Bearing assembly

Abstract

The utility model relates to bearing technical field discloses a bearing assembly, including stepped taper sleeve, angular contact bearing, tight nut, spherical hinge axle sleeve inner race and outer race. Stepped taper sleeve is matched with angular contact bearing inner race through taper surface, and is locked axially by tight nut. Angular contact bearing outer race is fixed in spherical hinge axle sleeve inner race, and the latter is matched with the inner concave spherical surface of spherical hinge axle sleeve outer race through its outer convex spherical surface, forms the spherical hinge structure that can swing relatively, realizes automatic alignment, effectively compensates the deformation of shafting. Double row angular contact bearing is used to improve rigidity and rotation accuracy, and ceramic ball is used as the rolling body, and the utility model has the characteristics of insulation, corrosion resistance and self -lubricating. The utility model solves the technical problems that the bearing of cathode roller is easy to be corroded, the alignment is insufficient, the lubrication is polluted and the like under heavy load, strong corrosion and large current working condition, and the running stability, precision and life are improved obviously.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bearing technology, and specifically to bearing assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] As a core transmission component in the production of electrolytic copper foil and lithium battery foil, the operational stability of the cathode roller directly determines the quality and production efficiency of the foil products. Due to the special nature of the production process, the bearings of the cathode roller transmission system need to work continuously under harsh conditions of high current, heavy load, and highly corrosive media for a long time, which places extremely high demands on the bearings' corrosion resistance, self-aligning compensation, running accuracy, and lubrication reliability.

[0003] Currently, the industry commonly uses ordinary steel ball bearings or self-aligning roller bearings as the core transmission components for cathode roller drive systems. During operation, the cathode roller is susceptible to deflection deformation due to factors such as load fluctuations and temperature changes. The self-aligning angle of conventional self-aligning roller bearings is difficult to accommodate the amount of shaft deformation; furthermore, the bearing's own clearance further exacerbates operational instability, affecting not only the transmission accuracy of the cathode roller but also increasing bearing wear and shortening its service life. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a bearing assembly to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a bearing assembly, comprising: An axial fastening unit includes a stepped tapered sleeve having a tapered section and a set nut threadedly connected to the stepped tapered sleeve; A bearing unit, comprising an angular contact bearing, wherein the inner ring of the angular contact bearing is fitted onto the tapered section from the small end of the tapered section, and the end face of the angular contact bearing at the small end of the tapered section is subjected to axial pressure by the set nut; The self-aligning unit includes an inner ring of a ball joint bushing and an outer ring of a ball joint bushing. The inner ring of the ball joint bushing is fitted and fixed to the outer ring of the angular contact bearing, and the inner ring of the ball joint bushing has a convex spherical outer surface. The outer ring of the ball joint bushing has a concave spherical inner surface that mates with the convex spherical surface, and the outer ring of the ball joint bushing is used for fixed connection with the bearing seat.

[0006] The inner ring of the angular contact bearing can be reliably fixed and preloaded by tightening the set nut. At the same time, the fit between the convex spherical surface of the inner ring of the ball joint bushing and the concave spherical surface of the outer ring of the ball joint bushing enables the entire bearing assembly to have an auto-aligning function after installation. This can compensate for the deflection deformation of the shaft system caused by load or temperature changes, thereby improving the smoothness and reliability of the cathode roller drive system.

[0007] The self-aligning function of this bearing assembly works by fixing the outer ring of the bearing's ball joint bushing to a spherical pair structure composed of a convex and a concave spherical surface, thus providing the entire bearing unit with a degree of freedom to rotate freely around the center of the sphere. When the drive shaft bends due to load, temperature, or installation errors, this structure allows for relative angular displacement between the inner and outer rings of the bearing's ball joint bushing, thereby achieving automatic alignment.

[0008] In one optional embodiment, the stepped tapered sleeve is further provided with a threaded section, the threaded section being located at the small end of the tapered section; the set nut is connected to the threaded section.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment, an annular relief groove is provided between the conical section and the threaded section.

