Bearing seat assembly, system and method for rolling roller

Abstract

The invention relates to a bearing block assembly for a rolling roller, a system and a method thereof. A bearing block assembly for supporting a calender roll, the bearing block assembly having a housing including a preload inlet port, a base surface, and first and second sides. A first contact surface on the first side extends from the base surface at a first angle and a second contact surface on the second side extends from the base surface at a second angle. Within the housing are: a first bearing seat having a first bearing seat surface and a first bearing bore; a second bearing block having a second bearing block surface and a second bearing bore; and a third bearing seat having a preloading surface and a third bearing bore. A first bearing seat surface is disposed over the first contact surface, a second bearing seat surface is disposed over the second contact surface, and a preload surface is positioned between the preload entry port and the base surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to bearing housing assemblies, and in particular to bearing housing assemblies for supporting calender rolls. Background Technology

[0002] Bearing housing assemblies are used in a variety of applications to support cylindrical rollers. In calendering applications, the bearings in these assemblies support calender rolls that bear high loads, which is necessary for calendering hard materials. For example, bearings can be supported in the horizontal direction by applying tension between adjacent bearing housing assemblies. However, when calendering hard materials, such as cathode cell active materials (e.g., lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (“NMC”)), such assemblies may not be sufficient to support the bearings.

[0003] Therefore, a bearing housing assembly with improved support for calender rolls is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The systems, methods, and apparatuses disclosed herein each have several innovative embodiments, and no single embodiment is solely responsible for all the desired properties disclosed herein. Details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description.

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a bearing housing assembly for supporting a calender roll. The assembly includes a housing having a preload inlet port, a base surface, and a first side and a second side separated by a mid-plane perpendicular to the base surface, wherein a first contact surface extends from the base surface at a first angle and is located on the first side, and a second contact surface extends from the base surface at a second angle and is located on the second side; a first bearing housing disposed within the housing and having a first bearing housing surface and a first bearing bore, wherein the first bearing housing surface is disposed above the first contact surface; a second bearing housing disposed within the housing and having a second bearing housing surface and a second bearing bore, wherein the second bearing housing surface is disposed above the second contact surface; and a third bearing housing disposed within the housing and having a preload surface and a third bearing bore, wherein the preload surface is positioned between the preload inlet port and the base surface.

[0006] In some embodiments, the housing includes a first contact surface and a second contact surface. In some embodiments, the first contact surface is disposed on a first support, and the second contact surface is disposed on a second support, and the first and second supports are positioned within the housing. In some embodiments, each of the first and second angles is a congruent angle. In some embodiments, the housing includes a preload applicator. In some embodiments, the preload applicator contacts a preload surface. In some embodiments, the assembly may include a fourth bearing housing disposed within the housing, the fourth bearing housing including a fourth bearing bore. In some embodiments, the first and second bearing housings are disposed between a third and a fourth bearing housing. In some embodiments, the assembly may include a plurality of bearings. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of bearings is a roller bearing. In some embodiments, the plurality of bearings includes a first pair of bearings disposed in a first bearing bore, a second pair of bearings disposed in a second bearing bore, a third pair of bearings disposed in a third bearing bore, and a fourth pair of bearings disposed in a fourth bearing bore. In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a system for supporting a calender roll. The system may include a bearing housing assembly and a calender roll having a first journal disposed within a first bearing bore, a second bearing bore, and a third bearing bore. In some embodiments, the system further includes an additional bearing housing assembly having an additional bearing bore, wherein the calendering roll has a second journal disposed within the additional bearing bore.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method for supporting a calender roll. The method includes applying a preload force to a first surface, thereby causing: the preload force to be transmitted to a first bearing disposed against a journal of the calender roll; a first reaction force to be applied to a second bearing disposed against the journal; and a second reaction force to be applied in a third direction to a third bearing disposed against the journal, wherein the preload force is in a first direction, the first reaction force is in a second direction, and the second reaction force is in a third direction, and wherein each of the first, second, and third directions is a different direction.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method includes reducing vibration in the calender rolls. In some embodiments, the preload is at least about 100 kN. In some embodiments, the first direction is the same as the direction of gravity. In some embodiments, the first reaction force includes a vertical component and a horizontal component. In some embodiments, the second reaction force includes a vertical component and a horizontal component. In some embodiments, the method includes reducing clearance in the first bearing, the second bearing, and the third bearing. Attached Figure Description

[0009] This disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a calendering roll system comprising multiple pairs of adjacent bearing housing assemblies and adjacent calendering rolls according to some embodiments.

