Split cage for rolling bearing in strong impact environment

Abstract

This invention discloses a split-type cage for rolling bearings designed for high-impact environments, belonging to the technical field of core components for rolling bearings. It includes a ring-shaped rigid frame with a plurality of mounting slots evenly spaced circumferentially, each slot having a hole on one side wall; flexible support units, each corresponding to one of the mounting slots, with adjacent flexible support units having arc-shaped pockets on their nearest side to accommodate rolling elements, and connecting protrusions on the outer side of each flexible support unit matching the mounting slots; and a connecting component for fixing the ring-shaped rigid frame and the flexible support units. This cage adopts a split design, including the ring-shaped rigid frame, flexible support units, and connecting component. The ring-shaped rigid frame has circumferentially spaced mounting slots to provide high rigidity support; the flexible support units have arc-shaped pockets to buffer impacts with flexible material; and the connecting component fixes both, achieving a combination of rigidity and flexibility. This solves the problem of stress concentration and easy breakage of traditional one-piece cages under high impact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of core components technology for rolling bearings, specifically to a split-type cage for rolling bearings designed for high-impact environments. Background Technology

[0002] Rolling bearings are core components of rotating machinery, widely used in major equipment such as engineering machinery, military equipment, aero engines, and high-precision machine tool spindles. Their operational stability directly determines the reliability, safety, and service life of the equipment. Under extreme conditions of strong transients, high speeds, and heavy loads, the bearing cage must withstand enormous transient impact loads.

[0003] Traditional integrated cages, due to their uniform structural rigidity, are prone to stress concentration, leading to fractures, deformation failures, and even bearing jamming or machine shutdown, thus becoming a key bottleneck restricting the performance improvement of major equipment.

[0004] In existing technologies, improvements to the impact resistance of cages mainly focus on material modifications, such as increasing the strength of cage materials through short fiber toughening and glass cloth reinforcement. However, under the strong transient impact loads of equipment such as large-tonnage rocket engines, the effect of improving material strength is limited and still cannot meet the requirements of harsh operating conditions. In addition, some studies have attempted to optimize parameters such as pocket clearance and guide clearance of integrated cages, but it is difficult to achieve effective buffering and dispersion of impact loads, and the problem of fracture failure under strong impacts cannot be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problems in the prior art and provide a split-type cage for rolling bearings designed for high-impact environments.

[0006] This invention provides a split-type cage for rolling bearings designed for high-impact environments, comprising: an annular rigid frame with a plurality of mounting slots evenly distributed circumferentially; flexible bearing units with a plurality of slots corresponding to and adapted to each of the mounting slots, wherein adjacent flexible bearing units have arc-shaped pockets adapted to rolling elements on their nearest side, and when adjacent arc-shaped pockets are fitted together, they form a circular groove that encloses the rolling elements; the outer side of each flexible bearing unit has a connecting protrusion that matches the mounting slots; and a connecting component for fixing the annular rigid frame and the flexible bearing units.

[0007] Preferably, the sidewall of the mounting groove is provided with a limiting rib extending circumferentially, and the flexible bearing unit is provided with a limiting groove adapted to the limiting rib at the corresponding position.

[0008] Preferably, the connecting component is a stepped pin, with its small-diameter section having an interference fit with the flexible bearing unit and its large-diameter section having a clearance fit with the through hole of the annular rigid frame; the end face of the large-diameter section is provided with an annular locking groove and is fixed by an elastic retaining ring.

[0009] Preferably, the inner wall of the arc-shaped pocket of the flexible bearing unit is provided with at least one annular pre-tightening protrusion, which protrudes from the surface of the arc-shaped pocket in the free state and generates a controllable radial pre-tightening force after the rolling element is installed.

[0010] Preferably, the annular rigid skeleton is made of carbon fiber reinforced resin matrix composite material or ceramic particle reinforced metal matrix composite material, and is formed by melting or CNC milling. The stiffness of the annular rigid skeleton is in the range of 150~250GPa.

[0011] Preferably, the flexible load-bearing unit is made of modified polytetrafluoroethylene or elastomer material and is integrally formed by 3D printing. The elastic modulus of the flexible load-bearing unit is 1GPa~5GPa.

