Gearbox apparatus for providing a partial vacuum within a gearbox arrangement and method and use for

Abstract

The invention relates to a gearbox apparatus having at least one turbine gearbox arrangement and configured to provide a partial vacuum within the gearbox arrangement and comprising a vacuum pump, a vacuum oil tank, an oil pump coupled to the vacuum oil tank, and a plurality of valves; the system comprises a sensor unit and a control unit, the control unit is configured to control at least a vacuum pump and an oil pump respectively according to instantaneous sensor data, and the vacuum oil tank and at least one of the valves provide a switchable siphon device. A predefinable degree of vacuum in the interior volume is ensured by means of the vacuum pump and via the vacuum tank and by controlling the vacuum pump on the basis of the instantaneous sensor data. The invention also relates to a method for providing and maintaining a partial vacuum by means of such a gearbox device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gearbox arrangement with at least one turbine gearbox device, wherein the gearbox arrangement provides a partial vacuum to the gearbox device (in particular within an internal volume / cavity defined within a housing of the gearbox), wherein the gearbox arrangement comprises a vacuum pump, a vacuum oil tank, an oil pump coupled to the vacuum oil tank, a plurality of valves, a conduit connecting the vacuum oil tank and the gearbox arrangement and the vacuum pump, a sensor unit, and a control unit for controlling at least the vacuum pump and the oil pump. The present invention also relates to a gearbox coupled to / coupled to a vacuum component to ensure a partial vacuum within the gearbox. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for providing and maintaining a partial vacuum within at least one turbine gearbox device in a gearbox arrangement, wherein the vacuum pump is in communication with the internal volume (cavity) of the gearbox device, wherein an oil pump coupled to the vacuum oil tank provides oil to the gearbox device and optionally also to a lubrication conduit, wherein the control unit controls at least the vacuum pump and the oil pump. In particular, the present invention relates to a gearbox arrangement and a method according to the respective independent claims of the present invention. Background Art

[0002] Gearbox devices are often installed in high-power transmission trains. Especially in the case of high-efficiency and high-speed / power gearbox devices, effectively reducing power losses can be considered a strict requirement. Previously known gearboxes, especially fixed-ratio transmission gearboxes, can be provided with a partial vacuum at the gear section / tooth section, which is considered an effective measure especially when an efficiency of more than 99% is required, especially in turbine gearboxes. The present invention relates to further improvements in the context of providing such a partial vacuum.

[0003] It is known that some losses are due to the presence of lubricants and coolants between the gear teeth, and / or due to gas turbulence generated by toothed parts operating at high speeds, and / or due to friction between the teeth of the toothed parts and in the bearings supporting the rotating shaft. In a partial vacuum, the losses caused by the turbulence caused by the high peripheral speed of the teeth can be significantly reduced. The present invention focuses on the pump operation mode involved in the process of generating and maintaining said partial vacuum, while ensuring high efficiency, wherein the specific use of lubricants and coolants may also be involved.

[0004] US Pat. No. 6,374,949 B2 describes a safety device for a lubrication system of a transmission, in which a partial vacuum is maintained by means of a vacuum pump, wherein the pressure and the oil fill / volume are monitored by means of sensors.

[0005] FR 3 035 164 B1 describes a transmission for partial vacuum operation, wherein the gear lubricating oil can be supplied to an oil collecting container outside the gear unit via a delivery pump by at least partially separating the gear lubricating oil from the bearing lubricating oil (in partial vacuum operation), and wherein the gear lubricating oil can also be delivered to the oil collecting container via a non-return valve (in atmospheric operation).

[0006] WO 96 / 15392 A1 describes the concept of providing gas to a gearbox or providing a partial vacuum in a gearbox, wherein air can be exhausted from the gearbox by means of a pump which is also suitable for removing oil, and wherein gears are mounted in radial bearings and preferably also in an additional inner housing.

[0007] WO 2003 / 074903 A2 describes a gear mechanism which is configured for producing a rarefied atmosphere and comprises means for reducing the gas pressure in a housing accommodating at least two toothed components, wherein a first container is connected to a second container which is connected to a storage tank, wherein the container and the storage tank are arranged so that oil can flow in continuously by gravity flow.

[0008] US 5 101 936 A discloses a vacuum-operated dry sump system comprising a gearbox arrangement, a vacuum oil tank, an oil pump connected to the vacuum oil tank, and a valve; wherein the vacuum oil tank and the valve provide a selectable / switchable siphon device so that a predefinable vacuum degree is ensured in the inner volume of the gearbox arrangement by means of the vacuum pump and via the vacuum oil tank.

[0009] Starting from this situation, the present invention focuses on the improved efficiency of a gearbox device providing a partial vacuum, wherein consideration may be given to ensuring an improved functionality / behavior both in partial vacuum and atmospheric operation. Summary of the invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a concept which allows to achieve high efficiency of a gearbox device operating in a partial vacuum and optionally also under atmospheric conditions, wherein the functionality / behavior of the pumping technology involved and optionally also the way in which the lubrication or cooling medium is used are improved. In particular, the object of the present invention is to ensure high efficiency and high system safety of a gearbox device, which is mainly operated in a partial vacuum (e.g. about 500 mbara or about 50% below the ambient or surrounding pressure), in particular for a turbine gearbox, wherein preferably both operation in a partial vacuum and operation under atmospheric conditions are taken into account and optimized. In particular turbine gearbox devices are operated at very high speeds.

[0011] The objects of the invention are solved by the features of the independent main claim. Advantageous features are indicated in the dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims can be combined with features of the main claim and other dependent claims.

[0012] One aspect of the invention relates to a gearbox arrangement including an improved pump arrangement (and process).

[0013] In particular, the object is therefore solved by a gearbox device having at least one turbine gearbox device, in particular having a high-efficiency turbine gearbox device, wherein the gearbox device is configured to provide a partial vacuum within the gearbox device, the gearbox device comprising a vacuum pump connected to an internal volume (partial vacuum chamber) of the gearbox device, a vacuum oil tank (which is separated from a main oil tank of the gearbox device), an oil pump connected to the vacuum oil tank, a plurality of valves, a pipeline connecting the vacuum oil tank and the gearbox device and the vacuum pump; wherein the gearbox device also comprises a sensor unit, the sensor unit comprising at least one sensor, wherein the gearbox device also comprises a control unit, the control unit being configured to provide a partial vacuum in accordance with an actual sensed quantity of the at least one sensor The invention relates to a method for controlling at least a vacuum pump and an oil pump (and optionally other related valves and / or instruments) respectively according to sensor data, wherein the vacuum oil tank and at least one of the valves provide a selectable / switchable siphoning device so that a predefined / predefinable vacuum degree is ensured in the inner volume (partial vacuum chamber) by means of the vacuum pump and via the vacuum oil tank, wherein the predefined / predefinable vacuum degree is controlled / controllable by controlling the vacuum pump according to actual sensor data of at least one sensor (which can be controlled according to a predefinable operating mode), the sensor data comprising at least one of the following types of data: pressure sensor data related to the vacuum degree in the inner volume (partial vacuum chamber), air leakage sensor data related to the gearbox arrangement. This configuration also ensures an effective and efficient operation of the vacuum pump, especially taking into account the actual conditions.

[0014] In other words, the invention also provides an efficiency booster, in particular for turbine gearboxes (high speed and high power gearboxes). In particular, the invention can be advantageously implemented in any turbine gearbox which, for example, requires a global efficiency greater than 99% and which initially has an efficiency already close to, for example, 98.5%. Such efficiency levels have already been reached by certain types of gearboxes, in particular in the field of power generation and in the oil and gas industry. The invention thus provides a further improvement against the background of the remaining 1% losses (which are far from negligible in high power equipment). Some advantages of the invention can be summarized as follows:

[0015] The invention allows to achieve an effective reduction of power losses (in particular windage losses and pumping losses), especially in the context of a minimum efficiency level of 99%;

[0016] - The invention allows to achieve effective and efficient reduction of atmospheric pressure around the teeth (e.g. partial vacuum of about 500 mbara or less);

[0017] - the speed of the vacuum pump can be controlled based on or based on actual sensor data and can be configured to self-regulate, particularly in the context of feedback control;

[0018] - Likewise, the amount of oil used to cool the tooth can be controlled based on or based on actual sensor data and can be configured to self-regulate;

[0019] - the invention can facilitate longer maintenance intervals, at least for the vacuum pump, but also for the other components involved, in particular extending them by at least 5 times or even 10 times;

[0020] - Furthermore, the invention allows to easily achieve resistance to power interruptions or micro-cuts, in particular including a restart mode (restart according to its own conditions / situations);

[0021] - The invention may comprise a recording and storage functionality (particularly within the control unit) at least with respect to the main relevant operating parameters, thereby facilitating monitoring and control of the gearbox arrangement and related components, in particular through an automated algorithm provided by the control unit.

[0022] The invention can be implemented, for example, in the following types of systems: embedded or stand-alone. The oil dedicated to cooling the teeth or lubricating the entire gearbox can also be transferred as well, in particular depending on the type of system (embedded or stand-alone). It should be noted that in the embedded embodiment, the oil transfer is advantageously achieved from the bottom side of the gearbox, i.e. no re-injection is required to cool or lubricate the teeth. After passing the bottom of the gearbox (where the oil can mix with the oil from the bearings), the oil is transferred by gravity to the main lubrication tank.

