Lightweight metal segmented retainer

Abstract

The utility model discloses a light-weight metal segmented retainer which comprises a metal segmented body, the metal segmented body is composed of two arc-shaped segments and window beams which are connected with the two arc-shaped segments and are evenly arranged at intervals, and pocket holes are formed between the adjacent window beams; due to the design that the two ends of the arc-shaped sections protrude out of the window beams at the two ends and the two ends of the arc-shaped sections protrude out of the window beams at the two ends, collision of the window beams between the adjacent metal section bodies is avoided, and the abrasion risk is reduced. The strength of the metal material allows thinner wall thickness to be used, the weight is further reduced, and when the two ends of the arc-shaped section are seriously abraded, the elastic supporting feet can abut against window beams at the ends of the adjacent section retainers to deform. The triggering piece can detect the deformation and send a signal to the control system to remind maintenance and repair. Whether the holder is in a severe abrasion state or not is monitored, the limitation of regular detection is avoided, problems can be found in time, maintenance can be conducted, and the risk of operation accidents is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of wind turbine pitch bearing cages, and particularly relates to a lightweight metal segmented cage. Background Technology

[0002] As a core component of wind power generation systems, wind turbine pitch bearings are characterized by their large size, ability to withstand complex and variable loads, adaptability to high-speed rotation environments, high wear resistance, and long-term operation in harsh natural conditions. The cage, a key component, must strictly adhere to a series of standards in its design and material selection. The cage needs sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand the complex stresses experienced by the pitch bearing during operation, encompassing alternating stresses and sudden impact loads. Given the need for continuous and efficient operation of wind turbine pitch bearings, the wear resistance of the cage is crucial, effectively reducing frictional losses and extending the overall service life of the bearing. Furthermore, the cage design must also consider convenient maintenance and installation processes, aiming to reduce maintenance costs and minimize downtime.

[0003] Currently, segmented cages are widely used due to their unique advantages. This design not only simplifies the manufacturing and installation process, reducing production costs and complexity, but also effectively disperses stress through the segmented structure, significantly improving the overall load-bearing capacity and system stability. Particularly noteworthy is the lightweight nature of segmented engineering plastic cages, which helps reduce the weight of the entire wind turbine pitch control system, thereby enhancing system flexibility and operational efficiency. However, in practical applications, segmented engineering plastic cages are gradually revealing some limitations. Especially under low-speed, heavy-load operating conditions, complex mechanical forces often lead to damage to the window beams, particularly cracking at the ends and corners of the segmented cages. In-depth analysis reveals that when the rolling elements drive the segmented cage, the resistance of the hydraulic fluid creates a speed difference between them, causing the rolling elements to impact the window beams, and adjacent segmented components also collide. Because the tensile strength of engineering plastic cages is limited, they cannot withstand the pressure from such impacts. Current inspection methods, often relying on periodic checks, cannot promptly detect damage to these vulnerable parts of the cage, potentially leading to more serious operational accidents. This shows that existing technologies need further improvement and enhancement. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a lightweight metal segmented retainer to at least solve or alleviate one or more technical problems in the prior art, or to at least provide a beneficial alternative.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A lightweight metal segmented retainer includes a metal segmented body, which consists of two arc-shaped segments and window beams that connect the two segments at even intervals, with pockets formed between adjacent window beams.

[0007] The two ends of the arc-shaped segment protrude from the end window beams, ensuring that the adjacent metal segments can contact each other through the extended arc-shaped segments, thus avoiding wear caused by collisions between the end window beams. The end window beams are equipped with inclined elastic supports and triggers. The elastic supports are located inside the protruding parts at both ends of the arc-shaped segment. When the ends of the arc-shaped segment are severely worn, the elastic supports will deform by abutting against the end window beams of the adjacent segment retainer. The triggers can detect the deformation and send a signal to the control system for maintenance and repair.

