wheel hub

Abstract

The present invention discloses a hub for a wind turbine generator set. The hub is a coverless hub with an eccentric ball structure. The hub includes a blade bearing mounting hole, a blade bearing connecting flange, a stopper, and a lifting hole. The stopper is provided on the outer edge surface of the blade bearing connecting flange along the circumferential direction of the blade bearing mounting hole, and serves to limit and position the blade bearing. When the blade bearing and the hub are installed, the blade bearing will not move easily under the action of the stopper, which facilitates the rapid alignment and connection between the blade bearing and the hub, reducing the installation time. The limiting effect of the stopper can also increase the connection strength between the blade bearing and the hub, making the connection between the two more stable. The lifting hole of the coverless hub extends from the outer edge surface of the hub to the interior of the hub. The lifting tool mounting surface is located inside the hub. A lifting tool can be inserted into the hub through the lifting hole. An operator can install and remove the lifting tool inside the hub, thereby improving the safety of the operator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of wind power generation, and in particular to a hub. Background Art

[0002] At present, the hubs commonly used in domestic wind turbines are divided into covered hubs and uncovered hubs. Covered hubs refer to hubs with a guide shroud installed on the outside of the hub of the wind turbine, while uncovered hubs refer to hubs without a guide shroud installed on the outside of the hub of the wind turbine.

[0003] The blades and hub of a wind turbine are typically connected via blade bearings. For shrouded hubs, the shroud facilitates maintenance of the fasteners between the blade bearings and the hub. However, for uncovered hubs, the blade bearings and hub are connected by fasteners, without any external positioning or reinforcement structures to ensure the strength of the connection. This makes the connection susceptible to fracture, which not only impacts the safe operation of the turbine but also poses a safety hazard during on-site fastener inspection and maintenance. It can also cause objects to fall from height, causing damage to personnel and property. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a hub in order to overcome the defect of low connection strength between the hub and the blade bearing in the prior art.

[0005] The present invention solves the above technical problems through the following technical solutions:

[0006] A hub for the wind turbine generator set, comprising a plurality of blade bearing mounting holes spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the hub, the hub being a coverless hub and having an eccentric ball structure, characterized in that the hub further comprises:

[0007] a blade bearing connecting flange, which is disposed in the blade bearing mounting hole and is integrally formed with the hub, and extends from a side surface of the blade bearing mounting hole toward a radially inner side of the blade bearing mounting hole;

[0008] A stop is arranged on the outer edge surface of the blade bearing connecting flange along the circumferential direction of the blade bearing mounting hole. The stop is integrally formed with the hub. The stop is arranged radially outward of the hub compared to the blade bearing connecting flange. The stop is used to limit the movement of the blade bearing of the wind turbine generator set along the radial direction of the blade bearing connecting flange.

[0009] In this solution, the stopper acts as a limiter. When installing the blade bearing and the hub, the blade bearing will not move easily under the action of the stopper, which facilitates the connection between the blade bearing and the hub. The stopper's limiting effect can also increase the connection strength between the blade bearing and the hub, making the connection between the two more stable. In addition, the stopper also plays a positioning role, allowing the blade bearing and the hub to be quickly aligned during installation, reducing installation time.

[0010] Preferably, the stopper is a circular ring structure.

[0011] In this solution, the stopper of the circular ring structure is easy to form and install.

[0012] Preferably, the stop includes a plurality of stop units spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the blade bearing mounting hole, and the stop units extend along the circumferential direction of the blade bearing mounting hole.

[0013] In this solution, by rationally arranging the intervals between the multiple stopper units, the total weight of the stopper, that is, the weight of the hub, can be reduced while ensuring the connection strength between the hub and the blade bearing.

[0014] Preferably, the blade bearing connecting flange is provided with a plurality of connecting holes spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the blade bearing mounting hole, the connecting holes extend along the axial direction of the blade bearing mounting hole, and the connecting holes are through holes.

[0015] In this solution, by providing a through hole in the blade bearing connection flange and a blind hole in the blade bearing, technicians can use fasteners inside the hub to connect the hub and the blade, thereby improving safety.

[0016] Preferably, the blade bearing connecting flange is connected to the blade bearing via fasteners, and the fasteners include studs, extended sleeves and nuts.

[0017] In this solution, the installation of an extended sleeve can increase the clamping length of the stud, thereby enhancing the fatigue strength of the fastener between the blade bearing connection flange and the blade bearing and improving the fatigue life of the fastener.