[0023] In contrast, in the prior art, in existing gearbox vacuum systems, partial vacuum is generated or controlled by means of check valves rather than automatic valves, and / or the vacuum pump speed is fixed / predefined (rather than variable and controlled with reference to the desired vacuum level and the air flow entering the gearbox), and / or the oil flow on / to the teeth is predefined (rather than controlled), and / or there is no provision for maintenance capabilities or the ability to handle power outages or electrical micro-cuts or for controlled recording and storage of key parameters.

[0024] The invention provides a general concept which allows to simultaneously achieve high efficiency, high system safety and high process variability, in particular in the context of a rather slender design (device and process). Furthermore, condition monitoring is facilitated, in particular based on sensor data provided by a sensor unit as described herein, at least with reference to at least the power level and the partial vacuum of the vacuum pump, in particular also based on sensor data provided by at least one accelerometer measuring the operating state of the vacuum pump (in particular in the context of system monitoring and maintenance, e.g. providing longer maintenance intervals increased by more than 5 times or even 10 times).

[0025] The turbine gearbox arrangement of the gearbox device is particularly designed for speeds of up to 5,000 revolutions per minute, in particular up to 10,000 revolutions per minute, preferably up to 25,000 revolutions per minute and particularly preferably up to 50,000 revolutions per minute. In particular, the turbine gearbox arrangement is designed for an output power of up to 0.2 MW, preferably up to 5 MW, in particular up to 50 MW and particularly preferably up to 100 MW. The turbine gearbox arrangement may provide an efficiency of at least 97%, in particular at least 98% and preferably at least 99%. A turbine gearbox providing an efficiency of at least 99% is also referred to as a "high efficiency turbine gearbox arrangement".

[0026] According to the present disclosure, the term "vacuum oil tank" means an oil tank that is different from the main (lubrication) oil tank and which is arranged in the siphon device (or is part of the siphon device) and which allows to buffer the oil flow from the gearbox to the main (lubrication) oil tank (while the main oil supply is provided by at least one oil tank directly connected to the gearbox) or via the gearbox to the main lubrication oil tank (in particular when the oil flow is driven by gravity in the section from the gearbox to the main lubrication oil tank) under at least one of several operating conditions.

[0027] According to the present disclosure, the term "inner volume" (partial vacuum chamber / area) of the gearbox device means an area (e.g., 500 mbara) in which a partial vacuum should / will be provided as intended. This inner volume may, for example, include an area surrounding the pinion and the wheel, and this area is separated / enclosed by at least one additional seal, particularly on the shaft involved in this area.

[0028] According to the present disclosure, the term "volume" of a gearbox arrangement generally refers to the volume enclosed by the housing of the gearbox.

[0029] In the following, some units and components of the invention are generally described by referring to some features in more detail. In particular, the inventive device / process may comprise at least some of the following components: a gearbox, at least one vacuum oil tank (in addition to the main oil tank providing oil to the gearbox), a pipe connecting the vacuum oil tank and the gearbox, at least one oil pump, at least one vacuum pump (preferably, the speed / power level can be adjusted / controlled in a precise manner), an automatic valve providing automatic actuation of the switchable siphon function, at least one sensing unit and a control unit. In particular, the inventive device / method can advantageously be implemented in the context of having the following components: an oil high pressure system, a shaft seal allowing to achieve control of the air flow entering the inner housing of the gearbox.

[0030] In the following, an advantageous operating mode will be described in more detail: The interconnection of the vacuum oil tank between the gearbox arrangement and the vacuum pump allows the vacuum oil tank to be used as a siphon (which is preferably functionally switchable by means of at least one automatic valve), wherein the vacuum oil tank allows the vacuum to be contained only in the gearbox and in the upper part of the box. A pipeline comprising at least three tubes ensures an efficient coupling of the vacuum pump and the gearbox arrangement and the vacuum oil tank, wherein the pipeline comprises at least one tube connecting the gearbox to the vacuum oil tank and at least two tubes connecting the vacuum oil tank to the bottom part of the gearbox or to a pipeline system connecting the gearbox to a lubrication system of the gearbox device (or unit). The length of these tubes can be reduced as much as possible, especially in the case of realizing an embedded embodiment. According to one embodiment, the conduit comprises at least seven tubes providing functionality in the context of partial vacuum, namely a first tube (suction tube connecting the gearbox internal volume and the oil tank), a second tube (suction tube connecting the oil tank and the vacuum pump), a third tube (connecting oil tube connecting the oil tank and the oil pump and the gearbox device, wherein the connecting tube can advantageously be linked to one of the sixth and seventh tubes), a fourth tube (oil suction / supply tube connecting the gearbox device and the vacuum pump, thereby providing cooling and / or lubricating oil), a fifth tube (oil resupply tube connecting the vacuum pump and the gearbox device, wherein the resupply tube can advantageously be linked to one of the sixth and seventh tubes), a sixth tube and a seventh tube (first and second atmospheric connecting tubes connecting the vacuum oil tank and the atmospheric part of the gearbox device, respectively). The oil pump is arranged and configured to pump oil from the vacuum oil tank to a main lubrication system, such as a power generation or compression line. The oil pump is preferably driven by a variable speed electric motor, wherein the speed of the oil pump can be controlled, for example, according to the oil level in the vacuum oil tank. At least one vacuum pump is arranged and configured to reduce the atmospheric pressure to a level that allows reducing the density of the gas surrounding the tooth portion to, for example, a minimum of 50% of the ambient atmospheric pressure. The speed (set parameter) of the vacuum pump is adjustable / adjusted according to at least one measured or evaluated parameter, in particular according to air leakage due to the actual gap between the input or output shaft of the gearbox device and the shaft seal (the gap value may depend on the actual power level of the gearbox device, which dependency may optionally be evaluated and processed in the context of system control). Preferably, the vacuum pump is cooled and lubricated via the gearbox oil inlet system (this feature may be considered to provide a significantly enhanced construction). The vacuum pump device is preferably equipped with an accelerometer configured to check vibration parameters of the mechanical parts of the pump, thereby also facilitating predictive maintenance. The gearbox device also includes at least two automatic valves (normally open) that allow the vacuum oil tank to be used as a siphon when the at least two automatic valves are closed (switchable siphon function), wherein the redundancy of the two automatic valves is also advantageous, in particular for safety reasons (thereby preventing opening failures).Preferably, the gearbox device also includes an oil high pressure system, which is arranged and configured to close an automatic valve connected to a vacuum oil tank, wherein the oil high pressure preferably includes an oil tank, a high pressure pump, and a check valve for preventing the valve from opening when the valve is closed. Preferably, the gearbox device also includes at least one automatic valve, which is constructed and arranged to adjust the amount of (cooling) oil delivered to the gear portion / tooth portion of the gearbox. Preferably, one or two additional automatic valves (normally open) are provided to link the upper part of the vacuum oil tank and the upper part of the gearbox to the atmosphere, respectively. These valves are closed under vacuum operation, and if necessary, they allow the gearbox to return to atmospheric pressure faster. The gearbox device may include a shaft seal that allows the air flow entering the internal volume of the gearbox to be controlled, especially under vacuum operating conditions.

[0031] In particular, the control unit can control at least one parameter related to at least one of the following operating conditions, which can be monitored by appropriate sensors, wherein the operating conditions can be implemented by the technician according to personal preference: oil level (sensor), vacuum level (sensor), speed / power level (sensor) and oil temperature (sensor) and vacuum pump temperature (sensor), valve position (sensor), in particular the temperature of the motor of the pump involved.

[0032] The control unit may also provide a user interface, such as a touch screen (human-machine interface). The control unit may also control / manage any operation in the event of a power cut-off or interruption as well as a normal start / stop sequence and an emergency stop sequence. In particular, based on the sensor data provided by the sensor unit, the (re)start sequence may be made more efficient and safer. The control unit may also communicate with any other unit of any other system component (of the present device and / or any other unit). The control unit may also include the following functions: predicting or predefining the opening / actuation time of the automatic valve; predefining preventive maintenance, especially on the vacuum pump and the automatic valve; adjusting the setting parameters; providing access to the setting parameters and / or programs, especially via a login and password.

[0033] In particular, the control unit can be preset to control at least some or all of the following parameters / data: oil level in the tank (adjustment and alarm), vacuum level in the gearbox and in the upper part of the tank, (minimum) speed of the oil pump and of the vacuum pump, position of the automatic valve (open / closed), temperature of the vacuum pump, temperature of the motor of the oil pump and of the vacuum pump, position (open or partially closed) of the automatic valve for controlling the oil flow allowing cooling of the teeth of the gearbox.

