Roller chain for recirculating bearing modules, intended for offshore application

Abstract

The present invention relates to a roller chain (10) for a recirculating bearing module (20), intended for offshore applications. The roller chain (10) comprises several rollers (11), each of which is fitted onto a shaft (12). The rollers (11) are free to rotate relative to their associated shafts (12). The cylindrical inner surface (112) of said roller (11) and the outer surface (121) of said shaft (12) define a sealed chamber (15) that is filled with a lubricating fluid. Each shaft (12) is rotationally locked to at least one associated link (13) by means of rotational locking means (16). Figure for the abstract: 3

Description

Title of the invention: Roller chain for recirculating bearing modules, intended for offshore application. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of roller chains for recirculating bearing modules, intended for offshore applications. State of the art

[0002] In the offshore sector, the need for technological solutions capable of guiding and maneuvering increasingly massive structures continues to grow.

[0003] This need is particularly marked in the offshore wind sector, where the installation, positioning and maintenance of equipment require reliable mechanical solutions adapted to demanding environments.

[0004] To meet these requirements, it is known to use recirculating bearing modules incorporating roller chains. These chains consist of several rollers, each fitted onto a shaft which is connected to an adjacent shaft by two links.

[0005] These chains allow for rapid and controlled movements between mobile frames of an offshore structure, which is essential for optimizing operations in these complex environments.

[0006] However, despite their effectiveness, current solutions have significant limitations. The links of conventional roller chains are particularly sensitive to repetitive movements, which can lead to premature degradation or even breakage under the high mechanical stresses characteristic of offshore applications. This weakness represents a major risk, for example in critical operations such as offshore wind turbine installation, where failures can have considerable economic and environmental consequences.

[0007] Thus, there is an increased need for new roller chains offering better resistance to dynamic loads. Presentation of the invention

[0008] In order to remedy the aforementioned drawback of the prior art, the present invention proposes a roller chain for a recirculating bearing module, intended for an offshore application.

[0009] The roller chain comprises several rollers, each fitted onto a shaft. Each shaft has an external surface and is connected to an adjacent shaft by two links.

[0010] And, according to the invention, said rollers, which are tubular in shape, each comprise:

[0011] - a cylindrical outer surface, and

[0012] - a cylindrical interior surface, defining a through-housing in which the said tree is fitted

[0013] which rollers are free to rotate relative to their associated shafts,

[0014] which cylindrical inner surface of said roller and which outer surface of said shaft define a sealed chamber which is filled with a lubricating fluid,

[0015] and each shaft is locked in rotation with at least one of said associated links by means of rotation locking means.

[0016] Thanks to the rotational locking of each shaft with at least one of the associated links, the rotational movement takes place mainly between the roller and its shaft (and not between the shaft and the links).

[0017] This minimizes friction between the shafts and the links, thereby reducing link heating. This reduction in heating limits the risks of thermal degradation and premature wear.

[0018] By avoiding excessive stress on the links, the invention prevents breakages due to repetitive movements and mechanical wear. This improves chain life in demanding environments, such as offshore applications.

[0019] Reducing the risk of link breakage leads to a reduction in maintenance interventions and associated costs, particularly in hard-to-reach environments such as offshore structures.

[0020] By promoting rotational movements at the lubricated surfaces between the roller and the shaft, the invention ensures better resistance to dynamic loads, which is crucial for repeated high-speed operations.

[0021] In addition, the design incorporating a sealed chamber filled with lubricating fluid allows a significant reduction in friction forces between the cylindrical inner surface of said roller and the outer surface of said shaft, thus extending the life of the entire chain.

