Method for replacing a sliding pad of a rotating sliding bearing, sliding bearing and wind turbine

Abstract

A method for replacing a sliding pad (7, 8) of a rotating sliding bearing (2), wherein the bearing comprises a plurality of sliding pads (7, 8), each of which supports an annular rotatable part (5) of the bearing (2) in an axial direction and / or in a radial direction on a stationary part (6) of the bearing (2), the method comprising the following steps: - removing the load of the rotatable part (5) from the sliding pad (7, 8) by releasing the force applied to the sliding pad (7, 8) to be removed and / or by applying a force to the rotatable part (5), - removing the sliding pad (7, 8) in an axial and / or in a radial direction, - inserting a replacement sliding pad (7, 8), - supporting the rotatable part (5) on the replacement sliding pad (7, 8) by applying a force to the replacement sliding pad (7, 8) and / or by removing the force applied to the rotatable part (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for replacing a sliding pad of a rotating sliding bearing, wherein the bearing comprises a plurality of sliding pads, each of which supports an annular rotatable part of the bearing on a stationary part of the bearing in an axial direction and / or in a radial direction. Furthermore, the invention relates to a sliding bearing and a wind turbine. Background Art

[0002] In a wind turbine, a rotatable component, such as a hub or a rotatable shaft, must be supported on a stationary component of the wind turbine. Therefore, one or more bearings are used. Due to the loads acting on the rotatable component of the wind turbine during operation, the bearings used to support the rotatable component of the wind turbine on the stationary component may be subject to wear or damage, so that repair procedures and / or maintenance procedures involving the removal of the bearing from the wind turbine are often required in order to maintain the functionality of the bearing. However, due to the size and weight of the bearing, in particular the size and weight of the main bearing of the wind turbine, these procedures may be lengthy and involve an external crane and, in the case of an offshore wind turbine, also involve the use of a vessel in order to support an external crane, which is used for the removal and / or replacement of the bearing.

[0003] In EP 3 460 272 A1 a method for changing a bearing component of a main bearing of a wind turbine is described. The bearing component is unloaded by mechanically moving the shaft, wherein the bearing component is then axially moved from or into its installed position by means of a tool change device. Summary of the invention

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for replacing sliding pads of a rotary sliding bearing which can be carried out with reduced effort.

[0005] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a method as initially described, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0006] - removing the load of the rotatable part from the sliding pad by releasing the force applied to the sliding pad to be removed and / or by applying a force to the rotatable part,

[0007] - remove the sliding pads in axial and / or radial direction,

[0008] - Insert the replacement sliding pad,

[0009] - Supporting the rotatable element on the replacement sliding pads by applying a force to the replacement sliding pads and / or by removing a force applied to the rotatable element.

[0010] The sliding bearing comprises a plurality of sliding pads, tilting sliding pads or non-tilting sliding pads, which support the rotatable part of the bearing on the stationary part of the bearing in the axial and / or radial direction, respectively. The sliding pad may comprise several components, such as an external sliding part, a support component for attachment to a structure by bolts or the like, a tilting support component ensuring that the sliding pad can tilt and / or elastic means such as, for example, springs to ensure preloading of the sliding pad and the tilting support. The sliding pad of the bearing may, for example, be arranged between an annular rotatable part and a stationary part of the bearing, supporting the rotatable part on the stationary part. The bearing may in particular be a fluid film bearing, wherein the fluid film is located between the sliding pad and the rotatable part or between the sliding pad and the stationary part.

[0011] By releasing the force applied to the sliding pad and / or by applying a force to the rotatable component, the load of the rotatable component is removed from the sliding pad so that one or more of the sliding pads become unloaded. In this state, the rotatable component is supported on the stationary component via the rest of the sliding pad. The unloading of the sliding pad to be replaced can be carried out by removing the force acting on the sliding pad to press it toward the rotatable component. After removing this force, the sliding pad is no longer tensioned between the rotatable component and the stationary component. In addition or alternatively, the sliding pad to be replaced can also be unloaded by applying a force, in particular directly to the rotatable component, so that the rotatable component is lifted and / or displaced and the weight of the rotatable component is no longer supported on the sliding pad to be replaced.

[0012] Then, the unloaded sliding pad can be removed in the axial and / or radial direction of the bearing. The sliding pad can be removed in the radially inward direction to the center of the bearing, and therefore in the direction of the center point of the annular rotatable component. Alternatively, the sliding pad can be removed in the radially outward direction. Moreover, a combination of axial and radial movements is also possible to remove the sliding pad. The advantage of removing the sliding pad at least partially in the radial direction is that no access space is required or reduced access space is required from the axial direction to the sliding bearing. In addition, both the sliding pad supporting the bearing in the axial direction and the sliding pad supporting the rotatable component on the stationary component in the radial direction can be removed at least partially in the radial direction, thereby facilitating the replacement of the sliding pad.