[0034] The control unit (or an automated unit with similar functionality) also allows the implementation of:

[0035] -Interact with the user via a touch screen (human-machine interface);

[0036] - Manage electrical micro-cuts or interruptions of the unit with a high level of safety and efficiency (e.g. for micro-cuts of short duration, the energy storage unit allows the control unit not to shut down but to initiate an automatic restart sequence; for micro-cuts of long duration, the control unit can automatically reset to at least put the vacuum system in a safe configuration);

[0037] - communication with other robots / control units controlling other components of the assembly (for example, by means of a wireless communication module);

[0038] -Control normal start-stop sequence and emergency stop sequence;

[0039] - Record and store the main parameters of the system;

[0040] - Check the opening time of automatic valves;

[0041] -Perform preventive maintenance on vacuum pumps and automatic valves;

[0042] -Easy to adjust setting parameters;

[0043] - Access to setup parameters and corresponding computer programs via login and password.

[0044] Therefore, the present invention also allows the following functions to be easily implemented:

[0045] - reduction of (electrical) power consumption, in particular based on the adjustment of the speed / power level of the vacuum pump, in particular depending on the real (actual, effective, instantaneous) air flow through the gearbox or via its shaft sealing system, respectively;

[0046] - reducing the amount of oil applied to the toothing to the minimum required, in particular based on the appropriate actuation of at least one automatic valve under (partial) vacuum conditions, in particular in order to prevent an increase in oil flow due to an increase in the total oil pressure relative to atmospheric pressure;

[0047] - avoiding the use / need for thermal expansion compensators to be placed on the pipes connecting the gearbox to the vacuum tank and vice versa, particularly by providing short lengths of pipe to ensure that any thermal expansion is significantly reduced to a minimum, thereby reducing any forces induced on the flanges;

[0048] - Safe operation even in case of power outage or interruption;

[0049] - Predictive maintenance control, in particular based on resetting initial unit parameters and checking the opening times of (main) valves;

[0050] - increasing the maintenance intervals for the vacuum pump or pumps, in particular based on the concept of renewing the oil of the vacuum pump or pumps via the lubrication system of the gearbox (thereby also reducing any particles that contaminate the oil), wherein checking the degree of damage of the different mechanical parts of the vacuum pump can be performed by means of accelerometers, thus allowing to increase the maintenance intervals from, for example, 2.500 hours to more than 32.000 hours;

[0051] - To trace back the events, especially based on the recording and monitoring / analysis of the main parameters of the system, in particular in the context of predefined conditions for emergency stops, thereby reducing the time required for inspection / investigation of the operating system and thereby also limiting the need for any technician on site to search for any fault and also limiting any requirement to disassemble any component.

[0052] It has been found that in an embedded configuration, the components of the present gearbox device consume at least 1 / 2 less power to achieve the same vacuum level compared to a stand-alone configuration. In the embedded configuration, the vacuum in the gearbox is achieved only near the teeth, compared to the vacuum in the entire gearbox of the stand-alone configuration. It should be mentioned that the stand-alone configuration is preferably dedicated to any type of gearbox that is not originally designed to operate under vacuum. Therefore, the present invention provides a concept that can be implemented with high efficiency in mind for both types of systems (embedded and stand-alone).

[0053] Anthropomorphic terms may refer to all parts of speech within the scope of the present disclosure to the extent they are not expressed in a neutral form herein.Any English terms or abbreviations used herein are customary industry terms and are familiar to those skilled in the art in the English language.

[0054] In previous gearbox systems, lower efficiency levels could be achieved and the functionality provided by the present invention could only be achieved partially and based on relatively high effort. In particular, with reference to the teaching of WO 2003 / 074903A2, the following features may be mentioned: a first and a second buffer oil tank are provided, wherein the second oil tank ensures a manifold function that concentrates the oil flow from the first oil tank and the oil pump; a thermal compensator is provided for compensating any thermal expansion of the connecting pipes between the gearbox and the oil tank and also of other components of the lubrication system; a bypass allows the oil to be transferred from the gearbox to the (external) lubrication system, in particular in the event of maintenance operations on the first and second oil tanks or any other components connected thereto; the vacuum pump is operated at a fixed speed / power level and is cooled via an external cooling system, and an air / oil separator and other filters are arranged upstream of the vacuum pump; the lines for driving air to the vacuum pump or for resupplying oil to the lubrication system are equipped with an oil drain; the valves at one or more of the oil tanks are constructed to be opened manually (for example, by a handwheel (see item G); an oil medium pressure system is provided for actuating / closing the aforementioned valves, wherein the oil medium pressure system comprises an oil tank, a pump and a non-return valve (relatively a larger valve actuator) for preventing the valves from opening when closed; most of the valves are powered by compressed air.

[0055] On the contrary, the present invention provides technical teachings for efficiently and effectively controlling the operating state of at least a vacuum pump and controlling at least one oil flow, in particular depending on the actual vacuum degree and / or depending on air leakage. Furthermore, no bypass or any thermal compensator is required. Therefore, the inventive concept also allows a rather slim design of the gearbox device. Equally importantly, it should be mentioned that the present invention also allows to achieve considerable power / energy savings, in particular in the context of the control (or feedback control) of the power level of the vacuum pump. In particular, the power level of the vacuum pump is adjusted to be as low as possible to ensure a predefined vacuum degree, for example depending on the actual air leakage to the gearbox. For example, the vacuum pump is a volumetric vacuum pump.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the vacuum pump is connected to the inner volume (partial vacuum area) of the gearbox device via the vacuum oil tank, in particular by means of a suction pipe (second pipe) directly connecting the vacuum pump and the oil tank, preferably without any intermediate filter or filtering process (wherein the oil tank is preferably directly connected to the gearbox device via the first suction pipe, preferably without any intermediate filter or filtering process). Such a connection and linking also facilitates a slim design and advantageous control options.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the plurality of valves comprises at least one automatic valve configured to link the oil tank (directly) back to the gearbox arrangement (in particular the volume enclosed by the gearbox housing) in the open state and to ensure the siphon function in the closed state, preferably at least two redundantly arranged automatic valves are respectively configured to ensure the siphon function in the closed state, respectively. The at least one automatic valve also provides enhanced controllability and safety.

[0058] It should be mentioned that the inventive concept allows to provide an oil flow to / via the gearbox device with a high safety level. Typically, at least two automatic valves are in a closed state (vacuum operation). Preferably, at least two automatic valves of a redundant arrangement are arranged in parallel in two pipes (especially the sixth and seventh pipes, as described herein).

[0059] The invention allows to implement preventive maintenance and monitoring, wherein a maintenance procedure can be initiated, for example, by the following two steps or depending on the following two conditions: opening of at least one automatic valve; exceeding a predefined level of a value measured by at least one accelerometer connected to the vacuum pump.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the selectable / switchable siphon device is selectable / switchable by means of at least one automatic valve arranged on at least one atmospheric connection pipe in the pipeline connecting the oil tank and the gearbox device (in particular the volume enclosed by the gearbox housing), preferably at least two automatic valves arranged redundantly on the corresponding redundant atmospheric connection pipes. This also facilitates switching from vacuum operation to atmospheric operation.

[0061] According to the present disclosure, the functional expression "atmospheric connection pipe" emphasizes the fact that this type of conduit is provided for redundancy and a high level of safety in the context of a "normal" operating mode and to allow a change of the oil flow path when a partial vacuum is applied.

[0062] It should be mentioned that the invention allows, for example, a distribution bypass in the context of maintenance requirements; in other words, there is no need to provide a supplementary pipeline bypassing the vacuum tank. Nevertheless, an embodiment can also optionally provide a bypass, for example in which at least one first automatic valve is arranged on the atmospheric connection pipe and a second automatic valve is arranged on the bypass.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the gearbox arrangement has an inner volume defined by an inner gearbox housing, wherein a shaft seal prevents air from entering the inner volume, wherein a vacuum pump is in communication with said inner volume via a vacuum oil tank according to at least one operating mode. This also allows for advantageous oil flows both via the gearbox inner volume (partial vacuum) and via the volume enclosed by the gearbox housing (at least approximately atmospheric conditions), in particular in the context of an oil flow driven only by gravity (back to the main lubrication oil tank).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the gearbox arrangement is configured for self-adjusting the power setting of the vacuum pump according to actual sensor data of at least one sensor, so that a predefined vacuum degree is ensured in the inner volume (partial vacuum chamber) and in the vacuum oil tank, in particular depending on both actual pressure data and air leakage data. The concept also allows accumulation of oil, which can be re-supplied to the gearbox by a slim design. Preferably, the control can be performed based on (at least) the vacuum degree data. The control can advantageously be performed via or with the aid of a speed controller of the motor.

