Fastening system, wind power plant and method for dismounting a bearing

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening system, a wind power installation and a method for dismounting a bearing. The fastening system is used to fasten a drive train of a wind power installation (10) on a nacelle (20) of the wind power installation (10). The fastening system has a rotor bearing housing (40), a stationary component and a first bearing (18). The first bearing (18) is fastened in the rotor bearing housing (40) for rotatably supporting a rotor shaft (16) of the drive train. The rotor bearing housing (40) is also configured for fastening on a frame (42) of the nacelle (20). The fastening system is configured for fixing the rotor shaft (16) on the stationary component in order to dismount the first bearing (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fastening system for a drive system of a wind power facility. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a wind power facility and a method for disassembling a bearing. Background Technology

[0002] Wind turbines are used to generate electricity from wind energy. For this purpose, wind turbines have rotors. The rotational speed of the rotor is transmitted to a transmission via a rotor shaft. The rotational speed of the rotor shaft is then converted into a suitable rotational speed by the transmission to drive the generator. The drive system of a wind turbine must be supported within the nacelle of the wind turbine. However, this securing method can be very complex and requires many parts. Furthermore, depending on the securing solution, the maintenance and replacement of individual components of the drive system can be very costly. For example, replacing the rotor shaft bearings may require disassembling the wind turbine rotor. This may require a crane, which is very expensive. In offshore wind turbines, this may require the deployment of special vessels, which may experience significant delays in becoming available. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The first aspect relates to a fastening system on the nacelle of a wind turbine for a drive system of the wind turbine. The nacelle may have a frame. The wind turbine may have a tower, on which the nacelle is disposed. For example, the tower extends vertically with its longitudinal extension. The nacelle may, for example, be rotatably or anti-rotationally supported on the tower. The nacelle may, for example, be disposed on the upper side of the tower. The tower may, for example, be constructed to be hollow. The tower may taper towards its upper end. The tower may, for example, be formed of a plurality of tower elements stacked vertically. The tower may, for example, be made of steel and alternatively or additionally of concrete.

[0004] The drive system may include a rotor shaft, a transmission, and a generator. Furthermore, the drive system or wind turbine may include a rotor. The wind turbine has a drive system. A portion of the drive system may form part of a fastening system. The rotor can drive the generator via the transmission to generate electrical energy. The rotor can be connected to the transmission via a rotor shaft. The rotor can be supported on the nacelle via the rotor shaft. The rotor, transmission, and generator can be fastened to the nacelle of the wind turbine, for example, by common fastening via a main support. The rotor may, for example, have a horizontal or vertical axis of rotation. The rotor may, for example, have two, three, four, or more rotor blades, which are connected to the rotor shaft via hubs. The drive system may also optionally include a brake.

[0005] The fastening system has a rotor bearing housing. At least a first bearing is fastened in the rotor bearing housing to rotatably support the rotor shaft of the drive system. A second bearing may also be arranged in the rotor bearing housing to rotatably support the rotor shaft. If only the first bearing is provided, the rotor shaft can be supported in another component of the drive system via another bearing, such as in a transmission housing or generator housing. This bearing can also be referred to as the second bearing. If two bearings are provided in the rotor bearing housing, the fastening system and the drive system can be without additional bearings for the rotor shaft in other components of the drive system. The bearings can be constructed, for example, as rolling bearings. For example, a suitable bearing is a tapered roller bearing. The bearing can have an outer ring and an inner ring, and rolling elements arranged radially between them. At least the inner ring of the first bearing can be mounted on the rotor shaft. At least the outer ring of the first bearing can be fastened in a support seat inside the rotor shaft housing. The inner ring and an alternative or additional outer ring can be fastened by press fitting. Alternatively or additionally, axial locking methods using clamping elements can be provided for fastening the respective rings. The rotor bearing housing can be, for example, a casting or a forging. The rotor bearing housing can be constructed as a single piece or as a multi-piece assembly.

[0006] The rotor bearing housing is configured for fastening to a frame within the housing. The frame may be, for example, a forging or casting. The frame may have interfaces for fastening the drive system, such as support surfaces for the rotor bearing housing. The rotor bearing housing may be a separate component from the frame, or it may be integrally formed with the frame. The rotor bearing housing may be screwed or riveted to the frame, for example.

[0007] The rotor bearing housing and the first bearing within it, along with an optional second bearing, can constitute the main support of the drive system. The wind turbine may not require additional bearings to support the drive system on the frame and the entire nacelle of the wind turbine. The main support may not require additional bearings. The rotor shaft may be supported on the nacelle only via the main support. The transmission, for example, is also supported on the nacelle only via the main support. Then, for example, stationary components of the housing (such as the transmission housing) are fastened to the rotor bearing housing. However, additionally, the transmission may also be supported on the frame, for example, via a spring damping system or a bolted connection between the transmission housing and the frame. The rotatable portion of the transmission (e.g., the input shaft of the transmission) may be supported on two bearings via the rotor shaft. Alternatively, the generator may also be supported on the nacelle only via the main support. Alternatively, the generator may also be additionally supported on the frame, for example, via a spring damping system or a bolted connection between the transmission housing and the frame.

[0008] The first bearing may be axially arranged in the rotor-side end region of the rotor bearing housing. For example, the first bearing forms a rotor-side bearing. The second bearing may be axially arranged in the generator-side end region of the rotor bearing housing. For example, the second bearing forms a generator-side bearing. The two bearings may be axially spaced apart from each other. The two bearings may be coaxially arranged. In the axial regions where the two bearings are arranged, the housing may be thickened and alternatively or additionally reinforced. The housing may have a closed annular region in the axial regions where the two bearings are respectively arranged. The axial, radial, and circumferential directions may be defined by the rotation axis of the rotor shaft, and alternatively or additionally by the rotation axis of the respective bearings.

