A vertical installation axial flow fan and gear box elastic connection device
By designing an elastic connection device between the vertically installed axial flow fan and the gearbox, the problems of centering difficulties and vibration transmission were solved, achieving efficient displacement compensation and vibration isolation, and improving the reliability and ease of maintenance of the system.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202611286740.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-08-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-03
AI Technical Summary
In vertical axial flow fan systems, traditional rigid connection devices struggle to address issues such as alignment difficulties, vibration transmission, and displacement compensation, leading to bearing wear, excessive vibration, and reduced fatigue life of critical components.
A flexible connection device for vertically mounted axial flow fan and gearbox is designed. Radial, axial and angular decoupling compensation is achieved through intermediate elastic body components. Combined with the vulcanization of metal frame and rubber, it provides high torque capacity and damping vibration isolation. A backup torque transmission path is adopted to ensure reliability.
It effectively reduces the installation alignment accuracy requirements, isolates and attenuates vibration and noise, buffers aerodynamic load changes, reduces maintenance costs and downtime, and improves the fatigue life of key components and system reliability.
Smart Images
Figure CN123028172A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of connection mechanism technology, specifically relating to a flexible connection device between a vertically installed axial flow fan and a gearbox. Background Technology
[0002] In large vertical axial flow fan systems, the prime mover (usually an electric motor, gas turbine, etc.) reduces speed and increases torque through a gearbox, whose output shaft directly drives the fan impeller via a connecting device. Traditional connection methods often employ rigid couplings (such as flange-type rigid couplings) or simple metal flexible couplings. However, in vertical installation conditions, alignment requirements are stringent, and installation and maintenance are difficult: the gearbox output shaft and the fan main shaft are arranged vertically, making concentricity and perpendicularity adjustment extremely challenging. Rigid connections demand extremely high installation alignment precision; any slight deviation will generate significant additional bending moments and vibrations during high-speed operation, leading to abnormal bearing wear, gearbox damage, or excessive fan vibration. Furthermore, torsional vibrations and tooth frequency vibrations generated by the gearbox during operation are directly transmitted to the fan rotor through the rigid connection, potentially triggering structural resonance in the fan; conversely, vibrations caused by uneven aerodynamic loads on the fan impeller are also directly transmitted to the gearbox. This bidirectional vibration transmission deteriorates the working environment for both components and reduces the fatigue life of critical parts.
[0003] Furthermore, it cannot compensate for complex displacements: During operation, due to thermal expansion, foundation settlement, deformation of the mounting base, or load changes, minute relative displacements may occur between the gearbox output end and the fan input end in the axial, radial, and angular directions. Rigid connections cannot compensate for these displacements, resulting in enormous forced stress. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a connection device specifically designed for vertical transmission structures to solve the problems of alignment difficulties, vibration transmission, and displacement compensation. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This invention addresses the technical problems existing in the prior art by providing a flexible connection device for a vertically installed axial flow fan and a gearbox. The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: In order to reliably connect the connecting device with the power input end of the wind turbine side and provide a basic interface for torque transmission, the connecting device is set between a gearbox output flange and a wind turbine hub flange, and the connecting device includes an upper connecting flange, which is fixedly connected to the wind turbine hub flange. The upper end face of the upper connecting flange is fixedly connected to the upper end face of the gear sleeve, thereby serving as an external support and torque transmission carrier for the intermediate elastomer assembly, realizing the power connection between the elastomer and the wind turbine side. The inner circumferential surface of the gear sleeve is machined with evenly distributed internal tooth grooves. An intermediate elastomer assembly is set on one side of the gear sleeve. The intermediate elastomer assembly is coaxially clamped between the gear sleeve and a central transmission sleeve. The intermediate elastomer assembly includes an annular metal skeleton, a radial elastic layer bonded to the inner side of the metal skeleton, and an axial-angular composite elastic layer bonded to the outer side of the metal skeleton. The lower end face of the central transmission sleeve is fixedly connected to the gearbox output flange, thus reliably transmitting the torque output by the gearbox to the intermediate elastic body assembly and serving as the internal support of the entire connection device. The inner hole of the central transmission sleeve is provided with a keyway, and the central transmission sleeve is connected to the gearbox output shaft via a connecting key. In some other specific embodiments, in addition to using a flat key connection, a spline connection or an interference fit connection can also be used. The outer circumferential surface of the journal in the middle of the central transmission sleeve is fastened to the inner circumferential surface of the radial elastic layer. The outer circumferential surface of the axial-angular composite elastic layer forms an outer tooth surface that matches the inner tooth groove of the gear sleeve. The inner tooth groove of the gear sleeve and the outer tooth surface of the axial-angular composite elastic layer are in clearance fit.
