Wear-resistant wind power bearing retainer and bearing
By employing an integral annular frame, elliptical pockets and arc holes, and reinforcing columns in the ball bearing cage, the problems of insufficient structural strength and lubrication were solved, achieving stability and wear resistance under high load conditions.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422735970.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing ball bearing cages have low structural strength in high-load environments and insufficient lubrication, leading to wear and noise problems.
The ring-shaped frame with an integral structure features elliptical pockets combined with arc-shaped holes to increase lubrication space. Reinforcing columns are also installed to improve structural strength, and the pocket connections are rounded to reduce friction.
It improves the structural strength of the ball bearing cage, enhances lubrication, reduces wear and noise, and improves operational stability and reliability.
Smart Images

Figure CN223498444U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bearing retainer technology, and in particular to a wear-resistant wind turbine bearing retainer and bearing. Background Technology
[0002] The bearing cage, also known as a bearing retainer, is an important component of a bearing. The bearing cage tightly encloses the rolling elements and separates adjacent rolling elements, preventing excessive friction and wear caused by direct contact between them. Furthermore, during rotation, the cage guides the movement path of the rolling elements, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.
[0003] Depending on the structure of the rolling elements, cages are classified into ball bearing cages, cylindrical roller bearing cages, tapered roller bearing cages, etc. Current ball bearing cages have pockets shaped to correspond to the spherical rollers, providing sufficient lubrication. However, their structural strength is relatively low, making them difficult to apply in high-load applications. Therefore, a wear-resistant wind turbine bearing cage is proposed to address the technical problem of insufficient lubrication of the rolling elements in current bearings. Utility Model Content
[0004] The main purpose of this utility model is to provide a wear-resistant wind turbine bearing cage and bearing, which aims to solve the technical problem of insufficient lubrication of rolling elements in current bearings.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the bearing retainer proposed in this utility model includes:
[0006] The frame is ring-shaped and integral, with a plurality of pockets evenly distributed along the circumference of the frame. The pockets include elliptical holes, and ball bearings are placed in the pockets.
[0007] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the pocket further includes an arc-shaped hole, which is concentric with the elliptical hole, and the arc-shaped hole limits the ball bearing.
[0008] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the connection between the arc hole and the elliptical hole is a rounded corner.
[0009] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, it further includes reinforcing columns, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the frame.
[0010] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing post is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the frame, and the reinforcing post is located between the two pockets.
[0011] Optionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing column has a trapezoidal structure, the long bottom surface of the reinforcing column is connected to the frame, and the length of the reinforcing column is equal to the width of the frame.
[0012] Optionally, in one embodiment of this utility model, the reinforcing column is integrally formed with the frame.
[0013] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model also proposes a bearing, including the bearing retainer described above.
[0014] Compared with existing technologies, this utility model can achieve at least the following beneficial effects. Ball bearings, also known as rolling bearings, are a type of bearing commonly used in wind power generation, machine tool manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, mining and metallurgy, and other fields. In existing technologies, the cages of ball bearings are typically thin, ensuring a large contact area between the balls and lubricating oil while limiting ball positioning. However, existing ball bearing cages can only bear a relatively small load, whereas in wind power generation environments, the cage needs to withstand a larger load. In this utility model's technical solution, the cage is a monolithic ring-shaped structure. Compared to spliced cages, the monolithic structure has no connection points, resulting in higher structural strength and reducing the likelihood of fatigue fracture during operation, thus solving the technical problem of low structural strength in current ball bearing cages. To improve the structural strength of the cage while ensuring the contact area between the balls and lubricating oil, the shape of the pocket is improved; the pocket in this solution is an elliptical hole. Compared to traditional round pockets, elliptical pockets are widened on both sides, which increases the lateral movement of the balls within the pocket. Because the shape of the balls is different from that of the pocket, there are cavities on both sides of the balls, allowing lubricating oil to have more space to enter the pocket and contact the balls, ensuring the lubrication effect of the balls and effectively reducing wear and noise between the balls and the cage. Attached Figure Description
[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0016] Figure 1 This is a side view of a wear-resistant wind turbine bearing cage according to the present invention;
[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the wear-resistant wind turbine bearing cage of this utility model;
[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2Side view of the wear-resistant wind turbine bearing cage;
[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the pocket in the cage of a medium wear-resistant wind turbine bearing;
[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the pocket structure in another embodiment of the wear-resistant wind turbine bearing cage of this utility model.