[0009] A transmission device may have an input shaft and an output shaft. The transmission device may have a transmission housing. A generator may have a stator and a rotor. The generator may have a generator housing. The input shaft of the transmission device may be connected to the rotor shaft. The output shaft of the transmission device may be connected to the rotor of the generator. The generator housing may constitute the stator, or the stator may be secured within the generator housing. The transmission device may have a planetary gear set. For example, a planet carrier may constitute the input shaft. For example, a sun gear may constitute the output shaft. For example, a ring gear may be secured within the transmission housing, or constitute the transmission housing.

[0010] The fastening system has a stationary component. The fastening system is configured such that the rotor shaft can be fastened to the stationary component for disassembly of the first bearing. For this purpose, fastening devices may be provided, such as through openings or blind holes with internal threads in the stationary component and the rotor shaft, or clamping devices. The stationary component can be a non-movable component that can still bear the load supported on the rotor bearing housing via the first bearing and an optional second bearing even without the first bearing. For example, the stationary component can be another load-bearing component of the frame, rotor bearing housing, or nacelle. For example, the rotor shaft can be temporarily fixed to the frame or rotor bearing housing using fastening devices, such as screws. This prevents the rotor shaft from being supported in a rotatable manner, for example. Consequently, the drive system can no longer operate, for example. The connection between the rotor shaft and the stationary component can be configured, for example, to bear all loads acting on or potentially acting on the first bearing when the wind power facility is shut down. This fixed part is accessible in the assembled state of the drive system. For example, the rotor shaft can be directly or via hub bolts fixed to the flange of the rotor bearing housing. Removing the first bearing may mean removing it from its bearing housing. Removing the first bearing may mean removing at least part or all of the first bearing from the rotor bearing housing. This allows for the replacement and / or maintenance of the first bearing. The first bearing can be disassembled during removal or can be left in an operational-ready state.

[0011] Therefore, to remove the first bearing, the rotor shaft can be secured first. Thus, the first bearing can be removed from the rotor bearing housing, for example, without disassembling the rotor. The rotor and other parts of the drive system can still be supported on the frame via the rotor bearing housing. Removing the first bearing may require disassembling the transmission, or alternatively, additionally, the generator. However, the securing system can also be configured to allow the first bearing to be pushed through the transmission and, alternatively, through the generator for removal.

[0012] In one embodiment of the fastening system, the stationary component can be comprised of a rotor bearing housing. Fixing the rotor shaft to the rotor bearing housing can be very simple, as the rotor shaft is already positioned near the housing. Furthermore, the rotor bearing housing can, in principle, be configured to absorb the load acting on the first bearing, thus eliminating the need for reinforcement for assembling the first bearing compared to structures without the possibility of fixing the rotor shaft. The rotor shaft and rotor bearing housing can form an axially adjacent and radially extending flange at which they can be fastened together for disassembly of the first bearing.

[0013] In one embodiment of the fastening system, the rotor bearing housing may have an access opening. The access opening may be constructed on the end of the rotor facing away from the wind turbine. For example, the access opening may be constructed on one end side of the rotor bearing housing. The access opening may face the drive unit and, alternatively or additionally, may face the generator. Through this access opening, the first bearing can be removed during disassembly. For example, the first bearing can be axially pulled out of the rotor bearing housing through the access opening.

[0014] The access opening can be an axial through opening in the rotor bearing housing. The access opening can be closed by a cover. The cover can be removable for removing the first bearing. The cover can be part of the rotor bearing housing or can be separate from it. The cover can be secured with screws. The cover can form a connection that secures the generator and, alternatively or additionally, the transmission to the rotor bearing housing at that connection. A second bearing can be securely fastened within the cover. The second bearing can be removed by removing the cover, or at least when removing the cover. For example, the second bearing can only be removed if the rotor shaft is fixed to a stationary component. The second bearing may need to be removed before the first bearing can be removed from the access opening. When removing one of the bearings, at least the bearing can be detached from its support. During removal, at least the outer race of the corresponding bearing can be loosened. The bearing can also be disassembled by loosening the outer race from the inner race when removing one of the bearings.

[0015] In one embodiment of the fastening system, as previously described, the fastening system may include a second bearing. The second bearing may be arranged next to the first bearing on a side away from the rotor, for example, axially spaced apart from the first bearing. The second bearing may be mounted on the rotor shaft. The second bearing can also be removed for disassembly via an access opening. Here, removal can be performed by removing a cover to release the access opening.

[0016] In one embodiment of the fastening system, the radial free space between the rotor shaft and the rotor bearing housing can be configured to expand axially toward the end away from the rotor. The space between the outer side of the rotor shaft and the inner side of the rotor bearing housing can be increased axially away from the rotor and alternatively or additionally toward the opening. This facilitates the removal of the first bearing. For example, the first bearing can thus be easily moved along the rotor shaft toward the opening. The radial free space between the rotor shaft and the rotor bearing housing monotonically increases from the support of the first bearing until it approaches the opening. The radial free space between the rotor shaft and the rotor bearing housing does not decrease axially from the support of the first bearing until it approaches the opening, for example, in any axial region. The radial free space between the rotor shaft and the rotor bearing housing can expand continuously, for example, in a tapered or stepped manner.

