Multi-row rolling bearing

Abstract

Disclosed is a multi-row rolling bearing comprising: an inner ring and an outer ring wherein the inner ring and the outer ring form at least a first raceway and a second raceway; and a first set of rolling elements and a second set of rolling elements, the first set of rolling elements being disposed at a first raceway of the inner ring and the outer ring, and the second set of rolling elements being disposed at a second raceway of the inner ring and the outer ring. The first set of rolling elements includes a first number of rolling elements and the second set of rolling elements includes a second number of rolling elements, where the first number of rolling elements is different from the second number of rolling elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-row rolling bearing according to technical solution 1. Background Technology

[0002] Rolling element bearings are well-known mechanical components used for things like supporting rotating shafts. Many types of rolling bearings exist, such as radial rolling bearings primarily for supporting radial loads, axial rolling bearings primarily for supporting axial loads, and rolling bearings for supporting a combination of radial and axial loads. In applications such as wind turbines, bearings may need to support radial loads acting perpendicular to the shaft and axial loads acting parallel to the shaft. Typically, bearings with multiple rows of rolling elements are used in wind turbine applications; these bearings are capable of supporting the higher loads experienced by wind turbines.

[0003] Multi-row bearings may include an inner ring, an outer ring, and at least two sets of rolling elements (such as spherical rollers, cylindrical rollers, or tapered rollers) disposed between the inner and outer rings. The rolling elements may be housed in a cage.

[0004] Despite the advantages of multi-row bearings, they are expensive to manufacture due to the multiple sets of rolling elements. This is especially true in wind turbine applications where production costs are already high.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a multi-row rolling bearing that is applicable to wind turbines but also has a lower manufacturing cost. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This objective is achieved by using a multi-row rolling bearing according to technical solution 1.

[0007] The following describes a multi-row rolling bearing. This multi-row rolling bearing can be used in applications where high thrust loads act primarily in one direction and are accompanied by radial loads. Such applications could be, for example, wind turbines. The multi-row rolling bearing includes at least an inner ring and an outer ring, wherein the inner ring and the outer ring form at least a first raceway and a second raceway, and a first set of rolling elements is disposed at the first raceway of the inner ring and the outer ring, and a second set of rolling elements is disposed at the second raceway of the inner ring and the outer ring.

[0008] In multi-row rolling bearings, one side typically bears less load than the other. Because the bearing needs to be adapted to the demands of higher loads, the side with the smaller load is often "oversized." While this typically doesn't cause problems in small bearings, the cost of large bearings used in wind turbine applications is unduly measured. Therefore, to overcome this issue of high manufacturing costs for multi-row rolling bearings, this paper describes a multi-row rolling bearing adapted to the actual loads applied to both sides of the bearing. To this end, it is proposed that a first set of rolling elements includes a first number of rolling elements, and a second set of rolling elements includes a second number of rolling elements, wherein the first number of rolling elements differs from the second number of rolling elements. For example, the first number of rolling elements in the first set can be adapted based on operational conditions (such as load levels). Therefore, the first set of rolling elements can specifically support the applied load and may not include more rolling elements than necessary. Thus, by adjusting the number of rolling elements based on, for example, the load level, material and manufacturing costs can be reduced without compromising the safety and reliability of the bearing. For example, the ratio of the first number of rolling elements to the second number of rolling elements can be between 0.8:1 and 0.2:1, particularly between 0.7:1 and 0.33:1.

[0009] The first and second sets of rolling elements are preferably identical in shape and construction, differing only in number. This means that the dimensions of the first and second sets of rolling elements are the same. Consequently, the raceways for the first and second sets of rolling elements are also formed identically.

[0010] The first set of rolling elements and the second set of rolling elements can be configured between a shared inner ring and a shared outer ring. Alternatively, one of the inner ring and the outer ring can be formed as a separate ring.

[0011] Preferably, the bearing includes a higher load side and a lower load side, wherein the higher load side receives a larger operational load compared to the lower load side, and is therefore configured to support a higher load capacity during use. In contrast, the lower load side is configured to support a lower load capacity during use. For example, the higher load side of the bearing is where most of the force (radial force, axial force, or a combination of both) is applied, while the lower load side is where minimal or no significant force is applied. For example, in applications such as wind turbines with shaft tilt, gravity (i.e., mass load) generates additional bending moments and loads on the shaft, which in turn adds more load to the bearing side closer to the shaft than to the bearing side farther from the shaft. Therefore, in applications such as wind turbines, the bearing can be subjected to a higher load on one side and a lower load on the other.

