A high-speed liquid metal bearing performance test platform in vacuum environment

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of bearing performance test equipment, and discloses a liquid metal bearing performance test experiment platform in a high-speed vacuum environment, which comprises a vacuum device and a fixing device arranged in the vacuum device, one end of a shaft of a liquid metal bearing device is connected to the inside of a sleeve of the fixing device, a shaft sleeve is arranged on the outside of the shaft, and liquid metal is filled between the shaft and the shaft sleeve; a driving device is fixed to the fixing device, a power output end of the driving device is in non-contact transmission connection with the shaft sleeve; the other end of the shaft is connected to a load device, and the sleeve and the shaft are both connected to a collection end of a data collection device. By constructing a high-vacuum test environment, air resistance and oxygen interference on the performance of the liquid metal are avoided; a non-contact transmission structure isolates direct transmission of running vibration to a bearing test end; in cooperation with the load device and a multi-node data collection device, synchronous monitoring of a multi-dimensional physical state is realized, and the accuracy of comprehensive performance evaluation data of the bearing is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bearing performance testing equipment technology, specifically to an experimental platform for testing the performance of liquid metal bearings in a high-speed vacuum environment. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid metal bearings, due to their high load-bearing capacity, low wear, and excellent heat dissipation, have important applications in specific industrial fields such as high-end medical imaging equipment and aerospace. To verify their reliability and service life under actual operating conditions, performance tests must be conducted on their various dynamic operating parameters.

[0003] However, existing bearing testing platforms have significant limitations in high-speed performance evaluation of liquid metal bearings. Conventional testing equipment typically operates under atmospheric pressure, failing to simulate the vacuum conditions required for specialized applications. During high-speed rotational testing at atmospheric pressure, air resistance introduces additional measurement errors, and the oxygen and moisture in the environment easily cause oxidation or deterioration of the internal liquid metal, altering the bearing's operating characteristics and distorting test data. Furthermore, the drive components of traditional testing equipment often employ contact-type rigid mechanical transmission connections. During high-speed operation, the motor and transmission components inevitably generate mechanical vibrations, which are directly transmitted to the bearing under test along the transmission link.

[0004] This external vibration source can couple and superimpose with the bearing's own operating state, interfering with the sensor's acquisition of the bearing's true eccentricity and vibration parameters. Furthermore, existing closed-loop testing systems often struggle to simultaneously apply stable loads and monitor multi-dimensional physical states online within the constraints of a vacuum chamber's internal structure. This results in data with limited dimensions, failing to comprehensively reflect the true overall performance of liquid metal bearings under loading and extreme vacuum conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a high-speed vacuum environment liquid metal bearing performance testing platform. It solves the problems of existing testing equipment being unable to provide a real vacuum working environment, which makes liquid metal susceptible to air interference and oxidation, contact mechanical transmission easily introducing external vibrations into the tested bearing, thus affecting data accuracy, and difficulty in simultaneously achieving stable loading and multi-dimensional online monitoring of physical state in a closed and confined space.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: a high-speed vacuum environment liquid metal bearing performance testing experimental platform, including a vacuum device and a base frame disposed inside it, wherein a left support and a right support are fixedly connected to the base frame respectively, and a sleeve is fixedly connected to the right support. One end of the shaft of the liquid metal bearing device is fixedly connected inside the sleeve. A bushing is fitted on the outside of the shaft. Liquid metal is filled between the bushing and the shaft. A drive device is fixedly connected to the left bracket. The power output end of the drive device is connected to the bushing. A load device is connected to the end of the shaft away from the sleeve. Data acquisition devices are connected to the acquisition ends of both the sleeve and the shaft.

[0007] Preferably, the driving device includes a coil, a magnetic sleeve, a copper sleeve, and a copper sleeve connector. The coil is fixedly connected to the left bracket, the magnetic sleeve is fitted inside the coil, the copper sleeve is fitted and fixedly connected inside the magnetic sleeve, the copper sleeve connecting seat is fixedly connected to the side wall of the copper sleeve, and the copper sleeve connecting seat is fixedly connected to the shaft sleeve as the power output end.