[0065] It should be mentioned that the actual air leakage data may (optionally) be provided both by a specific sensor device and by at least one parameter derived from other sensor data. For example, the actual air leakage data is associated with an actual performance (level) of the gearbox arrangement (e.g. a rotational speed or a power level). For example, when the gearbox oil outlet temperature exceeds a given value or when the vacuum pump speed operates below a given / predefined value or threshold (for a predefined / set vacuum degree), the speed of the vacuum pump may be adjusted by the control unit, in particular to reduce the oil outlet temperature or to increase the vacuum degree. In this context, preferably, a feedback control of the power level of the vacuum pump may be performed based on the actual pressure data and optionally also based on the air leakage data with reference to the actual air leakage.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the gearbox device is configured to ensure a pressure (or gas density) within the internal volume (partial vacuum chamber) that is at least 50% lower than the ambient atmospheric pressure (e.g., at least 500 mbara lower than 1 bara). This level of partial vacuum should be considered as an example only; a person skilled in the art may implement the present invention in the context of various partial vacuum levels, which may also be selected to be lower.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the gearbox arrangement comprises at least one shaft seal preventing air from entering / inside the gearbox housing, wherein the gearbox device is configured for controlling the power setting (in particular the speed) of the vacuum pump as a function of actual sensor data (air leakage data) relating to the actual air flow entering the gearbox arrangement, in particular via the at least one shaft seal. This also allows controlling or at least monitoring the correct and efficient functioning of the vacuum system. In particular, for each individual gearbox device, empirical values ​​associating a specific vacuum degree or a specific speed of the vacuum pump with an air leakage parameter allow controlling or at least monitoring the correct functioning of the system, for example in the context of fault diagnostics.

[0068] It should be noted that the vacuum degree parameter is preferably a parameter based on instantaneously measured data, and the power setting (especially the speed) of the vacuum pump is preferably a control parameter.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the gearbox arrangement further comprises an oil high pressure system configured to actuate at least some valves, in particular at least one automatic valve associated with at least one atmospheric connection pipe of a conduit connecting the oil tank and the gearbox arrangement (in particular to a volume enclosed by the gearbox housing), wherein the oil high pressure system comprises a further oil pump (high pressure oil pump) and preferably comprises a plurality of non-return valves configured to prevent the valves from opening. This configuration also provides a high level of system safety, in particular involving at least two automatic valves arranged in parallel on two (redundant) atmospheric connection pipes.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the oil pump is connected and configured to provide oil from the vacuum oil tank to the lubrication system (power generation and / or compression line) of the gearbox device; wherein the gearbox device is configured to self-adjust the power setting of the oil pump according to actual oil sensor data, in particular according to the actual oil level in the vacuum oil tank. This configuration also provides further energy improvements in the context of other components of the gearbox device.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the oil pump is independent of the main lubrication oil tank of the gearbox arrangement. This independence also allows a high degree of process variability to be achieved. In particular, for one of the various operating modes of the gearbox arrangement, the oil pump is operated to supply oil from the vacuum oil tank directly to the gearbox (in particular to the volume enclosed by the gearbox housing or casing).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the oil pump is arranged and configured to provide oil via the gearbox arrangement to an oil outlet pipe for gravity driven oil flow from the gearbox arrangement back to the main lubricating oil tank. Such an arrangement also allows advantageous implementation in many standard plumbing arrangements including gravity driven refeed of oil to the main lubricating oil tank (exclusively).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the pipeline connecting the oil tank and the gearbox device includes at least the following pipes: a suction pipe (first pipe) connecting the internal volume of the gearbox (partial vacuum area) and the oil tank, an oil pipe (third pipe) connecting the vacuum oil tank and the oil pump and the gearbox device, and at least one atmospheric connection pipe (sixth pipe and / or seventh pipe) directly connecting the oil tank and the gearbox device. This configuration allows both a slim design and high safety, as well as variability.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the plurality of valves include at least the following automatic valves: at least one automatic valve (preferably, at least two automatic valves arranged redundantly, which are respectively configured to ensure the siphon function in the closed state, respectively) provided on the atmosphere connection pipe directly connecting the oil tank and the gearbox device; at least one automatic valve respectively linking the upper part of the oil tank and the upper part of the gearbox device to the atmosphere (vent). This allows the main operating functions to be easily controlled by the automatic valves in the context of vacuum operation and atmospheric operation.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the plurality of valves also includes at least one automatic valve that adjusts the amount of oil delivered to cool the gear / tooth portion of the gearbox (and is provided on an oil supply pipe connecting the gearbox device to a main oil tank that supplies oil to the gear device). It should be noted that the valve is preferably configured so that in the event of any lack of energy, the valve is fully open.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the plurality of valves comprises at least one automatic valve arranged on the (respective) atmosphere connection pipe connecting the oil tank and the gearbox device and one automatic valve arranged on the pipe linking the oil tank to the atmosphere. This also provides performance-related controllability of the cooling medium, respectively.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the vacuum pump is equipped with an acceleration sensor, wherein the vacuum pump is controlled as a function of sensor data of the acceleration sensor. This in particular improves the monitoring / control of the vacuum pump and also contributes to improving maintenance efficiency.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the vacuum pump is cooled and / or lubricated via the oil circulation of the gearbox device, in particular via the oil circulation (oil inlet system) of the gearbox device, in particular via a separate oil suction / supply pipe (preferably a fourth pipe directly connecting the gearbox device and the vacuum pump) and a separate oil resupply pipe (preferably a fifth pipe directly resupplying from the vacuum pump to the gearbox device or resupplying to a resupply or resupply pipe from the oil tank to the gearbox device). It has been found that such cooling of the vacuum pump can increase the life cycle of the pump and can also increase the maintenance interval duration by at least 5 times or even more than 10 times. This configuration also improves process interleaving and allows synergy effects to be achieved.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the exhaust pipe from the vacuum pump is at least indirectly linked to the gearbox via an atmospheric connection pipe. This can further improve the functionality, in particular also from an overall perspective also taking into account environmental requirements.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the gearbox device is configured to provide oil from the vacuum oil tank also for cooling the gear / tooth portion of the gearbox device and / or to lubricate at least the gearbox device and / or lubricate other components of the gearbox device, in particular by means of additional pipes to the lubrication system. This variability further improves the synergistic implementation of the invention in the context of other components of the gearbox device, thereby providing an even broader / broader concept that takes into account multiple aspects and conditions of efficient and sustainable operation (control) of the gearbox system.

[0081] It should be mentioned that the inventive concept also allows easy implementation of improvements in the context of redirecting the gas flow; in particular, the exhaust pipe of the vacuum pump is redirected to the lubrication system, this configuration allowing preventing emissions into the environment.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the gearbox apparatus is configured for both embedded and stand-alone embodiments of the vacuum and oil pumping components. This variability allows the invention to be implemented in the context of many different kinds of apparatuses.

[0083] According to one embodiment, at least the vacuum components and optionally also the oil pumping components are embedded in the gearbox arrangement. This further improves the slim design and compactness and also allows to achieve high cost efficiency.

[0084] According to one embodiment, at least the vacuum component is arranged as a stand-alone configuration providing a bypass which allows maintenance, in particular maintenance of the oil pump, regardless of the operating state of the gearbox arrangement. This optional configuration can be implemented in specific architectures requiring a relatively high maintenance effort. The present invention provides a concept that allows easy adaptation to embedded designs or stand-alone configurations.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit comprises at least one accelerometer and is configured to measure at least one vibration parameter of at least a mechanical component of the vacuum pump. This allows further improved monitoring and control, in particular in the context of predictive maintenance.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured for self-control of a (re)start process of the gearbox device, in particular against the background of maintenance or stoppage of at least one of the components of the gearbox device, wherein the gearbox device preferably comprises an energy storage unit, which is configured to supply energy to the gearbox device, for example in the event of a power outage. This can significantly improve system readiness and self-control. Such a restart function also allows time to be saved against the background of reinitializing system parameters. Preferably, the control unit is configured for condition monitoring of components of the gearbox device, in particular based on incremental storage of critical data, for example related to performance or maintenance status. Incremental storage is performed, for example, for a period of one week or one month, wherein once the period has passed, the data is stored by overwriting previous (older) data. This also allows a safe and streamlined monitoring process, and this helps to check parameter correctness, and also helps maintenance and service.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the gearbox arrangement is configured for controlling at least two of the following oil flows to the gearbox device: an oil flow to the toothing, an oil flow to at least one bearing of the gearbox device. This allows making the control more specific, in particular by linking the way of controlling the oil flows with the way of controlling the at least one vacuum pump. The control of the two oil flows can be performed independently or in a mutually dependent manner.

[0088] One aspect of the invention relates to a method or process which allows to easily achieve the advantages as described above.

[0089] In particular, the above object is therefore also solved by a method for providing and maintaining a partial vacuum in at least one gearbox device in a gearbox arrangement, in particular in a high-efficiency turbine gearbox device, wherein a vacuum pump is in communication with an inner volume (partial vacuum chamber) of the gearbox device via a vacuum oil tank, wherein an oil pump coupled to the vacuum oil tank provides coupling of an oil flow to the gearbox device and optionally also to a lubrication duct, wherein a control unit controls at least the vacuum pump and the oil pump, respectively, in accordance with actual sensor data of a sensor unit, the sensor unit comprising at least one sensor related to pressure (vacuum degree), temperature and / or oil level, wherein the vacuum oil tank and at least one automatic valve provide a selectable / switchable siphon device such that a predefined / predefinable vacuum degree is ensured in the inner volume (partial vacuum region) by means of the vacuum pump and via the vacuum oil tank, wherein the predefined / predefinable vacuum degree is controlled by controlling the vacuum pump in accordance with actual sensor data of at least one sensor, the sensor data comprising at least one of the following types of data: pressure sensor data related to the vacuum degree in the inner volume (partial vacuum chamber), air leakage sensor data related to the gearbox device. This also ensures improvements in operating states as well as control functions. In particular, this method offers the advantages as described above in the context of a gearbox arrangement.

