Pillow block system with tapered roller bearings

Abstract

A spherical outer diameter tapered roller bearing pillow block system (100) for supporting the rotating main shaft of a wind turbine. The bearing system is configured with a unitized construction and factory set preload bearing settings to facilitate installation and setup. A spherical outer diameter surface (114) is formed on the outer race (116) of a tapered roller bearing assembly disposed about the rotating main shaft of the wind turbine. The bearing assembly is secured to a stationary support structure of the wind turbine through a pillow block housing assembly (102) providing a matching spherical housing seat (112) to form a ball and socket interface between the tapered roller bearing assembly (118) and the pillow block housing assembly (102). The ball and socket interface accommodates static and dynamic misalignments between the wind turbine main shaft and the supporting structure, while the bearing assembly (118) accommodates radial and axial loads.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application is related to and claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 659,805, filed March 9, 2005, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to a bearing system for supporting the main shaft of a wind turbine assembly, and more particularly to a bearing system incorporating a spherical outer diameter tapered roller bearing assembly secured within a pillow block system capable of Carries radial and axial loads and static and dynamic angular misalignment of supported main shafts used in wind turbine applications. Background technique [0004] Within the wind energy industry, bearing systems for wind turbine main shafts are often used to handle large radial loads as well as large angular misalignments between the rotating shaft and the supporting bearing axis. These spindle bearing systems typically include a ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0007] To access the gearbox-end roller rows, spherical roller bearing systems typically require loosening and sliding back the bearing locknut and press-fitting the labyrinth ring of the rotary seal carrier, which makes access to the gearbox-end of the pillow block bearing It is difficult to detect the bearing raceway and roller surface during operation

In addition, because the stationary labyrinth seal end cap at the rotor end is blocked by the rotating seal carrier labyrinth ring, which cannot be removed without removing the main shaft from the spherical roller bearing Difficult or impossible tasks within the turbine application environment, so access to the roller row at the rotor end is not possible

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