[0008] Preferably, the magnetic sleeve and the copper sleeve are fixedly connected by welding, the copper sleeve and the copper sleeve connecting seat are fixedly connected by welding, and the copper sleeve connecting seat is fixedly connected to the bushing by a number of screws.

[0009] Preferably, the drive device further includes a transformer and a frequency converter; The transformer is electrically connected to the frequency converter, and the frequency converter passes through the vacuum device and is electrically connected to the coil. Both the transformer and the frequency converter are located outside the vacuum device.

[0010] Preferably, the driving device includes a motor and a magnetic coupling. The motor is fixedly mounted on the left bracket, and the motor is connected to the bushing in a non-contact transmission manner through the magnetic coupling, which serves as the power output end.

[0011] Preferably, a sealing cover is fitted around the outside of the shaft, and the sealing cover is fixedly connected to the end face of the shaft sleeve by a number of screws.

[0012] Preferably, one end of the shaft that extends into the sleeve is fixedly connected to the inside of the sleeve by a thread.

[0013] Preferably, the load device includes a target plate, which is sleeved on the outside of the shaft and fixedly connected to the shaft by means of threads, interference fit or expansion sleeve.

[0014] Preferably, the acquisition end of the data acquisition device includes a displacement sensor and a temperature sensor fixedly connected to the outer surface of the sleeve, and a vibration sensor, a torque sensor, and a speed sensor fixedly connected to the end of the shaft; The data acquisition device also includes a data acquisition unit. Displacement sensors, temperature sensors, torque sensors, speed sensors, and vibration sensors are all electrically connected to the data acquisition unit, which is located outside the vacuum device.

[0015] Preferably, a water-oxygen display and a pressure display are fixedly installed on the outer wall of the vacuum device, and a vacuum pump is connected to the bottom outer wall of the vacuum device.

[0016] This invention provides an experimental platform for testing the performance of liquid metal bearings in a high-speed vacuum environment. It offers the following advantages: 1. This invention provides a stable and monitorable high-vacuum testing environment for liquid metal bearings by setting up a vacuum device with a water-oxygen display, a pressure display, and a vacuum pump, combined with an internal base frame and support structure. This restores the actual working conditions of the bearing in special industrial fields, eliminates the interference of air resistance and oxidation reaction on the performance of liquid metal under normal conditions, and improves the accuracy and reliability of the overall test data.

[0017] 2. The drive device of this invention uses an electromagnetic induction component or a magnetic coupling as the power output end, achieving a non-contact transmission connection with the bushing. This non-physical contact drive structure not only meets the power requirements of the platform's high-speed rotation but also isolates the direct transmission of mechanical vibrations generated during the operation of the drive source to the bearing test end, ensuring the stable operation of the liquid metal bearing body.

[0018] 3. This invention integrates a load device and a multi-node data acquisition device into the experimental platform. A simulated working load is applied by connecting a target disk to the shaft, and displacement sensors, temperature sensors, torque sensors, speed sensors, and vibration sensors are respectively deployed on the outer surface of the sleeve and the end of the shaft. This structural layout enables simultaneous load testing and real-time monitoring of multi-dimensional physical states within a single system, acquiring parameters such as bearing eccentricity and vibration, temperature rise, and torque under high-speed operation, thus improving the overall testing efficiency and practical value of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

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

[0020] Among them, 101, bushing; 102, shaft; 103, sealing cover; 201, target plate; 301, transformer; 302, frequency converter; 303, coil; 304, magnetic sleeve; 305, copper sleeve; 306, copper sleeve connecting seat; 401, displacement sensor; 402, vibration sensor; 403, data acquisition unit; 404, temperature sensor; 405, torque sensor; 406, speed sensor; 5, vacuum device; 501, water-oxygen indicator; 502, pressure indicator; 503, vacuum pump; 601, left bracket; 602, right bracket; 603, sleeve; 604, base frame. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions in 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 embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the 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.

