Split Retainer Segments with Roller Stopper Parts for Wind Turbine Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large rolling bearings used in wind-power generators face instability and noise issues due to the movement of split-type retainer segments, which can lead to damage and reduced lubrication performance.
Innovation Solution
The retainer segments are designed with outer and inner diameter side roller stopper parts to restrict movement, allowing them to be guided by rollers and arranged stably within the bearing, reducing contact with the outer and inner rings and enhancing lubrication performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional rolling bearing with a through-hole in the retainer is used, then the bearing can be manufactured and assembled, but contaminants can enter through the through-hole and cause premature bearing failure
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into multiple closed cavities separated by partitions, with each cavity housing a specific rolling element. This segmentation eliminates through-holes and creates isolated environments that prevent contaminant ingress while maintaining bearing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple closed-cavity structures with basic sealing features that eliminate the need for complex contamination barriers, providing effective contamination protection through straightforward geometric design rather than sophisticated sealing mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the retainer has a complex structure with multiple closed cavities and partitions, then contaminant ingress is prevented, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into multiple closed cavities separated by partitions, with each cavity housing a specific rolling element. This segmentation eliminates through-holes and creates isolated environments that prevent contaminant ingress while maintaining bearing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The partitions serve multiple functions simultaneously: they separate cavities to prevent contaminant spread, provide structural support, and define the geometry of each rolling element housing, thereby reducing the need for additional specialized components.
3Reliability
If the retainer is designed with closed cavities for each rolling element, then contaminant protection is improved, but the bearing cannot be disassembled and reassembled for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into multiple closed cavities separated by partitions, with each cavity housing a specific rolling element. This segmentation eliminates through-holes and creates isolated environments that prevent contaminant ingress while maintaining bearing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The press-fit connection between rolling elements and retainer acts as an intermediary mechanism that provides sealed containment during operation but allows for controlled disassembly during maintenance, balancing contamination protection with serviceability.
4Reliability
If the rolling elements are press-fit into the retainer, then precise positioning and contamination protection are achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into multiple closed cavities separated by partitions, with each cavity housing a specific rolling element. This segmentation eliminates through-holes and creates isolated environments that prevent contaminant ingress while maintaining bearing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The press-fit connection utilizes controlled interference fit parameters where the rolling element outer diameter is slightly larger than the retainer cavity inner diameter, creating a secure fit that provides both precise positioning and contamination protection while remaining manufacturable with standard tolerances.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A rolling bearing (11) comprises a plurality of rollers, and retainer segments (15a) retaining the rollers and split along a split line extending in an axial direction. The retainer segment (15a) has a plurality of pillar parts (22a), (22b), (22c) and (22d) extending in the axial direction so as to form first pockets (23a) and (23c) and a second pocket (23b) for housing the rollers, and a connection part extending in a circumferential direction so as to connect the plurality of pillar parts (22a) to (22d). Here, outer diameter side stopper parts (24a), (24b), (24c) and (24d) are provided on the outer diameter side of the pillar parts (22a) to (22d) positioned on the circumferential both sides of the first pockets (23a) and (23c) to limit the movement of the roller housed in the first pockets (23a) and (23c) toward the outer diameter side, and inner diameter side roller stopper parts (25a) and (25b) are provided on the inner diameter side of the pillar parts (22b) and (22c) positioned on the circumferential both sides of the second pocket (23b) to limit the movement of the roller housed in the second pocket (23b) toward the inner diameter side.