[0012] For example, the ratio of the rated load (C value) of the first group of rolling elements to the second group of rolling elements can be between 0.8:1 and 0.4:1, preferably between 0.76:1 and 0.44:1. Regarding the average load based on revolutions for each load condition, the load ratio between the first and second groups can range from 1:4 to 1:9, preferably from 1:5 to 1:8. Furthermore, during the machine's lifespan, the first group of rolling elements may typically only be loaded with 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the total revolutions.

[0013] In a specific configuration, for example, the lower load side may experience a radial load of approximately 470 kN and an axial load of approximately 100 kN, while the higher load side may experience a radial load of approximately 2600 kN and an axial load of approximately 860 kN. These weighted average loads are based on the number of revolutions for each load condition. However, it should be noted that the magnitudes and relationships depend on and will vary depending on the bearing size and machine design, and the loads mentioned are only specific examples for a particular operating condition.

[0014] It should also be noted that future larger bearing designs may have load levels up to (and possibly higher than) twice the aforementioned load levels. The ratio between the load levels in the first group and the load levels in the second group may also vary depending on future machine designs.

[0015] According to one embodiment, a first set of rolling elements is disposed on the lower load side, and a second set of rolling elements is disposed on the higher load side, wherein a first number of rolling elements in the first set is less than a second number of rolling elements in the second set. The first set of rolling elements disposed on the lower load side of the bearing may require fewer rolling elements to support the corresponding operational load than the second set disposed on the higher load side. If both sets of rolling elements have the same number of rolling elements, the cost spent on the first set (which would have more rolling elements than required) would unnecessarily increase manufacturing costs. Therefore, by providing only the required number of rolling elements to support the applied load, manufacturing costs can be reduced while still balancing the applied operational load.

[0016] Furthermore, as mentioned above, bearings can include multiple sets of rolling elements, each designed to handle a specific load. Preferably, the number of rolling elements in each set can vary to support the actual load applied to the respective bearing side. For example, in a wind turbine, the bearing side facing high axial loads from the rotor blades may require more rolling elements than the other side. Therefore, a set of rolling elements configured in a bearing to support high axial loads can have a higher number of rolling elements than other sets within the same bearing. This has the advantage of effectively supporting the load in the bearing while reducing manufacturing costs.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the bearing further includes at least one cage for guiding and receiving a first set of rolling elements and a second set of rolling elements. The cage may be coaxially configured between the inner and outer rings and is provided with a plurality of pockets designed to guide and receive the first set of rolling elements and the second set of rolling elements along the circumference of the first and second raceways.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the bearing includes two separate cages, namely, a first cage and a second cage. Each cage includes one cage ring or two cage rings, namely, a first cage ring and a second cage ring spaced axially from the first cage ring. Each cage also includes a plurality of cage bars extending from one cage ring or between the first and second cage rings and forming a plurality of cavities. The plurality of cage bars may extend substantially axially, or may extend axially and radially (e.g., in a curved manner). The first cage includes a first number of cavities for guiding and receiving a first number of rolling elements in a first set, and the second cage includes a second number of cavities for guiding and receiving a second number of rolling elements in a second set. This has the advantage that the bearing can be provided with multiple cages for guiding and receiving multiple sets of rolling elements.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the first number of cavities is the same as the second number of cavities, wherein the first number of rolling elements in the first set of rolling elements differs from the first number of cavities in the first cage. The second number of rolling elements in the second set of rolling elements is equal to the second number of cavities in the second cage. By providing an equal number of cavities in both the first and second cages, the same design can be used for both cages, thereby facilitating production and reducing production costs. Furthermore, the equal number of cavities between cages allows for flexibility in the configuration of the rolling elements. For example, the first cage can have more cavities than the number of rolling elements, thereby allowing for flexible arrangement of the first number of rolling elements in the first number of cavities in the first cage.

[0020] A first number of rolling elements in the first group can be distributed across a first number of cavities in the first cage, such that some cavities are empty. For example, some of the rolling elements in the first number can be arranged consecutively, i.e., in a random group, or the rolling elements can be randomly arranged in the first number of cavities. In another example, all the rolling elements in the first number can be arranged in cavities on one side of the first cage, while the cavities on the other side of the first cage remain empty.