[0022] Please see the appendix Figure 1 This invention provides a high-speed vacuum environment liquid metal bearing performance testing platform, including a vacuum device 5 and a base frame 604 disposed inside it. A left support 601 and a right support 602 are fixedly connected to the base frame 604, and a sleeve 603 is fixedly connected to the right support 602. One end of the shaft 102, which is fixedly connected to the sleeve 603, is a liquid metal bearing device. A bushing 101 is fitted over the shaft 102. Liquid metal is filled between the bushing 101 and the shaft 102. A drive device is fixedly connected to the left bracket 601. The power output end of the drive device is connected to the bushing 101. A load device is connected to the end of the shaft 102 away from the sleeve 603. Data acquisition devices are connected to the acquisition ends of both the sleeve 603 and the shaft 102.

[0023] Vacuum device 5 is used to isolate the external environment and create the vacuum state required for the experiment, simulating the special working conditions of the liquid metal bearing. The base frame 604, left support 601, and right support 602 together form the basic support skeleton, ensuring the stability of the installation and operation of the core test components inside the test platform. Sleeve 603 serves to position and support shaft 102. Sleeve 101, shaft 102, and the liquid metal between them together form a liquid metal lubrication and bearing structure. The liquid metal forms a thin film during relative motion to achieve load bearing and friction reduction. The drive device provides rotational power, driving sleeve 101 to rotate at high speed. The load device applies the set experimental load to the bearing. The data acquisition device monitors and collects various physical parameters during operation, providing data for performance testing.

[0024] Please see the appendix Figure 1 The driving device includes a coil 303, a magnetic sleeve 304, a copper sleeve 305, and a copper sleeve connecting seat 306; The coil 303 is fixedly connected to the left bracket 601. The magnetic sleeve 304 is fitted inside the coil 303. The copper sleeve 305 is fitted inside the magnetic sleeve 304 and fixedly connected. The copper sleeve connecting seat 306 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the copper sleeve 305. The copper sleeve connecting seat 306 is fixedly connected to the bushing 101 as the power output end.

[0025] When coil 303 is energized, it generates a rotating magnetic field. Magnetically conductive sleeve 304, acting as a magnetic medium, guides and concentrates magnetic lines of force. Copper sleeve 305 generates an induced current when cutting the rotating magnetic field, producing a rotational torque under the influence of Ampere's force. Copper sleeve connector 306 smoothly transmits the rotational torque generated by copper sleeve 305 to bushing 101. This electromagnetic drive method avoids mechanical contact friction, effectively reducing the interference of heat generation and vibration on the drive side to the environment within the test chamber.

[0026] Please see the appendix Figure 1 The magnetic sleeve 304 and the copper sleeve 305 are fixedly connected by welding. The copper sleeve 305 and the copper sleeve connecting seat 306 are fixedly connected by welding. The copper sleeve connecting seat 306 is fixedly connected to the bushing 101 by several screws.

[0027] The welding and fixing method between the magnetic sleeve 304 and the copper sleeve 305, and between the copper sleeve 305 and the copper sleeve connecting seat 306, ensures that the rotating parts of each layer do not slip or shift relative to each other under high torque and high speed rotation conditions, thus guaranteeing the continuity of power transmission. The copper sleeve connecting seat 306 is fixed to the bushing 101 with screws, which not only provides strong torque transmission, but also facilitates the disassembly and replacement of the liquid metal bearing device between different test cycles.

[0028] Please see the appendix Figure 1 The drive unit also includes a transformer 301 and a frequency converter 302; The transformer 301 is electrically connected to the frequency converter 302. The frequency converter 302 passes through the vacuum device 5 and is electrically connected to the coil 303. Both the transformer 301 and the frequency converter 302 are located outside the vacuum device 5.

