Drive assembly for a wind power plant

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drive assembly (101, 201, 301) for a wind power generation facility, the drive assembly having a main shaft (103), intermediate members (105, 303), a main shaft housing (109), and a transmission mechanism; wherein the main shaft (103) is fully supported in the main shaft housing (109); and wherein the planetary carrier (107) of the transmission mechanism is fixed to the main shaft (103) via the intermediate members (105, 303) in a rotationally resistant and unsupported manner. The drive assembly (101, 201, 301) has a detachable first engagement connection (123) between the intermediate members (105, 303) and the planetary carrier (107).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive assembly as described in the preamble of claim 1 and a method as described in the foregoing portion of claim 11. Background Technology

[0002] A planetary carrier with a diaphragm-like attachment is known from printed document DE 10 2017 223 356 A1. The planetary carrier is connected to the spindle via this attachment in a manner that resists relative rotation. This attachment specifically reduces the tilt resistance at the connection between the spindle and the planetary carrier. The attachment is connected to the planetary carrier in one piece. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved drive assembly for wind power generation facilities. This object is achieved by the drive assembly according to claim 1 and the method according to claim 11. Preferred improvements are contained in the dependent claims and will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

[0004] The drive assembly according to the invention is configured for use in a wind power generation facility and includes a main shaft, intermediate components, a main shaft housing, and a transmission mechanism.

[0005] The main shaft extends between the wind-driven rotor and the transmission mechanism of the wind power generation facility. This main shaft either forms the input shaft of the transmission mechanism or connects the rotor and the input shaft of the transmission mechanism in a manner that resists relative rotation.

[0006] In this design, the spindle is entirely supported within a single housing, namely the spindle housing. This means that all bearings supporting the spindle are located within the spindle housing. Preferably, the bearings are engaged with the spindle housing, i.e., fixed within the spindle housing via a joint connection between the respective bearing and the spindle housing.

[0007] The spindle is at least partially located within the spindle housing. In the circumferential direction about the axis of rotation of the spindle, the spindle housing completely surrounds at least a portion of the spindle.

[0008] The spindle housing is preferably implemented as a single piece. This spindle housing can be connected to the housing of the transmission mechanism as a single piece or in multiple pieces.

[0009] The transmission mechanism has a planetary carrier on the input side. The planetary carrier is fixed to the spindle via an intermediate member in a way that resists relative rotation and is unsupported.

[0010] A first joint connection exists between the intermediate component and the planetary carrier. This first joint connection establishes a connection between the intermediate component and the planetary carrier that resists relative rotation and tipping.

[0011] The intermediate component is connected to the main shaft via a second joint connection. The second joint connection is also resistant to relative rotation and tipping.

[0012] An anti-tipping connection refers to a connection that is relatively rigid to the tilting action. "Tipping" is understood as rotation about a transverse axis, which in this design is rotation about an axis orthogonal to the rotation axes of the main shaft and / or the planetary carrier. An anti-tipping connection resists such rotation by applying a counter-torque, i.e., applying a torque pointing in the opposite direction to the tilting action.

[0013] The planetary carrier being fixed in an unsupported manner is synonymous with the following: the planetary carrier does not have its own bearings, i.e., there are no bearings directly physically connected to the planetary carrier, but is supported to the spindle via an intermediate member. Here, at least a portion of the planetary carrier's weight is transferred to the spindle via the intermediate member and from the spindle to the spindle housing via the spindle's bearings. Apart from the spindle bearings, there are no other bearings used to support the planetary carrier in the housing or a structure fixed relative to the housing.

[0014] Preferably, the intermediate component is designed to be compliant with the tilting of the planetary carrier relative to the main shaft. This tilting is accompanied by elastic deformation of the intermediate component. This can be achieved, for example, by a small wall thickness of at least a portion of the intermediate component extending in a disc-like shape in the radial direction.

