Cast I-shaped segmented assembly retainer

By using a segmented, cast I-beam-shaped cage design, the problems of inconvenient installation and wear of large-size wind turbine main bearings are solved, achieving cage stability and efficient operation, and reducing maintenance costs.

CN223739892UActive Publication Date: 2025-12-30SHANDONG GOLDEN EMPIRE PRECISION MACHINERY TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520250670.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-17
Publication Date
2025-12-30
Estimated Expiration
2035-02-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional integrated cages for large-size wind turbine main bearings are bulky and inconvenient to install, while segmented cages suffer from wear problems due to component gaps during transportation, affecting the stability and efficiency of wind turbines.

Method used

A casting-type segmented assembly cage is designed, employing multiple segmented cage elements and spliced ​​window elements. By designing adjacent window openings as semi-open and using spliced ​​window elements to separate them into independent closed window openings, combined with the interlocking connection of T-shaped splicing grooves and plug-in parts, the stability and strength of the cage are ensured.

Benefits of technology

It effectively avoids collision and wear at the ends of adjacent arc-shaped segments, reduces ineffective space, increases roller load, enhances the load-bearing capacity and operating efficiency of wind turbines, and reduces maintenance costs and installation complexity.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a cast I-shaped segmented assembly retainer which comprises a plurality of segmented retainer elements and spliced window elements, each segmented retainer element is composed of two arc-shaped segments and a connecting window between the arc-shaped segments, and semi-open window holes with single-side openings are formed in the two ends of each segmented retainer element. The spliced window body element is used for dividing the spliced window body element into the two independent closed window holes, direct collision between adjacent arc-shaped segmented end window bodies is avoided, abrasion caused by collision is remarkably reduced, and due to the design that one window beam is shared, compared with the space occupied by two adjacent window beams in a traditional design, the space occupied by the two adjacent window beams is greatly saved. According to the scheme, the invalid space between the window beams is reduced, more rollers can be loaded in the retainer with the same size, the bearing capacity and the operation efficiency of the wind driven generator can be improved, the retainer is manufactured through casting forming, it can be ensured that the retainer has enough strength and rigidity when bearing huge wind loads, and the bearing capacity and the operation efficiency of the wind driven generator are improved. Therefore, stable operation of wind power generation is guaranteed.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of wind turbine bearing cages, and particularly relates to a cast I-type segmented assembly cage. Background Technology

[0002] In high-power wind turbines, the main shaft and its bearings must withstand enormous wind loads, thus increasing their size and often leading to an increase in the overall weight of the turbine. Traditional one-piece cages for these large bearings are bulky and inconvenient to install. To address this challenge, segmented cages are currently used. These cages have lighter components and smaller individual dimensions, making them easier to install. However, the segmented cage design also introduces new problems. Due to gaps between the components after installation, differential movement occurs between the rollers and the cage during operation. Under prolonged operation under complex loads, this can cause collision and wear between the end beams of adjacent sections of the cage, resulting in damage. Therefore, existing technology needs further improvement and enhancement. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention provides a cast-type segmented assembly retainer to at least solve or alleviate one or more technical problems in the prior art, or at least provide a beneficial alternative.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A casting-type segmented assembly retainer includes multiple segmented retainer elements and splicing window elements. Each segmented retainer element consists of two arc-shaped segments and a connecting window between them. The two ends of each segmented retainer element form a semi-open window with a single-sided opening. The two ends of the arc-shaped segments are provided with splicing parts. The splicing window elements are installed at the splicing parts of adjacent segmented retainer elements to connect adjacent segmented retainer elements and to separate the two semi-open windows into two independent closed windows, so as to avoid collision and wear between the windows at the ends of adjacent arc-shaped segments.

[0006] The aforementioned structure, by designing the windows of adjacent segmented cage elements as semi-open and dividing them into two independent closed windows during splicing using spliced ​​window elements, effectively avoids direct collisions between the end windows of adjacent curved segments, thus significantly reducing wear caused by collisions. Furthermore, due to the use of a shared window beam, compared to the space occupied between adjacent window beams in traditional designs, this scheme reduces the ineffective space between window beams, allowing more rollers to be loaded within the same size cage, contributing to improved load-bearing capacity and operating efficiency of the wind turbine. The segmented design makes each segmented cage element relatively small in weight and size, facilitating installation and disassembly. The cage is manufactured through casting, ensuring sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand enormous wind loads, thereby guaranteeing the stable operation of the wind turbine.

