plain bearing

Abstract

This application relates to a sliding bearing, comprising: a metal substrate (10) including a mating surface (20) having a visible macro-recessed structure, the macro-recessed structure including a plurality of grooves (30) and / or a plurality of recesses (40); and a polyetheretherketone-based polymer material layer (50) including a surface layer portion (80) and groove-embedded portions (60) embedded in the grooves (30) and / or a plurality of hole-embedded portions (70) embedded in the recesses (40), wherein the polymer material layer is integrally connected to the mating surface (20) of the metal substrate (10) by injection molding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a sliding bearing, particularly a sliding bearing used in the wind power industry to support the main shaft. Background Technology

[0002] In the wind power industry, sliding bearings are commonly used on the main shaft. Sliding bearings are characterized by their simple structure, large bearing area, and good cushioning performance. In addition, sliding bearings can be repaired by replacing components such as the bearing shell, which helps reduce maintenance costs.

[0003] Sliding bearings typically consist of a metal matrix and a plastic layer bonded to the metal matrix. The connection between the plastic layer and the metal matrix can be achieved through mechanical connection, welding, or adhesive bonding. Mechanical connections require additional connecting elements, inevitably increasing the overall weight of the sliding bearing. Furthermore, drilling holes in the material can lead to stress concentration at the hole, potentially causing cracks under impact and affecting the connection strength. If welding is used, the heat transfer to the interface between the metal matrix and the plastic layer causes significant temperature fluctuations, which, if not properly controlled, can easily generate substantial internal stress. Adhesive bonding, on the other hand, is generally difficult to withstand high temperatures, is sensitive to environmental factors, and results in relatively low connection strength. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a novel sliding bearing.

[0005] This application provides a sliding bearing, comprising: a metal substrate including a mating surface having a visible macro-recessed structure, the macro-recessed structure including a plurality of grooves and / or a plurality of recesses; and a polymer material layer including a surface layer portion and groove-embedded portions embedded in the grooves and / or a plurality of hole-embedded portions embedded in the recesses, wherein the polymer material layer is bonded to the mating surface of the metal substrate by injection molding.

[0006] In one embodiment, when the plurality of grooves are included, the plurality of grooves include: a plurality of first grooves that extend along a first direction and are spaced apart from each other; and / or a plurality of second grooves that extend along a second direction and are spaced apart from each other.

[0007] In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of first grooves and / or at least one of the plurality of second grooves has a cross-sectional shape of any one or any combination of the following: a dovetail shape, a portion of a quadrilateral or more polygonal shape, a triangle, a portion of a circle or ellipse, or an irregular shape.

[0008] In one embodiment, at least some of the plurality of first grooves and / or at least some of the plurality of second grooves satisfy at least one of the following: uniformly spaced; having the same cross-sectional shape; having the same cross-sectional size.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first direction is transverse to the second direction, and the plurality of first grooves and / or the plurality of second grooves intersect to form a plurality of intersecting portions.

[0010] In one embodiment, when including the plurality of recesses, the plurality of recesses include: a first recess disposed on at least one of the plurality of intersections; and / or a second recess further recessed into the metal substrate from at least one of the grooves.

[0011] In one embodiment, each intersection has one or more of the aforementioned recesses.

[0012] In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of recesses has at least one of the following features: having a circular or elliptical cross-section; and / or including concave and convex features on the inner circumferential surface defining the recess.

[0013] In one embodiment, the convex and concave features are: threads; and / or blocky or strip-shaped protrusions.

[0014] In one embodiment, a micro-recessed structure is also formed on the bonding surface.

[0015] In one embodiment, the mating surface is a cylindrical concave surface with a central axis, the first direction being the axial direction in which the central axis lies, the second direction being the circumferential direction around the central axis, and the concave hole extending radially into the metal substrate perpendicular to the central axis.

