Rolling bearing that includes holes and grooves

Abstract

Rolling bearing (10) comprising an outer ring (12) and an inner ring (14) which are suitable to rotate concentrically to each other about a longitudinal axis, wherein at least one series of rolling elements is arranged between the outer ring (12) and the inner ring (14), wherein the rolling bearing (10) is provided with a first outer surface (16) and a second outer surface (18) which is axially opposite the first outer surface (16) and which limits the axial length of the bearing. The outer ring (12) has a longitudinal hole (40) that opens into the first outer surface (16) of the rolling bearing (10), wherein at least one edge (42, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68) of the outer ring (12) has a longitudinal marking (44, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78), wherein the hole (40) and the marking (44, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78) of the outer ring (12) are separated by an angle α. The inner ring (14) has a longitudinal hole (50), wherein the hole (50) opens onto the second outer surface (18) of the rolling bearing (10), wherein at least one edge (52) of the inner ring (14) has a longitudinal marking (54), wherein the hole (50) and the marking (54) of the inner ring (14) are separated by an angle β. The hole (40) of the outer ring (12) and the hole (50) of the inner ring (14) are separated by an angle γ if the markings (44, 54, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78) of the outer ring (12) and the inner ring (14) are contained in the same longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of rolling bearings.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to the field of large diameter rolling bearings having an inner ring and an outer ring arranged concentrically around an axis of rotation extending in the axial direction.

[0003] Such large diameter rolling bearings can be used, for example, in marine applications, such as in a tidal or marine turbine power plant, or in a tunnel boring machine, or in a mining machine or in a wind turbine.

[0004] A large-diameter rolling bearing generally comprises two concentric inner and outer rings and at least one row of rolling elements, such as rollers or balls, arranged between the rings. The bearing also includes seals arranged between the inner and outer rings to form an enclosed space in which the rolling elements are arranged.

[0005] Large-diameter rolling bearings are generally used in aggressive environments, especially in marine applications. Seals prevent external elements such as dust, abrasive particles, water, and marine species such as plankton and algae from penetrating the bearing and damaging its components. These external elements can also alter the seal itself, resulting in a shortened seal life.

[0006] Generally, several additional seals are provided on the front side of the bearing, which comes into direct contact with the aggressive environment, such as salt water. These additional seals are attached to a sealing ring of one of the inner and outer rings and comprise a sealing lip that is in sliding contact with a running surface of a sealing ring of the other ring. Thus, several adjacent, closed outer chambers are defined between the sealing lips of the adjacent seals.

[0007] When water begins to penetrate the interior of the rolling bearing by initially entering the first outer seal chamber, it is desirable to prevent the water or contamination from moving further into the interior of the bearing and into the rolling space. Water ingress can occur in most applications, but especially in submerged applications, such as a tidal turbine.

[0008] Generally, seal rings are designed to optimize sealing and facilitate seal maintenance. Accordingly, in certain designs, all or most seal rings include one or more leak test channels.

[0009] A leak test channel allows a fluid to be introduced into an area containing a seal before the rolling bearing is used. This allows the effectiveness of the sealing elements and seals to be tested. The introduced fluid can be compressed air, lubricant, a colored liquid, etc.

[0010] A sealing plug can be attached to an inlet and / or outlet port of the leak test channel by any suitable means, e.g., by screwing. Preferably, the sealing plug is made of a transparent material to allow visual detection of the presence of a contaminating fluid during an inspection of the rolling bearing. The sealing plug can be coated with potting material and embedded in this material. Thus, the corresponding thread of the sealing plug is sealed.

[0011] The rolling bearing presented above works well and is satisfactory. However, it also has some disadvantages.

[0012] The structure of a rolling bearing is complex, and its implementation within a fixture or between fixtures can be complicated. It is difficult to orient the outer ring on one part of a fixture and align the inner ring with another part of a fixture. Bearing maintenance can also be complicated, as it requires precise positioning of the outer ring or inner ring relative to a component, or precise positioning of the two rings relative to each other. This results in further disadvantages, such as relatively high costs and a relatively long assembly time.

