Gearbox support device for a wind turbine and wind turbine gearbox assembly

Abstract

The present application relates to a gear box support device for a wind turbine generator and a gear box assembly of a wind turbine generator. The gear box support device for a wind turbine generator comprises a movable mandrel passing through a connecting hole of a gear box, a rack mounting frame connected with a rack, a hollow mounting space being formed in the rack mounting frame, an end portion of the movable mandrel extending into the mounting space, a first elastic assembly located in the mounting space, surrounding the end portion of the movable mandrel and keeping the end portion of the movable mandrel in the mounting space of the rack mounting frame, and a second elastic assembly surrounding the movable mandrel and keeping the movable mandrel in the connecting hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mechanical transmission technology, and more particularly to a gearbox support device for wind turbine generators. This invention also relates to a wind turbine generator gearbox assembly. Background Technology

[0002] The gearbox of a wind turbine needs to be supported by a support device during operation. The support device mainly serves to bear the weight of the gearbox, fix its position, and also prevent the vibration generated by the gearbox during operation from being transmitted to other components.

[0003] Existing support devices are generally divided into two types: internal and external. Common internal gearbox support devices typically incorporate an elastic component between the gearbox's torque arm and the movable pin to achieve vibration damping. However, due to the compact internal structure of the gearbox, the installation space for the elastic component is limited. In this case, despite the inclusion of the elastic component, the vibration damping effect is limited. Typically, the lifespan of a wind turbine due to vibration is approximately 5-8 years. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a gearbox support device capable of solving at least one of the problems. This invention also relates to a wind turbine gearbox assembly.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a gearbox support device for a wind turbine is provided, comprising: a movable mandrel passing through a connection hole in the gearbox; a frame mounting frame connected to a frame, forming a hollow mounting space within the frame mounting frame, the end of the movable mandrel extending into the mounting space; a first elastic component located within the mounting space, surrounding the end of the movable mandrel and retaining the end of the movable mandrel within the mounting space of the frame mounting frame; and a second elastic component surrounding the movable mandrel and retaining the movable mandrel within the connection hole.

[0006] A first elastic component is installed between the movable spindle and the wind turbine frame. A second elastic component is installed between the gearbox and the movable spindle. The combination of the first and second elastic components effectively supports and reduces vibration of the gearbox, thereby significantly improving the service life of the wind turbine.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the rack mounting frame forms a rectangular mounting space, and the first elastic component includes: one or more first arc-shaped support plates disposed longitudinally on the inner side, near the end of the movable mandrel; one or more first planar support plates disposed longitudinally on the outer side relative to the one or more first arc-shaped support plates; and a first elastic support layer connecting the one or more first arc-shaped support plates and the one or more first planar support plates; wherein, when multiple first arc-shaped support plates are provided, the multiple first arc-shaped support plates are arranged spaced apart from each other, forming a first elastic support layer between adjacent first arc-shaped support plates; when multiple first planar support plates are provided, the multiple first planar support plates are arranged longitudinally spaced apart from each other, forming a first elastic support layer between adjacent first planar support plates.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, at least three first arc-shaped support plates are provided, which are arranged eccentrically spaced apart from each other.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the first elastic component further includes one or more first auxiliary support plates, which are disposed on both sides of the first arcuate support plate adjacent to the first planar support plate; wherein, when multiple first auxiliary support plates are provided, the multiple first auxiliary support plates are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, and a first elastic support layer is formed between the first arcuate support plate and the first auxiliary support plate, between adjacent first auxiliary support plates, and between the first auxiliary support plate and the first planar support plate.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the rack mounting frame includes: a pair of transverse frame members arranged longitudinally spaced apart from each other and extending in the transverse direction; and a pair of longitudinal frame members arranged transversely spaced apart from each other and extending in the longitudinal direction; wherein the pair of transverse frame members and the pair of longitudinal frame members are connected together to form a hollow mounting space therein.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the rack mounting frame further includes a threaded rod extending longitudinally through one of the pair of transverse frame members and the pair of longitudinal frame members, and a nut cooperating with the threaded rod, wherein the transverse frame members and the longitudinal frame members are connected together by the threaded rod and the nut.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the pair of longitudinal frame members are constructed to be hollow.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the second elastic component includes a plurality of second arc-shaped support plates arranged spaced apart from each other, forming a second elastic support layer between adjacent second arc-shaped support plates.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the movable mandrel is constructed as a rod of equal diameter, and a stop plate is mounted on the end face of the movable mandrel. The stop plate extends radially outward beyond the inner edge of the first elastic component. At least one stop ring is fitted on the movable mandrel, and the at least one stop ring extends radially outward beyond the inner edges of the first and second elastic components. The axial position of the first elastic component relative to the movable mandrel is fixed by the stop plates and stop rings located on both axial sides of the first elastic component. The axial position of the second elastic component relative to the movable mandrel is fixed by the stop rings located on both axial sides of the second elastic component.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the stop ring is connected to the movable spindle by screws.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a wind turbine gearbox assembly is provided, including the aforementioned gearbox support device for a wind turbine. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a gearbox support device for a wind turbine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 Showing Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the gearbox support device for wind turbine units from another angle; Figure 3 Showing Figure 1 A partial structural schematic diagram of the gearbox support device for wind turbine units; Figure 4 and Figure 5 Showing Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first elastic component in the gearbox support device for wind turbine units; Figure 6 Showing Figure 1 A partial structural schematic diagram of the gearbox support device for wind turbine units; Figure 7 Showing Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the stop ring in the gearbox support device for wind turbine units; Figure 8 Showing Figure 1A schematic diagram of the movable spindle in the gearbox support device for wind turbine units.

