WO2015173626A1

WO2015173626A1 - Bearing arrangement for heavy duty transmission

Info

Publication number: WO2015173626A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/000687
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bipin Kumar Nathalal LUNAVIA; Yogesh Jogindernath MEHRA
Original assignee: Lunavia Bipin Kumar Nathalal; Mehra Yogesh Jogindernath
Priority date: 2014-05-14
Filing date: 2015-05-14
Publication date: 2015-11-19

Abstract

A bearing arrangement (100) includes a rotating part (102), a stationary part (104), and an annular disk (106) concentrically attached to the rotating part (102). Several radial axle pins (114) are mounted in a radial direction in proximity to both a first side (108) and a second side (110) of the annular disk (106) on the periphery of the stationary part (104). Several axial axle pins (122) are mounted oh the periphery of the stationary part (104) in an axial direction and positioned below the third face (112) of the annular disk (106). Two or more rolling element bearings (118, 120) are mounted on each of the radial axle pins, and a rolling element bearing (124) is mounted on each of the axial axle pins (122). The rolling element bearings (118, 120) have a "spherical contour (204, 208) to provide a one-point contact support to the annular disk (106).

Description

BEARING ARRANGEMENT FOR HEAVY

DUTY TRANSMISSION

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter relates, in general, to a bearing arrangement and , in particular, to bearing arrangements for heavy duty transmission. BSeK R iiiSD;

[0002] Bearing. fs½ structural component that enables free rotation of an object about an axis with reduced friction and constrained motibn. Machines use bearings for proper rannihg^»^id -sujBpori; mdvabfe 'andrjotatihg: parts. Such maehines*tnay= include small components of a wrist watch to large components of a wind turbine. The movement of any- part of a - machine encounters friction. In case of small parts* friction may be ignored', but as the size of the component increases, friction exacerbates. Bearings are used for reduction in friction between two surfaces in contact and for providing support to the rotating parts. Rolling element bearing, a subcategory of bearing, in general, have an outer race and an inner race with row of rollers in between. These rollers may include cylindrical rollers, spherical rollers, tapered rollers, or its equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003J The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0004) Figure 1(a) illustrates a schematic sectional view of a configuration of a bearing arrangement, according to an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0005J Figure 1 (b) illustrates a schematic front view of the bearing arrangement, according to an implementation of the present subject matter. [0006] Figure 1 (c) illustrates a schematic back view of the bearing arrangement, according to an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0007] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic blown up view of the bearing arrangement from figure 1, according to an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0008] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-section view of a rolling element bearing, according to an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0009] Figure 4 illustrates a erossrsection view of a rolling element bearing, » according to an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0010] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any figures herein represent conceptual views of illustrative bearing arrangement embodying the principles of the present subject matter.

DETAILED .DESCRIPTION

[0011] The subject matter described herein relates to a bearing arrangement for heavy duty transmission, according to an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0012] Bearings are widely used to allow rotation of a rotating part in a machine with reference to a fixed part and also to provide support to the rotating part. The rotating part is firmly attached to the bearing which is supported by the stationary part. The bearing constraints the motion of rotating parts due to friction. While supporting the rotating part, a bearing has to also bear and transfer the static load of the rotating part and the dynamic forces on the rotating parts.

[0013] ^* To support large rotating parts, a bearing of a very large diameter has to be provided. Generally, more than one bearing may be used to share the load of the rotating part. Commercially manufactured bearings have diameters ranging from a few millimeters to some meters. In recent years, multiple row bearings comprising of radial and axial rollers are being used. Such a bearing arrangement provides support to the rotating structure by providing a dedicated support each, for radial and axial loads. Instead of using a single row of large rollers as used in a conventional bearing, multiple small rows of rollers are used, in which, a set of rollers provide axial support to the rotating part, while other set of rollers provide radial support. These set of rollers are provided either in races or supported independently.

5 [0014]; In the conventionally available bearing arrangements, the assembly of such large, sized bearing arrangements is very, complex. Further, as the size of the bearing increases, the cost of manufacturing the bearing also increases. Also, to enable the martufacturing and assembly! of such large bearings by conventional techniques of manufacturing bearings, such as forging, the manufacturing units and 0 machines may re uire structural changes- to be incorporated. Such heavy weight and large-sized bearings also require special machines for handling and installation. Moreover, the maintenance and replacement of such bearing arrangements also requires special tools, experts, and skilled technicians. In cases where the application ·, - -. of such bearings is in remote areas, such as in wind turbines, installation , andS maintenance is complex and costly. Replacing such bearings in such remote locations, especially on-site, is infeasible.

