Support assembly and wind power plant

Abstract

This invention relates to a support assembly and a wind power facility. The support assembly has a housing (40) and at least one bearing (18, 38). The bearing (18, 38) is secured in the housing (40) by an outer ring (52) and secured to a rotor shaft (16) by an inner ring (50). The support assembly is configured to adjust the axial force acting on the outer ring (52) to preload the bearing (18, 38).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a support assembly for the rotor shaft of a wind power facility. The invention also relates to a wind power facility. Background Technology

[0002] Wind power facilities are used to generate electricity from wind energy. For this purpose, wind power facilities have rotors. The rotational speed of the rotor is transmitted to a transmission device via the rotor shaft. Here, the transmission device converts the rotational speed of the rotor shaft into a suitable rotational speed to drive the generator. The rotational speed and the load acting on the rotor can fluctuate during the operation of the wind power facility, for example, due to gusts of wind. Furthermore, the rotor can have a large diameter and be very heavy. Consequently, strong and variable loads act on the bearings of the rotor shaft. Accordingly, these bearings require frequent maintenance and, alternatively or additionally, complex monitoring. Therefore, high precision is required during assembly to avoid excessive wear due to deviations from the target assembly state. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The first aspect relates to a support assembly for the rotor shaft of a wind power facility. The wind power facility may have a tower and a nacelle disposed thereon. The tower extends vertically, for example, with its longitudinal extension. The nacelle may be rotatably or anti-rotationally supported on the tower. The nacelle may be disposed at the top of the tower. The tower may be designed to be hollow. The tower may taper towards its upper end.

[0004] A wind power facility may include, for example, a rotor, a transmission, and a generator. The rotor can drive the generator via the transmission to generate electrical energy. The rotor is connected to the transmission, for example, via a rotor shaft. The rotor, transmission, and generator may be secured to the nacelle of the wind power facility. The rotor shaft may be rotatably supported within the nacelle. The rotor may have a horizontal or vertical axis of rotation. The rotor may have, for example, two, three, four, or more rotor blades connected to the rotor shaft via hubs. The rotor shaft, transmission, and generator may be, for example, part of the drive system of the wind power facility. The rotor shaft may be part of a support assembly or form a separate part from that support assembly. The axis of rotation of the rotor and the rotor shaft may define the axial and radial directions of the support assembly.

[0005] The support assembly has a housing and at least one bearing. The housing and at least one bearing can form the main support for the drive system of a wind turbine. The drive system of the wind turbine can be fastened to the nacelle solely by the main support. The main support can have multiple bearings, for example, exactly two bearings. For simplicity, the term "bearing" is used below, where the corresponding features and characteristics may also apply to other bearings, if present and applicable. The housing can be constructed integrally or in parts. The housing can be, for example, a casting or forging. The housing can be fastened to the nacelle, for example, by bolting to the frame. The housing and the frame can be separate components. The bearing can be, for example, a rolling bearing. The rotor shaft can be rotatably supported on the housing by means of the bearing.

[0006] A bearing has an outer ring and an inner ring. The inner ring can rotate relative to the outer ring about a rotation axis. Rolling elements can be arranged between the outer ring and the inner ring. The bearing is secured to a housing by the outer ring. For example, the outer ring can rest against the inner circumference of the housing with its outer periphery. The outer ring can also partially rest against the housing, at least on the axial side, at the end side, for example, against a shoulder of the housing. A bearing is secured to a rotor shaft by the inner ring. For example, the inner ring can rest against the outer circumference of the rotor shaft with its inner periphery. The inner ring can also partially rest against the rotor shaft, at least on the axial side, at the end side, for example, against a shoulder of the housing.

[0007] Bearings may be housed within the housing. The nacelle may have a base to which the drive system is secured. The rotor shaft may be supported on the nacelle solely by a main support. Similarly, the transmission may be supported on the nacelle solely by a main support. In this case, stationary components of the housing, such as the transmission housing, are secured to the housing. At least one rotatable component, such as the input shaft of the transmission, may be supported on bearings via the rotor shaft. Alternatively, the generator may also be supported on the nacelle solely by a main support, for example, indirectly via the transmission.

[0008] The outer ring can be seated in the housing, for example, with a press fit, transition fit, or clearance fit. Alternatively or additionally, the outer ring can be clamped or screwed onto the housing. The inner ring can be seated on the rotor shaft, for example, with a press fit, transition fit, or clearance fit. Alternatively or additionally, the inner ring can be clamped or screwed onto the rotor shaft. The clamping force caused by the fit between the inner ring and the rotor shaft can be greater than the clamping force caused by the fit between the outer ring and the housing. Therefore, positioning the outer ring can be easier than positioning the inner ring. Accordingly, the preload of the bearing on the outer ring can be more easily adjusted than the preload on the inner ring. However, in wind power installations, the bearing preload is usually adjusted on the inner ring. However, because the press fit is usually very strong, the preload is often not adjusted accurately and is also highly dependent on temperature.