[0013] After the sliding pad has been removed in the axial and / or radial direction, a replacement sliding pad is inserted in place of the removed sliding pad. The replacement sliding pad may be, for example, a new sliding pad, or it may be a removed sliding pad which has been subjected to a maintenance and / or repair procedure, such as a cleaning procedure, etc. Furthermore, the insertion of the replacement sliding pad may take place in the radial direction, in particular in the direction opposite to the removal of the sliding pad.

[0014] After the replacement sliding pad has been inserted, the rotatable part of the bearing is supported on the replacement sliding pad by applying a force to the replacement sliding pad and / or by removing the force applied to the rotatable part. By applying a force to the replacement sliding pad, the replacement pad is pushed towards and / or pressed against the rotatable part of the bearing, so that the rotatable part is supported again on the sliding pad and thus also on the stationary part of the bearing. Additionally or alternatively, the force that has been applied to the rotatable part for unloading the sliding pad may also be removed, so that the rotatable part is supported again on the sliding pad.

[0015] The method for replacing sliding pads according to the invention has the advantage that the sliding pads can be replaced on site and one by one, so that even if all the sliding pads of a bearing have to be replaced, it is not necessary to replace the entire bearing. This facilitates the maintenance of the bearing, in particular for bearings used as main bearings in wind turbines. The provision of a plurality of sliding pads in the bearing allows the rotatable component to be supported on the stationary component on the remaining sliding pads of the bearing during the removal of the load of the rotatable component from one or part of the sliding pads. This facilitates the repair and / or maintenance of the sliding bearing, since, for example, the replacement of damaged or worn sliding pads one by one becomes possible. It is also possible to update the bearing by replacing an installed sliding pad with an improved sliding pad as a replacement pad.

[0016] In contrast to replacing the entire bearing, no external crane and / or vessel is required. Furthermore, since only a single sliding pad is removed or inserted, the replacement of the sliding pad can be performed manually and / or by using a lifting device that can be manually installed near the bearing prior to the replacement procedure. This significantly reduces the work of replacing one or more sliding pads of a bearing, thereby facilitating repair procedures and / or maintenance procedures and reducing their costs.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stationary component is annular, wherein the rotatable component is arranged on an outer circumference of the stationary component, wherein the sliding pad is replaced from the interior of the stationary component through an opening in the outer circumference of the stationary component. Replacing the sliding pad from the interior of the stationary component (thus removing the sliding pad and inserting a replacement sliding pad) has the advantage that the sliding pad can be easily accessed from the interior of the stationary component, in particular when the bearing is used as a main bearing in a wind turbine.

[0018] The stationary component may be, for example, a hollow shaft, or be connected to a hollow shaft, wherein the sliding pads can be accessed from the interior of the hollow shaft through one or more openings in the outer circumference of the stationary component. For example, the sliding pads arranged between the outer circumference of the stationary component and the rotatable component can be removed and / or replaced at least partially in a radial direction towards the interior of the stationary component (thus towards the center of the stationary component), and the rotatable component is arranged on the outer circumference of the stationary component and supported by the sliding pads on the stationary component. The stationary component may provide one or more openings in its outer circumference, which allow access to the sliding pads. For example, a corresponding opening may be provided for each sliding pad. The size of the opening may correspond to the size of the corresponding sliding pad, so that each sliding pad can be moved towards the interior of the stationary component through one of the openings for replacement.

[0019] Preferably, the sliding pad is fixed to the bearing by a bolt connection, which applies a force to the sliding pad, wherein the force is released by loosening the bolt connection, and / or the sliding pad is fixed to the bearing by a form-fit connection, wherein the sliding pad is arranged in a cavity or recess of the stationary component. By loosening the bolt connection, the force can be removed to unload the sliding pad, so that the sliding pad can be removed, for example, towards the interior of the stationary component. Vice versa, after replacing the sliding pad, a replacement sliding pad can be inserted and fixed to the bearing again by tightening the bolt connection. The bolt connection can apply a force to the sliding pad, so that the rotatable component can be supported on the sliding pad. By loosening the bolt connection, the force can be removed from the sliding pad and the sliding pad can be unloaded, or the rotatable component is not supported by the sliding pad. Vice versa, by tightening the bolt connection, a force can be applied to the sliding pad again, thereby re-establishing the support of the rotatable component on the sliding pad. Additionally or alternatively, the sliding pad is fixed to the bearing by a form-fit connection, wherein the sliding pad is arranged in a cavity or recess of the stationary component. The cavity or recess may in particular be an integral part of the stationary component and may in particular be located in its outer circumference. The sliding pad may be fixed in the cavity or recess by a rotating component resting on the sliding pad. One side of the cavity or recess may comprise an axial opening for replacing a deloaded sliding pad, in particular a radially supporting sliding pad.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the force is applied to the rotatable part using an actuator device, which comprises at least one actuator, in particular at least one mechanical actuator and / or at least one hydraulic actuator. At least one actuator of the actuator device can push the rotatable part away from the sliding pad, so that the sliding pad is unloaded and does not carry the weight of the rotatable part. Therefore, a small displacement of, for example, about 1 mm is sufficient. By means of the actuator device, a force can be applied to the rotatable part before repositioning the sliding pad and the force can be removed after the sliding pad is replaced. As a hydraulic actuator, for example, a hydraulic jack can be used.