[0013] The present invention aims, among other things, to overcome these disadvantages. The invention aims to optimize rolling bearing assembly by simplifying it. As a concomitant effect, the invention aims to reduce assembly times and simplify maintenance.

[0014] The invention relates to a rolling bearing comprising an outer ring and an inner ring adapted to rotate concentrically with each other about a longitudinal axis, at least one row of rolling elements being arranged between the outer and inner rings, the rolling bearing being provided with a first outer surface and a second outer surface axially opposite the first outer surface, which limits the axial length of the bearing.

[0015] The outer ring has a longitudinal hole, wherein the hole opens at the first outer surface of the rolling bearing, wherein at least one edge of the outer ring has a longitudinal marking, wherein the hole and the marking of the outer ring are separated by an angle α.

[0016] The inner ring has a longitudinal hole, wherein the hole opens at the second outer surface of the rolling bearing, wherein at least one edge of the inner ring has a longitudinal marking, wherein the hole and the marking of the inner ring are separated by an angle β.

[0017] The hole of the outer ring and the hole of the inner ring are separated by an angle γ if the markings of the outer ring and the inner ring are contained in a same longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis.

[0018] Angles α and β are measured along the same rotation direction, and angle γ is β minus α. Since angles α and β are known, angle γ is also known. Accordingly, two pins, each inserted into a hole, are separated by the known angle γ. In other words, it is sufficient to place all the ring marks in the same plane to adjust the distance between the pins. As a result, placing each ring on a part of a fixture becomes easier. In fact, each pin has a projecting part that fits into a hole in the fixture. The two holes that accommodate the pin projections are offset by an angular value γ. This allows for easy positioning of the outer and inner rings in a fixture. Thanks to the holes with the pins, the angular position of the outer and inner rings is correct.The resulting advantages include easier and faster installation of the rolling bearing, easier maintenance and lower costs.

[0019] In one embodiment, the outer ring comprises at least one first rolling ring and at least one first sealing ring secured to the first rolling ring, while the inner ring comprises at least one second rolling ring and at least one second sealing ring secured to the second rolling ring. In this way, the sealing of the bearing can be reinforced.

[0020] The first sealing ring of the outer ring is formed as a split ring and comprises at least two partial rings, wherein the partial ring furthest from the rolling ring is an end ring, wherein each partial ring has a longitudinal through-hole located at a first diameter Φ1, wherein an outer peripheral edge of each partial ring has a longitudinal marking, wherein the through-hole and the marking of the outer peripheral edge are separated by the angle α, wherein the first rolling ring of the outer ring has a longitudinal through-hole located at the first diameter Φ1, wherein an outer peripheral edge of the first rolling ring has a longitudinal marking, wherein the through-hole and the marking of the outer peripheral edge are separated by the angle α, wherein all through-holes in the partial rings and the through-hole in the first rolling ring are aligned with each other and form the hole that opens into the first surface of the rolling bearing,when all the markings on the partial rings and the first rolling ring are aligned. As a result, a pin prevents all the rings from rotating relative to each other when the pin is in the hole that opens into the first surface of the rolling bearing.

[0021] Two of the partial rings are twin rings of identical design, with each twin ring having two longitudinal through holes. The two through holes are located on the first diameter Φ1 and separated by an angle γ. Each twin ring has a first mark at the level of one of the through holes and a second mark at the level of the other of the through holes. The twin rings are adjacent and offset. This simplifies the design of the rolling bearing.

[0022] The end ring of the first sealing ring has a radial marking located in a longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis, which includes the marking of the outer peripheral edge of the end ring. This allows the position of the end ring to be viewed from different angles.

[0023] The first sealing ring of the outer ring comprises five partial rings. This number of rings provides excellent performance, especially for sealing the rolling bearing.

