Thrust bearing retainer with double-pocket structure
By designing a thrust bearing retainer with a double-pocket structure, the isolation blocks are arranged in a ring shape and suspended in the air, which solves the deformation and wear problems of the extra-large wind power bearing retainer and improves the operating stability and service life of the bearing.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423106791.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-17
AI Technical Summary
The segmented cage of extra-large wind turbine bearings is prone to deformation, tearing and damage due to inconsistent force on the front and rear of the cage due to bearing deformation during operation. The rolling element guidance effect of the single-piece cage is poor and it is prone to shaking. The multi-pocket structure can easily cause the cage to tear, resulting in unstable bearing operation and reduced life.
The thrust bearing retainer adopts a double-pocket structure, the isolation blocks are arranged in a ring, the pockets are square-shaped, the inner wall is provided with an inclined section, an arc section and a flat section, the inclined section and the flat section are connected to form a locking point, the inner and outer diameter end faces of the isolation blocks are arc surfaces, the inner and outer side faces are arc surfaces, the arc surfaces of adjacent isolation blocks are adjacent, the isolation blocks are made of polyformaldehyde molding and extrusion materials, and are injection molded.
The cage is in a suspended state during operation, which reduces wear on the inner and outer rings, improves operating stability and service life, reduces vibration, and enhances structural strength and production efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN223344469U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of bearings, and in particular relates to a thrust bearing retainer with a double-pocket structure. Background Art
[0002] A bearing generally consists of an inner ring, an outer ring, rolling elements, and a cage. The cage refers to a bearing component that partially wraps all or part of the rolling elements and moves with them. It is usually used to isolate the rolling elements, guide the rolling elements, and retain them in the bearing.
[0003] Extra-large wind turbine bearings need to withstand large axial, radial loads and overturning moments during use. In particular, a large part of the load of thrust bearings is loaded on the cage. Due to the large size of extra-large wind turbine bearings, the thrust cage used to bear the axial load is usually designed as a segmented structure. Several rolling elements are installed in the segmented cage as a group, and then combined into a ring structure and installed in the bearing. However, when the segmented cage is working, the deformation of the bearing causes the front and rear forces of the cage to be inconsistent, resulting in cage deformation, tearing and damage.
[0004] Existing technology uses a single-piece retainer (also called a spacer) to replace the segmented retainer. This allows individual rolling elements to be housed independently within the retainer, preventing damage to other retainers caused by jamming or deformation of some rolling elements. However, spacers with a single pocket structure are prone to wobbling, making it difficult for the rolling elements to guide the retainer. Spacers with multiple pockets can cause the retainer to tear. The retainer is prone to contact with the inner or outer ring during operation, resulting in vibration during operation. Over time, this can cause wear and damage to the retainer, and in severe cases, even wear of the inner and outer rings of the bearing, significantly reducing the operational stability and service life of oversized thrust bearings. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the utility model provides a thrust bearing retainer with a double-pocket structure, which is composed of a plurality of annularly arranged and independent isolation blocks. The isolation blocks adopt a double-pocket plus arc lock structure, and the rolling elements are installed on the isolation blocks, one positive and one negative. The retainer is in a suspended state during operation, which reduces the wear between the retainer and the inner and outer rings, avoids vibration of the retainer during operation, and improves the operating stability and service life of the retainer and the bearing.
[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a thrust bearing retainer with a double-pocket structure, the retainer is in the shape of a ring, and the retainer is composed of a plurality of isolation blocks arranged in a ring and independent of each other, pockets for placing rolling bodies are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the isolation blocks, there are two pockets, and the appearance of a single pocket is a square frame structure, the pocket has two mutually parallel end inner walls and two symmetrical side inner walls, the end inner walls are planar structures, and the side inner walls of the pockets are symmetrically provided with inclined sections, arc sections and plane section one and plane section two, the inclined sections are connected to plane section two, and a locking point is formed at the intersection of plane section two and the arc section, a locking mouth is formed between the corresponding locking points on the side inner walls of the pockets on both sides, and the other end of the arc section is connected to plane section one; the inclined sections, plane section two, arc sections and plane section one of the side inner walls of the two pockets of the isolation blocks are arranged in opposite positions.
