of the thrust tile 2.
[0065] In addition, the present application is also unique in the design of gap processing and auxiliary support. The gap size between the supporting tile 3 and the thrust tile 2 is set according to the equipment operating parameters and lubrication requirements, and is filled with wear-resistant lubricating material to reduce the friction between parts and reduce wear, prevent lubricating oil leakage through the positioning ring 10, and improve the reliability and durability of lubrication. A number of elastic bolts 8 are provided between the two, and the upper surface of the supporting tile 3 is provided with a screw hole, the elastic bolt 8 is installed in the screw hole to support the lower surface of the thrust tile 2, which can produce elastic deformation according to the stress condition to provide more uniform support force and buffer vibration effect.
[0066] From the technical advantages, the present application solves the problem of complex working conditions. Through the inclined moving space design of the thrust bearing 5 groove, the support tile 3 can generate corresponding inclination according to the fluid dynamic pressure effect, whether the equipment is rotating or reversing, it can form an effective oil wedge, ensure that the lubricating oil forms a stable oil film on the surface of the thrust tile 2, and improve the stability and reliability of the equipment operation; The elastic coefficient of the elastic support column 11 can be selected according to the equipment load and operating conditions, which can dynamically adjust the support force and compensate for the slight deformation of the support disc 4 under stress, so that the thrust tile 2 structure adapts to different loads and changes in working conditions, and expands the application range of the equipment. At the same time, the present application combines multi-disciplinary technology, in mechanical design, through clever component layout and connection method to realize structural stability and functionality; In terms of material selection, according to the work requirements of different components, appropriate materials are selected to improve the performance of the thrust tile 2 structure. The regional design and detail optimization of the oil groove layer 1 fully consider the principle of fluid dynamics, realize the organic combination of fluid dynamics and structural design, and provide theoretical support and technical support for the improvement of lubrication performance.
[0067] The optimized lubrication effect reduces the friction and wear between components, reduces energy loss, and makes the equipment run more efficiently; Stable support and good lubrication conditions reduce equipment vibration and noise, improve running stability, and further improve running efficiency. Moreover, through the design of reducing wear, avoiding stress concentration and preventing lubricating oil leakage, the service life of the thrust tile 2 and its related components is effectively prolonged, the equipment maintenance cost and downtime are reduced, the equipment reliability and availability are improved, and the enterprise brings significant economic benefits. This improved fluid dynamic pressure lubrication thrust tile 2 structure exhibits unique technical features in component connection, oil groove 101 design, gap treatment, etc., bringing new breakthroughs and developments to the design and application of thrust tile structure.
Claims
1. A thrust pad structure for improving fluid dynamic lubrication, characterized by: The thrust bearing (5) comprises a base (6), a thrust bearing (5) is mounted on the base (6), a support plate (4) is mounted on the upper end of the thrust bearing (5), a support plate (3) is arranged on the upper end of the support plate (4), a positioning ring (10) is arranged between the support plate (3) and the thrust bearing (2), the three are connected by threads and then connected as a whole by positioning pins (9), an oil groove layer (1) is provided on the upper end surface of the thrust bearing (2), the oil groove layer (1) is provided with a plurality of vertically intersecting oil grooves (101), and the surface of the thrust bearing (2) rises step by step along with the oil grooves (101).
2. A novel thrust pad structure for improving fluid dynamic lubrication according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (6) and the thrust support (5) are detachably connected via bolts, and an elastic washer is provided at the bolt connection to buffer vibration between the base (6) and the thrust support (5).
3. A novel thrust pad structure for improving fluid dynamic lubrication according to claim 2, characterized in that: The thrust support (5) and the support plate (4) are connected as one body via threads, and anti-loosening glue is applied at the connection position to prevent loosening during operation of the equipment.
4. A novel thrust pad structure for improving fluid dynamic lubrication according to claim 3, characterized in that: A hole is provided in the middle of the support plate (4), and an elastic support column (11) is installed in the hole. The elastic support column (11) is installed between the support plate (4) and the base (6), and its elastic coefficient is selected according to the load and operating conditions of the equipment to provide a suitable elastic support force to compensate for the slight deformation of the support plate (4) when subjected to force.
5. A novel thrust pad structure for improving fluid dynamic lubrication according to claim 4, characterized in that: The top of the thrust support (5) is provided with a groove, and the bottom of the support plate (4) is provided with a boss, and the two are clamped together to perform circumferential positioning on the support plate (4).
6. A novel thrust pad structure for improving fluid dynamic lubrication according to claim 5, characterized in that: An inclined moving space (501) is provided on one side of the groove of the thrust support (5). The inclination angle of the moving space (501) matches the inclination angle of the support pad (3) generated under the fluid dynamic pressure effect, providing a certain inclination range for the support pad (3) to ensure that an effective oil wedge can be formed under both forward and reverse rotation conditions of the equipment.
7. A novel thrust pad structure for improving fluid dynamic lubrication according to claim 6, characterized in that: The bottom of the support pad (3) is provided with a groove, and the support plate (4) is clamped in the groove at the bottom of the support pad (3) and connected to the support pad (3) as a whole by bolts.
8. The novel thrust pad structure for improving fluid dynamic lubrication according to claim 6, characterized in that: A positioning ring (10) is provided between the support washer (3) and the thrust washer (2), and a screw hole and a pin hole are provided on the positioning ring (10). A screw (7) is installed in the screw hole to connect the thrust washer (2) and the support washer (3) as a whole. A positioning pin (9) is installed in the pin hole. The positioning pin (9) connects the thrust washer (2), the support washer (3) and the positioning ring (10) to position the three and prevent them from moving relative to each other.
9. A novel thrust pad structure for improving fluid dynamic lubrication according to claim 8, characterized in that: A plurality of elastic bolts (8) are provided between the support pad (3) and the thrust pad (2). A plurality of screw holes are provided on the upper plane of the support pad (3). The elastic bolts (8) are inserted into the screw holes and installed on the upper plane of the support pad (3) to support the lower plane of the thrust pad (2).
10. A novel thrust pad structure for improving fluid dynamic lubrication according to claim 9, characterized in that: The size of the gap between the support pad (3) and the thrust pad (2) is set according to the operating parameters and lubrication requirements of the equipment. The gap is filled with wear-resistant lubricating material to reduce the friction between the support pad (3), the thrust pad (2) and the positioning ring (10). The positioning ring (10) is provided to prevent lubricating oil leakage.
11. A novel thrust pad structure for improving fluid dynamic lubrication according to claim 10, characterized in that: The oil groove layer (1) on the thrust washer (2) is divided into multiple areas. The distribution density and orientation of the oil grooves (101) in each area are designed according to the load and lubrication requirements of the area during equipment operation, thereby achieving reasonable distribution of lubricating oil and optimization of dynamic pressure effect.
12. A novel thrust pad structure for improving fluid dynamic lubrication according to claim 11, characterized in that: The oil grooves (101) are provided with fillet transitions at intersections between each other, and the fillet radius is reasonably selected according to the width and depth of the oil grooves (101) to avoid stress concentration at the intersections of the oil grooves (101).
13. A novel thrust pad structure for improving fluid dynamic lubrication according to claim 12, characterized in that: The oil groove (101) is provided with an inward chamfer on the left side and an outward chamfer on the right side. The radius of the chamfer is optimized according to the flow characteristics of the lubricating oil and the size of the oil groove (101) to reduce the flow resistance of the lubricating oil in the oil groove (101) and make the lubricating oil evenly distributed on the surface of the thrust washer (2).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
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