Lubricating structure for front integrated wind power gear box and wind power gear box

Abstract

The invention discloses a lubricating structure for a front integrated type wind power gear box and the wind power gear box, relates to the technical field of wind power gear boxes, and aims to solve the technical problem of lubrication failure caused by large deformation of floating parts of the front integrated type gear box in the prior art. In the lubricating structure for the front integrated wind power gear box, lubricating oil is pumped into an oil inlet of a bearing cover, the oil inlet is connected to an inlet hole of an oil distribution ring through a first oil way, the lubricating oil flows into an interlayer of a hollow pipe through the oil inlet hole, and the hollow pipe is in clearance fit with the inner side of the oil distribution ring; when lubricating oil flows into an interlayer of the hollow pipe, namely the second oil way, all oil can reach an outlet of the second oil way through the annular structure, the outlet of the second oil way is communicated with the oil distribution flange, and the lubricating oil enters an inner hole of the oil distribution flange, namely the third oil way through the oil hole until reaching an unblocked outlet. The fourth oil way is all internal oil ways from the planet carrier to gear lubrication, an inlet of the fourth oil way is communicated with an outlet of the third oil way, and lubricating oil enters from the outlet to reach a gear lubrication point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wind turbine gearbox technology, and more particularly to a lubrication structure for a front-integrated wind turbine gearbox and the wind turbine gearbox itself. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the role of the wind turbine gearbox in wind turbine units is self-evident. It is responsible for converting the low-speed rotation of the wind turbine rotor into the high-speed rotation required by the generator, making it one of the core components of the wind turbine. Whether in onshore or offshore wind power projects, the stability and durability of the gearbox directly determine the power generation efficiency and service life of the wind turbine. The pre-integrated gearbox drive is a key technological breakthrough in the large-scale development of wind power. Its core lies in the deep integration of components such as the main shaft bearing and the gearbox input stage, forming a compact and efficient transmission system. The planetary components at the input end of this gearbox are supported on the main shaft and are not fixedly connected to the gearbox body; furthermore, there are no bearing supports at the top and bottom of the planetary carrier.

[0003] Specifically, pre-integrated wind turbines optimize structure and improve performance by highly integrating key components such as the main shaft, main shaft bearings, and gearbox input stage. However, because the gearbox input component is directly connected to the main shaft via fasteners, the floating planetary components will experience significant displacement or deformation relative to the gearbox housing during operation.

[0004] Traditional lubrication structures typically use openings within the housing or planetary carrier to act as oil passages. When structural components undergo significant deformation under load, these internal oil holes pose risks such as displacement, deformation, and leakage. Furthermore, due to structural limitations, the built-in oil passages can reduce structural strength. For example, the first method involves slotting and drilling holes in the housing or planetary carrier and connecting fixed and rotating components with distribution rings to distribute lubricating oil to various points. The second method involves threaded external oil pipes to the housing or planetary carrier, using internal channels and holes to lubricate specific points. The third method involves oil inlet from the slip ring input end, with oil pipes passing through a hollow tube and exiting from the hollow tube end, connected to an adapter / interface to deliver lubricating oil to the planetary component's oil passages.

[0005] However, the commonly used method in the industry of creating holes and grooves in gearbox structural components as oil passages presents risks of lubricant leakage, misalignment, and breakage at the oil passage interfaces inside the structural components during operation of the pre-integrated gearbox, due to the significant deformation of the first-stage planetary carrier relative to the gearbox housing. In addition, although there are technologies to deliver lubricant to the inlet of the first-stage planetary carrier through external oil pipes, the interfaces and oil pipes are prone to loosening and leakage, and rotational failure under long-term rotation. Furthermore, there is the risk that blockage of the oil pipes will seriously affect the operation of the gearbox.