[0005] Furthermore, the metal skeleton is a steel ring with internal and external teeth. The internal and external teeth greatly increase the contact area between the metal and the rubber, significantly improving the bonding strength between the rubber and the metal and preventing the rubber from peeling off when transmitting large torques. At the same time, the toothed structure can transmit torque through a combination of shearing and compression, improving the overall torque transmission capacity. The internal teeth of the metal skeleton are interlocked with the radial elastic layer, and the external teeth of the metal skeleton are interlocked with the axial-angular composite elastic layer. Therefore, when the central transmission sleeve drives the radial elastic layer to rotate, the interlocking structure of the internal teeth and the radial elastic layer can evenly transmit the torque to the metal skeleton, and then transmit it to the gear sleeve through the interlocking structure of the external teeth and the axial-angular composite elastic layer.
[0006] Furthermore, the axial cross-section of the axial-angular composite elastic layer is drum-shaped.
[0007] Furthermore, the radial cross-section of the axial-angular composite elastic layer is trapezoidal.
[0008] Furthermore, a radial gap is reserved between the inner diameter of the toothed sleeve and the outer diameter of the intermediate elastomer assembly, and the intermediate elastomer assembly is positioned by means of the radial gap.
[0009] Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface of the radial elastic layer is fastened to the outer circumferential surface of the journal in the middle of the central transmission sleeve by an interference fit.
[0010] Furthermore, the upper end face of the central transmission sleeve is integrally machined with a mounting surface for a spare torque transmission flange. The spare torque transmission flange is fastened to the mounting surface by a reamed bolt and a locking washer. The spare torque transmission flange is coaxially arranged with the central transmission sleeve.
[0011] Furthermore, the spare torque transmission flange is provided with a plurality of bolt holes evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, and each bolt hole is fitted with a bolt and a rubber pin sleeve. The upper connecting flange has a waist-shaped hole at the position corresponding to the bolt. The rubber pin sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the bolt shank. The outer circumferential surface of the rubber pin sleeve is clearance-fitted with the inner wall of the waist-shaped hole to form a backup torque transmission path independent of the main torque transmission path.
[0012] Furthermore, the lower end face of the central transmission sleeve is fastened to the gearbox output flange by a reamed bolt, a spring washer, and a nut.
[0013] Furthermore, the upper end face of the upper connecting flange is fastened to the wind turbine hub flange by reamed bolts and locking washers.
[0014] Beneficial effects This invention provides a vertically mounted axial flow fan and gearbox elastic connection device, which has the following advantages: the intermediate elastic body component realizes decoupled elastic compensation in the radial, axial and angular directions, which can effectively absorb axial expansion and contraction displacement, and allow a certain angular deflection angle between the gearbox and the fan shaft, reducing the stringent requirements for installation alignment accuracy. In addition, the multi-layer rubber elastomer constitutes a highly efficient damping and vibration isolation, which can significantly isolate and attenuate the structural noise and high-frequency vibration transmitted from the gearbox to the fan, and at the same time buffer the impact of changes in the fan's aerodynamic load on the gearbox. Through the vulcanization of the metal skeleton and rubber, high torque capacity transmission is achieved. The direct transmission path of the central drive sleeve ensures the reliability of the main torque transmission, while the elastomer assembly transmits part of the torque and provides flexibility through shear and compression deformation. Even if the rubber elastomer undergoes extreme aging, the backup torque transmission path formed by the connection of the central drive sleeve, the spare torque transmission flange, bolts, rubber pin sleeves and the upper flange can still maintain the basic torque transmission function and prevent complete failure. When the elastomer assembly needs to be replaced, simply loosen the connecting bolts to remove and replace the upper connecting flange and the entire intermediate assembly. There is no need to move the heavy gearbox or the main fan body, which greatly reduces maintenance costs and downtime. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is an axial sectional view of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the intermediate elastomer component of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a radial cross-sectional view of the rubber block in the axial-angular composite elastic layer of the present invention; Figure 4 This is an axial cross-sectional view of the rubber block in the axial-angular composite elastic layer of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the toothed sleeve in this invention; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the upper connecting flange in this invention; Figure 7 This is a projection view of the waist-shaped hole in the upper connecting flange of the present invention.