[0012] Preferably, the depth of the mounting groove is 1.1 to 1.3 times the thickness of the flexible bearing unit, and the gap between the connecting protrusion and the mounting groove is less than 0.1 mm.

[0013] Preferably, the inner diameter of the annular rigid skeleton is adapted to the inner ring of the bearing, the outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer ring of the bearing, and the width of the skeleton is 1.2 to 1.5 times the diameter of the rolling element.

[0014] Preferably, the gap between the arc-shaped pocket of the flexible bearing unit and the rolling element is 0.1mm~0.3mm, the arc surface of the arc-shaped pocket is polished, and the radius of the arc surface of the arc-shaped pocket is 0.05mm~0.1mm larger than the radius of the rolling element.

[0015] Preferably, one side wall of the mounting groove is provided with several through holes, and the connecting component is a pin or bolt inserted into the through holes to connect the flexible bearing unit. The material of the connecting component is a metal material whose thermal expansion coefficient matches that of the rigid frame.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: The annular rigid frame features evenly spaced mounting slots, providing a stable mounting foundation for the flexible load-bearing unit. The annular rigid frame bears the overall load of the bearing, ensuring the structural integrity of the cage under high-speed, heavy-load conditions and preventing overall deformation caused by transient impacts. Its high rigidity disperses impact energy, preventing localized stress concentration and significantly reducing the risk of fracture.

[0017] The flexible load-bearing unit adapts to the rolling elements through arc-shaped pockets and utilizes its flexibility to absorb and buffer impact loads. Each flexible unit is independently configured, allowing for micro-deformation under impact, transforming concentrated stress into distributed stress, and reducing direct impact on the rolling elements.

[0018] The connecting components secure the ring-shaped rigid frame to the flexible load-bearing unit, ensuring overall coordinated operation. The split structure allows the flexible load-bearing unit to undergo limited displacement under impact, while the rigid frame maintains its overall shape, thus preserving stability in high-impact environments such as rocket engines. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible load-bearing unit structure of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting component structure of the present invention.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Annular rigid frame; 2. Flexible load-bearing unit; 3. Connecting component; 4. Mounting groove; 5. Limiting rib; 6. Limiting groove; 7. Pre-tightening ridge. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1-4 To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention 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 the present invention. Based on the described embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein should have the ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art.

[0025] The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this patent application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Words such as "comprising" or "including" indicate that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "far," "near," "front," and "rear" are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. The drawings in this invention are not strictly drawn to scale; the specific dimensions and quantity of each structure can be determined according to actual needs. The drawings described in this invention are merely structural schematic diagrams.

[0026] This invention provides a split-type cage for rolling bearings designed for high-impact environments, such as... Figures 1-3 As shown, it includes an annular rigid frame 1, which has a plurality of mounting grooves 4 evenly distributed around its circumference, and a through hole on one side wall of the mounting groove 4; a flexible bearing unit 2, which has a plurality of mounting grooves 4 that are adapted to each other; an arc-shaped pocket that is adapted to the rolling element is provided on the side of an adjacent flexible bearing unit 2; when adjacent arc-shaped pockets are fitted together, they form a circular groove that wraps around the rolling element; a connecting protrusion that matches the mounting groove 4 is provided on the outside of the flexible bearing unit 2; and a connecting component 3 for fixing the annular rigid frame 1 and the flexible bearing unit 2.

[0027] In this embodiment, the annular rigid frame 1 has uniformly spaced mounting grooves 4 around its circumference, providing a stable mounting foundation for the flexible load-bearing unit 2. The annular rigid frame 1 bears the overall load of the bearing, ensuring the structural integrity of the cage under high-speed, heavy-load conditions and preventing overall deformation caused by transient impacts. Its high rigidity disperses impact energy, preventing localized stress concentration and thus significantly reducing the risk of fracture.

[0028] The flexible load-bearing unit 2 is adapted to the rolling element through an arc-shaped pocket and utilizes its flexibility to absorb and buffer impact loads. Each flexible unit is set independently, allowing for micro-deformation under impact, transforming concentrated stress into distributed stress, and reducing direct impact on the rolling element.