[0010] In one optional embodiment, the self-aligning unit further includes a retaining ring, which is fixed to the end of the inner ring of the ball joint bushing by fasteners, so as to axially press the outer ring of the angular contact bearing against the limiting platform of the inner ring of the ball joint bushing.

[0011] Through the synergistic action of the limiting platform of the inner ring of the ball joint bushing and the detachable retaining ring, the outer ring of the angular contact bearing is firmly clamped between the two, achieving precise and reliable bidirectional axial fixation.

[0012] In one optional embodiment, the inner ring surface of the ball joint bushing is provided with a groove, one end of the groove extends to the end face of the inner ring of the ball joint bushing where the retaining ring is located, and the other end of the groove constitutes the limiting platform. The outer ring of the angular contact bearing is disposed in the groove and its end abuts against the limiting platform, and the clamping pressure ring extends into the groove and abuts against the angular contact bearing.

[0013] The cavity for mounting the bearing outer ring is designed with a dedicated slot structure, ensuring precise radial and axial positioning of the angular contact bearing outer ring on one side. This facilitates alignment during assembly, improving assembly accuracy and efficiency. This design allows the bearing outer ring to be seamlessly embedded within the inner ring of the ball joint bushing, reducing the axial dimensions of the component and making the entire self-aligning unit more compact.

[0014] In one alternative embodiment, the fit between the convex spherical surface of the inner ring of the ball joint bushing and the concave spherical surface of the outer ring of the ball joint bushing is configured to allow relative rotation between the two.

[0015] Because of this structure that allows relative oscillation, when the inner ring of the ball joint bushing, which is fixed to the inner ring assembly, tends to have angular displacement due to shaft deformation, it can release this tendency by sliding and rotating the convex spherical surface within the concave spherical surface, thereby achieving an automatic self-aligning function.

[0016] This spherical fit, which allows for free rotation, is the structural basis for bearings to achieve large-angle self-aligning capabilities. It enables bearings to adaptively compensate for installation errors and shaft deflection during operation, ensuring that the balls of angular contact bearings maintain normal contact within the raceway, avoiding edge stress concentration and abnormal wear caused by misalignment, thereby significantly improving the bearing's operational stability and service life under complex working conditions.

[0017] In one alternative embodiment, the maximum swing angle between the convex spherical surface and the concave spherical surface is ±2.5°.

[0018] In one alternative embodiment, the angular contact bearing is a double-row angular contact ball bearing.

[0019] In one alternative embodiment, the rolling elements of the double-row angular contact ball bearing are ceramic balls.

[0020] In one alternative embodiment, the ceramic ball is a silicon nitride ceramic ball.

[0021] These ceramic balls, with their inherent material properties, are directly applied to double-row angular contact ball bearings, replacing traditional steel rolling elements. Ceramics are excellent electrical insulators. Under conditions of high current flow through the cathode roller, ceramic balls effectively block the current path through the bearing's internal raceways, fundamentally preventing electrochemical corrosion (electrolytic corrosion) that may occur between the metal rolling elements and the raceways. High-performance ceramic materials exhibit extremely high chemical inertness to electrolytes such as acids, alkalis, and salts, as well as strong corrosive media such as chloride ions, preventing rust, pitting, or stress corrosion cracking, significantly extending the bearing's service life in highly corrosive environments. Ceramic materials themselves possess a low coefficient of friction and excellent self-lubricating properties. In situations where grease lubrication is unavailable or needs to be reduced, ceramic balls can achieve boundary lubrication or self-lubrication to a certain extent, reducing reliance on traditional lubricating greases. This directly reduces the risk of contaminating the electrolyte and foil products due to grease leakage and degradation, meeting the stringent cleanliness requirements of high-quality electrolytic copper foil and lithium battery foil production. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a bearing assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a bearing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Stepped tapered sleeve; 11. Threaded section; 12. Tapered section; 2. Angular contact bearings; 3. Tighten the set nut; 4. Inner ring of ball joint bushing; 5. Tightening pressure ring; 6. Outer ring of ball joint bushing. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. 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.