[0009] In the current situation, the support assembly according to the first aspect is designed to adjust the axial force acting on the outer ring to preload the bearing. For example, before commissioning, an axial force is applied to allow the outer ring to axially displace relative to the inner ring to adjust the preload. The preload can correspond to the bearing clearance. The preload can be the force exerted between the inner and outer rings in a static state. The preload can be axial preload. By preloading, the bearing can be adjusted. Preload can also be applied to other bearings, such as the second bearing in the main support. Through precise preload adjustment, the rigidity of the support can be improved, and alternatively or additionally, the operating accuracy can be improved. Furthermore, accurate guidance of the rotor shaft, compensation for wear and settlement during operation, and an overall long service life can be achieved.

[0010] The axial positioning of the outer ring can be, for example, absolute positioning, positioning relative to the inner ring, or alternatively, additionally, positioning relative to the housing. Adjustment can be performed mechanically, for example, by applying an axial force. The outer ring can be compressed in the axial direction with an adjustable force, for example, towards the nearest axial end region of the housing. The support assembly can be designed for adjustment if the inner ring is already secured to the rotor shaft. The support assembly can be designed for adjustment if the outer ring is already arranged in the housing. The outer ring can be simultaneously secured to the housing through adjustment. An axial force can be applied to the outer ring through adjustment. The support assembly can be designed for appropriate accessibility.

[0011] For example, preload can be applied during final assembly. Large wind turbines are typically assembled only at their installation site. Various components of the drive system, such as the main support, rotor shaft (optionally with a truss), transmission, and generator, are first transported separately to the installation site. Assembly then takes place only there. Support assemblies can be designed to allow for preload adjustment both in the nacelle and during final assembly.

[0012] In one embodiment of this support assembly, the bearing may be designed as a tapered roller bearing. At least all bearings in the main support or support assembly may also be designed as tapered roller bearings. The bearings may be in a single row or multiple rows. Tapered roller bearings can withstand high axial and radial loads. Two tapered roller bearings may be provided, these tapered roller bearings being opposite each other. The rolling elements of the tapered roller bearing may be designed as tapered rollers. Alternatively, for example, self-aligning roller bearings, angular contact ball bearings, or ball roller bearings may be used.

[0013] In one embodiment of the support assembly, it can be specified that the support assembly has a locking element that can be releasably fastened to the housing. The locking element can be, for example, designed as a locking ring. The locking element can be a metal component. The locking element can be designed for fastening to the housing, for example, by screwing a screw along the circumference of the locking element into spaced-apart axial through openings. The outer ring can be held in the housing in its axial positioning by means of the locking element. For example, the outer ring can be axially pressed against a stop by the locking element, the stop being formed, for example, by a shoulder of the housing. The locking element can be pressed against the outer ring, for example, at its end. Alternatively, locking elements can be provided on both axial sides of the outer ring, between which the outer ring can be clamped, for example.

[0014] The support assembly may have a set of locking elements with different distances between their contact surfaces at the housing and at the outer ring. For example, the different locking elements may have different thicknesses in the axial direction. Thus, when fastened to the housing, the force acting on the outer ring varies depending on the selected locking element. This allows the axial force to be adjusted to match the tolerances and final positioning of the inner ring in each wind turbine installation, achieving the desired preload.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, at least one spacer element can be clamped between the housing and the locking element to adjust the axial force acting on the outer ring. The support assembly may have a set of spacer elements with different distances between their contact surfaces at the housing and at the locking element. For example, the different spacer elements may have different thicknesses in the axial direction. Thus, when clamped onto the housing, the force acting on the outer ring varies depending on the selected spacer element. In this way, the axial force can be adjusted to match the tolerances and final positioning of the inner ring in each wind turbine installation to achieve the desired preload.

[0016] Spacer elements can be designed as spacer rings, gaskets, or washers, for example. Spacer elements can be designed as metal components. Spacer elements can be clamping only, or screwed onto the housing, for example, together with locking elements. If locking elements are provided on both sides of the outer ring, the spacer element can be clamped between only one or both locking elements and the housing. Similarly, spacer elements can be selectively clamped between the housing's optionally present stops for the outer ring and the outer ring. Support assemblies can, for example, have at least one spacer element.