[0021] The actuator arrangement and / or the bearing may comprise a mechanical fixing device which fixes the rotatable component in its displaced position, for example in order to fix it in the event of a power loss of the hydraulic actuator. As mechanical actuators, for example screws or bolts may be used to push the rotatable component away from the stationary component. At least one mechanical actuator and at least one hydraulic actuator may be used, wherein the at least one mechanical actuator serves as a mechanical fixing device to fix the rotatable component displaced by the at least one hydraulic actuator in the displaced position.

[0022] Preferably, an axial force for replacing an axial support sliding pad and / or a radial force for replacing a radial support sliding pad is applied to the rotatable part of the bearing by an actuator device. In order to replace a sliding pad, which supports the rotatable part of the bearing on the stationary part in a radial direction, a radial force can be applied to the rotatable part by the actuator device, so that the radial support sliding pad is unloaded. Correspondingly, in order to unload the axial support sliding pad, an axial force can be applied to the rotatable part by the actuator device, so that the axial support sliding pad is unloaded. In order to unload the sliding pad supporting the rotatable part in radial and axial directions, a combination of radial force and axial force can be applied to the rotatable part using the actuator device. The actuator device can include one or more radial actuators and / or one or more axial actuators, the radial actuators can each apply a radial force, and the axial actuators can each apply an axial force.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, before removing the load from the sliding pad to be replaced, at least one actuator of the actuator device is detachably mounted to the bearing and / or at least one actuator of the actuator device is permanently mounted to the bearing. Load removal of the sliding pad can be performed using an actuator device that is permanently mounted to the bearing. This allows, for example, to arrange at least one actuator of the actuator device within the bearing housing so that the actuator can act directly on a rotatable part of the bearing.

[0024] It is also possible to detachably mount at least one actuator of the actuator arrangement to the bearing before removing the load from the sliding pad to be replaced, so that it is not necessary to provide the actuator as part of the bearing.

[0025] The actuator of the actuator device installed during the replacement procedure can be attached, for example, to the outside of the bearing housing of the bearing, wherein the force generated by at least one actuator is applied, for example, by coupling the piston of the actuator to the rotatable part of the bearing. The actuator can be fixed on the stationary part or the rotatable part, wherein the actuator is coupled to the respective other part, thereby allowing a displacement between the rotatable part and the stationary part of the bearing to unload one or more of the sliding pads. For the coupling, the piston of the actuator can be arranged in an aperture of the bearing cap, the stationary part and / or the rotatable part.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a surface treatment is performed on the surface of the stationary component and / or the surface of the rotatable component before the replacement sliding pad is inserted. The surface treatment may be, for example, a surface milling operation, which is performed to clean and / or repair the surface of the stationary component and / or the surface of the rotatable component. This allows the surface to be cleaned at the location of the sliding pad, so that, for example, dirt and / or residues from the sliding pad can be removed from the surface. Corrosion and / or abrasive effects may also be removed by surface treatment.

[0027] Thus, the portable machining device can be installed in a space where a sliding pad is usually installed. For example, a surface milling operation can be performed on the interface of the stationary component and the sliding pad to remove the affected material. Preferably, the milling device can include a cover device of a size suitable for the opening of the outer circumference of the stationary component, and the milling device is inserted into the opening. By means of the cover device, the surface subjected to surface treatment can be covered to seal the treated surface from the surrounding environment, in particular from the interior of the bearing. This can prevent contamination of the interior of the bearing, thereby advantageously inhibiting dust generated during the surface treatment from undesirably intruding into the interior of the bearing.

[0028] The sliding bearing according to the present invention comprises an annular rotatable component, a stationary component and a plurality of sliding pads, wherein the stationary component is annular and the rotatable component is arranged on the circumference of the stationary component, wherein the rotatable component is supported on the stationary component in radial and / or axial direction via the sliding pads, wherein the stationary component comprises a plurality of axial and / or radial openings arranged circumferentially and / or axially displaced in the circumference of the stationary component, wherein the sliding pads can be removed and / or inserted through the openings.