[0018] Preferably, the hub further includes a web, which is arranged in the blade bearing mounting hole. The web is connected to the hub or is integrally formed with the hub. When the web and the hub are connected, the web and the hub may be made of different materials.

[0019] In this solution, the web is used to install the variable pitch gearbox, blade locking device, hub electrical components, lubrication system components, etc. of the wind turbine generator set. The detachable connection between the web and the blade bearing connecting flange is conducive to adjusting the structure of the web according to the required strength of the hub, thereby improving the flexibility of the web.

[0020] Preferably, a plurality of part mounting holes and weight-reducing holes are provided on the web.

[0021] In this solution, the lightening holes are used to reduce the weight of the hub while meeting the required strength and rigidity of the hub.

[0022] Preferably, the shape of the web is I-type, O-type, Y-type, E-type or D-type.

[0023] In this solution, webs of different shapes are used according to different strength requirements of the hub.

[0024] Preferably, the outer edge surface of the hub is provided with a lifting structure.

[0025] In this solution, technicians use a hoisting structure to lift the hub to a suitable position of the wind turbine generator set to install the hub.

[0026] Preferably, the hoisting structure includes a hoisting hole, which passes through from the outer edge surface of the wheel hub to the interior of the wheel hub, and the hoisting tooling installation surface of the wheel hub is located inside the wheel hub.

[0027] In this solution, the lifting device can be extended into the wheel hub through the lifting hole, and the technicians can install and remove the lifting tooling inside the wheel hub, avoiding the need for the technicians to climb outside the wheel hub to operate, thereby improving the safety of the technicians.

[0028] Preferably, the windward end of the hub is provided with a windward end cover plate, which is used to close the windward end opening of the hub, at least a portion of the windward end cover plate is located inside the hub, and fasteners connect the hub and the windward end cover plate in sequence inside the hub.

[0029] In this solution, the cover plate can be installed inside the wheel hub, improving the safety of installation for technicians.

[0030] Preferably, the hub further comprises a seal, and the seal is used to seal the gap between the windward end cover plate and the windward end opening of the hub and / or the hub.

[0031] In this solution, the seal is used to prevent foreign matter from entering the hub through the openings or gaps, thereby affecting the normal operation of the wind turbine.

[0032] Preferably, the sealing member includes a sealing ring connected between the windward end cover plate and the hub.

[0033] Preferably, the sealing member includes a sealant, and the sealant is made of modified polyurethane.

[0034] In this solution, the modified polyurethane can react with moisture in the air and solidify to form a permanent elastomer. It also has the characteristics of UV resistance, weathering resistance, aging resistance, wide bonding range, and high electrical resistance.

[0035] Preferably, the outer edge surface of the hub is provided with a plurality of bosses, and the bosses are connected to or integrally formed with the hub.

[0036] In this solution, the boss is used to install a maintenance platform on the outside of the wheel hub. Technicians can perform maintenance on the outside of the wheel hub through the maintenance platform, ensuring the feasibility and safety of maintenance.

[0037] The positive progressive effect of the present invention is that the stopper plays a limiting role. When installing the blade bearing and the hub, the blade bearing will not move easily under the action of the stopper, which facilitates the connection between the blade bearing and the hub, and the limiting effect of the stopper can increase the connection strength between the blade bearing and the hub, making the connection between the two more stable. In addition, the stopper also plays a positioning role, so that when the blade bearing and the hub are installed, the two can be quickly aligned, reducing the installation time. The lifting hole of the coverless hub runs from the outer edge surface of the hub to the interior of the hub. The lifting tool installation surface is located inside the hub. The lifting tool can be extended into the hub through the lifting hole. The operator can install and disassemble the lifting tool inside the hub, avoiding the technician from climbing outside the hub to operate, thereby improving the safety of the operator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a wheel hub according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a wheel hub according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3 For an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 Magnified view of part A.

[0041] Figure 4 FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a wheel hub according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 5 FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a wheel hub according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 6 FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a wheel hub according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 7 The figure is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the hub and the windward end cover plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 8The figure is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the hub and the windward end cover plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 9 FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a wheel hub according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Description of reference numerals:

[0048] 10 wheels

[0049] 20 blade bearing mounting hole

[0050] 30 blade bearing connection flange

[0051] 301 connection hole

[0052] 40 blade bearings

[0053] 50 stops

[0054] 60 belly plate

[0055] 601 weight reduction hole

[0056] 602 parts mounting hole

[0057] 701 lifting hole

[0058] 702 lifting interface

[0059] 703 lifting bracket

[0060] 80 windward end cover

[0061] 901 sealing ring

[0062] 902 sealant

[0063] 100 bosses

[0064] 111 stud

[0065] 112 extended sleeve

[0066] 113 nut DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] The present invention is further described below by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the examples.