[0090] According to one embodiment, at least one automatic valve is actuated for linking the tank (directly) back to the gearbox arrangement in the open state and for ensuring said siphon function in the closed state, thereby selecting / switching the siphon device. This also provides advantageous control options in combination with a slim design, in particular without requiring any supplementary bypass.

[0091] According to one embodiment, an actuation parameter of at least one automatic valve is monitored, in particular the opening / closing time required to actuate the at least one automatic valve. It has been found that in certain architectures, the required opening / closing time of at least one automatic valve can be considered a critical parameter (e.g. when the oil pump is stopped, in particular if the driven gear is still running). By monitoring and predicting this parameter, the present invention provides an even more robust process and system.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the power setting of the vacuum pump, in particular the rotational speed, is self-adjusted according to the actual sensor data of at least one sensor, so that a predefined vacuum degree is ensured both in the inner volume (partial vacuum chamber) and in the oil tank, in particular according to both the actual pressure data and the air leakage data. This also improves the energy efficiency of the components involved and can also extend the lifespan.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the pressure (or gas density) within the inner volume (partial vacuum chamber) is reduced by at least 50% compared to the ambient atmospheric pressure (e.g. 500 mbara compared to 1 bara). This vacuum degree is mentioned only as an example; the skilled person is able to adjust the desired (predefinable) vacuum degree according to the respective gearbox device.

[0094] According to one embodiment, at least one of the following parameters is controlled: oil level in the vacuum oil tank, vacuum level in the inner volume (partial vacuum area) of the gearbox device and in the upper part of the vacuum oil tank, speed / power setting of the vacuum pump, speed / power setting of the oil pump, valve position of the automatic valve controlling the way of coupling the oil flow from the vacuum oil tank via the gearbox device to the main lubricating oil tank, temperature of the vacuum pump, temperature of the oil pump and the motor of the vacuum pump, position of the automatic valve controlling the oil flow for cooling the gear / tooth section. These parameters / data provide a big data basis for further improvements in the context of efficiency, control and maintenance.

[0095] According to one embodiment, at least one vibration parameter of a mechanical component of a gearbox device, in particular at least a vacuum pump, is measured by at least one accelerometer, in particular in the context of predictive maintenance. This further improves the monitoring and control of system parameters and allows sustainable use of the components involved based on efficient maintenance actions.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the oil flow at least to the teeth of the gearbox device and optionally also to at least one other type of oil flow, in particular to at least one bearing of the gearbox device, is controlled as a function of the actual vacuum level. This also allows further efficiency improvements and more specific operating conditions.

[0097] One aspect of the invention relates to a computer program and a computer-implemented method providing the above advantages, wherein the control of at least a vacuum pump is performed by a computer-implemented method. In other words: at least some of the above advantages can be achieved by implementing the control functionality described herein, i.e. by using a computer program providing the control functionality at least in the context of the operation of a vacuum pump and operating a siphon device comprising at least one automatic valve.

[0098] Summary: The invention relates to a gearbox arrangement having at least one (turbine) gearbox device and being configured to provide a partial vacuum within the gearbox arrangement and comprising a vacuum pump, a vacuum oil tank, an oil pump coupled to the vacuum oil tank, and a plurality of valves; and comprising a sensor unit and a control unit configured to control at least the vacuum pump and the oil pump, respectively, in accordance with actual sensor data, wherein the vacuum oil tank and at least one of the valves provide a switchable siphon arrangement such that a predefinable vacuum degree is ensured within an internal volume (partial vacuum region) by means of the vacuum pump and via the vacuum oil tank and by controlling the vacuum pump in accordance with actual sensor data. The invention also relates to a method for providing and maintaining a partial vacuum by means of such a gearbox arrangement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0099] These and other aspects of the present invention will also be clarified and made clear with reference to the embodiments described below. Each feature disclosed in the embodiments may constitute an aspect of the present invention alone or in combination. Features of different embodiments may be carried over from one embodiment to another. In the accompanying drawings:

[0100] Figure 1A , 1B 1C shows a gearbox device according to an embodiment (embedded implementation) in a perspective view;

[0101] Figure 2 A gearbox device according to one embodiment (embedded implementation) is shown in perspective view;

[0102] Figure 3 A gearbox apparatus according to one embodiment (stand-alone implementation) is shown in perspective view;

[0103] Figure 4A , 4B A gearbox according to the prior art (stand-alone embodiment) is shown in perspective;

[0104] Figure 5 shows steps of a process according to an embodiment;

[0105] Figure 6 A schematic diagram shows a gearbox device according to an embodiment;

[0106] Figure 7 A schematic diagram shows a gearbox according to the prior art;

[0107] Fig. 8A , 8B 8C are schematic diagrams showing another gearbox according to the prior art;

[0108] Fig. 9A , 9B9C respectively show a gearbox device according to an embodiment in schematic diagrams. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0109] First, the reference numerals are described in general terms; reference is made to each reference numeral in conjunction with the corresponding drawing.

[0110] Typically, the gearbox 4 is disposed between the driving machine 2 and the driven machine 6. These components are connected to the main oil tank 1 via one or more main oil inlet pipes 1b, and the main lubricating oil pump 1a provides the oil flow. Recirculation to the main oil tank 1 can be achieved via the oil outlet pipe 1c (driven machine), the oil outlet pipe 1d (gearbox) and the oil outlet pipe 1e (driving machine). Typically, the main oil tank 1 has an oil vapor fan extractor 1f and a vapor filter 1g.

[0111] The gearbox 4 comprises at least one pinion 4a and at least one wheel 4b (toothing), wherein a shaft 4.1 linking the driving machine to the gearbox and a shaft 4.2 linking the gearbox to the driven machine are sealed by seals 4c, 4d.

[0112] A fixed speed vacuum pump 5 allows partial vacuum to be provided to the gearbox via the oil tank 7, wherein a valve 7a for isolation (maintenance) and at least one thermal expansion joint 7b arranged on the inlet pipe 7.1 allow bypassing the (first) oil tank 7 and other vacuum components. The oil tank 7 is equipped with an air inlet 7c (for breathing air) with an automatic valve. A bypass line 9e allows the oil flow to be recirculated to the main lubricating oil tank 1 based on gravity (in particular only based on gravity), wherein the bypass line is equipped with an automatic valve 7d. The main oil pump 8 is arranged downstream of the (first) oil tank 7. The device also includes an intermediate oil tank 9 and at least one thermal expansion joint 9a. An automatic valve 7e arranged between the two tanks 7, 9 allows vacuum to be provided only to the oil tank and the gearbox. The device also includes a valve 9b for isolation (maintenance), which is arranged downstream of the intermediate oil tank 9. An air / oil filter 9c is arranged upstream of the vacuum pump 5 and is connected to the intermediate oil tank 9. The device also includes a pipe 9d connecting both the intermediate oil tank 9 and the bypass line 9e to the main lubrication system or the main lubricating oil tank 1. The interaction or cooperation of these components can be managed by means of at least one electrical instrumentation device 3 .

[0113] Based on this, the present invention provides a gearbox device 10, which has a gearbox device 11, which has a gearbox housing 11.1 and an internal gearbox housing 11.1a accommodating a gear part / tooth part 11.5, wherein the gearbox housing 11.1 is sealed by a shaft end seal 11.3 and the internal gearbox housing 11.1a is sealed by an additional shaft seal 11.4. The gearbox housing 11.1 encloses a volume C11.1 and the internal gearbox housing 11.1a encloses an internal volume representing a partial vacuum area under vacuum operating conditions. The siphon device 20 (including pump, tank, pipeline, valve) allows advantageous operating modes under atmospheric and partial vacuum conditions, or the siphon device 20 allows advantageous switching between these operating modes and also allows advantageous maintenance procedures. In particular, the siphon device 20 includes a (supplementary) vacuum oil tank 12 (which is different from the main lubricating oil tank), an oil pump 13 having an oil pump motor 13.1 (especially a variable speed motor) and an oil pump inlet 13.3 and an oil pump outlet 13.5, and a vacuum pump 14 having a vacuum pump motor 14.1 (variable speed motor) and a vacuum pump foot 14.3 and an air inlet 14.5. The siphon device 20 also includes at least one of the following pipeline components 15: a first pipe 15.1 (a suction pipe connecting the internal volume of the gearbox and the oil tank), a second pipe 15.2 (a suction pipe connecting the oil tank and the vacuum pump), a third pipe 15.3 (an oil pipe connecting the oil tank and the oil pump and the gearbox device), a fourth pipe 15.4 (an oil suction / supply pipe connecting the gearbox device and the vacuum pump), a fifth pipe 15.5 (an oil resupply pipe connecting the vacuum pump and the gearbox device), a sixth pipe 15.6 (a first atmospheric connection between the oil tank and the gearbox device), a seventh pipe 15.7 (a second atmospheric connection between the oil tank and the gearbox device), an eighth pipe 15.8 (an exhaust pipe from the vacuum pump, for example linked to the sixth pipe or the seventh pipe), and a ninth pipe 15.9 (connecting the main lubricating oil tank and the gearbox housing). The siphon device 20 preferably also comprises redundant automatic valves 16, namely first and second automatic valves 16a arranged on the first / second atmosphere connection line, and at least one automatic valve 16b arranged and configured to link the upper part of the oil tank and the upper part of the gearbox device to the atmosphere (vent), and at least one automatic valve 16c also arranged and configured to adjust the amount of oil delivered to cool the gear / tooth portion. The control unit 17 provides at least one control function, in particular based on data provided by the sensor unit 18, which includes at least one of the following sensors: pressure sensor 18a (vacuum sensor), acceleration sensor 18b (in particular an accelerometer for checking vibration parameters at least at the vacuum pump), oil level sensor / indicator 18c (in particular referring to the oil level in the vacuum oil tank), air leakage sensor 18d, vacuum cooling system level sensor or indicator 18e, in particular on the vacuum pump, oil level sensor / indicator 18f (in particular referring to the oil level in the vacuum oil tank), oil level indicator 18g associated with an alarm function.