[0007] In a preferred implementation, the splicing part is a splicing groove, and the splicing window element includes a window beam and plug-in parts located at both ends of the window beam. The plug-in parts are adapted to the shape of the splicing groove and are symmetrically arranged relative to the window beam.

[0008] The matching design of the splicing slot and the plug-in part ensures the precise connection between adjacent segment cage elements. Through the fitting, it effectively prevents loosening or displacement caused by vibration or load changes, thereby improving the stability of the entire cage system.

[0009] In a preferred implementation, the height of the plug portion is greater than the depth of the plug slot, and after the plug portion is inserted into the plug slot, both ends protrude out of the plane of the segmented retainer element.

[0010] The portion of the insert that protrudes from the plane of the segmented cage element will contact the inner and outer rings of the bearing before the plane, reducing the direct contact area between the cage plane and the inner and outer rings of the bearing, thereby reducing the wear rate.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the cross-section of the splicing groove is T-shaped, and the insertion part is adapted to the shape design of the T-shaped splicing groove. After the insertion part is inserted into the splicing groove, it can tighten and fix the arc-shaped segments of the adjacent segment retainer elements.

[0012] The T-shaped splice slot design allows the insertion parts to form a tight, interlocking connection. This connection method not only effectively prevents the circumferential separation of adjacent segmented cage elements, but also ensures that they maintain their integrity and stability when bearing loads.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the lower side of the plug-in portion is a connecting segment, which connects to the window beam and has a width smaller than that of the window beam and the plug-in portion. The connecting segment is squeezed between adjacent arc-shaped segments, and the arc-shaped segments are partially embedded in the rectangular groove formed between the connecting end and the window beam and the plug-in portion.

[0014] In a preferred implementation, the width of the window beam is greater than or equal to the width of the connecting window, and the window beam has an arc-shaped contact surface facing the closed window opening.

[0015] In a preferred implementation, the spliced ​​window element has a first through hole along the axial direction.

[0016] In a preferred implementation, the spliced ​​window element has a second through hole along the radial direction, and the first through hole and the second through hole overlap.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the segmented retainer element and the spliced ​​window element are made of engineering plastics or alloy materials, or one of them is an engineering plastic and the other is an alloy material. Attached Figure Description

[0018] 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:

[0019] Figure 1 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of one embodiment of the segmented assembly cage of the casting mold of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic three-dimensional structural diagram illustrating one embodiment of the segmented retainer element and the spliced ​​window element of this application is shown.

[0021] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a schematic top view of one embodiment of the segmented assembly cage for casting molds according to this application.

[0022] Label Explanation:

[0023] 1. Segmented retainer element; 10. Arc-shaped segment; 100. Splicing part; 11. Connecting window; 2. Spliced ​​window element; 20. Insertion part; 21. Connecting section; 22. Window beam; 220. Arc-shaped contact surface; 23. First through hole; 24. Second through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] The specific solution adopted is as follows:

[0030] like Figure 1-3 As shown, this utility model provides a casting-type segmented assembly retainer, including multiple segmented retainer elements 1 and spliced ​​window elements 2. The segmented retainer element 1 is composed of two arc-shaped segments 10 and a connecting window 11 between them. The two ends of the segmented retainer element 1 form a semi-open window with a single-sided opening. The two ends of the arc-shaped segments 10 are provided with splicing parts 100. The spliced ​​window elements 2 are installed on the splicing parts 100 of adjacent segmented retainer elements 1 to connect adjacent segmented retainer elements 1 and to separate the two semi-open window holes into two independent closed window holes, so as to avoid collision and wear between the windows at the ends of adjacent arc-shaped segments 10.

[0031] By using the cast-type segmented assembly cage of this application, and by designing the windows of adjacent segmented cage elements 1 as semi-open, and dividing them into two independent closed windows during splicing using spliced ​​window elements 2, direct collisions between the end windows of adjacent arc-shaped segments 10 are effectively avoided, thus significantly reducing wear caused by collisions. Furthermore, due to the use of a shared window beam 22, compared to the space occupied between adjacent window beams 22 in traditional designs, this scheme reduces the ineffective space between window beams 22, allowing more rollers to be loaded within the same size cage, which helps improve the load-bearing capacity and operating efficiency of the wind turbine. The segmented design makes the weight and size of each segmented cage element 1 relatively small, facilitating installation and disassembly. The cage is manufactured through casting, ensuring sufficient strength and rigidity when subjected to huge wind loads, thereby guaranteeing the stable operation of the wind turbine.

