Thrust dynamic-pressure sliding bearing, and wind power generation apparatus

Abstract

A thrust dynamic-pressure sliding bearing (30) and a wind power generation apparatus. The thrust dynamic-pressure sliding bearing is configured to be mounted between a first component (10) and a second component (20), which are capable of relative rotation about an axial direction, so as to support the second component relative to the first component in the axial direction. The thrust dynamic-pressure sliding bearing comprises an annular base portion (31) and one or more support portions (32) arranged on the base portion, wherein the one or more support portions are made of a material different from that of the base portion; the base portion is configured to be mounted to the first component; and the one or more support portions are located on the side face of the base portion that faces the second component in the axial direction, such that when the thrust dynamic-pressure sliding bearing is mounted between the first component and the second component, the thrust dynamic-pressure sliding bearing can come into contact with the second component simply by means of the one or more support portions. The thrust dynamic-pressure sliding bearing and the wind power generation apparatus have improved structures.

Description

Thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearings and wind power generation equipment Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of bearings, and in particular to a thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing and a wind power generation device including the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing. Background Art

[0002] A thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing is a device installed between two components that are in axial contact and can rotate relative to each other to provide axial support. For example, in the planetary gear set of a wind turbine, the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing is located between the planetary carrier and the planetary gears. In this application scenario, the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing of the prior art typically adopts a monolithic structural design, that is, it is made of a single material. During its processing, the blank is first formed by centrifugal casting, and then the finished product is obtained by machining. To facilitate the installation and removal of the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing, the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing is loosely fitted into the mounting slot on the planetary carrier, and then the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing is fixed to the mounting slot using fasteners such as bolts. During long-term operation under different operating conditions, there is a risk that the fasteners will fall off, which will lead to a decrease in the load-bearing capacity of the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing, or even failure. However, the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing is often a key component in the system, and the failure of the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing can have serious consequences.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an improved thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing and wind power generation equipment.

[0005] The above technical problems are solved by a thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing according to the present invention. The thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing is used to be installed between a first component and a second component that can rotate relative to each other in the axial direction to support the second component in the axial direction relative to the first component. The thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing includes an annular base portion and one or more support portions provided on the base portion, the one or more support portions being made of a material different from the base portion. The base portion is used to be installed to the first component, and the one or more support portions are located on the side of the base portion that is used to face the second component in the axial direction, so that when the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing is installed between the first component and the second component, the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing can contact the second component only through the one or more support portions. Since the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing is made of different materials, the characteristics of different materials can be utilized to meet the different needs of different parts.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing may include a plurality of support portions spaced apart along the circumference. These circumferentially distributed support portions can thereby disperse the load borne by the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing circumferentially. Preferably, the circumferential distribution density and / or size of the plurality of support portions can correspond to the circumferential distribution of the load borne by the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing. That is, depending on the circumferential distribution of the load borne by the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing, the support portions can be uniformly or unevenly distributed along the circumference, and the sizes of the support portions can be the same or different. This allows for a greater number of support portions or larger support portions to be provided in areas with more concentrated load distribution.

[0007] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, each support portion can be mounted to the base portion in a form-fitting manner, thereby making it easy to mount the support portion and allowing the mounted support portion to be disassembled.

[0008] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base portion may include one or more recessed portions formed on a side surface that axially faces the second component and corresponding to the one or more support portions, each support portion and the corresponding recessed portion having corresponding shapes so that each support portion is installed in the corresponding recessed portion in a form-fitting manner. The support portion installed in the corresponding recessed portion may protrude from the side surface of the base portion so as to abut the second component.

[0009] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, each support portion may have a trapezoidal or triangular shape, with the circumferential length gradually decreasing toward the radial inside. This allows each support portion to be inserted from the outside in the radial direction and secured in a form-fitting manner into the corresponding recess, and to be withdrawn from the corresponding recess in the radial direction outward. This facilitates replacement of the support portion without removing the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing from between the first and second components.

[0010] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, when each support portion is fixed in a corresponding recess in a form-fitting manner, each support portion may extend radially outward beyond the base portion, and / or each support portion may not extend radially inward beyond the base portion. Support portions extending outward beyond the base portion facilitate removal, while support portions not extending inward beyond the base portion avoid interfering with installation of the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing.

