A new type of axial thrust air bearing, motor, air compressor

Abstract

This utility model relates to a novel axial thrust air bearing, motor, and air compressor, belonging to the technical field of axial thrust air bearing structural design. A plurality of first elastic units and second elastic units are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction on the inner and outer rings of the bearing housing support surface, respectively, with the first elastic units on the inner ring and the second elastic units on the outer ring staggered in the circumferential direction; and the number of first elastic units and second elastic units on the outer ring are the same. The staggered arrangement of the first and second elastic units on the bearing housing support surface, along with the corresponding ventilation hole design, optimizes the gas flow field distribution and improves the bearing's load-bearing capacity and heat dissipation capacity. Therefore, it greatly enhances the load-bearing capacity and stability of the air-suspended blower and compressor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a novel axial thrust air bearing, motor, and air compressor, and belongs to the technical field of axial thrust air bearing structural design. Background Technology

[0002] Air bearings are important mechanical components widely used in high-speed rotating machinery, precision machine tools, aerospace, and other fields. Their main function is to reduce frictional loss and improve the system's operational accuracy and reliability by forming an air film between the shaft and the bearing.

[0003] Especially in high-speed rotating equipment such as air-suspended air compressors, rotor suspension and stable support are core technologies. The performance of the axial thrust bearing directly determines the equipment's thrust capacity, operating efficiency, and service life. Existing axial thrust air bearings often fail to meet the requirements for load capacity and stability under high-speed or heavy-load conditions. Furthermore, axial thrust bearings also suffer from insufficient heat dissipation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a novel axial thrust air bearing, motor, and air compressor. The first and second elastic units are arranged alternately on the support surface of the bearing housing, along with the corresponding ventilation hole design, which optimizes the gas flow field distribution and improves the bearing's load-bearing capacity and heat dissipation capacity.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: In one aspect, this utility model provides a novel axial thrust air bearing, including a thrust disc and a bearing housing. The bearing housing is symmetrically distributed on both sides of the thrust disc, and the support surface of the bearing housing faces the thrust disc. Several first elastic units and second elastic units are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction on the inner and outer rings of the support surface, respectively.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first elastic unit of the inner ring and the second elastic unit of the outer ring are staggered in the circumferential direction; that is, the central angle of the first elastic unit and the central angle of the second elastic unit do not completely overlap.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the central angle of the first elastic unit is the same as that of the second elastic unit.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner ring of the bearing housing is provided with a first ventilation hole in the radial direction, and the first ventilation hole is located between adjacent first elastic units in the circumferential direction.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer ring of the bearing housing is provided with a second ventilation hole in the radial direction, and the second ventilation hole is located between adjacent second elastic units in the circumferential direction.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the lower part of the second ventilation hole is located between adjacent first elastic units, and the upper part of the second ventilation hole is located between adjacent second elastic units. The length of the second ventilation hole is greater than the length of the first ventilation hole.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first elastic unit / second elastic unit includes a corrugated foil and a top foil. One end of the corrugated foil is a fixed end and the other end is a free end; one end of the top foil is a fixed end and the other end is a free end; and the top foil and the corrugated foil are respectively fixed at both ends of the first elastic unit / second elastic unit along the circumferential direction, with the top foil overlapping the corrugated foil.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a support portion is further provided on the support surface of the bearing housing, and the fixed end of the top foil is fixed on the support portion.

[0013] Secondly, this utility model also provides an electric motor, including the aforementioned novel axial thrust air bearing.

[0014] Thirdly, this utility model also provides an air compressor, including the aforementioned novel axial thrust air bearing.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The staggered inner and outer ring elastic unit design provided by this utility model makes the bearing load-bearing areas complementary, forming a continuous support surface and improving the overall stiffness of the bearing. Moreover, the staggered design guides the airflow to form an interlaced flow in the gap between the inner and outer rings, reducing turbulent energy loss and improving heat dissipation efficiency; the staggered layout of the inner and outer ring elastic units blocks the synchronous transmission path of vibration waves in the radial direction, significantly reducing resonance and fatigue risk. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the novel axial thrust air bearing provided by this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the distribution of the first elastic unit and the second elastic unit in the novel axial thrust air bearing provided by this utility model.

[0018] Figure 3 A partial structural schematic diagram of the novel axial thrust air bearing provided by this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 Another partial structural schematic diagram of the novel axial thrust air bearing provided by this utility model.

[0020] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first ventilation hole and the second ventilation hole in the bearing housing provided by this utility model.

[0021] Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional structural diagram of the novel axial thrust air bearing provided by this utility model.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the axial thrust air bearing and the rotor provided by this utility model.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the corrugated foil in the axial thrust air bearing provided by this utility model.

[0024] Figure 9 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the corrugated foil in the axial thrust air bearing provided by this utility model.