[0017] In one embodiment of the support assembly, the support assembly may have an additional locking element that is releasably fastened to the rotor shaft, by means of which the inner ring is held on the rotor shaft in its axial positioning. Here, this design can be similar to holding the outer ring on the housing by means of the aforementioned locking element. The additional locking element may be designed for fastening to the rotor shaft, for example by means of screws screwed into axially spaced through openings. The additional locking element may be designed as a locking element. The additional locking element may, for example, be designed as a nut screwed onto the rotor shaft. The inner ring can be held on the outside of the rotor shaft in its axial positioning by means of the additional locking element. For example, the inner ring can be axially pressed against a stop by the additional locking element, the stop being formed, for example, by a shoulder of the rotor shaft. The additional locking element may, for example, be pressed against the inner ring at its end. Alternatively, additional locking elements may be provided on both axial sides of the inner ring, with the outer ring clamped between these additional locking elements. An additional spacer element can be clamped between the rotor shaft and the additional locking element to adjust the axial force acting on the inner ring. This additional locking element can act as a locking element, by means of which the inner ring of the bearing is fixed in position.

[0018] The support assembly may have a set of additional locking elements, each having a different distance between its contact surface at the rotor shaft and its contact surface at the inner ring. For example, the different additional locking elements may have different thicknesses in the axial direction. Thus, when fastened to the rotor shaft, the force acting on the inner ring varies depending on the selected additional locking elements. This allows the axial force to be adjusted to match the tolerances and final positioning of the outer ring in each wind turbine installation, achieving the desired preload. By adjusting the axial force on the inner ring, preload can be at least partially predetermined in a partially assembled state, followed by fine-tuning at the outer ring, for example, after assembling the drive system. Furthermore, the axial positioning of the bearing can be predetermined more accurately.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, at least additional spacer elements can be clamped between the rotor shaft and additional locking elements to adjust the axial force acting on the inner ring. The support assembly may have a set of spacer elements with different distances between their contact surfaces at the rotor shaft and their contact surfaces at the additional locking elements. For example, the different additional spacer elements may have different thicknesses in the axial direction. Thus, when clamped onto the rotor shaft, the force acting on the inner ring varies depending on the selected additional spacer elements. In this way, the axial force can be adjusted to match the tolerances and final positioning of the outer ring in each wind turbine installation to achieve the desired preload.

[0020] Additional spacer elements can be designed as spacer rings, shims, or washers, for example. These additional spacer elements can be designed as metal components. They can be clamped only, or screwed onto the rotor shaft, for example, together with the additional locking elements. If additional locking elements are provided on both sides of the inner ring, the additional spacer elements can be clamped only between one or both additional locking elements and the rotor shaft. Additional spacer elements can also be selectively clamped between the optional stop on the rotor shaft for the inner ring and the inner ring. The support assembly can, for example, have at least one additional spacer element.

[0021] Each locking element and its associated spacer element can also be designed as a component. For example, the locking elements and their associated spacers can be constructed inseparably. For example, the locking elements and their associated spacers can be constructed integrally. For example, a portion of the component, such as a section, can be integrally constructed as a part of the locking elements and their associated spacers; however, the component can be formed from multiple portions that are releasably connected to each other.

[0022] In one embodiment of the support assembly, the respective spacer elements may be constructed in multiple parts. For example, the spacer element for the outer ring may be constructed in multiple parts. Similarly, another spacer element for the inner ring may be constructed in multiple parts. For example, the respective spacer elements may be divided in the circumferential direction. For example, each spacer element may have three segments, each extending 120° of a circle. Due to the multi-part nature, installation can be very easy, for example, through operating openings in the surrounding walls of the housing. These segments may, for example, be screwed together. These segments may be oriented relative to each other by locating pins.

[0023] In one embodiment of the support assembly, the corresponding locking element may be multi-part. For example, the locking element may be designed in a multi-part manner for the outer ring. For example, another locking element may be designed in a multi-part manner for the inner ring. For example, the corresponding locking element may be divided in the circumferential direction. For example, the corresponding locking element may have three segments, each extending 120° in an arc. Due to its multi-part nature, installation can be very easy, for example, through operating openings in the circumferential wall of the housing. These segments may, for example, be screwed together. These segments may be oriented relative to each other by locating pins.

