Plain bearing, wind turbine and method for assembling a bearing segment of a plain bearing

Abstract

Plain bearing (1), comprising a bearing housing (2) and bearing segments (3), wherein the bearing housing (2) has an opening (4) which is dimensioned such that at least one bearing segment (3) can be inserted exclusively in a defined orientation through the opening (4), and wherein the bearing segment (3) is positioned behind the opening (4) such that the opening (4) is partially covered by the bearing segment (3) and diametrically opposed sections (5, 6) of the bearing segment (3) are supported on the bearing housing (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a segmented plain bearing and a wind turbine with such a plain bearing. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assembling a bearing segment of a plain bearing.

[0002] A segmented plain bearing for a wind turbine is described, for example, in CN 2 17 055 967 U. The device according to CN 2 17 055 967 U comprises several bearing segments inserted into a bearing housing for radial support, with adjustment options provided.

[0003] The fluid film bearings described in documents EP 3 904 710 B1 and EP 3 904 677 B1 are also intended for use in wind turbines. In both cases, an inner part of the bearing supports a rotating outer part. In the case of EP 3 904 677 B1, it is possible to mount so-called supports, i.e., bearing segments, from inside the wind turbine. Bolts are used to fasten the bearing segments; these bolts are subjected to tensile stress during operation of the wind turbine.

[0004] Another fluid bearing for a wind turbine is disclosed in EP 3 662 168 B1. This fluid bearing comprises a plurality of bearing segments arranged in a bearing housing. Each individual bearing segment is supported within the bearing housing by a support structure. The support structures each comprise several elastomer layers and a plurality of plates made of a non-compressible material, with each plate positioned between two elastomer layers.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of further developing segmented sliding bearings, especially for wind turbines, compared to the prior art, whereby a rational assembly possibility as well as high mechanical load capacity and good space utilization are sought.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by a segmented plain bearing with the features of claim 1. According to claim 6, the plain bearing is particularly suitable for use in a wind turbine. The problem is also solved by a method for assembling a bearing segment of a plain bearing as designed according to claim 7. The embodiments and advantages of the invention explained below in connection with the assembly method also apply mutatis mutandis to the devices, i.e., the wind turbine and the plain bearing, and vice versa.

[0007] The plain bearing comprises a bearing segment inserted into a bearing housing. To facilitate the insertion of the bearing segment, the bearing housing has an opening dimensioned such that the bearing segment can only be inserted through the opening in a defined orientation. In the fully assembled plain bearing, the bearing segment is positioned behind the opening at an angle rotated compared to its orientation during assembly, such that the opening is partially covered by the bearing segment and diametrically opposed sections of the bearing segment are supported against the bearing housing.

[0008] Apart from the rotation of the bearing segment, which is required during assembly and disassembly, the bearing segment to be assembled or disassembled is moved in the normal direction of the sliding surface. The bearing segment can be moved either as a separate component or together with a support plate. Optionally, an elastic element is integrated into the assembly comprising the bearing segment and the support plate.

[0009] The plain bearing comprises a plurality of bearing segments. Several of these bearing segments, which may be uniform or heterogeneous, can each be supported behind an opening in the bearing housing, as described in claim 1. In particular, all bearing segments together with the bearing housing can realize the features of claim 1. Surface sections of the bearing housing on which a bearing segment is supported can be either flat or uneven. In the latter case, two partial surfaces of the housing on which two sections of the same bearing segment are supported describe, for example, a roof shape or sections of a cylindrically or spherically curved surface. Optionally, a design is provided that prevents rotation of the bearing segment relative to the bearing housing by means of a positive locking mechanism, for example, by pairings of ribs and associated grooves.