[0114] The lubrication device 19 provided / managed by the crew operator may comprise a main lubrication oil tank 1 , wherein a connection to the gearbox device 11 may be realized, for example, by means of an oil outlet flange 19d.

[0115] The gearbox arrangement 11 may also comprise a motor 11.7 rotating the gear. Advantageously, the siphon device 20 is arranged within a frame 21 which can be handled, for example via or by means of a plurality of lifting points 23 (force application points).

[0116] The gearbox arrangement 10 may further include an oil high-pressure system 30 having a further oil pump 33 (high-pressure oil pump) and at least one non-return valve 36 configured for actuating the high-pressure line 31 .

[0117] The intermediate electrical connection means 40 may also provide for housing the control unit 17. The gearbox arrangement 10 may also comprise a switch 50 (coupled to / with the control unit) for measuring the pressure level in the upper part of the box (pressure probe) or for controlling at least one of the operating modes described herein.

[0118] In the following, some features of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the various figures or embodiment examples.

[0119] Figure 1A , 1B , 1C and Figure 2 A gearbox device 10 is respectively described which implements a siphon device 20 in an embedded embodiment.

[0120] refer to Figure 1A , an additional air inlet 14.5 is provided for the vacuum pump 14, and the following pipe equipment can be specified in more detail: an oil pipe 15.4, which is used to lubricate and cool the vacuum pump connected to the oil tank outlet pipe; an oil pipe return part 15.3, which is connected from the main oil pump to the tank oil return part; a vacuum pipe inlet or oil pipe inlet 15.1 in the oil tank (from the gearbox); an oil pipe outlet 15.6, 15.7 from the main oil tank to the gearbox device (the first and second atmospheric connections between the oil tank and the gearbox device). Figure 1A Also shown is an oil level sensor / indicator 18f (particularly referring to the oil level in the gearbox) and an oil level indicator 18g associated with an alarm function.

[0121] according to Figure 1B , a vacuum cooling system level indicator 18e is provided for / at the vacuum pump. A vacuum pump foot 14.3 ensures the setting of the pump.

[0122] Figure 1C Also shown are the oil pump inlet 13.3 and the oil pump outlet 13.5. An intermediate electrical coupling device 40 is arranged laterally at the box 12. Figure 1C , the switch 50 (pressure probe) allows measuring the pressure level in the upper part of the tank.

[0123] like Figure 2 As shown, the motor 11.7 of the gearbox device 11 allows the gearbox to be rotated. The oil outlet flange 19d allows the gearbox device to be connected to a specific lubrication device (in particular provided by the operator of the machine group).

[0124] Figure 3 A free-standing configuration is shown, where the siphon device is arranged separately from the gearbox arrangement 11. The siphon device 20, which allows increased efficiency, can be arranged in a separate frame 21. A lifting point (force application point) 23 allows the siphon device 20 to be handled separately.

[0125] In accordance with Figure 4A , 4B In the device (prior art), the vacuum pump component is arranged separately from the gearbox device, wherein the bypass line 9e allows the vacuum pump device to be bypassed. The inlet pipe 7.1 of the main vacuum oil tank 7 allows the connection to the gearbox to be realized. It should be mentioned that the device according to Figure 4 allows the bypass to be arranged to improve efficiency, especially in order to also allow the complete unit of different operating modes to be realized. Nevertheless, it has been found that this design includes some disadvantages (especially found in daily practice), such as the need for a thermal compensator to accommodate the thermal extension of the pipe, the need for a frame to support the oil tank and other components, the need for manually actuated valves to isolate the unit, the need for an intermediate outlet box upstream of the user's main oil tank, and the need for an oil / air separator upstream of the vacuum pump. In addition, this design requires a large number of automatic valves. In addition, special pipes are required to empty the oil condensate before supplying the vacuum pump, and the vacuum pump also needs to be cooled via very special devices. Equally important, thermal isolation of the oil tank is required to reduce any risks in the context of technicians working on the box during operation, and air cooling is also required to cool the main electrical device.

[0126] Figure 5 The steps of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown:

[0127] Step S1, in particular providing a partial vacuum (e.g. 500 mbara) to the internal volume of the gearbox device by means of a vacuum pump connected via an intermediate vacuum oil tank; Step S1 may include step S1.1;

[0128] Step S1.1 Cooling and / or lubricating the vacuum pump via the gearbox oil inlet system;

[0129] Step S2, controlling at least the vacuum pump and the oil pump respectively according to the actual sensor data; Step S2 may include steps S2.1 and S2.2;

[0130] Step S2.1 provides oil to the gearbox device and optionally also provides oil to the lubrication pipeline;

[0131] Step S2.2 controls the oil supply from the main oil tank for cooling / lubricating the gear unit;

[0132] Step S3: selecting / switching the vacuum oil tank in the siphon device;

[0133] Step S4: self-adjusting the power setting of the vacuum pump and / or the oil pump;

[0134] Step S5 controls at least one of the following parameters: oil level, vacuum level, pump power setting, valve position, temperature of one or more pumps or one or more associated motors;

[0135] Step S6 actuates at least one valve (vent) at the gearbox and / or tank to return to atmospheric pressure / conditions.

[0136] Figure 6 Schematically illustrated is a gearbox device 10 comprising a gearbox arrangement 11 having a gearbox housing 11.1 and an inner housing 11.1a, the inner housing separating the tooth region (gear / tooth 11.5) from the bearing region and providing a partial vacuum region C11 (which is different from the entire region C11.1 surrounded by the housing 11.1). The shaft end seal 11.3 is configured to seal the gearbox housing 11.1, and the shaft seal 11.4 is specifically configured to seal the inner gearbox housing 11.1a from atmospheric pressure, thereby providing control / prevention of air flow into the inner housing 11.1a.

[0137] The main oil tank (lubricating oil) 1 is connected to the gearbox via valve 16c to control the oil inlet. A vacuum oil tank 12 and oil pump 13 and vacuum pump 14 and piping 15 are provided for the siphoning device (replenishment), wherein the oil pump motor 13.1 and vacuum pump motor 14.1 are variable speed motors. In particular, the first tube 15.1 is constructed as a suction pipe connecting the internal volume of the gearbox and the oil tank, and the second tube 15.2 is constructed as a suction pipe connecting the oil tank and the vacuum pump, and the third tube 15.3 is arranged for connecting / connecting the oil tank and the oil pump to the gearbox device, and the fourth tube 15.4 is constructed as an oil suction / supply pipe connecting the gearbox device and the vacuum pump, and the fifth tube 15.5 is constructed as an oil resupply pipe connecting the vacuum pump and the gearbox device (or at least the sixth or seventh tube), the sixth tube 15.6 is constructed as a first atmospheric connection between the oil tank 12 and the gearbox device 11, and the seventh tube 15.7 is constructed as a (redundant) second atmospheric connection between the oil tank 12 and the gearbox device 11, and the eighth tube 15.8 is constructed as an exhaust pipe from the vacuum pump, for example linked to the sixth or seventh tube. It should be noted that the respective oil pipes, in particular the pipes 15.1, 15.2, are each constructed such that they are not completely filled with oil, thereby allowing the vacuum to pass / extend in the top region of the respective pipe.

[0138] In particular, Figure 6 The device shown in is also advantageous in the context of maintenance requirements (eg maintenance of the vacuum tank and / or the pump) while the gearbox is in operation, wherein any components used hitherto can be eliminated / discarded (allowing maintenance operations to be performed while the gearbox is in operation).

[0139] Figure 7 A first device according to the prior art is shown, in particular comprising the following components: a main lubricating oil tank 1, a main lubricating oil pump 1a, one or more main oil inlet pipes 1b, an oil outlet pipe 1c of a driven machine 6, an oil outlet pipe 1d of a gearbox, an oil outlet pipe 1e of a driving machine 2, an oil vapor fan extractor 1f, a vapor filter 1g, a shaft 4.1 connecting the driving machine to the gearbox, a gearbox 4, a pinion 4a and a wheel 4b (gear section), at least one seal 4c on a high-speed shaft section, at least one seal 4d on a low-speed shaft section, and a shaft 4.2 linking the gearbox to the driven machine.