[0025] 1. Bearing housing; 2. Second elastic unit; 3. First elastic unit; 4. Support part; 5. First ventilation hole; 6. Second ventilation hole; 7. Corrugated foil; 8. Top foil; 9. Thrust plate; 10. Rotor; 11. Welding area; 12. First protrusion; 13. Second protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following illustrations will reveal several embodiments of this application, providing a clear and complete description of the technical solution of this utility model, which constitutes a part of this application. The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of this utility model. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this utility model are used to explain this utility model and do not constitute an improper limitation of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0027] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the directions such as up, down, left, and right mentioned herein refer to the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 The directions shown are up, down, left, and right. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Furthermore, in the various embodiments of this disclosure, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components.

[0028] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part, 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.

[0029] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of a person skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0030] Example 1 This embodiment provides a novel axial thrust air bearing, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the assembly is mounted on the rotor 10 and includes a thrust disk 9 and a bearing housing 1. The bearing housing 1 is symmetrically distributed on both sides of the thrust disk 9, and the support surface of the bearing housing 1 faces the thrust disk 9. Several first elastic units 3 and second elastic units 2 are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction on the inner and outer rings of the support surface, respectively.

[0031] When the aforementioned axial thrust air bearing is in operation, gas first enters between the first elastic unit 3 of the inner ring and the thrust plate 9, forming an air film between the inner ring and the thrust plate 9. The thickness of the air film gradually decreases from the fixed end to the free end of the top foil 8, with the free end of the top foil 8 belonging to the high-pressure zone of the inner ring's air film. Then, gas enters and forms an air film between the outer ring and the thrust plate 9.

[0032] Example 2 This embodiment provides a novel axial thrust air bearing, which differs from Embodiment 1 in that: The first elastic unit 3 in the inner ring and the second elastic unit 2 in the outer ring are staggered in the circumferential direction; that is, the central angle of the first elastic unit 3 and the central angle of the second elastic unit 2 do not completely overlap.

[0033] Example 3 This embodiment provides a novel axial thrust air bearing, which differs from Embodiment 1 in that: The central angle of the first elastic element 3 is the same as that of the second elastic element 2. This design helps to balance the bearing capacity.

[0034] Because the first elastic unit 3 and the second elastic unit 2 are staggered in the circumferential direction, and the number of elastic units in the inner and outer rings is the same, this arrangement causes the gas to flow in an alternating pattern. While some gas forms a gas film at the first elastic unit 3, it diffuses into the adjacent region of the second elastic unit 2. In the outer ring of the second elastic unit 2, the pressure of the gas film gradually increases from the fixed end to the free end of the top foil 8.

[0035] The staggered design of the first elastic unit 3 and the second elastic unit 2 makes the bearing's load-bearing area complementary, forming a continuous support surface. When the thrust disc 9 is subjected to axial force, the air film can effectively distribute the force to each elastic unit, improving the overall stiffness and load-bearing capacity of the bearing. This design can increase the high load-bearing area without increasing the number of inner and outer ring elastic units. Under high-speed or heavy-load conditions, the air film can withstand greater pressure, reducing the direct contact between the thrust disc 9 and the bearing housing 1, thereby reducing frictional losses.

[0036] Furthermore, when the thrust disk 9 vibrates during rotation, the staggered arrangement of the inner and outer ring elastic units can block the synchronous transmission path of the vibration wave in the radial direction. The staggered design of the first elastic unit 3 and the second elastic unit 2 can effectively disperse and absorb vibration energy, significantly reduce the occurrence of resonance, reduce vibration and noise, reduce the fatigue risk of components, and improve the operational stability and reliability of the system.

[0037] Example 4 This embodiment provides a novel axial thrust air bearing, which differs from Embodiment 1 in that: The inner ring of the bearing housing 1 has first ventilation holes 5 evenly arranged radially, and the first ventilation holes 5 are located between adjacent first elastic units 3 in the circumferential direction. The arrangement of the first ventilation holes 5 not only provides gas for the first elastic units 3 to form an air film, but also facilitates the dissipation of heat generated by the friction between air and the bearing. The first ventilation holes 5 are opened in the radial direction and are evenly arranged along the circumference of the inner ring.

[0038] Example 5 This embodiment provides a novel axial thrust air bearing, which differs from Embodiment 4 in that: like Figure 5 As shown, the outer ring of the bearing housing 1 has a second ventilation hole 6 arranged radially, and the second ventilation hole 6 is located between adjacent second elastic elements 2 in the circumferential direction. The first ventilation hole 5 and the second ventilation hole 6 are staggered in the circumferential direction.

[0039] As the rotational speed of the thrust disc 9 increases, gas continuously enters the bearing through the first ventilation hole 5 and the second ventilation hole 6. The second ventilation hole 6 is staggered with the first ventilation hole 5 in the circumferential direction, with one part located below the first elastic unit 3 and the other part located between adjacent second elastic units 2. This allows the second ventilation hole 6 to not only dissipate heat from the second elastic units 2, but also to replenish gas to the outer ring of the second elastic units 2.

[0040] During continuous air supply, the air film beneath the first elastic unit 3 and the second elastic unit 2 gradually stabilizes. Because the first elastic unit 3 and the second elastic unit 2 have the same central angle and are arranged in an alternating pattern, the air film forms a continuous and uniform distribution across the entire support surface of the bearing, providing stable support for the thrust disc 9.