[0016] The spindle sliding bearing of this application comprises a metal matrix and a polymer material (or plastic) layer. The metal matrix has a mating surface with a macroscopically recessed structure visible to the naked eye. The polymer material layer is directly injection molded onto the mating surface of the metal matrix using an injection molding process. The sliding bearing of this application comprises only a metal matrix and a polymer material layer, eliminating the need for intermediate connecting components and any other additional parts. This reduces the number of sliding bearing components and manufacturing costs, and the resulting sliding bearing meets more demanding operating conditions. The macroscopically recessed structure formed on the metal matrix and integrally molded with the polymer material layer using an injection molding process improves the bonding strength at the interface between the metal matrix and the polymer material layer, while eliminating the defects present in mechanical and welding connections. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1This is a top view of the mating surface of the metal matrix of a sliding bearing constructed according to the principles of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front view of the metal substrate.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of region R.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a sliding bearing consisting of a metal matrix and a polymer layer along... Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line AA.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for forming the sliding bearing of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0022] In general, this application relates to a sliding bearing comprising a metal matrix and a polymer material layer integrally bonded together by injection molding. The sliding bearing of this application can be used, but is not limited to, in the wind power field, for example, but not limited to, supporting the main shaft of wind turbine equipment.

[0023] Figure 1 and 2 The diagram shows a top view and a front view of a portion of the metal substrate 10 of the sliding bearing (also referred to as a "bearing bush") of this application. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of region R. The metal substrate 10 may be made of materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, or copper-based alloys. However, this application is not limited to these materials, and any material known in the art for forming the metal substrate 10 is within the scope of this application.

[0024] The metal substrate 10 may have a tile-like or semi-cylindrical structure known in the art, and its concave inner surface may have a central axis. This concave inner surface serves as a bonding surface 20 on which the polymer layer is integrally formed.

[0025] Advantageously, the bonding surface 20 of the metal substrate 10 is formed with a macroscopic recessed structure. These recessed structures, as macroscopically defined irregularities, enhance the bonding force when molded together with the polymer material. Where this function can be achieved, this application does not limit the specific form or structural details of the recessed structure, nor does it limit the manner in which such a macroscopic structure is formed. In this document, "macroscopic recessed structure" refers to a recessed structure that is visible to the naked eye and has a size on the order of millimeters or larger.

[0026] An exemplary embodiment of the recessed structure shown in the accompanying drawings will now be described. The description herein will primarily refer to the axial direction Z and the circumferential direction C. In embodiments where the mating surface 20 is a cylindrical inner surface, the axial direction Z and the circumferential direction C can be the direction of the central axis of the cylinder (e.g., the central axis of the main shaft it supports) and the circumferential direction around the central axis, respectively. However, these directions are not limiting and are merely for descriptive purposes.

[0027] In general, in the illustrated example, the mating surface 20 includes recessed structures arranged in a generally arrayed pattern. In the illustration, the recessed structures may include recesses in the form of grooves 30 and holes 40.

[0028] As shown in the figure, the groove 30 includes a plurality of first grooves 310 and a plurality of second grooves 320. As an exemplary forming method, these grooves can be formed by machining (e.g., turning). However, it should be understood that, alternatively, any process capable of forming grooves can be employed.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of first grooves 310 extends generally along the axial direction Z, generally straight, and is arranged at approximately uniform intervals in the circumferential direction C. All first grooves 310 have a dovetail or trapezoidal cross-section and are of approximately the same size. Each first groove 310 has the same depth along its extension direction. Each of the plurality of second grooves 320 extends generally along the circumferential direction C, generally straight, and is arranged at approximately uniform intervals in the axial direction Z. All second grooves 320 have a dovetail or trapezoidal cross-section and are of approximately the same size. Each second groove 320 has the same depth along its extension direction. The plurality of second grooves 320 intersect with the plurality of first grooves 310 to form the illustrated array pattern. Reference numeral 325 denotes the non-recessed intersection formed by the intersection of the first grooves 310 and the second grooves 320.

[0030] In the illustrated example, all the first grooves 310 and second grooves 320 are essentially the same except for their elongation direction, or in other words, they are evenly distributed on the bonding surface 20. This is beneficial for the consistency and uniformity of the bonding force distribution with the polymer material layer 50.

[0031] For the same purpose, the dovetail-shaped cross-sections of the first groove 310 and the second groove 320 are also substantially the same. Although this application only... Figure 3 The diagram shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first groove 310, but it is understood that this detail also applies to the second groove 320.