[0021] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0022] 100. Frame; 110. Pocket; 120. Arc hole; 130. Oval hole; 200. Reinforcing column; 300. Rounded corner; 400. Ball bearing;
[0023] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0025] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.
[0026] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixing" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0027] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0028] Reference Figures 1-5 This utility model proposes a wear-resistant wind turbine bearing cage, comprising:
[0029] The frame 100 is annular and integral. Several pockets 110 are evenly provided along the circumference of the frame 100. The pockets 110 include elliptical holes 130, and the ball bearings 400 are placed in the pockets 110.
[0030] Ball bearings, also known as roller bearings, are a type of bearing commonly used in wind power generation, machine tool manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, mining, and metallurgy. In existing technologies, the cages of ball bearings are typically thin, ensuring a large contact area between the balls 400 and the lubricating oil while limiting their position. However, the load-bearing capacity of existing ball bearing cages is relatively small, whereas in wind power generation environments, the cage needs to withstand larger loads. In this invention, the cage 100 is a monolithic annular structure. Compared to a spliced cage 100, the monolithic structure eliminates connection points, resulting in higher structural strength and reducing the likelihood of fatigue fracture during operation, thus solving the problem of low structural strength in current ball bearing cages. To further improve the structural strength of the cage 100 while maintaining the contact area between the balls 400 and the lubricating oil, the shape of the pocket 110 is improved; in this design, the pocket 110 is an elliptical hole 130. Compared with the traditional circular pocket 110, the elliptical pocket 110 is widened on both sides, which increases the lateral movement of the ball 400 within the pocket 110. Since the shape of the ball 400 is different from that of the pocket 110, the ball 400 has cavities on both sides, allowing the lubricating oil to have more space to enter the pocket 110 and contact the ball 400, ensuring the lubrication effect of the ball 400, improving its wear resistance, and effectively reducing the wear and noise between the ball 400 and the cage.
[0031] Furthermore, the pocket 110 also includes an arc-shaped hole 120, which is concentric with the elliptical hole 130. The arc-shaped hole 120 limits the ball bearing 400. For ease of observation, in Figure 4 The circular arc hole 120 and the elliptical hole 130 are filled with dashed lines respectively. That is, the circular arc hole 120 is circular after being filled, and the elliptical hole 130 is elliptical after being filled.
[0032] While the elliptical pocket 110 provides more cavity space for the balls 400 to contact the lubricating oil, ensuring lubrication, it also reduces the limiting effect on the balls 400, causing vibration during bearing operation and affecting its operational stability. To improve the stability of the balls 400 during operation, the pocket 110 is formed by a combination of an arc-shaped hole 120 and an elliptical hole 130, with the center of the arc-shaped hole 120 concentric with the center of the elliptical hole 130. Specifically, the balls 400 are located within the arc-shaped hole 120, which limits their movement. It is understood that because the shape of the arc-shaped hole 120 corresponds to the shape of the balls 400, it reduces the movement deviation of the balls 400 during operation, thereby reducing vibration. The elliptical holes 130 on both sides of the arc-shaped hole 120 accommodate a portion of the balls 400 and provide space for the balls 400 to contact the lubricating oil.
[0033] For ease of understanding, the horizontal and vertical directions are indicated by the viewing angle shown in the attached figure. The length of the elliptical hole 130 along its major axis (i.e., the horizontal length) is defined as 2a, and the radius of the arc hole 120 is defined as b. The length relationship between a and b satisfies a = [1.1~1.2]b. This length relationship will now be explained.
[0034] The length of the elliptical bore 130 along its major axis determines its size. Increasing the length of the elliptical bore 130 results in a larger cavity, allowing it to hold more lubricating oil and reducing the weight of the cage. Conversely, decreasing the axial length of the elliptical bore 130 results in a smaller cavity, reducing the area of the pockets 110. This allows for a greater number of pockets 110 on the cage 100 to accommodate more balls 400, thus increasing the bearing's load capacity. Furthermore, reducing the axial length of the elliptical bore 130 without increasing the number of pockets 110 improves the structural strength of the cage 100 and reduces the risk of deformation during operation. To ensure effective lubrication of the balls 400, a must be at least 1.1b, and to guarantee the structural strength of the cage 100, a must be at most 1.2b.