[0041] Example 6 This embodiment provides a novel axial thrust air bearing, which differs from Embodiment 5 in that: like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the lower part of the second ventilation hole 6 is located between adjacent first elastic units 3, and the upper part of the second ventilation hole 6 is located between adjacent second elastic units 2. The length of the second ventilation hole 6 is greater than the length of the first ventilation hole 5, which can more effectively dissipate heat and ensure that the bearing operates within a suitable temperature range.

[0042] Example 7 This embodiment provides a novel axial thrust air bearing, which differs from Embodiment 1 in that: like Figure 6 As shown, the first elastic unit 3 / second elastic unit 2 includes a corrugated foil 7 and a top foil 8. One end of the corrugated foil 7 is a fixed end and the other end is a free end; one end of the top foil 8 is a fixed end and the other end is a free end; and the top foil 8 and the corrugated foil 7 are fixed at both ends of the first elastic unit 3 / second elastic unit 2 along the circumferential direction, with the top foil 8 overlapping the corrugated foil 7.

[0043] Example 8 This embodiment provides a novel axial thrust air bearing, which differs from Embodiment 7 in that: like Figure 3 As shown, a support portion 4 is also provided on the support surface of the bearing housing 1, and the fixed end of the top foil 8 is fixed on the support portion 4. Specifically, a welding area 11 is provided on the top foil 8, and the welding area 11 is welded to the support portion 4. The support portion 4 can be in the shape of a cuboid.

[0044] Example 9 This embodiment provides a novel axial thrust air bearing, which differs from Embodiment 1 in that: like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the first elastic unit 3 / second elastic unit 2 includes a corrugated foil 7 and a top foil 8 arranged sequentially outward from the supporting surface. The corrugated foil 7 includes several first protrusions 12 and second protrusions 13 arranged in a mutually arranged manner, and the height of the first protrusions 12 is greater than the height of the second protrusions 13. This is beneficial for improving the axial bearing capacity of the first elastic unit 3 / second elastic unit 2.

[0045] In practical implementation, the axial thrust air bearing of this utility model can be integrated into various high-speed rotating machinery as a core functional component.

[0046] Example 10 In one embodiment of an air-suspended motor, an axial thrust air bearing as described in the above embodiments is included. The axial thrust air bearing is fixed inside the housing of the air-suspended motor, and the thrust disk 9 is fixedly connected to the rotor 10 of the drive motor. When the rotor 10 rotates at high speed, an air film is formed between the thrust disk 9 and the axial thrust air bearing, achieving non-contact support. The axial thrust air bearing of this invention has excellent load-bearing capacity and stability.

[0047] Example 11 In one embodiment of an air compressor, an axial thrust air bearing as described in the above embodiments is included, which supports the rotor 10 of the compressor assembly. The staggered elastic unit structure and optimized ventilation hole design of this invention's bearing provide strong axial support, enabling it to withstand high loads and effectively solve the heat dissipation problem of high-temperature compressed gas.

[0048] The foregoing description illustrates and describes preferred embodiments of this application. However, as previously understood, this application is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the conception herein through the foregoing teachings or techniques or knowledge in related fields. Any modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this application should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A novel axial thrust air bearing, characterized in that, It includes a thrust plate and bearing housings. The bearing housings are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the thrust plate, and the support surface of the bearing housings faces the thrust plate. Several first elastic units and second elastic units are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction on the inner and outer rings of the support surface, respectively.

2. The novel axial thrust air bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first elastic element in the inner ring and the second elastic element in the outer ring are staggered in the circumferential direction.

3. A novel axial thrust air bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central angle of the first elastic element is the same as that of the second elastic element.

4. A novel axial thrust air bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner ring of the bearing housing is provided with a first ventilation hole in the radial direction, and the first ventilation hole is located between adjacent first elastic elements in the circumferential direction.

5. A novel axial thrust air bearing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer ring of the bearing housing is provided with a second ventilation hole in the radial direction, and the second ventilation hole is located between adjacent second elastic elements in the circumferential direction.

6. A novel axial thrust air bearing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lower part of the second ventilation hole is opened between adjacent first elastic units, and the upper part of the second ventilation hole is located between adjacent second elastic units.

7. A novel axial thrust air bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first elastic unit / second elastic unit includes a corrugated foil and a top foil. One end of the corrugated foil is a fixed end and the other end is a free end. One end of the top foil is a fixed end and the other end is a free end. The top foil and the corrugated foil are fixed at both ends of the first elastic unit / second elastic unit along the circumferential direction, and the top foil is stacked on the corrugated foil.

8. A novel axial thrust air bearing according to claim 7, characterized in that, A support portion is also provided on the support surface of the bearing housing, and the fixed end of the top foil is fixed on the support portion.

9. An electric motor, characterized in that, Including the novel axial thrust air bearing as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. An air compressor, characterized in that, Including the novel axial thrust air bearing as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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