[0021] Specifically, a first number of rolling elements in the first set can be evenly distributed across a first number of cavities in the first cage. For example, the first number of rolling elements can be positioned at every other cavity in the first cage, leaving every other cavity empty. This produces a more uniform distribution compared to a random configuration.

[0022] By adjusting the number of cavities in each cage, the first and second cages can be adjusted to guide and accommodate a specific number of rolling elements. Therefore, adjusting the number of cavities to accommodate a specific set of rolling elements simplifies the cage design and assembly process, especially when multiple cages are used within a bearing.

[0023] According to another embodiment, a first number of cavities in the first cage differs from a second number of cavities in the second cage. For example, the first cage may have a first number of cavities equal to a first number of rolling elements in the first set of rolling elements, such that each cavity of the first cage accommodates a rolling element from the first number of rolling elements in the first set of rolling elements, similar to the second cage.

[0024] As explained above, each cage has multiple cage bars, wherein the space between two adjacent cage bars forms a pocket. According to one embodiment, the circumferential width of the cage bars of the first cage differs from the circumferential width of the cage bars of the second cage. Therefore, the number of pockets formed in the cage can be adjusted by modifying the construction of the cage bars. For example, increasing the width of the cage bars increases the distance between two adjacent pockets, which in turn reduces the number of pockets formed. Therefore, by widening the width of the cage bars of the first cage compared to the width of the cage bars of the second cage, a first number of pockets formed in the first cage can be reduced. Thus, the dimensions of the first cage can be kept equal to the dimensions of the second cage while accommodating a different number of rolling elements than the second cage.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the first cage includes a plurality of cage struts between two adjacent cavities. In other words, instead of increasing the width of the cage struts between two adjacent cavities, multiple cage struts can be formed between two adjacent cavities to widen the distance between the cavities, thereby creating fewer cavities in the first cage than in the second cage. This also allows the two cages to maintain the same dimensions while allowing the two cages to be configured to accommodate a corresponding number of rolling elements.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the bearing includes a joint cage for guiding and receiving rolling elements from both a first set of rolling elements and a second set of rolling elements. The cage includes a first cage ring, a second cage ring spaced axially from the first cage ring, and a third cage ring positioned along a central axis between the first and second cage rings. A plurality of cage rods extend between the first and third cage rings, forming a first number of cavities for guiding and receiving the first set of rolling elements, and a plurality of cage rods extend between the second and third cage rings, forming a second number of cavities for guiding and receiving the second set of rolling elements. The plurality of cage rods may extend substantially axially, or may extend both axially and radially (e.g., in a curved manner).

[0027] Therefore, a single cage accommodating only two sets of rolling elements provides a simple manufacturing process. Instead of including a first, second, and third cage ring, the joint cage can also consist solely of a third cage ring positioned along a central axis between the first and second sets of rolling elements. Multiple cage rods extend from the third cage ring, forming a first number of cavities for guiding and accommodating the first set of rolling elements, and multiple cage rods extend from the third cage ring, forming a second number of cavities for guiding and accommodating the second set of rolling elements. The multiple cage rods can extend substantially axially, or they can extend both axially and radially (e.g., in a curved manner).

[0028] According to one embodiment, a first number of cavities is identical to a second number of cavities, wherein a first number of rolling elements in a first group of rolling elements differs from the first number of cavities. A second number of rolling elements in a second group of rolling elements is equal to the second number of cavities. A single cage having an equal number of cavities for each group of rolling elements provides the possibility of accommodating various groups of rolling elements with different numbers of rolling elements. Therefore, such a cage provides flexibility in configuring the rolling elements in the cavities.

[0029] According to another embodiment, a first number of rolling elements in the first group of rolling elements are distributed in a first number of cavities, such that some cavities are empty. Preferably, the first number of rolling elements in the first group of rolling elements are evenly distributed in the first number of cavities. For example, the first number of rolling elements can be evenly arranged between the first ring and the third ring, for example, the first number of rolling elements can be arranged at every second pocket between the first ring and the third ring, or the first number of rolling elements can be randomly arranged, for example, some of the rolling elements in the first number of rolling elements can be arranged in random groups.

[0030] Furthermore, the first set of rolling elements disposed in the first number of cavities can be aligned with the second set of rolling elements in the second number of cavities. Alternatively, the first set of rolling elements can be offset relative to the second set of rolling elements.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the first number of cavities differs from the second number of cavities, wherein, preferably, each cavity in the first number of cavities accommodates a rolling element from the first group of rolling elements. Therefore, the cage may be provided with a certain number of cavities corresponding respectively to the first group of rolling elements and the second group of rolling elements.