[0029] Transformer 301 converts the external input voltage into the operating voltage required by the electromagnetic drive components, and frequency converter 302 adjusts the frequency of the current input to coil 303 to control the rotational speed of the generated magnetic field, thereby enabling performance testing of the bearing at different speed gradients. Placing transformer 301 and frequency converter 302 outside the vacuum device 5 prevents poor heat dissipation of electrical components in a vacuum environment and avoids interference from the heat generated by electrical components with the test temperature inside the vacuum chamber.

[0030] Please see the appendix Figure 1 The drive unit includes a motor and a magnetic coupling. The motor is fixedly mounted on the left bracket 601 and is connected to the bushing 101 in a non-contact transmission manner through the magnetic coupling, which serves as the power output end.

[0031] This structure provides a motor-driven implementation for the testing platform. The motor directly provides rotational power, and the magnetic coupling uses magnetic interaction to transmit torque, replacing the rigid connection of the traditional mechanical shaft. The non-contact transmission method achieves physical isolation between the motor operation and the bushing 101, reducing the impact of the motor's mechanical vibration on the stability of the liquid metal film and improving the reliability of bearing performance data at high speeds.

[0032] Please see the appendix Figure 1 A sealing cover 103 is fitted on the outside of the shaft 102, and the sealing cover 103 is fixedly connected to the end face of the shaft sleeve 101 by several screws.

[0033] The sealing cover 103 is used to seal the end gap between the bushing 101 and the shaft 102. Its main function is to prevent liquid metal from splashing under high-speed centrifugal force and from leaking under pressure changes in a vacuum environment, to maintain the integrity of the liquid film structure, and to ensure that the bearing can operate stably for a long period of time.

[0034] Please see the appendix Figure 1 One end of the shaft 102 extends into the sleeve 603 and is fixedly connected to the inside of the sleeve 603 by threads.

[0035] The threaded connection between shaft 102 and sleeve 603 enables rigid locking of shaft 102 on right bracket 602, preventing axial movement and circumferential deflection of shaft 102 during load testing. This fastening method has strong load-bearing capacity and facilitates quick alignment and locking during test preparation.

[0036] Please see the appendix Figure 1 The load device includes a target plate 201, which is sleeved on the outside of the shaft 102 and is fixedly connected to the shaft 102 by means of threads, interference fit or expansion sleeve.

[0037] The target plate 201, as a force-bearing component, is used to receive the force required for the test and transmit the force to the shaft 102. With the target plate 201 and the external force, the off-center or heavy load state of the liquid metal bearing under actual working conditions can be simulated to test the bearing's ultimate load capacity. The threaded, interference fit, or expansion sleeve connection methods can adapt to different loading torques and disassembly and assembly requirements, ensuring that the target plate 201 structure does not loosen during the loading process.

[0038] Please see the appendix Figure 1 The data acquisition device includes a displacement sensor 401 and a temperature sensor 404 fixedly connected to the outer surface of the sleeve 603, and a vibration sensor 402, a torque sensor 405, and a speed sensor 406 fixedly connected to the end of the shaft 102. The data acquisition device also includes a data acquisition unit 403. Displacement sensor 401, temperature sensor 404, torque sensor 405, speed sensor 406, and vibration sensor 402 are all electrically connected to the data acquisition unit 403. The data acquisition unit 403 is located outside the vacuum device 5.

[0039] Displacement sensor 401 monitors the relative displacement change of the bearing in real time during operation under load, used to analyze the liquid film thickness and eccentricity. Temperature sensor 404 monitors the temperature rise of the bearing in real time during high-speed and loaded operation to evaluate the thermodynamic properties of the liquid metal under different operating conditions. Vibration sensor 402 captures the vibration frequency and amplitude of shaft 102 during high-speed operation to evaluate the smoothness of operation and anti-instability capability of the liquid metal bearing. Torque sensor 405 is used to measure and feedback the friction torque or load torque during shaft transmission in real time. Speed ​​sensor 406 is used to record the real-time speed of the bearing, providing a speed reference for the comprehensive analysis of performance test data. Data acquisition unit 403 centrally receives, records, and processes the signals from the above sensors. It is placed outside the vacuum device 5 to prevent electronic components from failing due to poor heat dissipation under vacuum conditions and to ensure the continuity of data acquisition.