[0011] Figure 2A This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a system including a bearing housing assembly and a calendering roll according to some embodiments.

[0012] Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a system including adjacent bearing housing assemblies and adjacent calendering rolls according to some embodiments.

[0013] Figure 2C This is a cross-sectional view of a preloaded bearing housing according to some embodiments of a bearing housing assembly.

[0014] Figure 2D This is a cross-sectional view of a first reaction bearing housing according to some embodiments of a bearing housing assembly.

[0015] Figure 2E This is a cross-sectional view of a second reaction bearing housing according to some embodiments of a bearing housing assembly.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the force applied to the bearing housing assembly according to some embodiments.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method for supporting calendering rolls according to some embodiments.

[0018] Figure 5A This is an experimental graph showing the bearing seat displacement without using preload.

[0019] Figure 5B These are experimental graphs illustrating bearing seat displacement under preload according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following detailed description of certain embodiments presents various descriptions of particular embodiments. However, the innovations described herein can be embodied in many different ways, such as those defined and covered by the claims. Reference is made in this specification to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals and / or terms may indicate the same or functionally similar elements. It should be understood that the elements illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, it should be understood that some embodiments may include more elements than illustrated in the drawings and / or a subset of the elements illustrated in the drawings. Additionally, some embodiments may combine any suitable combination of features from two or more drawings. The headings are provided for convenience only and do not affect the scope or meaning of the claims.

[0021] Generally, one or more aspects of this disclosure relate to a bearing housing assembly that supports the journal of a calender roll. Each bearing housing assembly may include a plurality of bearings constrained to be loaded in three or more opposite directions under a single preload. Two calender rolls may be positioned adjacent to each other to calender hard materials, such as cathode active materials (e.g., lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (“NMC”)).

[0022] When calendering rollers bear high loads while calendering material, this type of bearing configuration can advantageously reduce minute bearing clearance, increase bearing stiffness, and / or reduce bearing vibration. Because of the reduced bearing clearance and vibration, bearing stiffness increases, bearing wear decreases, and the quality of the calendered material is improved.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a calender roll system 208-2 including adjacent calender rolls 280A and calender roll 280B according to some embodiments. Calender roll 280A is supported at opposite ends by a first bearing housing assembly 200A and a second bearing housing assembly 200C. Calender roll 280B is supported at opposite ends by a third bearing housing assembly 200B and a fourth bearing housing assembly 200D. The first bearing housing assembly 200A supports a first journal 282A positioned at a first end of the first calender roll 280A. The second bearing housing assembly 200C supports a second journal 282C positioned at a second end of the first calender roll 280A. The third bearing housing assembly 200B supports a first journal 282B positioned at a first end of the second calender roll 280B. The fourth bearing housing assembly 200D supports a second journal 282D positioned at a second end of the second calender roll 280B. Calendering rolls 280A and 280B are positioned adjacent to each other.

[0024] Figure 2AA cross-sectional perspective view of system 208 is shown, which includes a bearing housing assembly 200 and a calendering roll 280 supported by the bearing housing assembly 200. The bearing housing assembly 200 includes a housing 210 having a base surface 214. A first support 220, a second support 226, a first preload bearing housing 250, a first reaction bearing housing 230, a second reaction bearing housing 240, a second preload bearing housing 256, and a preload surface 252 are each positioned within the housing 210. The first reaction bearing housing 230 is positioned above the first support 220, and the second reaction bearing housing 240 is positioned above the second support 226. The first preload bearing housing 250 and the second preload bearing housing 256 are each positioned above the base surface 214 of the housing 210. The first reaction bearing housing 230 and the second reaction bearing housing 240 are disposed between the first preload bearing housing 250 and the second preload bearing housing 256. Therefore, the first reaction bearing housing 230 and the second reaction bearing housing 240 are inner bearing housings, and the first preload bearing housing 250 and the second preload bearing housing 256 are outer bearing housings. The preload surface 252 contacts the first preload bearing housing 250 and the second preload bearing housing 256. Gaps exist between the preload surface 252 and the first reaction bearing housing 230, and between the preload surface 252 and the second reaction bearing housing 240.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first and second supports can be integrated into the housing, which helps to simplify the number of components in the system. In some embodiments, the first and second supports can be separate components inserted into the housing. When the first and second supports are components separate from the housing, this can advantageously facilitate the manufacture of the first and second supports.

