Conductive ring and conductive assembly
By setting an oil groove at the contact point between the lip and the inner ring of the conductive ring, the problems of rapid lip wear and oil film formation are solved, achieving both lubrication and stable conductivity, and extending the seal life.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410547723.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-11
AI Technical Summary
The contact area between the lip and the inner ring of the existing conductive ring is too large, which leads to rapid wear, the formation of a stable oil film, and affects the conductivity.
An oil groove is provided at the contact point between the lip and the inner ring to guide the lubricating oil in and out, lubricate the lip, dissipate heat, reduce wear, and interrupt the continuous oil film to maintain stable contact and conductivity.
The oil groove design lubricates the lip, reduces wear, extends seal life, and ensures stable contact and good conductivity between the lip and the inner ring.
Smart Images
Figure CN120933733A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of conductive devices. Specifically, this invention relates to a conductive ring and a conductive assembly for use between two rotating components. Background Technology
[0002] Conductive rings are required in the rotating components of many machines. Particularly in the field of deep groove ball bearings used in electrification applications such as power transmission or electric vehicles, a dynamically conductive seal with sufficient strength is required. These conductive seals are typically annular, comprising a skeleton and an elastic conductor. The skeleton is made of a rigid material to be fixed to the radially outer ring via an interference fit. The elastic conductor is fixed to the skeleton and extends with one or more lips. Furthermore, some conductive rings require that lubricating oil flow smoothly through the ring and the bearing to lubricate other components.
[0003] To ensure a tight and stable contact between the lip and the inner ring for good conductivity, the lip is designed with a large interference fit, allowing for a fully tight contact and guaranteeing good conductivity between the outer and inner rings. However, an excessively large contact area between the lip and the inner ring leads to rapid lip wear. After wear, a stable oil film easily forms between the lip and the inner ring, disrupting the stable and tight contact and significantly reducing or even eliminating the conductivity of the conductive ring.
[0004] Therefore, how to remove the stable oil film between the lip and the inner ring to obtain good and durable conductivity is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To address the above technical problems, the present invention provides a conductive ring and a conductive component.
[0006] The conductive ring provided in the embodiments of the present invention includes: an annular skeleton and an annular elastic conductor. The elastic conductor includes a base and a lip; the base is fixed to the skeleton; the lip extends radially inward from the base and beyond the radially inward end of the skeleton. An oil groove is provided on the radially inward end of the lip, allowing axial communication between both sides.
[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the oil passage includes a circumferential groove extending in the circumferential direction and a transverse groove transverse to the circumferential groove, the circumferential groove communicating with the transverse groove.
[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the transverse groove includes a first transverse groove and a second transverse groove respectively arranged on both sides of the circumferential groove.
[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first transverse groove and the second transverse groove are arranged at a certain angle to each other.
[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the transverse groove includes a plurality of first transverse grooves and a plurality of second transverse grooves, which are uniformly distributed along the circumference.
[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first transverse groove and the second transverse groove are arranged alternately at a certain distance from each other in the circumferential direction.
[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the transverse groove is straight or curved.
[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a compression spring is provided on the side of the radially inner end of the lip that is away from the oil groove.
[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of circumferentially uniformly distributed openings are provided on the radially outer side of the conductive ring, and the openings connect the two axial sides of the conductive ring.
[0015] The conductive component provided in the embodiments of the present invention includes: an outer ring, an inner ring, and a conductive ring as described in any of the above embodiments. The inner ring is coaxially disposed on the radially inner side of the outer ring and is rotatable relative to the outer ring. The conductive ring is disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring and is fixed to the outer ring. The base is in fixed contact with the outer ring; the radially inner end of the lip is rotatably abutted against the inner ring by elastic deformation; and the oil groove is disposed at the position of the lip in contact with the inner ring to connect the axial sides of the conductive ring.
[0016] In applications of deep groove ball bearings in electrification fields such as power transmission or electric vehicles, conductive rings require a large amount of lubricating oil to lubricate other components. The conductive ring provided according to embodiments of the present invention, by providing an oil groove at the contact point between the lip and the inner ring, guides the lubricating oil in and out of the lip, thereby fully lubricating the lip and dissipating heat generated by friction. Furthermore, it reduces lip wear, minimizes lip thermal aging, and extends seal life. This oil groove also interrupts the continuous oil film between the lip and the inner ring, ensuring stable contact and good, durable conductivity between them. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of a conductive component according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;
[0019] Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the assembled conductive component according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;
[0020] Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram of an oil passage groove according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;
[0021] Figure 4 A partial perspective view of the oil passage groove according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;
[0022] Figure 5 A front view of a conductive ring according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and
[0023] Figure 6 A perspective view of a conductive ring according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
[0024] It should be understood that the above figures are illustrative only and are not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this invention are within the scope of protection of this invention.