[0026] As a core transmission component in the production of electrolytic copper foil and lithium battery foil, the operational stability of the cathode roller directly determines the quality and production efficiency of the foil products. Due to the special nature of the production process, the bearings of the cathode roller transmission system need to work continuously under harsh conditions of high current, heavy load, and highly corrosive media for a long time, which places extremely high demands on the bearings' corrosion resistance, self-aligning compensation, running accuracy, and lubrication reliability.

[0027] Currently, the industry commonly uses ordinary steel ball bearings or self-aligning roller bearings as the core transmission components for cathode roller drive systems. However, in practical applications, this has revealed many intractable technical defects, as follows: Corrosion is a prominent issue, leading to short service life: In electrolyte environments, the metal components of traditional steel bearings are prone to electrochemical corrosion, resulting in rapid loss of bearing precision and premature failure. Even with relatively corrosion-resistant stainless steel bearings, pitting corrosion and stress corrosion cracking can still occur under the influence of highly corrosive media such as chloride ions. Furthermore, under high-current conditions, both traditional steel and stainless steel bearings face the risk of electrochemical corrosion. Electrochemical reactions accelerate the discharge and corrosion processes at the bearing contact interfaces, further shortening the bearing's service life.

[0028] Limited self-aligning capability, unable to adapt to shaft deformation: During operation, the cathode roller is prone to deflection deformation due to factors such as load fluctuations and temperature changes. Conventional self-aligning roller bearings typically have a self-aligning angle of no more than 0.5°, resulting in insufficient self-aligning compensation capability and difficulty in adapting to the amount of shaft deformation. At the same time, the bearing's own clearance problem further exacerbates the instability of operation, not only affecting the transmission accuracy of the cathode roller but also increasing bearing wear and shortening its service life.

[0029] High risk of lubrication contamination, affecting product quality: Traditional bearings mostly use grease lubrication. In the high-temperature environment of the production process, lubricating grease is prone to leakage and degradation. Leaked grease will contaminate the electrolyte and foil products, leading to problems such as foil surface defects and performance degradation, which seriously affects the stability of product quality. Furthermore, the degradation of grease will reduce the lubrication effect and further aggravate bearing wear.

[0030] The aforementioned technical defects make it difficult for existing bearings to meet the long-term stable operation requirements of cathode roller drive systems under harsh working conditions, which restricts the efficiency and product quality improvement of electrolytic copper foil and lithium battery foil production. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a high-performance precision bearing that is suitable for this scenario.

[0031] The following is combined Figures 1 to 2 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a bearing assembly is provided, including an axial fastening unit, a bearing unit, and a self-aligning unit. The axial fastening unit includes a stepped tapered sleeve 1 with a tapered section 12 and a set nut 3 threadedly connected to the stepped tapered sleeve 1. The bearing unit includes an angular contact bearing 2, the inner ring of which is fitted onto the tapered section 12 from the small end, and the end face of the angular contact bearing 2 at the small end of the tapered section 12 is subjected to axial pressure from the set nut 3. The self-aligning unit includes a ball joint bushing inner ring 4 and a ball joint bushing outer ring 6. The ball joint bushing inner ring 4 is fitted and fixed to the outer ring of the angular contact bearing 2, and the ball joint bushing inner ring 4 has a convex spherical outer surface. The ball joint bushing outer ring 6 has a concave spherical inner surface that mates with the convex spherical surface, and the ball joint bushing outer ring 6 is used for fixed connection with the bearing housing.