[0018] In the accompanying drawings, the same parts use the same reference numerals. The drawings are not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] In this article, "longitudinal inner side" refers to the direction and position closer to the moving mandrel in the longitudinal direction; "longitudinal outer side" refers to the direction and position further away from the moving mandrel in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] Figure 1 A gearbox support device (hereinafter referred to as "support device") 100 for a wind turbine according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. The support device generally includes a movable spindle 110, a frame mounting frame 120, a first elastic component 130, and a second elastic component 140. The movable spindle 110 extends generally laterally through a connection hole 210 of the gearbox 200. Two ends of the movable spindle 110 extend laterally relative to the connection hole 210 of the gearbox 200. The frame mounting frame 120 is correspondingly disposed at these two ends. The frame mounting frame 120 is connected to the frame of the wind turbine. A hollow mounting space 125 is formed within the frame mounting frame 120. The ends of the movable spindle 110 extend into this mounting space 125. The first elastic component 130 is disposed within this mounting space 125. The first elastic component 130 is capable of surrounding and supporting and holding the ends of the movable spindle 110 within the mounting space 125 of the frame mounting frame 120. The middle part of the movable spindle 110 is held within the connection hole 210 of the gearbox 200 by being surrounded and supported by the second elastic component 140.

[0022] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the preferred embodiment shown, the mounting space 125 has a generally rectangular cross-section. The rack mounting frame 120 includes a pair of transverse frame members 121 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction and a pair of longitudinal frame members 122 spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction. The transverse frame members 121 extend generally in the transverse direction and have a generally rectangular cross-section. The longitudinal frame members 122 extend generally in the longitudinal direction and have a generally rectangular cross-section. The rectangular cross-section mounting space 125 is formed by the connection and enclosure of the pair of transverse frame members 121 and the pair of longitudinal frame members 122.

[0023] like Figure 3As shown, the longitudinal frame member 122 is supported between the ends of a pair of transverse frame members 121. The longitudinally extending screw 123 passes through the ends of the longitudinal frame member 122 and the pair of transverse frame members 121, and is secured by the nut 124, thereby effectively fixing the longitudinal frame member 122 and the transverse frame members 121, and thus forming the installation space 125.

[0024] The longitudinal frame member 122 can be constructed as a solid rod. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal frame member 122 can also be constructed as hollow to reduce costs and increase efficiency. The transverse frame member 121 can also be constructed as hollow, if needed.

[0025] The aforementioned transverse frame member 121 and longitudinal frame member 122 may be made of metal.

[0026] Figures 3 to 5 A preferred configuration of the first elastic component 130 is shown. The first elastic component 130 may include at least one first arcuate support plate 131. The first arcuate support plate 131 has a generally semi-circular profile. In the case of multiple first arcuate support plates 131, the multiple (e.g., three or more) first arcuate support plates 131 are arranged concentrically or eccentrically spaced apart from each other. The at least one first arcuate support plate 131 is located near the end of the movable spindle 110, wherein the first arcuate support plate 131 closest to the movable spindle 110 can directly contact the movable spindle 110. For example, it may be as follows: Figures 3 to 5 Three first arc-shaped support plates 131 are set up as shown.