[0010] Where the text contains terms like "in front of the opening" or "behind the opening," these refer to a viewing direction that corresponds to the direction in which the bearing segment is primarily responsible for absorbing forces. In the case of a radial bearing, this is the radial direction perpendicular to the bearing's axis of rotation. Positioning the bearing segment behind the opening in this case means that the bearing segment is supported externally by the housing. The supporting areas of the housing are adjacent to the opening through which the bearing segment is inserted. Compared to arrangements where a bearing segment is screwed to the outside of the housing, this eliminates the need for screws that are subjected to tensile stress during operation of the plain bearing. If screws are used at all to secure the bearing segment, they primarily serve a function during assembly.In any case, compared to designs in which bearing segments are held by screws and are subject to operational tensile forces, the bearing segments of the plain bearing in accordance with the application are supported over a large area.

[0011] The sliding bearing can be designed either as an axial bearing, a radial bearing, or as a bearing that is designed to absorb both axial and radial forces.

[0012] If the plain bearing is an axial bearing, then the bearing segment supported on the bearing housing can be understood functionally as a segment of a housing disc.

[0013] In this case, the arrangement of the bearing segment behind the opening in the bearing housing means that axial forces acting on the bearing segment are absorbed by the bearing housing in the form of compressive forces, whereby areas of the bearing housing which are subjected to forces acting on the bearing are directly adjacent to the edges of the opening located in the bearing housing.

[0014] If the edges of the opening are rounded or chamfered, gaps exist between the opening and the load-bearing areas of the bearing housing when viewed from above, both in the opening and the bearing segment. This applies to both radial and axial bearing designs.

[0015] The individual bearing segments, as well as the corresponding openings in the bearing housing, can each have a rectangular, rather than square, base shape. Elongated bearing segments with rounded ends are also possible. Each end of the elongated bearing segment can, for example, describe a circular arc. The use of an oval bearing segment or a polygonal bearing segment, such as a hexagonal or octagonal one, is also fundamentally possible.

[0016] Particularly in cases where the bearing segment is attached to the bearing housing by screws, spacers, also known as shims, can be inserted between the bearing housing and the bearing segment. Individual screws can each pass through a spacer. The spacers allow the bearing clearance to be adjusted if necessary.

[0017] Regardless of whether the plain bearing is designed as a radial or axial bearing, the individual bearing segments can be one-piece or multi-piece. In the latter case, the bearing segment can consist of a plain bearing part providing a sliding surface, a mounting plate, and a joint connecting the plain bearing part to the mounting plate. In the case of a radial bearing, the joint allows the plain bearing part to pivot relative to the mounting plate about a pivot axis oriented radially to the axis of rotation of the plain bearing. If, on the other hand, the plain bearing is designed as an axial bearing, the pivot axis is aligned parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft.

[0018] The plain bearing is specifically a hydrodynamic bearing. Especially as a large bearing, it is suitable not only for use in wind turbines, but also for use in other stationary or mobile bearing applications, for example in plants in the basic materials industry.

[0019] The patented method for mounting a bearing segment of a plain bearing involves, in a first step, pushing the bearing segment through an opening in a bearing housing in a defined orientation. In a further step, the bearing segment is rotated such that sections of it are positioned behind supporting surfaces of the bearing housing adjacent to the opening. This creates a fastening arrangement reminiscent of a bayonet fitting. The rotation of the bearing segment is specifically a 90° rotation, with the axis of rotation defined by the main load direction of the bearing segment. After the rotation of the bearing segment during assembly, the majority of its surface area remains within the opening – more precisely, behind the opening.

[0020] Depending on whether the bearing segment is a single piece or a multi-piece design, either the entire bearing segment or only a component of the bearing segment can be rotated during assembly. A previously mentioned sliding bearing component belonging to a multi-piece bearing segment, which provides a sliding surface for contacting a rotating machine element, particularly a shaft, can remain in its original angular position, thus saving space. Meanwhile, a mounting plate, which is articulated to the sliding bearing component and rests against the bearing housing after assembly, is rotated by a predetermined angle, particularly 90°, during assembly. This means that only the mounting plate, possibly along with parts of a joint, needs to be rotated, whereas the sliding bearing component is positioned at an angular position appropriate to the shaft from the outset.