[0022] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the product according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows:

[0023] - the roller and its associated shaft cooperate by means of assembly means rotation, advantageously chosen from plain bearings or rolling bearings, advantageously brought together between said cylindrical inner surface of said roller and said outer surface of said shaft;

[0024] The means for rotational assembly comprise two bearings, for example two flanged plain bearings, advantageously made of bronze, which are secured with said cylindrical inner surface, or two rolling bearings, for example ball bearings, roller bearings or needle bearings;

[0025] - said sealed chamber is laterally sealed by two annular seals which each extend between the cylindrical inner surface of said roller and the outer surface of said shaft; preferably, each annular seal is arranged between a section of the cylindrical inner surface of said roller and a section of the outer surface of said shaft, which sections are, where appropriate, outside with respect to said bearings; preferably again, the annular seals are chosen from metallic seals, comprising, for example, two sealing rings, a first sealing ring of which is rotationally locked with the cylindrical inner surface of said roller and a second sealing ring is rotationally locked with the outer surface of said shaft, or lip seals, comprising, for example, a lip seal rotationally locked with the cylindrical inner surface of said roller and a sealing ring rotationally locked with the outer surface of said shaft;

[0026] - said shaft comprises two terminal sections cooperating with a through orifice complementary to said links, which means of rotational locking comprise an assembly between a non-circular lateral portion of said terminal section, for example a portion comprising a flat, and a link comprising a complementary through orifice;

[0027] - the roller and / or its associated shaft include locking means in translation, adapted to maintain said tree in its through housing, for example stops carried by the ends of said tree;

[0028] - the trees each have at least one conduit for filling the sealed chamber with said lubricating fluid, which conduit has two orifices, an external orifice, advantageously opening at one end of said shaft, and an internal orifice, opening into the sealed chamber.

[0029] The present invention further relates to a bearing module, intended for an offshore application, comprising:

[0030] - a roller chain according to the invention,

[0031] - a guide body receiving said roller chain,

[0032] which roller chain forms a recirculating roller chain comprising:

[0033] - an active strand intended to cooperate with a complementary running surface, and

[0034] - a bit of a return.

[0035] The present invention also relates to offshore equipment, comprising at least one bearing module according to the invention, adapted to installations such as a foundation pile for an offshore crane mast or an active wave compensation system.

[0036] Of course, the various features, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Detailed description of the invention

[0037] In addition, various other features of the invention become apparent from the attached description made with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention and where:

[0038] [Fig-1] is a general and perspective view of a bearing module equipped with a roller chain according to the invention;

[0039] [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional and schematic view of the bearing module according to [Fig.1]

[0040] [Fig.3] is a partial and schematic view of the roller chain according to the invention, showing a roller which is fitted onto a shaft connected to links, with a partial and enlarged view of a terminal section which cooperates with two links;

[0041] [Fig.4] is a side view of the assembly illustrated in [Fig.3];

[0042] [Fig. 5] is a general and partial cross-sectional view of a roller that is fitted onto a tree in which the annular joints present a first mode of embodiment;

[0043] [Fig.6] is a general and partial cross-sectional view of a roller which is fitted onto a shaft in which the annular joints have a second embodiment;

[0044] [Fig.7] is a side view of two links constituting the roller chain according to the invention.

[0045] [Fig.8] is a schematic view of a first example of offshore equipment comprising bearing modules cooperating with a rotating ring for the support of a foundation pile for a wind turbine;

[0046] [Fig.9] is a schematic view of a second example of offshore equipment comprising bearing modules according to the invention, namely an active wave compensation system for the installation of offshore wind turbines.

[0047] It should be noted that, in these figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[0048] As shown in the figures, the present invention relates to a roller chain 10 for a recirculating bearing module 20, intended for an offshore application.

[0049] By "offshore application" we advantageously mean any use in environments located off the coast, generally in a maritime environment.

[0050] These applications are characterized by their exposure to specific environmental conditions such as:

[0051] - marine constraints: exposure to salt water, humidity, corrosion and temperature variations;

[0052] - dynamic conditions: presence of waves and swell in particular;

[0053] - heavy loads: high mechanical stresses due to equipment heavy, such as offshore wind turbines or marine cranes.

[0054] These applications include, but are not limited to:

[0055] - the installation and maintenance of offshore wind turbines;

[0056] - active wave compensation systems for maritime operations;

[0057] - transport and handling equipment for packages at sea. Bearing module

[0058] The present invention also relates to the recirculating bearing module 20, intended for an offshore application.

