Roller pitch bearings

Abstract

The present invention relates to a roller pitch bearing. In a first aspect, a roller pitch bearing for a wind turbine is provided. The roller pitch bearing comprises a first bearing member and a second bearing member, the first bearing member being configured to rotate relative to the second bearing member; wherein one of the first bearing member and the second bearing member is configured to be coupled to a wind turbine blade, and the other of the first bearing member and the second bearing member is configured to be coupled to a rotor hub of the wind turbine. The roller pitch bearing further comprises a limiting structure attached to the first bearing member, the limiting structure extending radially from the first bearing member toward the second bearing member to limit radial movement between the bearing members. In another aspect, a rotor for a wind turbine comprising a roller pitch bearing is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to roller pitch bearings with a restriction structure and rotors for wind turbines with these roller pitch bearings. Background Art

[0002] Modern wind turbines are commonly used to supply electricity to an electrical grid. Such wind turbines generally include a rotor having a rotor hub and a plurality of blades. The rotor is set to rotate under the influence of the wind on the blades. The rotation of the rotor shaft drives the generator rotor directly ("direct drive") or through the use of a gearbox. The gearbox (if present), the generator, and other systems are generally mounted in a nacelle on top of the wind turbine tower.

[0003] An auxiliary system generally provided on a wind turbine is a pitch system. A pitch system is used to adapt the position of the wind turbine blades to changing wind conditions. A pitch system generally comprises a pitch bearing, which comprises an outer ring, an inner ring and one or more rows of rolling elements between the two rings that allow the two rings to rotate relative to each other. The wind turbine blades can be attached at the inner ring or at the outer ring, while the hub is connected at the other ring. When the pitch system is actuated, the blades can perform a relative rotational movement relative to the hub. Thus, the inner ring of the bearing can perform a rotational movement relative to the outer ring of the bearing.

[0004] The pitch bearing may generally be actuated mechanically or hydraulically.In a mechanical pitch system, a drive pinion may mesh with a ring gear provided on an inner or outer ring to set the wind turbine blade into rotation.

[0005] Rolling elements, such as balls or rollers, may be arranged between the inner race of the inner ring and the outer race of the outer ring for reducing friction between these rings.Depending on the type of rolling elements, the pitch bearing may be, for example, a ball bearing or a roller bearing.

[0006] The rolling elements of a ball bearing are balls that rotate between an inner race and an outer race. These balls contact each race in a relatively narrow area. Therefore, the load acting on the balls may involve high pressures. This may cause deformations of the balls that are subjected to the relatively high loads. Increasing the size of the balls may reduce the deformations caused by the pressure exerted on the balls by the races of the rings. However, larger balls may involve higher manufacturing costs.

[0007] In roller bearings, the rolling elements arranged between the races have a generally cylindrical or conical shape. These types of rolling elements are generally referred to as rollers. Roller bearings can be more cost-effective than ball bearings (particularly if compared to ball bearings with relatively large balls). The contact area between the races and the rollers is larger than in a ball bearing. Therefore, roller bearings can withstand higher loads than ball bearings in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rollers.

[0008] When high loads acting on the blades are expected, for example in large blades, pitch roller bearings may be used instead of pitch ball bearings. A pitch roller bearing may generally comprise one or more rows of axial rollers arranged between an inner ring and an outer ring. These axial rollers may withstand higher axial loads than balls, for example the weight of the blade. The pitch roller bearing may also comprise radial rollers arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring. These radial rollers may limit the movement of the inner ring towards the outer ring. However, these radial rollers do not generally prevent the inner ring from separating from the outer ring.

[0009] When the blade is subjected to relatively high winds, the pitch bearing may be subject to oscillations or deformations. These oscillations or deformations may cause the inner ring to move locally towards the center of the ring, and the rollers and rings may slip or may become misaligned.

[0010] In operation, the blades may be maintained in a predefined "below rated pitch position" (i.e., default pitch position) at wind speeds equal to or below the nominal wind speed. The default pitch position may be substantially close to a 0° pitch angle. When the blades are in their default position, local movement of the inner ring towards the center of the ring may cause wear of the bearing components.

[0011] Preloading the radial rollers or increasing the size of the rings can reduce such local separation of the inner and outer rings. However, these solutions increase the manufacturing costs and weight of the pitch bearing.