[0021] Two exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. This drawing shows: Fig. 1. Partial illustration of a first embodiment of a segmented sliding bearing of a wind turbine with a bearing segment undergoing assembly, Fig. 2 that on a bearing housing of the plain bearing after Fig. 1 fixed bearing segment, that is, sliding bearing segment, in a view accordingly Fig. 1, Fig. 3 in top view of the sliding bearing segment the arrangement according Fig. 1, Fig. 4 the arrangement according Fig. 2 in one view accordingly Fig. 3, Fig. 5 compared to the embodiment according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 modified, multi-part bearing segments in a state suitable for insertion into a bearing housing, Fig. 6 the storage segment after Fig. 5 in the state in which it is installed in the bearing housing ready for operation.

[0022] Unless otherwise stated, the following explanations refer to both embodiments. Corresponding or essentially equivalent parts are marked with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0023] A plain bearing, designated overall by reference numeral 1, is provided as a segmented bearing for use in a wind turbine 10. In both embodiments, the plain bearing 1 is a radial bearing.

[0024] In the exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4. Bearing segments 3 of the plain bearing 1 are designed as a single piece. In contrast, the plain bearing according to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 multi-part bearing segments 3.

[0025] In the views according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is located, as in the views after the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 the axis of rotation of the sliding bearing 1, which in both cases is designed as a hydrodynamic bearing, is shown below the respective figure. In addition to a feature that is only visible in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The embodiment shown in outline is also shown in the exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 existing bearing housings 2 a single bearing segment 3. The bearing segment 3 is one piece ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4) or multi-part ( Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) formed. The plain bearing 1 comprises a plurality of such bearing segments 3, each of whose sliding surface is designated by 9. A shaft supported by means of the plain bearing 1 is not shown.

[0026] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a configuration during the assembly of bearing segment 3. Here, bearing segment 3 is advanced through an opening 4 located in the bearing housing 2. The term "advancement" of bearing segment 3 is used regardless of the devices used to achieve the displacement, which occurs in Fig. 1 is illustrated by an arrow, which is accomplished. In the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the situation sketched in Figure 3, the bearing segment 3 could, for example, be suspended from a crane. If, on the other hand, the bearing segment 3 were to be mounted in the lower region of the plain bearing 1, it could, for example, be supported by a hydraulic lifting device. In any case, the bearing segment 3, that is, the plain bearing segment which serves for the radial support of a shaft, is pushed radially through the opening 4 into the interior of the plain bearing 1. This also applies to the embodiment according to Figure 3. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6.

[0027] The sliding bearing segment 3 has, as can be seen directly from the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 or from a comparison of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a rectangular basic shape emerges, whereby the corners of the bearing segment 3 may be rounded in a manner not shown. Referring to the arrangements according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 The outer space is located above the arrangements visible in the aforementioned figures, which comprise the bearing housing 2 and one of the bearing segments 3. In the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is the view from below of the arrangement according to Fig. 1 or the arrangement according to Fig. 2 directed.

[0028] The opening 4 is dimensioned such that the bearing segment 3 can be inserted into the bearing interior with a sufficient gap. As soon as the bearing segment 3 is in the bearing interior, that is, in the arrangement according to Fig. 2 below the visible area of ​​the bearing housing 2, the bearing segment 3 is rotated about its own central axis, which is determined by the position of the in Fig. The arrow shown in the diagram indicates that the position is rotated by 90 degrees, as does a comparison of the... Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 illustrates.

[0029] In the rotated position, that is, in the position from the Fig. 2 and Fig. In the position shown in Figure 4, the bearing sections 5 and 6 of the bearing segment 3 are supported by supporting sections 7 and 8 of the bearing housing 2. In the lower area of ​​the plain bearing 1 (not shown), the bearing segments 3 rest on sections 7 and 8 of the bearing housing 2 by gravity. Furthermore, the supporting sections 7 and 8 of the bearing housing 2, which are generally referred to as surfaces 7 and 8, absorb radial loads resulting from operation.