[0024] The second sealing ring of the inner ring has a longitudinal marking, and the second rolling ring of the inner ring has a longitudinal marking, wherein the longitudinal markings are contained in a longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis. The hole opening into the second surface of the rolling bearing has a second diameter Φ2, the hole and the two longitudinal markings being separated by an angle β. Accordingly, the position of a pin in the hole opening into the second surface is known.

[0025] The second sealing ring of the inner ring has a radial marking that lies in the longitudinal plane containing the longitudinal markings. This allows the position of the second sealing ring to be seen from different angles.

[0026] The angle value α is 0°, the angle value β is 3°, and the angle value γ is 3°. Very good results were obtained with these values.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a rolling bearing as defined above, the method comprising the following steps: inserting a pin into the longitudinal hole of the outer ring so that the pin projects, inserting another pin into the longitudinal hole of the inner ring so that the pin projects, positioning the outer ring with respect to the inner ring so that their respective markings are contained in a same longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis, fixing one of the outer ring or the inner ring to a rotating device, the projecting part of one pin being accommodated in an opening in this device, fixing the other of the outer ring or the inner ring to another rotating device, the projecting part of the pin being accommodated in an opening in the device.

[0028] The present invention and its advantages will be better understood by studying the detailed description of a specific embodiment, given as a non-limiting example and illustrated by the attached drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a partial perspective view from the side of a first outer surface of a rolling bearing according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 a perspective partial view from the side of a second outer surface of the rolling bearing Fig. 1, wherein the second outer surface is opposite the first outer surface, Fig. 3 a perspective partial view of the rolling bearing of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, which shows the second outer surface and the inner edges, Fig. 4 a partial sectional view of the rolling bearing of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is.

[0029] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. The rolling bearing 10 shown in Figure 4 is a large-diameter rolling bearing comprising a first ring 12 and a second ring 14. In the example shown, the first ring 12 is an outer ring, while the second ring 14 is an inner ring. The rolling bearing can be used, for example, in a tidal or marine turbine power plant, a tunnel boring machine, a wind turbine, a large offshore crane, or other applications that utilize a large-diameter rolling bearing.

[0030] The outer and inner rings 12, 14 are concentric and extend axially along the bearing's rotational axis (not shown), which runs in the axial direction. In the example shown, the rings 12, 14 are of the solid type, and the rolling bearing 10 extends longitudinally between a first outer surface 16 and a second outer surface 18 opposite the first outer surface 18.

[0031] The outer ring 12 comprises a rolling ring 20 and a sealing ring 22 fastened to the rolling ring 20. The inner ring 14 also comprises a rolling ring 24 and a sealing ring 26 fastened to the rolling ring 24. The sealing ring 22 of the outer ring 12 radially surrounds the sealing ring 26 of the inner ring 14. Accordingly, the first outer surface 16 is partially delimited by the rolling ring 20 of the outer ring 12 and partially by the rolling ring 24 of the inner ring 14. The rolling ring 20 and the rolling ring 24 are optionally arranged flush or axially offset. Similarly, the second outer surface 18 is partially delimited by the sealing ring 22 of the outer ring and partially by the sealing ring 26 of the inner ring 14. The sealing ring 22 and the sealing ring 26 are optionally arranged flush or axially offset.

[0032] Between the sealing rings 22, 26, several consecutive, unspecified seals are provided radially.

[0033] In the example shown, the rolling bearing 10 also comprises two rows of unspecified balls arranged between first raceways of the rolling ring 20 of the outer ring 12 and second raceways of the rolling ring 24 of the inner ring 14.

[0034] The sealing ring 22 of the outer ring 12 is axially secured in contact with the rolling ring 20. The sealing ring 22 projects axially from the rolling ring 20. The sealing ring 22 is inversely mounted or secured to the rolling ring 20. The sealing ring 22 radially surrounds the sealing ring 26 of the inner ring 14. Each of the sealing rings 22, 26 can be made of stainless steel or of treated steel with a paint finish or anti-corrosion treatment.