[0017] For example, the radial free space between the rotor shaft and the rotor bearing housing can be increased by widening the inner diameter of the rotor bearing housing axially toward the end of the rotor bearing housing opposite to the rotor. Due to this widening, the inner diameter increases. The inner diameter can widen from the support of the first bearing toward the opening. The inner diameter can monotonically increase from the support of the first bearing until it approaches the opening. For example, the inner diameter can remain constant in any axial region from the support of the first bearing until it approaches the opening. The inner diameter can widen continuously, for example, taperedly or stepped. However, the rotor bearing housing can also have a constant inner diameter between the support of the first bearing and the opening.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the radial free space between the rotor shaft and the rotor bearing housing can be increased by making the outer diameter of the rotor shaft taper axially toward the end of the rotor bearing housing opposite to the rotor. Due to this taper, the outer diameter can be reduced. The outer diameter can taper from the support of the first bearing toward the opening. The outer diameter can monotonically decrease from the support of the first bearing until it approaches the opening. The outer diameter, for example, does not increase axially in any axial region from the support of the first bearing until it approaches the opening. The outer diameter can taper continuously, for example, tapering or step-like. However, the rotor shaft can also have a constant outer diameter between the support of the first bearing and the opening.

[0019] In one embodiment of the fastening system, the fastening system may include a carriage. This carriage may be fastened within the rotor bearing housing. For example, the carriage may have a guide rail that is fastened to the rotor bearing housing, for example, by screwing. The carriage may be fastened only after the access opening is released and the second bearing is optionally or additionally removed. The wind turbine may be unable to operate while the carriage is fastened. The carriage allows the first bearing to be guided out of the rotor bearing housing during disassembly. The carriage may have a trolley that is held on the guide rail, for example, in a manner capable of axial translation. The first bearing may be fastened to the carriage, for example, on the trolley of the carriage. The carriage can hold the first bearing as it moves axially through the rotor bearing housing for disassembly. The carriage may, for example, hold only the outer race of the first bearing, or it may hold the entire first bearing. The carriage may also be used first to remove the outer race of the first bearing from the rotor bearing housing, and then to disassemble the remaining first bearing. The carriage may have a drive. The drive mechanism for the carriage can also be provided by the wind turbine. Preferably, the carriage can be connected to a motor-driven device, such as a crane installed within the nacelle of the wind turbine, to drive the carriage. For example, the carriage, or at least the fastening system for this purpose, can have one or more guide rollers. Thus, the first bearing can be moved in a controlled manner even when the axis of rotation of the rotor shaft is tilted relative to the horizontal. The carriage can also be used to remove the extremely heavy first bearings of large wind turbines, which may weigh, for example, several tons. Furthermore, the carriage can facilitate removal when the internal space within the rotor bearing housing is too confined, for example, for installers to reach the first bearing. The second bearing can, for example, be arranged directly in the end region of the rotor bearing housing away from the rotor, and therefore can be removed even without the carriage. During removal, the second bearing can also be guided by the carriage, for example, to a storage location spaced apart from the rotor bearing housing.

[0020] In one embodiment of the fastening system, the system may be configured to release the outer ring of the first bearing from its support in the rotor bearing housing using a screw. The screw may apply an axial force to the outer ring, causing it to release from the support in the rotor bearing housing. For example, the axial force may be applied by turning the screw in its threads or by turning a nut on the screw. Conversely, the screw may not be used, for example, to secure the outer ring to the rotor bearing housing. For example, when the wind power facility is operational, the screw may not be placed in the rotor bearing housing. The fastening system may have a tool kit for releasing the outer ring of the first bearing from its support, the tool kit including the screw. For example, the clamping element used to axially secure the outer ring to the rotor bearing housing may be disengaged for disassembly and replaced with a support element. The screw is guided through a through opening in the support element and screwed onto the outer ring. The outer ring is then pulled axially from its support using another screw (e.g., a nut). Subsequently, a pulling element (e.g., a hook) can be introduced at the same support element or a later support element, pulling the inner ring and the rolling elements of an alternative or additional first bearing out of the support on the rotor shaft. Alternatively, the outer ring can have a through-hole with internal threads. A screw can be screwed into this through-hole and then supported at its tip on a shoulder of the rotor bearing housing. This also allows the outer ring to be axially pushed out of its support.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the outer ring of the first bearing may also rest against only a portion of the rotor bearing housing using its outer circumference. For example, the contact surface of the outer ring may extend only on a portion of the axial extension of the outer ring. Thus, the outer ring of the first bearing can be easily detached from the support in the rotor bearing housing with minimal force.

[0022] In one embodiment of the fastening system, the rotor bearing housing may have at least one through-opening in the surrounding wall, through which the first bearing can be accessed for disassembly. The through-opening may extend radially through the rotor bearing housing. The through-opening may be axially arranged near the first bearing. This allows easy access to the first bearing for disassembly. For example, a screw can be inserted through the through-opening to loosen the outer ring from the support in the rotor bearing housing. Furthermore, the fasteners of the first bearing can be loosened from outside the rotor bearing housing through the through-opening. Fastening of the carriage to the rotor bearing housing and alternatively to or attached to the first bearing can also be made possible through the through-opening. Multiple through-openings may be provided, circumferentially and alternatively or additionally spaced axially. Through-openings may also be provided adjacent to a second bearing for disassembly of the second bearing. During operation, the through-opening may be closed by a shroud. Alternatively, the bearing may also be sealed, for example.

[0023] The second aspect relates to a wind power facility having a fastening system according to the first aspect. Corresponding advantages and additional features are known from the description of the first aspect, wherein the design of the first aspect also forms the design of the second aspect, and vice versa. The wind power facility has a nacelle. The nacelle has a frame. The wind power facility has a rotor shaft, on which a rotor may optionally be fastened. The wind power facility may have a tower. A rotor bearing housing is fastened to the frame. The rotor shaft is rotatably supported in the rotor bearing housing by means of a first bearing. The rotor shaft may be fixed to a stationary component for removal of the first bearing. The transmission device may be fastened to the frame via the rotor bearing housing. The generator may be fastened to the frame via the rotor bearing housing. The rotor bearing housing and the frame may be constructed as separate components.