[0024] In one embodiment of the support assembly, the support assembly may be specified to have a sealing element. The sealing element may be fastened to an associated locking element. The sealing element may be integrally formed with the locking element. For example, the sealing element may be arranged on the side of the locking element axially opposite to the bearing. For example, the sealing element may seal the bearing on one side, such as at the end. The sealing element may be fastened to a locking element for the outer ring, or it may be fastened to a separate locking element for the inner ring. The sealing element may extend radially. A cover element may be formed together with the sealing element and the locking element, for example, integrally formed or formed with multiple segments. The sealing element may be designed as annular. The sealing element may have a sealing surface formed radially inward, and alternatively or additionally, a sealing surface formed radially outward. The sealing element may form a labyrinth seal. The sealing element may be formed of metal. Additionally, the sealing element may retain a seal, such as an O-ring. The sealing element may, for example, seal on the rotor shaft, and alternatively or additionally, seal on the housing. The sealing element may, for example, seal the bearing at the end, such as on the rotor side or the generator side. The sealing element extends radially from the locking element to the rotor shaft, for example. Alternatively, the sealing element extends from another locking element to the housing, for example. Two sealing elements may also be provided, for example, on opposite axial sides of the bearing. The sealing element may be screwed to the locking element.

[0025] In one embodiment of this support assembly, the sealing element may be multi-part. For example, the corresponding sealing element may be divided along a circumferential direction. For example, the corresponding sealing element may have three segments, each extending 120° in an arc. Due to its multi-part nature, installation can be very easy, for example, through operating openings in the circumferential wall of the housing. These segments may, for example, be screwed together. These segments may be oriented toward each other by locating pins.

[0026] In one embodiment of the support assembly, the housing may be provided with at least one operating opening on its circumferential wall through which the axial force acting on the outer ring can be adjusted. Alternatively or additionally, the axial force acting on the inner ring can also be adjusted through the operating opening. Through this operating opening, for example, corresponding locking elements, spacer elements, and alternatively or additional sealing elements can be introduced into the interior space of the housing. Through this operating opening, for example, corresponding locking elements, spacer elements, and alternatively or additional sealing elements can be installed into the interior space of the housing. For introduction through the operating opening, it may be necessary to divide these elements into several sections. For example, multiple components can be assembled in the interior space through the operating opening. This can also be done when the bearing and alternatively or additionally the rotor shaft have been installed. The operating opening may have one or more radial operating openings. The operating opening can also reduce the weight of the housing. The operating opening can be opened during operation, or sealed by a cover, for example, by an oil seal, as long as the bearing is not sealed. Multiple operating openings may also be provided.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the generator housing may have at least one operating opening on its circumferential wall through which the axial force acting on the outer ring can be adjusted. This allows, for example, the preload of the generator-side bearings to be simply adjusted. Here, the operating opening can be designed as previously described for the housing. The support assembly may comprise the generator housing, or it may comprise the entire generator.

[0028] In one embodiment of the support assembly, the support assembly may include an additional bearing. This additional bearing may be axially spaced from the aforementioned bearing. The additional bearing may be arranged together with the aforementioned bearing in an O-shaped or X-shaped configuration. The additional bearing may be designed similarly to the aforementioned bearing. For example, one of these bearings may form the rotor-side bearing of the main support, and the other bearing may form the generator-side bearing of the main support. The additional bearing may be secured to the rotor shaft using its inner ring. The additional bearing may be secured to the housing, connecting flange, or other fasteners (such as a generator) using its outer ring. For example, the additional bearing may be secured to the generator housing using its outer ring. The additional bearing may also be designed, for example, as a tapered roller bearing. The support assembly may be designed to adjust the axial force acting on the outer ring of the additional bearing to preload the additional bearing. For this purpose, locking elements and optionally spacers, as previously described for other bearings, may be provided. Sealing elements may also be provided. Alternatively, the preload of the additional bearing can be predetermined on the outer ring of another bearing. Therefore, the preload of the additional bearing can also be adjusted by applying it to the outer ring of the aforementioned bearing, for example, since an O-shaped or X-shaped preload arrangement can be obtained overall.

[0029] The second aspect relates to a wind power facility having a fastening device according to the first aspect. Corresponding advantages and other features are apparent from the description of the first aspect, wherein the design of the first aspect also constitutes the design of the second aspect, and vice versa. The wind power facility may have a rotor shaft. The wind power facility may have a tower, a nacelle, and a drive system. The rotor shaft or the entire drive system may be fastened to the nacelle by means of a support assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 The illustrations illustrate wind power facilities.

[0031] Figure 2 A conventional support assembly for the rotor shaft of a wind power facility is illustrated schematically in cross-sectional view.

[0032] Figure 3 A first embodiment of the support assembly is illustrated schematically in cross-sectional view.

[0033] Figure 4 A second embodiment of the support assembly is illustrated schematically in cross-sectional view.