[0029] By providing an opening in the circumference of the stationary component, axial and / or radial removal and / or axial and / or radial insertion of the sliding pad can be achieved. The rotatable component can be arranged on the inner circumference of the stationary component or on the outer circumference of the stationary component. Preferably, for each sliding pad used to support the rotatable component on the stationary component, a corresponding opening is provided in the circumference of the stationary component, thereby allowing each sliding pad to be replaced. The sliding pad supporting the rotatable component arranged on the outer circumference of the stationary component can be moved in a radially inward direction toward the center point of the annular stationary component. Correspondingly, the sliding pad supporting the rotatable component on the inner circumference of the stationary component can be replaced in a radially outward direction through the opening in the circumference of the stationary component. The radially supporting sliding pads can be removed from the inside of the bearing, for example, by axially moving them out of a cavity or recess comprising an axial opening and accommodating the radially supporting sliding pads.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bearing comprises an actuator arrangement having one or more actuators, in particular at least one mechanical actuator and / or at least one hydraulic actuator, wherein the actuator arrangement is adapted to remove a load of the rotatable component from at least one of the sliding pads. At least one actuator of the actuator arrangement can be arranged inside a bearing housing of the bearing. It is also possible that at least one actuator is mounted to the outside of the bearing housing of the bearing, wherein the coupling of the actuator towards the rotatable component and the stationary component occurs, for example, via a piston. It is also possible that the bearing comprises at least one mechanical actuator and at least one hydraulic actuator, wherein the at least one mechanical actuator is used to fix the rotatable component displaced by the at least one hydraulic actuator in a displaced position.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one actuator of the actuator arrangement is arranged to be displaced circumferentially from a sliding pad. The sliding pad is arranged displaceably circumferentially and / or axially between the stationary component and the rotatable component for supporting the rotatable component on the stationary component in radial and / or axial direction. Preferably, at least one actuator of the actuator arrangement is arranged to be displaced circumferentially from each sliding pad. By providing an actuator arrangement comprising a plurality of actuators, the individual actuators can, for example, be arranged circumferentially between the sliding pads, such that a compact bearing size is obtained.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuator arrangement comprises at least one radial actuator arranged at least partially between the stationary component and the rotatable component for exerting a radial force on the rotatable component, and / or at least one axial actuator arranged at least partially between the rotatable component and a protrusion on the circumference of the stationary component for exerting an axial force on the rotatable component. The protrusion may be, for example, a protrusion of the circumference of the stationary component or of a bearing cap mounted to the stationary component. The protrusion may protrude from the circumference, in particular adjacent to the rotatable component, so that at least one actuator may be arranged between the protrusion and the rotatable component for exerting a force on the rotatable component to unload one or more of the sliding pads.

[0033] Preferably, the bearing comprises a bearing housing, wherein the actuator device is arranged inside the bearing housing. The bearing housing can for example be formed at least partially by a bearing cover and / or a rotatable component and / or a stationary component, wherein the bearing housing in particular accommodates sliding pads, contact areas between rotatable components and / or a fluid used in the bearing.

[0034] Preferably, one or more actuators of the actuator arrangement are each fixed to a stationary component or a rotatable component of the bearing. During actuation of at least one actuator, the actuator fixed to one of the components of the bearing can be coupled to the respective other component of the bearing to exert a force on the other component to produce a displacement between the stationary component and the rotatable component, thereby causing at least one of the sliding pads of the bearing to unload. The at least one actuator can be attached directly or indirectly to the stationary component or the rotatable component.

[0035] The wind turbine according to the invention comprises a sliding bearing according to the invention. For the wind turbine according to the invention, the details and advantages of the sliding bearing according to the invention apply accordingly. For the wind turbine according to the invention and the sliding bearing according to the invention, the advantages and details of the method for replacing sliding pads of a rotating sliding bearing also apply accordingly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings are only schematic diagrams and are designed only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the present invention. The accompanying drawings show:

[0037] Figure 1 is an embodiment of a wind turbine according to the invention,

[0038] Figure 2 is a detailed view of an embodiment of a sliding bearing according to the invention,

[0039] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sliding bearing according to the present invention,

[0040] Figure 4 is a second embodiment of the sliding bearing according to the present invention,

[0041] Figure 5 is a third embodiment of the sliding bearing according to the present invention,

[0042] Figure 6 is a fourth embodiment of the sliding bearing according to the present invention,

[0043] Figure 7 is a fifth embodiment of the sliding bearing according to the present invention,

[0044] Figure 8 is a sixth embodiment of the sliding bearing according to the present invention,

[0045] Fig. 9 is a seventh embodiment of a sliding bearing according to the present invention, and

[0046] Fig.10 The milling device is inserted during the method according to the invention for replacing a sliding pad. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] exist Figure 1 , details of a wind turbine 1 according to the invention are shown. The wind turbine 1 comprises a plain bearing 2, which supports a hub 3 on a stationary shaft 4 of the wind turbine. The plain bearing 2 comprises an annular rotatable part 5, which is connected to the hub 3 of the wind turbine 1. Furthermore, the plain bearing 2 comprises an annular stationary part 6, which is connected to the stationary shaft 4 of the wind turbine 1. The stationary part 6 of the bearing may be attached to the shaft 4 or made in one piece with the shaft 4.