[0059] This recirculating bearing module 20 advantageously comprises:

[0060] - a roller chain 10 according to the invention,

[0061] - a guide body 21 receiving this roller chain 10.

[0062] As shown in [Fig.2], the roller chain 10 forms a recirculating roller chain 10 which comprises:

[0063] - an active strand 101, intended to cooperate with a bearing track C, complementary, and

[0064] - a bit back 102.

[0065] By “guide body”, advantageously means a manufactured part designed to ensure the precise and stable guidance of the roller chain in a recirculating bearing module.

[0066] The guide body plays a role in delimiting and separating the two strands constituting the chain, namely the active strand and the return strand, while ensuring their proper functioning.

[0067] It geometrically defines the positions of the active strand and the return strand, thus contributing to the stability and efficiency of the rolling modulus.

[0068] The guide body divides the roller chain into two segments:

[0069] - the active strand, which cooperates directly with the complementary rolling path to transmit forces or support loads;

[0070] - the return strand, which returns to the initial position without interacting with the path of bearing.

[0071] The guide body 21 is advantageously made of wear-resistant materials suitable for the offshore environment, such as metal alloys, reinforced composites or technical polymers. Roller chain

[0072] Generally, and as illustrated in general terms in Figures 2 and 3, the roller chain 10 comprises several rollers 11 which are each fitted onto a shaft 12.

[0073] And, each tree 12 is connected to an adjacent tree 12 by two links 13 (lateral).

[0074] In other words, each tree 12 is connected to:

[0075] - a first tree 12 adjacent by a first pair of links 13, and

[0076] - a second tree 12 adjacent by a second pair of links 13.

[0077] Thus, each link 13 provides the connection between two adjacent shafts 12, allowing a continuous mechanical connection to be created along the roller chain.

[0078] Advantageously, each link 13 consists of a metal plate having two (through) holes 131 which are intended to cooperate each with a shaft 12.

[0079] More specifically, the tubular rollers 11 each comprise:

[0080] - a cylindrical outer surface 111, intended to cooperate with the path of bearing C and

[0081] - a cylindrical interior surface 112, defining a through-housing 113 in which is fitted to a shaft 12.

[0082] And each shaft 12 has an outer surface 121 opposite the cylindrical inner surface 112 of the corresponding roller 11.

[0083] According to the invention, the rollers 11 are free to rotate relative to their associated shafts 12.

[0084] This feature allows for independent rotational movement between each roller and its corresponding shaft. This configuration contributes to reducing friction at the shaft / link assembly and improving the mechanical performance of the roller chain.

[0085] According to a preferred embodiment, the roller 11 and its associated shaft 12 cooperate by means of rotational assembly means 17.

[0086] These rotational assembly means 17 are advantageously chosen from:

[0087] - plain bearings, or

[0088] - rolling bearings.

[0089] The term "plain bearings" advantageously refers to mechanical elements that guide and support the rotational movement of the roller 11 relative to its associated shaft 12, without using rolling components. These plain bearings generally consist of a contact surface that allows sliding between the parts, while reducing friction.

[0090] By "roller bearings," we advantageously mean mechanical devices that allow the support and guidance of a rotational movement of the roller 11 by relative to its associated shaft 12, minimizing friction through the use of rolling components such as balls, rollers or needles.

[0091] The rotational assembly means 17 are advantageously reported between the cylindrical inner surface 112 of the roller 11 and the outer surface 121 of said shaft 12.

[0092] Preferably, the rotational assembly means 17 comprise two bearings 17, for example:

[0093] - two plain flanged bearings (in particular [Fig.3]), advantageously made of bronze, which are joined here to the cylindrical inner surface 112, or

[0094] - two rolling bearings (not shown), for example ball bearings, roller bearings or needle bearings.

[0095] Furthermore, each tree 12 also has two terminal sections 122 which cooperate with a through orifice 131 complementary to the links 13.