[0006] Therefore, how to provide a lubrication structure and wind turbine gearbox for front-integrated wind turbine gearboxes that can reliably lubricate the floating components of the front-integrated gearbox and effectively mitigate the risk of oil leakage and blockage in the lubrication seals of rotating components has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a lubrication structure and a wind turbine gearbox for a front-integrated gearbox, in order to solve the technical problem of lubrication failure caused by large deformation of floating components in the prior art.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A lubrication structure for a front-integrated wind turbine gearbox, the lubrication structure being located between the bearing cover and the planetary carrier, wherein during gearbox operation, a lubrication and cooling system pumps lubricating oil into the bearing cover oil inlet, the oil inlet being connected to the oil distribution ring inlet hole via a first oil passage, and the lubricating oil flowing into the hollow tube interlayer through the oil inlet hole; The hollow tube is double-layered and both layers are made of seamless steel pipe. The inner steel pipe is a conduit and is a sealed inner layer, while the outer steel pipe is a fitting pipe and is a sealed outer layer. The inner and outer layers are welded to the steel pipe, and the hollow tube is fitted with the inner side of the oil distribution ring with a clearance. When the lubricating oil flows into the hollow tube interlayer, i.e. the second oil passage, all the oil will reach the outlet of the second oil passage through the annular structure. The outlet of the second oil passage is connected to the oil distribution flange. The lubricating oil enters the inner hole of the oil distribution flange, i.e. the third oil passage, through the oil hole until it reaches the unblocked outlet. The fourth oil passage is all the internal oil passages from the planetary carrier to the gear lubrication. The inlet of the fourth oil passage is connected to the outlet of the third oil passage. The lubricating oil enters from the outlet and goes directly to the gear lubrication point.

[0009] In practical applications, the pipe seats at both ends of the hollow tube are respectively fitted with the oil distribution ring and the oil distribution flange with clearance; the pipe seats at both ends of the hollow tube are provided with annular oil grooves so that the lubricating oil can flow smoothly from the fixed structure to the rotating structure, and the input end has multiple sealing grooves in the radial direction.

[0010] The oil distribution flange is bolted to the planetary carrier and rotates with the planetary carrier and the spindle. The oil distribution flange and the hollow tube are assembled together by structural components. When the oil distribution flange rotates, it drives the hollow tube to rotate at the same speed. The third oil passage in the oil distribution flange is perforated in the flange to cooperate with the planetary carrier for oil supply. Sealing structures are provided at both the axial and radial positions of the mating part. The number of holes in the third oil passage matches the number of oil holes in the planetary carrier to evenly distribute the lubricating oil to the planetary carrier.

[0011] Specifically, the first oil passage is located inside the bearing cover and includes an oil inlet and an annular groove. The annular groove of the first oil passage can be used to temporarily store the lubricating oil and send the lubricating oil into the second oil passage through the inner hole of the oil distributor ring. The outer side of the oil distributor ring has a snap-fit ​​structure, which is used to prevent the oil distributor ring from moving axially after assembly. At the same time, the oil injection hole and the radial inner hole are connected so that a portion of the oil can lubricate the high-speed intermediate bearing from the oil injection hole.

[0012] Furthermore, the fourth oil circuit is an internal structural oil circuit of the gearbox.

[0013] Furthermore, the lubricating oil used is qualified lubricating oil that has been filtered and cooled by the lubrication and cooling system.

[0014] A wind turbine gearbox includes a lubrication structure for a front-integrated wind turbine gearbox as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the lubrication structure and wind turbine gearbox for front-integrated wind turbines described in this invention have the following advantages: The lubrication structure for a front-integrated wind turbine gearbox provided by this invention utilizes a hollow tube designed as a sandwich structure for oil passage, and an oil distribution flange is designed between the hollow tube and the planetary carrier to evenly distribute the lubricating oil to each oil hole of the planetary carrier, thereby effectively achieving the purpose of stable lubrication of the planetary components. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the lubrication structure for a front-integrated wind turbine gearbox provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram at point I; Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram at point II.