[0008] The lightweight metal segmented cage described in this application is typically used. Compared to engineering plastics, metal has higher strength and rigidity, enabling it to better withstand complex and variable loads, alternating stresses, and sudden impact loads. The design of the arc-shaped segments protruding from the end window beams avoids collisions between the window beams of adjacent metal segments, reducing the risk of wear. The strength of the metal material allows for thinner wall thicknesses, further reducing weight. When the ends of the arc-shaped segments are severely worn, the elastic supports will deform by abutting against the end window beams of adjacent segmented cages. The trigger can detect this deformation and send a signal to the control system to remind maintenance and repair. This achieves monitoring of the cage for severe wear, avoiding the limitations of periodic inspections, enabling timely detection and maintenance of problems, reducing the risk of operational accidents, solving the problem of existing engineering plastic cages being easily damaged under low-speed, heavy-load conditions, and improving the safety and reliability of the system through monitoring.

[0009] In the preferred implementation, the elastic supports of the window beams at both ends of adjacent metal segment main bodies are staggered.

[0010] When wear occurs on the window beam of a certain segment, causing deformation of the elastic support, the triggered signal will not interfere with or confuse the monitoring results of other segments. This allows for accurate identification of which window beam in which segment has experienced wear, thus quickly pinpointing the problem and reducing troubleshooting time.

[0011] In a preferred implementation, the trigger includes a limit switch, the limit switch wire is connected to the transmitter, and when the elastic support foot abuts against the limit switch, the transmitter emits an alarm signal.

[0012] When the flexible outrigger comes into contact with the limit switch, the limit switch is activated, which in turn triggers the transmitter connected by the wire to send an alarm signal. This signal can be received by the control system of the wind turbine pitch system, thereby reminding maintenance personnel to carry out maintenance.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the window beam located in the middle of the arc-shaped segment includes two first thin plate elements equipped with arc-shaped contact surfaces, with a gap remaining between the two thin plate elements; the window beams at both ends of the arc-shaped segment are composed of a single second thin plate element, whose arc-shaped contact surfaces are configured correspondingly to the arc-shaped contact surfaces of the adjacent first thin plate elements.

[0014] Using thin-plate components can significantly reduce the amount of material used compared to traditional solid or thicker structures, thereby reducing the overall weight.

[0015] In a preferred implementation, the side of the first thin plate element / second thin plate element that is connected to the arc-shaped segment has a bonding interface and a non-bonding interface. The bonding interface is tightly fitted to the arc-shaped segment, while the non-bonding interface forms an oil passage gap with the arc-shaped segment.

[0016] In a preferred implementation, the cross-section of the first thin plate element / second thin plate element along the depth direction of the pocket gradually changes from a thick part on one side to a thin part on the other side, with the bonding interface located in the thick part and the non-bonding interface located in the thin part.

[0017] In a preferred implementation, the thin section forms an elastic deformation segment and the thick section forms a rigid connection segment. The rigid connection segment ensures the connection between the thin plate element and the arc-shaped segment, while the elastic deformation segment disperses the impact force of the rolling element on the thin plate element, reducing the risk of the thin plate element breaking.

[0018] In a preferred implementation, an elastic connector is provided between adjacent first thin plate elements. The elastic connector connects adjacent elastic deformation segments, connecting the two first thin plate elements into one unit, so that the two first thin plate elements support each other.

[0019] In a preferred implementation, the elastic connector is U-shaped or V-shaped.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic connector is positioned above the end face of the arc-shaped segment, and a wear-resistant protrusion is provided on the thick side of the second thin plate element. The wear-resistant protrusion is positioned above the end face of the arc-shaped segment to reduce the impact wear of the arc-shaped segment. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 The illustration shows a three-dimensional structural diagram of a schematic embodiment of the lightweight metal segmented cage of this application.

[0023] Figure 2A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the lightweight metal segmented cage of this application is shown;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of a partial cross-sectional view of the first thin-plate element of this application is shown.

[0025] Figure 4 The illustration shows a schematic embodiment of the combination of adjacent metal segment main bodies of this application;

[0026] Label Explanation:

[0027] 1. Arc-shaped segment; 2. Window beam; 20. First thin plate element; 201. Thin part; 200. Thick part; 202. Oil passage gap; 203. Void; 2000. Joint interface; 2001. Non-joint interface; 21. Second thin plate element; 210. Elastic support; 22. Elastic connector; 23. Wear-resistant protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Therefore, the drawings and description are considered exemplary in nature and not restrictive.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. In this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the first feature being "upper" or "lower" than the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium.