[0032] exist Figure 3In the figure, the first groove 310 is defined by opposing sidewalls 312, 314 and a bottom wall 316 and has an opening 318 defined by the pair of sidewalls 312 and 314. The dimension of the opening 318 in the circumferential direction C is smaller than the dimension of the bottom wall 316 in the circumferential direction C, forming a dovetail-shaped cross-section as shown. The inclination angles of the sidewalls 312, 314 relative to the bottom wall 316 are approximately equal. Although not shown in the figure, it can be understood that the intersection of the sidewalls 312, 314 and the bottom wall 316 forms a rounded or beveled transition portion to reduce stress concentration during processing.

[0033] Furthermore, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the specific details of the grooves illustrated. In some embodiments, the mating surface 20 may include only one of the first groove 310 and the second groove 320. In some embodiments, not all of the first grooves 310 and / or not all of the second grooves 320 have the same cross-sectional shape, or the same cross-sectional size, or the same spacing. At least some of the first grooves 310 and / or at least some of the second grooves 320 may differ in at least one of the following aspects: cross-sectional shape; cross-sectional size; spacing; and any other specific details. In some embodiments, one, some, or all of the first grooves 310 may extend in a curved manner; one, some, or all of the second grooves 320 may extend in a curved manner. In some embodiments, as an alternative or addition to the first grooves 310 and / or the second grooves 320, the mating surface 20 may also include one or more grooves having any other cross-sectional shape, any other extension direction, or different cross-sectional sizes.

[0034] The cross-sectional shape of the groove may include, but is not limited to: the dovetail or trapezoidal shape shown in the illustration; an inverted dovetail or trapezoidal shape; a portion of a quadrilateral or more polygonal shape; a triangle; a portion of a circle or ellipse; a combination of these shapes; or any other irregular shape or combination. The direction of extension of the groove may include, but is not limited to: the axial direction Z shown in the illustration; the circumferential direction C shown in the illustration; any other inclined direction; such as a meandering shape like an arc or S-shape; any irregular shape; a combination of these shapes, etc.

[0035] Alternatively, at least one or some of the first groove 310 and the second groove 320 may extend only a portion of the mating surface 20. For example, the first groove 310 may not extend to edges 311 and / or 312, or the second groove 320 may comprise a plurality of discontinuous groove segments. The groove segments may be arranged in an array or in any irregular pattern.

[0036] All the first grooves 310 are evenly spaced and all the second grooves 320 are evenly spaced to form an array of substantially identical intersecting portions 325. At least one of the plurality of first grooves 310 and the plurality of second grooves 320 is not evenly spaced to form at least two, or all different, intersecting portions 325. These are all within the scope of protection of this application.

[0037] As described above, in addition to the recessed structure in the form of groove 30, the mating surface 20 also includes a recessed structure in the form of hole 40. The hole can be formed by drilling or any other process.

[0038] In the illustrated example, each intersection 325 includes a recess 40. Specifically, for the sake of consistent bonding force, the recess 40 can be positioned approximately centrally on the intersection 325. Thus, multiple recesses 40 can form multiple rows of recesses along the axial direction Z and multiple rows of recesses along the circumferential direction C. Each row and row of recesses is evenly spaced.

[0039] In the illustrated exemplary structure, each recess 40 is formed to extend into the metal substrate 10 in a radial direction generally perpendicular to the axial direction Z, and has the same depth and diameter. Each recess 40 has the same cross-sectional shape and size in the depth direction; for example, but not limitingly, each recess 40 in the figure has a circular cross-section. As described above regarding the recesses, this application does not limit all aspects such as the cross-sectional shape, size, arrangement details, etc., of the recesses.

[0040] Each recess 40 is defined by an inner circumferential surface 45. To further increase the bonding strength with the polymer material, at least one, such as multiple, all of the recesses 40 shown in the figure, are formed with a threaded structure on their inner circumferential surfaces 45, forming threaded holes. Of course, the inner circumferential surface 45 may include any other form of protrusion or concave feature besides a threaded feature. As an example, other forms of protrusion or concave features may include one or more of the following: multiple ribs extending along the depth direction (radial direction); multiple block-shaped protrusions, etc. It is also possible that the protrusion or concave feature may exist only at a certain depth of the inner circumferential surface 45 near the opening.