[0007] The inner and outer diameter end faces of the isolation block are arc surfaces and match the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the bearing raceway. The inner and outer diameter end faces of the isolation block are provided with arc grooves evenly distributed around the center of the retaining frame; the outer side surface of one side of the isolation block is a concave arc surface, and the other side surface of the isolation block is a convex arc surface. The concave arc surfaces and convex arc surfaces of adjacent isolation blocks are adjacent and the arc surfaces are adapted to each other.
[0008] The inclined surface section, the second plane section, the arc section and the first plane section arranged on the side inner wall of the pocket hole are connected in sequence, and the connection parts have a smooth transition.
[0009] The starting spacing of the inclined surface sections of the inner walls on both sides of the pocket hole is adapted to the outer diameter of the rolling element; the difference in spacing between the ends of the corresponding inclined surface sections on the inner walls on each side of the pocket hole is 0.3-0.6 mm.
[0010] The spacing between the two plane sections of the inner wall of the side parts of the pocket hole is smaller than the outer diameter of the rolling element. The locking size between the two locking points at the two plane sections of the inner wall of the side parts of the pocket hole is 0.3-0.5mm different from the outer diameter of the rolling element. The length of the two plane sections is 0.5mm.
[0011] The arc center of the arc segment of the inner wall of the pocket side coincides with the center of the pocket, and the difference between the arc center positions of the two pockets of the isolation block is ≤0.1mm.
[0012] The arc curvature radius of the arc segment of the inner wall of the pocket hole is greater than the radius of the rolling body, and is set tangent to the outer diameter of the rolling body. The rolling body is installed in the pocket hole with a guide gap. The guide gap between the arc segment of the inner wall of each side of the pocket hole and the rolling body is 0.4-0.5mm.
[0013] The distance between the plane sections of the inner walls of the side portions of the pockets is smaller than the outer diameter of the rolling element, with a difference of 9.7-10.3 mm.
[0014] The four corners of the inner wall of the pocket hole are all provided with transition fillets with a radius of 0.5mm; the radius of the arc-shaped groove of the isolation block is 3mm.
[0015] The isolation block is made of polyoxymethylene molding and extrusion material and is injection molded.
[0016] The inclined surface sections, plane section 2, arc section and plane section 1 of the inner wall of the two pocket side portions of the isolation block are arranged in opposite positions; the purpose of such arrangement is that during the operation of the bearing, the inclined surface sections, plane section 1, plane section 2 and arc section of the inner wall of the two pocket side portions of the isolation block are distributed in opposite positions, so that the isolation block is always in a suspended state, that is, the thrust retaining frame is always in a suspended state in the annular area formed by the inner ring and the outer ring, and does not generate friction with the inner and outer rings of the bearing, so that the position of the rolling body in the retaining frame is determined, and its contact surface with the inner and outer ring raceways is controlled, so that its force is stable, collision and friction are reduced, which is beneficial to improving the operating stability of the retaining frame, reducing the vibration of the bearing, and effectively improving the service life of the retaining frame and the bearing.
[0017] The starting spacing of the inclined surface sections of the inner walls on both sides of the pocket hole is adapted to the outer diameter of the rolling body; the difference in spacing between the ends of the corresponding inclined surface sections on the inner walls on each side of the pocket hole is 0.3-0.6mm; the purpose of this setting is: the cross-sectional shape of the inclined surface sections of the inner walls on the side of the pocket hole is a micro-trumpet shape, the size of the end with a larger spacing is adapted to the outer diameter of the rolling body, and the size of the end with a smaller spacing is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the rolling body. The rolling body can be installed into the pocket hole from the end with a larger spacing to realize the assembly between the rolling body and the isolation block.
[0018] The spacing between the two flat sections of the inner walls on both sides of the pocket is smaller than the outer diameter of the rolling element. The locking opening size between the two locking points at the two flat sections of the inner walls on both sides of the pocket is 0.3-0.5mm different from the outer diameter of the rolling element. The length of the two flat sections is 0.5mm. The purpose of this arrangement is that the length of the two flat sections of the inner walls on both sides of the pocket is 0.5mm, so that the inclined section and the arc section of the inner walls on the sides of the pocket are smoothly transitioned and connected, thereby improving the structural strength of the isolation block at the locking point. The locking opening size is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the rolling element. When the rolling element is assembled in place, the self-locking function of the locking opening can be improved, and the matched rolling element can be locked so that it does not fall out of the pocket.