[0016] In the diagram: 1. Upper connecting flange; 2. Gear sleeve; 3. Intermediate elastomer assembly; 31. Metal skeleton; 32. Radial elastic layer; 33. Axial-angular composite elastic layer; 4. Central transmission sleeve; 5. Gearbox output flange; 6. Connecting key; 7. Gearbox output shaft; 8. Spare torque transmission flange; 9. Bolt; 10. Rubber pin sleeve; 11. First reamed hole bolt; 12. First locking washer; 13. Third reamed hole bolt; 14. Second locking washer; 15. Second reamed hole bolt; 16. Spring washer; 17. Nut. Detailed Implementation
[0017] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0018] Please see Figure 1-7 This invention provides a vertically mounted axial flow fan and gearbox elastic connection device. To reliably connect the connection device to the power input end of the fan side and provide a basic interface for torque transmission, the connection device is positioned between a gearbox output flange 5 and a fan hub flange. The connection device includes an upper connecting flange 1, which is fixedly connected to the fan hub flange. The upper end face of a gear sleeve 2 is fixedly connected to the lower end face of the upper connecting flange 1, thus serving as an external support and torque transmission carrier for the intermediate elastic body assembly 3, realizing the dynamic connection between the elastic body and the fan side. Force connection, the inner circumferential surface of the gear sleeve 2 is machined with evenly distributed internal tooth grooves, and an intermediate elastic body assembly 3 is provided on one side of the gear sleeve 2. The intermediate elastic body assembly 3 is coaxially clamped between the gear sleeve 2 and a central transmission sleeve 4. The intermediate elastic body assembly 3 includes an annular metal skeleton 31, a radial elastic layer 32 bonded to the inner side of the metal skeleton 31, and an axial-angular composite elastic layer 33 bonded to the outer side of the metal skeleton 31. Among them, on the multiple outer tooth surfaces of the metal skeleton 31, the axial-angular composite elastic layer 33 (such as rubber blocks) is vulcanized and bonded. Figure 3 , Figure 4(as shown) It should be noted that the radial elastic layer 32 is bonded to the inner side of the metal skeleton 31 by vulcanization, mainly used to compensate for radial displacement and attenuate torsional vibration, and the axial-angular composite elastic layer 33 is bonded to the outer side of the metal skeleton 31 to compensate for axial displacement and angular deflection and isolate axial vibration. The lower end face of the central drive sleeve 4 is fixedly connected to the gearbox output flange 5, thus reliably transmitting the torque output by the gearbox to the intermediate elastic body assembly 3 and serving as the internal support of the entire connection device. The inner hole of the central drive sleeve 4 is provided with a keyway, and the central drive sleeve 4 is connected to the gearbox output shaft 7 via a connecting key 6. In some other specific embodiments, in addition to using a flat key connection, a spline connection or an interference fit connection can also be used. The outer circumferential surface of the journal in the middle of the central drive sleeve 4 is fastened to the inner circumferential surface of the radial elastic layer 32. The outer circumferential surface of the axial-angular composite elastic layer 33 forms an outer tooth surface that matches the inner tooth groove of the gear sleeve 2. The inner tooth groove of the gear sleeve 2 and the outer tooth surface of the axial-angular composite elastic layer 33 are in clearance fit.