[0048] The sliding bearing 2 further comprises a plurality of radial support sliding pads 7 and a plurality of axial support sliding pads 8. The radial support sliding pads 7 support the rotatable component 5 of the bearing 2 in the radial direction on the stationary component 6. Correspondingly, the radial support sliding pads 8 support the rotatable component 5 of the sliding bearing in the axial direction on the stationary component 6. A fluid film may be arranged between the rotatable component 5 and the sliding pads 7, 8, thereby allowing the rotatable component 5 to slide on the sliding pads 7, 8 during operation of the wind turbine 1.

[0049] The rotatable part 5 is arranged on the outer circumference of the stationary part 6. The stationary part 6 comprises a plurality of openings 9, 10, wherein the plurality of first openings 9 each correspond to one of the radial support sliding pads 7, and the plurality of second openings 10 each correspond to one of the axial support sliding pads 8.

[0050] As indicated by arrow 11, the radial support sliding pad 7 can be removed through the corresponding opening 9 in the radial direction towards the center of the stationary part 6 of the bearing 2. Correspondingly, as indicated by arrow 12, the axial support sliding pad 8 can be removed through the corresponding opening 10 towards the center of the stationary part 6. After removal, the sliding pads 7, 8 can then be transported out of the bearing 2 or the wind turbine 1, respectively, as indicated by arrow 13. After removal of the sliding pads 7, 8, a replacement sliding pad can be inserted in place of the removed sliding pad 7, 8 by a reverse movement. In particular, the replacement of the sliding pads 7, 8 can be performed manually and / or by using a lifting device that is manually mounted near the bearing 2 before the replacement procedure.

[0051] Since the rotatable part 5 of the sliding bearing 2 is supported on the stationary part 6 via the sliding pads 7 , 8 , the sliding pads 7 , 8 to be removed must be unloaded without carrying the weight of the rotatable part 5 or the weight of parts of the wind turbine 1 connected to the rotatable part 5 .

[0052] The opening 9 may also be an axial opening of a radial cavity or radial recess, in particular a radially inward recess in the outer circumference of the stationary component, which accommodates a radially supporting sliding pad, so that the unloaded sliding pad can be removed from the recess axially in the axial direction towards one side of the bearing, in particular towards the side connected to the hub 3 of the wind turbine 1, and / or in the radial direction towards the interior of the bearing 2. An oblique orientation of the opening 9 relative to the outer circumference of the stationary component 6 is also possible, so that the sliding pad 7 can be removed and / or replaced in a combined axial and radial movement. In the loaded state, the sliding pad 7 is fixed in the recess in a form-fitting manner, wherein after unloading the sliding pad 7, replacement of the sliding pad 7 becomes possible.

[0053] In an embodiment of the method for replacing the sliding pads 7, 8 of the rotary sliding bearing 2, the load of the rotatable component 5 is first removed from the sliding pads 7, 8 by releasing the force applied to the sliding pads 7, 8 and / or by applying a force to the rotatable component 5. Then, the unloaded sliding pads 7, 8 are removed in the axial and / or radial direction and replacement sliding pads 7, 8 are inserted. Then, by applying a force to the replacement sliding pads 7, 8 and / or by removing the force applied to the rotatable component 5, the rotatable component 5 is supported on the replacement sliding pads 7, 8.

[0054] Different ways of relieving at least one of the sliding pads 7 , 8 are described with respect to the following figures.

[0055] exist Figure 2In FIG. 1 , a first embodiment of a sliding bearing 2 is shown. Due to the cross-sectional view, the sliding pads 7 can be discerned to support the rotatable part 5 on the stationary part 6. The radially supporting sliding pads 7 engage in openings 10 of the stationary part 6 of the bearing 2. The radially supporting sliding pads 7 are in contact with the rotatable part 5 of the bearing 2 inside the bearing housing, wherein the bearing housing is formed by the rotatable part 5, the stationary part 6 and the bearing cover 14. The bearing housing covers in particular the contact area between the sliding pads 7 and the rotatable part 5 and the fluid film between the sliding pads 7, 8 and the rotatable part 5 of the bearing 2.

[0056] The radial support sliding pad 7 is fixed to the bearing 2 by means of a bolt connection 24 comprising a plurality of bolts 15 fixing the cover plate 16 to the stationary part 6. By tightening the bolt connection 24 and thus by bolting the plate 16 to the stationary part 6 using the bolts 15, the radial support sliding pad 7 is pressed against the rotatable part 5 of the bearing 2. In the mounted state of the radial support sliding pad 7, a force is exerted on the sliding pad due to the weight of the rotatable part 5 of the bearing 2 and / or due to the bolt connection 24.