[0019] The arc-shaped sections of the pocket's side inner wall have a radius of curvature greater than the rolling element's radius and are arranged tangent to the rolling element's outer diameter. A guide clearance is provided when the rolling element is installed in the pocket. The guide clearance between the arc-shaped sections of the pocket's side inner wall and the rolling element on each side is 0.4-0.5 mm. This arrangement ensures a certain amount of guide clearance between the arc-shaped sections of the pocket's side inner wall and the rolling element, allowing the rolling element to rotate flexibly and smoothly within the pocket, reducing frictional heat and collisions between the rolling element and the isolation block, reducing bearing vibration, and effectively extending the service life of the cage and bearing. Too little guide clearance can cause the rolling element to become unable to rotate, become stuck, or experience frictional heat. Too much guide clearance can cause the rolling element to wobble and collide within the pocket, damaging the rolling element and the cage.
[0020] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the retaining frame has a simple structure and adopts independent double-pocket structure isolation blocks, which have good structural stability and are not easy to shake. The rolling elements are installed on the retaining frame in a positive and negative manner. The retaining frame is in a suspended state during operation, which reduces the wear between the retaining frame and the inner and outer rings; the arc-shaped lock mouth setting on the inner wall of the side of the isolation block pocket prevents the rolling element from falling off from the pocket after the rolling element is installed in the pocket, so that the isolation block and the rolling element form an integral structure, which is convenient for the assembly of the bearing and improves the production efficiency; the reasonable guiding gap setting enhances the effect of the rolling element guiding the retaining frame, avoids the vibration of the retaining frame during operation, and improves the operating stability and service life of the retaining frame and the bearing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the isolation block of the utility model;
[0022] Figure 2 For this utility model Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the AA section structure;
[0023] Figure 3 For this utility model Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of point Ⅰ in the middle;
[0024] Figure 4 For this utility model Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the BB cross-section structure;
[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the isolation block of the utility model;
[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the circumferential arrangement of the retainer of the utility model.
[0027] Markings in the figure: 1, isolation block; 2, pocket hole; 3, end inner wall; 4, side inner wall; 5, inclined section; 6, arc section; 7, plane section one; 8, plane section two; 9, locking point; 10, locking mouth; 11, arc-shaped groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The specific implementation of the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0029] like Figure 1-6 As shown, a thrust bearing retainer with a double-pocket structure is annular in shape and consists of a plurality of insulating blocks 1 arranged in a ring and independent of each other. Pockets 2 for placing rolling bodies are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the insulating blocks 1. There are two pockets 2. The outer shape of a single pocket 2 is a square frame structure. The pocket 2 has two mutually parallel end inner walls 3 and two symmetrical side inner walls 4. The end inner walls 3 are planar structures. The side inner walls 4 of the pockets 2 are symmetrically provided with inclined sections 5, arc sections 6, plane sections 1 7, and plane sections 2 8. The inclined section 5 is connected to the plane section 2 8. A locking point 9 is formed at the intersection of the plane section 2 8 and the arc section 6. A locking opening 10 is formed between the corresponding locking points 9 on the side inner walls 4 of the single pocket 3. The other end of the arc section 6 is connected to the plane section 1 7. The inclined sections 5, plane sections 2 8, arc sections 6 and plane sections 1 7 of the side inner walls 4 of the two pockets 2 of the insulating blocks are in opposite positions.
[0030] The inner and outer diameter end surfaces of the isolation block 1 are arc-shaped and match the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the bearing raceway. Arc-shaped grooves 11 are evenly distributed around the center of the cage. One outer side surface of the isolation block 1 is a concave arc-shaped surface, while the other side surface is a convex arc-shaped surface. The concave and convex arc-shaped surfaces of adjacent isolation blocks 1 are adjacent and matched, improving the overall installation accuracy and overall structural strength of the cage.
[0031] The side inner wall 4 of the pocket 2 is provided with an inclined surface section 5, a second flat surface section 8, an arc section 6, and a first flat surface section 7, which are sequentially connected with a smooth transition at the connection points. This avoids the structural stress concentration problem of the pocket 2 and also improves the overall strength of the spacer block and the cage.
[0032] The starting spacing of the inclined surface sections 5 of the inner wall 4 on both sides of the pocket 2 is adapted to the outer diameter of the rolling element; the difference in spacing between the two end ends of the corresponding inclined surface sections 5 on the inner wall 4 on each side of the pocket 2 is 0.3-0.6 mm.