[0027] The first elastic component 130 may further include at least one first planar support plate 132. The first planar support plate 132 is located longitudinally outward relative to the first arcuate support plate 131. The first planar support plate 132 is generally planar in construction and is capable of covering (or even exceeding) the longitudinal projection range of the first arcuate support plate 131.

[0028] Additionally, the first elastic component 130 may also include at least one first auxiliary support plate 133. For example... Figures 3 to 5 As shown, at least one first auxiliary support plate 133 is disposed on both sides of the first arc-shaped support plate (i.e., the first arc-shaped support plate located on the outermost side in the longitudinal direction) 131 adjacent to the first planar support plate 132. For the first auxiliary support plates 133 on the same side of the first arc-shaped support plate 131, multiple first auxiliary support plates 133 are arranged longitudinally spaced apart from each other. For the first auxiliary support plates 133 located on both sides of the first arc-shaped support plate 131, the first auxiliary support plates 133 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the first arc-shaped support plate 131.

[0029] For example Figures 3 to 5As shown, other areas of the first elastic component 130 are filled with a first elastic support layer 134, for example, made of rubber. That is, the first elastic support layer 134 is provided between the first arcuate support plate 131 and the first flat support plate 132, between the first arcuate support plate 131 and the first auxiliary support plate 133, between the first flat support plate 132 and the first auxiliary support plate 133, between adjacent first arcuate support plates 131, between adjacent first flat support plates 132, and between adjacent first auxiliary support plates 133. The side edge of the first flat support plate 132 extends beyond the side edge of the first elastic support layer 134.

[0030] By combining the first arc-shaped support plate 131, the first planar support plate 132, the first auxiliary support plate 133, and the first elastic support layer 134, a first elastic component 130 can be obtained that can effectively support and dampen the movable spindle 110. By setting the first planar support plate 132 and the first auxiliary support plate 133, the first elastic component 130 can have a larger range of variable stiffness in the longitudinal direction without increasing the lateral dimension. On the one hand, the first elastic component 130 can have sufficient stiffness to support the gearbox 200. On the other hand, the first elastic component 130 can also have sufficient deformation space to dampen the gearbox 200 as much as possible, preventing its vibration from being transmitted to other components of the wind turbine. For gearboxes requiring a compact structure, the vibration damping of this first elastic component 130 is very effective.

[0031] In addition, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the first planar support plate 132 and the first auxiliary support plate 133 have side edges in the transverse direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the movable mandrel. In the initial state (i.e., without load), the side edges of the first planar support plate 132 and the first auxiliary support plate 133 protrude more than the side edges of the first elastic support layer 134. When the first elastic support layer 134 undergoes compressive deformation due to load, its side edges protrude outward, thereby further contacting the surrounding first arcuate support plate 131, first planar support plate 132, and first auxiliary support plate 133. This causes the overall load-bearing area of ​​the first elastic component 130 to increase accordingly with the increase of load, and causes the protruding and deformed first elastic support layer 134 to be constrained in multiple directions. This is more conducive to improving the overall fatigue performance of the first elastic component 130.

[0032] In addition, such as Figure 3As shown, the first planar support plate 132 and the transverse frame member 121 can be fixedly connected by fixing screws 125. A mounting groove for embedding the first planar support plate 132 can also be provided on the surface of the transverse frame member 121 that contacts the first planar support plate 132. Thus, the first elastic component 130 can be effectively fixedly connected to the frame mounting frame 120.

[0033] In addition, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the movable spindle 110 is constructed as a rod of equal diameter. A stop plate 150 is mounted on the end face of the movable spindle 110. The stop plate 150 is fixedly connected to the movable spindle 110 by a stop plate screw 151. Alternatively, the stop plate 150 can also be mounted on the end face of the movable spindle 110 by other suitable means. The stop plate 150 extends radially outward, such that its outer edge extends beyond the inner edge of the first elastic component 130 (i.e., the inner edge of the first arcuate metal plate 131 located at the innermost longitudinal side). In addition, a stop ring 160 is provided on the side of the first elastic component 130 opposite to the stop plate 150. The stop ring 160 is sleeved on the movable spindle 110. A stop ring threaded hole 161 is formed on the stop ring 160 (see...). Figure 7 A mandrel threaded hole 111 is constructed at the corresponding position of the movable mandrel 110 (see...). Figure 8 Therefore, the stop ring 160 can be fixedly connected to the movable spindle 110 by screws. The stop ring 160 extends radially outward, such that its outer edge extends beyond the inner edge of the first elastic component 130 (i.e., the inner edge of the first arcuate metal plate 131 located at the innermost longitudinal side). Thus, the axial position of the first elastic component 130 relative to the movable spindle 110 can be fixed by the stop plates 150 and the stop ring 160 located on both sides of the first elastic component 130.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the stop plate 150 and the stop ring 160 extend radially outward, such that their outer edges extend beyond the inner edge of the first elastic component 130 but do not reach the location of the first elastic support layer 134. This prevents frictional collision between the first elastic support layer 134 and the stop ring when the first elastic support layer 134 protrudes outward under load. This helps increase the fatigue life of the first elastic component 130.