[0140] It should be noted that pipes 1c, 1d, 1e are designed to provide oil flow to the main lubrication oil tank 1 based on gravity (no additional technical driving force, no technical flow driving parameters), which can also be a necessary criterion or at least requirement for the operator of the unit in the context of the present invention.

[0141] Fig. 8A , 8B8C describes a second device according to the prior art. In this device, two oil tanks 7, 9 are connected between the gearbox 4 and the main lubricating oil tank 1, namely the oil tank 7 downstream of the gearbox and the intermediate oil tank 9 downstream of the oil tank 7, wherein the vacuum pump 5 and the main oil pump 8 are arranged between these oil tanks 7, 9; the vacuum pump 5 is driven at a fixed speed. An air / oil filter 9c is arranged upstream of the vacuum pump 9, which includes an oil condenser connected to the intermediate oil tank 9.

[0142] A main oil pump 8 and an automatic valve 7e are provided on the pipeline between the oil tank 7 and the intermediate oil tank 9, wherein the automatic valve 7e allows only vacuum to be provided to the oil tank and the gearbox. Thermal expansion joints 7b, 9a are provided on the pipeline between the gearbox and the main lubricating oil tank 1 and connected via valves 7a, 9b for isolation (maintenance). On the oil tank 7, an air intake including an automatic valve 7c allows breathing air (including a filter to prevent dust from potentially contaminating the oil).

[0143] The device depicted in FIG. 8 comprises a bypass (bypass line 9 e ; Figure 4B , Figure 8C ), the bypass comprising an automatic valve 7d. The bypass line leads to a pipe 9d which redirects to the main lubrication system (lubricating oil tank 1). The electrical and instrumentation device 3 is constructed to control the functions and interactions of the components shown in FIG8 whenever control is required.

[0144] In the context of oil flow, particularly under "normal" or maintenance conditions, it should be noted that the oil level may not (never) exceed half the diameter of the tube and therefore vacuum may flow / diffuse over one or more of the tubes and the upper side of the box (see also the corresponding relative positions of the inlet / outlet flanges at boxes 7, 9 in Figure 8).

[0145] Fig. 8A The normal oil flow condition or standard operating mode is shown respectively (dashed line); the oil flows through the gearbox 4, the oil tank 7, the oil pump 8, the intermediate tank 9 and recirculates to the main tank 1.

[0146] Figure 8B A vacuum operating mode is shown (the dot-dashed line shows the section to which the partial vacuum is provided); the partial vacuum is generated by the vacuum pump 5 and extends to the gearbox volume enclosed by the gearbox housing 11 . 1 .

[0147] Figure 8C The oil flow situation in the context of a maintenance procedure (dash-dotted line) is shown: the oil flow passes via the bypass line 9 e and bypasses / bypasses the entire device or the conduit provided by the oil tank 7 , the intermediate tank 9 , the vacuum pump 5 .

[0148] Referring to FIG. 8 , it should be noted that in the section from the shaft end seal 11.3 via the oil tank 7 to the point of the vacuum pump 5 (only in Figure 8BThe oil flow under maintenance conditions is bypassed via pipeline 9e. The oil flow under normal conditions is represented by a dotted line, and the oil flow under maintenance conditions is represented by a dotted line.

[0149] Fig. 9A , 9B , 9C describes the gearbox device 10 according to another embodiment by referring to the main components of the siphon device 20.

[0150] In particular, the vacuum oil tank 12 is connected to the inner gearbox housing 11.1a which separates the bearing area (and the corresponding oil flow) from the tooth area (and the corresponding tooth oil flow), thereby also allowing the bearing to be isolated from the vacuum and allowing the bearing oil flow to be regrouped and allowing the oil flow from the main oil pump to be used before resupplying to the main lubricating oil tank 1. It should be noted that, in addition to the standard housing 11, the inner housing 11.1a is provided for a double housing, i.e. a housing specifically surrounding the pinion and the wheel (or the gear part / tooth part). The vacuum oil tank volume 12 is provided for a siphon device 20, which can be dedicated (according to one of the advantageous embodiments) to handle only the tooth oil flow. An air inlet with an automatic valve 7c is connected to the vacuum oil tank 12. Both the main oil pump 13 and the vacuum pump 14 are speed-controllable (or controllable in power level). The redundantly arranged automatic valve 16a only ensures the vacuum on the vacuum oil tank 12 and the gearbox 11 (in particular only the tooth area, separated from the bearing area). Furthermore, an automatic valve 16c controls an oil inlet on the gearbox, in particular depending on whether the gearbox is operated under vacuum and / or depending on an expected performance level. The control unit 17 comprising an instrument is configured to control at least the vacuum pump as a function of actual sensor data of at least one sensor, the sensor data comprising at least one of the following types of data: pressure sensor data relating to the vacuum level in the internal volume, air leakage sensor data relating to the gearbox arrangement. The sensors may be arranged in respective components, for example in the gearbox, or in combination with the control unit 17. The control unit 17 is further configured to predict maintenance requirements and to record main vacuum process parameters, in particular on an incremental basis.

[0151] It should be mentioned that the redundancy of the valve 16a and the corresponding pipeline also allows a high system safety in the context of atmospheric conditions or partial vacuum conditions. According to the embodiment described with reference to FIG9 , the valve 16a is arranged between the vacuum tank 12 and the partial vacuum area defined by the inner housing 11.1a of the gearbox device 11. This arrangement is also advantageous, especially in view of cost efficiency.

[0152] Fig. 9ANormal oil flow conditions or standard operating mode are shown (dashed lines); oil flows through the gearbox inner housing 11.1a, pipe 15.1, vacuum oil tank 12, redundant automatic valve 16a and one of the pipes 15.6, 15.7 (redundant atmospheric connections between the oil tank 12 and the gearbox device 11), outlet pipe 1d and recirculates to the main oil tank 1 (by gravity). In addition, oil flows from the main lubricating oil tank 1 via line 15.9 to the gearbox housing 11.1 (not passing but bypassing the internal volume 11.1a) and outlet pipe 1d, thereby recirculating (by gravity) to the main lubricating oil tank 1. Therefore, the oil flow under atmospheric pressure conditions can include two oil flow paths.

[0153] refer to Fig. 9B It should be noted that a partial vacuum is provided in the section starting from the shaft end seal 11.3 and the shaft seal 11.4 via the internal gearbox housing 11.1a and the pipeline 15.1 and the vacuum oil tank 12 to the point / position of the vacuum pump 14 (the dotted line shows the section where a partial vacuum is provided).

[0154] Fig. 9C The oil flow situation is shown in the context of partial vacuum applied to the device (dotted lines), where the oil flows from the main lubricating oil tank 1 via the gearbox internal housing 11.1a and pipe 15.1 and vacuum oil tank 12 to the oil pump 13, and then recirculates (is recirculated) to the gearbox 11. In addition, the oil flow also goes from the main lubricating oil tank 1 via pipeline 15.9 to the gearbox housing 11.1 (not passing through but bypassing the internal volume 11.1a) and outlet pipe 1d, thereby recirculating (by gravity) to the main lubricating oil tank 1. Therefore, also in this operating mode, the oil flow can include two oil flow paths.

[0155] It should be noted that the above arrangement also allows the oil pump to use the gearbox housing / casing as an intermediate oil tank before redirecting / recirculating the oil by gravity back to the (user's) main lubrication oil tank.

[0156] Referring to FIG9 , the oil flow under standard / normal conditions (or standard operating mode) is shown by the corresponding dashed lines, and the section provided with partial vacuum is shown by the dotted lines (only in Fig. 9B ), and the oil flow in partial vacuum mode is shown by the corresponding dot-dash line.

[0157] exist Figure 7 In , 8 and 9, the symbol "<" refers to a gravity driven oil outlet. Oil outlet or gravity based oil recirculation to the main lubricating oil tank 1 may be a user requirement (requirement of the operator of the unit) and may be implemented in an advantageous manner, especially in the context of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gearbox device (10) having at least one turbine gearbox device (11), wherein: The gearbox device (10) is configured to provide a partial vacuum in the gearbox device (11), the gearbox device (10) comprising a vacuum pump (14) connected to an inner volume (C11) of the gearbox device (11), a vacuum oil tank (12), an oil pump (13) connected to the vacuum oil tank (12), a plurality of valves (16), and a pipeline connecting the vacuum oil tank (12) and the gearbox device (11) and the vacuum pump (14); wherein the vacuum oil tank (12) and at least one of the valves provide a selectable / switchable siphon device (20) so that a predefinable vacuum degree is ensured in the inner volume (C11) by means of the vacuum pump (14) and via the vacuum oil tank (12), The gearbox device (10) further comprises a sensor unit (18), the sensor unit comprising at least one sensor (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g), the gearbox device (10) further comprises a control unit (17), the control unit being configured to control at least the vacuum pump (14) and the oil pump (13) respectively according to actual sensor data of the at least one sensor, wherein the predefinable vacuum degree is controlled / controllable by controlling the vacuum pump (14) according to the actual sensor data of the at least one sensor, the sensor data comprising at least one of the following types of data: pressure sensor data relating to the vacuum degree / the vacuum degree within the internal volume (C11), air leakage sensor data relating to the gearbox device (11).