[0012] The present disclosure provides examples of systems and methods that at least partially address some of the aforementioned disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0013] In a first aspect, a roller pitch bearing for a wind turbine is provided. The roller pitch bearing includes a first bearing member and a second bearing member, the first bearing member being configured to rotate relative to the second bearing member. One of the first bearing member and the second bearing member is configured to be coupled to a wind turbine blade, and the other of the first bearing member and the second bearing member is configured to be coupled to a rotor hub of the wind turbine. The roller pitch bearing also includes one or more rows of rollers arranged between the first bearing member and the second bearing member. In addition, the roller pitch bearing includes a limiting structure attached to the first bearing member. The limiting structure extends radially from the first bearing member toward the second bearing member. The limiting structure further includes an engagement portion that engages with an engagement portion of the second bearing member to limit radial movement between the bearing members.

[0014] According to this aspect, radial movement between the bearing members is restricted because the engaging portion of the restriction structure cooperates or engages with the engaging portion of the second structure and the restriction structure is attached to the first bearing member. The restriction structure restricts radial movement between the first bearing member and the second bearing member. Thus, separation of the bearing members can be prevented. Therefore, the roller pitch bearing can withstand high radial loads and thus high wind loads in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0015] In another aspect, a roller pitch bearing for a wind turbine is provided. The roller pitch bearing includes: a first bearing member, which is used to connect to the wind turbine blade; and a second bearing member, which is used to connect to the rotor hub of the wind turbine blade. The second bearing member includes a protrusion. The roller pitch bearing further includes one or more rows of rollers, which are arranged between the first bearing member and the second bearing member, so that the first bearing member is configured to rotate relative to the second bearing member. In addition, the roller pitch bearing includes a limiting structure attached to the first bearing member. The limiting structure extends radially from the first bearing member toward the second bearing member. The limiting structure includes a receptacle that engages with the protrusion of the first bearing member.

[0016] According to this aspect, radial movement of the first bearing member relative to the second bearing member can be limited by the limiting structure. Thus, the limiting structure can be radially retained by the second bearing member, and radial movement of the first bearing member relative to the second bearing member can be minimized. Similar to the first aspect, a simple and cost-effective pitch roller bearing capable of withstanding high radial loads can be provided.

[0017] In yet another aspect, a rotor for a wind turbine is provided. The rotor for a wind turbine includes a rotor hub, a wind turbine blade, and a roller pitch bearing, which enables the wind turbine blade to be rotatably connected to the rotor hub. The roller pitch bearing includes a first bearing member and a second bearing member, and the first bearing member is configured to rotate relative to the second bearing member. One of the first bearing member and the second bearing member is connected to the wind turbine blade, and the other of the first bearing member and the second bearing member is connected to the rotor hub. The roller pitch bearing further includes one or more rows of rollers arranged between the first bearing member and the second bearing member. In addition, the pitch roller bearing includes a limiting structure attached to the first bearing member. The limiting structure extends radially from the first bearing member toward the second bearing member. The limiting structure includes an engagement portion that engages with an engagement portion of the second bearing member to limit radial movement between the bearing members.

[0018] Advantages deriving from this aspect may be similar to those mentioned with respect to the previous aspect.

[0019] Technical Solution 1. A roller pitch bearing (100) for a wind turbine, comprising:

[0020] a first bearing member (110) and a second bearing member (120), the first bearing member (110) being configured to rotate relative to the second bearing member (120); wherein one of the first bearing member and the second bearing member is configured to be coupled to a wind turbine blade, and the other of the first bearing member and the second bearing member is configured to be coupled to a rotor hub of a wind turbine;

[0021] one or more rows of rollers (131, 132) arranged between the first bearing member (110) and the second bearing member (120);

[0022] A limiting structure (140) is attached to the first bearing member (110), the limiting structure (140) extending radially from the first bearing member (110) toward the second bearing member (120), wherein the limiting structure (140) includes an engagement portion that engages with an engagement portion of the second bearing member (120) to limit radial movement between the bearing members (110, 120).

[0023] Technical Solution 2. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to Technical Solution 1 is characterized in that the first bearing component (110) is configured to be connected to a wind turbine blade, and the second bearing component (120) is configured to be connected to a rotor hub of the wind turbine.

[0024] Technical Solution 3. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to Technical Solution 1 is characterized in that the first bearing component (110) is configured to be connected to a rotor hub of a wind turbine, and the second bearing component (120) is configured to be connected to a wind turbine blade.

[0025] Technical Solution 4. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to any one of Technical Solutions 1-3 is characterized in that the roller pitch bearing (100) includes one or more sliding pads (150) arranged between the engaging portion of the limiting structure (140) and the engaging portion of the second bearing member (120).