[0011] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, each support portion may have a circular shape in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.The circular support portion may be installed in the base portion along the axial direction.

[0012] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, each support portion can be formed on the base portion by a laser cladding process, or each support portion can be fixed to the base portion by bonding or welding. The support portion thus formed can be firmly arranged on the base portion.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the material of the one or more support portions may have higher wear resistance and / or friction reduction properties than the material of the base portion, and / or the material of the base portion may have higher strength than the material of the one or more support portions. Thus, the support portions can provide wear resistance and / or friction reduction when in contact with the second component, while the base portion can provide stable support for the support portions.

[0014] The above technical problem is also solved by a wind power generation device according to the present invention. The wind power generation device includes a thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing having the above characteristics. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present invention is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Elements with the same function are represented by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0016] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing an installation state of a thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG2 shows a perspective view of a thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG3 shows an exploded view of a thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG4 is a schematic diagram showing different support portion distributions of a thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0020] FIG5 is a schematic diagram showing a thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Specific embodiments of the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing and wind turbine generator according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following detailed description and accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate the principles of the present invention by way of example only. The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing is provided. This thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing is used to be installed between two relatively rotatable components to provide axial support. For example, in a wind turbine, this thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing can be installed between the planetary carrier and the planetary gears of a planetary gear set. The following uses an exemplary embodiment of a thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing to illustrate its specific structure and function.

[0023] Figures 1 to 4 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30 according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 1 , the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30 is installed between a first component 10 and a second component 20, which are rotatable relative to each other in the axial direction, to support the second component 20 axially relative to the first component 10. In this embodiment, the first component 10 may be, for example, a planetary carrier of a planetary gear set, and the second component 20 may be a planetary gear of the planetary gear set. The first component 10 and the second component 20 are coaxially arranged about a central axis (a line extending in the axial direction). The first component 10 and the second component 20 are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction, but they do not directly abut each other in the axial direction. Instead, they abut each other indirectly in the axial direction through the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30. The thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30 is fixedly mounted on the end surface of the first component 10 that faces the second component 20 in the axial direction, so that the second component 20 can slide in contact with the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30.

[0024] Figures 2 and 3 show a perspective view and an exploded view, respectively, of the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30 includes a base portion 31 and one or more support portions 32. The base portion 31 is an annular plate-shaped member formed around a central axis in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. The support portions 32 are made of a different material than the base portion 31 and are fixedly mounted on the base portion 31.

[0025] The base portion 31 is fixedly mounted to the first component 10, and the entire thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30 is also fixedly mounted to the first component 10 via the base portion 31. There is no direct contact between the support portion 32 provided on the base portion 31 and the first component 10. The base portion 31 can be mounted, for example, by form-fitting (particularly, an interference fit) in a groove formed in the end surface of the first component 10 facing the second component 20. Alternatively, the base portion 31 can be mounted to the first component 10 by other means, such as bonding or welding.

[0026] The support portion 32 is fixedly disposed on the side of the base portion 31 that axially faces the second component 20. The support portion 32 protrudes axially from the base portion 31 toward the second component 20. Therefore, when the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30 is installed between the first component 10 and the second component 20, the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30 can contact the second component 20 only via one or more support portions 32, while the base portion 31 does not contact the second component 20. The surface of the support portion 32 that contacts the second component 20 may have modified features to enhance the formation of a dynamic pressure oil film, thereby fulfilling its support function for the second component 20.

[0027] In this design, the base portion 31 provides a fixed connection between the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30 and the first component 10, as well as support for the support portion 32. The support portion 32 provides sliding support for the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30 relative to the second component 20. The materials of the base portion 31 and the support portion 32 can be tailored to their respective functions. Specifically, the support portion 32 can be made of a wear-resistant and / or friction-reducing material (a material with higher wear-resistant and / or friction-reducing properties than the material of the base portion 31), such as an alloy containing tungsten, tungsten carbide, and / or graphite. The base portion 31 can be made of a high-strength material (a material with higher strength than the material of the support portion 32) and / or a low-cost material (a material that is less expensive than the material of the support portion 32), such as steel or a copper alloy. Wear on the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30 primarily occurs on the support portion 32. When wear occurs, the life of the entire thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30 can be extended by replacing the support portion 32.