[0035] In the illustrated example, the sealing ring 22 is formed as a split ring and comprises a first 30, a second 32, a third 34, a fourth 36, and a fifth 38 partial rings, which are stacked one above the other in the axial direction. Alternatively, the sealing ring 22 can comprise more or fewer rings. The fifth partial ring 38 is an end ring, and the second 32, the third 34, and the fourth 36 rings are intermediate rings.

[0036] The first partial ring 30 is conversely fastened to the rolling ring 20 by screws (not shown) spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The first partial ring 30 rests axially against the rolling ring 20. Similarly, the second partial ring 32 is conversely axially fastened to the first partial ring 30 on the side opposite the rolling ring 20 by screws (not shown). The third partial ring 34 is conversely axially fastened to the second partial ring 32 by screws on the side opposite the first partial ring 30. The fourth partial ring 36 is conversely axially fastened to the third partial ring 34 by screws on the side opposite the second partial ring 32. The fifth partial ring 38 is conversely axially fastened to the fourth partial ring 36 by screws on the side opposite the third partial ring 34. The heads of the screws of the first partial ring 30 can be coated with potting material and embedded in this material.This seals the corresponding threads of the screws.

[0037] Fig. 1 shows that the outer ring 12 has a longitudinal hole 40, the hole 40 opening at the first surface 16 of the rolling bearing 10, and at least one edge 42 of the outer ring 12 has a longitudinal marking 44, the hole 40 and the marking 44 of the outer ring 12 being separated by an angle α. The hole 40 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rolling bearing 10. The edge 42 can be an outer peripheral surface of the rolling ring 20. The longitudinal marking 44 is a groove, but could alternatively be a series of dots, a colored inscription, or something similar. By way of non-limiting example, the value of the angle α is 0°, which means that the hole 40 and the marking 44 are both contained in the same longitudinal plane of the rolling bearing 10, which contains the longitudinal axis of rotation. However, the value of angle α could also be different, for example, a few degrees. In this case, hole 40 and mark 44 would be angularly offset.

[0038] Fig. 3 shows that the inner ring 14 has a longitudinal hole 50, wherein the hole 50 opens at the second outer surface 18 of the rolling bearing 10, wherein at least one edge 52 of the inner ring 14 has a longitudinal marking 54, wherein the hole 50 and the marking 54 of the inner ring 14 are separated by an angle β. The hole 50 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rolling bearing 10. The edge 52 can be an inner circumferential surface of the rolling ring 24. The longitudinal marking 54 is a groove, but could alternatively be a series of dots, a colored inscription, or something similar. The angle β is a few degrees, for example, three, which means that the hole 50 and the marking 54 are offset.

[0039] With regard to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, the hole 40 of the outer ring 12 and the hole 50 of the inner ring 14 are separated by an angle γ when the markings 44, 54 of the outer ring 12 and the inner ring 14 are contained in the same longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis. The angles α and β are measured according to the same direction of rotation, and the angle γ is β minus α. Since the angles α and β are known, the angle γ is also known. Accordingly, two pins, each inserted in a hole 40, 50, are separated by the known angle γ. The value of the angle γ can be, for example, 3°.

[0040] As a result, it is easier to place each ring 12, 14 on a part of a fixture. Effectively, each pin has a projecting portion that fits into a hole in the fixture. The two holes that accommodate the pin projections are offset by an angular value γ. This allows for easy positioning of the outer ring 12 and the inner ring 14 in the fixture. Thanks to the holes 40, 50 with pins, the angular position of the outer ring 12 and the inner ring 14 is correct.

[0041] In the example shown, with regard to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, each partial ring 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 always has a longitudinal through-hole (not shown) located on a first diameter Φ1, wherein each outer peripheral edge 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 of each partial ring 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 each has a longitudinal marking 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, wherein the through-hole and the marking of an outer peripheral edge are separated by the angle α.