[0026] Technical Solution 5. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to any one of Technical Solutions 1-4 is characterized in that one of the engaging parts includes a protrusion (160), and the other of the engaging parts includes a receptacle (170) for receiving the protrusion (160).

[0027] Technical Solution 6. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to Technical Solution 5 is characterized in that the receptacle (170) at least partially encloses the protrusion (160).

[0028] Technical Solution 7. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to any one of Technical Solutions 5-6 is characterized in that the receptacle (170) and the protrusion (160) include an inner wall (161, 171) and an outer wall (162, 172), and wherein one or more sliding pads (150) are arranged between the inner walls (161, 171).

[0029] Technical Solution 8. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to any one of Technical Solutions 5-7 is characterized in that the receptacle (170) and the protrusion (160) include an inner wall (161, 171) and an outer wall (162, 172), and wherein one or more sliding pads (150) are arranged between the outer walls (162, 172).

[0030] Technical Solution 9. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to any one of Technical Solutions 1-8 is characterized in that the first bearing component (110) and the second bearing component (120) include an upper side (116, 126) facing the wind turbine blade and a lower side (117, 127) facing the rotor hub; and the limiting structure (140) is attached to the lower side (117) of the first bearing component (110).

[0031] Technical Solution 10. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to any one of Technical Solutions 1-9 is characterized in that the first bearing component (110) and the second bearing component (120) include an upper side (116, 126) facing the wind turbine blade and a lower side (117, 127) facing the rotor hub; and the limiting structure (140) is attached to the upper side (116) of the first bearing component (110).

[0032] Technical Solution 11. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 10, characterized in that the limiting structure (140) is substantially disc-shaped.

[0033] Technical Solution 12. The roller pitch bearing according to any one of Technical Solutions 1-11 is characterized in that the first bearing component (110) is placed on the radial inner side of the roller pitch bearing, and the second bearing component (120) is placed on the radial outer side of the roller pitch bearing.

[0034] Technical Solution 13. A rotor (5) for a wind turbine, comprising:

[0035] A rotor hub (6);

[0036] Wind turbine blades (7); and

[0037] A roller pitch bearing (100) rotatably connects the wind turbine blade (7) to the rotor hub (6); wherein the roller pitch bearing (100) comprises:

[0038] a first bearing member (110) and a second bearing member (120), the first bearing member (110) being configured to rotate relative to the second bearing member (120); wherein one of the first bearing member and the second bearing member is coupled to the wind turbine blade (7), and the other of the first bearing member and the second bearing member is coupled to the rotor hub (6);

[0039] one or more rows of rollers (131, 132) arranged between the first bearing member (110) and the second bearing member (120); and

[0040] A limiting structure (140) is attached to the first bearing member (110), the limiting structure (140) extending radially from the first bearing member (110) toward the second bearing member (120), wherein the limiting structure (140) includes an engagement portion that engages with an engagement portion of the second bearing member (120) to limit radial movement between the bearing members (110, 120).

[0041] Technical Solution 14. The rotor (5) according to Technical Solution 13 is characterized in that the first bearing component (110) is placed on the radial inner side of the roller pitch bearing (100), and the second bearing component (120) is placed on the radial outer side of the roller pitch bearing (100).

[0042] Technical Solution 15. The rotor according to any one of Technical Solutions 13-14 is characterized in that the first bearing component (110) is connected to the wind turbine blade (7), and the second bearing component (120) is connected to the rotor hub (6). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a wind turbine according to one example;

[0045] Figure 2 illustrates a simplified interior view of a nacelle of a wind turbine according to one example;

[0046] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a roller pitch bearing for a wind turbine according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 an enlarged view of a joint portion;

[0048] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a roller pitch bearing for a wind turbine according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a roller pitch bearing for a wind turbine according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a roller pitch bearing for a wind turbine according to one example of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] In the figures, the same reference symbols have been used to identify matching elements.

[0052] Figure 1 A perspective view of one example of a wind turbine 1 is illustrated. As shown, the wind turbine 1 includes a tower 2 extending from a supporting surface 3; a nacelle 4 mounted on the tower 2; and a rotor 5 coupled to the nacelle 4. The rotor 5 includes a rotatable hub 6 and at least one rotor blade 7 coupled to the hub 6 and extending outwardly from the hub 6. For example, in the illustrated example, the rotor 5 includes three rotor blades 7. However, in alternative embodiments, the rotor 5 may include more or less than three rotor blades 7. The individual rotor blades 7 may be spaced apart from the hub 6 to facilitate rotating the rotor 5 so that kinetic energy can be converted from the wind into usable mechanical energy and subsequently into electrical energy. For example, the hub 6 may be rotatably coupled to a generator 10 ( 100 kW) positioned within or forming part of the nacelle 4. Figure 2 ) to allow the generation of electrical energy.