[0032] Furthermore, as mentioned above with reference to the two individual cages, the number of cavities can be adapted by constructing the cage bars. For example, the width and configuration of the cage bars between the first and third rings can be adjusted to change the number of cavities formed.

[0033] For example, the width of the retainer rods between the first number of cavities can be different from the width of the retainer rods between the second number of cavities. That is, by increasing the width of the retainer rods, the distance between adjacent cavities can be increased, thereby reducing the number of cavities.

[0034] According to another embodiment, a plurality of retainer rods are disposed between two adjacent cavities in a first number of cavities. That is, by continuously distributing a plurality of retainer rods between adjacent cavities, the distance between adjacent cavities can be increased, rather than increasing the width of the retainer rods.

[0035] It should be noted that the embodiments and features described relative to two separate cages, with necessary modifications, also apply to embodiments with a single connected cage.

[0036] According to another aspect, a bearing configuration for a wind turbine is provided. The bearing configuration preferably comprises multiple rows of rolling bearings as described above.

[0037] Further preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims, as well as in the specification and drawings. Therefore, elements described or shown in combination with other elements may exist alone or in combination with other elements without departing from the scope of protection. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of protection. The scope of protection is defined only by the appended claims.

[0039] The attached diagram shows:

[0040] Figure 1 : A three-dimensional view of a multi-row rolling bearing assembly;

[0041] Figure 2 : Figure 1 A schematic plan view of the details of the bearing assembly, which has two separate cages, each with the same number of cavities;

[0042] Figure 3 : Figure 1 A schematic plan view of the details of the bearing assembly, which has two separate cages with different numbers of cavities;

[0043] Figure 4 : Figure 1 A schematic plan view showing the details of the bearing assembly, which has two separate cages, each with multiple cage bars;

[0044] Figure 5 : Figure 1 A schematic plan view of the details of the bearing assembly, which has a single coupling cage, and the single coupling cage has the same number of cavities;

[0045] Figure 6 : Figure 1 A schematic plan view of the details of the bearing assembly, which has a single coupling cage with a different number of cavities.

[0046] List of reference numerals

[0047] 1. Multi-row rolling bearing

[0048] 2. First group of rolling elements

[0049] 3. Cage

[0050] 4. Second group of rolling elements

[0051] 5 Individual retainers

[0052] 6. The first number of rolling elements

[0053] 7 Individual cages

[0054] 8. The second number of rolling elements

[0055] 9 Single connecting cage

[0056] 9A, 9B First and second cages of single-link cage

[0057] 10 Inner Circle

[0058] 12 First Cage Ring

[0059] 13 Third Cage Ring

[0060] 14 Second Cage Ring

[0061] 16. Cage pole

[0062] 18 and 19 cavity

[0063] H' and H maintain the width of the support pole.

[0064] The distance between two adjacent cavity cells D' and D Detailed Implementation

[0065] In the following text, elements that are the same or have similar functions are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0066] Figure 1 A multi-row rolling bearing 1 comprising an inner ring 10 and an outer ring (not shown) is shown. Rolling elements 2 and 4 are disposed between the inner ring 10 and the outer ring. Specifically, the inner ring 10 and the outer ring each form a first raceway and a second raceway (not shown), and a first set of rolling elements 2 is disposed at the first raceway of the inner ring 10 and the outer ring, and a second set of rolling elements 4 is disposed at the second raceway of the inner ring 10 and the outer ring.

[0067] In multi-row rolling bearings, one side typically bears less load than the other. For example, in wind turbine applications, the side supporting the rotor may experience a smaller load compared to the side supporting the gearbox. However, to accommodate high loads (such as those from the gearbox), the smaller load side of the bearing is somewhat "oversized," with dimensions similar to or the same as the higher load side. This results in high manufacturing costs for multi-row rolling bearings.

[0068] Therefore, to address the high manufacturing cost challenge in multi-row rolling bearings, in the multi-row rolling bearing 1 described herein, the first set of rolling elements 2 includes a first number of rolling elements 6, and the second set of rolling elements 4 includes a second number of rolling elements 8. The first set of rolling elements 2 and the second set of rolling elements 4 are configured based on operating conditions (such as load level). For example, if the first set of rolling elements 2 is configured on the lower load side, the first set of rolling elements may have fewer rolling elements than the second set of rolling elements 4 configured on the higher load side of the bearing 1, to support the corresponding operating load, such as... Figure 1 As shown. Therefore, by providing a sufficient number of rolling elements to support the applied load, the material cost of the rolling elements can be reduced, thereby reducing the total manufacturing cost of bearing 1.