[0096] The terminal sections 122 extend in projection from the associated roller 11, on either side of this associated roller 11.

[0097] More specifically, each terminal section 122 is capable of being inserted through a through-hole 131 in two juxtaposed links 13, such that:

[0098] - a first link 13 is intended to cooperate with, on one side, said tree 12 and, on the on the other side, a first tree 12 adjacent and

[0099] - a second link 13 is intended to cooperate with, on one side, said tree 12 and, on the on the other side, a second tree 12 adjacent.

[0100] According to the invention, the cylindrical inner surface 112 of the roller 11 and the outer surface 121 of said shaft 12 define a sealed chamber 15 which is filled with a lubricating fluid.

[0101] This fluid fills the sealed chamber 15, created between the cylindrical inner surface of the roller and the outer surface of the shaft. In particular, this lubricating fluid reduces the frictional forces between the roller and the shaft, thus promoting smooth movement and reducing mechanical wear.

[0102] For example, and in a conventional manner, the lubricating fluid is chosen from among the lubricating fluids suitable for offshore applications, for example greases or oils.

[0103] Preferably, the sealed chamber 15 is laterally sealed by two annular seals 151 which each extend between the cylindrical inner surface 112 of the roller 11 and the outer surface 121 of the shaft 12.

[0104] Each annular joint 151 is preferably arranged between a section 112a of the cylindrical inner surface 112 of the roller 11 and a section 121a of the outer surface 121 of the shaft 12.

[0105] The two sections 112a, 121a, opposite each other, are where appropriate preferably outside in relation to the landings 17.

[0106] In other words, the bearings 17 are advantageously positioned between the annular seals 151, within the sealed chamber 15.

[0107] In other words, the terminal sections 122 extend from the annular joints 151.

[0108] According to an embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5], the annular seals 151 consist of lip seals 152 which comprise, for example:

[0109] - a lip seal 152a rotationally locked (and sealed) with the surface cylindrical interior 112 of roller 11 and

[0110] - a sealing ring 152b locked against rotation (and in a watertight manner) with the external surface 121 of said tree 12.

[0111] According to an embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 6], the annular seals 151 consist of metal seals 153 (also called "glass seals"), comprising, for example, two sealing rings of which:

[0112] - a first sealing ring 153a is rotationally locked with the surface cylindrical interior 112 of roller 11 and

[0113] - a second sealing ring 153b is rotationally locked with the surface exterior 121 of said tree 12.

[0114] Preferably, these sealing rings 153a, 153b consist of identical metallic friction rings mounted against each other and centered in their location by two elastomer elements 153c exerting a uniform axial pressure.

[0115] These sealing rings 153a, 153b are in rotation relative to each other, following the relative rotational movement between the roller 11 and its shaft 12.

[0116] The sealing between these sealing rings 153a, 153b is ensured by friction between the two elements in contact.

[0117] Preferably and generally, each shaft 12 has at least one conduit 125 for filling the sealed chamber 15 with the lubricating fluid.

[0118] As illustrated in [Fig.5], this conduit 125 has two orifices:

[0119] - an external orifice 1251, advantageously opening at one end of tree 12 and intended to be sealed (for example, at least with a plug), and

[0120] - an internal orifice 1252, opening into the sealed chamber 15.

[0121] The conduit 125, for example, has an L-shaped form, with:

[0122] - a first section extending coaxially to the shaft 12, and

[0123] - a second section extending perpendicularly to the axis of this tree 12.

[0124] According to the invention, each shaft 12 is locked in rotation with at least one of the associated links 13 by means of rotation locking means 16.

[0125] Preferably, one link 13 is rotationally locked with two adjacent shafts 12. And the other links 13 are free to rotate with respect to the two adjacent shafts 12.

[0126] Preferably, the shafts move linearly along the two strands (active and return) without rotating about their axis. This movement is made possible by mechanically locking the shafts with certain links, preventing their rotation. Furthermore, the rollers, mounted on the shafts, pivot freely around the shafts. This configuration ensures that the rollers, and not the shafts, provide the rotation necessary for the system to function.