[0029] Connecting component 3 secures the annular rigid frame 1 to the flexible load-bearing unit 2, ensuring overall coordinated operation. The split structure allows the flexible load-bearing unit 2 to undergo limited displacement under impact, while the rigid frame maintains its overall shape, thus maintaining stability in high-impact environments such as rocket engines.

[0030] Preferred, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the side wall of the mounting groove 4 is provided with a limiting rib 5 extending in the circumferential direction, and the flexible bearing unit 2 is provided with a limiting groove 6 that is adapted to the limiting rib 5 at the corresponding position.

[0031] In this embodiment, by providing circumferentially extending limiting ribs 5 on the sidewall of the mounting groove 4 and providing matching limiting grooves 6 on the flexible bearing unit 2, high-precision circumferential positioning of the rigid frame and the flexible unit is achieved. This structure effectively restricts the circumferential movement of the flexible bearing unit under strong impact conditions, preventing unit misalignment or detachment caused by instantaneous impact torque; at the same time, the cooperation between the ribs and the grooves further enhances the shear resistance of the connection interface, avoiding direct impact load on the connecting components, and significantly improving the overall structural stability and impact resistance reliability of the cage.

[0032] Preferred, such as Figure 4 As shown, the connecting component 3 is a stepped pin, with its small diameter section having an interference fit with the flexible bearing unit and its large diameter section having a clearance fit with the through hole of the annular rigid frame; the end face of the large diameter section is provided with an annular locking groove and is fixed by an elastic retaining ring.

[0033] In this embodiment, a stepped pin is used as the connecting component 3. Through the interference fit between the small-diameter section and the flexible load-bearing unit, and the clearance fit between the large-diameter section and the rigid frame, a stable connection and load decoupling of the rigid-flexible assembly are achieved. The stepped structure ensures the micro-deformation space of the flexible unit under impact, and the annular locking groove and elastic retaining ring of the large-diameter section form a dual anti-loosening mechanism, preventing connection failure under high-speed rotation. This design absorbs impact energy through the flexible unit rather than rigidly transferring it, reducing the risk of stress concentration at the connection interface and extending the service life of the cage.

[0034] Preferred, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the inner wall of the arc-shaped pocket of the flexible bearing unit 2 is provided with at least one annular pre-tightening protrusion 7. The pre-tightening protrusion 7 protrudes from the surface of the arc-shaped pocket in the free state and generates a controllable radial pre-tightening force after the rolling element is installed.

[0035] In this embodiment, an annular preload ridge 7 is provided on the inner wall of the arc-shaped pocket. Utilizing its slight protrusion characteristic in its free state, a controllable radial preload force is generated after the rolling element is installed. This structure achieves dynamic adaptive fitting between the rolling element and the pocket: on the one hand, it eliminates running clearance and reduces rolling element sway and off-center loading; on the other hand, the elastic deformation of the preload ridge absorbs high-frequency micro-impacts, suppressing vibration noise. Precise control of the preload force avoids frictional heat caused by excessive tightness or impact damage caused by excessive looseness, significantly improving the bearing's operational stability and dynamic accuracy under strong impact environments.

[0036] Preferred, such as Figure 1 As shown, the annular rigid skeleton 1 is made of carbon fiber reinforced resin matrix composite material or ceramic particle reinforced metal matrix composite material, and is formed by melting or CNC milling. The stiffness range of the annular rigid skeleton 1 is 150~250GPa.

[0037] In this embodiment, the annular rigid skeleton 1 is made of carbon fiber reinforced resin matrix composite material or ceramic particle reinforced metal matrix composite material, with a stiffness range of 150~250GPa. This ensures that the skeleton has high rigidity and toughness under strong impact: the lower limit of 150GPa provides sufficient strength to resist deformation, while the upper limit of 250GPa avoids excessive rigidity leading to brittle fracture. The material is selected through melt manufacturing or CNC milling. Such composite materials can effectively disperse stress under impact, avoiding stress concentration failure of traditional metal skeletons. Stainless steel and other metal materials are suitable because the skeleton disperses impact energy due to its high rigidity. Therefore, general metal alloys can be used. The manufacturing method can also be modified by adding 3D printing, changing the stiffness range to 100Gpa-300Gpa.