[0041] The examples and possible variations described above with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrate the details of the macroscopic recessed structures that may exist on the bonding surface 20 of the metal substrate 10. However, in addition to any possible form of macroscopic recessed structures, the bonding surface 20 may also include microscopic irregularities (e.g., through sandblasting, acid-base etching, plasma treatment, laser treatment, and surface chemical treatment) to further enhance the bonding with the polymer material layer.

[0042] Figure 4This is a cross-sectional view of a sliding bearing formed by integrally molding a polymer material layer 50 onto a metal substrate 10 (the bonding surface 20). The cross-section is along... Figure 2 Line AA is cut off. In this document, the term "polymer layer" is sometimes also referred to as a plastic layer or a non-metallic layer. A common example of a polymer layer is a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) based polymer material or a modified PEEK based polymer material. However, the non-metallic materials that can be used are not limited to this, and any other non-metallic materials known in the art are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] As shown in the figure, after being integrally formed onto the metal substrate 10, the polymer material layer 50 includes groove-embedded portions 60 embedded in each groove 310 or 320, hole-embedded portions 70 embedded in each recess 40, and surface layer portions 80 covering other areas of the bonding surface 20. The groove-embedded portions 60 and the hole-embedded portions 70 each fill the corresponding groove 310 or 320 or recess 40.

[0044] Of particular advantage, this application employs an injection molding method to form the polymer material layer 50 on the bonding surface 20 of the metal substrate 10, which has a macroscopic recessed structure.

[0045] Specifically, refer to Figure 5 The process or method for forming a sliding bearing may include a preparation step S10 of the metal substrate 10, which may include a pretreatment operation S12 and a drying operation S14. In the pretreatment operation S12, the mating surface 20 of the metal substrate 10 is treated to form a macroscopic recessed structure. This can be achieved by machining, or any other method (e.g., chemical etching, heat treatment, etc.) is also within the scope of this application. The recessed structure may be a relatively regular array structure (as shown in the figure), or any combination or arrangement of any recessed features. In the drying operation S14, the metal substrate 10 with the recessed structure formed on the mating surface 20 is placed in a drying oven and dried at 200°C for 30 minutes.

[0046] This process may also include a polymer material preparation step S20, which may include an operation S22 of providing granular (polyether ether ketone) polymer material, an operation S24 of drying the polymer material granules, and a melt operation S26 of completely melting the granules into a polymer material fluid. In operation S22, different polyether ether ketone modified formulations can be selected according to different actual working conditions. In the drying step S24, the polymer material granules are placed in an oven at approximately 180°C and dried for about 4 hours to achieve thorough drying. This avoids defects such as bubbles, surface roughness, and deterioration of material properties during subsequent injection molding. This application does not limit the specific details of the melt operation S26.

[0047] This process may also include an injection molding step S30, in which molten polymer material is injected onto the bonding surface 20 of the metal matrix 10. The injection molding step S30 may include an operation S32, in which the metal matrix 10, which is still heated or at a high temperature, is rapidly placed into an injection mold, and an injection operation S34, in which granular fluid is injected onto the metal matrix 10 at a certain pressure (e.g., using an injection molding machine).

[0048] As an example, in injection operation S34, the temperature of the injected granules can be between 300°C and 430°C, the injection pressure can be between 10 and 200 MPa, and the holding time is 2 to 8 minutes. In another example, in injection operation S34, the temperature of the injected granules can reach up to 390°C, the temperature of the front mold body and the rear mold body of the injection mold can be about 210°C, the rotation speed of the screw of the injection molding machine during injection can be selected as 45 to 85 r / min, the injection pressure can be selected as 130 to 135 MPa, and the pressure can be maintained at about 135 MPa for 2 to 8 minutes.

[0049] It should be understood that the above parameters are just some examples. The specific parameter settings in injection operation S34 need to be reasonably selected according to the actual workpiece, such as heating and pressurization rate, holding temperature, holding pressure, holding time, cooling and depressurization rate, and other process parameters.

[0050] After injection molding step S30, the following is formed: Figure 4 Structure: The polymer material layer 50 is bonded to the metal substrate 10 at the bonding surface 20.