[0053] Figure 2 Picture shows Figure 11 is a simplified interior view of an example of a nacelle 4 of a wind turbine 1 of FIG. As shown, a generator 10 may be disposed within the nacelle 4. Generally, the generator 10 may be coupled to a rotor 5 of the wind turbine 1 for generating electrical power from rotational energy generated by the rotor 5. For example, the rotor 5 may include a main rotor shaft 8 coupled to the hub 5 for rotation therewith. The generator 10 may then be coupled to the rotor shaft 8 such that rotation of the rotor shaft 8 drives the generator 10. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the generator 10 includes a generator shaft 11 rotatably coupled to the rotor shaft 8 via a gearbox 9.

[0054] It should be appreciated that the rotor shaft 8 , gearbox 9 , and generator 10 may generally be supported within the nacelle 4 by a base plate or support frame 12 positioned atop the wind turbine tower 2 .

[0055] The nacelle 4 is rotatably coupled to the tower 2 via a yaw system 20. The yaw system includes a yaw bearing (at Figure 2 1 and 2). The yaw bearing has two bearing members configured to rotate relative to each other. The tower 2 is coupled to one of the bearing members, and the bedplate or support frame 12 of the nacelle 4 is coupled to the other bearing member. The yaw system 20 includes a ring gear 21 and a plurality of yaw drives 22 having a motor, a gearbox, and a pinion gear for meshing with the ring gear for rotating one of the bearing members relative to the other.

[0056] The blade 7 is coupled to the hub 6 using a pitch bearing 100 located between the blade 7 and the hub 6. The pitch bearing 100 includes an inner ring and an outer ring (in Figure 3 ). The wind turbine blades may be attached at the inner bearing ring or at the outer bearing ring, while the hub is connected at the other bearing ring. When the pitch system 101 is actuated, the blades 7 may perform a relative rotational movement relative to the hub 6. Thus, the inner bearing ring may perform a rotational movement relative to the outer bearing ring. Figure 2 The pitch system 101 comprises a pinion 102 which meshes with a ring gear 103 provided on an inner bearing ring to set the wind turbine blade into rotation.

[0057] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a roller pitch bearing for a wind turbine according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. The roller pitch bearing 100 of the figure includes a first bearing member 110 and a second bearing member 120. The first bearing member 110 is configured to rotate relative to the second bearing member 120.

[0058] In this example, the first bearing member 110 is an inner ring, and the second bearing member 120 is an outer ring. Thus, the first bearing member may be placed radially inwardly of the roller pitch bearing, and the second bearing member may be placed radially outwardly of the roller pitch bearing. However, in other examples, the first bearing member may be an outer ring, and the second bearing member may be an inner ring.

[0059] The roller pitch bearing 100 of the figure includes a restriction structure 140, which is attached to the first bearing member 110. The restriction structure 140 extends from the first bearing member 110 toward the second bearing member 120. The restriction structure 140 includes an engagement portion that engages with an engagement portion of the second bearing member. In this example, the engagement portion of the restriction structure is a receptacle 170, and the engagement portion of the second bearing member is a protrusion 160. Thus, radial movement of the first bearing member 110 relative to the second bearing member can be restricted. Thus, the restriction structure can prevent the first bearing member from separating from the second bearing member.

[0060] In the present disclosure, the restriction structure attached to the first bearing member may include a restriction structure integrally formed with the first bearing member, a restriction structure directly attached to the first bearing member, or a restriction structure attached to the first bearing member through an intermediate connector.

[0061] In this example, the first bearing member 110 is coupled to the blade 7 and the second bearing member 120 is coupled to the rotor hub 6. Thus, the first bearing member is configured to be coupled to a wind turbine blade and the second bearing member is configured to be coupled to a rotor hub of a wind turbine. In other examples, the first bearing member may be coupled to or configured to be coupled to the rotor hub and the second bearing member may be coupled to or configured to be coupled to a wind turbine blade.

[0062] exist Figure 3 , the rotor hub includes a hole 61. A fastener 62 (e.g., a bolt) may pass through the hole 61 and may be fixed (e.g., threadedly engaged) in a threaded hole 125 of the second bearing member 120. Thus, the fastener 62 may connect the rotor hub 6 to the second bearing member 120. Multiple fasteners may be threadedly engaged in multiple holes along the circumference of the roller pitch bearing. In other examples, the rotor hub and the second bearing member may include multiple through holes. Bolts may be inserted into these through holes and fixed with nuts to connect the second bearing member to the hub.