[0026] While each example described herein refers to reaction bearing housing 230 and reaction bearing housing 240 positioned between preload bearing housing 250 and preload bearing housing 256, the bearing housing assembly is not limited to this configuration. For example, in some embodiments, a preload bearing housing may be positioned between reaction bearing housings, a first reaction bearing housing and a first preload bearing housing may be positioned between a second reaction bearing housing and a second preload bearing housing, or a second reaction bearing housing and a second preload bearing housing may be positioned between a first reaction bearing housing and a first preload bearing housing. In another example, in some embodiments, the bearing housing assembly may include a first preload bearing housing, a first reaction bearing housing, and a second reaction bearing housing. In each example described herein, a first reaction bearing housing is positioned on a first support, and a second reaction bearing housing is positioned on a second support.

[0027] The housing 210 is shown having a preload inlet port 212 located on the top surface of the housing 210, through which a preload force 290 can be applied to a preload surface 252. The preload force 290 is shown to be applied vertically downwards and in the same direction as gravity. The preload force 290 is transmitted through the preload surface 252 to a first preload bearing housing 250 and a second preload bearing housing 256. In some embodiments, the preload force can be applied at any angle (e.g., vertically, horizontally, diagonally), which can help counteract the forces exhibited on the calender rolls during the calendering process.

[0028] The housing 210 also includes a calender roll inlet port 216 and a calender roll inlet port 218. The calender roll inlet ports are openings located on opposite sides of the housing 210. The first calender roll inlet port 216 is adjacent to a first preload bearing housing 250, and the second calender roll inlet port 218 is adjacent to a second preload bearing housing 256. The calender roll 280 has a journal 282 passing through the calender roll inlet ports 216 and 218.

[0029] The calender roll inlet ports 216 and 218 can be of any shape. For example, in some embodiments, each of the calender roll inlet ports can be individually selected from a circle, rectangle, or other polygon. The dimensions of the calender roll inlet ports 216 and 218 allow the journal 282 to pass through the gap in the housing 210.

[0030] A pair of first preload bearings 260A are disposed in a first preload bearing housing 250; a pair of first reaction bearings 260B are disposed in a first reaction bearing housing 230; a pair of second reaction bearings 260C are disposed in a second reaction bearing housing 240; and a pair of second preload bearings 260D are disposed in a second preload bearing housing 256. The journal 282 passes through the calender roll inlet port 216 and the calender roll inlet port 218, as well as each pair of bearings 260A-260D. With this arrangement, the journal 282 is supported by each pair of bearings 260A-260D.

[0031] In some embodiments, a single preload bearing may be disposed in a first preload bearing housing; a single reaction bearing may be disposed in a first reaction bearing housing; a single second reaction bearing may be disposed in a second reaction bearing housing; and a single second preload bearing may be disposed in a second preload bearing housing.

[0032] Bearings 260A-260D are described herein as roller bearings, but system 208 may include other types of bearings. For example, in some embodiments, each bearing may be individually selected from cylindrical roller bearings, ball bearings, needle roller bearings, sleeve bearings, or any other bearing designed to handle radial loads. In some embodiments, each bearing may be individually selected from stainless steel bearings, ceramic bearings, carbon steel bearings, plastic bearings, or other bearing materials for high radial load applications. In some embodiments, the bearings may also include a coating to provide wear resistance.

[0033] Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a system 208-1 including adjacent bearing housing assemblies 200A and 200B, and adjacent calendering rolls 280A and 280B, according to some embodiments. The first bearing housing assembly 200A supports a first journal 282A of the first calendering roll 280A. The second bearing housing assembly 200B supports a second journal 282B of the second calendering roll 280B. The first bearing housing assembly 200A is positioned adjacent to the second bearing housing assembly 200B. The axes of the first calendering roll 280A and the second calendering roll 280B are parallel to each other and aligned at the same height. Each bearing housing assembly 200A and 200B, and each calendering roll 280A and 280B shown can be similar to... Figure 2A The bearing housing assembly 200 and the calendering roll 280. In some embodiments, the axes of the first calendering roll and the second calendering roll may be parallel to each other and aligned at different heights; for example, the axes may have a vertical offset from each other.