[0017] Figure label: 1-Bearing cap; 101-Oil inlet; 102-First oil passage; 2-Oil distributor ring; 3-High-speed intermediate bearing; 4-Hollow tube; 401-Second oil passage; 402-Outer steel tube; 403-Inner steel tube; 404-Pipe seat; 5-Oil distribution flange; 501-Third oil passage; 6-Planetary carrier; 601-Fourth oil passage; 7-Planetary shaft; 701-Oil outlet; 8-Planetary gear; 9-Sun gear. Detailed Implementation

[0018] For ease of understanding, the lubrication structure for a front-integrated wind turbine gearbox and the wind turbine gearbox provided in the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] This invention provides a lubrication structure for a front-integrated wind turbine gearbox, such as... Figures 1-3 As shown, the lubrication structure is located between the bearing cover 1 and the planetary carrier 6. During gearbox operation, the lubrication and cooling system pumps lubricating oil into the oil inlet 101 of the bearing cover 1. The oil inlet 101 is connected to the inlet hole of the oil distribution ring 2 through the first oil passage 102. The lubricating oil flows into the hollow tube 4 interlayer through the oil inlet hole. The hollow tube 4 is double-layered and both are made of seamless steel pipe. The inner steel pipe 403 is a conduit and belongs to the sealed inner layer, while the outer steel pipe 402 is a fitting pipe and belongs to the sealed outer layer. The inner and outer layers are welded to the steel pipe, and the hollow tube 4 is fitted with the inner side of the oil distribution ring 2 with a clearance. When lubricating oil flows into the interlayer of hollow tube 4, i.e. the second oil passage 401, all the oil will reach the outlet of the second oil passage 401 through the annular structure. The outlet of the second oil passage 401 is connected to the oil distribution flange 5. The lubricating oil enters the inner hole of the oil distribution flange 5, i.e. the third oil passage 501, through the oil hole until it reaches the unblocked outlet. The fourth oil passage 601 is all the internal oil passages from the planetary carrier 6 to the gear lubrication. The inlet of the fourth oil passage 601 is connected to the outlet of the third oil passage 501. The lubricating oil enters directly from the outlet to the gear lubrication point. That is, the oil distribution function of hollow tube 4 and oil distribution flange 5 is combined to achieve the synergistic optimization of lightweight and efficient lubrication.

[0020] This invention provides another wind turbine gearbox, including a lubrication structure for a front-integrated wind turbine gearbox as described in any of the preceding embodiments.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the lubrication structure and wind turbine gearbox for front-integrated wind turbines described in the embodiments of the present invention have the following advantages: The lubrication structure for a front-integrated wind turbine gearbox provided in this embodiment of the invention utilizes a hollow tube 4 designed as a sandwich structure for oil passage. Furthermore, an oil distribution flange 5 is designed between the hollow tube 4 and the planetary carrier 6 to evenly distribute the lubricating oil into each oil hole of the planetary carrier 6, thereby effectively achieving the purpose of stable lubrication of the planetary components.

[0022] It should be further explained here that, because the front-integrated gearbox is connected to the main shaft and has no bearing support on the hub side, it is bound to experience very large deformation and load transfer to the planetary carrier and intermediate housing during operation. If the gearbox adopts a traditional oil inlet structure, there is a risk of oil leakage due to loosening of the oil distribution ring and oil hole during the operation of the fan, as well as rotational failure. Therefore, the technical solution of this application adopts an oil inlet lubrication structure at the hollow tube, which is particularly suitable for the front-integrated gearbox. Because the oil passage is designed in the hollow tube where the gearbox is subjected to very little load, it can rotate at low speed with the hollow tube, and can provide stable lubrication to the planetary carrier components of the gearbox for a long time, thereby effectively improving the safety, reliability and leakage prevention of the gearbox.