[0032] During the operation of a wind turbine, if a segmented retainer component 1 or a spliced ​​window component 2 is damaged, it can be replaced individually without replacing the entire retainer, which greatly reduces maintenance costs and downtime.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the splicing part 100 is a splicing groove. The splicing window element 2 includes a window beam 22 and insertion parts 20 located at both ends of the window beam 22. The insertion parts 20 are adapted to the shape of the splicing groove and are symmetrically arranged relative to the window beam 22. The fitting design of the splicing groove and the insertion parts 20 ensures precise connection between adjacent segmented retainer elements 1. Through the fitting, loosening or displacement caused by vibration or load changes is effectively prevented, thereby improving the stability of the entire retainer system. The symmetrical arrangement of the insertion parts 20 relative to the window beam 22 makes it easier for operators to insert the splicing window element 2 into the splicing groove during installation without complicated adjustment or positioning steps. This not only simplifies the installation process but also reduces the risk of installation errors.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of this implementation, the height of the plug-in portion 20 is greater than the depth of the plug-in groove, and after the plug-in portion 20 is inserted into the plug-in groove, both ends protrude out of the plane of the segmented retainer element 1.

[0035] The portion of the insert 20 that protrudes from the plane of the segmented cage element 1 will contact the inner and outer rings of the bearing before the plane, reducing the direct contact area between the cage plane and the inner and outer rings of the bearing, thereby reducing the wear rate. The spliced ​​cage element 2 can be made of wear-resistant materials, such as high-performance polymers, ceramics, or special alloys, which can further enhance its wear resistance. This choice of wear-resistant material, combined with the protruding design of the insert 20, forms a double protection, ensuring the stable operation of the cage in high-intensity, harsh environments.

[0036] As a preferred embodiment of this implementation, the cross-section of the splicing groove is T-shaped, and the insertion part 20 is adapted to the shape design of the T-shaped splicing groove. After the insertion part 20 is inserted into the splicing groove, it can tighten and fix the arc-shaped segment 10 of the adjacent segment retainer element 1.

[0037] The T-slot design allows the insertion part 20 to form a tight, fitted connection after insertion. This connection method not only effectively prevents the circumferential separation of adjacent segmented cage elements 1, but also ensures that they maintain their integrity and stability under load. Due to the tight fit between the T-slot and the insertion part 20, the entire cage system can better resist vibration and resonance during operation. This is crucial for reducing wear, extending service life, and improving the overall performance of the wind turbine.

[0038] Furthermore, the T-shaped design is directional, ensuring that the connector 20 can only be inserted into the splicing slot in the correct manner. This design helps prevent loosening or damage to the connection due to misoperation, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the entire system.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the lower side of the plug-in portion 20 is a connecting segment 21. The connecting segment 21 connects to the window beam 22 and its width is smaller than that of the window beam 22 and the plug-in portion 20. The connecting segment 21 is squeezed between adjacent arc-shaped segments 10 and the arc-shaped segments 10 are partially embedded in the rectangular groove formed between the connecting end and the window beam 22 and the plug-in portion 20.

[0040] The design of the connecting section 21 allows the two segmented cage elements 1 to be arranged more closely, thereby reducing the gap between them and enabling the overall structure to accommodate more rolling elements, thus improving load-bearing capacity. The connecting section 21 is pressed between adjacent arc-shaped segments 10, and the arc-shaped segments 10 are partially embedded in the rectangular groove formed between the connecting section 21, the window beam 22, and the insertion part 20. This interlocking connection not only increases the contact area but also improves the connection's firmness, making the entire cage more stable and reliable. Under stress, the force of the arc-shaped segments 10 can be effectively transferred to the window beam 22 through the connecting section 21, avoiding stress concentration and reducing the risk of damage caused by excessive local stress, ensuring that the entire cage system maintains its integrity and stability when bearing loads.

[0041] Furthermore, the width of the window beam 22 is greater than or equal to the width of the connecting window 11, and the window beam 22 has an arc-shaped contact surface 220 facing the closed window opening.