2. The gearbox device (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The vacuum pump (14) is in communication with the inner volume (C11) of the gearbox device (11) via the vacuum oil tank (12), in particular by means of a suction pipe directly connecting the vacuum pump (14) and the vacuum oil tank, preferably without any intermediate filter or filtering process; And / or, wherein the plurality of valves include at least one automatic valve (16; 16a, 16b), which is configured to link the vacuum oil tank back to the gearbox device (11) in an open state and to ensure the siphon function in a closed state, preferably, at least two redundantly arranged automatic valves (16a, 16b) are respectively configured to ensure the siphon function in a closed state; and / or, wherein the selectable / switchable siphon device (20) can be selected / switchable by means of at least one automatic valve (16), the at least one automatic valve being arranged on at least one atmospheric connection pipe in the pipeline connecting the vacuum oil tank and the gearbox device (11); And / or, wherein the gearbox device (10) has an internal volume (C11) defined by an internal gearbox housing (11.1a) / the internal gearbox housing (11.1a), wherein a shaft seal prevents air from entering the internal volume (C11), and wherein the vacuum pump (14) is connected to the internal volume (C11) via the vacuum oil tank (12) according to at least one operating mode.

3. The gearbox device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The gearbox device (10) is configured for self-adjusting the power setting of the vacuum pump (14) / the power setting according to actual sensor data of the at least one sensor, so that a predefined vacuum degree is ensured both in the inner volume (C11) and in the vacuum tank (12), in particular according to both actual pressure data and air leakage data; and / or, wherein the gearbox device (10) is configured to ensure a pressure within the internal volume (C11) that is at least 50% lower than the ambient atmospheric pressure; And / or, wherein the gearbox device (11) comprises at least one shaft seal preventing air from entering the internal gearbox housing / the internal gearbox housing, wherein the gearbox device (10) is configured to control the power setting of the vacuum pump (14) based on actual sensor data related to an actual amount of air flow entering the gearbox device (11), in particular via the at least one shaft seal.

4. The gearbox device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The gearbox device (10) also includes an oil high-pressure system, which is configured to actuate at least some of the valves, in particular at least one automatic valve (16) associated with at least one atmospheric connection pipe of the pipeline connecting the vacuum oil tank and the gearbox device (11), wherein the oil high-pressure system includes other oil pumps (33) and preferably includes a plurality of check valves configured to prevent the valves from opening.

5. The gearbox device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The oil pump (13) is connected and configured to supply oil from the vacuum oil tank (12) to the lubrication system of the gearbox device; wherein the gearbox device (10) is configured to self-adjust the power setting of the oil pump (13) / the power setting according to actual oil sensor data, in particular according to the actual oil level in the vacuum oil tank (12); and / or, wherein the oil pump (13) is independent of the main lubrication oil tank / the main lubrication oil tank of the gearbox device (11); and / or, wherein the oil pump (13) is arranged and configured to supply oil to an oil outlet pipe via the gearbox device (11), and the oil outlet pipe is used to drive the oil flow from the gearbox device (11) back to the main lubrication oil tank / the main lubrication oil tank by gravity.

6. The gearbox arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The pipeline connecting the vacuum oil tank and the gear box device (11) comprises at least the following pipes: a suction pipe connecting the gear box internal volume (C11) and the vacuum oil tank, an oil pipe connecting the vacuum oil tank (12) and the oil pump (13) and the gear box device (11), and at least one atmospheric connection pipe directly connecting the vacuum oil tank and the gear box device (11); And / or, wherein the plurality of valves at least include the following automatic valves: at least one automatic valve provided on an atmosphere connection pipe directly connecting the vacuum oil tank and the gear box device (11); at least one automatic valve respectively connecting an upper portion of the vacuum oil tank and an upper portion of the gear box device (11) to the atmosphere; and / or, wherein the plurality of valves further comprises at least one automatic valve for adjusting the amount of oil delivered to cool the gear / tooth portion of the gearbox; And / or, wherein the plurality of valves include at least one automatic valve arranged on the atmosphere connecting pipe / the atmosphere connecting pipe connecting the vacuum oil tank and the gearbox device (11) and one automatic valve arranged on the pipe / the pipe connecting the vacuum oil tank to the atmosphere.

7. The gearbox arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The vacuum pump (14) is cooled and / or lubricated via the oil circulation / the oil circulation of the gearbox device, in particular via the oil circulation / the oil circulation of the gearbox device (11), in particular via a separate oil suction / supply pipe and a separate oil resupply pipe; and / or, wherein the exhaust pipe from the vacuum pump (14) is at least indirectly connected to the gearbox via an atmospheric connecting pipe / the atmospheric connecting pipe.

8. The gearbox arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The gearbox device (10) is configured to provide oil from the vacuum oil tank (12) also for cooling the gear part / tooth part of the gearbox device (11) and / or at least lubricate the gearbox device (11) and / or lubricate other components of the gearbox device, in particular by means of additional pipes to the lubrication system; and / or, wherein the gearbox device (10) is configured for embedded and independent implementation of the vacuum and oil pumping components.

9. The gearbox arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least the vacuum component and optionally also the oil pumping component are embedded in the gearbox device (11); or wherein at least the vacuum component is provided in an independent construction, which provides a bypass allowing maintenance, in particular of the oil pump (13), regardless of the operating state of the gearbox device (11); and / or wherein the sensor unit comprises at least one accelerometer and is constructed to measure at least one vibration parameter of a mechanical component, in particular of at least the vacuum pump (14); and / or wherein the control unit is constructed for self-controlling a (re)starting process of the gearbox device (10), in particular in the context of maintenance or stopping of at least one of the components of the gearbox device (10), wherein the gearbox device (10) preferably comprises an energy storage unit, which is constructed to supply energy to the gearbox device (10), for example in the event of a power outage.

10. The gearbox arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The gearbox device (10) is configured to control at least two of the following oil flows to the gearbox device (11): an oil flow to the toothed portion, and an oil flow to at least one bearing of the gearbox device (11).

11. A method of providing and maintaining a partial vacuum in at least one turbine gearbox device (11) in a gearbox apparatus, wherein: A vacuum pump (14) is connected to the inner volume (C11) of the gearbox device (11) via a vacuum oil tank (12), wherein an oil pump (13) connected to the vacuum oil tank (12) is provided for connecting an oil flow to the gearbox device (11) and optionally also to a lubrication line, wherein the vacuum oil tank (12) and at least one automatic valve (16) are provided for a selectable / switchable siphon device (20), so that a predefinable vacuum degree is ensured in the inner volume (C11) by means of the vacuum pump (14) and via the vacuum oil tank (12), The control unit controls at least the vacuum pump (14) and the oil pump (13) respectively according to actual sensor data of a sensor unit, the sensor unit comprising at least one sensor respectively related to pressure, temperature or oil level, wherein the predefinable vacuum degree is controlled by controlling the vacuum pump (14) according to the actual sensor data of the at least one sensor, the sensor data comprising at least one of the following types of data: pressure sensor data related to the vacuum degree / the vacuum degree in the internal volume (C11), air leakage sensor data related to the gearbox device (11).

12. The method according to the preceding method claim, wherein: at least one automatic valve (16) is actuated for linking the vacuum tank back to the gearbox device (11) in an open state and for ensuring the siphon function in a closed state, thereby selecting / switching the siphon device (20); and / or, wherein an actuation parameter of the at least one automatic valve (16), in particular an opening / closing time required to actuate the valve, is monitored; and / or, wherein the power setting of the vacuum pump (14) / the power setting is self-adjusted according to actual sensor data of the at least one sensor, so that the predefined vacuum degree is ensured both in the inner volume (C11) and in the vacuum tank (12), in particular according to both actual pressure data and air leakage data; And / or, wherein the pressure within the internal volume (C11) is reduced by at least 50% compared to the ambient atmospheric pressure.

13. A method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein: Controlling at least one of the following parameters: the oil level in the vacuum oil tank (12), the vacuum level in the inner volume (C11) of the gearbox device (11) and in the upper part of the vacuum oil tank (12), the speed / power setting of the vacuum pump (14), the speed / power setting of the oil pump (13), the valve position of an automatic valve (16) controlling the manner in which the oil flow from the vacuum oil tank (12) is coupled to the main lubricating oil tank / the main lubricating oil tank via the gearbox device (11), the temperature of the vacuum pump (14), the temperature of the oil pump (13) and the motor of the vacuum pump (14), the position of one or more automatic valves (16) controlling the oil flow for cooling the gear section / tooth section.

14. A method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein: At least one vibration parameter of a mechanical component of the gearbox device (10), in particular at least a vacuum pump (14), is measured by at least one accelerometer, in particular within the context of predictive maintenance.

15. A method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein: The oil flow to at least the teeth of the gearbox device (11) is controlled according to the actual vacuum level, and optionally at least one other type of oil flow, in particular the oil flow to at least one bearing of the gearbox device (11) is also controlled; and / or, wherein the control of at least the vacuum pump (14) is performed by a computer-implemented method.

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