[0034] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of system 208 is shown, illustrating a first preload bearing housing 250. As shown, the first preload bearing housing 250 is a rectangular housing with a bearing bore passing through its center, in which a bearing 260A is disposed. System 208 has a mid-plane 202 perpendicular to the base surface and intersecting the central axis of the bearing bore and bearing 260A. A first side 204 and a second side 206 are positioned on opposite sides of the mid-plane 202. Bearing 260A is a roller bearing having an outer ring 264A, an inner ring 262A, and roller elements 266A disposed between the inner ring 262A and the outer ring 264A. A journal 282 of a calender 280 passes through the inner ring 262A of bearing 260A. When the journal 282 passes through the inner ring 262A, a gap 272 exists between the base surface 214 and the bottom of the first preload bearing housing 250. Preload applicator 270 enters through preload inlet port 212 ( Figure 2CA preload force 290 is applied to the preload surface 252 (not shown). The preload surface 252 is disposed on the first preload bearing housing 250, and the preload force 290 is transmitted to the first preload bearing housing 250. The gap 272 between the base surface 214 and the bottom of the first preload bearing housing 250 advantageously allows the bearing 260A to transmit the preload force 290 from the first preload bearing housing 250 to the journal 282. The second preload bearing housing 256 includes substantially the same structure and arrangement as the first preload bearing housing 250 within the bearing housing assembly.

[0035] In some embodiments, the preload force 290 may be greater than 50 kN, for example, between 100 kN and 400 kN. In some embodiments, the preload force is 50 kN, 75 kN, 100 kN, 125 kN, 150 kN, 175 kN, 200 kN, 225 kN, 250 kN, 275 kN, 300 kN, 325 kN, 350 kN, 375 kN, or 400 kN, or any range thereof. The preload force can be adjusted depending on the operating parameters of the calendering roll system.

[0036] The preload bearing housing can take shapes other than rectangular. For example, in some embodiments, the preload bearing housing may include a bottom surface on the surface of the preload bearing housing closest to the base surface of the housing. The bottom surface may be curved or angled to increase the clearance between the bottom surface and the base surface.

[0037] In some embodiments, the preload surface may be incorporated into the preload bearing housing. In some embodiments, the preload surface may be a separate component located adjacent to the upper surface of the preload bearing housing.

[0038] In some embodiments, the preload applicator may be a screw press, cam press, hydraulic press, or pneumatic press. Advantageously, the preload applicator applies a single preload, which increases bearing stiffness and reduces bearing clearance, thereby reducing bearing vibration.

[0039] Figure 2D yes Figure 2AA cross-sectional view of system 208 illustrating a first reaction bearing housing 230 positioned in front of a first preload bearing housing 250. As shown, the first reaction bearing housing 230 includes a bearing bore passing through its center. A bearing 260B is disposed in the bearing bore. The bearing 260B is a roller bearing having an outer ring 264B, an inner ring 262B, and roller elements 266B disposed between the inner ring 262B and the outer ring 264B. The first reaction bearing housing 230 is positioned on a first support 220. The first reaction bearing housing 230 includes a first bearing housing surface 232. The first bearing housing surface 232 lies on a first side 204 of a mid-plane 202 and is opposite to a second side 206. The mid-plane 202 is defined by the central axis of a journal 282 and is perpendicular to a base surface 214. The first bearing housing surface 232 is disposed abutting against a first contact surface 222 of the first support 220. The first contact surface 222 extends at an oblique angle from the base surface 234 of the first support 220. In addition to contacting the first contact surface 222, the outer surface of the first reaction bearing housing 230 has gaps 274 in each direction away from the housing 210 and the first support 220. The gaps 274 allow the first reaction bearing housing 230 to move up, down, left, or right within the housing 210 without contacting the housing 210 or the first support 220. A journal 282 passes through the inner ring 262B of the bearing 260B. As the journal 282 passes through the inner ring 262B, a gap 274 exists between the base surface 234 and the bottom of the first reaction bearing housing 230.

[0040] Clearance 274 ensures that journal 282 can pass through bearing 260B of first reaction bearing housing 230. Clearance 274 allows first reaction bearing housing 230 to move within housing 210 and accommodates tolerances of bearing 260B, bearing bore position, and first contact surface 222 relative to the other bearing housings 250, 256, 240, and housing 210 of system 208.