[0030] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral unit; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. However, specifying a direct connection indicates that the two main bodies at the connection point are not connected by an intermediate structure, but are simply connected to form a whole through a connecting structure. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this utility model, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., 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 that feature.

[0032] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] The specific solution adopted is as follows:

[0034] like Figure 1-4 As shown, this utility model provides a lightweight metal segmented retainer, including a metal segmented body, which is composed of two arc-shaped segments 1 and window beams 2 that connect the two at uniform intervals, with pockets formed between adjacent window beams 2.

[0035] The two ends of the arc-shaped segment 1 protrude from the two end window beams 2, ensuring that the adjacent metal segment bodies can make contact through the extended arc-shaped segment 1, so as to avoid wear caused by collision between the end window beams 2; the two end window beams 2 are provided with inclined elastic support legs 210 and triggers. The elastic support legs 210 are located inside the protruding parts at both ends of the arc-shaped segment 1. When the two ends of the arc-shaped segment 1 are severely worn, the elastic support legs 210 abut against the end window beams 2 of the adjacent segment retainer and deform. The triggers can detect the deformation and send a signal to the control system for maintenance and repair.

[0036] The aforementioned structure, using metal as the main material for the cage, can be cast. Compared to engineering plastics, metal has higher strength and rigidity, enabling it to better withstand complex and variable loads, alternating stresses, and sudden impact loads. The design of the arc-shaped segment 1 protruding from both ends of the end window beams 2 avoids collisions between the window beams 2 of adjacent metal segments, reducing the risk of wear. The strength of the metal material allows for thinner wall thicknesses, further reducing weight. When the ends of the arc-shaped segment 1 are severely worn, the elastic support 210 will abut against the end window beams 2 of the adjacent segment cage, causing deformation. The trigger can detect this deformation and send a signal to the control system, reminding for maintenance and repair. This achieves monitoring of the cage for severe wear, avoiding the limitations of periodic inspections, enabling timely detection and maintenance of problems, reducing the risk of operational accidents, solving the problem of existing engineering plastic cages being easily damaged under low-speed, heavy-load conditions, and improving the safety and reliability of the system through monitoring.

[0037] As a preferred embodiment of this application, see [link to application]. Figure 4 The elastic supports 210 of the window beams 2 at both ends of adjacent metal segment main bodies are staggered. This staggered arrangement ensures independent monitoring for each metal segment main body. When wear occurs on the window beam 2 of a certain segment main body, causing deformation of the elastic support 210, the triggered signal will not interfere with or confuse the monitoring results of other segments. This allows for accurate identification of which window beam 2 of which segment main body has experienced wear, thus quickly locating the problem and reducing troubleshooting time.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the trigger includes a limit switch, the limit switch wire is connected to the transmitter, and when the elastic support 210 abuts against the limit switch, the transmitter emits an alarm signal.

[0039] When the flexible support 210 abuts against the limit switch, the limit switch is activated, which in turn triggers the transmitter connected by the wire to emit an alarm signal. This signal can be received by the control system of the wind turbine pitch system, thereby alerting maintenance personnel to perform maintenance. The segmented cage used for wind turbine bearings is relatively large, thus providing sufficient space for installing the trigger. The trigger can be fixed to the cage by adhesive, welding, or a mounting plate. During installation, it is necessary to ensure that the limit switch and transmitter have a sufficient waterproof and dustproof rating (such as IP8 or higher) to prevent damage from oil inside the bearing.

[0040] As a preferred embodiment of this application, the window beam 2 located in the middle of the arc-shaped segment 1 includes two first thin plate elements 20 equipped with arc-shaped contact surfaces, with a gap 203 left between the two thin plate elements; the window beams 2 at both ends of the arc-shaped segment 1 are composed of a single second thin plate element 21, whose arc-shaped contact surfaces are correspondingly configured with the arc-shaped contact surfaces of the adjacent first thin plate elements 20.