[0038] Preferred, such as Figure 1 As shown, the flexible load-bearing unit 2 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene or elastomer material and is integrally formed by 3D printing. The elastic modulus of the flexible load-bearing unit 2 is 1GPa~5GPa.

[0039] In this embodiment, the flexible load-bearing unit 2 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene or an elastomer material with an elastic modulus of 1 GPa to 5 GPa, and is integrally formed by 3D printing. This range of elastic modulus achieves optimal cushioning: 1 GPa provides basic flexibility to absorb impact, while 5 GPa ensures that the unit does not become too soft and fail. Material modification enhances wear resistance and temperature resistance, while 3D printing ensures the accuracy of the pockets. Under impact, the flexible unit deforms to distribute the load, preventing stress transmission to the rolling elements, thereby reducing jamming and improving bearing safety.

[0040] Preferred, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the depth of the mounting groove 4 is 1.1 to 1.3 times the thickness of the flexible bearing unit 2, and the gap between the connecting protrusion and the mounting groove 4 is less than 0.1 mm.

[0041] In this embodiment, the depth of the mounting groove 4 is 1.1 to 1.3 times the thickness of the flexible bearing unit 2, and the gap between the connecting protrusion and the groove is less than 0.1 mm. This ensures that the flexible bearing unit 2 has a micro-movement space within the mounting groove 4. The depth ratio of 1.1 to 1.3 times allows for slight settlement of the unit under impact, avoiding rigid collisions, while the extremely small gap prevents the unit from loosening. Precise fit reduces local stress peaks and ensures uniform distribution of impact loads.

[0042] Preferred, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, the inner diameter of the annular rigid skeleton 1 is adapted to the inner ring of the bearing, the outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer ring of the bearing, and the width of the skeleton is 1.2 to 1.5 times the diameter of the rolling element.

[0043] In this embodiment, the ring-shaped rigid frame 1 is perfectly integrated with the bearing: the width ratio of 1.2 to 1.5 times provides sufficient support area, avoids eccentric wear caused by size mismatch, and the precise fit reduces the accumulation of vibration and impact during operation, thereby reducing the probability of failure.

[0044] Preferred, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, the gap between the arc-shaped pocket of the flexible bearing unit 2 and the rolling element is 0.1mm~0.3mm. The arc surface of the arc-shaped pocket is polished, and the radius of the arc surface of the arc-shaped pocket is 0.05mm~0.1mm larger than the radius of the rolling element.

[0045] In this embodiment, the gap between the arc-shaped pocket of the flexible bearing unit 2 and the rolling element is 0.1mm~0.3mm, allowing the rolling element to have a limited displacement of 0.1mm~0.3mm under impact, with the gap buffering direct collision. The radius of the arc surface of the pocket is 0.05mm~0.1mm larger than the radius of the rolling element to avoid excessive friction. Polishing reduces wear, and the micro-gap design disperses the impact force and prevents stress concentration.

[0046] Preferred, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, a number of through holes are provided on one side wall of the mounting groove 4. The connecting component 3 is a pin or bolt inserted into the through hole to connect the flexible bearing unit 2. The material of the connecting component 3 is a metal material with the coefficient of thermal expansion of the rigid frame.

[0047] In this embodiment, the connecting component 3 and the annular rigid frame 1 are made of the same material to ensure compatibility under thermal expansion and load, avoiding stress concentration caused by the connection of dissimilar materials. It maintains stable reliability under strong impact; the optimized connecting component 3 enhances the overall structural integrity, improving impact resistance in detail.

[0048] The method of using the split-type rolling bearing cage of the present invention for use in high-impact environments is as follows: First, check whether the mounting groove 4 of the annular rigid frame 1 is clean and free of burrs, and confirm that the annular rigid frame 1 is 1.2 to 1.5 times the diameter of the rolling element according to the bearing size; embed several flexible bearing units 2 one by one into the mounting groove 4, ensuring that the gap between the connecting protrusion and the groove is less than 0.1mm, and adjust the gap between the arc-shaped pocket and the rolling element to the range of 0.1mm to 0.3mm. Use a special tool to gently press the unit into place, avoiding excessive force that could cause deformation; use connecting parts 3 such as pins or bolts to fix the unit through the holes on the side wall of the mounting groove 4, and tighten to the specified torque.