[0034] Figure 5 A third embodiment of the support assembly is illustrated schematically in cross-sectional view.

[0035] Figure 6 The fourth embodiment of the support assembly is illustrated in part by a cross-sectional view.

[0036] Figure 7 The fifth embodiment of the support assembly is illustrated in part by a cross-sectional view.

[0037] Figure 8 The sixth embodiment of the support assembly is illustrated in part by a cross-sectional view.

[0038] Figure 9 A first embodiment of the housing of the support assembly is schematically illustrated in a side view.

[0039] Figure 10 A second embodiment of the housing of the support assembly is schematically illustrated in a side view.

[0040] Figure 11 A third embodiment of the housing of the support assembly is illustrated schematically in perspective view.

[0041] Figure 12 The perspective view schematically illustrates the multi-part cover element of the support assembly.

[0042] Figure 13 The perspective view partially illustrates the sections of the multi-part cover element.

[0043] Figure 14 Another perspective view partially schematically illustrates this section of the multi-part cover element. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 1 A wind turbine 10 with a drive system of a horizontal structure is illustrated. The wind turbine 10 has a rotor 12, which is held on a rotor shaft 16 via a hub 14. The axis of rotation of the rotor shaft 16 extends substantially horizontally. The rotor shaft 16 is supported in a nacelle 20 via two rolling bearings 18, 38 designed as tapered roller bearings. For this purpose, a housing 40 is provided, which is fastened to a base 42 of the nacelle 20. The two rolling bearings 18, 38 have an O-shaped arrangement. The housing 40 and the two rolling bearings 18, 38 form a support assembly for the rotor shaft 16. The rotor shaft 16 is mechanically connected to a generator 24 via a drivetrain 22. A brake 26 is also arranged in the connection between the drivetrain 22 and the generator 24, acting on the input shaft 76 of the generator 24. The nacelle 20 is rotatably supported on the upper end of a tower 28 anchored to the ground. In another embodiment, the wind power facility 10 is designed as an off-shore facility. In addition to the tower 28, the wind power facility 10 also has a grid connection 30. A first rolling bearing 18 of these rolling bearings faces the rotor 12 and is also referred to as the rotor-side bearing 18. A second rolling bearing 38 of these rolling bearings faces the generator 24 and is also referred to as the generator-side rolling bearing 38.

[0045] Figure 2 The conventional support assembly for the rotor shaft 16 of the wind power facility 10 is described. The preload of the support assembly is predetermined here by an axial force on the inner ring 50, which compresses the inner ring 50 axially toward the rotor 12 by the respective rolling elements of the second rolling bearings 38 toward its outer ring 52. These two rolling bearings 18, 38 are mounted on the rotor shaft 16 with a radial press fit, thus making it difficult to determine the actual preload, and the preload is highly temperature-dependent.

[0046] Figure 3 A first embodiment of the support assembly is shown, wherein preload can be adjusted on the outer rings 52 of the first rolling bearing 18 and the second rolling bearing 38. The outer rings 52 of the two rolling bearings 18, 38 are mounted on the housing 40 with a less rigid fit, thereby allowing the axial force to be predetermined simply and less dependent on temperature by adjusting the axial force acting on the outer rings 52.

[0047] The inner ring 50 of the first rolling bearing 18 rests against the shoulder of the rotor shaft 16 at its rotor-side end. The outer ring 52 of the first rolling bearing 18 is held axially within the housing 40 by a first locking element 60 at its rotor-side end. The first locking element 60 is releasably fastened to the housing 40 by screws. A sealing element 70 is fastened to the first locking element 60 at its rotor-side end, also by screws. The sealing element 70 extends radially to the rotor shaft 16 and seals the first rolling bearing 18 on the rotor side. The outer ring 52 of the first rolling bearing 18 is held axially within the housing 40 by a second locking element 62 at its generator-side end. The sealing element 70 is fastened to the second locking element 62 at its generator-side end, also by screws. This sealing element 70 also extends radially to the rotor shaft 16 and thus seals the first rolling bearing 18 on the generator side.

[0048] A first spacer element 90 is clamped between the housing 40 and the second locking element 62, which is screwed together with the second locking element 62 to the housing 40. The second locking element 62 preloads the outer ring 52 of the first rolling bearing 18 by applying an axial force in the direction of the rotor 12, thereby pressing the rolling elements of the first rolling bearing 18 against its inner ring 50. Here, by selecting the first spacer element 90 from a set of spacers of different axial thicknesses, the axial force can be adjusted, and thus the preload in the first rolling bearing 18 can also be preloaded. In other embodiments, alternatively or additionally, one of the spacers from a set of spacers of different thicknesses is also clamped between the first locking element 60 and the housing 40.