[0033] The spacing between the planar sections 28 of the inner walls 4 on either side of the pocket 2 is smaller than the outer diameter of the rolling element. The size of the locking opening 10 between the two locking points 9 at the planar sections 28 of the inner walls 4 on either side of the pocket 2 differs by 0.3-0.5 mm from the outer diameter of the rolling element, and the length of the planar sections 28 is 0.5 mm. The planar sections 28 provide a smooth transition between the inclined sections 5 and the arc sections 6 of the inner walls 4 on either side of the pocket 2, enhancing the structural strength of the isolation block at the locking points 9. Furthermore, the size of the locking opening 10 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the rolling element. When the rolling element is properly assembled, the self-locking function of the locking opening 10 is enhanced, locking the assembled rolling element to prevent it from falling out of the pocket 2. This allows the isolation block 1 and the rolling element to form a single integral structure, facilitating bearing assembly and improving production efficiency.
[0034] The arc center of the arc segment 6 of the inner wall 4 of the side of the pocket 2 coincides with the center of the pocket 2, and the difference between the arc center positions of two adjacent pockets 2 is ≤0.1 mm.
[0035] The arc segments 6 of the inner side walls 4 of the pockets 2 have a radius of curvature greater than the radius of the rolling element and are arranged tangent to the outer diameter of the rolling element. A guide clearance is provided for the rolling element when installed in the pockets 2. The guide clearance between the arc segments 6 of the inner side walls 4 of the pockets 2 and the rolling element on each side is 0.4-0.5 mm. This allows the rolling element to rotate flexibly and smoothly within the pockets 2, reduces frictional heat and collision between the rolling element and the isolation block 1, reduces bearing vibration, and effectively increases the service life of the cage and bearing.
[0036] The distance between the flat sections 7 of the inner wall 4 on both sides of the pocket 2 is smaller than the outer diameter of the rolling element, with a difference of 9.7-10.3 mm. The flat sections 7 serve as limit ends to define the position of the rolling element in the pocket.
[0037] The four corners of the inner wall of the pocket 2 are provided with transition fillets with a radius of 0.5mm; the radius of the arc groove 11 of the isolation block 1 is 3mm, and the arc groove 11 is opened on the inner and outer diameter end faces of the isolation block 1 as an oil storage tank, so that lubricating oil or grease can enter the oil storage tank and can diffuse into the gap between the isolation block and the circumferential raceway surface of the bearing ring during operation, thereby reducing friction and extending service life.
[0038] The isolation block 1 is made of polyoxymethylene molding and extrusion material and is injection molded.
[0039] The shape of the pocket is set to a square frame structure mainly for use with cylindrical rollers. The corresponding shape can be processed according to actual needs. For example, the pocket processed into a tapered frame structure is suitable for tapered rollers.
[0040] During assembly, the cross-section of the inclined surface section 5 of the inner wall 4 of the side of the pocket hole 2 is in the shape of a micro-flare. The size of the end with a large spacing is adapted to the outer diameter of the rolling element, and the size of the end with a small spacing is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the rolling element. One side of the inclined surface section 5 of the inner wall 4 of the side of the pocket hole 2 is the installation end, and the other side is the limit end. The rolling element is installed from the installation end with a large spacing of the inclined surface section 5. The size of the locking opening 10 between the two locking points 9 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the rolling element. The rolling element is pressed from the locking opening 10 to the arc section 6 of the pocket hole 2 for positioning. The outer diameter of the rolling element squeezes the locking point 9 to produce elasticity. The locking mouth 10 is deformed and the rolling body is pressed into the isolation block 1. Then the elastic deformation of the locking mouth 10 disappears and returns to its original size. The locking mouth 10 between the plane segment 8 and the arc segment 6 is used to limit the rolling body to prevent it from falling from the isolation block 1. The rolling body is sequentially installed into the pocket 2 on the isolation block 1 to realize the assembly between the rolling body and the isolation block 1. Then the isolation block is assembled with the inner and outer rings of the bearing in turn to complete the assembly of the bearing. The rolling body is directly installed from the pocket 2 of the isolation block, which greatly improves the production efficiency.