[0063] Figure 3The blade of the present invention comprises a receiving portion 71 for fixing a bolt 72. The receiving portion 71 may be, for example, an insert with an internal thread or a T-bolt connector. The first bearing member 110 of the present invention comprises a through hole 115. The bolt 72 may pass through the hole 115 and may be fixed to the receiving portion 71 so that the blade 7 is connected to the first bearing member 110. In this example, the limiting structure 140 comprises a hole 140. The bolt 72 passes through the hole 142 of the limiting structure 140 so that the limiting structure 140 is connected to the first bearing member 110. In this example, the limiting structure is bolted to the first bearing member by the bolt 72, and the bolt 72 is connected to the first bearing member 110. A plurality of bolts may be distributed along the circumference of the first bearing member so that the roller pitch bearing is connected to the blade.

[0064] In other examples, the restraining structure 140 may be connected to the first bearing member 110 by additional fasteners or by other suitable connection methods (eg, welding).

[0065] The first bearing member 110 may include an upper side 116 and a lower side 117. These sides may be parallel to each other. Similarly, the second bearing member may include an upper side 126 and a lower side 127. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , the upper side 116 and the upper side 126 face the wind turbine blade 7, and the lower side 117 and the lower side 127 face the rotor hub 6. In this example, the restriction structure 140 is attached to the lower side 117 of the first bearing member 110. However, in other examples, the restriction structure may be attached to the upper side 116 of the first bearing member 110.

[0066] In some examples, the roller pitch bearing may include one restriction structure arranged at a lower side of the first bearing member and another restriction structure arranged at an upper side of the first bearing member.

[0067] In some examples, the restraining structure may be substantially disc-shaped. Thus, the restraining structure may extend along the entire circumference of the pitch roller bearing. In some of these examples, the receptacle may extend along at least a portion of the circumference of the restraining structure. For example, the receptacle may extend along the entire circumference of the restraining structure.

[0068] In other examples, the restriction structure may extend along a portion of the circumference of the pitch roller bearing. In some of these examples, the restriction structure may include one or more restriction elements. The restriction elements may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

[0069] One or more rows of rollers may be arranged between the first bearing member 110 and the second bearing 120. Figure 3, the roller pitch bearing includes an upper row of rollers 131 and a lower row of rollers 132. The rows of rollers may include a plurality of rollers distributed along the circumference of the roller pitch bearing 100. The rollers in the upper and lower rows of rollers in the figure are axial rollers. The axial rollers may be configured to bear axial loads acting on the pitch roller bearing.

[0070] The axial rollers of the figure are substantially cylindrical. In other examples, the axial rollers may be substantially conical. The axial rollers of this example may rotate around an axis. The axis may substantially correspond to the radius of the roller pitch bearing. In the figure, the upper roller is clamped between the upper rolling surface 122 of the second bearing member 120 and the upper rolling surface 112 of the first bearing member 110. The lower roller may also be clamped between the lower rolling surface 123 of the second bearing member and the lower rolling surface 113 of the first bearing member 110. In this example, the rolling surface of the second bearing member 120 surrounds the rolling surface of the first bearing member. In other examples, the rolling surface of the second bearing member may be arranged inside the space defined between the rolling surfaces of the first bearing member 110.

[0071] The roller pitch bearing of the figure also includes a plurality of radial rollers 133 between the bearing members. The radial rollers 133 can rotate around an axial axis. The axial axis can be substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the blade. The radial rollers can be, for example, cylindrical. In this example, the radial rollers prevent radial movement of the first bearing member toward the second bearing member.

[0072] In this figure, radial rollers 133 are partially enclosed in grooves 114 of the first bearing member. Grooves 114 can retain radial rollers 133. Radial rollers 133 are sandwiched between the central rolling surface 124 of the second bearing member 120 and the grooves 114. In other examples, the grooves retaining radial rollers can be arranged at the second bearing member.

[0073] The roller pitch bearing 100 of this example includes one or more sliding pads 150, which are arranged between the engagement portion of the limiting structure and the engagement portion of the second bearing member. The sliding pads can prevent direct contact between the engagement portions. In this example, the sliding pads 150 can prevent direct contact between the protrusion 160 and the receptacle 170. In some examples, several sliding pads can be arranged along the circumference of the roller pitch bearing. The sliding pads can be attached to the protrusion or to the receptacle.

