SEGMENTED AXIAL PLAIN BEARING

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an axial plain bearing according to the preamble of claim 1, an axial plain bearing according to the preamble of claim 2, an axial plain bearing according to the preamble of claim 6 and an axial plain bearing according to the preamble of claim 7.

[0002] The publication DE 10 2016 219 002 A1 discloses axial plain bearings for a planetary gear that are positively secured against rotation. Two axial plain bearings for each planetary gear are different from each other. Identical axial plain bearings cannot be used on both sides of a planetary gear due to the steps present in the planetary pins.

[0003] In addition, so-called tilting pad bearings and axial plain bearings with tapered surfaces are known from the state of the art.

[0004] DE 102008046946 A1 discloses the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of providing an axial plain bearing that does not have the disadvantages inherent in the prior art solutions. In particular, the bearing should be cost-effective to manufacture and assemble.

[0006] This object is achieved by an axial plain bearing according to claim 1, an axial plain bearing according to claim 2, an axial plain bearing according to claim 6, and an axial plain bearing according to claim 7. Preferred developments are contained in the subclaims and emerge from the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. An axial plain bearing refers to a plain bearing designed to absorb forces that run parallel to a rotational axis of the plain bearing. It is characterized in that it can absorb axial forces, i.e., forces running parallel to the rotational axis, exclusively in one direction. It cannot absorb opposing axial forces. Means that absorb opposing axial forces form a further axial plain bearing.

[0007] A first axial plain bearing according to the invention has at least two, preferably at least three, four, or five physically separate, one-piece segments. Each individual segment of the axial plain bearing is thus constructed in one piece. Two of the segments are physically separated from each other, i.e., they are separate pieces. In particular, no two segments are integrally connected to each other. Furthermore, the segments are preferably arranged separately from each other, so that no two segments touch each other.

[0008] According to the invention, one or more, preferably at least two, three, four or five segments of the first axial plain bearing each have one or more wedge surfaces.

[0009] A second axial plain bearing according to the invention has exactly one segment. This segment is formed in one piece.

[0010] According to the invention, the segment is interrupted along its course around a rotational axis of the axial plain bearing. This means that the segment does not run continuously around the rotational axis. Instead, the segment's course is interrupted by a gap that is free of the segment. In particular, neither the segment nor any part of the segment is rotationally symmetrical—neither to the rotational axis nor to any other axis.

[0011] The aforementioned wedge surfaces each form a sliding surface. This means that they are designed to form a pair of sliding surfaces with a common, preferably circular, sliding surface. The two sliding surfaces of a pair of sliding surfaces are rotatable relative to each other and slide against each other during rotation. A gap between the sliding surfaces is preferably filled with lubricant, so that fluid or mixed friction occurs between the sliding surfaces.

[0012] The sliding surfaces of a sliding surface pair of an axial plain bearing are designed to transmit forces to each other at least in the axial direction. A first sliding surface of a sliding surface pair is thus designed to transmit forces in a specific axial direction to the second sliding surface of the sliding surface pair. Conversely, the second sliding surface is designed to transmit forces that run in the opposite axial direction to the first sliding surface.

[0013] The wedge surfaces of the axial plain bearings according to the invention are functionally equivalent to the wedge surfaces of conventional wedge surface bearings. Accordingly, the shape of the wedge surfaces of a conventional wedge surface bearing can be transferred to the wedge surfaces of the axial plain bearing according to the invention. Thus, the wedge surfaces are preferably flat surfaces that are tilted with respect to a radial plane, i.e., orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the plain bearing. A surface tilted with respect to a plane runs antiparallel to the plane. An axis about which the plane is tilted runs at least partially, preferably exclusively, radially. With an at least partially radial axis, a direction vector of the axis is oriented radially. The wedge surfaces preferably each enclose an acute angle with the plane.

[0014] The individual segments of the thrust bearings according to the invention are very easy to assemble. This is particularly advantageous for large bearings. Since each individual segment is comparatively small, materials intended for smaller plain bearings can also be used. In particular, materials for industrially manufactured bearings can be used, with corresponding cost advantages.

[0015] In a preferred development, one or more, preferably all segments have at least two, preferably three, four or five wedge surfaces.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the wedge surfaces are rotationally symmetrical to one another with respect to the axis of rotation of the plain bearing. The wedge surfaces can thus be mapped onto one another by rotating them through one or more angles of rotation around the axis of rotation of the plain bearing.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, a groove extends between each two of the wedge surfaces. The groove preferably extends at least partially, preferably completely, radially relative to the axis of rotation of the axial plain bearing.

[0018] The idea underlying the invention can be realized by having at least one tilting segment instead of at least one wedge surface. The above statements regarding the wedge surfaces apply mutatis mutandis to the tilting segments.

[0019] One or more, preferably all, segments of the axial plain bearing each have at least one bore for oil supply. The at least one bore is preferably a through-bore, which in particular extends into a groove running between two of the wedge surfaces.

[0020] According to the invention, the axial plain bearing is formed with a support that can be rotatably mounted. The support is preferably a one-piece component. One or more, preferably all, segments are rigidly fixed in the support, i.e., without the possibility of relative movement. The fixation is preferably positively locked.

[0021] The segments are secured by means of recesses in the carrier. The carrier has one or more recesses, each of which accommodates a segment. The segments are inserted into the recesses in such a way that a positive connection is created between each segment and each recess. The recesses are designed as a negative mold of each segment.