[0040] Please see the appendix Figure 1 A water-oxygen indicator 501 and a pressure indicator 502 are fixedly installed on the outer wall of the vacuum device 5, and a vacuum pump 503 is connected to the bottom outer wall of the vacuum device 5.

[0041] Vacuum pump 503 is responsible for extracting the gas in the chamber, quickly establishing and maintaining the vacuum pressure environment required for the experiment. Pressure display 502 is used to monitor and display the vacuum level in the chamber in real time. Water and oxygen display 501 is used to detect the residual moisture and oxygen content inside the chamber, preventing the liquid metal material from oxidizing or deteriorating under the action of such gases, and ensuring the safety of the experiment and the accuracy of the data.

[0042] Working principle: In the experimental preparation stage, liquid metal is first injected into the gap between the bushing 101 and the shaft 102 of the liquid metal bearing device. Then, the sealing cover 103 is fixedly connected to the end face of the bushing 101 with several screws to prevent the liquid metal from leaking out. Next, one end of the shaft 102 is inserted into and fixed with threads into the sleeve 603 of the right bracket 602 to complete the rigid support of the shaft 102. The target plate 201 of the load device is then fixed to the shaft 102 by threads, interference fit, or expansion sleeve.

[0043] During the environmental setup phase, the vacuum device 5 is sealed, and the vacuum pump 503 at the bottom is activated to evacuate the internal cavity of the device. During this process, the operator monitors the vacuum level and residual moisture and oxygen content in the cavity in real time by observing the pressure display 502 and the water-oxygen display 501 on the outer wall, until the environmental parameters reach the vacuum and low-oxygen conditions set for the liquid metal bearing test.

[0044] During the drive operation phase, the drive unit is activated to provide rotational power to the bushing 101. If an electromagnetic drive is used, the frequency of the current input to the transformer 301 is adjusted by the frequency converter 302 outside the vacuum device 5 to energize the coil 303 fixed on the left bracket 601. The coil 303 generates a rotating magnetic field, and the magnetic sleeve 304 located inside it and the copper sleeve 305 inside it generate a rotational torque after cutting the magnetic field lines. The rotational torque is transmitted to the bushing 101 through the copper sleeve connecting seat 306, causing the bushing 101 to rotate at high speed around the shaft 102. If a motor drive is used, the motor is started directly, and the bushing 101 is rotated in a non-contact transmission manner through a magnetic coupling. As the rotational speed of the bushing 101 increases, the liquid metal inside is evenly distributed under the action of relative motion and centrifugal force, forming a liquid metal film with load-bearing capacity.

[0045] During the loading test and data acquisition phase, an external force-applying mechanism acts on the target disk 201 to apply a set experimental load to the shaft 102, simulating the load state of the liquid metal bearing in actual operation. During the high-speed rotation and loaded operation of the bearing, the displacement sensor 401 and temperature sensor 404 fixedly connected to the outer surface of the sleeve 603, and the vibration sensor 402, torque sensor 405, and speed sensor 406 fixedly connected to the end of the shaft 102 work synchronously to measure and output the relative displacement eccentricity, temperature change, vibration frequency, friction torque, and real-time speed signals of the bearing during operation. The acquired physical signals are transmitted via lines to the data acquisition unit 403 outside the vacuum device 5 for recording and processing, thereby completing the experimental evaluation of the operating stability, load-bearing capacity, and friction performance of the liquid metal bearing in a high-speed vacuum environment.