[0030] In the Fig. In the final, assembled position of bearing segment 3 as sketched in Figure 2, that is, in the operational state of the plain bearing 1, bearing segment 3 is held to the bearing housing 2 by screws 11. As further explained in Figure 2, the final assembly position of bearing segment 3 is determined by screws 11. Fig. As shown in Figure 2, spacers 12 are inserted between the support sections 5, 6 and the supporting sections 7, 8. Each screw 11 is inserted through a spacer 12. The play of the sliding bearing 1 can be adjusted, in particular, by appropriately selecting the spacers 12.

[0031] The exemplary embodiment according to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 differs from the embodiment according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4. Each bearing segment 3 is constructed in multiple parts, namely a sliding bearing part 13 providing the sliding surface 9, a mounting plate 15, and a joint 14 connecting the sliding bearing part 13 to the mounting plate 15. The support sections 5, 6, which support the bearing segment 3 on the bearing housing 2, are provided by the mounting plate 15.

[0032] Before the multi-part bearing segment 3 is inserted into the bearing housing 2, the bearing segment 3 is located in the Fig. 5. The setting is sketched. Here, the central axis of the elongated, cuboid mounting plate 15 is aligned parallel to the image plane. In this setting, the bearing segment is pushed completely through the opening 4 (not shown). Once this has been done, the mounting plate is rotated by 90° while maintaining the angular position of the sliding bearing part 13, so that the setting of the bearing segment 3 changes. Fig. 6 results. The longitudinal axis of the mounting plate 15 is aligned orthogonally to the image plane, with the support sections 5, 6 lying flat against the in Fig. 6 sections 7, 8 of the bearing housing 2 are supported, not shown. Reference symbol list 1 plain bearing 2 bearing housings 3 bearing segment 4 Opening 5 first printing section of the storage segment 6 second edition section of the storage segment 7 first supporting section of the bearing housing 8 second supporting section of the bearing housing 9 Sliding surface 10 wind turbines 11 screw 12 Spacer 13. Plain bearing part 14 joint 15 Mounting plate

Claims

[1] Plain bearing (1), comprising a bearing housing (2) and bearing segments (3), wherein the bearing housing (2) has an opening (4) which is dimensioned such that at least one bearing segment (3) can be inserted exclusively in a defined orientation through the opening (4), and wherein the bearing segment (3) is positioned behind the opening (4) such that the opening (4) is partially covered by the bearing segment (3) and diametrically opposed sections (5, 6) of the bearing segment (3) are supported on the bearing housing (2). [2] Plain bearing (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the bearing segment (3) as well as the opening (4) located in the bearing housing (2) has a rectangular, not square, basic shape. [3] Plain bearing (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the bearing segment (3) is screwed to the bearing housing (2), with spacers (12) being inserted between the bearing housing (2) and the bearing segment (3). [4] Plain bearing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the bearing segment (3) is composed of several parts, namely a sliding bearing part (13) providing a sliding surface (9), a mounting plate (15), and a joint (14) connecting the sliding bearing part (13) with the mounting plate (15). [5] Plain bearing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that this is designed as a hydrodynamic bearing. [6] Wind power plant (10) comprising a sliding bearing (1) according to claim 1. [7] Method for mounting a bearing segment (3) of a plain bearing (1), wherein in a first step the bearing segment (3) is pushed through an opening (4) in a defined orientation in a bearing housing (2), and in a further step the bearing segment (3) is at least partially rotated such that sections (5, 6) of the bearing segment (3) reach behind supporting surfaces (7, 8) of the bearing housing (2) adjacent to the opening (4). [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by , that after the rotation of the bearing segment (3) the majority of the area of ​​the bearing segment (3) remains in the area of ​​the opening (4). [9] Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by, that the bearing segment (3) is rotated a total of 90° between its orientation in which it is inserted through the opening (4) and its final position supported on the bearing housing (2), the axis of rotation being defined by the main load direction of the bearing segment (3). [10] Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that during the assembly of the bearing segment (3) a sliding bearing part (13) belonging to the bearing segment (3), which provides a sliding surface (9), remains in an unchanged angular position, while a mounting plate (15) articulated to the sliding bearing part (13) is rotated by 90°.

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