[0049] Install the assembled cage into the bearing, ensuring that the outer diameter of the annular rigid skeleton 1 is smaller than the inner diameter of the bearing outer ring, and manually rotate the bearing to test its smoothness; during initial operation, apply a progressive load to the working conditions and monitor the deformation of the flexible unit. Its elastic modulus of 1 GPa to 5 GPa allows the pocket arc surface to expand and disperse stress under impact, while polishing the arc surface reduces frictional heat; if a strong transient impact occurs, the flexible unit independently absorbs energy, while the rigid skeleton maintains its overall shape to prevent cumulative damage.

[0050] Finally, during maintenance and disassembly, first loosen connecting component 3, gently remove the flexible unit for cleaning and polishing; after long-term use, replace the unit according to wear and tear, and recalibrate the gap parameters. The modular design of the split structure enables rapid assembly and disassembly and sustainable use, significantly reducing downtime.

[0051] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A split-type cage for rolling bearings designed for high-impact environments, characterized in that, include: A ring-shaped rigid frame, with several mounting slots evenly distributed around its circumference; The flexible support unit is provided with several mounting slots that correspond one-to-one with the mounting slots. An arc-shaped pocket adapted to the rolling element is provided on the side of the adjacent flexible support unit. When the adjacent arc-shaped pockets are fitted together, a circular groove is formed to wrap the rolling element. The outer side of the flexible support unit is provided with a connecting protrusion that matches the mounting slot. Connecting components are used to fix the annular rigid frame and the flexible load-bearing unit.

2. A split-type cage for rolling bearings designed for high-impact environments as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sidewall of the mounting groove is provided with a limiting rib extending circumferentially, and the flexible bearing unit is provided with a limiting groove at the corresponding position that is adapted to the limiting rib.

3. A split-type cage for rolling bearings designed for high-impact environments as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting component is a stepped pin, with its small-diameter section having an interference fit with the flexible bearing unit and its large-diameter section having a clearance fit with the through hole of the annular rigid frame; the end face of the large-diameter section is provided with an annular locking groove and is fixed by an elastic retaining ring.

4. A split-type cage for rolling bearings designed for high-impact environments as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the arc-shaped pocket of the flexible bearing unit is provided with at least one annular pre-tightening protrusion. The pre-tightening protrusion protrudes from the surface of the arc-shaped pocket in the free state and generates a controllable radial pre-tightening force after the rolling element is installed.

5. A split-type cage for rolling bearings designed for high-impact environments as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The annular rigid skeleton is made of carbon fiber reinforced resin matrix composite material or ceramic particle reinforced metal matrix composite material, and is formed by melting or CNC milling. The stiffness range of the annular rigid skeleton is 150GPa~250GPa.

6. A split-type cage for rolling bearings designed for high-impact environments as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible load-bearing unit is made of polytetrafluoroethylene or elastomer material and is integrally formed by 3D printing. The elastic modulus of the flexible load-bearing unit is 1GPa~5GPa.

7. A split-type cage for rolling bearings designed for high-impact environments as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The depth of the mounting groove is 1.1 to 1.3 times the thickness of the flexible bearing unit, and the gap between the connecting protrusion and the mounting groove is less than 0.1 mm.

8. A split-type cage for rolling bearings designed for high-impact environments as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the annular rigid skeleton is adapted to the inner ring of the bearing, and the outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer ring of the bearing. The width of the skeleton is 1.2 to 1.5 times the diameter of the rolling element.

9. A split-type cage for rolling bearings designed for high-impact environments as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The gap between the arc-shaped pocket of the flexible bearing unit and the rolling element is 0.1mm~0.3mm. The arc surface of the arc-shaped pocket is polished, and the radius of the arc surface of the arc-shaped pocket is 0.05mm~0.1mm larger than the radius of the rolling element.

10. A split-type cage for rolling bearings designed for high-impact environments as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting groove has several through holes on one side wall. The connecting component is a pin or bolt inserted into the through hole to connect the flexible bearing unit. The connecting component is made of a metal material whose thermal expansion coefficient matches that of the rigid frame.

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