[0041] Journal 282 transmits preload 290 to first reaction bearing housing 230 via bearing 260B. A first reaction force 292 is generated between first contact surface 222 and first bearing housing surface 232. The first reaction force 292 is perpendicular to the first contact surface 222 and may have horizontal and vertical components. First reaction bearing housing 230 transmits the first reaction force 292 to bearing 260B. Bearing 260B transmits the first reaction force 292 to journal 282.

[0042] The gap 274 also ensures that a first reaction force 292 is generated between the first contact surface 222 and the first bearing housing surface 232. If the first reaction bearing housing 230 contacts another surface within the housing 210, the direction of the reaction force 292 will change.

[0043] The angle at which the first contact surface extends from the base surface of the first support can be any angle. In some embodiments, the angle is greater than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle is less than 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle is or is approximately 115-155 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle is approximately, at least, at least approximately, at most, or at most approximately 90 degrees, 91 degrees, 92 degrees, 93 degrees, 94 degrees, 95 degrees, 96 degrees, 97 degrees, 98 degrees, 99 degrees, 100 degrees, 101 degrees, 102 degrees, 103 degrees, 104 degrees, 105 degrees, 106 degrees, 107 degrees, 108 degrees, 109 degrees, 110 degrees, 111 degrees, 112 degrees, 113 degrees, 114 degrees, 115 degrees, 116 degrees, 117 degrees, 118 degrees, 119 degrees, 120 degrees, 121 degrees, 122 degrees, 123 degrees, 124 degrees, 125 degrees, 126 degrees, 127 degrees, 128 degrees, 129 degrees, 130 degrees, 131 degrees, 132 degrees, 133 degrees, or 1 34 degrees, 135 degrees, 136 degrees, 137 degrees, 138 degrees, 139 degrees, 140 degrees, 141 degrees, 142 degrees, 143 degrees, 144 degrees, 145 degrees, 146 degrees, 147 degrees, 148 degrees, 149 degrees, 150 degrees, 151 degrees, 152 degrees, 153 degrees, 154 degrees, 155 degrees, 156 degrees, 157 degrees, 158 degrees, 159 degrees, 160 degrees, 161 degrees, 162 degrees, 163 degrees, 164 degrees, 165 degrees, 166 degrees, 167 degrees, 168 degrees, 169 degrees, 170 degrees, 171 degrees, 172 degrees, 173 degrees, 174 degrees, 175 degrees, 176 degrees, 177 degrees, 178 degrees, 179 degrees, or 180 degrees, or any range of values ​​between them.

[0044] The first contact surface 222 is shown as a flat surface, and the first bearing housing surface 232 is also shown as a flat surface. In some embodiments, the first contact surface is a curved surface, for example, such that the cross-section of the first contact surface may be parabolic or hyperbolic. In some embodiments, the first bearing housing surface may include complementary curved shapes.

[0045] Figure 2E This is a cross-sectional view of the bearing housing assembly 200, illustrating the second reaction bearing housing 240. As shown, the second reaction bearing housing 240 includes a bearing 260C disposed in a bearing bore. The bearing 260C is a roller bearing having an outer ring 264C, an inner ring 262C, and roller elements 266C disposed between the inner ring 262C and the outer ring 264C.

[0046] A second reaction bearing housing 240 is positioned on a second support 226. The second reaction bearing housing 240 includes a second bearing housing surface 242. The second bearing housing surface 242 is on a second side 206 of the midplane 202 and opposite to the first side 204. A second contact surface 228 of the second bearing housing surface 242 is disposed abutting against the second contact surface 228 of the second support 226. The second contact surface 228 extends at an oblique angle from the base surface 244 of the second support 226. The first contact surface 222 and the second contact surface 228 may extend at congruent angles from their respective base surfaces 234 and 244.

[0047] In addition to contacting the second contact surface 228, the outer surface of the second reaction bearing housing 240 has gaps 276 in all directions with respect to the housing 210 and the second support 226. These gaps 276 allow the second reaction bearing housing 240 to move up, down, left, or right within the housing 210 without contacting the other surface. The journal 282 passes through the inner ring 262C of the bearing 260C. When the journal 282 passes through the inner ring 262C, a gap exists between the base surface 244 of the second support 226 and the bottom of the second reaction bearing housing 240.