[0127] Friction is thus concentrated at the interfaces between the rollers and the shafts, where it is reduced thanks to the presence of the lubricating fluid in the sealed chamber.

[0128] By avoiding the rotation of the shafts, friction between the shafts and the links is minimized, which limits heating and mechanical wear of the components.

[0129] To this end, advantageously, the rotational locking means 16 comprise an assembly between:

[0130] - a non-circular lateral portion 122a of a first terminal segment 1221 (on the left in the partial view of [Fig. 3]), for example a cylindrical portion with a flat section, and

[0131] - a first link 13a having a complementary through hole 1311, not circular (figure 7 A.).

[0132] Advantageously, the first terminal section 1221 further comprises a circular lateral portion 122b (on the right in the partial view of [Fig. 3]) adapted to cooperate with a complementary circular through-hole 1312 of a second link 13b (Figure 7B). This assembly allows rotation between the shaft 12 and this second link 13b.

[0133] Preferably, the second terminal section 1222 has a circular lateral portion suitable for cooperating with the complementary circular through holes 1312 of a third link 13c and a fourth link 13d (Figure 7B.).

[0134] This assembly allows rotation between the second terminal section 1222 of the shaft 12 and the two associated links 13c, 13d.

[0135] According to a preferred embodiment, the first link 13a is rotationally locked with two adjacent shafts 12. And the other links 13 are free to rotate with respect to the two adjacent shafts 12.

[0136] In this case, this first link 13a advantageously comprises two non-circular through holes 1311 (Figure 7A). And the other links 13b, 13c and 13d advantageously comprise two circular through holes 1312 (Figure 7B).

[0137] More generally, the roller 11 and / or its associated shaft 12 include translational locking means 18, adapted to hold this shaft 12 in its through housing 113.

[0138] These translational locking means 18 consist, for example, of stops which are carried by the ends of the shaft 12.

[0139] These stops 18 consist for example of added discs, the diameter of which is greater than the diameter of the terminal sections 122 of the shaft 12.

[0140] Preferably, the links 13 are then advantageously held laterally on a terminal section 122 by:

[0141] - a stop 18, on the outside, and

[0142] - a joint 151, inside. Offshore equipment

[0143] The bearing module 20 according to the invention is suitable for equipping offshore equipment as shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0144] According to a first embodiment illustrated in [Fig.8] and as described in document FR3135098A1, the bearing module according to the invention can equip a temporary support system, for the temporary support, during pile-driving operations, of a foundation pile intended to receive the mast of an offshore wind turbine.

[0145] The temporary support system S comprises a sleeve SI intended to encircle a section of a foundation pile and a supporting frame S2 comprising an interface module S3.

[0146] The interface module S3 and the sleeve SI are assembled by means of bearing means comprising bearing modules according to the invention, intended to give a degree of rotational freedom to said sleeve SI relative to said carrier chassis 20.

[0147] According to a second embodiment illustrated in [Fig.9] and as described in document FR3135098A1, a carrier frame S5 may include sliding means S51 and operating means (not shown, intended to generate displacements of the sleeve SI according to translational degrees of freedom.

[0148] The S51 slide means comprise at least one rolling element advantageously consisting of recirculating rolling modules 20 according to the invention. Implementation of the roller chain

[0149] According to the invention, certain links 13 are specifically locked against rotation on the adjacent shafts 12 to which they are connected, using dedicated locking means 16.

[0150] This locking is achieved, for example, by means of a non-circular portion 122a of the terminal sections 1221 of the shafts 12, such as a flat, which fits into a through hole 1311 complementary to the links 13 concerned. This configuration prevents any relative rotation between the trees and their associated links.

[0151] This structural arrangement has the advantage of defining a preferred rotation ratio between the rollers and their shafts. In other words, the chain movement is concentrated at the interfaces between the rollers and the shafts, while the shafts remain fixed in rotation relative to the locked links 13a. This feature minimizes the mechanical stresses exerted on the links 13.