[0019] In summary, the torque of the gearbox output shaft 7 is transmitted to the central transmission sleeve 4 through the connecting key 6. The central transmission sleeve 4 drives the radial elastic layer 32 and the metal skeleton 31 to rotate. The metal skeleton 31 meshes with the inner tooth groove of the gear sleeve 2 through the outer tooth surface of the axial-angular composite elastic layer 33, transmitting the torque to the upper connecting flange 1, and finally driving the wind turbine hub to rotate. When radial, axial, or angular relative displacement occurs between the gearbox and the fan, the radial elastic layer 32 and the axial-angular composite elastic layer 33 respectively produce elastic deformation in the corresponding directions, thereby achieving displacement compensation and vibration isolation.
[0020] The metal skeleton 31 is a steel ring with internal and external teeth. The internal and external teeth greatly increase the contact area between the metal and the rubber, significantly improving the bonding strength between the rubber and the metal and preventing the rubber from peeling off when transmitting large torques. At the same time, the toothed structure can transmit torque through a combination of shearing and compression, improving the overall torque transmission capacity. The internal teeth of the metal skeleton 31 are interlocked with the radial elastic layer 32, and the external teeth of the metal skeleton 31 are interlocked with the axial-angular composite elastic layer 33. Therefore, when the central transmission sleeve 4 drives the radial elastic layer 32 to rotate, the interlocking structure of the internal teeth and the radial elastic layer 32 can evenly transmit the torque to the metal skeleton 31, and then transmit it to the gear sleeve 2 through the interlocking structure of the external teeth and the axial-angular composite elastic layer 33.
[0021] In this application, the inner and outer teeth of the metal skeleton 31 can be involute teeth, rectangular teeth, or trapezoidal teeth. Among them, trapezoidal teeth have better stress distribution characteristics when subjected to impact loads. In addition to high-temperature and high-pressure vulcanization bonding, the rubber elastomer and the metal skeleton 31 can also be bonded by a combination of mechanical interlocking and bonding to further improve the bonding reliability.
[0022] To optimize the stress distribution of the elastomer when subjected to angular deflection, the axial section of the axial-angular composite elastic layer 33 is drum-shaped. When there is an angular deviation between the gearbox output shaft 7 and the fan main shaft, the drum-shaped structure can make the deformation of the elastomer more uniform, avoid excessive stress concentration at the edge, and improve the fatigue life of the elastomer. When the connecting device undergoes angular deflection, each part of the elastomer in the drum-shaped axial section can participate in the deformation in sequence and gradually absorb the deflection energy.
[0023] The radial cross-section of the axial-angular composite elastic layer 33 is trapezoidal. Due to the existence of machining errors, there may be uneven gaps between the inner tooth groove of the tooth sleeve 2 and the outer tooth surface of the intermediate elastomer component 3. The trapezoidal radial cross-section can compensate for machining errors through its own taper, so that the meshing gap of each tooth is consistent. The uniform tooth flank gap can ensure that when the axial-angular composite elastic layer 33 undergoes elastic deformation, all teeth participate in bearing the load at the same time, avoiding damage to individual teeth due to overload, and improving the overall torsion transmission stability and reliability.
[0024] A radial gap of 1-2 mm is reserved between the inner diameter of the toothed sleeve 2 and the outer diameter of the intermediate elastomer assembly 3. This radial gap provides space for the radial deformation of the radial elastic layer 32, ensuring the normal realization of the radial displacement compensation function. The intermediate elastomer assembly 3 is positioned by the radial gap. When the radial elastic layer 32 undergoes elastic deformation, the intermediate elastomer assembly 3 moves radially relative to the toothed sleeve 2. The reserved radial gap can prevent the intermediate elastomer assembly 3 from rigidly colliding with the toothed sleeve 2.
[0025] To ensure that there is no relative sliding between the radial elastic layer 32 and the central transmission sleeve 4, the inner circumferential surface of the radial elastic layer 32 and the outer circumferential surface of the journal in the middle of the central transmission sleeve 4 are fastened together by an interference fit. When the central transmission sleeve 4 rotates, the radial elastic layer 32 is driven to rotate synchronously by the friction of the interference fit surface. The greater the positive pressure generated by the interference fit, the greater the torque that can be transmitted. Combined with vulcanization bonding, this further enhances the reliability of torque transmission.