[0048] Clearance 276 ensures that journal 282 can pass through bearing 260C of second reaction bearing housing 240. Clearance 276 allows second reaction bearing housing 240 to move within housing 210 and accommodates tolerances of bearing 260C, bearing bore position, and second contact surface 228 relative to the other bearing housings 250, 256, 230, and housing 210 of system 208.

[0049] Journal 282 transmits preload 290 to second reaction bearing housing 240 via bearing 260C. A second reaction force 294 is generated between second contact surface 228 and second bearing housing surface 242. The second reaction force 294 is perpendicular to the second contact surface 228 and may have horizontal and vertical components. Second reaction bearing housing 240 transmits the second reaction force 294 to bearing 260C. Bearing 260C transmits the second reaction force 294 to journal 282.

[0050] The gap 276 also ensures that a second reaction force 294 is generated between the second contact surface 228 and the second bearing housing surface 242. If the second reaction bearing housing 240 contacts another surface within the housing 210, the direction of the second reaction force 294 will change.

[0051] The inclination angle of the second contact surface 228 extending from the base surface 244 of the second support 226 can be any angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, preferably between 115 degrees and 155 degrees. For example, the tilt angle can be 91 degrees, 92 degrees, 93 degrees, 94 degrees, 95 degrees, 96 degrees, 97 degrees, 98 degrees, 99 degrees, 100 degrees, 101 degrees, 102 degrees, 103 degrees, 104 degrees, 105 degrees, 106 degrees, 107 degrees, 108 degrees, 109 degrees, 110 degrees, 111 degrees, 112 degrees, 113 degrees, 114 degrees, 115 degrees, 116 degrees, 117 degrees, 118 degrees, 119 degrees, 120 degrees, 121 degrees, 122 degrees, 123 degrees, 124 degrees, 125 degrees, 126 degrees, 127 degrees, 128 degrees, 129 degrees, 130 degrees, 131 degrees, 132 degrees, 133 degrees, 134 degrees, 13... 5 degrees, 136 degrees, 137 degrees, 138 degrees, 139 degrees, 140 degrees, 141 degrees, 142 degrees, 143 degrees, 144 degrees, 145 degrees, 146 degrees, 147 degrees, 148 degrees, 149 degrees, 150 degrees, 151 degrees, 152 degrees, 153 degrees, 154 degrees, 155 degrees, 156 degrees, 157 degrees, 158 degrees, 159 degrees, 160 degrees, 161 degrees, 162 degrees, 163 degrees, 164 degrees, 165 degrees, 166 degrees, 167 degrees, 168 degrees, 169 degrees, 170 degrees, 171 degrees, 172 degrees, 173 degrees, 174 degrees, 175 degrees, 176 degrees, 177 degrees, 178 degrees, or 179 degrees.

[0052] The second contact surface 228 can be a flat surface, and the second bearing housing surface 242 can also be a flat surface. A flat contact surface 228 advantageously allows the second reaction force 294 to have the same horizontal and vertical components, regardless of where the second reaction bearing housing 240 is located within the housing 210 to accommodate tolerances. The second contact surface 228 can be a curved surface. For example, the cross-section of the second contact surface 228 can be parabolic or hyperbolic, and the second bearing housing surface 242 can include complementary curved shapes. A curved contact surface 228 can advantageously allow the horizontal and vertical components of the second reaction force 294 to vary depending on the positioning of the second reaction bearing housing 240 within the housing 210.

[0053] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the force applied to the bearing housing of the bearing housing assembly according to some embodiments. Figure 3 The illustration also shows how the bearing housing assembly accommodates the clearance between journal 382 and the inner rings of bearings 360A-360C. For illustrative purposes, Figure 3 The features shown are exaggerated. For example, the dimensions of bearings 360A-360C are not proportional to the size of the calender, and the clearance between bearings 360A-360C and journal 382 is also disproportionate.

[0054] As shown, a preload force 390 is applied to the bearing 360A, and thus to the journal 382, ​​creating a contact between the bearing 360A and the journal 382. The mass 396 of the calender 380 also generates a force in the same direction as the preload force 290. In some embodiments, the preload force may be applied in a direction different from the force generated by the mass of the calender.