[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a conductive ring is provided. This conductive ring is used to conduct electricity between mutually rotating components in a conductive assembly to eliminate the voltage difference between radially inner and radially outer components in the conductive assembly, thereby preventing damage to the relatively rotating components from spark discharge. For example, the conductive ring can be installed between the outer and inner rings of a deep groove ball bearing, or between the bearing and the rotating shaft. A large amount of lubricating oil needs to pass through both axial sides of the conductive assembly. The conductive ring is particularly suitable for operating environments requiring the passage of a large amount of lubricating oil.
[0027] Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of a conductive component according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the assembled conductive component according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the conductive ring is circular in shape. Figure 1 and Figure 2The image shows a representative portion of a cross-section through the central axis of the annular ring. The conductive ring is mounted in an annular space between two relatively rotating components. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the two relatively rotating components are the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2 of the bearing. The outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2 are arranged around a common axis of rotation and can rotate relative to each other around the axis of rotation, wherein the outer ring 1 is located radially outside the inner ring 2. The central axis of the conductive ring is arranged to coincide substantially with the axis of rotation of the bearing.
[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the conductive ring may include an annular skeleton 3 and an annular elastic conductor 4, the elastic conductor 4 being fixedly disposed radially inside the skeleton 3; the skeleton 3 and the elastic conductor 4 are rotatably arranged about a rotation axis. The elastic conductor 4 includes a base 41 and a lip 42. The base 41 of the elastic conductor 4 is formed, for example, by vulcanization, to form a surface that fits the portion of the skeleton 3 near the radially inner side, and is fixed to the portion of the skeleton 3 near the radially inner side; the lip 42 extends generally radially inward from the base 41, and the end of the lip extending radially inward extends beyond the end of the skeleton 3 radially inward. The conductive ring is axially divided into a first side S1 and a second side S2.
[0029] The skeleton 3 can be made of metal or other conductive materials with sufficient rigidity. The conductive material can be any conductive material with suitable mechanical properties, such as conductive plastic. On the one hand, the conductive plastic can meet the rigidity requirements and provide structural support for the elastic conductor 4; on the other hand, plastic materials are easy to process, for example, they can be easily formed into various required shapes through injection molding. In some embodiments, the skeleton 3 can be fixed to the radially inner side of the outer ring 1, for example, by an interference fit, so that it can rotate relative to the inner ring 2 together with the outer ring 1.
[0030] In some embodiments, the base 41 of the elastic conductor 4 may be designed to extend radially outward beyond the end of the skeleton 3, i.e., as shown in the figure. Figure 1 As shown, the base 41 radially covers the skeleton 3 so that the elastic conductor 4 makes direct conductive contact with the outer ring 1, and the outer ring 1 is conductive to the inner ring 2 through the radially inner lip 42. In other embodiments, the outer ring 1 may also be conductive to the inner ring 2 via the skeleton 3, which is fixedly connected to it and made of conductive material, and then through the elastic conductor 4.
[0031] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, an oil passage groove 43 is provided on the radially inner end of the lip 42, allowing axial communication between both sides. In the assembled state, the oil passage groove 43 is located on the side of the lip 42 that contacts the inner ring 2. When the lip 42 is pressed against the inner ring 2, the oil passage groove 43 connects the axial sides of the conductive ring, allowing lubricating oil to pass through both sides of the conductive ring.
[0032] Optionally, the radially inner end of the lip 42 can be rotatably abutted against the inner ring 2 through elastic deformation. To ensure stable contact between the lip 42 and the inner ring 2, the lip 42 can be designed with a large interference fit, that is, the lip 42 has a large elastically bendable portion. Specifically, as... Figure 1 As shown, in the unassembled state, the oil groove 43 can be located on one side of the lip 42 in the axial direction of the conductive ring, that is, as... Figure 1 As shown, the oil groove 43 is disposed on the surface of the lip 42 facing the first side S1. Figure 2 As shown, in the assembled state, the lip 42 abuts against the radially outer surface of the inner ring 2, and the elastically bendable portion of the lip 42 is elastically bent, causing the oil groove 43 to face radially inward and towards the radially outer surface of the inner ring 2. This further ensures that the lip 42 is pressed tightly against the inner ring 2 by its own elastic force, and increases the contact area between the lip 42 and the inner ring 2, further ensuring that the lip 42 is always in contact with the inner ring 2, preventing the lip 42 from disengaging, thereby ensuring the stability of electrical conductivity. Simultaneously, the oil groove 43 connects the axial sides of the conductive ring to allow lubricating oil to pass through both axial sides of the conductive ring.