[0041] Using thin-plate components significantly reduces material usage compared to traditional solid or thicker structures, thus lowering the overall weight. A gap is maintained between the two first thin-plate components 20; this design not only reduces weight but also increases the structure's oil capacity, which is beneficial for overall bearing lubrication. The arc-shaped contact surface design allows the thin-plate components to better contact the rolling elements. The lightweight design of the segmented metal cage shows promising application prospects in wind turbine pitch systems.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the side of the first thin plate element 20 / second thin plate element 21 that connects to the arc-shaped segment 1 has a mating interface 2000 and a non-matting interface 2001. The mating interface 2000 is in close contact with the arc-shaped segment, and the oil passage gap 202 formed between the non-matting interface 2001 and the arc-shaped segment 1 provides a smooth flow channel for lubricating oil. The lubricating oil can be evenly distributed between adjacent openings, thereby effectively lubricating the rolling elements and reducing friction and wear. Good lubrication helps reduce the heat generated by friction, thereby lowering the operating temperature of the system and improving the stability and lifespan of the system.

[0043] Reducing the contact area between rolling elements and thin-plate components can significantly reduce the frictional resistance between them. This helps reduce wear on the rolling elements and also improves the system's operating efficiency.

[0044] Furthermore, the cross-section of the first thin plate element 20 / the second thin plate element 21 along the depth direction of the pocket gradually changes from a thick portion 200 on one side to a thin portion 201 on the other side, with the bonding interface 2000 located in the thick portion 200 and the non-bonding interface 2001 located in the thin portion 201.

[0045] The bonding interface 2000, located at the thicker section 200, ensures a stable connection between the thin-plate element and the arc-shaped segment 1 or other connecting components. The material of the thicker section 200 provides greater load-bearing capacity and resistance to deformation, thereby enhancing the stability of the entire structure. The design of the cross-section gradually transitioning from the thicker section 200 to the thinner section 201 avoids abrupt changes in cross-sectional dimensions, thus reducing the possibility of stress concentration. The non-bonding interface 2001, located at the thinner section 201, means that less material is used in this area. This helps reduce the overall weight, achieving a lightweight design.

[0046] The thin section 201 forms an elastic deformation section and the thick section 200 forms a rigid connection section. The rigid connection section ensures the connection between the thin plate element and the arc-shaped segment 1, while the elastic deformation section disperses the impact force of the rolling element on the thin plate element and reduces the risk of the thin plate element breaking.

[0047] The rigid connecting section (thick section 200) is located at the interface 2000 between the thin plate element and the arc-shaped segment 1, providing a stable connection. Due to its thickness, the rigid connecting section can withstand greater tensile and compressive forces, ensuring a strong connection between the thin plate element and the arc-shaped segment 1. The elastic deformation section (thin section 201) is designed to be thin and elastic, capable of absorbing and dispersing the impact energy of the rolling elements on the thin plate element.

[0048] When a rolling element impacts a thin plate component, the elastic deformation section undergoes slight deformation, thereby absorbing impact energy and reducing the impact on the thin plate component. By dispersing impact energy, the elastic deformation section reduces the risk of the thin plate component fracturing due to impact. In purely rigid connections (without non-joining interfaces 2001), the lack of flexibility at the connection makes it prone to stress concentration when impacted by rolling elements. Long-term stress concentration leads to fatigue damage and fracture at the connection.

[0049] As a preferred embodiment of this application, see [link to application]. Figure 1 An elastic connector 22 is provided between adjacent first thin plate elements 20. The elastic connector 22 is U-shaped or V-shaped. The elastic connector 22 connects adjacent elastic deformation sections, connecting the two first thin plate elements 20 into one unit, so that the two first thin plate elements 20 support each other.

[0050] When one of the first sheet metal elements 20 is subjected to an external force, this force is rapidly transmitted to the adjacent sheet metal elements through the elastic connector 22. This force transmission is efficient because the elastic connector 22 provides a direct connection path. Due to the presence of the elastic connector 22, adjacent sheet metal elements can support each other. When one element is under pressure, adjacent elements share part of the load, thereby reducing the stress on the individual element.

