Planetary Gear Thrust Bearing Structure for Stable Oil Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wind turbine gearboxes with planetary systems, the gap between the thrust bearing and the sliding bearing hinders the establishment of a desired oil pressure, which is detrimental to the lubrication of the sliding bearing.
Innovation Solution
A lubricating mechanism for a planetary gear train that includes convex rings on the thrust bearing and corresponding grooves on the planetary gear, with axial and radial clearances that communicate with the gap between the thrust bearing and the planetary gear, facilitating the establishment of a proper oil pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gap is provided between the thrust bearing and the sliding bearing for assembly and thermal expansion, then the bearing can accommodate thermal effects and assembly tolerances, but the lubricating oil flows out through the gap causing insufficient oil pressure for proper lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust bearing is divided into multiple segments with convex rings that create separate lubrication chambers. Each convex ring forms an independent barrier that directs lubricating oil flow, preventing direct escape through the gap while maintaining the necessary clearance for thermal expansion and assembly tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The convex rings act as intermediary structures between the thrust bearing and sliding bearing. These rings create a tortuous path for the lubricating oil, forcing it to follow a longer, more complex flow path that maintains pressure while still allowing the gap to exist for thermal and assembly requirements.
2Reliability
If the gap between thrust bearing and sliding bearing is reduced to maintain oil pressure, then lubrication improves, but thermal expansion and assembly tolerance accommodation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the thrust bearing into multiple convex rings, the invention maintains a larger effective gap for thermal expansion while the segmented structure creates multiple barriers to oil flow. This segmentation allows the gap to remain large enough for thermal accommodation while still maintaining oil pressure through the tortuous path effect.
3Ease of manufacture
If lubricating oil flows directly through the gap between thrust bearing and sliding bearing, then assembly is simple, but oil pressure cannot be established and lubrication is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The convex rings are pre-formed on the thrust bearing during manufacturing, creating the lubrication chamber structure in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the tortuous path for oil flow is already established, maintaining both assembly simplicity and lubrication reliability without requiring complex post-assembly adjustments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The mechanism effectively establishes a proper oil pressure, ensuring sufficient lubrication of the sliding bearing by creating a tortuous path for lubricating oil and adjusting clearances based on temperature to maintain optimal oil pressure.
Implementation Method 1
The axial clearance and the radial clearance are in communication with a gap... effectively establishes a proper oil pressure
Implementation Method 2
ensuring sufficient lubrication of the sliding bearing by creating a tortuous path for lubricating oil
Data Source
AI summary
A lubricating mechanism for a planetary gear train, including a planetary gear, a sliding bearing, a planetary gear shaft, and a thrust bearing. The planetary gear is supported by the sliding bearing. The thrust bearing is arranged at an end surface of the planetary gear. A gap is formed between the thrust bearing and the end surface. The thrust bearing is provided with convex rings facing the end surface and being arranged at intervals in a radial direction. The end surface facing the thrust bearing is provided with grooves corresponding to the convex rings on a one-to-one basis, each groove being configured to accommodate a corresponding convex ring. An axial and radial clearance are formed between an outer surface of each convex ring and an inner surface of the groove opposite the corresponding convex ring. The axial and radial clearance are in communication with the gap.