[0055] This advantageously reduces, substantially reduces, eliminates, or substantially eliminates the clearance (i.e., gap) between bearing 360A and journal 382, ​​and increases the stiffness within bearing 360A. The preload force 390 and mass 396 generate a first reaction force 392 on the first side 304 of the midplane 302, which is applied to bearing 360B and thereby to journal 382. This reduces, substantially reduces, eliminates, or substantially eliminates the clearance (i.e., gap) between bearing 360B and journal 382, ​​and increases the stiffness within bearing 360B. The preload force 390 also generates a second reaction force 394 on the second side 306 of the midplane 302 opposite to the first side 304. This second reaction force is applied to bearing 360C and thereby to journal 382. This reduces, substantially reduces, eliminates, or substantially eliminates the clearance between bearing 360C and journal 382, ​​and increases the stiffness within bearing 360C. The preload force 390, the first reaction force 392, and the second reaction force 394 are each in three different directions. As shown, the preload force 390 is applied in the plane of the mid-plane 302, generating the first reaction force 392 on the first side 304 of the mid-plane 302 and the second reaction force 394 on the second side 306 of the mid-plane 302. In this arrangement, the journal 382 is supported by bearings 360A, 360B, and 360C at three different points around its circumference, and the journal 382 is loaded by the preload force 390, the first reaction force 392, and the second reaction force 394 in three opposite directions. This advantageously reduces, substantially reduces, eliminates, or significantly eliminates bearing clearance and increases bearing stiffness, thereby reducing bearing vibration. In other embodiments, the preload force can be applied at any angle (e.g., vertically, horizontally, diagonally), which can help counteract the forces exhibited on the calender rolls during the calendering process.

[0056] Figure 4This is a flowchart of an example method 400 for supporting a calender roll. In step 410, a preload force is applied to a first surface in a first direction, and in step 420, this force is transmitted to a first bearing disposed against the journal of the calender roll. In step 430, this causes a first reaction force to be applied to a second bearing disposed against the journal in a second direction, and in step 440, this causes a second reaction force to be applied to a third bearing disposed against the journal in a third direction. With the preload force, the first reaction force, and the second reaction force applied to the journal, a reduction in vibration in the calender roll, a reduction in bearing clearance, and / or an increase in bearing stiffness are achieved in step 450.

[0057] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is an experimental diagram illustrating bearing seat displacement. For this experiment, accelerometers were mounted on both the internal and external bearing seats of the calender roll system. For example, similar to... Figure 1 The system shown is as follows. First, a baseline test is performed. In the baseline test, no vertical preload is applied to any bearing housing. Next, a known vertical preload is applied to each bearing housing assembly. Figure 5A and Figure 5B In each of these tables, a series of vertical bearing housing displacements are plotted. Each point in the table represents a different bearing housing. Each column along the X-axis represents a different bearing housing assembly. Within each column, the rows along the Y-axis represent each bearing housing within the bearing housing assembly. For both the X and Y axes, the scale is 100 μm per grid line. Figure 5A The diagram illustrates the baseline test results, where no vertical preload was applied to any of the bearing housings. The graph shows that each bearing housing exhibited vertical displacement. Figure 5B The graph illustrates the test results, where a preload of 300 kN was applied to each bearing housing. The graph shows the results compared to... Figure 5A compared to, Figure 5B Vertical displacement is advantageously reduced in the bearing housing, which is not preloaded.

[0058] Although this document describes certain embodiments for a rolling mill system, the described bearing housing assembly can be applied to other high radial load, rotating shaft applications.

[0059] For illustrative purposes, as used herein, the term "horizontal" is defined as a plane parallel to the floor plane or surface of the area where the described equipment is used or the described methods are performed, regardless of its orientation. The term "floor" may be used interchangeably with the term "ground." The term "vertical" refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction just defined. Terms such as "above," "below," "bottom," "top," "side," "front," "back," "lateral," "higher," "lower," "upper," "above," and "below" are defined relative to the horizontal plane in use.

[0060] The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are synonymous and used inclusively in an open-ended manner, not excluding additional elements, features, actions, operations, etc. Furthermore, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (rather than its exclusive sense), so when used, for example, to connect a series of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0061] Although certain embodiments and examples have been described herein, those skilled in the art will understand that many aspects of the systems shown and described herein can be combined and / or modified differently to form other embodiments or acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. A wide variety of designs and methods are possible. No feature, structure, or step disclosed herein is necessary or indispensable.

[0062] For the purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described herein. It should be understood that not all of these advantages may necessarily be achieved according to any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure may be embodied or implemented in a manner that achieves one or a set of advantages taught herein, without necessarily achieving other advantages taught or proposed herein.