[0024] The third aspect relates to a method for removing a first bearing from the rotor bearing housing of a wind turbine. This method can be used in a wind turbine according to the second aspect and alternatively or additionally in a fastening system according to the first aspect to remove the first bearing. Corresponding advantages and additional features can be understood from the descriptions of the first and second aspects, wherein the design of the first or second aspect also forms the design of the third aspect, and vice versa.

[0025] In this method, the rotor bearing housing is secured to the frame within the nacelle of the wind turbine. A first bearing is secured within the rotor bearing housing, for example, at least at the beginning of the method. The rotor shaft of the wind turbine is rotatably supported on the rotor bearing housing by the first bearing, for example, at least at the beginning of the method.

[0026] This method includes the step of fixing the rotor shaft to a stationary component. For this purpose, for example, the rotor shaft is screwed to a rotor bearing housing, which is a stationary component. The method includes the step of loosening the fastener of the first bearing after fixing the rotor shaft. The first bearing can then be removed from the rotor bearing housing, for example, by axial movement through an access opening. Loosening may involve disengaging the first bearing from the rotor bearing housing and, alternatively or additionally, from the rotor shaft. The disengagement of the first bearing from the rotor bearing housing and the rotor shaft can be performed simultaneously or sequentially. For example, the outer ring is first disengaged from its support in the rotor bearing housing. Subsequently, the inner ring is disengaged from its support on the rotor shaft. The method may include the step of disengaging the transmission from the rotor bearing housing and, alternatively or additionally, moving it away. The method may include the step of disengaging the generator from the transmission and, alternatively or additionally, disengaging it from the rotor bearing housing and, alternatively or additionally, moving it away. The generator can be disengaged and moved away together with the transmission. The method may include the step of opening the access opening in the rotor bearing housing. The method may include the step of loosening and alternatively or additionally removing the second bearing from the rotor bearing housing, for example. The method may include the step of assembling a carriage. The method may include the step of fastening the first bearing to a trolley of the carriage. The method may include the step of removing the first bearing from the rotor bearing housing, for example, using the carriage. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This illustration schematically depicts a wind power facility with a drive system.

[0028] Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates the operational readiness state of a wind power facility in sectional view form. Figure 1 The first embodiment of the fastening system for the drive system of a wind power facility;

[0029] Figure 3 The diagram is schematically illustrated in the form of a sectional view. Figure 2 The disassembly of the bearings used for the rotor shaft in the fastening system;

[0030] Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates the operational readiness state of a wind power facility in sectional view form. Figure 1 A second embodiment of the fastening system for the drive system of a wind power facility;

[0031] Figure 5 The diagram is schematically illustrated in the form of a sectional view. Figure 4 The disassembly of the bearings used for the rotor shaft in the fastening system;

[0032] Figure 6 The diagram schematically illustrates the operational readiness state of a wind power facility in sectional view form. Figure 1 The third embodiment of the fastening system for the drive system of wind power facilities;

[0033] Figure 7 The diagram schematically illustrates the operational readiness state of a wind power facility in sectional view form. Figure 1 The fourth embodiment of the fastening system for the drive system of wind power facilities;

[0034] Figure 8 The first shape of the rotor bearing housing in various different implementations of the fastening system is schematically illustrated in sectional view form;

[0035] Figure 9 The second shape of the rotor bearing housing in various different embodiments of the fastening system is schematically illustrated in the form of a sectional view;

[0036] Figure 10 The illustration schematically depicts a first variation of the fastening system used to loosen the outer ring of a bearing from its support in the rotor bearing housing by means of screws in various different implementations of the fastening system.

[0037] Figure 11 The illustration schematically depicts a second variation of the fastening system used to loosen the outer ring of the bearing from its support in the rotor bearing housing by means of screws in various different implementations of the fastening system.

[0038] Figure 12 The diagram illustrates alternative configurations of the bearing outer ring's support within the rotor bearing housing in various implementations of the fastening system.

[0039] Figure 13 The first shape of a rotor bearing housing in various different embodiments of the fastening system is schematically illustrated in the form of a side view, the rotor bearing housing having at least one through opening in the surrounding wall;

[0040] Figure 14 The second shape of the through opening in the surrounding wall of the rotor bearing housing is schematically illustrated in the form of a side view in various different embodiments of the fastening system;

[0041] Figure 15 The third form of the through opening in the surrounding wall of the rotor bearing housing is schematically illustrated in the form of a top view in various different implementations of the fastening system;

[0042] Figure 16The slide of the fastening system is schematically illustrated in the form of a side view. The slide is fastened in the rotor bearing housing when the wind power facility is in an off-line state for the purpose of removing the first bearing and guiding the first bearing out of the rotor bearing housing during removal.

[0043] Figure 17 The carriage of the fastening system is illustrated schematically in the form of a sectional view;

[0044] Figure 18 The carriage of the fastening system is schematically illustrated in a side view, in which the bearing now moves toward an approach opening in the rotor bearing housing by means of the carriage. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 A wind power facility 10 with a horizontally structured drive system is described. The wind power facility 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. For this purpose, a rotor bearing housing 40 is provided, which is fastened to a frame 42 of the nacelle 20. The rotor shaft 16 is mechanically connected to a generator 24 via a transmission 22. A brake 26 is also arranged in the connection between the transmission 22 and the generator 24, acting on the input shaft of the generator 24. The nacelle 20 is rotatably supported at the upper end of a tower 28, which is anchored to the ground. In another embodiment, the wind power facility 10 is constructed as an offshore wind power facility. In addition to the tower 28, the wind power facility 10 also has a grid interface 30. The first bearing 18 faces the rotor 12 and is also referred to as the rotor-side bearing 18. The second bearing 38 faces the generator 24 and is also referred to as the generator-side bearing 38. Both bearings 18 and 38 are constructed as tapered roller bearings. At least the rotor bearing housing 40, rotor shaft 16, rotor 12, transmission 22, and generator 24 form the components of the drive system of the wind power facility 10.