[0015] According to the invention, the first joint connection is detachable. The detachable joint connection is characterized in that it can be removed without damaging the mating components. For example, the detachable joint connection can be implemented as a screw connection.

[0016] In a preferred improvement, the second joint connection is also detachable.

[0017] The advantage of the present invention and the improved embodiment with a detachable second engagement connection is that the installation and disassembly of the drive assembly is simplified due to the detachability of the first engagement connection and, if necessary, the second engagement connection.

[0018] Preferably, the drive assembly is modified to have an intermediate housing. This intermediate housing connects the spindle housing to the transmission housing or a gear ring forming part of the transmission housing. The intermediate housing can be integrally connected to the spindle housing and / or the transmission housing. Alternatively, the intermediate housing and the spindle housing and / or the intermediate housing and the transmission housing can be implemented as separate parts. The connection between the intermediate housing and the spindle housing and / or the intermediate housing and the transmission housing is preferably detachable.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate housing has at least one mounting opening. This mounting opening is a through-hole that connects the space between the intermediate component and the intermediate housing to the surrounding environment of the intermediate component. This mounting opening allows installers to access the intermediate component from the outside for maintenance, assembly, and / or disassembly.

[0020] Preferably, the installation opening provides access to the first and / or second engagement connections for maintenance, installation, and / or disassembly purposes. To prevent contaminants from entering the space between the intermediate component and the intermediate housing, the installation opening is preferably closed with a removable cover or is capable of being closed with a removable cover.

[0021] Preferably, the drive assembly is improved to have a first seal and / or a second seal. The first seal fluidly isolates the space between the intermediate member and the intermediate housing from the space within the transmission housing. Thus, the first seal acts as a shield against fluids (such as lubricating oil) present in the transmission housing and prevents fluid from seeping into the space between the intermediate member and the intermediate housing.

[0022] The second seal effectively isolates the space between the intermediate component and the intermediate housing from the space between the spindle and the spindle housing in a fluid-tight manner. Thus, the second seal acts as a shield against fluids (e.g., lubricating oil for lubricating the spindle bearings) contained in the space between the spindle and the spindle housing, and prevents fluid from entering the space between the intermediate component and the intermediate housing.

[0023] The space between the intermediate component and the intermediate housing is kept fluid-free by the first and / or second sealing parts. This is advantageous in terms of the aforementioned maintenance, installation, and disassembly work.

[0024] The intermediate component is preferably modified to have a first flange and / or a second flange. A flange refers to an axial end section having an annular end face. According to the modification, the first flange forms a first joint connection and / or the second flange forms a second joint connection. According to the modification, the intermediate component is detachably connected to the planetary carrier via the first flange and / or detachably connected to the spindle via the second flange. Preferably, the first flange and / or the second flange are designed as bolt flanges.

[0025] Preferably, the intermediate component is modified to have an intermediate portion that allows the first flange and the second flange to connect to each other. In particular, the first flange and the second flange can be arranged on axially opposite sides of the intermediate component, thus forming the axial end face of the intermediate portion.

[0026] In a preferred improvement, the first flange and / or the second flange project radially outward from the middle portion. This means that the first flange and / or the second flange extend radially outward from the middle portion. With respect to the first flange and / or the second flange, the middle portion is therefore arranged radially inward, i.e., with a smaller distance from the rotation axis of the main shaft, the middle portion, and / or the planetary carrier. This improvement is advantageous because, according to this improvement, the first flange and / or the second flange are accessible through at least one mounting opening.

[0027] In contrast, in a preferred improvement, the second flange protrudes radially inward from the middle portion. According to this improvement, the second flange extends radially inward from the middle portion. The middle portion is therefore positioned radially outward, i.e., at a greater distance from the axis of rotation. The radially inwardly protruding second flange can be accessed via a spindle designed as a hollow shaft for maintenance, installation, and disassembly.