[0033] Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram of an oil passage groove according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 A partial perspective view of an oil-filled groove according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the oil groove 43 includes a circumferential groove 431 extending in the circumferential direction and a transverse groove 432 transverse to the circumferential groove 431. The circumferential groove 431 is connected to the transverse groove 432, which helps to increase the contact area between the lubricating oil and the lip 42.
[0034] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the transverse groove 432 includes a first transverse groove 432a and a second transverse groove 432b respectively arranged on both sides of the circumferential groove 431.
[0035] In this way, as the oil groove 43 guides the lubricating oil into and out of the lip 42, the lubricating oil can flow through the circumferential groove 431 and the transverse groove 432 in the oil groove 43, so that the contact area between the lubricating oil and the lip 42 is larger, and the heat caused by friction of the lip 42 can be absorbed more fully. In addition, the wear of the lip 42 can be reduced, the thermal aging of the lip can be reduced, and the sealing life can be extended.
[0036] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first transverse groove 432a and the second transverse groove 432b are arranged at a certain angle to each other. This allows at least part of the flowing lubricating oil to more easily enter the circumferential groove 431, making the lubricating oil more evenly distributed in the oil passage 43.
[0037] In order to further ensure that the lubricating oil is distributed more evenly and fully in the oil groove 43, in some embodiments, the transverse groove 432 includes a plurality of first transverse grooves 432a and a plurality of second transverse grooves 432b, which are evenly distributed along the circumference.
[0038] Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first transverse groove 432a and the second transverse groove 432b are arranged alternately at a certain distance in the circumferential direction. This arrangement of the first transverse groove 432a and the second transverse groove 432b prevents lubricating oil from flowing in from one side of the circumferential groove 431 through a transverse groove 432 (e.g., the first transverse groove 432a) and then directly flowing out from the other side of the circumferential groove 431 through a transverse groove 432 (e.g., the second transverse groove 432b). Instead, the lubricating oil flows in through one side of the transverse groove 432, first flows into the transverse groove 432, and then at least partially flows out while flowing through one or more transverse grooves on the other side. This allows for a larger contact area between the lubricating oil and the lip 42, enabling more efficient absorption of heat generated by friction on the lip 42, and effectively guiding the lubricating oil into the oil passage 43, preventing the formation of a stable oil film between the lip 42 and the inner ring 2, which would affect the electrical conductivity between the lip 42 and the inner ring 2.
[0039] In some embodiments, the transverse groove 432 is straight or curved. Of course, the transverse groove 432 can also be other shapes, which are not limited here.
[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a compression spring 5 is provided on the side of the radially inner end of the lip 42 away from the oil groove 43 to apply a compression force to the lip 42 in the direction toward the inner ring 2.
[0041] Optionally, in the unassembled state, such as Figure 1 As shown, the oil groove 43 is disposed on the surface of the lip 42 facing the first side S1, and the compression spring 5 is disposed on the second side S2 of the lip 42. In the assembled state, as... Figure 2 As shown, the lip 42 undergoes elastic deformation, and the compression spring 5 is located radially outward of the lip 42. At this time, the compression spring 5 can apply a compression force toward the radially inward of the lip 42 to ensure that the lip 42 abuts against the inner ring 2.
[0042] By setting a compression spring 5, the lip 42 can be further pressed into contact with the inner ring 2, reducing the risk of the lip 42 disengaging from the inner ring 2 and ensuring the stability of the electrical conductivity between the lip 42 and the inner ring 2.
[0043] Figure 5 A front view of a conductive ring according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 6 A perspective view of a conductive ring according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The conductive ring is particularly suitable for operating environments requiring the passage of large amounts of lubricating oil. To meet this requirement, in some embodiments, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the conductive ring may also have a plurality of circumferentially evenly distributed openings 6 on its radial outer side, the openings 6 connecting the two axial sides of the conductive ring so that lubricating oil can pass through the openings 6 in the axial direction.
[0044] This application embodiment also provides a conductive component, including: an outer ring 1, an inner ring 2, and a conductive ring as described in any of the above embodiments. The inner ring 2 is coaxially disposed on the radially inner side of the outer ring 1 and is rotatable relative to the outer ring 1. The conductive ring is disposed between the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2 and is fixed to the outer ring 1; wherein, the base 41 is in fixed contact with the outer ring 1; the radially inner end of the lip 42 is rotatably abutted against the inner ring 2 by elastic deformation, and the oil groove 43 is disposed at the position of the lip 42 in contact with the inner ring 2 to connect the two axial sides of the conductive ring.