[0023] In practical applications, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the pipe seats 404 at both ends of the hollow tube 4 are respectively fitted with the oil distribution ring 2 and the oil distribution flange 5 with clearance. That is, the double-layer hollow tube 4 achieves the integration of threading and oil supply through welding process, and the clearance fit can effectively improve the sealing performance. The pipe seats 404 at both ends of the hollow tube 4 are provided with annular oil grooves so that the lubricating oil can flow smoothly from the fixed structure to the rotating structure. In addition, the input end has multiple sealing grooves in the radial direction, which not only facilitates installation and effectively reduces oil leakage caused by wear, but also serves as an interface support and effectively increases the sealing performance between components, thereby effectively reducing the risk of lubricating oil leakage.

[0024] Among them, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the oil distribution flange 5 is bolted to the planetary carrier 6 and rotates with the planetary carrier 6 and the spindle. Simultaneously, the oil distribution flange 5 and the hollow tube 4 are assembled together via structural components. When the oil distribution flange 5 rotates, it drives the hollow tube 4 to rotate at the same speed, thus keeping the oil distribution flange 5, planetary carrier 6, and hollow tube 4 relatively stationary. The third oil passage 501 inside the oil distribution flange 5 has holes drilled inside the flange to allow oil to flow through the planetary carrier 6. Sealing structures are provided at both the axial and radial positions of the mating area, effectively enhancing the component's leak-proof capability. The number of holes in the third oil passage 501 matches the number of oil holes in the planetary carrier 6 to evenly distribute lubricating oil to the planetary carrier. Furthermore, if the oil distribution flange 5 experiences leakage or blockage, it can be quickly disassembled and replaced on-site, making it highly maintainable. At the same time, the oil distribution flange 5 has a simple structure; apart from necessary supports and mating parts, the remaining parts are hollow, effectively reducing the component's weight and minimizing the impact of excessive weight on operation.

[0025] Specifically, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the first oil passage 102 is located inside the bearing cover 1 and includes an oil inlet and an annular groove. The annular groove of the first oil passage 102 can be used to temporarily store lubricating oil and deliver lubricating oil into the second oil passage 401 through the inner hole of the oil distribution ring 2. The outer side of the oil distribution ring 2 has a snap-fit ​​structure, which is used to prevent the oil distribution ring from moving axially after assembly. At the same time, the oil injection hole and the radial inner hole are connected so that a portion of the oil can lubricate the high-speed intermediate bearing 3 from the oil injection hole, thereby effectively reducing the cost of purchasing self-lubricating bearings and effectively reducing the risk of bearing wear. In addition, the oil distribution ring 2 achieves boltless axial positioning through the snap-fit ​​structure and integrates the oil injection function to form a "positioning + lubrication" composite structure.

[0026] Furthermore, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the fourth oil passage 601 is an internal structural oil passage of the gearbox.

[0027] Furthermore, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the lubricating oil used is qualified lubricating oil that has been filtered and cooled by the lubrication and cooling system.

[0028] In summary, the lubrication structure and wind turbine gearbox for front-integrated wind turbines provided by the embodiments of the present invention have the following main innovations: (1) Oil enters through the bearing cover, which is directly connected to the oil outlet pipe of the lubrication and cooling system; (2) A bayonet structure is provided between the oil distribution ring and the bearing cover; (3) It can spray oil at specific points on high-speed intermediate bearings; (4) The hollow tube is designed with a double-layer structure, with the annular interlayer serving as a lubrication circuit; (5) The lubrication structure is set inside the hollow tube, which is connected to the oil distribution ring and the oil distribution flange; (6) The oil distribution flange has a simple structure and strong functionality; (7) The second oil circuit is stationary relative to the distribution flange and planetary carrier; (8) Both the hollow tube and the oil distribution flange are equipped with a sealing structure.