[0026] The upper end face of the central drive sleeve 4 is integrally machined with a mounting surface for a spare torque transmission flange 8. The spare torque transmission flange 8 is fastened to the mounting surface by the first reamed bolt 11 and the first locking washer 12. The spare torque transmission flange 8 is coaxially arranged with the central drive sleeve 4. During normal operation, the spare torque transmission flange 8 and the upper connecting flange 1 are flexibly connected by a rubber pin sleeve 10 and do not participate in the main torque transmission. When the main torque transmission path fails, the central drive sleeve 4 drives the spare torque transmission flange 8 to rotate relative to the upper connecting flange 1 until the torque transmission structure of the spare path engages and takes over the torque transmission task.
[0027] The spare torque transmission flange 8 has multiple bolt holes evenly opened in the circumferential direction, and each bolt hole is equipped with a bolt 9 and a rubber pin sleeve 10. An oblong hole is provided on the upper connecting flange 1 at the position corresponding to the bolt 9. The rubber pin sleeve 10 is sleeved on the outside of the shank of the bolt 9. The outer circumferential surface of the rubber pin sleeve 10 is clearance-fitted with the inner wall of the oblong hole to form a backup torque transmission path independent of the main torque transmission path. After the main torque transmission path fails, the central transmission sleeve 4 drives the backup torque transmission flange 8 to rotate. The bolt 9 rotates together with the backup torque transmission flange 8. The rubber pin sleeve 10 moves in the oblong hole along the circumferential direction until it contacts the side wall of the oblong hole. At this time, the torque is transmitted to the upper connecting flange 1 through the fit between the bolt 9, the rubber pin sleeve 10 and the oblong hole.
[0028] The lower end face of the central drive sleeve 4 is fastened to the gearbox output flange 5 through the second reamed hole bolt 15, spring washer 16 and nut 17.
[0029] The upper end face of the upper connecting flange 1 is fastened to the wind turbine hub flange through the third hinge hole bolt 13 and the second locking gasket 14.
[0030] In summary, in the specific implementation of this application, the torque of the gearbox output shaft 7 is transmitted to the central transmission sleeve 4 through the connecting key 6. The central transmission sleeve 4 is fastened to the gearbox output flange 5 through the second reamer bolt 15, spring washer 16 and nut 17. Its torque is then transmitted to the metal frame 31 with internal and external teeth through the radial elastic layer 32 that is interference-fitted with the central transmission sleeve 4. The metal frame 31 drives the outer axial-angular composite elastic layer 33 to rotate. Through the meshing of its outer tooth surface with the inner tooth groove of the gear sleeve 2, the torque is transmitted to the upper connecting flange 1. The upper connecting flange 1 is connected to the fan hub flange through the third reamer bolt 13 and the second locking washer 14, and finally drives the fan impeller to complete the power output.
[0031] During operation, the radial elastic layer 32 compensates for the radial displacement between the gearbox and the fan and attenuates torsional vibration through shear deformation; the axial-angular composite elastic layer 33 optimizes the angular deflection stress distribution with its drum-shaped axial cross section, and ensures uniform tooth backlash with its trapezoidal radial cross section, achieving axial slip compensation and smooth angular deflection compensation. The reserved gap between the gear sleeve 2 and the intermediate elastomer assembly 3 provides space for radial deformation. The multi-layer rubber elastomer can also bidirectionally isolate the gearbox tooth frequency vibration and the fan aerodynamic vibration, buffering the instantaneous impact during startup and braking.
[0032] When the rubber elastomer of the main torque transmission path fails to an extreme degree, the central transmission sleeve 4 drives the spare torque transmission flange 8, which is fixed by the first hinge hole bolt 11 and the first locking washer 12, to rotate. This causes the bolt 9 and the sleeved rubber pin 10 to lock into the waist-shaped hole of the upper connecting flange 1, automatically switching to the spare torque transmission path to maintain basic power transmission and ensure the safe operation of the system until shutdown for maintenance.