[0046] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, the transmission 22 is axially arranged between the rotor bearing housing 40 and the generator 24. Both the generator 24 and the transmission 22 are fastened to the frame 42 only via the rotor bearing housing 40. The generator 24 is indirectly connected to the rotor bearing housing 40 via the transmission 22, and is therefore fastened to the frame 42 via both the transmission 22 and the rotor bearing housing 40. The rotor 12 is also supported on the frame 42 only via the rotor shaft 16 and the main support. Therefore, if the two bearings 18 and 38 are to be replaced or maintained, the rotor 12 typically needs to be disassembled.

[0047] Figure 2 The sectional view illustrates the method used to [describe / explain] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a fastening system for securing the drive system of a wind turbine 10 to the nacelle 20 of the wind turbine 10. This fastening system has a rotor bearing housing 40 and two bearings 18 and 38. The first bearing 18 is housed in the rotor bearing housing 40. The second bearing 38 is housed in a cover 50 and is thus indirectly fastened to the rotor bearing housing 40. The cover 50 closes the access opening on the end of the rotor bearing housing 40 opposite to the rotor 12. The cover 50 is secured to the end side of the rotor bearing housing with screws. By loosening the cover 50, the second bearing 38 is disengaged from the rotor bearing housing 40 and is automatically removed from the internal space of the rotor bearing housing 40 when the cover 50 is removed. The transmission 22 is secured to the cover 50 with screws using its housing. The generator 24 is fastened to the housing of the transmission 22 using its housing and is thus indirectly connected to the cover 50 and, consequently, the rotor bearing housing 40. The input shaft 52 of the transmission device 22 is screwed to the rotor shaft 16, so that the driving force from the rotor 12 can be introduced into the transmission device 22 during operation. Figure 2 The fastening system and the wind power facility 10 are shown to be in an operational ready state.

[0048] Figure 3 The disassembly of the two bearings 18, 38 in the first embodiment of the fastening system is illustrated in cross-sectional view. Disassembly of the rotor 12 is not required. Instead, the fastening system is configured to secure the rotor shaft 16 to a stationary component of the fastening system for disassembly of the first bearing 18 and the second bearing 38. Currently, the rotor bearing housing 40 forms this stationary component. Figure 3 As can be seen, in order to disassemble the two bearings 18 and 38, the rotor shaft 16 is first bolted to the rotor bearing housing 40 at the end region on the rotor side using a bolted connection on two adjacent and radially protruding flanges of the rotor bearing housing 40 and the rotor shaft 16. This temporarily fixes the rotor shaft 16 and de-positions the wind turbine 10 from operational readiness. Nevertheless, the respective loads previously introduced into the rotor bearing housing 40 via the two bearings 18 and 38 can now still be transmitted via this bolted connection. The rotor bearing housing 40 then continues to introduce these forces into the frame 42.

[0049] When disassembling the two bearings 18 and 38, the transmission 22 and generator 24 are first disengaged from the remaining drive system. To do this, the threaded connection between the housing of the transmission 22 and the cover 50 is loosened, and the threaded connection between the input shaft 52 and the rotor shaft 16 is also loosened. In the example shown, the input shaft 52 is configured as the planet carrier of the planetary gear set of the transmission 22. Therefore, the threaded connection between the input shaft 52 and the rotor shaft 16 can be accessed from the outside. Subsequently, the transmission 22 and generator 24 are moved away from the rotor bearing housing 40, for example, using a crane integrated into the nacelle 20 of the wind turbine 10 or using rails temporarily installed within the nacelle 20. The retaining element 54, which axially locks the second bearing 38 into place during operation, is then released. The retaining element 54 is here configured as a clamping ring, which is threaded onto the rotor shaft 16 in the operational-ready state. Then, the cover 50 and the second bearing 38 therein are detached from the rotor bearing housing 40 and moved axially away to release the access opening on the end of the rotor bearing housing 40 away from the rotor 12 and thus the transmission side. This access opening is here configured as an axially through opening. Alternatively, the second bearing 38 may be removed separately first, and then the cover 50 may be removed. Here, the respective parts are moved away again using a crane integrated within the housing 20.

[0050] After releasing the access opening, the additional retaining element 56, which axially locks the first bearing 18 into place during operation, is released. The additional retaining element 56 is configured as a clamping ring that is screwed onto the rotor bearing housing 40 in the operation-ready state. The first bearing 18 can then be moved axially along the rotor shaft 16 toward the access opening and then removed from the interior space of the rotor bearing housing 40 through the access opening. Therefore, the first bearing 18 can be replaced and maintained without disassembling the rotor 12. In the example shown, the assembly is performed in the reverse order.

[0051] To facilitate the movement of the first bearing 18 from its support toward the opening, the radial free space between the rotor shaft 16 and the rotor bearing housing 40 expands axially toward the end away from the rotor 12, and thus toward the opening. Therefore, the distance between the outer circumference of the rotor shaft 16 and the inner circumference of the rotor bearing housing 40 increases from the support of the first bearing 18 toward the opening, for clear reasons, only... Figure 2 The text uses two arrows, 58 and 60, to illustrate this. Arrow 60 is closer to the opening than arrow 58, and therefore longer.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, for this purpose, the outer diameter of the rotor shaft 16 continuously decreases from the support of the first bearing 18 toward the opening. To this end, the outer wall of the rotor shaft 16 is radially inclined inward at a constant angle toward the opening in the axial direction, thus the rotor shaft 16 tapers tapering. Furthermore, for this purpose, the inner diameter of the rotor bearing housing 40 continuously increases from the support of the first bearing 18 toward the opening, thus the rotor bearing housing expands tapering. To this end, the inner wall of the rotor bearing housing 40 is radially inclined outward at a constant angle in the axial direction toward the opening. In the figures and embodiments shown here, for ease of explanation, the expansion of the radial free space between the rotor shaft 16 and the rotor bearing housing 40 toward the opening in the axial direction is exaggerated. In actual implementations, the increase may be a few millimeters or centimeters. The inclination of the inner wall of the rotor bearing housing 40 and the outer wall of the rotor shaft 16 is thus correspondingly much smaller than shown here.