[0049] The inner ring 50 of the second rolling bearing 38 rests against the shoulder of the rotor shaft 16 on its rotor-side end. The inner ring 50 of the second rolling bearing 38 is axially positioned by a locking element 72, which is designed as a nut, on its generator side. The outer ring 52 of the second rolling bearing 38 is axially positioned within the housing 40 by a third locking element 64 on its rotor-side end. The third locking element 64 is releasably fastened to the housing 40 by screws. A sealing element 70 is fastened to the third locking element 64 on its rotor-side end, also by screws. This sealing element 70 also extends radially to the rotor shaft 16 and seals the second rolling bearing 38 on its rotor side. The outer ring 52 of the second rolling bearing 38 is axially positioned within the housing 40 by a fourth locking element 66 on its generator-side end. The sealing element 70 is fastened to the fourth locking element 66 on its generator-side end, also by screws. The sealing element 70 also extends radially to the rotor shaft 16 and thus seals the first rolling bearing 18 on the generator side. Here, the sealing element 70 seals on the locking element 72, rather than on the rotor shaft 16. In another embodiment, the sealing element 70 also seals on the rotor shaft 16.

[0050] The second spacer element 92 is clamped between the housing 40 and the third locking element 64, which is screwed together with the third locking element 64 onto the housing 40. The third locking element 64 preloads a preload by applying an axial force in the direction of the generator 24 to press the outer ring 52 of the second rolling bearing 38 against its inner ring 50 through the rolling elements of the second rolling bearing 38. Here, by selecting the second spacer element 92 from a set of spacers of different axial thicknesses, the axial force can be adjusted, and thus the preload in the second rolling bearing 38 can also be preloaded. In other embodiments, alternatively or additionally, one of the spacers from a set of spacers of different thicknesses is also clamped between the fourth locking element 66 and the housing 40.

[0051] The designations of these locking elements 60, 62, 64, and 66 are used here for assignment. Other embodiments, such as Figure 4 Implementation methods and Figure 5 In one embodiment, there is a smaller number of locking elements than the four locking elements 60, 62, 64, 66, wherein the remaining locking elements are numbered to correspond to one of the locking elements 60, 62, 64, 66 in the first embodiment. Accordingly, for example, a first locking element 60 and a third locking element 64 may be present, but a second locking element 62 is not present. The same applies to the spacer elements 90, 92.

[0052] Figure 4A second embodiment of the support assembly, similar to the first embodiment, is described. Only the differences are explained. In the second embodiment, the second locking element 62 is omitted. Instead, the housing 40 forms a shoulder at its location where the outer ring 52 of the first rolling bearing 18 is axially supported at the end side towards the generator 24. Therefore, the first spacer element 90 is also omitted. Now, the preload of the support assembly is predetermined only on the second rolling bearing 38 by selecting the second spacer element 92. Now, the sealing element 70 for sealing the first rolling bearing 18 on the generator side is directly screwed to the housing 40. In another embodiment, this sealing element 70 is integrally constructed with the housing 40.

[0053] Figure 5 A third embodiment of the support assembly, similar to the second embodiment, is described. Compared to the second embodiment, the side of the housing 40 on which the shoulder is formed and the side on which the preload of the support assembly can be adjusted are interchanged. Therefore, the third locking element 64 is now omitted compared to the first embodiment. Instead, the housing 40 forms a shoulder at its location where the outer ring 52 of the second rolling bearing 38 is axially supported at the end side towards the rotor 12. Therefore, the second spacer element 92 is also omitted. Now, the preload of the support assembly is predetermined only on the first rolling bearing 18 by selecting the first spacer element 90. Now, the sealing element 70 for sealing the second rolling bearing 38 on the rotor side is directly screwed to the housing 40. In another embodiment, the sealing element 70 is integrally constructed with the housing 40.

[0054] Figure 6 A fourth embodiment of the support assembly is illustrated, wherein only the second rolling bearing 38 is shown, thereby showing the end region of the rotor shaft 16 on the generator side.

[0055] The generator housing 74 is screwed onto the housing 40 at one end. The rotor-side cover element forms not only the third locking element 64 but also a sealing element 70 extending from it as a common component. The second spacer element 92 is clamped between the third locking element 64 and the housing 40. The generator-side cover element forms not only the fourth locking element 66 but also a sealing element 70 extending from it as a common component. The third spacer element 94 is clamped between the fourth locking element 66 and the housing 40. The third locking element 64 and the fourth locking element 66 are jointly held onto the housing 40 by a screw extending through an axially through opening in the housing 40. The generator housing 74 is screwed onto the housing 40 from the side of the generator 24, and the third and fourth locking elements 64 and 66 are screwed in as well. For this purpose, the generator housing 74 has an operating opening 78 in its surrounding wall.