[0042] When the width of the window beam 22 is equal to the width of the connecting window 11, all the support beams (including the window beam 22) of the assembled cage maintain structural consistency, ensuring that the rolling elements are subjected to more balanced forces during rotation, reducing vibration and noise caused by uneven forces, thereby improving the balance and stability of rotation.

[0043] The width of the window beam 22 is greater than the width of the window frame, which enhances the structural strength of the entire cage. The wider window beam 22 can more effectively resist external loads and vibrations, reducing the risk of performance degradation and damage caused by structural deformation. The arc-shaped contact surface 220 of the window beam 22 facing the closed window opening forms a closer contact with the rolling element, reducing friction and wear between the rolling element and the window beam 22, and also improving rolling efficiency.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the modular window element 2 has a first through hole 23 along the axial direction and a second through hole 24 along the radial direction, with the first through hole 23 and the second through hole 24 overlapping each other. By providing the first through hole 23 and the second through hole 24 on the modular window element 2, the overall weight of the cage can be significantly reduced. This is particularly important for equipment requiring lightweight design, such as wind turbines, because weight reduction not only reduces energy consumption but also improves the operating efficiency and stability of the equipment.

[0045] The overlapping design of the first through hole 23 and the second through hole 24 not only reduces weight but also provides additional storage space for lubricating oil, ensuring that the rolling elements are always adequately lubricated during rotation and reducing wear and failures caused by insufficient lubrication. At the same time, the increased oil storage capacity also helps extend the service life of the lubricating oil, reducing replacement frequency and costs. When the through holes are located on the arc-shaped contact surface 220, lubricating oil can be delivered more effectively to the contact area between the rolling elements and the cage, reducing heat generated by friction and wear and helping to maintain the normal operating temperature of the equipment.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the segmented retainer element 1 and the spliced ​​window element 2 are made of engineering plastics, alloy materials, or one of them is an engineering plastic and the other is an alloy material.

[0047] For any parts not mentioned in this utility model, existing technologies can be used or referenced.

[0048] 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 cast-type segmented assembly cage characterized by, The application relates to a segmented holder element and a spliced window element, the segmented holder element is composed of two arc-shaped segments and a connecting window therebetween, the two ends of the segmented holder element form a half-open window hole with a single-side opening, the two ends of the arc-shaped segment are provided with splicing parts, the spliced window element is installed on the splicing parts of adjacent segmented holder elements to connect the adjacent segmented holder elements and divide the two half-open window holes into two independent closed window holes, so that collision and abrasion between the end windows of the adjacent arc-shaped segments are avoided.

2. A cast sectional frame assembly holder according to claim 1, wherein, The splicing part is a splicing groove, the spliced window element comprises a window beam and plug-in parts at the two ends of the window beam, the plug-in parts are adapted to the shape of the splicing groove and are symmetrically arranged relative to the window beam.

3. A cast sectional shell assembly retainer according to claim 2, wherein, The height of the plug-in part is higher than the depth of the plug-in groove, and the two ends of the plug-in part protrude from the plane of the segmented holder element after being inserted into the plug-in groove.

4. A cast sectional shell assembly retainer according to claim 2 wherein, The cross section of the splicing groove is T-shaped, the plug-in part is adapted to the shape design of the T-shaped splicing groove, and the arc-shaped segments of the adjacent segmented holder elements can be pulled and fixed after the plug-in part is inserted into the splicing groove.

5. A cast sectional gage holder assembly according to claim 4 wherein, The lower side of the plug-in part is a connecting section, the connecting section connects the window beam and has a width smaller than the window beam and the plug-in part, the connecting section is pressed between the adjacent arc-shaped segments, and the local connecting end of the arc-shaped segment is embedded in a rectangular groove formed between the window beam and the plug-in part.

6. A cast sectional frame assembly holder according to claim 2, wherein, The width of the window beam is greater than or equal to the width of the connecting window, and the window beam is provided with an arc-shaped contact surface facing the closed window hole.

7. A cast sectional shell assembly holder according to claim 2, wherein, The spliced window element is provided with a first through hole in the axial direction.

8. A cast sectional gage holder assembly according to claim 7 wherein, The spliced window element is provided with a second through hole in the radial direction, and the first through hole and the second through hole are crossed and overlapped.

9. A cast sectional frame assembly holder according to claim 1, wherein, The segmented holder element and the spliced window element are made of engineering plastics, alloy materials, or one of them is made of engineering plastics and the other is made of alloy materials.