[0068] This embodiment provides a hub for a wind turbine generator set, such as Figure 1-2As shown, the hub 10 is a coverless hub with an eccentric ball structure. Its streamlined shape can function as a diversion shroud on the outside of a covered hub, thereby allowing external air to flow evenly through the hub 10 and ensuring the normal operation of the wind turbine generator set. The coverless hub structure of the hub 10 allows technicians to perform installation and maintenance inside the hub 10, reducing the danger of high-altitude work and making installation and maintenance more convenient. In other alternative embodiments, the hub 10 is not limited to the eccentric ball structure, and its outer side can also be implemented with other streamlined structures that can evenly divert air.

[0069] The hub 10 includes a plurality of blade bearing mounting holes 20, which are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the hub 10. It is more preferred and commonly used to open three blade bearing mounting holes 20 on the hub 10, that is, the wind turbine is provided with three blades, and the energy conversion rate of the wind turbine is high and the cost is low.

[0070] The hub 10 also includes a blade bearing connection flange 30, which is used to connect the hub 10 to the blade bearings 40 of the wind turbine generator set, thereby connecting the hub 10 to the blades of the wind turbine generator set. The blade bearing connection flange 30 is disposed within the blade bearing mounting hole 20 and is integrally formed with the hub 10. The blade bearing connection flange 30 extends from the side of the blade bearing mounting hole 20 toward the radially inner side of the blade bearing mounting hole 20.

[0071] The blade bearing connection flange 30 is provided with a plurality of connection holes 301 spaced circumferentially around the blade bearing mounting hole 20. These holes 301 extend axially along the blade bearing mounting hole 20 and are through-holes. By providing through-holes in the blade bearing connection flange 30 and blind holes in the blade bearing 40, technicians can use fasteners inside the hub 10 to sequentially connect the hub 10 and blades, providing increased safety.

[0072] like Figure 2-3 As shown, the blade bearing connection flange 30 is connected to the blade bearing 40 by fasteners, which include a stud 111, an extension sleeve 112, and a nut 113. The stud 111 passes through the connection hole 301 on the blade bearing connection flange 30 and is connected to the blade bearing 40. The extension sleeve 112 is installed on the stud 111 located inside the hub 10 to increase the clamping length of the stud 111, thereby enhancing the fatigue strength of the fastener between the blade bearing connection flange 30 and the blade bearing 40 and improving the fatigue life of the fastener. Finally, after installing the extension sleeve, the nut 113 is used to tighten the blade bearing 40 to ensure the stability of the connection. In other alternative embodiments, other fasteners can also be used for connection according to the different connection strength requirements between the hub 10 and the blade bearing 40.

[0073] The hub 10 also includes a stopper 50 in a circular ring-shaped structure. The stopper 50 is easy to form and install. The stopper 50 is positioned on the outer edge of the blade bearing connection flange 30 along the circumferential direction of the blade bearing mounting hole 20. The stopper 50 is integrally formed with the hub 10 and positioned radially outward from the blade bearing connection flange 30. The stopper 50 is used to limit the radial movement of the wind turbine blade bearing 40 along the blade bearing connection flange 30. The stopper 50 acts as a stopper. During installation of the blade bearing 40 and the hub 10, the stopper 50 prevents the blade bearing 40 from moving easily, facilitating the connection between the blade bearing 40 and the hub 10. The stopper 50 also increases the strength of the connection between the blade bearing 40 and the hub 10, making the connection more stable. Furthermore, the stopper 50 also serves as a positioning mechanism, allowing for quick alignment of the blade bearing 40 and the hub 10 during installation, reducing installation time.

[0074] In other alternative embodiments, the stopper 50 is not limited to a circular ring structure, but may also be provided as a plurality of stopper 50 units (not shown) spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the blade bearing mounting hole 20, with the stopper 50 units extending along the circumferential direction of the blade bearing mounting hole 20. By rationally arranging the spacing between the plurality of stopper 50 units, the total weight of the stopper 50, and thus the weight of the hub 10, can be reduced while ensuring the connection strength between the hub 10 and the blade bearing 40.