[0028] The method according to the invention is used for maintaining, installing, and / or disassembling the aforementioned drive assembly having an intermediate housing (the intermediate housing having at least one mounting opening). The method involves using at least one mounting opening to disconnect or close a first engagement connection and / or a second engagement connection. Specifically, an installer can access the space between the intermediate component and the intermediate housing using tools through at least one mounting opening to disconnect or close the first engagement connection and / or the second engagement connection. In the case of smaller drive assemblies, the installer can remain outside the cavity. For larger drive assemblies, it is possible for an installer to enter the cavity through the mounting opening for maintenance, installation, and / or disassembly. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. Consistent reference numerals denote the same or functionally identical features. Specifically: Figure 1 The first drive component is shown; Figure 2 The second drive component is shown; and Figure 3 The third driving component is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] exist Figure 1 The first drive component 101 shown in the figure, in Figure 2 The second drive component 201 shown and in Figure 3 The third drive assembly 301 shown has a main spindle 103, an intermediate component 105, a planetary carrier 107, and a housing. The housing includes a main spindle housing 109, an intermediate housing 111, and a gear ring 113.

[0031] The spindle 103 is rotatably supported in the spindle housing 109 by means of two axially spaced bearing assemblies 115. The intermediate member 105 connects the planetary carrier 107 to the spindle 103 in a manner resistant to relative rotation and supports the planetary carrier within the spindle 103. This eliminates the need for the planetary carrier 107 to have its own bearings. The assembly consisting of the spindle 103, intermediate member 105, and planetary carrier 107 is supported solely by the spindle bearings 115.

[0032] The intermediate housing 111 has a mounting opening 117. Depending on the size of the drive assembly 101, installers can enter the space extending between the intermediate member 105 and the intermediate housing 111 through the mounting opening 117, or reach into the space from the outside, to perform maintenance, installation, and / or disassembly work on the intermediate member 105 or its fixed parts in the spindle 103 and / or planetary carrier 107.

[0033] To prevent lubricant from entering the space, a first sealing portion 119 and a second sealing portion 121 are provided. The first sealing portion 119 extends between the planetary carrier 107 and the intermediate housing 111. This first sealing portion can be fixed in the planetary carrier 107 and pressed against the intermediate housing 111 with one or more sealing lips, or fixed in the intermediate housing 111 and pressed against the planetary carrier 107 with one or more sealing lips. The first sealing portion 119 forms a fluid-tight barrier against the lubricant contained within the transmission mechanism.

[0034] The second seal 121 extends between the spindle 103 and the spindle housing 109. This second seal can be fixed in the spindle 103 and pressed against the spindle housing 109 with one or more sealing lips, or it can be fixed in the spindle housing 109 and pressed against the spindle 103 with one or more sealing lips. In this way, the space extending between the spindle 103 and the spindle housing 109 is fluid-tightly sealed relative to the space between the intermediate member 105 and the intermediate housing 111. The second seal 121 prevents lubricating oil contained in the space between the spindle 103 and the spindle housing 109 from entering the space between the intermediate member 105 and the intermediate housing 111.

[0035] exist Figures 1 to 3 In embodiments 101, 201, and 301 shown, the intermediate component 105 is screwed to the spindle 103 and the planetary carrier 107 respectively via screw flanges. Figure 1 A first screw flange 123 for screwing the intermediate member 105 to the planetary carrier 107 and a second screw flange 125 for screwing the intermediate member 105 to the spindle 103 are shown. The first screw flange 123 and the second screw flange 125 extend radially outward from the middle portion of the intermediate member 105. Both screw flanges 123 and 125 are thus accessible through a mounting opening 117.

[0036] Figure 2 The second drive component 201 shown is with Figure 1 The difference in the first drive assembly 101 shown lies in the design of the second flange 125. Therefore, according to Figure 2 The second flange 125 extends radially inward from the middle portion of the intermediate member 105. As a result, the threaded portion of the second flange 125 can no longer be reached through the mounting opening 117. To disconnect or close the threaded portion of the second flange 125, the installer can alternatively access and reach the second flange 125 via the hollow spindle 103.