[0033] The axial fastening unit includes a stepped tapered sleeve 1 and a set nut 3. The stepped tapered sleeve 1 is an annular structure, with its inner hole for mounting the drive shaft. A flat thread section 11 and a tapered section 12 are sequentially arranged on the outer circumference of the stepped tapered sleeve 1. The diameter of the tapered section 12 gradually increases axially, with the smaller diameter end (i.e., the small end of the tapered section 12) close to the flat thread section 11. The set nut 3 is threadedly connected to the flat thread section 11 of the stepped tapered sleeve 1. The bearing unit includes an angular contact bearing 2. The inner ring of the angular contact bearing 2 is fitted onto the tapered section 12 from the small end. When the set nut 3 is tightened, its end face axially presses against the end face of the inner ring of the angular contact bearing 2 near the small end, thereby pressing and fixing the inner ring onto the tapered section 12.

[0034] The self-aligning unit includes an inner ring 4 and an outer ring 6 of a ball joint bushing. The inner ring 4 is fitted and fixed onto the outer ring of the angular contact bearing 2, and its outer surface is a convex spherical structure. The inner surface of the outer ring 6 is a concave spherical structure that mates with the convex spherical surface. The outer circumferential surface of the outer ring 6 is a cylindrical surface, used for fixed connection with an external bearing housing.

[0035] In this embodiment, the inner ring of the angular contact bearing 2 can be reliably fixed and pre-tightened by tightening the set nut 3. At the same time, the fit between the convex spherical surface of the inner ring 4 of the ball joint bushing and the concave spherical surface of the outer ring 6 of the ball joint bushing enables the entire bearing assembly to have an auto-aligning function after installation, which can compensate for the deflection deformation of the shaft system caused by load or temperature changes, thereby improving the smoothness and reliability of the cathode roller drive system.

[0036] The self-aligning function of this bearing assembly works by fixing the outer ring 6 of the bearing's ball joint sleeve to a spherical pair structure composed of a convex and a concave spherical surface, thus providing the entire bearing unit with a degree of freedom to rotate freely around the center of the sphere. When the drive shaft bends due to load, temperature, or installation errors, this structure allows for relative angular displacement between the inner ring 4 and the outer ring 6 of the bearing's ball joint sleeve, thereby achieving automatic alignment.

[0037] In one embodiment, the stepped tapered sleeve 1 is further provided with a threaded section 11, which is located at the small end of the tapered section 12; the set nut 3 is connected to the threaded section 11.

[0038] When it is necessary to install and preload the bearing, insert the inner ring of the angular contact bearing 2 through the threaded end 11 of the stepped tapered sleeve 1, so that its inner hole mates with the tapered section 12. Then screw in the set nut 3, so that its end face directly presses against or presses against the end face of the inner ring of the angular contact bearing 2 near the small end through the intermediate washer. By rotating the set nut 3, a precise axial preload force can be generated, which forces the inner ring of the angular contact bearing 2 to move along the tapered section 12 in the direction of increasing diameter (i.e., the large end), thereby achieving an interference fit and reliable locking between the inner ring and the tapered surface.

[0039] In one embodiment, an annular relief groove is provided between the tapered section 12 and the threaded section 11.

[0040] In one embodiment, the self-aligning unit further includes a retaining ring 5, which is fixed to the end of the inner ring 4 of the ball joint bushing by fasteners, so as to axially press the outer ring of the angular contact bearing 2 against the limiting platform of the inner ring 4 of the ball joint bushing.

[0041] The inner ring 4 of the ball joint bushing has an annular limiting platform at one end of its cavity that accommodates the outer ring of the angular contact bearing 2. After the outer ring of the angular contact bearing 2 is installed into the inner ring 4 of the ball joint bushing from the other end, one end face of the outer ring abuts against the limiting platform, achieving axial positioning on one side.

[0042] The setter ring 5 is an annular component that is fixedly mounted to the corresponding end of the inner ring 4 of the ball joint bushing by a plurality of circumferentially distributed fasteners (e.g., hex socket head cap screws). When the setter ring 5 is tightened, its inner edge or end face is directly pressed against the other end face of the outer ring of the angular contact bearing 2.