[0075] The hub 10 also includes a web 60, which is positioned within the blade bearing mounting holes 20 and is connected to or integrally formed with the hub 10. When the web 60 is connected to the hub 10, it can be made of a different material than the hub 10, depending on actual needs, to improve the adaptability of the web 60. The web 60 is provided with multiple weight-reducing holes 601 and has an I-shaped structure. The web 60 is used to increase the strength of the hub 10 and is provided with mounting holes 602 for components such as the wind turbine's pitch gearbox, blade locking device, hub electrical components, and lubrication system components (not shown). It is particularly preferred to design the web 60 to be detachably connected to the hub 10, which facilitates adjusting the structure of the web 60 according to the required strength of the hub 10 and improves the adaptability of the web 60. The weight-reducing holes 601 are used to reduce the weight of the hub 10 while meeting the required strength and rigidity of the hub 10.

[0076] In other alternative embodiments, the hub 10 can achieve sufficient strength without the web 60, or when the wind turbine generator system uses hydraulic pitch control, the web 60 structure can be omitted. The web 60 can also be in an O-shaped, Y-shaped, E-shaped, or D-shaped shape. Different shapes of web 60 can be adjusted to meet the different strength requirements of the hub 10 to improve the flexibility of the web 60.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, the outer edge surface of the hub 10 is provided with a lifting structure, which allows technicians to lift the hub 10 to a suitable location on the wind turbine generator system for installation. The lifting structure includes a lifting hole 701, which extends from the outer edge surface of the hub 10 to the interior of the hub 10. The lifting tool installation surface of the hub 10 is located inside the hub 10. The lifting tool can be inserted into the hub 10 through the lifting hole 701, allowing technicians to install and remove the hub 10 from the interior. The technicians can perform operations inside the hub 10, avoiding the need to climb outside the hub 10 to operate, thereby improving the technicians' safety.

[0078] In other alternative embodiments, the hanging structure is provided with the following configurations in addition to the hanging hole 701: Figure 5 The lifting interface 702 shown in the figure, at this time the lifting device can be in the form of a hook, which is easy and quick to operate; or the lifting structure can also be set as Figure 6 The lifting bracket 703 shown in the figure requires a lifting device that can cooperate with it to make the lifting process more stable. In the above two lifting structures, technicians need to operate on the outside of the wheel hub 10. However, because there is no lifting hole 701 that penetrates into the interior of the wheel hub 10, the lifting structure and the wheel hub 10 itself are sealed.

[0079] like Figure 1-2 As shown in Figures 7-8, the windward end of the hub 10 is provided with a windward end cover plate 80, which is used to close the windward end opening of the hub 10. A lifting hole cover plate (not shown in the figure) is also provided at the lifting hole 701 for closing the lifting hole 701. At least a part of the windward end cover plate 80 and the lifting hole cover plate are located inside the hub 10, that is, the windward end cover plate 80 and the lifting hole cover plate are both installed from the inside of the hub 10 and are installed in the same way. Fasteners connect the hub 10 and the windward end cover plate 80 or the lifting hole cover plate in sequence inside the hub 10, thereby improving the safety of installation by technicians.

[0080] In other alternative embodiments, when the hoisting structure adopts other structures, that is, does not include a hoisting hole 701 that penetrates into the interior of the hub 10, there is no hoisting hole cover for closing the hoisting hole 701. When the hub 10 also includes a manhole, it should also include a manhole cover for closing the manhole to prevent outside air from flowing into the interior of the hub 10 through the opening or gap and affecting the normal operation of the wind turbine generator set. The windward end cover 80 and the hoisting hole cover can be installed from either the inside or the outside of the hub 10, and the manhole cover can be installed from either the inside or the outside of the hub 10.

[0081] The hub 10 also includes a seal, which is used to seal the gap between the windward end cover plate 80 and the windward end opening of the hub 10 and / or the hub 10, and to seal the gap between the lifting hole cover plate and the lifting hole 701 and / or the hub 10, to prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of the hub 10 through the above-mentioned openings or gaps and affecting the normal operation of the wind turbine generator set.

[0082] The sealing member includes a sealing ring 901, which is connected between the cover plate and the wheel hub 10. Figure 7-8 Two different ways of connecting the sealing ring 901 are shown. The sealing element also includes a sealant 902, which is made of modified polyurethane. The sealant 902 can react with moisture in the air to solidify and form a permanent elastomer. It is also resistant to UV rays, weathering, and aging, has a wide bonding range, and has high electrical resistance, resulting in a good and durable sealing effect.