[0069] The bearing 1 also includes a cage 3 that holds the first set of rolling elements 2 and the second set of rolling elements 4 spaced apart from each other, thereby preventing them from contacting. The cage 3 is coaxially disposed between the inner ring 10 and the outer ring (not shown) in the bearing 1 and includes a plurality of cavities 18, 19 arranged in a row. The cavities 18, 19 are designed to guide and receive the rolling elements 6, 8 of the first set of rolling elements 2 and the second set of rolling elements 4.

[0070] Reference Figures 2 to 6 The different constructions of the cage will be described below. Figures 2 to 4 A cage configuration with two separate cages is shown, and Figure 5 and Figure 6 A cage construction with a single linked cage is shown.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, bearing 1 includes two separate cages 5 and 7. Both the first cage 5 and the second cage 7 include a first cage ring 12 and a second cage ring 14, wherein the second cage ring 14 is axially spaced from and opposite the first cage ring 12. Furthermore, a plurality of cage rods 16 extend between the first cage ring 12 and the second cage ring 14, wherein the space between two adjacent cage rods 16 forms pockets 18 and 19.

[0072] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the first cage 5 guides and accommodates a first number of rolling elements 6 in the first set of rolling elements 2, and the second cage 7 guides and accommodates a second number of rolling elements 8 in the second set of rolling elements 4. The first number of cavities 18 in the first cage 5 accommodate the first number of rolling elements 6, and the second number of cavities 19 in the second cage 7 accommodate the second number of rolling elements 8.

[0073] Since the first number of rolling elements 6 differs from the second number of rolling elements 8, the distribution of the rolling elements in the cavities can also differ between the cage 5 and the cage 7. The first cage 5 and the second cage 7 can each include the same number of cavities 18-1 to 18-4 and 19-1 to 19-4, respectively, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown.

[0074] In the first retainer 5, a first number of rolling elements 6 can be randomly or evenly distributed in a first number of cavities 18-1 to 18-4. For example, the first number of rolling elements 6 can be arranged in the first retainer 5 at every other cavity 18-2 and 18-4, leaving cavities 18-1 and 18-3 empty. On the other hand, in the second retainer 7, each cavity 19-1, 19-2, 19-3, and 19-4 is filled with rolling elements 8 of the second set of rolling elements 4, such as... Figure 2 As depicted in the text.

[0075] In such Figure 3 and Figure 4 In another configuration shown, the first retainer 5 and the second retainer 7 may include different numbers of compartments 18, 19. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, the number of cavities 18-1 to 18-3 in the first cage 5 is not equal to the number of cavities 19-1 to 19-4 in the second cage 7. In this cage, each cavity 18-1, 18-2, and 18-3 in the first cage 5 accommodates a rolling element 6 from the first set of rolling elements 2, as in the second cage 7. Therefore, the cages 5 and 7 are configured to have a number of cavities adapted to the number of rolling elements.

[0076] However, to adapt the number of cavities to the number of rolling elements, the construction of the cage rods 16 in cages 5 and 7 can be adjusted. For example, the width and arrangement of the cage rods 16 can be modified to change the number of cavities formed in cages 5 and 7.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, in the first retainer 5, the width H' of the retainer rod 16 is greater than the width H of the retainer rod 16 in the second retainer 7. Therefore, increasing the width H' of the retainer rod 16 in the first retainer 5 increases the distance D' between adjacent cavities 18-1 and 18-2 compared to the distance D between cavities 19-2 and 19-3 in the second retainer 7. This results in fewer cavities 18-1 to 18-3 in the first retainer 5 compared to the second retainer 7 which has cavities 19-1 to 19-4.

[0078] Alternatively, instead of increasing or decreasing the width of the cage rods 16 to change the number of formed cavities, multiple cage rods can be sequentially arranged between adjacent cavities in the first cage 5. For example, as Figure 4 As shown, retainer rods 16-1 to 16-5 are continuously arranged between adjacent cavity 18-1 and cavity 18-2, which increases the distance D' between the cavity cavities, thereby reducing the number of cavity cavities formed in the first retainer 5.