[0028] Preferably, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 , the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30 may include a plurality of support portions 32 spaced apart along the circumference. As shown in Figure 4 , the circumferential distribution density of these support portions 32 may be uniform (left image of Figure 4 ) or non-uniform (center image of Figure 4 ). Similarly, the sizes of these support portions 32 may be the same (left and center images of Figure 4 ) or different (right image of Figure 4 ). This can be selected based on the load distribution of the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30 . Specifically, the circumferential distribution density and / or size of these support portions 32 may preferably correspond to the circumferential distribution of the load applied to the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30 . For example, in areas of the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30 subject to greater load, a greater number of support portions 32 (with a greater distribution density) or larger support portions 32 may be arranged. This allows the support portions 32 of the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30 to better withstand the load.

[0029] The support portion 32 can be disposed on the base portion 31 in a variety of different ways. For example, the support portion 32 can be fixed to the base portion 31 by bonding or welding. The support portion 32 can also be formed on the base portion 31 by a laser cladding process. In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the support portion 32 is mounted to the base portion 31 in a form-fitting manner. This mounting method is generally removable. In other words, the support portion 32 fixed to the base portion 31 in a form-fitting manner can also be removed from the base portion 31 (preferably without damage). This allows for convenient replacement of the support portion 32.

[0030] The form-fitting between the base portion 31 and the support portion 32 can be achieved in a variety of ways. For example, a recess can be formed on one of the base portion 31 and the support portion 32, and a corresponding protrusion can be formed on the other. When the two are installed together, the protrusion is securely inserted into the corresponding recess, thereby fixing the two together. In the preferred embodiment shown in the figure, the form-fitting between the base portion 31 and the support portion 32 is achieved by integrally inserting each support portion 32 into a recess on the base portion 31. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the base portion 31 includes one or more recesses 31a formed on the side that faces the second component 20 in the axial direction. The number of recesses 31a is the same as the number of support portions 32. Each support portion 32 corresponds to a corresponding recess 31a, and each support portion 32 and the corresponding recess 31a have mutually corresponding shapes (having substantially the same shape in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction). Thus, each support portion 32 can be integrally installed into the corresponding recess 31a in a form-fitting manner and fixed to the base portion 31.

[0031] The shapes of the support portions 32 and recesses 31a can be chosen in a variety of ways. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 , each support portion 32 has a substantially trapezoidal or triangular shape, with its circumferential length gradually decreasing radially inward, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. Therefore, each support portion 32 can be inserted radially from the outside into its corresponding recess 31a and secured therein with a form-fitting fit. Simultaneously, once secured within the recess 31a, the support portion 32 can be withdrawn radially outward from the corresponding recess 31a. This design allows the support portion 32 to be removed and installed radially even when the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30 is installed between the first component 10 and the second component 20, without requiring the entire thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 30 to be disassembled. To facilitate this removal and installation, as shown in Figure 1 , each support portion 32 can preferably extend radially outward beyond the outer circumference of the base portion 31 when secured in its corresponding recess 31a with a form-fitting fit. This makes it possible to extract the support portion 32 through the portion of the support portion 32 that protrudes from the outer periphery of the base portion 31. In addition, when each support portion 32 is fixed in place in the corresponding recess 31a in a form-fitting manner, each support portion 32 preferably does not extend radially inwardly beyond the base portion 31 to avoid interference with radially inner components.

[0032] Alternatively, the support portion 32 may also have other shapes. For example, in another exemplary embodiment shown in FIG5 , each support portion 32 has a circular shape in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. Each recess 31a also has a circular shape accordingly. Such a support portion 32 needs to be installed in the recess 31a on the base portion 31 along the axial direction. As described above, regardless of the shape of the support portion 32, the distribution density of the support portion 32 can be selected according to the load distribution state, such as uniform distribution (left figure of FIG5 ) or non-uniform distribution (middle figure of FIG5 ).