[0043] Through the synergistic action of the limiting platform of the inner ring 4 of the ball joint bushing and the detachable retaining ring 5, the outer ring of the angular contact bearing 2 is firmly clamped between the two, achieving precise and reliable bidirectional axial fixation.

[0044] In one embodiment, the inner ring surface of the inner ring 4 of the ball joint bushing is provided with a groove, one end of which extends to the end face of the inner ring 4 of the ball joint bushing where the retaining ring 5 is provided, and the other end of the groove forms a limiting platform; the outer ring of the angular contact bearing 2 is disposed in the groove and its end abuts against the limiting platform, and the retaining ring 5 extends into the groove and abuts against the angular contact bearing 2.

[0045] The slot is specifically an annular stepped hole structure. One axial end (i.e., the open end) extends to the end face of the inner ring 4 of the ball joint bushing where the pressure ring 5 is installed, while the other axial end forms an annular stepped surface facing the open end. This stepped surface constitutes the limiting platform of the outer ring of the axial positioning angular contact bearing 2.

[0046] The outer ring of the angular contact bearing 2 is housed inside this groove, with one end face abutting tightly against the limiting platform at the bottom of the groove. The retaining ring 5 does not merely cover the end face of the inner ring 4 of the ball joint bushing; its annular flange extends into the groove and directly abuts against the other end face of the outer ring of the angular contact bearing 2 located within the groove.

[0047] In this embodiment, the cavity for mounting the outer ring of the bearing is designed with a dedicated slot structure. This slot precisely ensures the radial and axial positioning of the outer ring of the angular contact bearing 2, facilitating alignment during assembly and improving assembly accuracy and efficiency. This design allows the outer ring of the bearing to be integrally embedded within the inner ring 4 of the ball joint bushing, reducing the axial dimensions of the component and making the entire self-aligning unit more compact.

[0048] In one embodiment, the fit between the convex spherical surface of the inner ring 4 of the ball joint bushing and the concave spherical surface of the outer ring 6 of the ball joint bushing is configured to allow relative rotation between the two.

[0049] The outer surface of the inner ring 4 of the ball joint bushing is a machined convex spherical surface, while the inner surface of the outer ring 6 of the ball joint bushing is a matching concave spherical surface with the same center of curvature. These two spherical surfaces cooperate to form a spherical kinematic pair. The design of this spherical pair aims to constrain the relative motion between the two primarily to rotation about a common spherical center, i.e., "oscillation," while limiting undesirable radial translation or axial separation.

[0050] Because of this structure that allows relative oscillation, when the inner ring 4 of the ball joint bushing, which is fixed to the inner ring assembly, tends to have angular displacement due to shaft deformation, it can release this tendency by sliding and rotating the convex spherical surface within the concave spherical surface, thereby achieving an automatic self-aligning function.

[0051] This spherical fit, which allows for free rotation, is the structural basis for the bearing's ability to self-align at large angles. It enables the bearing to adaptively compensate for installation errors and shaft deflection during operation, ensuring that the balls of the angular contact bearing 2 maintain normal contact within the raceway. This avoids edge stress concentration and abnormal wear caused by misalignment, thereby significantly improving the bearing's operational stability and service life under complex working conditions.

[0052] In one embodiment, the maximum swing angle between the convex spherical surface and the concave spherical surface is ±2.5°.

[0053] In one embodiment, the angular contact bearing 2 is a double-row angular contact ball bearing. Compared to single-row angular contact ball bearings or ordinary deep groove ball bearings, the double-row design significantly increases the effective contact number of rolling elements and the load-bearing area, enabling the bearing assembly to withstand greater radial loads and bidirectional axial loads. Using the double-row angular contact bearing 2 as the internal rolling mechanism, and employing a stepped bushing with a tapered surface, effectively reduces radial and axial runout.