[0042] The first rolling ring 20 of the outer ring 12 has a longitudinal through-hole (not shown) located at the first diameter Φ1. The outer peripheral edge 42 of the first rolling ring 20 has the longitudinal marking 44, as previously seen, the through-hole and the marking 44 of the outer peripheral edge 42 being separated by the angle α. All through-holes in the partial rings 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and the through-hole in the first rolling ring 20 are aligned and form the hole 40 that opens onto the first surface 16 of the rolling bearing 10 when all the markings 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 44 of the partial rings 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and the first rolling ring 20 are aligned. As a result, a pin prevents all the rings from rotating relative to each other when the pin is inserted into the hole 40 which opens into the first surface of the rolling bearing.

[0043] In a non-limiting way, two of the intermediate rings 32, 34 are twin rings that have the same structure. In other words, the twin rings 32, 34 have the same structure. Each twin ring 32, 34 has two longitudinal through holes, the two through holes being located on the first diameter Φ1 and separated by the angle γ. Each twin ring 32, 34 has a first mark 72, 74 at the level of one of the through holes and a second mark 82, 84 at the level of the other of the through holes, the twin rings 32, 34 being adjacent and offset. This simplifies the design of the rolling bearing.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows that the end ring 38 of the first sealing ring 22 has a radial marking 86 which lies in a longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis, this longitudinal plane containing the marking 78 of the outer peripheral edge 68 of the end ring 38.

[0045] Fig.Figure 3 shows that the second sealing ring 26 of the inner ring 14 has a longitudinal marking 88, and that the second rolling ring 24 of the inner ring 14 has a longitudinal marking 54, the marking 54 being the longitudinal marking of the inner ring 14 seen previously. The two longitudinal markings 88, 54 are contained in a longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis, the hole 50 opening into the second surface 18 of the rolling bearing 10 being at a second diameter Φ2, the hole 50 and the two longitudinal markings 88, 54 being separated from each other by the angle β. Accordingly, the position of a pin in the hole 50 opening into the second surface 18 is known.

[0046] The second sealing ring 26 of the inner ring 14 has a radial marking 90 which lies in the longitudinal plane containing the longitudinal markings 88, 54.

[0047] The angle value α is 0°, the angle value β is 3°, and the angle value γ is 3°. Very good results were obtained with these values.

[0048] In the example described, the rolling bearing 10 comprises two rows of rolling elements. Alternatively, the rolling bearing 10 may comprise only one row of rolling elements or three or more rows of rolling elements. The rolling elements may be balls, rollers, or other elements.

[0049] All markings are grooves, but can alternatively be paint markings, ribs, rows of depressions, or other.