[0015] In such bearing arrangement, large radial rollers that are mounted on a stationary part in a row along its circumference, each roller being in radial contact with a rotating part and each roller rotating about its own axis, encounter sliding0 friction due to different linear velocities at different points along the length of each of the rollers. Due to different velocities at different points along the length of the rollers, these rollers in the bearing arrangement experience sliding movement over the surface of the rotating part of the bearing; thus the wear and tear is faster causing an increase in maintenance cost and likelihood of substantial downtime.

5 [0016] According to an implementation of the present subject matter, bearing arrangement for heavy duty transmission is described. The present bearing arrangement includes a rotating part, such as a rotor shaft of a generator or a wind turbine or a motor. The rotating part rotates on the application of an energy, such as fuel energy in case of a generator, wind energy in case of a wind turbine or electrical energy in ease of a motor. The rotating part is supported by a bearing-arrangement.

[0017] The bearing arrangement includes a stationary part which may be a fixed or non-moving structure of the, machine. The stationary part, such as the nacelle of a wind turbine; or the stator of a generator, is a structural member and is designed to bear all the forces or load exerted by the rotating part and its assembly. Other parts, for example, bearings, auxiliary components provided for movement and working of the machine may also be mounted on the stationary part.

[0018;] The bearing arrangement further includes an annular disk, according to an implementation of ^fthe present subject matter. The annular disk is concentric to the rotating part, and is firmly attached to it, and thus may rotate with the same speed as of the rotating part. The structure of the annular diskiincludes four sides. The annular disk is fixed to the rotating part on one of the curved sides, either at its inner ■^"■ periphery or at its outer periphery. The annular disk may be attached to the rotating part by any conventional or unconventional methods of joining, such as application of adhesive, or welding of the two parts. The other three sides of the annular disk, includes a first side, a second side, and a third side. These three sides are in contact with the bearings of the bearing arrangement. The annular disk being attached to the rotating part and supported by the bearings, supports the rotating part. Since the annular disk has to bear all the loads and forces, the size and thickness of the annular disk is optimized to provide maximum support. The material of the annular disk may be same as that of the rotating part to which it is attached or it may be of a material which may provide the support and may bear the load without failing as per the standards and conditions.

[0019] The bearing arrangement further includes mounting of several axle pins extending in a radial direction, hereinafter referred to as radial axle pins, at the periphery of the stationary part. A first set of the radial axle pins may be mounted in proximity to the first side of the annular ring, while another set of radial axle pins, namely, the second set of the radial axle pins, may be mounted at the periphery of the stationary part in proximity to the second side of the: annular disk.

[0020] The bearing arrangement further includes mounting of several bearings oh the radial axle pins. At least two or more rolling element bearings, havjhg at leatst an outer race, an inner race, and plurality of rolling elements: in between the races, may be mounted on each of the radial axle pins. The inner race

may be firmly attached to the radial axle pins. The bearings may be attached on Mie radial axle pins by conventional methods including; but; hot limited to, press fitting of¾le pins on the bearing, and by application of adhesive. The bearings mounted on the - radial axle pins are provided with a spherical contour on the outer surface ie>f their outer race. Such contour provides a one-point contact with the face of the annular ring. The one-point contact of the bearing with the annular disk provides a pure rolling friction of the bearing with the annular disk, when the annular disk rotates.

[002¾. The bearings mounted oh the first sefeof the radial axle,,pins^; is in contact with the first side of the annular disk while the bearing mounted on the second set of radial axle pins is in contact with the second side of the annular disk. Each of the bearings mounted on the radial axle pins may include a predetermined distance between them. The distance between the bearings may be provided either by mounting the bearings at pre-determined distance or by providing distance sleeves between the bearings. Further, the bearings mounted on the radial axle pins may have self-aligning characteristics. Such elf-aligning characteristics may allow automatic adjustment of the bearings on tilting of the rotating part or the stationary part or change in angle and inclination of the rotating part or the stationary part. Such adjustment may include change of point of contact of the outer race with the annular disk to compensate the tilting.

[0022] The bearing arrangement further includes a set of plurality of axle pins mounted on the stationary part and extending in the axial direction. The axle pins are hereinafter referred to as axial axle pins. In an implementation, the axial axle pins may be mounted on the periphery of the stationary part and in proximity to the third side f the annular disk. In another implementation, the axial axle pins may be mounted on flanges protruding in radial direction from the periphery of the stationary part.