[0079] In addition, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the first retainer 5 and the second retainer 7 can be configured to be separate from each other but close to each other, so that the first retainer 5 and the second retainer 7 can support each other while still being able to move relative to each other.

[0080] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the bearing 1 includes a single joint cage 9 for guiding and accommodating rolling elements 6 and 8 from both a first set of rolling elements 2 and a second set of rolling elements 4. The cage 9 includes a first cage ring 12, a second cage ring 14 spaced axially from and opposite to the first cage ring 12, and a third cage ring 13 positioned along a central axis between the first cage ring 12 and the second cage ring 14. Thus, the third cage ring 13 divides the single joint cage 9 into two cages 9A and 9B along the central axis, wherein the first cage 9A is positioned between the first cage ring 12 and the third cage ring 13, and wherein the second cage 9B is positioned between the second cage ring 14 and the third cage ring 13.

[0081] Cage 9A includes a plurality of cage rods 16 extending between a first cage ring 12 and a third cage ring 13, thereby forming a plurality of cavities 18. The plurality of cavities 18 are configured to guide and receive a first number of rolling elements 6 in a first set of rolling elements 2. Similarly, the plurality of cage rods 16 extend between a second cage ring 14 and a third cage ring 13, thereby forming a plurality of cavities 19 in cage 9B, the plurality of cavities 19 being configured to guide and receive a second number of rolling elements 8 in a second set of rolling elements 4.

[0082] As referenced above Figures 2 to 4 And as explained relative to the two separate cages, since the first set of rolling elements 2 and the second set of rolling elements 4 have different numbers of rolling elements 6 and 8 respectively, the distribution of rolling elements in the cavity can also vary between the two cages 9A and 9B.

[0083] like Figure 5As shown, cages 9A and 9B each include the same number of cavities 18-1 to 18-4 and 19-1 to 19-4, respectively. This allows a first number of rolling elements 6 in the first group of rolling elements 2 to be randomly or uniformly distributed in the first number of cavities 18-1 to 18-4. For example, the first number of rolling elements 6 can be grouped into cavities 18-1 to 18-3, leaving the remaining cavities 18-4 in cage 9A empty. In contrast, in cage 9B, each cavity receives a rolling element 8.

[0084] In another configuration, such as Figure 6 As shown, cages 9A and 9B respectively include different numbers of cavities 18-1 to 18-3 and 19-1 to 19-4. Therefore, as shown, cage 9A has fewer cavities 18-1 to 18-3 than cage 9B. This allows each cavity 18-1 to 18-3 in cage 9A to receive rolling element 6 from the first set of rolling elements 2, similar to cage 9B.

[0085] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the space between two adjacent cage rods 16 forms a cavity 18. By adjusting the configuration of the cage rods 16 in the cage 9A, the number of cavities formed within the cage 9A can be easily adjusted (or adapted) based on the number of rolling elements 6.

[0086] Similar to a configuration with two separate cages 5 and 7, the width of the cage rod 16 of a single connected cage ( / common cage) 9 can be increased or decreased, or multiple cage rods 16 can be configured between two adjacent cavities to change the number of cavities formed in the cage 9A based on the first set of rolling elements 2.

[0087] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, in cage 9A, the width H' of cage rod 16 is increased, which ultimately increases the distance between two adjacent cavities 18-2 and 18-3. Therefore, the cavities are formed with a distance D', thus allowing only three cavities 18-1 to 18-3 to be formed in the illustrated section of cage 9A.

[0088] The rolling element 6 in cage 9A can be aligned relative to the rolling element 8 in cage 9B. Alternatively, the rolling elements 6 and 8 can be offset from each other.

[0089] In summary, the multi-row rolling bearing 1 has a first set of rolling elements 2 on its lower load side and a second set of rolling elements 4 on its higher load side. The first set of rolling elements 2 includes a first number of rolling elements 6, which is fewer than the second number of rolling elements 8 in the second set of rolling elements 4. Therefore, by using only a certain number of rolling elements sufficient to support the smaller load on the lower load side, material and manufacturing costs can be reduced while still ensuring that the bearing 1 can support operational loads, such as both high and low loads.