[0051] The first sheet metal elements 20 connected by the elastic connector 22 form an integral structure. This integral structure is more stable under stress because the interaction between the elements enhances the stiffness of the entire structure. The elastic connector 22 allows for a certain degree of elastic deformation, and the structure can return to its original shape when the external force is removed. This resilience is crucial for resisting fatigue and maintaining long-term stability.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic connector 22 is positioned above the end face of the arc-shaped segment 1, and a wear-resistant protrusion 23 is provided on one side of the thickness 200 of the second thin plate element 21. The wear-resistant protrusion 23 is positioned above the end face of the arc-shaped segment 1 to reduce the impact wear of the arc-shaped segment 1.

[0053] By placing the elastic connector 22 and the wear-resistant protrusion 23 on the end face of the arc-shaped segment 1, a buffer layer is effectively set between the arc-shaped segment 1 and the inner and outer rings of the bearing, reducing the direct contact area between the two and thus reducing wear caused by friction and collision. Furthermore, when the elastic connector 22 collides with the inner and outer rings of the bearing, its elastic properties allow it to absorb and disperse the impact force generated by the collision, and also transmit the force to the connected thin-plate element.

[0054] For any parts not mentioned in this utility model, existing technologies can be used or referenced.

[0055] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model, and these should all be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A lightweight segmented metal retainer, characterized in that, It includes a metal segmented main body, which consists of two arc-shaped segments and window beams that connect the two segments at even intervals, with pockets formed between adjacent window beams; The two ends of the arc-shaped segment protrude from the end window beams, ensuring that the adjacent metal segments can contact each other through the extended arc-shaped segments, thus avoiding wear caused by collisions between the end window beams. The end window beams are equipped with inclined elastic supports and triggers. The elastic supports are located inside the protruding parts at both ends of the arc-shaped segment. When the ends of the arc-shaped segment are severely worn, the elastic supports will deform by abutting against the end window beams of the adjacent segment retainer. The triggers can detect the deformation and send a signal to the control system for maintenance and repair.

2. The lightweight metal segmented cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic supports of the window beams at both ends of the adjacent metal segment main body are staggered.

3. The lightweight metal segmented cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trigger includes a limit switch, the limit switch wire is connected to the transmitter, and when the elastic support foot abuts against the limit switch, the transmitter sends an alarm signal.

4. The lightweight metal segmented cage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The window beam located in the middle of the arc-shaped segment includes two first thin plate elements equipped with arc-shaped contact surfaces, with a gap between the two thin plate elements; the window beams at both ends of the arc-shaped segment are composed of a single second thin plate element, whose arc-shaped contact surfaces are configured correspondingly to the arc-shaped contact surfaces of the adjacent first thin plate elements.

5. The lightweight metal segmented retainer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The side of the first thin plate element / second thin plate element that is connected to the arc-shaped segment has a bonding interface and a non-bonding interface. The bonding interface is tightly fitted to the arc-shaped segment, while the non-bonding interface forms an oil passage gap with the arc-shaped segment.

6. The lightweight metal segmented retainer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cross-section of the first thin plate element / second thin plate element along the depth direction of the pocket gradually changes from a thick part on one side to a thin part on the other side, with the bonding interface located in the thick part and the non-bonding interface located in the thin part.

7. The lightweight metal segmented cage according to claim 6, characterized in that, The thin section forms an elastic deformation segment, while the thick section forms a rigid connection segment. The rigid connection segment ensures the connection between the thin plate element and the arc-shaped segment, while the elastic deformation segment disperses the impact force of the rolling element on the thin plate element, reducing the risk of the thin plate element breaking.

8. The lightweight metal segmented retainer according to claim 7, characterized in that, An elastic connector is provided between adjacent first thin plate elements. The elastic connector connects adjacent elastic deformation sections, connecting the two first thin plate elements into one unit, so that the two first thin plate elements support each other.

9. The lightweight metal segmented cage according to claim 8, characterized in that, The elastic connector is U-shaped or V-shaped.

10. The lightweight metal segmented cage according to claim 7, characterized in that, The elastic connector is positioned above the end face of the arc-shaped segment, and a wear-resistant protrusion is provided on the thick side of the second thin plate element. The wear-resistant protrusion is positioned above the end face of the arc-shaped segment to reduce the impact wear of the arc-shaped segment.

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