[0056] Now, the locking element 72 is designed as an annular plate that is screwed to the rotor shaft 16 from the side of the rotor 12, thus pressing the inner ring 50 of the second rolling bearing 38 against the shoulder of the rotor shaft 16 for fastening. In this case, the locking element 72 is located radially outside the input shaft 76 of the generator 24. Here, the screwing is made from the direction of the rotor 12. The rotor shaft 16 is also screwed to the input shaft 76 of the generator 24 from the side of the rotor 12, which is formed here by the planet carrier of the planetary gear set of the generator 24. The rotor shaft 16 is screwed to the input shaft 76 on a radially outwardly extending flange of the rotor shaft 16, which also forms a seat for the inner ring 50 of the second rolling bearing 38. In this way, these screws are radially accessible across the rotor shaft 16.

[0057] In another embodiment, the locking element 72 is not screwed on, but is fastened in other ways. In one embodiment, the locking element 72 is fitted onto the input shaft 76 of the generator 24.

[0058] In another embodiment, a spacer element selected from a set of spacer elements of different thicknesses is clamped between the locking element 72 and the rotor shaft 16. This allows for a stronger clamping of the inner ring 50 of the second rolling bearing 38.

[0059] Figure 7 A fifth embodiment of the support assembly, similar to the fourth embodiment, is described. Only the differences are explained. The rotor shaft 16 is now screwed to the input shaft 76 at a radially inwardly extending flange. The rotor shaft 16 has a central axial through-hole or recess through which the screws are accessible for connecting the rotor shaft 16 to the input shaft 76. A locking element 72 is screwed to the rotor shaft 16 from the side of the generator 24, thus pressing the inner ring 50 of the second rolling bearing 38 against a shoulder on the rotor shaft 16 for fastening. The shape of the locking element 72 is correspondingly different here, and instead of a blind hole with internal threads, it now has a through-hole with a wider diameter generator-side end region to accommodate the screw head.

[0060] Figure 8A sixth embodiment of the support assembly is illustrated, in which only the first rolling bearing 18 is shown, thereby illustrating the rotor-side end region of the rotor shaft 16. The sixth embodiment has a cover element on the rotor side, similar to the third and fourth embodiments, which forms a first locking element 60 and an associated sealing element 70 as a single assembly. The sixth embodiment also has a cover element on the generator side, similar to the third and fourth embodiments, which forms a second locking element 62 and an associated sealing element 70 as a single assembly. Both cover elements, also similar to the third and fourth embodiments, are fastened to the housing 40 by screws. These screws are accessible from the direction of the rotor 12. Here, a selected first spacer element 90 is clamped between the first locking element 60 and the housing 40. Additionally, on the generator side, a further spacer element 96 is clamped between the second locking element 62 and the housing 40. The inner ring 50 of the first rolling bearing 18, as before, is axially pressed against the shoulder of the rotor shaft 16 at the end side. Here, the axial force can be adjusted accordingly by coordinating the two spacer elements 90 and 96, and the preload can also be adjusted in this way.

[0061] Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The first, second, and third embodiments of the housing 40 of the support assembly are shown. Two rolling bearings 18 and 38 are respectively arranged in the axial end regions of the housing 40. According to the first embodiment and in... Figure 9 The housing 40 shown has an axially centered operating opening 80 in its surrounding wall, through which corresponding screws in the housing 40 can be tightened and loosened. The housing 40 is reinforced in the area of ​​the operating opening 80 by cross-shaped struts, thereby forming eight separate radially through openings in the surrounding wall.

[0062] According to the second embodiment and in Figure 10 The housing 40 shown has a first operating opening 82 in its surrounding wall at the rotor-side end region, through which corresponding bolts in the housing 40 can be tightened and loosened in the region of the first rolling bearing 18. The housing 40 is reinforced in the region of the first operating opening 82 by cross-shaped supports, thus forming eight separate through openings. Furthermore, the housing 40 has a second operating opening 84 in its surrounding wall at the generator-side end region, through which corresponding bolts in the housing 40 can be tightened and loosened in the region of the second rolling bearing 38. The second operating opening 84 has two aligned slits extending in the circumferential direction.