[0057] In order to remove the load of the rotatable component 5 from the radial support sliding pads 7, the bolt connection 24 can be released and the plate 16 can be removed. The sliding pad 7 can then be removed from the bearing 2 in the radial direction towards the center of the stationary component 6. After the replacement sliding pad 7 has been inserted into the opening 10, the plate 16 can be fixed to the stationary component 6 again by tightening the bolt connection 24. By tightening the bolt connection 24, the rotatable component 5 of the bearing 2 is supported on the replacement sliding pad 7 again. When one of the radial support sliding pads 7 is relieved of load, the rotatable component 5 on the bearing is supported on the remaining of the radial support sliding pads 7 of the bearing and / or the axial support sliding pads 9 of the bearing 2.

[0058] exist Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a first embodiment of a sliding bearing 2 is shown. In addition to a plurality of radial support sliding pads 7, the bearing 2 comprises a plurality of axial support sliding pads 8, each of which is fixed to a stationary part of the bearing by a bolt connection 17 comprising a plurality of bolts (not shown) and a fixing member 18. Note that the bearing cover 14 is not shown, so that the axial support sliding pads 8 can be seen. The radial support sliding pads 7 and their respective fixings are also not shown.

[0059] The axial support sliding pads 8 support the rotatable component 5 of the bearing 2 to the stationary component 6 in the axial direction of the bearing 2. One of the axial support sliding pads 8 can also be unloaded by loosening the bolt connection 17 and by removing the fixing member 18. The axial support sliding pad 8 can then be removed in the radial direction, either from the bearing 2 in the radially outward direction or through the opening 10 of the stationary component 6 of the bearing 2 in the radially inward direction to the center of the stationary component 6. A replacement sliding pad 8 can then be inserted through the opening 10 by a reverse movement and the rotatable component 5 can be supported on the replacement sliding pad 8 by tightening the bolt connection 17, fixing the sliding pad 8 using the fixing member 18.

[0060] exist Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , a second embodiment of a sliding bearing 2 according to the invention is shown. The bearing 2 comprises an actuator arrangement comprising a plurality of actuators 19. The actuators 19 are permanently mounted in a bearing housing, which is at least partially formed by a bearing cover 14, a rotatable part 5 and a stationary part 6, accommodating the sliding pads 7, 8 and the fluid film of the bearing 2. A hydraulic jack is used as actuator 19. By means of the actuator 19, a displacement can be produced between the stationary part 6 and the rotatable part 5. The actuator 19 can thus, for example, be connected to a pump of the bearing 2 or to a pump of a wind turbine 1 comprising the bearing 2. The actuator 19 can also be connected to an external pump.

[0061] In order to unload one or more radial support sliding pads 7, in particular one or more radial support sliding pads 7 arranged circumferentially next to the actuator 19 shown, a small displacement of the rotatable part 5 of about 1 mm is sufficient to unload the sliding pads 7. This displacement is produced by applying a force to the rotatable part 5 using the actuator 19. After applying a force to the rotatable part 5, and thus after slightly pushing the rotatable part 5 away from the stationary part 6 or the radial support sliding pads 7, the radial support sliding pads 7 are unloaded, do not carry the rotatable part 5, and can be removed. Thus, for example, the cover plate 16 as previously described can be disassembled in order to remove the radial sliding pads 7 through the corresponding openings 9.

[0062] exist Figure 5, a third embodiment of a sliding bearing 2 is shown. In this embodiment, a hydraulic jack used as an actuator 19 is attached to the inner wall of the stationary component 6 and thus to the outside of the bearing housing of the sliding bearing 2. The actuator 19 is fixed to the stationary component 6 and is connected to the rotatable component 5 via a piston 20 of the actuator 19. The piston 20 is arranged in an orifice 23 of the stationary component 6. Thus, a displacement between the rotatable component 5 and the stationary component 6 of the bearing 2 can be produced by slightly pushing the rotatable component 5 away from the stationary component 6 so that at least one radial supporting sliding pad 7 near the actuator 19 is unloaded. The actuator 19 is a radial actuator, which applies a force to the rotatable component 5 in the radial direction.

[0063] exist Figure 6 In FIG. 4 , a fourth embodiment of a sliding bearing 2 is shown. The sliding bearing 2 comprises a plurality of actuators 19 arranged between a protrusion 21 of a stationary part 6 of the bearing 2 and a rotatable part 5. The protrusion protrudes from the outer circumference of the stationary part 6, adjacent to the rotatable part 5. By means of the actuators 19, which can each be a hydraulic jack, an axial displacement can be produced between the rotatable part 5 and the stationary part 6 of the bearing 2, so that at least one of the axial sliding pads 8 located next to the actuator 19 is unloaded.

[0064] The axial support sliding pads 8 are arranged to be displaced circumferentially relative to the actuator 19. In an alternative position 22, the actuator 19 can be arranged between the protrusions of the rotatable component 5 and the stationary component 6 of the bearing 2, which are produced by the bearing cover 14 attached to the stationary component 6. In particular, a plurality of actuators 19 and a plurality of axial support sliding pads 8 (in particular a plurality of pairs of adjacently arranged sliding pads 8) are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The actuator 19 can be arranged in two positions, for example alternately. In both positions, the actuator 19 is an axial actuator, which applies an axial force to the rotatable component 5.