Claims
1. A vertically mounted axial flow fan and gearbox elastic connection device, characterized in that, The connecting device is disposed between a gearbox output flange (5) and a wind turbine hub flange, and the connecting device includes an upper connecting flange (1), which is fixedly connected to the wind turbine hub flange. The upper end face of the upper connecting flange (1) is fixedly connected to the lower end face of the upper connecting flange (1). The inner circumferential surface of the gear sleeve (2) is machined with evenly distributed internal tooth grooves. An intermediate elastomer assembly (3) is disposed on one side of the gear sleeve (2). The intermediate elastomer assembly (3) is coaxially clamped between the gear sleeve (2) and a central transmission sleeve (4). The intermediate elastomer assembly (3) includes an annular metal skeleton (31), a radial elastic layer (32) bonded to the inner side of the metal skeleton (31), and an axial-angular composite elastic layer (33) bonded to the outer side of the metal skeleton (31). The lower end face of the central transmission sleeve (4) is fixedly connected to the gearbox output flange (5). The inner hole of the central transmission sleeve (4) is provided with a keyway, and the central transmission sleeve (4) is connected to the gearbox output shaft (7) via a connecting key (6). The outer circumferential surface of the journal in the middle of the central transmission sleeve (4) is fastened to the inner circumferential surface of the radial elastic layer (32). The outer circumferential surface of the axial-angular composite elastic layer (33) forms an outer tooth surface that matches the inner tooth groove of the gear sleeve (2). The inner tooth groove of the gear sleeve (2) and the outer tooth surface of the axial-angular composite elastic layer (33) are in clearance fit.
2. The vertically mounted axial flow fan and gearbox elastic connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal skeleton (31) is a steel ring with internal and external teeth. The internal teeth of the metal skeleton (31) are interlocked with the radial elastic layer (32), and the external teeth of the metal skeleton (31) are interlocked with the axial-angular composite elastic layer (33).
3. The vertically mounted axial flow fan and gearbox elastic connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axial cross section of the axial-angular composite elastic layer (33) is drum-shaped.
4. The vertically mounted axial flow fan and gearbox elastic connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radial cross section of the axial-angular composite elastic layer (33) is trapezoidal.
5. The vertically mounted axial flow fan and gearbox elastic connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A radial gap is reserved between the inner diameter of the toothed sleeve (2) and the outer diameter of the intermediate elastomer assembly (3), and the intermediate elastomer assembly (3) is positioned by the radial gap.
6. The vertically mounted axial flow fan and gearbox elastic connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner circumferential surface of the radial elastic layer (32) is fastened to the outer circumferential surface of the journal in the middle of the central transmission sleeve (4) by an interference fit.
7. The vertically mounted axial flow fan and gearbox elastic connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper end face of the central transmission sleeve (4) is integrally machined with the mounting surface of the spare torque transmission flange (8). The spare torque transmission flange (8) is fastened to the mounting surface by the first hinge hole bolt (11) and the first locking washer (12). The spare torque transmission flange (8) is arranged coaxially with the central transmission sleeve (4).
8. The vertically mounted axial flow fan and gearbox elastic connection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The spare torque transmission flange (8) has multiple bolt holes evenly opened in the circumferential direction, and each bolt hole is equipped with a bolt (9) and a rubber pin sleeve (10). The upper connecting flange (1) has a waist-shaped hole at the position corresponding to the bolt (9). The rubber pin sleeve (10) is sleeved on the outside of the shank of the bolt (9). The outer circumferential surface of the rubber pin sleeve (10) is clearance-fitted with the inner wall of the waist-shaped hole to form a backup torque transmission path independent of the main torque transmission path.
9. The vertically mounted axial flow fan and gearbox elastic connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end face of the central transmission sleeve (4) is fastened to the gearbox output flange (5) by a second reamed hole bolt (15), a spring washer (16) and a nut (17).
10. The vertically mounted axial flow fan and gearbox elastic connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper end face of the upper connecting flange (1) is fastened to the wind turbine hub flange by the third hinge hole bolt (13) and the second locking gasket (14).