[0152] The chain's movements within its guide body primarily generate a relative rotation between the rollers and the shafts. Consequently, the rotation of the links with respect to the shafts is limited to the movements strictly necessary for the chain's operation within the recirculating bearing module.

[0153] This configuration also helps to preserve the links by reducing wear resulting from repeated movements. By limiting localized mechanical stresses on critical connection points, particularly in dynamic and demanding environments such as offshore applications, the device ensures greater component longevity.

Claims

Demands

1. Roller chain (10) for a recirculating bearing module (20), intended for an offshore application, said roller chain (10) comprising several rollers (11) each fitted onto a shaft (12), each shaft (12) having an outer surface (121) and being connected to an adjacent shaft (12) by two links (13), characterized in that said rollers (11), being tubular in shape, each comprise: - a cylindrical outer surface (111), and - a cylindrical inner surface (112), defining a through-hole (113) into which said shaft (12) is fitted, said rollers (11) being free to rotate relative to their associated shafts (12), said cylindrical inner surface (112) of said roller (11) and said outer surface (121) of said shaft (12) defining a sealed chamber (15) which is filled with a lubricating fluid,and in that each shaft (12) is rotationally locked with at least one of said links (13) associated by means of rotational locking means (16).

2. Roller chain (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the roller (11) and its associated shaft (12) cooperate by means of rotational assembly means (17), advantageously chosen from plain bearings or rolling bearings, advantageously reported between said cylindrical inner surface (112) of said roller (11) and said outer surface (121) of said shaft (12).

3. Roller chain (10) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotational assembly means (17) comprise two bearings, for example: - two flanged plain bearings, advantageously made of bronze, which are secured to said cylindrical inner surface (112), or - two rolling bearings, for example ball bearings, roller bearings or needle bearings.

4. Roller chain (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sealed chamber (15) is laterally closed by two annular seals (151) which extend each between the cylindrical inner surface (112) of said roller (11) and the outer surface (121) of said shaft (12).

5. Roller chain (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that each annular joint (151) is arranged between a section (112a) of the cylindrical inner surface (112) of said roller (11) and a section (121a) of the outer surface (121) of said shaft (12), which sections (11a; 121a) are optionally outside with respect to said bearings (17).

6. Roller chain (10) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the annular seals (151) are selected from: - metal seals (153), comprising for example two sealing rings of which a first sealing ring (153a) is rotationally locked with the cylindrical inner surface (112) of said roller (11) and a second sealing ring (153b) is rotationally locked with the outer surface (121) of said shaft (12), or - lip seals (152), comprising for example a lip seal (152a) rotationally locked with the cylindrical inner surface (112) of said roller (11) and a sealing ring (152b) rotationally locked with the outer surface (121) of said shaft (12).

7. Roller chain (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shaft (12) comprises two terminal sections (122) cooperating with a through orifice (131; 1311; 1312) complementary to said links (13), which rotation locking means (16) comprise an assembly between: - a non-circular lateral portion (122a) of said terminal section (122), for example a portion comprising a flat, and - a link (13) comprising a complementary through orifice (1311).

8. Roller chain (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roller (11) and / or its associated shaft (12) comprise translational locking means (18), adapted to hold said shaft (12) in its through housing (113), for example stops carried by the ends of said shaft (12).

9. Roller chain (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shafts (12) each have at least one conduit (125) for filling the sealed chamber (15) with said lubricating fluid, which conduit (125) has two orifices: - an external orifice (1251), advantageously opening at one end of said shaft (12), and - an internal orifice (1252), opening into the sealed chamber (15).

10. Bearing module, intended for an offshore application, comprising: - a roller chain (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, - a guide body (21) receiving said roller chain (11), which roller chain (10) forms a recirculating roller chain (10) comprising: - an active strand (101) intended to cooperate with a complementary bearing track (C), and - a return strand (102).

11. Offshore equipment, comprising at least one bearing module according to claim 10, adapted to installations such as a foundation pile or an active wave compensation system.

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