[0035] The arrangement of the stop plate 150, the stop ring 16, the fixing screw 125, and the mounting groove can effectively prevent the first elastic component 130 from moving or sliding along the axial direction of the movable spindle 110 during operation, thereby effectively preventing the first elastic component 130 from bearing off-center load for a long time and thus improving the service life of the support device 100.

[0036] In addition, a central through hole 152 is constructed in the middle of the stop plate 150 to facilitate weight reduction of the support device 100.

[0037] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the second elastic component 140 may include at least one first arcuate support plate 141. The second arcuate support plate 141 has a generally semi-circular profile. When multiple second arcuate support plates 141 are provided, the multiple (e.g., three or more) second arcuate support plates 141 are arranged concentrically or eccentrically spaced apart from each other. Other areas of the second elastic component 140 are filled with a second elastic support layer 144, for example, made of rubber. That is, a second elastic support layer 144 is provided between adjacent second arcuate support plates 141.

[0038] The structure of this second elastic component 140 is adaptable to situations where the existing gearbox 200 has a circular connection hole 210. That is, the support device 100 of the present invention can be used for assembly, support and vibration damping without modifying the gearbox 200.

[0039] However, the structure of the gearbox 200 can be modified as needed to give its connecting hole 210 a rectangular cross-section. In this case, the second elastic component 140 can also be provided with a second planar support plate similar to the first planar support plate and a second auxiliary support plate similar to the first auxiliary support plate.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, stop rings 160 can also be provided on both sides of the second elastic component 140. The stop rings 160 are sleeved on the movable spindle 110. Stop ring threaded holes 161 are formed on the stop rings 160 (see...). Figure 7 A mandrel threaded hole 111 is constructed at the corresponding position of the movable mandrel 110 (see...). Figure 8 Therefore, the stop ring 160 can be fixedly connected to the movable spindle 110 by screws. The stop ring 160 extends radially outward, such that its outer edge extends beyond the inner edge of the second elastic component 140 (i.e., the inner edge of the second arc-shaped metal plate 141 located at the innermost longitudinal direction). Thus, the axial position of the second elastic component 140 relative to the movable spindle 110 can be fixed by the stop rings 160 located on both sides of the second elastic component 140.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the stop ring 160 extends radially outward, such that its outer edge extends beyond the inner edge of the second elastic component 140 but does not reach the location of the second elastic support layer 144. This prevents frictional collision between the second elastic support layer 144 and the stop ring when the second elastic support layer 144 protrudes outward under load. This helps increase the fatigue life of the second elastic component 140.

[0042] from Figure 1and Figure 2 It can be seen that after the support device 100 is assembled, the movable spindle 110 is elastically supported simultaneously by one second elastic component 140 and two first elastic components 130. The arrangement of one second elastic component 140 and two first elastic components 130 effectively increases the stress-bearing area of ​​the elastic structure and reduces the average stress, thereby improving the fatigue life of the support device 100. Furthermore, in this configuration, the effective positioning of the first elastic components 130 and the second elastic components 140 avoids generating additional bending moments on the movable spindle 110, thus effectively improving the service life of the support device 100.

[0043] The support capacity and vibration damping capacity of the support device 100 can be adjusted by adjusting the pre-compression of the first elastic component 130 and the second elastic component 140 as needed.

[0044] The support capacity and vibration damping capacity of the support device 100 can be adjusted as needed by modifying the shape, size, thickness, and layout of each support plate (including the first arc-shaped support plate 131, the first flat support plate 132, the first auxiliary support plate 133, and the second arc-shaped support plate 141). The support plates can be made of metal.