[0074] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 170. The protrusion 160 is substantially engaged with the receptacle 170. The protrusion 160 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the receptacle 170. In this example, the receptacle 170 partially encloses the protrusion 160. The receptacle 170 may have a substantially U-shape to receive the protrusion 160.

[0075] The protrusion 160 of the figure includes an inner sidewall 161 and an outer sidewall 162. The inner sidewall 161 may be substantially parallel to the outer sidewall 162. The bottom surface 163 may connect the inner sidewall 161 to the outer sidewall 162. Similarly, the receptacle 170 may include the inner sidewall 171 and the outer sidewall 172. The receptacle 170 may further include a bottom surface 173, which connects the inner sidewall 171 to the outer sidewall 172. The inner sidewall 161 of the protrusion 160 may face the inner sidewall 171 of the receptacle 170. The outer sidewall 162 of the protrusion may face the outer sidewall 172 of the receptacle 170.

[0076] In other examples, the receptacle may have a substantially L-shape to receive the protrusion and to limit radial movement of the first bearing member toward the center of the roller pitch bearing.In these examples, the receptacle may include an outer sidewall extending substantially parallel to an outer sidewall of the protrusion.

[0077] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, one or more sliding pads 150 are arranged between the outer side wall 162 of the protrusion and the outer side wall 172 of the receptacle. Alternatively or in addition, one or more sliding pads may be arranged between the inner side wall 161 and the inner side wall 171.

[0078] The sliding pads arranged between the engaging parts can reduce the friction between the engaging parts. In addition, the vibration of the bearing member can be absorbed by the sliding pads.

[0079] Figure 5 FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a roller pitch bearing for a wind turbine according to an example of the present disclosure. The roller pitch bearing of this example is similar to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The roller pitch bearing depicted in FIG. Figure 5 , the engaging portion of the restriction structure 140 is the protrusion 160, and the engaging portion of the second bearing member 120 is the receptacle 170. The receptacle 170 may be a recess extending along the circumference of the second bearing member 120. The protrusion 160 may be partially disposed inside the inner space of the receptacle 170. Thus, the receptacle 170 may surround the protrusion 160.

[0080] In this figure, one or more sliding pads 150 are arranged between the inner side wall of the receptacle 170 and the inner side wall of the protrusion 160. In addition, one or more sliding pads may be arranged between the outer side wall of the receptacle 170 and the outer side wall of the protrusion 160. In this example, the inner side wall refers to the side wall of the receptacle 170 or the protrusion 160 that is closer to the first bearing member 110. And, the outer side wall refers to the side wall of the receptacle 170 or the protrusion 160 that is closer to the second bearing member 120.

[0081] exist Figure 5In the example of , the restriction structure 140 is attached to the first bearing member 110 at the lower side 117 of the first bearing member 110. In other examples, the restriction structure can be attached to the upper side 116 of the first bearing member. In other examples, one restriction structure can be arranged at the upper side and another restriction structure can be arranged at the lower side.

[0082] Figure 6 FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a roller pitch bearing for a wind turbine according to an example of the present disclosure. The roller pitch bearing 100 of the figure is similar to Figure 5 However, in Figure 6 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the restraining structure 140 is attached to the upper side 116 of the first bearing member 110 . The upper side 116 of this example faces the wind turbine blade 6 . Parts of the restraining structure 140 may be clamped between the upper side 116 and the blade 7 .

[0083] As about Figure 5 As described above, the engagement portion of the limiting structure 140 is a protrusion 160, and the engagement portion of the second bearing member 120 is a receptacle 170. The receptacle 170 may be a recess extending along the circumference of the second bearing member 120. In this example, the receptacle is arranged at the upper side 126 of the second bearing member 120.

[0084] In this example, the second bearing member is formed of an upper part and a lower part. Assembling the pitch bearing may be easier. In other examples, the second bearing member may be formed integrally.

[0085] Although not shown in this figure, the roller pitch bearing may include one or more sliding pads arranged between the receptacle 170 and the protrusion 160 according to any of the examples described herein.

[0086] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a roller pitch bearing for a wind turbine according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. The roller pitch bearing 100 of the figure includes a first bearing member 110 and a second bearing member 120. The first bearing member 110 is configured to rotate relative to the second bearing member 120.

[0087] In this example, the first bearing member 110 is an outer ring and the second bearing member 120 is an inner ring. Thus, the first bearing member may be placed in a radially outer side of the roller pitch bearing and the second bearing member may be placed in a radially inner side of the roller pitch bearing.