[0053] exist Figure 4 A second embodiment of the fastening system is shown, which is similar to the first embodiment. Only the differences are explained. The cover 50 is omitted here. Instead, the housing of the transmission 22 is directly screwed to the rotor bearing housing 40, thus closing the access opening. Furthermore, the second bearing 38 is not placed in the rotor bearing housing 40 without the cover 50. Instead, the second bearing 38 is fastened to the non-rotatable member 62 of the transmission 22 by means of a fixing element 54. The non-rotatable member 62 is configured as a bearing seat for the second bearing 38 and is fixed to the housing of the transmission 22. In other embodiments, the non-rotatable member 62 is formed by the housing. Now, the input shaft 52 is rotatably supported in the second bearing 38. Therefore, the rotor shaft 16 is indirectly rotatably supported on the second bearing 38 via the input shaft 52.

[0054] When disassembling the first bearing 18, the access opening in the rotor bearing housing 40 is now released directly by the release transmission 22 and moved away from it, as... Figure 5 As shown in the diagram. Here, the second bearing 38 can remain securely fastened in the transmission 22 without loosening the fixing element 54. The input shaft 52 is thus continued to be supported, and therefore, the transmission 22 remains in a ready-to-operate state. This allows for testing of the transmission 22 and the generator 24 in a loosened state. Furthermore, there is no need to secure the input shaft 52 for transport, and the transmission 22 can remain sealed. In addition, in this second embodiment, fewer bolted connections need to be loosened when disassembling the first bearing 18, and fewer parts require operation. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the corresponding parts requiring operation when disassembling the first bearing 18 have a lighter weight. Furthermore, the two bearings 18, 38 can be more easily and accurately coaxially oriented towards each other.

[0055] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a third embodiment of the fastening system in the operational-ready state of the wind power facility 10, a modification of the first embodiment. Only the differences are described. The drive system now has a flexible connecting element 70 by means of which the rotor shaft 16 is connected to the input shaft 52 of the transmission 22. Therefore, the input shaft 52 is no longer directly and rigidly screwed to the rotor shaft 16. A housing element 72 is arranged radially outside the connecting element 70, in which the connecting element 70 is housed. The housing element 72, like the cover 50 in the first embodiment, closes the access opening of the rotor bearing housing 40. Similar to the cover 50 in the first embodiment, the second bearing 38 is fastened to the housing element 72. The housing of the transmission 22 is connected to the rotor bearing housing 40 via the housing element 70 in a rotationally resistant manner through corresponding screwed connections.

[0056] exist Figure 6 The diagram also shows a planetary gear set 74 of the transmission 22. The input shaft 52 is formed by a planet carrier 80, which is additionally supported rotatably on the housing of the transmission 22 by two rolling bearings 76. Due to the flexible connecting element 70, the support portion is not overly defined. The planetary gear set 74 also has a sun gear 82 and a ring gear 84. The ring gear 84 is fastened to the housing of the transmission. The sun gear 82 forms the output shaft of the transmission 22, which is fastened to the mover of the generator 24. A plurality of planet gears 86 are rotatably supported on the planet carrier 80. The planet gears 86 mesh with the ring gear 84 and the sun gear 82, respectively. In other embodiments, the transmission 22 may also have additional planetary gear sets.

[0057] exist Figure 6 In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the rotor shaft 16 does not taper from the support of the first bearing 18 toward the opening. Instead, the rotor shaft 16 has a constant outer diameter. However, due to the expansion of the inner diameter of the rotor shaft housing 40, the radial free space between the rotor shaft 16 and the rotor shaft housing 40 still expands toward the opening.

[0058] In the third embodiment, the disassembly of the first bearing 18 is similar to that in the first embodiment, such as for... Figure 3 As described in the first embodiment. Here, instead of the loosening cover 50, it is the housing element 72 that is loosened in order to release the access opening in the rotor bearing housing 40. In order to loosen the transmission 22, the connecting element 70 is loosened, which can remain on the input shaft 52 of the transmission 22.

[0059] Figure 7The diagram illustrates a fourth embodiment of the fastening system in the operational-ready state of the wind power facility 10, which is a modification of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the internal structure of the transmission device 22 is shown, and its design is similar to... Figure 6 The third embodiment is the same. The rotor shaft 16 is also constructed in the same way as in the third embodiment and therefore has a constant outer diameter. Only the other differences are explained.

[0060] In the fourth embodiment, the transmission device 22 is not fastened to the frame via the rotor bearing housing 40. Instead, the housing of the transmission device 22 is directly fastened to the frame 42 via a rubber bushing element 90. Because the transmission device 22 is elastically supported on the frame 42 by the bushing element 90, the support is not overly defined, even though the input shaft 52 of the transmission device 22 is rigidly fastened to the rotor shaft 16 directly by a screw connection.

[0061] Figure 8 The diagram shows a first variation of the rotor bearing housing 40, in which the radial free space between the rotor shaft 16 and the rotor bearing housing 40 widens axially toward an opening because the inner diameter of the rotor bearing housing increases radially outward through the wall. This corresponds to the shape in the embodiment described above. Figure 9 A second variation of the rotor bearing housing 40 is shown, in which the radial free space between the rotor shaft 16 and the rotor bearing housing 40 expands axially toward the opening because the inner diameter of the rotor bearing housing 40 increases one-time toward the opening via a step 100 axially adjacent to the support of the first bearing 18. In other embodiments, multiple such steps 100 are provided. These two variations of the rotor bearing housing 40, which increase the radial free space between the rotor shaft 16 and the rotor bearing housing 40 axially toward the opening, are combined in other embodiments with any embodiment of the fastening system shown or with a rotor shaft 16 that generally has a constant outer diameter or an outer diameter that decreases axially toward the opening. In other embodiments, the rotor shaft 16 has a shape in which the outer diameter decreases radially inward via one or more steps instead of the outer circumferential surface.