[0035] The limiting effect on the ball 400 is achieved by the arc-shaped hole 120. Therefore, the length of b is determined by the radius of the ball 400, which is slightly larger than the radius of the ball 400. In addition, the length of the arc-shaped hole 120 extending in the vertical direction is positively correlated with the limiting effect. If the arc-shaped hole 120 is a superior arc, its limiting effect on the ball 400 is better than that of a inferior arc.
[0036] Additionally, refer to Figure 5 Alternatively, other hole shapes can be selected to replace the function of the elliptical hole 130. For example, rectangular holes can be opened on both sides of the arc hole 120 to form a rectangular cavity so that lubricating oil can enter the pocket hole 110.
[0037] Regardless of the hole shape, the connection between the elliptical hole 130 and the arc-shaped hole 120 will always form an angle structure. Since the gap between the connection point and the ball 400 is small, the ball 400 will inevitably come into contact with the connection point during operation. The angled connection point will generate significant friction on the ball 400, and after prolonged operation, both may wear down. Therefore, the connection point between the elliptical hole 130 and the arc-shaped hole 120 is rounded to form a fillet 300. This rounding optimizes the contact state between the ball 400 and the pocket 110, making the bearing more stable during operation and improving its operational accuracy. It is understandable that friction between the ball 400 and the pocket 110 will cause noise and vibration during operation. Reducing noise and vibration also reduces the additional load caused by vibration, improving the reliability and durability of the cage.
[0038] Because the pockets 110 create a relatively large cavity in the frame 100, this cavity can affect the structural strength of the frame 100 to some extent. Therefore, reinforcing columns 200 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the frame 100. Specifically, the reinforcing columns 200 are arranged circumferentially along the frame 100, with one reinforcing column 200 positioned between two pockets 110, providing vertical support to the frame 100 to improve its structural strength and wear resistance.
[0039] The installation of the reinforcing column 200 inevitably affects the flow of lubricating oil. To reduce this impact, the reinforcing column 200 is designed as a trapezoid, with its long base connected to the frame 100. When the lubricating oil flows circumferentially through the frame 100, the surface formed by the waist of the reinforcing column 200 is inclined, reducing obstruction to the oil flow. After passing the short top surface of the reinforcing column 200, the oil flows along another inclined surface towards the pocket 110, thus guiding the flow to the elliptical hole 130. Alternatively, reducing the thickness of the reinforcing column 200 can also reduce its obstruction of the lubricating oil.
[0040] Understandably, to ensure the structural strength of the frame 100, the reinforcing column 200 is also integrally formed with the frame 100.
[0041] In addition, the elliptical hole 130 and the arc hole 120 can also be arranged non-concentrically. In the vertical direction, in addition to forming a symmetrical structure, the arc holes 120 on the upper and lower sides can also be arranged asymmetrically, with the arc holes 120 on the upper and lower sides extending at different lengths, forming an arrangement in which the upper side is a minor arc and the lower side is a major arc, or vice versa.
[0042] In addition to arranging the arc hole 120 in an asymmetrical structure, the elliptical holes 130 on the left and right sides can also be arranged in an asymmetrical structure.
[0043] This utility model also proposes a bearing, including the cage described above. Since the bearing adopts all the technical solutions of the cage described above, it also has all the beneficial effects described above, which will not be repeated here.
[0044] The above are merely optional embodiments of this utility model and do not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the inventive concept of this utility model and the contents of the specification and drawings of this utility model, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A wear-resistant wind turbine bearing cage, characterized in that, include: The frame is ring-shaped and integral, with a plurality of pockets evenly distributed along the circumference of the frame. The pockets include elliptical holes, and ball bearings are placed in the pockets.
2. The wear-resistant wind turbine bearing cage as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pocket also includes an arc-shaped hole, which is concentric with the elliptical hole, and the arc-shaped hole limits the ball bearing.
3. The wear-resistant wind turbine bearing cage as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The connection between the arc-shaped hole and the elliptical hole is rounded.
4. The wear-resistant wind turbine bearing cage as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes reinforcing columns, which are arranged at circumferential intervals along the frame.
5. The wear-resistant wind turbine bearing cage as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The reinforcing column is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the frame, and the reinforcing column is located between the two pockets.
6. The wear-resistant wind turbine bearing cage as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The reinforcing column has a trapezoidal structure, with its long base connected to the frame, and its length being equal to the width of the frame.
7. The wear-resistant wind turbine bearing cage as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The reinforcing column is integrally formed with the frame.
8. A bearing, characterized in that, Includes the wear-resistant wind turbine bearing cage as described in any one of claims 1-7.