Claims

1. A multi-row rolling bearing, comprising at least: Inner ring and outer ring, wherein the inner ring and the outer ring form at least a first raceway and a second raceway, and A first set of rolling elements and a second set of rolling elements, the first set of rolling elements being disposed at a first raceway on the inner ring and the outer ring, and the second set of rolling elements being disposed at a second raceway on the inner ring and the outer ring. Its features are, The first group of rolling elements includes a first number of rolling elements, and the second group of rolling elements includes a second number of rolling elements, wherein the first number of rolling elements is different from the second number of rolling elements.

2. The multi-row rolling bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bearing includes a higher load side and a lower load side, the higher load side being configured to support a higher load capacity during use, and the lower load side being configured to support a lower load capacity during use, wherein the higher load side receives a larger operating load compared to the lower load side, wherein a first set of rolling elements is disposed on the lower load side, and a second set of rolling elements is disposed on the higher load side, wherein a first number of rolling elements in the first set of rolling elements is less than a second number of rolling elements in the second set of rolling elements.

3. The multi-row rolling bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bearing includes a first cage and a second cage, wherein each cage includes a cage ring or includes a first cage ring and a second cage ring spaced apart from the first cage ring in the axial direction, and a plurality of cage bars extending from the cage ring or between the first cage ring and the second cage ring and forming a plurality of cavities, wherein the first cage includes a first number of cavities for guiding and accommodating a first number of rolling elements in the first set of rolling elements, and the second cage includes a second number of cavities for guiding and accommodating a second number of rolling elements in the second set of rolling elements.

4. The multi-row rolling bearing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first number of cavities is the same as the second number of cavities, wherein the first number of rolling elements in the first group of rolling elements is different from the first number of cavities in the first cage, and wherein the second number of rolling elements in the second group of rolling elements is equal to the second number of cavities in the second cage.

5. The multi-row rolling bearing according to claim 4, characterized in that, A first number of rolling elements in the first group of rolling elements are distributed in a first number of cavities in the first cage, such that some of the cavities are empty. Preferably, the first number of rolling elements in the first group of rolling elements are evenly distributed in the first number of cavities in the first cage.

6. The multi-row rolling bearing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first number of cavities is different from the second number of cavities, wherein, preferably, each cavity of the first cage accommodates a rolling element in a first number of the first set of rolling elements.

7. The multi-row rolling bearing according to claim 6, characterized in that, The width of the cage rod of the first cage is different from the width of the cage rod of the second cage.

8. The multi-row rolling bearing according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first retainer includes a plurality of retainer rods between two adjacent compartments.

9. The multi-row rolling bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bearing includes a coupling cage for guiding and accommodating both the first set of rolling elements and the second set of rolling elements. The cage includes a first cage ring, a second cage ring spaced axially from the first cage ring, and a third cage ring positioned along a central axis between the first and second cage rings. A plurality of cage rods extend between the first and third cage rings, forming a first number of cavities for guiding and accommodating the first set of rolling elements. Furthermore, a plurality of cage rods extend between the second and third cage rings, forming a second number of cavities for guiding and accommodating the second set of rolling elements. The cage includes a third cage ring positioned along a central axis between the first set of rolling elements and the second set of rolling elements. A plurality of cage rods extend from the third cage ring to form a first number of cavities for guiding and accommodating the first set of rolling elements, and a plurality of cage rods extend from the third cage ring to form a second number of cavities for guiding and accommodating the second set of rolling elements.

10. The multi-row rolling bearing according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first number of cavities is the same as the second number of cavities, wherein the first number of rolling elements in the first group of rolling elements is different from the first number of cavities, and wherein the second number of rolling elements in the second group of rolling elements is equal to the second number of cavities.

11. The multi-row rolling bearing according to claim 10, characterized in that, A first number of rolling elements in the first group of rolling elements are distributed in the first number of cavities, such that some of the cavities are empty. Preferably, the first number of rolling elements in the first group of rolling elements are evenly distributed in the first number of cavities.

12. The multi-row rolling bearing according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first number of cavities is different from the second number of cavities, wherein, preferably, each of the first number of cavities accommodates a rolling element in the first number of rolling elements in the first group of rolling elements.

13. The multi-row rolling bearing according to claim 12, characterized in that, The width of the retainer rod between the first number of compartments is different from the width of the retainer rod between the second number of compartments.

14. The multi-row rolling bearing according to claim 12, characterized in that, Multiple retainer rods are arranged between adjacent cavities in the first number of cavities.

15. A bearing configuration for a wind turbine, characterized in that, The bearing configuration includes a multi-row rolling bearing as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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