[0045] The conductive component, by providing a conductive ring between the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2, enables the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2 to conduct electricity, thereby eliminating the voltage difference between the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2 and preventing damage to rotating parts by spark discharge. By providing an oil groove 43 at the contact point between the lip 42 and the inner ring 2, lubricating oil can be guided into and out of the lip 42, thereby fully lubricating the lip 42 and dissipating heat caused by friction. Furthermore, it can reduce lip wear, reduce lip thermal aging, and extend seal life. This oil groove 43 can also interrupt the continuous oil film between the lip 42 and the inner ring 2, ensuring stable contact and good, long-lasting conductivity between the lip 42 and the inner ring 2.
[0046] It should be noted that this invention is aimed at improving electrical conductivity between rotating components, particularly between rotating components of deep groove ball bearings used in electrification applications such as power transmission or electric vehicles, where a large amount of lubricating oil is required. The technical solution of this invention can also be applied to conductive rings with openings, hollows, or other structures that reduce structural strength, and is not limited to specific components of the conductive rings shown in the embodiments. In this case, the structure of the conductive ring can be modified in various ways, and the number, shape, and arrangement of the oil grooves can be varied, not limited to the types described in the embodiments and shown in the accompanying drawings, which will not be elaborated further.
[0047] While possible embodiments have been described exemplarily in the foregoing description, it should be understood that numerous variations of embodiments exist through combinations of all known and readily conceived technical features and implementation methods. Furthermore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope, application, or construction of the invention in any way. The foregoing description is more intended to provide those skilled in the art with technical guidance for transforming at least one exemplary embodiment, wherein various changes, particularly regarding the function and structure of the components, can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.
[0048] Appendix Label Table
[0049] 1. Outer ring;
[0050] 2. Inner circle;
[0051] 3. Skeleton;
[0052] 4. Elastic conductor; 41. Base; 42. Lip; 43. Oil groove; 431. Circumferential groove; 432. Transverse groove; 432a. First transverse groove; 432b. Second transverse groove;
[0053] 5. Compress the spring;
[0054] 6. Opening;
[0055] S1. First side;
[0056] S2. Second side.
Claims
1. A conductive ring, characterized in that, include: A ring-shaped skeleton (3) and a ring-shaped elastic conductor (4); The elastic conductor (4) includes a base (41) and a lip (42); the base (41) is fixed to the skeleton (3); the lip (42) extends from the base toward the radially inward side and exceeds the radially inward end of the skeleton (3); An oil passage groove (43) is provided on the radially inner end of the lip (42) to allow axial communication between the two sides.
2. The conductive ring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oil passage (43) includes a circumferential groove (431) extending in the circumferential direction and a transverse groove (432) transverse to the circumferential groove (431), the circumferential groove (431) being connected to the transverse groove (432).
3. The conductive ring according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transverse groove (432) includes a first transverse groove (432a) and a second transverse groove (432b) respectively arranged on both sides of the circumferential groove (431).
4. The conductive ring according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first transverse groove (432a) and the second transverse groove (432b) are arranged at a certain angle to each other.
5. The conductive ring according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transverse groove (432) includes a plurality of first transverse grooves (432a) and a plurality of second transverse grooves (432b), which are uniformly distributed along the circumference.
6. The conductive ring according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first transverse groove (432a) and the second transverse groove (432b) are arranged alternately at a certain distance from each other in the circumferential direction.
7. The conductive ring according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transverse groove (432) is either straight or curved.
8. The conductive ring according to claim 1, characterized in that, A compression spring (5) is provided on the side of the radially inner end of the lip (42) away from the oil groove (43).
9. The conductive ring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive ring has a plurality of openings (6) evenly distributed circumferentially on its radial outer side, and the openings (6) connect the two axial sides of the conductive ring.
10. A conductive component, comprising: Outer ring (1); The inner ring (2) is coaxially disposed on the radially inner side of the outer ring (1) and can rotate relative to the outer ring (1); The conductive ring as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 is disposed between the outer ring (1) and the inner ring (2) and is fixed to the outer ring (1); wherein, The base (41) is in fixed contact with the outer ring (1); the radially inner end of the lip (42) can be rotated relative to the inner ring (2) through elastic deformation; the oil groove (43) is provided at the position where the lip (42) contacts the inner ring (2) to connect the two axial sides of the conductive ring.