[0023] The bearing arrangement further includes a rolling element blearing mounted on each of the axial axle ^! ¾¾ mtiuig to an ifnplefflBntifion of the present subject matter. The foiling element bearin mounted ø¾ the axial axle pins have at least an outer race, an inner race, and several !rolling elements in -between the races. The inner race of the bearing may be firmly attached to the axial aXle pins while the outer race of the beafingifnay be in foiling cOntaefwitifthe third side ofthe annular disk. In another implemeritatiofij more than one foiling element hearing may be mounted on each of the axial axle pins. Each of the bearings mounted may have an outer race in rolling contactwith the third side o the feeafing.

[0024] -The rolling element in the.r ling element bearing may include, but is not limited to, a cylindrical roller, a spherical roller, a tapered: roller, a needle roller, and a toroidal roller. According to an implementation, the rollin element bearing mounted on each of the first set of radial axle pins and the second set of radial axle pins may support the first face and the second face of the annular disk, respectively. The rolling element bearing mounted on each of the axial axle pins may support the third face of the annular disk. Further, every bearing mounted on the first set of the radial axle pins and the second set of the radial axle pins may have a unique and different contact point with the annular disk.

[0025] According to an implementation of the present subject matter, as the rotating part rotates at a particular rotations per minute (RP ), the annular disk attached to the rotating part also rotates at the same RPM. Since all the contact points of the axle pins are on the annular disk itself, the RPM at all the contact points is same. But, as the distance of every contact point from the center of rotation of the annular disk is different, the linear velocity at every contact point is different. Thus, every bearing may experience different linear velocity, and hence may revolve at a different RPM, at an RPM which corresponds to the linear velocity at the contact point.

. [0026] As compared to the conventional bearing arrangements for heavy duty ¾ transmission that- involve bearings of large sizes, the: bearing arrangement as described herein may accomplish the objectives of conventional bearing arrangements by using bearings of conventional sizes. For such bearing arrangement as described, the cost of manufacturing of the bearing arrangement may be less as compared to the conventional bearing arrangements. Further, such bearing©^' arrangements with conventional' sized bearings may also provide easy assembling of the bearing arrangement. Moreover, availability of the bearings, handling, maintenance: and replacement of such bearings of conventional sizes may be possible without any hassle.

[0027] - Jn«one example of the present subject matter, the bearing arrangemen -5 ma be utilized in a wind turbine. The wind turbine structure includes several blades coupled to a hub, and a rotating shaft extends from the hub to a generator of the wind turbine. According to an implementation, the rotating shaft may be supported by a stationary part, such as nacelle of the wind turbine by the bearing arrangement described, and an annular ring may be attached to the rotating shaft. Several axle0 pins may be mounted on the periphery of the stationary part in a radial direction, and in proximity to both sides of the annular ring. Multiple rolling element bearing may be mounted on each of the radial axle pins. Another set of axle pins may be mounted on the periphery of the stationary part in an axial direction, according to an implementation of the present subject matter. Several rolling element bearings may5 be mounted on each of the axial axle pins. Such bearing arrangement may support the rotor shaft, and may transfer all the loads and forces to the stationary part. Thus, the bearing arrangement described may eliminate bearing arrangements with large sized bearing. [0028] These and other aspects of the present subject matter would be described in a greater detail in conjunction with the following figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter.

!§ [0029] Figure 1 (a) illustrates a schematic sectional view of a configuration of the bearing arrangement 100, according to an implementation of the present subject matter. The bearing arrangement 100 includes a rotating part |02 and a stationary pari 1% In one example* tn©;i¾ta%g part 102 may be a main shaft of a wind turbine and the stationary part 104 may be a stator of the wind turbine. An annular disk 106 id is concentrically attached to the rotating part 102. As depicted in the figure, the annular disk 106 may protrude from the rotating part 102 as a flange. The annular disk 106 is attached to the rotating part 102 on one of the curved sides. The other

, three sides of the annular disk^; 106 include at least a first side 108, a second side 110, ' and a third side 1 12i;,The first side 10.8 and the second; side. H O. of the annular disk

15 106 are parallel to each other while the third side 1 12 is concentric to the rotating part 102.