[0083] In other alternative embodiments, when the hoisting hole 701 and the hoisting hole cover are not present, a seal is not required between the hoisting structure and the hub 10, as the two are already sealed. If the hub 10 also includes a manhole and a manhole cover, or even other holes and corresponding covers, a seal should be used to ensure a reliable seal.

[0084] like Figure 9 As shown, the outer edge surface of the hub 10 is provided with a plurality of bosses 100, which are connected to the hub 10 or formed integrally therewith. The bosses 100 are used to install a maintenance platform on the outside of the hub 10. Technicians can maintain the hub 10 on the outside of the hub 10 through the maintenance platform on the outside of the hub 10 to ensure the feasibility and safety of maintenance. The maintenance platform and the bosses 100 can be detachably connected by fasteners, or other detachable connection structures can be used to make the connection between the two more flexible.

[0085] Because this embodiment uses an unshrouded hub, the corrosion resistance of the outer edge of hub 10 must be higher than that of a shrouded hub 10, allowing hub 10 in this embodiment to be suitable for a variety of applications. Generally, the corrosion resistance of unshrouded hubs for onshore wind turbines is C4, while that of offshore wind turbines is C5. The interior of the unshrouded hub can have the same corrosion resistance as that of a shrouded hub.

[0086] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely illustrative and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, and such changes and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hub for a wind turbine generator set, comprising a plurality of blade bearing mounting holes spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the hub, the hub being a coverless hub and an eccentric ball structure, characterized in that: The wheel hub further comprises: a blade bearing connecting flange, which is disposed in the blade bearing mounting hole and is integrally formed with the hub, and extends from a side surface of the blade bearing mounting hole toward a radially inner side of the blade bearing mounting hole; a stopper, provided on an outer edge surface of the blade bearing connecting flange along a circumferential direction of the blade bearing mounting hole, the stopper being integrally formed with the hub, the stopper being provided radially outward of the hub relative to the blade bearing connecting flange, and the stopper being used to limit movement of the blade bearing of the wind turbine generator set along the radial direction of the blade bearing connecting flange; The windward end of the hub is provided with a windward end cover plate, the windward end cover plate is used to close the windward end opening of the hub, at least a portion of the windward end cover plate is located inside the hub and abuts against the inner wall surface of the windward end of the hub; fasteners are sequentially connected between the hub and the windward end cover plate inside the hub; The hub further comprises a seal, which is used to seal the gap between the windward end cover plate and the windward end opening of the hub and / or the hub; The sealing member includes a sealing ring connected between the windward end cover plate and the hub.

2. The wheel hub according to claim 1, wherein: The stopper is a circular ring structure.

3. The wheel hub according to claim 1, wherein: The stopper includes a plurality of stopper units spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the blade bearing mounting hole, and the stopper units extend along the circumferential direction of the blade bearing mounting hole.

4. The wheel hub according to claim 1, wherein: The blade bearing connecting flange is provided with a plurality of connecting holes spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the blade bearing mounting hole. The connecting holes extend along the axial direction of the blade bearing mounting hole, and the connecting holes are through holes.

5. The wheel hub according to claim 4, wherein: The blade bearing connecting flange is connected to the blade bearing via fasteners, which include studs, extended sleeves and nuts.

6. The wheel hub according to claim 1, wherein: The hub further includes a web, which is arranged in the blade bearing mounting hole. The web is connected to the hub or is integrally formed with the hub. When the web is connected to the hub, the web and the hub are made of different materials.

7. The wheel hub according to claim 6, wherein: The web is provided with a plurality of part mounting holes and weight-reducing holes.

8. The wheel hub according to claim 6, wherein: The shape of the web is I-type, O-type, Y-type, E-type or D-type.

9. The wheel hub according to claim 1, wherein: The outer edge surface of the hub is provided with a hoisting structure.

10. The wheel hub according to claim 9, wherein: The hoisting structure includes a hoisting hole, which extends from the outer edge surface of the wheel hub to the interior of the wheel hub. The hoisting tool installation surface of the wheel hub is located inside the wheel hub.

11. The wheel hub according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing element includes a sealant, and the sealant is made of modified polyurethane.

12. The wheel hub according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The outer edge surface of the hub is provided with a plurality of bosses, and the bosses are connected to or integrally formed with the hub.

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