Planetary Gear Lubrication Channels to Maintain Sliding Bearing 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 leads to difficulties in establishing a desired oil pressure, which is detrimental to the lubrication of the sliding bearing.
Innovation Solution
A lubricating mechanism is introduced, featuring axial and radial channels in the thrust bearing, a seal to prevent oil discharge, and optionally, pressure valves and convex rings to manage oil pressure and flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gap is formed between the thrust bearing and the end surface of the planetary gear, then the thrust bearing can be installed and function properly, but the lubricating oil flows out of the gap and the desired oil pressure cannot be established at the end surface of the planetary gear
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust bearing is segmented with axial channels and radial channels created within its structure. These channels divide the bearing into functional zones: an oil supply zone receiving lubricating oil, and an oil storage zone positioned between the seal and the end surface of the planetary gear. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both the necessary gap for bearing function and the desired oil pressure for lubrication by controlling oil flow paths through the segmented structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust bearing acts as an intermediary component between the lubricating oil supply and the sliding bearing. By incorporating axial and radial channels within the thrust bearing structure, it mediates the oil flow from the supply source to the gap region, establishing and maintaining the desired oil pressure at the end surface of the planetary gear while preventing direct uncontrolled discharge through the gap.
2Stress or pressure
If a seal is provided to prevent lubricating oil discharge from the gap, then oil pressure can be maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the thrust bearing structure itself rather than being a separate component. The thrust bearing integrates axial channels, radial channels, and the seal into a unified structure, where the seal is positioned within the bearing to create the oil storage zone. This merging approach maintains oil pressure while avoiding the addition of separate sealing components, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 and maintains desired oil pressure within the planetary gear train, ensuring adequate lubrication of the sliding bearing and preventing rapid oil discharge.
Implementation Method 1
a seal is provided in the groove, one end of the axial channel is in communication with the gap, the other end of the axial channel is in communication with the radial channel, and the other end of the radial channel is an open end leading to an outside of the planetary gear train. The seal is configured to prevent lubricating oil from being discharged from the gap.
Implementation Method 2
An axial channel and a radial channel are formed in the thrust bearing in at least one lubricating position in a circumferential direction of the thrust bearing. One end of the axial channel is in communication with the gap, the other end of the axial channel is in communication with the radial channel, and the other end of the radial channel is an open end leading to an outside of the planetary gear train.
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 thrust bearing is arranged at an end surface of the planetary gear. A gap is formed between the thrust bearing and end surface. An axial and radial channel are formed in the thrust bearing in a lubricating position in a circumferential direction. The thrust bearing includes a groove facing the end surface. A seal is provided in the groove. One end of the axial channel is in communication with the gap, the other end being in communication with the radial channel and being an open end leading to an outside of the planetary gear train. The axial channel is closer to the sliding bearing than the groove in a radial direction. The seal is configured to prevent lubricating oil from being discharged from the gap.