[0029] In other words, the lubrication structure and wind turbine gearbox for front-integrated wind turbine gearboxes provided in this embodiment of the invention have the following advantages: 1. The oil distribution ring is positioned by a bayonet, the double-layer hollow tube is integrated, and the oil distribution flange is detachably combined to form a continuous process of "oil supply → wiring → distribution → lubrication". Thus, the structural combination can achieve multiple effects of "space saving + leak prevention + convenient maintenance". Second, by directly connecting the fourth oil circuit to the gears, the coverage of gear lubrication points is increased from 70% to over 95%; by using double-layer hollow tube sealing and multiple sealing grooves, the oil leakage rate is reduced from 5% to 1%; and by modular replacement and eliminating the need to disassemble the entire machine, the annual maintenance cost is reduced by more than 40%.

[0030] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A lubrication structure for a front-integrated wind turbine gearbox, characterized in that, The lubrication structure is located between the bearing cover and the planetary carrier. During gearbox operation, the lubrication and cooling system pumps lubricating oil into the bearing cover oil inlet. The oil inlet is connected to the oil distribution ring inlet hole through the first oil passage. The lubricating oil flows into the hollow tube interlayer through the oil inlet hole. The hollow tube is double-layered and both layers are made of seamless steel pipe. The inner steel pipe is a conduit and is a sealed inner layer, while the outer steel pipe is a fitting pipe and is a sealed outer layer. The inner and outer layers are welded to the steel pipe, and the hollow tube is fitted with the inner side of the oil distribution ring with a clearance. When the lubricating oil flows into the hollow tube interlayer, i.e. the second oil passage, all the oil will reach the outlet of the second oil passage through the annular structure. The outlet of the second oil passage is connected to the oil distribution flange. The lubricating oil enters the inner hole of the oil distribution flange, i.e. the third oil passage, through the oil hole until it reaches the unblocked outlet. The fourth oil passage is all the internal oil passages from the planetary carrier to the gear lubrication. The inlet of the fourth oil passage is connected to the outlet of the third oil passage. The lubricating oil enters from the outlet and goes directly to the gear lubrication point.

2. The lubrication structure for a front-integrated wind turbine gearbox according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipe seats at both ends of the hollow tube are respectively fitted with the oil distribution ring and the oil distribution flange with clearance; the pipe seats at both ends of the hollow tube are provided with annular oil grooves to allow lubricating oil to flow smoothly from the fixed structure to the rotating structure, and the input end has multiple sealing grooves radially.

3. The lubrication structure for a front-integrated wind turbine gearbox according to claim 2, characterized in that, The oil distribution flange is bolted to the planetary carrier and rotates with the planetary carrier and the spindle. At the same time, the oil distribution flange and the hollow tube are assembled together by structural components. When the oil distribution flange rotates, it drives the hollow tube to rotate at the same speed. The third oil passage in the oil distribution flange is perforated in the flange to cooperate with the planetary carrier for oil supply, and sealing structures are provided at both the axial and radial positions of the mating part. The number of holes in the third oil passage matches the number of oil holes in the planetary carrier to evenly distribute the lubricating oil to the planetary carrier.

4. The lubrication structure for a front-integrated wind turbine gearbox according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first oil passage is located inside the bearing cover and includes an oil inlet and an annular groove. The annular groove of the first oil passage can be used to temporarily store the lubricating oil and send the lubricating oil into the second oil passage through the inner hole of the oil distributor ring. The outer side of the oil distributor ring has a snap-fit ​​structure, which is used to prevent the oil distributor ring from moving axially after assembly. At the same time, the oil injection hole and the radial inner hole are connected so that a portion of the oil can be used to lubricate the high-speed intermediate bearing from the oil injection hole.

5. The lubrication structure for a front-integrated wind turbine gearbox according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fourth oil circuit is an internal structure oil circuit of the gearbox.

6. The lubrication structure for a front-integrated wind turbine gearbox according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lubricating oil used is qualified lubricating oil that has been filtered and cooled by the lubrication and cooling system.

7. A wind turbine gearbox, characterized in that, Includes a lubrication structure for a front-integrated wind turbine gearbox as described in any one of claims 1-6 above.

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