Claims

[1] Rolling bearing (10) comprising an outer ring (12) and an inner ring (14) which are suitable for rotating concentrically with each other about a longitudinal axis, wherein at least one row of rolling elements is arranged between the outer ring (12) and the inner ring (14), wherein the rolling bearing (10) is provided with a first outer surface (16) and a second outer surface (18) axially opposite the first outer surface (16) which limit the axial length of the bearing, characterized by , that: - the outer ring (12) has a longitudinal hole (40), the hole (40) opening onto the first outer surface (16) of the rolling bearing (10), - at least one edge (42, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68) of the outer ring (12) has a longitudinal marking (44, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78), - the hole (40) and the marking (44, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78) of the outer ring (12) are separated by an angle α, - the inner ring (14) has a longitudinal hole (50), the hole (50) opening onto the second outer surface (18) of the rolling bearing (10), - at least one edge (52) of the inner ring (14) has a longitudinal marking (54), - the hole (50) and the mark (54) of the inner ring (14) are separated by an angle β, - the hole (40) of the outer ring (12) and the hole (50) of the inner ring (14) are separated from each other by an angle γ when the markings (44, 54, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78) of the outer ring (12) and the inner ring (14) are contained in a same longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis. [2] Rolling bearing (10) according to claim 1, wherein the outer ring (12) comprises at least one first rolling ring (20) and at least one first sealing ring (22) fastened to the first rolling ring (20), wherein the inner ring (14) comprises at least one second rolling ring (24) and at least one second sealing ring (26) fastened to the second rolling ring (24). [3] Rolling bearing (10) according to claim 2, wherein the first sealing ring (22) of the outer ring (12) is formed as a split ring and comprises at least two partial rings (30, 32, 34, 36, 38), wherein the partial ring (38) furthest from the rolling ring (20) is an end ring, wherein each partial ring (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) has a longitudinal through-hole located at a first diameter (Φ1), wherein an outer peripheral edge (60, 62, 64, 66, 68) of each partial ring (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) has a longitudinal marking (70, 72, 74, 76, 78), wherein the through-hole and the marking (70, 72, 74, 76, 78) of the outer peripheral edge (60, 62, 64, 66, 68) are separated by the angle α, wherein the first rolling ring (20) of the outer ring (12) has a longitudinal through-hole located on the first diameter (Φ1), wherein an outer peripheral edge (42) of the first rolling ring (20) has a longitudinal marking (44), wherein the through-hole and the marking (44) of the outer peripheral edge (42) are separated by the angle α,wherein all through holes in the partial rings (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) and the through hole of the first rolling ring (20) are aligned and form the hole (40) which opens onto the first surface (16) of the rolling bearing (10) when all markings (70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 44) of the partial rings (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) and the first rolling ring (20) are aligned. [4] Rolling bearing (10) according to claim 3, wherein two (32, 34) of the partial rings (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) are twin rings of the same structure, each twin ring (32, 34) having two longitudinal through-holes, the two through-holes being located on the first diameter (Φ1) and separated by the angle γ, each twin ring (32, 34) having a first mark (72, 74) at the level of one of the through-holes and a second mark (82, 84) at the level of the other of the through-holes, the twin rings (32, 34) being adjacent and offset. [5] Rolling bearing (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the end ring (38) of the first sealing ring (22) has a radial marking (86) lying in a longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis, said longitudinal plane containing the marking (78) of the outer peripheral edge (68) of the end ring (38). [6] Rolling bearing (10) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first sealing ring (22) of the outer ring (12) comprises five partial rings (30, 32, 34, 36, 38). [7] Rolling bearing (10) according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the second sealing ring (26) of the inner ring (14) has a longitudinal marking (88) and the second rolling ring (24) of the inner ring (14) has a longitudinal marking (54), wherein the longitudinal markings (88, 54) are contained in a longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis, wherein the hole (50) opening at the second surface (18) of the rolling bearing (10) is located on a second diameter (Φ2), wherein the hole (50) and the two longitudinal markings (88, 54) are separated by the angle β. [8] Rolling bearing (10) according to claim 7, wherein the second sealing ring (26) of the inner ring (14) has a radial mark (90) contained in the longitudinal plane containing the longitudinal marks. [9] Rolling bearing (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle value (α) is 0°, the angle value (β) is 3° and the angle value (γ) is 3°. [10] Method of assembling a rolling bearing (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: - Inserting a pin into the longitudinal hole (40) of the outer ring (12) so that the pin protrudes, - Inserting another pin into the longitudinal hole (50) of the inner ring (14) so ​​that the pin protrudes, - positioning the outer ring (12) relative to the inner ring (14) so ​​that their respective markings (44, 54, 70, 72, 76, 78, 84, 86, 88, 90) are contained in a same longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis, - fastening one of the outer ring (12) and the inner ring (14) to a rotating device, wherein the projecting part of a pin is accommodated in an opening of the device, - Attaching the other of the outer ring (12) and inner ring (14) to another rotating device, wherein the projecting part of the pin is accommodated in an opening of the device.

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