[0045] The support capacity and vibration damping capacity of the support device 100 can be adjusted as needed by changing the material of the elastic support layer (including the first elastic support layer 134 and the second elastic support layer 144). For example, the elastic support layer can be made of natural rubber, polyurethane rubber or other suitable polymer materials.

[0046] The aforementioned support device 100 and the wind turbine gearbox assembly including it can effectively improve the service life of the wind turbine. The service life can be increased by at least 50%.

[0047] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner as long as there is no structural conflict. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

[0048] List of reference numerals

Claims

1. A gearbox support device for a wind turbine generator, comprising: A movable mandrel, which passes through the connecting hole of the gearbox; A rack mounting frame is connected to a rack, forming a hollow mounting space within the rack mounting frame. The end of the movable spindle extends into the mounting space, and the rack mounting frame forms a mounting space with a rectangular cross-section. A first elastic component, located within the mounting space, surrounds the end of the movable mandrel and holds the end of the movable mandrel within the mounting space of the rack mounting frame, the first elastic component comprising: One or more first arc-shaped support plates are disposed on the longitudinal inner side, near the end of the movable mandrel. One or more first planar support plates, wherein the one or more first planar support plates are disposed longitudinally on the outer side relative to the one or more first arcuate support plates. A first elastic support layer is connected between the one or more first arc-shaped support plates and the one or more first planar support plates, wherein, when multiple first arc-shaped support plates are provided, the multiple first arc-shaped support plates are arranged spaced apart from each other, forming a first elastic support layer between adjacent first arc-shaped support plates; and when multiple first planar support plates are provided, the multiple first planar support plates are arranged spaced apart from each other longitudinally, forming a first elastic support layer between adjacent first planar support plates. One or more first auxiliary support plates are disposed on both sides of the first arcuate support plate adjacent to the first planar support plate. When multiple first auxiliary support plates are provided, they are longitudinally spaced apart from each other, forming a first elastic support layer between the first arcuate support plate and the first auxiliary support plate, between adjacent first auxiliary support plates, and between the first auxiliary support plate and the first planar support plate. A second elastic component surrounds the movable mandrel and retains the movable mandrel within the connection hole; In the initial state, the side edges of the first planar support plate and the first auxiliary support plate protrude more than the side edge of the first elastic support layer. When the first elastic support layer is compressed and deformed due to the load, the side edge of the first elastic support layer will protrude outward and thus come into further contact with the surrounding first arc-shaped support plate, first planar support plate and / or first auxiliary support plate.

2. The gearbox support device for wind turbine units according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least three first arc-shaped support plates are provided, and the at least three first arc-shaped support plates are arranged eccentrically spaced apart from each other.

3. The gearbox support device for wind turbine units according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rack mounting frame includes: A pair of transverse frame members, the pair of transverse frame members being arranged longitudinally spaced apart from each other, the transverse frame members extending in the transverse direction; and A pair of longitudinal frame members, the pair of longitudinal frame members being arranged spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction, the longitudinal frame members extending in the longitudinal direction; The pair of transverse frame members and the pair of longitudinal frame members are connected together to form a hollow installation space.

4. The gearbox support device for wind turbine units according to claim 3, characterized in that, The frame mounting frame also includes a screw that runs longitudinally through one of the pair of transverse frame members and the pair of longitudinal frame members, and a nut that engages with the screw, wherein the transverse frame members and the longitudinal frame members are connected together by the screw and the nut.

5. The gearbox support device for wind turbine units according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pair of longitudinal frame members are hollow in structure.

6. The gearbox support device for wind turbine units according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second elastic component includes a plurality of second arc-shaped support plates, which are arranged spaced apart from each other to form a second elastic support layer between adjacent second arc-shaped support plates.

7. The gearbox support device for wind turbine units according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The movable mandrel is constructed as a rod of equal diameter. A stop plate is installed on the end face of the movable mandrel. The stop plate extends radially outward beyond the inner edge of the first elastic component. At least one stop ring is sleeved on the movable mandrel. The at least one stop ring extends radially outward beyond the inner edges of the first elastic component and the second elastic component. The axial position of the first elastic component relative to the movable spindle is fixed by stop plates and stop rings located on both sides of the first elastic component. The axial position of the second elastic component relative to the movable spindle is fixed by the stop rings located on both sides of the axial direction of the second elastic component.

8. The gearbox support device for wind turbine units according to claim 7, characterized in that, The stop ring is connected to the movable spindle by screws.

9. A wind turbine gearbox assembly, comprising a gearbox support device for a wind turbine according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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