[0030] A set of radial axle pins 1 14 extends in a radial direction from the stationary part 104 in proximity to the first side 108 of annular disk 106. Another set of radial axle pins 1 16 extends from the stationary part 104 in the radial d irection and 0 in proximity to the second side 1 10 of the annular disk 106. Two or more rolling element bearing 1 18-1, 1 18-2 ... 1 18-n, hereinafter commonly referenced as rolling element bearing 1 18 may be mounted on each of the radial axle pins 1 14. Two or more rolling element bearing 120-1 , 120-2 ... 120-n hereinafter commonly referenced as rolling element bearing 120 may also be mounted on each of the radial 5 axle pin 1 16. Further, a set of axial axle pins 122 is attached to the stationary part 104, as depicted in the figure. At least one rolling element bearing 124 may be mounted on each of the axial axle pins 122. [0031] The rolling element bearings 118 mounted on the first set of the radial axle pins 1 14 is in contact with the first side 108 of the annular disk 106 while the rolling element bearing 120 mounted on the second set of radial axle pins 1 16 is in contact with the second side 110 of the annular disk 106. Each of the rolling element bearing 118 and 120 mounted on the radial axle pins 114 and 116 may include a predetermined distance between them. The distance between rolling element bearing may be provided either by mounting the bearings at pre-determined distance or by providing distance sleeves between the rolling element bearing. Further, the rolling element bearings 118 and 120 mounted on the radial axle pins may have self- alignih characteristics. Such self-aligning characteristics may allow automatic adjustment of the rolling element bearing 1 18 and 120 on tilting of the rotating part 102 or the stationary part 104, or change in angle and inclination of the rotating part 102 or the stationary part 104. Such adjustment may include change of point of contact Bf the outefcrafce with the annular disk lo Compensate the tilting.

[0032] Figure 1(b) illustrates a schematic front view of the bearing arrangement 100, according to an implementation of the present subject matter. As depicted in the figure, several radial axle pins 114-1, 1 14-2 ... 1 14-n are mounted on the stationary part 104. Two or more rolling element bearing 1 18 are mounted on each of the radial axle pin 1 14. Several axial axle pins 122-1 , 122-2 ... 122-n are attached to the stationary part 104 at one of the curved surface. Further, every bearing 1 18 on the radial axle pin 1 14 may be in contact with the first side 108 of the annular disk 106.

[0033] Figure 1 (c) illustrates a schematic back view of the bearing arrangement 100, according to an implementation of the present subject matter. As depicted in the figure, several radial axle pins 1 16-1 , 1 16-2 ... 1 16-n are mounted on the stationary part 104. Two or .more rolling element bearings 120 are mounted on each of the radial axle pin 1 16. Further, every bearing 120 on the radial axle pin 1 16 is in contact with the second side 1 10 of the annular disk 106. [0034] Figure 2 illustrates a blown up view 126 of the bearing arrangement 100, according to an implementatiori of the present subject matter. As depicted in the figure, the annular disk 106 is in contact with the rolling element bearings 1 18 and 120. Each of the rolling element bearing 1 18 and 120 includes an, outer race 202 and 206 respectively. The outer racei.202; arid; 206 ©^'Peach of the rolling¹ element hearings 118 and 120 have a spherical contour 204 arid 208 on outer surface of each of the rolling element bearings 1 8 and 120. The spherical contoiir 204 provides a one point contact with the first side 108 of the anhulaf disk 106, while the spherical contour 208 provides a one point contact with the second side 1 101 of the annular disk 106.

[0035] According to an implementation, each of the first side 108 and the second side 110 of the annular disk 106 is in point contact with the rolling element bearing 1 18 and 120. Such rolling element bearings 1 18 and .120 provides support to the annular disk 106 on both sides 108 and J MLamtf transfers the.¾xiaJ loads received from the rotating part 102 to the stationary part 104 through the radial axle pins 114 and 1 16. Further, the radial loads of the structure and of the rotating part 102 is supported by the rolling element bearings 124 mounted on the axial axle pins 122. In this way, the bearing arrangement 100 as described herein may provide support to axial and radial loads Of the rotating parts utilizing bearing of conventional sizes. Such bearing arrangement may also reduce sliding friction in between the bearings 1 18 and 120 and contact surface 108 and 1 10.

[0036] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-section view of a rolling element bearing 300, according to an implementation of the present subject matter. As depicted in the figure, the rolling element bearing 300 includes two rows of outer race 206 having a spherical contour 208 and an inner race 302. The spherical contour 208 provides a one point contact with the external surface. The rolling element bearing further includes, rolling elements 304-1 , 304-2,... 304-n, hereinafter commonly referred as rolling elements 304, disposed in between the outer race 206 and the inner race 302. As depicted in the figure, the rolling elements 304 may be a roller with curved surfaces. In other implementations, the rolling element may be a cylindrical roller, a spherical roller, a tapered roller, a needle roller, or a toroidal roller. As depicted, the rolling element bearing 300 may include grooves 306-1, and 306-2 to provide a passage for flow of material, such as lubrication oil to the rolling elements.