[0022] The carrier is designed with at least one lubricant line that opens into the recess. This provides a lubricant-conducting connection between the lubricant line and the bore. This allows lubricant to be introduced into the thrust bearing.

[0023] The axial plain bearing according to the invention and its preferred developments are particularly suitable for supporting a planetary gear in a planetary carrier.

[0024] To support the planetary gear, two axial plain bearings according to the invention are preferably provided, located on opposite end faces of the planetary gear. The end faces, together with the wedge surfaces or tilting segments, form pairs of sliding surfaces. A flange of the planetary carrier preferably serves as a support for the segments of the axial plain bearings.

[0025] The invention makes it possible to use identical axial plain bearings on both sides of the planetary gear.

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures. Corresponding reference numerals indicate identical or functionally equivalent features. In detail: Figure 1 a segmented axial plain bearing with wedge surfaces; and Figure 2 a segmented axial plain bearing with tilting pads.

[0027] In Figure 1 A planetary carrier 101 is shown. Its cheek has a recess 103. The recess 103 is a negative form of an axial plain bearing segment 105. When the axial plain bearing segment 105 is inserted into the recess 103, it is positively secured by the recess.

[0028] At the bottom of the recess 103 there is a groove 107. A lubricant line 109 opens into the groove 107.

[0029] The axial plain bearing segment 105 has through-bores 111 extending in the axial direction. On one side, the through-bores 111 open into a bearing gap, and on the other side, into the groove 107. This creates a lubricant-conducting connection between the lubricant line 109 and the through-bores 111.

[0030] The axial plain bearing segment 105 is provided with wedge surfaces 113. Grooves 115 run between the wedge surfaces 113. The through holes 111 open into these grooves.

[0031] The wedge surfaces 113 together with another sliding surface, such as an end face of a planetary gear, form the above-mentioned bearing gap.

[0032] The Figure 2 The axial plain bearing segment 201 shown corresponds in its basic form to that shown in Figure 1The axial plain bearing segment 105 shown here. However, instead of the wedge surfaces 113, it has tilting segments 203. Lubrication is provided via through holes 205, each of which opens into a recess 207, with which the respective tilting segment 203 is fixed. Reference symbol

[0033] 101Planet carrier 103Recess 105Axial plain bearing segment 107Groove 109Lubricant line 111Through hole 113Wedge surface 115Groove 201Axial plain bearing segment 203Tilt segment 205Axial plain bearing segment 207Recess

Claims

1. Axial plain bearing having at least two in each case integral segments (105) and a carrier (101); wherein at least one of the at least two segments (105) is fixed rigidly in the carrier (101); wherein the segments (105) are separate pieces; wherein at least one segment (105) has at least one wedge surface (113) which serves as a sliding surface; characterized in that the carrier (101) forms at least one depression (103); wherein the depression (103) fixes the at least one segment (105) in a form-fitting manner; wherein at least one of the at least two segments (105) has at least one bore (111) for supply of oil; wherein the carrier (101) forms at least one lubricant line (109) which opens out into the depression (130); and wherein the lubricant line (109) is connected in a lubricant-conducting manner to the bore (111).

2. Axial plain bearing having exactly one segment and a carrier (101); wherein the segment is formed integrally; wherein the segment is interrupted along its extension around an axis of rotation of the axial plain bearing; wherein the segment has at least one wedge surface which serves as a sliding surface; and wherein the exactly one segment is fixed rigidly in the carrier (101); wherein the carrier (101) forms at least one depression (103); wherein the depression (103) fixes the at least one segment (105) in a form-fitting manner; wherein the exactly one segment has at least one bore (111) for supply of oil; wherein the carrier (101) forms at least one lubricant line (109) which opens out into the depression (130); and wherein the lubricant line (109) is connected in a lubricant-conducting manner to the bore (111).

3. Axial plain bearing according to either of the preceding claims; wherein at least one of the at least two segments (105) or the exactly one segment has at least two wedge surfaces (113).

4. Axial plain bearing according to the preceding claim; wherein the wedge surfaces (113) are rotationally symmetrical with respect to one another in relation to an axis of rotation of the plain bearing.

5. Axial plain bearing according to either of the preceding two claims; wherein a groove (115) extends between in each case two wedge surfaces (113).

6. Axial plain bearing having at least two in each case integral segments (201) and a carrier (101); wherein at least one of the at least two segments (105) is fixed rigidly in the carrier (101); wherein the segments (201) are separate pieces; wherein at least one segment (201) has at least one tilting segment (203) which serves as a sliding surface; wherein at least one of the at least two segments (105) has at least one bore (111) for supply of oil; wherein the carrier (101) forms at least one lubricant line (109) which opens out into the depression (130); and wherein the lubricant line (109) is connected in a lubricant-conducting manner to the bore (111).

7. Axial plain bearing having exactly one segment and a carrier (101); wherein the segment is fixed rigidly in the carrier (101); wherein the segment is formed integrally; wherein the segment is interrupted along its extension around an axis of rotation of the axial plain bearing; wherein at least one tilting segment (203) serving as a sliding surface is arranged on the segment; wherein the exactly one segment has at least one bore (111) for supply of oil; wherein the carrier (101) forms at least one lubricant line (109) which opens out into the depression (130); and wherein the lubricant line (109) is connected in a lubricant-conducting manner to the bore (111).