[0088] The roller pitch bearing 100 of the figure comprises a restriction structure 140 which is attached to a first bearing member 110. In this particular example, the first bearing member is connected to the rotor hub. The restriction structure 140 extends from the first bearing member 110 towards the second bearing member 120 (ie towards the centre of the roller pitch bearing).

[0089] A plurality of bolts may connect the rotor hub to the first bearing member. A restraining structure 140 may be clamped between the rotor hub 6 and the first bearing member 110. The restraining structure 140 may be connected to an underside 117 of the first bearing member 110. The underside 117 of the first bearing member 110 may face the rotor hub 6.

[0090] In other examples, the restraint structure can be attached to the upper surface 116 of the first bearing member. In some of these examples, bolts that connect the rotor hub to the roller pitch bearing can be used to connect the restraint structure to the first bearing member. In other examples, dedicated fasteners can be used to connect the restraint structure to the first bearing member.

[0091] The limiting structure 140 of this example includes an engagement portion that engages with the engagement portion of the second bearing member. In this example, the engagement portion of the limiting structure is a receptacle 170. The receptacle of this figure has a substantially L-shaped shape. In some examples, the receptacle may have a substantially U-shaped shape. The engagement portion of the second bearing member 120 is a protrusion 160. The protrusion 160 may extend axially from the underside 127 of the second bearing member 120. In some examples, the engagement portion may be configured according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Any of the examples described.

[0092] In other examples, the joining portion may be based on Figure 5 The engagement portion of the restricting structure may be a protrusion, and the engagement portion of the second bearing member may be a recess for receiving the protrusion of the engagement portion.

[0093] In these examples, radial movement of the second bearing member 120 relative to the first bearing member 110 may thus be limited. Thus, the limiting structure may prevent the second bearing member (associated with the blade) from separating from the first bearing member (associated with the hub). In this regard, the inner sidewall 171 of the receptacle 170 may prevent the inner sidewall 161 of the protrusion 160 from radially shifting toward the center of the circumference of the roller pitch bearing. Thus, the inner sidewall of the receptacle arranged at the limiting structure may prevent the second bearing member from shifting toward the center of the roller pitch bearing. In this example, a sliding pad may be arranged between the inner sidewall of the protrusion and the inner sidewall of the receptacle to reduce friction between the inner sidewalls and to absorb vibrations of the bearing member associated with the blade.

[0094] In a further aspect, a rotor for a wind turbine is provided. The rotor comprises a rotor hub, a wind turbine blade and a roller pitch bearing. The roller pitch bearing may be according to any of the examples described herein.

[0095] A roller pitch bearing may rotatably connect a wind turbine blade to a rotor hub. The roller pitch bearing may include a first bearing member and a second bearing member, wherein the first bearing member is configured to rotate relative to the second bearing member. One of the first bearing member and the second bearing member may be coupled to the wind turbine blade, and the other of the first bearing member and the second bearing member may be coupled to the rotor hub.

[0096] For example, the first bearing member may be placed radially inwardly of the roller pitch bearing, and the second bearing member may be placed radially outwardly of the roller pitch bearing. The first bearing member may be coupled to the wind turbine blade, and the second bearing member may be coupled to the rotor hub. Alternatively, the first bearing member may be coupled to the rotor hub, and the second bearing member may be coupled to the blade.

[0097] The roller pitch bearing may include one or more rows of rollers arranged between the first member and the second member according to any of the examples described herein.

[0098] In addition, the roller pitch bearing may include a restriction structure attached to the first bearing member. The restriction structure may extend radially from the first bearing member toward the second bearing member. An engagement portion of the restriction structure may engage with an engagement portion of the second bearing member to limit radial movement between the bearing members. The engagement portion may be according to any of the examples disclosed herein.

[0099] This written description uses examples to disclose the present invention (including preferred embodiments) and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the present invention (including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated method). The patentable scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if these examples include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims, these examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims. Aspects from the various embodiments described and other known equivalents for each such aspect can be mixed and matched by a person of ordinary skill in the art to construct additional embodiments and techniques according to the principles of the present application. If reference symbols related to the drawings are placed in brackets in the claims, these reference symbols are merely used to attempt to improve the understandability of the claim and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claim.