[0037] exist Figure 3 In the third drive assembly 301 shown, the middleware is implemented as a flat disk 303. (This is in accordance with...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 Compared to the curved intermediate part 105, the flat disc 303 can be manufactured particularly easily and correspondingly more cost-effectively.

[0038] The disk 303 is screwed to the spindle 103 via a pitch retainer 305. The planetary carrier 107 forms a continuation 307 extending from its input sidewall toward the disk 303. The disk 303 is screwed to this continuation 307. A corresponding screwed portion forms a first screw flange 123. A second screw flange 125 is formed through the screwed portion between the disk 303 and the spindle 103. The first screw flange 123 is arranged radially outward relative to the second screw flange 125. Thus, the first screw flange 123 surrounds the second screw flange 125.

[0039] List of reference numerals

[0040] 101 Driver Components

[0041] 103 Spindle

[0042] 105 Middleware

[0043] 107 Planetary Carrier

[0044] 109 Spindle Housing

[0045] 111 Intermediate Shell

[0046] 113 Gear Ring

[0047] 115 Bearing Assembly

[0048] 117 Installation opening

[0049] 119 Sealing section

[0050] 121 Sealing part

[0051] 123 Screw Flange

[0052] 125 screw flange

[0053] 201 Driver Component

[0054] 301 Driver Component

[0055] 303 disc

[0056] 305 Pitch Holder

[0057] 307 Continuation Section

Claims

1. A drive assembly (101, 201, 301) for a wind power generation facility, said drive assembly having a main shaft (103), intermediate components (105, 303), a main shaft housing (109), and a transmission mechanism; wherein The main spindle (103) is fully supported in the main spindle housing (109); and wherein The planetary carrier (107) of the transmission mechanism is fixed to the main shaft (103) via the intermediate members (105, 303) in a way that resists relative rotation and is unsupported. Its features have A detachable first engagement connection (123) between the intermediate component (105, 303) and the planetary carrier (107).

2. The driving assembly (101, 201, 301) according to claim 1, characterized in that... It has a detachable second engagement connection (125) between the intermediate part (105, 303) and the main shaft (103).

3. The drive assembly (101, 201, 301) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... It has an intermediate housing (111) that connects the main shaft housing (109) to the housing (113) of the transmission mechanism.

4. The driving assembly (101, 201, 301) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The intermediate housing (111) has at least one mounting opening (117).

5. The drive assembly (101, 201, 301) according to any one of the preceding two claims, characterized in that... It has a first sealing part (119) that fluidly isolates the space between the intermediate member (105, 303) and the intermediate housing (111) and the space within the housing (113) of the transmission mechanism; and / or has a second sealing part (121) that fluidly isolates the space between the intermediate member (105, 303) and the intermediate housing (111) and the space between the main shaft (103) and the main shaft housing (109).

6. The driving assembly (101, 201, 301) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The first sealing portion (119) extends between the planetary carrier (107) and the intermediate housing (111), and / or the second sealing portion (121) extends between the spindle (103) and the spindle housing (109).

7. The drive assembly (101, 201, 301) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The intermediate components (105, 303) have a first flange (123) constituting the first joint connection and / or a second flange (125) constituting the second joint connection.

8. The drive assembly (101, 201, 301) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The intermediate components (105, 303) have an intermediate portion that allows the first flange (123) and the second flange (125) to connect to each other.

9. The driving assembly (101, 201, 301) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The first flange (123) and / or the second flange (125) protrude radially outward from the middle portion.

10. The drive assembly (201, 301) according to any one of the preceding two claims, characterized in that, The second flange (125) protrudes radially inward from the middle portion.

11. A method for maintaining, installing, or disassembling a drive assembly (101, 201, 301) according to claim 4 or any one of claims 5 to 10, where claim 4 is referenced. Its features are, The first engagement connection (123) and / or the second engagement connection (125) can be disconnected or closed through at least one mounting opening (117).

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