[0033] In the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing according to the present invention, the bearing's mounting and support functions are performed by separate structural components. This allows the use of different materials to meet the functional requirements of the different components, thereby conserving materials and reducing costs. This thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing also facilitates a more flexible structural design to accommodate varying load distribution conditions. Furthermore, the support components, which are prone to wear, are removable, facilitating installation and replacement, thereby reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wind power generation device is further provided. The wind power generation device includes the thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing according to the aforementioned embodiment, and thus has various features corresponding to the aforementioned thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing and can produce corresponding various technical effects.

[0035] While the foregoing descriptions illustrate possible embodiments, it should be understood that numerous variations exist through combinations of all known and other technical features and implementations readily conceivable to a skilled artisan. Furthermore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments serve merely as examples and in no way limit the scope, application, or configuration of the present invention. The foregoing descriptions are intended primarily to provide a skilled artisan with technical guidance for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment. Various modifications, particularly regarding the functionality and structure of the components described, may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0036] Reference Signs List 10 First member 20 Second member 30 Thrust dynamic pressure sliding bearing 31 Base portion 31 a Concave portion 32 Support portion

Claims

1. A thrust hydrodynamic journal bearing (30) for installation between a first component (10) and a second component (20) that can rotate relative to each other about an axial direction to support the second component (20) axially relative to the first component (10). Characterized in that, the thrust hydrodynamic journal bearing (30) includes an annular base portion (31) and one or more support portions (32) provided on the base portion (31), the one or more support portions (32) being made of a material different from that of the base portion (31), the base portion (31) being for installation on the first component (10), and the one or more support portions (32) being located on a side of the base portion (31) for axially facing the second component (20), such that when the thrust hydrodynamic journal bearing (30) is installed between the first component (10) and the second component (20), the thrust hydrodynamic journal bearing (30) can contact the second component (20) only through the one or more support portions (32).

2. The thrust hydrodynamic journal bearing (30) according to claim 1, Characterized in that, the thrust hydrodynamic journal bearing (30) includes a plurality of support portions (32) circumferentially spaced apart, and the circumferential distribution density and / or size of the plurality of support portions (32) correspond to the circumferential distribution state of the load received by the thrust hydrodynamic journal bearing (30).

3. The thrust hydrodynamic journal bearing (30) according to claim 1, Characterized in that, each support portion (32) is installed on the base portion (31) in a form-fitting manner.

4. The thrust hydrodynamic journal bearing (30) according to claim 3, Characterized in that, the base portion (31) includes one or more recesses (31a) formed on a side for axially facing the second component (20) and corresponding to the one or more support portions (32) respectively, and each support portion (32) and the corresponding recess (31a) have corresponding shapes, such that each support portion (32) is installed in the corresponding recess (31a) in a form-fitting manner.

5. The thrust hydrodynamic journal bearing (30) according to claim 4, Characterized in that, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, each support portion (32) has a trapezoidal or triangular shape with a circumferential length gradually decreasing towards the radially inner side, such that each support portion (32) can be inserted into the corresponding recess (31a) from the outside in the radial direction and fixed in a form-fitting manner, and can be withdrawn from the corresponding recess (31a) in the radial direction towards the outside.

6. The thrust hydrodynamic journal bearing (30) according to claim 5, Characterized in that, when each support portion (32) is fixed in the corresponding recess (31a) in a form-fitting manner, each support portion (32) extends radially outwards beyond the base portion (31), and / or each support portion (32) does not extend radially inwards beyond the base portion (31).

7. The thrust hydrodynamic journal bearing (30) according to claim 4, Characterized in that, In a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, each support portion (32) has a circular shape.

8. The thrust hydrodynamic sliding bearing (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that each support portion (32) is formed on the base portion (31) by a laser cladding process, or each support portion (32) is fixed to the base portion (31) by adhesion or welding.

9. The thrust hydrodynamic sliding bearing (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the material of the one or more support portions (32) has higher wear resistance and / or anti-friction properties than the material of the base portion (31), and / or the material of the base portion (31) has higher strength than the material of the one or more support portions (32).

10. A wind power generation device, comprising the thrust hydrodynamic sliding bearing (30) according to any one of claims 1-9.

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