[0062] Figure 10 A first variation is illustrated in various implementations of the fastening system for loosening the outer ring 110 of the first bearing 18 and, alternatively, additional second bearing 38, from its support in the rotor bearing housing 40 or other components using screws. The outer ring 110 is axially secured using a fixing element (e.g., fixing element 56). This is in... Figure 10This is shown in sub-figure A. The fixing element 56 is screwed to the member forming the support and is removed to loosen the outer ring 110. This is in Figure 10 This is shown in sub-figure B. Subsequently, the support element 114 is arranged approximately at this location and fastened to the member forming the support by screws. This is in... Figure 10 This is shown in sub-figure C. A through opening is formed in the support element 114, which is coaxially oriented with the blind hole 116. A screw 112 is guided through the through opening in the support element 114 and screwed onto the outer ring 110 via the blind hole 116. By rotating the nut 118 on the screw 112, the screw 112 is pulled axially backward through the through opening in the support element 114. At this time, the outer ring 110 is also pulled axially toward the opening. In one configuration, at this point, the outer ring 110 will detach from the rest of the bearing. This is shown in... Figure 10 This is shown in sub-figure C. In another configuration, at this point, the entire bearing will be pulled axially toward the opening.

[0063] exist Figure 10 Sub-figure D also shows a pulling device 120, which is fastened to the member forming the support seat by screwing using an additional support element 122. The pulling device 120 has an actuator 124 and a hook element 126 that engages with one or more rolling elements 130 of the bearing, and thus can axially pull the rolling elements 130 and the inner ring 132 of the bearing toward the opening. This causes the inner ring 132 to also be released from its support seat. This is also illustrated in sub-figure D.

[0064] Figure 11 A second variation of the fastening system, illustrating the use of screws 112 to loosen the outer ring 110 of the first bearing 18 and, alternatively, an additional second bearing 38, from its support in the rotor bearing housing 40 or other components, is illustrated schematically. Here, the outer ring 110 is designed differently and extends partially radially along the end side of a component that forms the support for the outer ring 110. This portion of the outer ring 110 has a through-hole 140 with internal threads. Furthermore, this portion of the outer ring 110 is screwed at its end side for fastening to the component forming the support for the outer ring 110. To loosen the outer ring 110 from its support, the screw is first loosened. Then, screws 112 are tightened into the through-hole 140. Here, the screw 112 rests on the end side of the component forming the support for the outer ring 110 and pushes the outer ring 110 axially toward the opening. This is... Figure 11 It is shown in subgraph B. And in... Figure 11 In sub-diagram A, the outer ring 110 is fastened to its support.

[0065] Figure 12 The diagram illustrates alternative configurations of the bearing outer ring 110's support within a component (such as the rotor bearing housing 40) in various implementations of the fastening system. For axial fixation, the outer ring 110 is also screwed to the end of the component constituting the support of the outer ring 110. This is shown in... Figure 12 This is illustrated in sub-figure A. The outer ring 110, within the component and in the support, has only a small region 150 of radially outer contact with the outer surrounding wall, extending only a small axially. To loosen the outer ring 110, the threaded connection is released. Because the axial extension of the region 150 of the outer ring 110, within the component and in the support, is small, the outer ring 110 can be loosened with very little force. This is shown in... Figure 12 The explanation is provided in subgraph B.

[0066] Figure 13 The first configuration of the rotor bearing housing 40 is schematically illustrated in a side view, the housing having at least one through opening 160 in the surrounding wall. This allows access to the interior space of the rotor bearing housing 40 even when the wind power facility 10 is in an operational-ready state. The first bearing 18 can be released, for example, as previously described, through the radially extending through opening 160. Furthermore, a carriage 200, which will be described below, can be mounted therein. Figure 13 In the example shown, the through opening 160 is configured as an ellipse and is located in the end region on the rotor side. The example shown has two coaxial through openings 160 on opposite sides, pointing substantially horizontally. Due to the elliptical shape, smaller size, and fewer through openings, the rotor bearing housing 40 can withstand higher loads. In yet another embodiment, the rotor bearing housing 40 also has such a through opening 140 on the lower side and alternatively or additionally on the upper side.

[0067] Figure 14 A second configuration of the rotor bearing housing 40 is schematically illustrated in a side view, the rotor bearing housing having at least one through opening 160 in the surrounding wall. In this configuration, two through openings 160 are visible side-by-side in the height direction, one on the rotor side end region and the other on the generator side end region. The generator side end region is located in the region close to the opening. This second configuration also allows easy access to the second bearing 38 from the interior space of the rotor bearing housing 40. The illustrated example also has coaxial through openings 160 on the opposite side relative to the illustrated through opening 160, these through openings pointing substantially horizontally. In yet another embodiment, the rotor bearing housing 40 also has such through openings 140 on the lower side and alternatively or additionally on the upper side.

[0068] Figure 15 A third configuration of the rotor bearing housing 40 is schematically illustrated in top view, having at least one through opening 160 in the surrounding wall. In this configuration, two through openings 160 are arranged side-by-side in the transverse direction. In this third configuration, these through openings 160 extend from the end region on the rotor side to the end region on the generator side. This third configuration allows for easy access to the first bearing 18 from the outside through the surrounding wall of the rotor bearing housing 40 when the first bearing 18 is moved to proximity to the opening for removal from the rotor bearing housing 40 during disassembly.