Claims

1. A test platform for testing the performance of liquid metal bearings in a high-speed vacuum environment, characterized in that, It includes a vacuum device (5) and a base frame (604) inside it. A left support (601) and a right support (602) are fixedly connected to the base frame (604), and a sleeve (603) is fixedly connected to the right support (602). The sleeve (603) has a fixed connection to one end of the shaft (102) of the liquid metal bearing device. The shaft (102) is fitted with a bushing (101). Liquid metal is filled between the bushing (101) and the shaft (102). A drive device is fixedly connected to the left bracket (601). The power output end of the drive device is connected to the bushing (101). A load device is connected to the end of the shaft (102) away from the sleeve (603). The sleeve (603) and the shaft (102) are both connected to the acquisition end of the data acquisition device.

2. The experimental platform for testing the performance of liquid metal bearings in a high-speed vacuum environment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving device includes a coil (303), a magnetic sleeve (304), a copper sleeve (305), and a copper sleeve connector (306). The coil (303) is fixedly connected to the left bracket (601), the magnetic sleeve (304) is sleeved inside the coil (303), the copper sleeve (305) is sleeved and fixedly connected inside the magnetic sleeve (304), the copper sleeve connecting seat (306) is fixedly connected to the side wall of the copper sleeve (305), and the copper sleeve connecting seat (306) is fixedly connected to the bushing (101) as a power output end.

3. The experimental platform for testing the performance of liquid metal bearings in a high-speed vacuum environment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The magnetic sleeve (304) and the copper sleeve (305) are fixedly connected by welding. The copper sleeve (305) and the copper sleeve connecting seat (306) are fixedly connected by welding. The copper sleeve connecting seat (306) is fixedly connected to the bushing (101) by several screws.

4. The experimental platform for testing the performance of liquid metal bearings in a high-speed vacuum environment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive device also includes a transformer (301) and a frequency converter (302). The transformer (301) is electrically connected to the frequency converter (302), and the frequency converter (302) passes through the vacuum device (5) and is electrically connected to the coil (303). Both the transformer (301) and the frequency converter (302) are located outside the vacuum device (5).

5. The experimental platform for testing the performance of liquid metal bearings in a high-speed vacuum environment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive device includes a motor and a magnetic coupling. The motor is fixedly mounted on the left bracket (601), and the motor is connected to the bushing (101) in a non-contact transmission manner through the magnetic coupling, which serves as the power output end.

6. The experimental platform for testing the performance of liquid metal bearings in a high-speed vacuum environment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing cover (103) is fitted around the outside of the shaft (102), and the sealing cover (103) is fixedly connected to the end face of the shaft sleeve (101) by several screws.

7. The experimental platform for testing the performance of liquid metal bearings in a high-speed vacuum environment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the shaft (102) that extends into the sleeve (603) is fixedly connected to the inside of the sleeve (603) by a thread.

8. The experimental platform for testing the performance of liquid metal bearings in a high-speed vacuum environment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The load device includes a target plate (201), which is sleeved on the outside of the shaft (102) and is fixedly connected to the shaft (102) by means of threads, interference fit or expansion sleeve.

9. The experimental platform for testing the performance of liquid metal bearings in a high-speed vacuum environment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data acquisition device includes a displacement sensor (401) and a temperature sensor (404) fixedly connected to the outer surface of the sleeve (603), and a vibration sensor (402), a torque sensor (405), and a speed sensor (406) fixedly connected to the end of the shaft (102). The data acquisition device also includes a data acquisition unit (403), and a displacement sensor (401), a temperature sensor (404), a torque sensor (405), a speed sensor (406), and a vibration sensor (402) are all electrically connected to the data acquisition unit (403). The data acquisition unit (403) is located outside the vacuum device (5).

10. The experimental platform for testing the performance of liquid metal bearings in a high-speed vacuum environment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A water-oxygen display (501) and a pressure display (502) are fixedly installed on the outer wall of the vacuum device (5), and a vacuum pump (503) is connected to the bottom outer wall of the vacuum device (5).

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