[0063] Furthermore, although illustrative embodiments have been described herein, the scope of any and all embodiments is subject to equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., aspects of various embodiments), adaptations, and / or variations, as understood by those skilled in the art based on this disclosure. Limitations in the claims should be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims and are not limited to the examples described in this specification or in the course of the application, which should be interpreted as non-exclusive. Moreover, the actions of the disclosed processes and methods can be modified in any way, including by reordering actions and / or inserting additional actions and / or deleting actions. Therefore, the specification and embodiments are to be considered illustrative only, and the true scope and spirit are indicated by the full scope of the claims and their equivalents.

[0064] The conditional language used herein, such as “may,” “possibly,” “can,” “for example,” etc., unless specifically stated otherwise or understood otherwise in the context in which they are used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or states, while other embodiments do not. Therefore, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that one or more embodiments require features, elements, blocks, and / or states in any way, or that one or more embodiments must include logic for determining, with or without author input or prompting, whether such features, elements, and / or states are included in any particular embodiment or will be executed in any particular embodiment.

[0065] The scope disclosed herein also includes any and all overlapping, subranges, and combinations thereof. Languages ​​such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “between,” etc., include the numbers listed.

Claims

1. A bearing housing assembly for supporting a calender roll, comprising: A housing, the housing including a preload entry port, a base surface, and a first side and a second side, the first side and the second side being separated by a mid-plane perpendicular to the base surface, wherein a first contact surface extends from the base surface at a first angle and is located on the first side, and a second contact surface extends from the base surface at a second angle and is located on the second side; A first bearing housing is disposed within the housing and includes a first bearing housing surface and a first bearing bore, wherein the first bearing housing surface is disposed above the first contact surface; The second bearing housing is disposed within the housing and includes a second bearing housing surface and a second bearing bore, wherein the second bearing housing surface is disposed above the second contact surface; as well as A third bearing housing is disposed within the housing and includes a preload surface and a third bearing bore, wherein the preload surface is positioned between the preload inlet port and the base surface.

2. The bearing housing assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises the first contact surface and the second contact surface.

3. The bearing housing assembly of claim 1, wherein the first contact surface is disposed on the first support, and the second contact surface is disposed on the second support, and the first support and the second support are positioned within the housing.

4. The bearing housing assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first angle and the second angle is a congruent angle.

5. The bearing housing assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a preload applicator.

6. The bearing housing assembly of claim 5, wherein the preload applicator contacts the preload surface.

7. The bearing housing assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth bearing housing disposed within the housing, the fourth bearing housing including a fourth bearing bore.

8. The bearing housing assembly of claim 7, wherein the first bearing housing and the second bearing housing are disposed between the third bearing housing and the fourth bearing housing.

9. The bearing housing assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of bearings.

10. The bearing housing assembly of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of bearings is a roller bearing.

11. The bearing housing assembly of claim 9, wherein the plurality of bearings includes a first pair of bearings disposed in the first bearing bore, a second pair of bearings disposed in the second bearing bore, a third pair of bearings disposed in the third bearing bore, and a fourth pair of bearings disposed in the fourth bearing bore.

12. A system for supporting a calender roll, the system comprising: The bearing housing assembly according to claim 1; as well as A calendering roll, the calendering roll including a first journal disposed in the first bearing hole, the second bearing hole and the third bearing hole.

13. The system of claim 12 further includes an additional bearing housing assembly, the additional bearing housing assembly including an additional bearing bore, wherein the calender roll further includes a second journal disposed within the additional bearing bore.

14. A method for supporting a calendering roll, comprising: Applying a preload force to the first surface causes: The preload force will be transmitted to the first bearing located against the journal of the calender roll; The first reaction force will be applied to the second bearing positioned against the journal; and The second reaction force will be applied upwards to the third bearing that abuts against the journal. The preload force is in a first direction, the first reaction force is in a second direction, and the second reaction force is in a third direction, wherein each of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction is a different direction.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising reducing vibration in the calendering roll.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the preload force is at least about 100 kN.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the first direction is the same as the direction of gravity.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the first reaction force comprises a vertical component and a horizontal component.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the second reaction force comprises a vertical component and a horizontal component.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising reducing clearance in the first bearing, the second bearing, and the third bearing.

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