Claims

1. A roller pitch bearing (100) for a wind turbine, comprising: a first bearing member (110) and a second bearing member (120), the first bearing member (110) being configured to rotate relative to the second bearing member (120); wherein one of the first bearing member and the second bearing member is configured to be coupled to a wind turbine blade, and the other of the first bearing member and the second bearing member is configured to be coupled to a rotor hub of a wind turbine; one or more rows of rollers (131, 132) arranged between the first bearing member (110) and the second bearing member (120); a limiting structure (140) separated from and attached to an end surface of the first bearing member (110), the limiting structure (140) extending radially toward the second bearing member across an interface between the first bearing member (110) and the second bearing member (120), wherein the limiting structure (140) includes an engagement portion that engages with an engagement portion formed by the second bearing member to limit radial movement between the bearing members (110, 120); wherein the limiting structure (140) is axially spaced apart from the rows of rollers (131, 132) at one of the upper side or the lower side of the first bearing member (110), and wherein the engaging portion of the limiting structure (140) that engages with the engaging portion of the second bearing member is located radially inside or radially outside all rows of rollers (131, 132) and radially between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the roller pitch bearing defined by the combined first and second bearing members.

2. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first bearing component (110) is configured to be coupled to a wind turbine blade, and the second bearing component (120) is configured to be coupled to a rotor hub of a wind turbine.

3. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first bearing component (110) is configured to be coupled to a rotor hub of a wind turbine, and the second bearing component (120) is configured to be coupled to a wind turbine blade.

4. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The roller pitch bearing (100) includes one or more sliding pads (150) arranged between an engagement portion of the restraining structure (140) and an engagement portion of the second bearing member (120).

5. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: One of the engagement portions includes a protrusion (160), and the other of the engagement portions includes a receptacle (170) for receiving the protrusion (160).

6. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The receptacle (170) at least partially encloses the protrusion (160).

7. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The receptacle (170) and the protrusion (160) include inner side walls (161, 171) and outer side walls (162, 172), and wherein one or more sliding pads (150) are arranged between the inner side walls (161, 171).

8. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The receptacle (170) and the protrusion (160) include inner side walls (161, 171) and outer side walls (162, 172), and wherein one or more sliding pads (150) are arranged between the outer side walls (162, 172).

9. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first bearing member (110) and the second bearing member (120) include an upper side (116, 126) facing the wind turbine blade and a lower side (117, 127) facing the rotor hub; and the restraining structure (140) is attached to the lower side (117) of the first bearing member (110).

10. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first bearing member (110) and the second bearing member (120) include an upper side (116, 126) facing the wind turbine blade and a lower side (117, 127) facing the rotor hub; and the limiting structure (140) is attached to the upper side (116) of the first bearing member (110).

11. The roller pitch bearing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The restraining structure (140) is substantially disc-shaped.

12. The roller pitch bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first bearing member (110) is placed in the radial inner side of the roller pitch bearing, and the second bearing member (120) is placed in the radial outer side of the roller pitch bearing.

13. A rotor (5) for a wind turbine, comprising: A rotor hub (6); Wind turbine blades (7); as well as A roller pitch bearing (100) rotatably connects the wind turbine blade (7) to the rotor hub (6); wherein the roller pitch bearing (100) comprises: a first bearing member (110) and a second bearing member (120), the first bearing member (110) being configured to rotate relative to the second bearing member (120); wherein one of the first bearing member and the second bearing member is coupled to the wind turbine blade (7), and the other of the first bearing member and the second bearing member is coupled to the rotor hub (6); one or more rows of rollers (131, 132) arranged between the first bearing member (110) and the second bearing member (120); and a limiting structure (140) separated from and attached to an end surface of the first bearing member (110), the limiting structure (140) extending radially toward the second bearing member across an interface between the first bearing member (110) and the second bearing member (120), wherein the limiting structure (140) includes an engagement portion that engages with an engagement portion formed by the second bearing member to limit radial movement between the bearing members (110, 120); wherein the limiting structure (140) is axially spaced apart from the rows of rollers (131, 132) at one of the upper side or the lower side of the first bearing member (110), and wherein the engaging portion of the limiting structure (140) that engages with the engaging portion of the second bearing member is located radially inside or radially outside all rows of rollers (131, 132) and radially between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the roller pitch bearing defined by the combined first and second bearing members.

14. The rotor (5) according to claim 13, characterized in that The first bearing member (110) is placed in the radial inner side of the roller pitch bearing (100), and the second bearing member (120) is placed in the radial outer side of the roller pitch bearing (100).

15. The rotor according to any one of claims 13-14, characterized in that The first bearing member (110) is coupled to the wind turbine blade (7), and the second bearing member (120) is coupled to the rotor hub (6).

Images