[0065] After unloading one or more of the axial sliding pads 8 using one or more of the actuators 19, the axial sliding pads 8 can be removed through the openings 10 in the radially inward direction of the stationary component 6. Then, in a method for replacing the sliding pads, the replacement sliding pads 8 can be inserted through the openings 10 and the rotatable component 5 can be supported again on the replacement sliding pads 8 by removing the force applied to the rotatable component 5 by the actuators 19.

[0066] In addition to positioning the actuator 19 inside the bearing housing of the bearing 2 , at least one actuator 19 may also be positioned outside the bearing housing, as described in the following embodiments.

[0067] exist Figure 7, a fifth embodiment of a sliding bearing 2 according to the invention is shown. In this embodiment, an actuator 19 is arranged outside the bearing housing of the bearing 2. The actuator 19 is fixed to the bearing cover 14 of the bearing 2 and, therefore, to the stationary part 6 of the bearing 2. The actuator 19 is connected to the rotatable part 5 of the bearing via a piston 20 of the actuator 19 arranged in an orifice of the bearing cover 14, so that a displacement between the rotatable part 5 and the stationary part 6 can be produced using the actuator 19. By pushing the rotatable part 5 away from the bearing cover 14, one or more axial support sliding pads 8 circumferentially adjacent to the actuator 19 are unloaded and can be removed through the opening 10 of the stationary part 6 of the bearing 2 as previously described.

[0068] Accordingly, in order to remove the axial support sliding pad 8 arranged on the opposite side of the rotatable part 5, the actuator 19 can be attached to the protrusion 21 of the stationary part 6 in an alternative position 32 to allow displacement between the rotatable part 5 and the stationary part 6 of the bearing 2 in opposite directions so that the axial support sliding pad 8 between the protrusion 21 and the rotatable part 5 of the bearing 2 can be removed.

[0069] exist Figure 8 , a sixth embodiment of a sliding bearing 2 according to the invention is shown. In this embodiment, an actuator 19 is fixed to the rotating part 5 of the bearing 2. Thus, the actuator 19 can be fixed, for example, to a hub 3 connected to the rotating part 5 of the bearing using a fixing device 25. A displacement between the rotatable part 5 and the stationary part 6 of the bearing 2 can be produced using a piston 20 of the actuator 19, so that at least one axial sliding pad 8 arranged between the bearing cap 14 and the rotatable part 5 can be unloaded and removed as previously described.

[0070] Accordingly, the actuator 19 may also be attached on the opposite side, as shown by alternative position 26 , wherein the actuator 19 is fixed to the rotatable part 5 using a fixing device 27 to unload the axial support sliding pad 8 between the rotatable part 5 and the protrusion 21 of the stationary part 6 .

[0071] exist Fig. 9 , a seventh embodiment of a sliding bearing 2 according to the invention is shown. In this embodiment, a mechanical actuator comprising a base 28 and a bolt 29 is used as the actuator 19. A displacement between the rotatable part 5 and the stationary part 6 of the bearing 2 can be produced by actuation of the bolt 29. The bolt 29 of the actuator 19 can be actuated, for example, manually or using an electric motor connected to the bolt 29. By moving the bolt 29 through the threaded portion of the base 28, a displacement between the rotatable part 5 and the stationary part 6 of the bearing 2 can be produced so that one or more axial supporting sliding pads 8 are unloaded. During the replacement of the sliding pads 8, the rotatable part 5 is supported by the mechanical actuator.

[0072] Corresponding to the previous embodiment, such a mechanical actuator can also be used as an alternative to a hydraulic actuator in the corresponding positioning.In addition to the hydraulic actuator, a mechanical actuator can also be used, wherein the mechanical actuator is used to fix the rotatable part 5 in its displaced position.

[0073] exist Fig.10 , a milling tool 30 is schematically shown inserted into an opening 10 corresponding to an axial support sliding pad 8. The milling tool 30 comprises a cover 31 corresponding to the shape of the opening 10, which covers the surface finishing portion of the milling tool 30 from the inside of the bearing 2, so that surface treatment of, for example, a portion of the stationary component 6 and / or the rotatable component 5 can be performed without the risk of dirt entering the inside of the bearing 2 or the inside of the bearing housing of the bearing 2. Accordingly, the milling tool 30 having a cover 31 corresponding to the shape of the opening 9 can be used to replace the radial support sliding pad 7.

[0074] In the method for replacing sliding pads 7,8, a surface treatment step may be performed after removing the sliding pads 7,8 and before inserting replacement sliding pads.The surface treatment may be performed to counteract damage and / or wear of the rotatable component 5 and / or the stationary component 6.