[0069] In yet another embodiment, different shapes of the through opening 160 are combined. For example, according to Figure 15 The third shape features a through opening 160 on the upper side, and is positioned on the side according to... Figure 14 The second shape features a through-hole opening of 160. Figures 16 to 18 This design is shown.

[0070] Figures 16 to 18 The text describes a carriage 200 fastened within a rotor bearing housing 40. In one embodiment, the carriage 200 is fastened after the proximity opening of the rotor bearing housing 40 is released. The carriage 200 allows the first bearing to be guided out of the rotor bearing housing 40 during disassembly. The carriage has a guide rail 202 screwed to the end side of the rotor bearing housing 40 near the opening. In one embodiment, screw holes for securing other components (e.g., cover 50) in the operational-ready state can be utilized. Furthermore, the guide rail is screwed to the rotor bearing housing 40 axially adjacent to the support of the first bearing 18 via an end region. This screwed connection extends radially through the wall of the rotor bearing housing 40. A trolley 204, supported by rollers, is supported on the guide rail 202 in an axially movable manner. The first bearing 18 is fastened to the trolley 204 during disassembly. The carriage 200 allows the first bearing 18 to be guided out of the rotor bearing housing 40 during disassembly. Figure 17 The image shows a fastening method achieved using screws.

[0071] Figure 18 The diagram illustrates how the first bearing 18, guided by the trolley 204, shifts towards the opening. The axis of rotation of the rotor shaft 16, and consequently the orientation of the guide rail 202, is tilted relative to the horizontal. Accordingly, gravity pulls the first bearing 18 towards the opening. This movement is controlled here by a brake and alternative or additional actuators. Currently, the trolley 204 is connected for this purpose to a crane (not shown) integrated into the nacelle 20 of the wind turbine 10, thus eliminating the need for an additional drive.

[0072] List of reference numerals

[0073] 10 Wind Power Facilities

[0074] 12 rotors

[0075] 14 hubs

[0076] 16 rotor shafts

[0077] 18 First Rolling Bearing

[0078] 20 hulls

[0079] 22 Transmission device

[0080] 24 generators

[0081] 26 brakes

[0082] 28 towers

[0083] 30 power grid interface

[0084] 38 Second rolling bearing

[0085] 40 Rotor Bearing Housing

[0086] 42 racks

[0087] 50 caps

[0088] 52 input axes

[0089] 54 Fixing Components

[0090] 56 Other fixing elements

[0091] 58 arrows

[0092] 60 arrows

[0093] 62. Non-rotating components

[0094] 70 Flexible Connecting Elements

[0095] 72 housing components

[0096] 74 planetary gear sets

[0097] 76 rolling bearing

[0098] 80 planetary support

[0099] 82 Sun Gear

[0100] 84 gear ring

[0101] 86 planetary wheels

[0102] 90 bushing element

[0103] 100 steps

[0104] 110 outer ring

[0105] 112 screws

[0106] 114 support elements

[0107] 116 blind holes

[0108] 118 nuts

[0109] 120 traction equipment

[0110] 122 Other support elements

[0111] 124 actuators

[0112] 126 hook components

[0113] 130 rolling element

[0114] 132 inner circle

[0115] 140 through opening

[0116] Area 150

[0117] 160 through opening

[0118] 200 carriage

[0119] 202 guide rail

[0120] 204 pulleys

Claims

1. A fastening system for the drive system of a wind power facility (10) on the nacelle (20) of the wind power facility (10), wherein, The fastening system has a rotor bearing housing (40), a stationary component, and a first bearing (18), wherein the first bearing (18) is fastened in the rotor bearing housing (40) for rotatably supporting the rotor shaft (16) of the drive system, wherein the rotor bearing housing (40) is configured for fastening to the frame (42) of the housing (20), and wherein the fastening system is configured to fix the rotor shaft (16) to the stationary component in order to remove the first bearing (18).

2. The fastening system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stationary component is formed by the rotor bearing housing (40).

3. The fastening system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rotor bearing housing (40) has an access opening at the end of the rotor (12) facing away from the wind power facility (10), through which the first bearing can be removed during disassembly.

4. The fastening system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fastening system has a second bearing (38), which can also be removed through the access opening for disassembly.

5. The fastening system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The radial free space between the rotor shaft (16) and the rotor bearing housing (40) expands in the axial direction toward the end away from the rotor (12).

6. The fastening system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The fastening system has a carriage (200) that can be fastened in the rotor bearing housing (40) and, by means of the carriage, can guide the first bearing (18) out of the rotor bearing housing (40) during disassembly.

7. The fastening system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The fastening system is configured to detach the outer ring (110) of the first bearing (18) from the support of the first bearing in the rotor bearing housing (40) by means of screws.

8. The fastening system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The rotor bearing housing (40) has at least one through opening (160) in the surrounding wall, through which the first bearing (18) can be accessed for disassembly.

9. A wind power facility (10), the wind power facility comprising: a nacelle (20) equipped with a frame (42), a rotor shaft (16), and a fastening system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rotor bearing housing (40) is fastened to the frame (42), and the rotor shaft (16) is rotatably supported in the rotor bearing housing (40) by means of a first bearing (18), wherein the rotor shaft (16) can be fixed to a stationary component for disassembly of the first bearing (18).

10. A method for removing a first bearing (18) from a rotor bearing housing (40) of a wind power facility (10), wherein, The rotor bearing housing (40) is fastened to the frame (42) in the nacelle (20) of the wind power facility (10), wherein the first bearing (18) is fastened in the rotor bearing housing (40), and wherein the rotor shaft (16) of the wind power facility (10) is rotatably supported on the rotor bearing housing (40) by means of the first bearing (18), wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: - Fix the rotor shaft (16) to a stationary component; - Loosen the fasteners of the first bearing (18) after securing the rotor shaft (16).

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