[0041] The rolling elements and the isolation block 1 are assembled into an overall isolation block structure. When the retaining frame is assembled, the isolation block pockets 2 are arranged in a "positive, negative, reverse..." manner and are trial-assembled with standard rolling elements to ensure that the retaining frame can lock the rolling elements and that the rolling elements can rotate flexibly in the pockets 2. During the operation of the bearing, the inclined sections 5, arc sections 6, plane sections 1 7 and plane sections 2 8 of the side inner walls 4 of the two pockets 2 of the isolation block are distributed in opposite positions, so that the thrust retaining frame is always in the middle position between the inner and outer rings of the bearing and is relatively suspended in the annular area formed by the inner ring and the outer ring. The rolling elements rotate to guide the retaining frame to rotate without generating friction with the inner and outer rings of the bearing. A certain guiding gap is provided between the inner arc section 6 of the pocket and the rolling element, so that the rolling element can rotate flexibly and smoothly in the pocket 2, reducing the frictional heat and collision between the rolling element and the retaining frame, reducing the vibration of the bearing, and effectively improving the service life of the thrust retaining frame and the bearing.
[0042] In addition to the above embodiments, the present invention may also have other implementation methods. Any technical solutions formed by equivalent replacement or equivalent transformation fall within the scope of protection required by the present invention.
Claims
1. A double-pocket thrust bearing retainer, characterized in that: The retaining frame is in the shape of a ring and is composed of a plurality of insulating blocks arranged in a ring and independent of each other. Pockets for placing rolling bodies are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the insulating blocks. There are two pockets, and the appearance of a single pocket is a square frame structure. The pocket has two mutually parallel end inner walls and two symmetrical side inner walls. The end inner walls are planar structures, and the side inner walls of the pockets are symmetrically provided with inclined sections, arc sections, plane section one, and plane section two. The inclined section is connected to plane section two, and a locking point is formed at the intersection of plane section two and the arc section. A locking mouth is formed between the corresponding locking points on the side inner walls of both sides of the pocket, and the other end of the arc section is connected to plane section one; the inclined sections, plane section two, arc sections and plane section one on the side inner walls of the two pockets of the insulating blocks are arranged in opposite positions.
2. The double-pocket thrust bearing retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner and outer diameter end faces of the isolation block are arc surfaces and match the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the bearing raceway. The inner and outer diameter end faces of the isolation block are provided with arc grooves evenly distributed around the center of the retaining frame; the outer side surface of one side of the isolation block is a concave arc surface, and the other side surface of the isolation block is a convex arc surface. The concave arc surfaces and convex arc surfaces of adjacent isolation blocks are adjacent and the arc surfaces are adapted to each other.
3. The double-pocket thrust bearing retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inclined surface section, the second plane section, the arc section and the first plane section arranged on the side inner wall of the pocket hole are connected in sequence, and the connection parts have a smooth transition.
4. The double-pocket thrust bearing retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The starting spacing of the inclined surface sections on the inner walls of the side portions of the pocket holes is adapted to the outer diameter of the rolling element; the difference in spacing between the ends of the corresponding inclined surface sections on the inner walls of the side portions of each side of the pocket holes is 0.3-0.6 mm.
5. The double-pocket thrust bearing retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spacing between the two plane sections of the inner wall on both sides of the pocket hole is smaller than the outer diameter of the rolling element. The locking size between the two locking points at the two plane sections of the inner wall on both sides of the pocket hole is 0.3-0.5mm different from the outer diameter of the rolling element. The length of the two plane sections is 0.5mm.
6. The double-pocket thrust bearing retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The center of the arc segment of the inner wall of the pocket side coincides with the center of the pocket, and the difference between the center positions of the two pocket arcs of the isolation block is ≤0.1mm.
7. The double-pocket thrust bearing retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The curvature radius of the arc section of the inner wall of the pocket hole is greater than the radius of the rolling body, and is set tangent to the outer diameter of the rolling body. The rolling body is installed in the pocket hole with a guide gap. The guide gap between the arc section of the inner wall of each side of the pocket hole and the rolling body is 0.4-0.5mm.
8. The double-pocket thrust bearing retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance between the plane sections of the inner walls of the side portions on both sides of the pocket is smaller than the outer diameter of the rolling element, with a difference of 9.7-10.3 mm.
9. The double-pocket thrust bearing retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The four corners of the inner wall of the pocket hole are all provided with transition fillets with a radius of 0.5mm; the radius of the arc groove of the isolation block is 3mm.
10. The double-pocket thrust bearing retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The isolation block is made of polyoxymethylene molding and extrusion materials and is injection molded.