[0075] In all embodiments, the actuator device and / or the bearing 2 may comprise mechanical fixing means which fix the rotatable part 5 in its displaced position, for example in order to fix it in the event of a loss of power of the hydraulic or mechanical actuator. It is particularly possible that the bearing 2 comprises a plurality of actuators 19 arranged at different positions, combining two or more of the previously described embodiments.

[0076] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed examples, and those skilled in the art can derive other variations from the disclosed examples without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for replacing a sliding pad (7, 8) of a rotary sliding bearing (2), in, The bearing comprises a plurality of sliding pads (7, 8), each of which supports an annular rotatable part (5) of the bearing (2) on a stationary part (6) of the bearing (2) in an axial direction and / or a radial direction, wherein the stationary part (6) is annular and the rotatable part (5) is arranged on the outer circumference of the stationary part (6), wherein the stationary part (6) comprises a plurality of axial and / or radial openings (9, 10) arranged circumferentially and / or axially displaced in the circumference of the stationary part (6), the method comprising the following steps: - removing the load of the rotatable part (5) from the sliding pads (7, 8) by applying a force to the rotatable part (5), - removing the sliding pad (7, 8) in the axial and / or radial direction through one of the openings (9, 10), - inserting a replacement sliding pad (7, 8) through said openings (9, 10), - Supporting the rotatable element (5) on the replacement sliding pads (7, 8) by removing the force applied to the rotatable element (5).

2. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The rotatable component (5) is supported on the stationary component (6) in radial and / or axial direction via the sliding pads (7, 8), wherein the sliding pads (7, 8) are replaced from the inside of the stationary component (6) through openings in the outer circumference of the stationary component (6).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The sliding pads (7, 8) are fixed to the bearing (2) by means of a bolt connection (17, 24), which applies a force to the sliding pads (7, 8), wherein the force is released by loosening the bolt connection (17, 24), and / or the sliding pads (7, 8) are fixed to the bearing (2) by means of a form-fit connection, wherein the sliding pads are arranged in a cavity or recess of the stationary component.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The force is applied to the rotatable element (5) using actuator means, the actuator means comprising at least one actuator (19).

5. The method according to claim 4, It is characterized in that The at least one actuator (19) is at least one mechanical actuator and / or at least one hydraulic actuator.

6. The method according to claim 4, It is characterized in that An axial force for replacing an axial support sliding pad (8) and / or a radial force for replacing a radial support sliding pad (7) is applied to the rotatable part (5) of the bearing (2) by the actuator device.

7. The method according to claim 4, It is characterized in that At least one actuator (19) of the actuator arrangement is detachably mounted to the bearing (2) before removing the load from the sliding pads (7, 8) to be replaced and / or at least one actuator (19) of the actuator arrangement is permanently mounted to the bearing (2).

8. The method according to one of claims 1-2 and 5-7, It is characterized in that Prior to inserting the replacement sliding pads (7, 8), a surface treatment is performed on the surface of the stationary component (6) and / or on the surface of the rotatable component (5).

9. A sliding bearing comprising an annular rotatable part (5), a stationary part (6) and a plurality of sliding pads (7, 8), in, The stationary component (6) is annular and the rotatable component (5) is arranged on the circumference of the stationary component (6), wherein the rotatable component (5) is supported on the stationary component (6) in radial and / or axial direction by means of the sliding pads (7, 8), wherein the stationary component (6) comprises a plurality of axial and / or radial openings (9, 10) arranged circumferentially and / or axially displaced in the circumference of the stationary component (6), wherein the sliding pads (7, 8) can be removed and / or inserted through the openings (9, 10), characterized in that the bearing (2) comprises an actuator device having one or more actuators (19), wherein the actuator device is suitable for removing a load of the rotatable component (5) from at least one of the sliding pads (7, 8).

10. The sliding bearing according to claim 9, It is characterized in that The actuator arrangement has at least one mechanical actuator and / or at least one hydraulic actuator.

11. The sliding bearing according to claim 10, It is characterized in that At least one actuator (19) of the actuator arrangement is arranged to be displaced circumferentially from the sliding pads (7, 8).

12. Sliding bearing according to one of claims 9 to 11, It is characterized in that The actuator device comprises at least one radial actuator (19) arranged at least partially between the stationary part (6) and the rotatable part (5) for exerting a radial force on the rotatable part (5), and / or at least one axial actuator (19) arranged at least partially between the rotatable part (5) and a protrusion (21) on the circumference of the stationary part (6) for exerting an axial force on the rotatable part (5).

13. Sliding bearing according to one of claims 9 to 11, It is characterized in that The bearing (2) comprises a bearing housing, wherein the actuator device is arranged inside the bearing housing.

14. Sliding bearing according to one of claims 9 to 11, It is characterized in that One or more actuators (19) of the actuator arrangement are each fixed to the stationary part (6) or the rotatable part (5) of the bearing.

15. Wind turbine comprising a sliding bearing (2) according to one of claims 9 to 14.

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