[0063] According to the third embodiment and in Figure 11The housing 40 shown has an operating opening 80 extending axially from the rotor-side end region to the generator-side end region in its surrounding wall, through which corresponding bolts in the housing 40 can be tightened and loosened on both sides. Here, the operating opening 80 is formed by four slots extending axially from the rotor-side end region to the generator-side end region in the surrounding wall. The housing 40 is integrally constructed in the illustrated embodiment, and in other embodiments it is multi-part.

[0064] Figures 12 to 14 A cover element is described, which, in corresponding embodiments, allows one of the locking elements 60, 62, 64, 66 and the associated sealing element 70 to be constructed together as an assembly. The cover element is divided into three segments 100 in the circumferential direction, each segment extending 120° of a circle. Each segment 100 has a flange on its end side, which abuts against adjacent segments of the segment 100. The flange has a blind hole 102 for a locating pin and two through openings or alternatively, blind holes with internal threads, for connection to the adjacent segment of the segment 100. The segments 100 can be inserted into and mounted in the internal space through operating openings 80, 82, 84 of the housing 40. Each segment 100 integrally forms a segment of the corresponding locking element 60, 62, 64, 66 and the associated sealing element 70. In other embodiments, the sealing element 70 and the locking elements 60, 62, 64, 66 may be segmented in a similar manner but formed independently. In other embodiments, spacer elements 90, 92, and 94 are also formed in sections in a similar manner. Depending on the desired assembly, only some of the spacer elements 90, 92, and 94, only some of the sealing elements 70, and alternatively or additionally, only some of the locking elements 60, 62, 64, and 66 are formed in sections.

[0065] Figure Labels

[0066] 10 Wind Power Facilities

[0067] 12 rotors

[0068] 14 hubs

[0069] 16 rotor shafts

[0070] 18 First Rolling Bearing

[0071] 20 cabins

[0072] 22 Transmission device

[0073] 24 generators

[0074] 26 brakes

[0075] 28 towers

[0076] 30 Power grid connection parts

[0077] 38 Second rolling bearing

[0078] 40 housing

[0079] 42-frame

[0080] 50 inner circle

[0081] 52 outer ring

[0082] 60 First locking element

[0083] 62 Second locking element

[0084] 64 Third Locking Element

[0085] 66 Fourth Locking Element

[0086] 70 sealing element

[0087] 72 Locking Elements

[0088] 74 Generator Housing

[0089] 76 Generator Input Shaft

[0090] 78 Operating opening

[0091] 80 operating opening

[0092] 82 First Operating Opening

[0093] 84 Second Operating Opening

[0094] 90, 92, 94, 96 spacer elements

[0095] 100 sections

[0096] 102 blind holes

Claims

1. A support assembly for a rotor shaft (16) of a wind power facility (10), wherein, The support assembly has a housing (40) and at least one bearing (18, 38), wherein the bearing (18, 38) is fastened in the housing (40) by means of an outer ring (52), wherein the bearing (18, 38) can be fastened to the rotor shaft (16) by means of an inner ring (50), wherein the support assembly is configured to adjust the axial force acting on the outer ring (52) in order to preload the bearing (18, 38).

2. The support assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bearings (18, 38) are constructed as tapered roller bearings.

3. The support assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support assembly has locking elements (60, 62, 64, 66) that are releasably fastened to the housing (40), by means of which the outer ring (52) is held within the housing (40) in its axial positioning, wherein at least one spacer element (90, 92, 94, 96) can be clamped between the housing (40) and the locking elements (60, 62, 64, 66) to adjust the axial force acting on the outer ring (52).

4. The support assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support assembly has an additional locking element (72) that is releasably fastened to the rotor shaft (16), by means of which the inner ring (50) is held on the rotor shaft (16) in its axial positioning.

5. The support assembly according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, Each spacer element (90, 92, 94, 96) is constructed in multiple parts.

6. The support assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, Each locking element (60, 62, 64, 66) is constructed in multiple parts.

7. The support assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The support assembly has a sealing element (70) that is fastened to or integrally constructed with the associated locking elements (60, 62, 64, 66).

8. The support assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sealing element (70) is constructed in multiple parts.

9. The support assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The housing (40) has at least one operating opening (80, 82, 84) on its surrounding wall through which an axial force acting on the outer ring (52) can be adjusted.

10. The support assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support assembly has a generator housing (74) having at least one operating opening (78) on its surrounding wall through which an axial force acting on the outer ring (52) can be adjusted.

11. The support assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support assembly has additional bearings (38, 18), wherein the two bearings (18, 38) have an O-shaped arrangement.

12. A wind power facility (10) having a support assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

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