[0054] In one embodiment, the rolling elements of the double-row angular contact ball bearing are ceramic balls. Specifically, the ceramic balls are silicon nitride ceramic balls.

[0055] In this embodiment, the rolling elements of the double-row angular contact ball bearing are made of ceramic material, i.e., the rolling elements are ceramic balls. Preferably, the ceramic material is silicon nitride. These ceramic balls, with their inherent material properties, are directly applied to the double-row angular contact ball bearing structure, replacing the traditional steel rolling elements. Ceramics are excellent electrical insulators. Under conditions where a large current passes through the cathode roller, the ceramic balls can effectively block the path of current through the internal raceway of the bearing, fundamentally avoiding electrochemical corrosion (electrolytic corrosion) that may occur between the metal rolling elements and the raceways. High-performance ceramic materials have extremely high chemical inertness to electrolytes such as acids, alkalis, and salts, as well as strong corrosive media such as chloride ions, and will not rust, pit, or stress corrosion crack, greatly extending the service life of the bearing in highly corrosive environments. Ceramic materials themselves have a low coefficient of friction and excellent self-lubricating properties. In situations where grease lubrication cannot be used or needs to be reduced, ceramic balls can achieve boundary lubrication or self-lubricating operation to a certain extent, reducing dependence on traditional lubricating greases. This directly reduces the risk of contaminating electrolyte and foil products due to grease leakage and degradation, meeting the stringent cleanliness requirements for the production of high-quality electrolytic copper foil and lithium battery foil.

[0056] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bearing assembly, characterized in that, include: An axial fastening unit includes a stepped tapered sleeve (1) having a tapered section (12) and a set nut (3) threadedly connected to the stepped tapered sleeve (1). The bearing unit includes an angular contact bearing (2), the inner ring of which is sleeved on the tapered section (12) from the small end of the tapered section (12), and the end face of the angular contact bearing (2) at the small end of the tapered section (12) is subjected to axial pressure by the set nut (3); The self-aligning unit includes an inner ring (4) of a ball joint bushing and an outer ring (6) of a ball joint bushing. The inner ring (4) of the ball joint bushing is fitted and fixed to the outer ring of the angular contact bearing (2), and the inner ring (4) of the ball joint bushing has a convex spherical outer surface; The outer ring (6) of the ball joint bushing has a concave spherical inner surface that mates with the convex spherical surface, and the outer ring (6) of the ball joint bushing is used to be fixedly connected to the bearing seat.

2. The bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stepped cone sleeve (1) is also provided with a threaded section (11), which is located at the small end of the cone section (12); the set nut (3) is connected to the threaded section (11).

3. The bearing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, An annular tool relief groove is provided between the conical section (12) and the threaded section (11).

4. The bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The self-aligning unit also includes a retaining ring (5), which is fixed to the end of the inner ring (4) of the ball joint bushing by fasteners, so as to press the outer ring of the angular contact bearing (2) axially against the limiting platform of the inner ring (4) of the ball joint bushing.

5. The bearing assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner ring surface of the inner ring (4) of the ball joint bushing is provided with a groove, one end of the groove extends to the end face of the inner ring (4) of the ball joint bushing where the tightening pressure ring (5) is located, and the other end of the groove constitutes the limiting platform; The outer ring of the angular contact bearing (2) is disposed in the groove and its end abuts against the limiting platform. The clamping pressure ring (5) extends into the groove and abuts against the angular contact bearing (2).

6. The bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fit between the convex spherical surface of the inner ring (4) of the ball joint bushing and the concave spherical surface of the outer ring (6) of the ball joint bushing is configured to allow relative rotation between the two.

7. The bearing assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The maximum swing angle between the convex spherical surface and the concave spherical surface is ±2.5°.

8. The bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angular contact bearing (2) is a double-row angular contact ball bearing.

9. The bearing assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The rolling elements of the double-row angular contact ball bearing are ceramic balls.

10. The bearing assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The ceramic spheres are silicon nitride ceramic spheres.

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