[0051] pass Figure 5 The injection molding process for injecting fluid-form (polyetheretherketone) polymer material into the bonding surface 20 of the metal matrix 10, which has a recessed structure, is highly advantageous. The recessed structure alters the surface wettability, roughness, and surface properties of the bonding surface 20 of the metal matrix 10, enhancing the mechanical interlocking between the embedded portions (60, 70) of the polymer material layer 50 and the corresponding recessed structures (310, 320, 40), thereby increasing the interfacial bonding strength between the polymer material layer and the metal matrix and solving the problem of easy aging and detachment of the polymer material layer.

[0052] Moreover, there are many ways to process or form macroscopic recessed structures on a metal substrate, which are relatively easy to achieve. Those skilled in the art will also understand that, in addition to the macroscopic recessed structures shown in the figures, microscopic unevenness features can be enhanced on the bonding surface 20. The combination of macroscopic recessed structures and microscopic unevenness features can further improve the mechanical bonding between the sliding polymer material layer and the metal substrate surface. Here, "microscopic recessed structure" refers to a recessed structure with a size on the order of μm that is invisible to the naked eye.

[0053] This application achieves a seamless integration by directly injecting a fluid polymer material onto a metal matrix, thus avoiding the drawbacks of mechanical and welded connections. The sliding bearing of this application comprises only a metal matrix and a polymer material layer, without any additional or supplementary components. This results in a more robust overall structure, eliminating the need for additional processing or assembly steps required with additional components, and preventing weak points in the connection caused by such components.

[0054] This integrated injection molding process is highly automated and efficient, with significant advantages in mass production. It effectively reduces material waste, fully leverages the combined advantages of polymers and metals, and can meet the structural and performance requirements of practical applications.

[0055] The principles of this application have been described in detail above with reference to specific examples and some possible variations in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the structures and details shown in the above description and drawings are illustrative and not restrictive or exclusive. Those skilled in the art can add, delete, or modify details of the embodiments without departing from the scope of protection of this application. The scope of protection of this application is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A sliding bearing, characterized in that... include: A metal substrate (10) includes a bonding surface (20) having a visible macro-recessed structure, the macro-recessed structure including a plurality of grooves (30) and / or a plurality of recesses (40). and The polymer material layer (50) includes a surface layer portion (80) and a groove embedding portion (60) embedded in the groove (30) and / or a plurality of hole embedding portions (70) embedded in the recess (40), wherein the polymer material layer is bonded to the bonding surface (20) of the metal substrate (10) by injection molding.

2. The sliding bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the case of including the plurality of grooves (30), the plurality of grooves (30) includes: a plurality of first grooves (310) that extend along a first direction and are spaced apart from each other; and / or a plurality of second grooves (320) that extend along a second direction and are spaced apart from each other.

3. The sliding bearing according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one of the plurality of first grooves (310) and / or at least one of the plurality of second grooves (320) has a cross-sectional shape of any one or any combination of the following: a dovetail shape, a portion of a quadrilateral or more polygonal shape, a portion of a triangle, a circle or an ellipse.

4. The sliding bearing according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least some of the plurality of first grooves (310) and / or at least some of the plurality of second grooves (320) satisfy at least one of the following: uniformly spaced; having the same cross-sectional shape; having the same cross-sectional size.

5. The sliding bearing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first direction is transverse to the second direction, and the plurality of first grooves (310) and / or the plurality of second grooves (320) intersect to form a plurality of intersecting portions (325).

6. The sliding bearing according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the case of including the plurality of recesses (40), the plurality of recesses (40) include: a first recess disposed on at least one of the plurality of intersections (325); and / or a second recess further recessed from at least one of the grooves (30) into the metal substrate (10).

7. The sliding bearing according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each intersection (325) has one or more of the aforementioned recesses (40).

8. The sliding bearing according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least one of the plurality of recesses (40) has at least one of the following features: having a circular or elliptical cross-section; and / or including concave and convex features on the inner circumferential surface (45) defining the recess.

9. The sliding bearing according to claim 8, characterized in that, The concave-convex feature is: Threads; and / or blocky or strip-shaped protrusions.

10. The sliding bearing according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The bonding surface (20) also has a micro-depression structure.

11. The sliding bearing according to any one of claims 2-9, characterized in that, The bonding surface (20) is a cylindrical concave surface with a central axis, the first direction being the axial direction (Z) where the central axis is located, and the second direction being the circumferential direction (C) around the central axis. The concave hole extends into the metal substrate (10) in a radial direction (R) perpendicular to the central axis.

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