[0037] The rolling element bearing 300 further includes a coje_sl^?,, The haye two ends and may be utilized as a central structure for radial ¾le pins 1 14, and 116. In one implementation, the rolling element bearings 300 may b¾ stacked over one another and may be fixedly attached to each other at the ends. In mm$het implementation, rolling element bearings 300 may be attached tat ends of the axle pihs^ and several such axle pins may be attached together to form radial axle pins 1 14 and 1 16.

[0038] . Figure 4 illustrates a cross-section view of a rolling^s eleMent be og OQ,. accordingito an zimplemeqtatien ofithe present subject matter. The rolling: element, bearing 400 includes multiple rolling element 304 disposed in between the outer race 206 and the inner race 302. As depicted in the figure, the outer race 206 has a spherical contour 208 to allow a one-point contact with the external' surface. Further, as depicted, the core 308 of the rolling element bearing 400 may be a cylindrical structure. The curved surface of the core 308 is utilized as the inner race 302 of the rolling element bearing 400. Further, in one implementation, the rolling element bearings 400 may be stacked over one another and may be fixedly attached to each other at the ends of the core 308. In another implementation, rolling element bearings 300 may be attached at ends of axle pins, and several such axle pins may be attached together to form the radial axle pins 1 14 and 1 16 of the bearing arrangement 100. As depicted in the figure, the rolling elements 304 are cylindrical rollers. In other implementation, the roiling elements 304 may be a spherical roller, a tapered roller, a needle roller, or a toroidal roller. [0039] Although the disclosed subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are hot riecessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as implementations for a bearing arrangement for heavy duty transmission.

Claims

I/We claim:

1. A Bearing, arrangement (100) for heavy duty transmission, the bearing arrangement comprising:

a stationary part (104);

a rotating part (102), supported by the stationary part (104) for rotating about the stationary part (104);

an annular dj$k (106) concentrically attached to the- rotating part (102), wherejn the annular disk ¾ 63 has a first side (108), a second side (1 10), and a third side (112);

a first set of a plurality of radial axle pins (1 14) mounted on the periphery of the stationary! pant (104) in a radiai direction in proximit "to the first side (108) of the annular disk (106), and a second set of a plurality of radial axle pins (1 16) mounted on the periphery of the stationary part^"*( 104)^" in a radial direction in proximity to the second side (1 10) of the annular disk (106);

two or more rolling element bearings (1 18) mounted on each of the plurality of axle pins of the first set (1 14), wherein each of the rolling element bearings (118) is in rolling contact with the first side (108;) of the annular disk (106);

two or more rolling element bearings (120) mounted on each of the plurality of axle pins of the second set (1 16), wherein each of the rolling element bearings (120) is in rolling contact with the second side (110) of the annular disk (106);

a third set of a plurality of axial axle pins (122) mounted on the periphery of the stationary part ( 104) in an axial direction and in proximity to the third face (1 12) of the annular disk (106); and

at least one rolling element bearing (124) mounted on each of the plurality of axial axle pins (122) of the third set, wherein the at least one rolling element bearing ( 124) is in rolling contact with the third face.

2. The bearing arrangement (100) as claimed in claim I, wherein each of the rolling element bearings (1 18, 120) mounted on the plurality of axle pins of the first set (1 14) and the second set (1 16), has an outer race (202, 206) having a spherical contour (204, 208).

5

3 The bearing arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the axle pin of the third set of plurality of axles pins (122) is mpunted in an axial direction on a flange of the annular disk (106). ffil 4. The bearing amiSgetnent (100) aslclaimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one rolling element bearing (124) mounted on each of the plurality, of axial axle pins (122) of the third set is one of a ball bearing and a roller bearing..

5. The bearing arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the . IS plurality of the rolling element bearing (1 18, 120) on the radial axle pin (1 14, 1 16) rotates at a different number of rotations per minute.

6. The bearing arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each rolling element bearing ( 1 18, 120) mounted on the radial axle pins are separated by distance

20 sleeves.

7. The bearing arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of the rolling element bearing (1 18, 120) on the radial axle pins ( 1 14, 1 16) have self aligning characteristics, and wherein the rolling element bearings (1 18, 120) adjust to

25 the tilting of the rotating part (102) and the stationary part (104).

The bearing arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the rolling lement bearings (300, 400) includes a rolling element 304, wherein the rolling element 304 is one of a cylindrical roller, a spherical roller, a tapered roller, a needle roller, and a toroidal roller.

9. A wind turbine comprising a rotating part and a stationary part, wherein the rotating part is connected to and supported by the bearing anangement (100) as claimed in claims 1-8.