ROTOR BEARING HOUSING, ROTOR BEARING ASSEMBLY AND WIND ENERGY SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a rotor bearing housing for a wind turbine, a rotor bearing arrangement and a wind turbine with such a rotor bearing housing.

[0002] A wind turbine has a rotor that converts wind energy into torque, which in turn drives a generator via a drive train. The drive train, generator, and other components can be mounted in a nacelle positioned on a tower.

[0003] It is desirable to specify a rotor bearing housing for a wind turbine that provides reliable support for the rotor and its associated rotor shaft. It is also desirable to specify a rotor bearing arrangement for a wind turbine that provides reliable support for the rotor and its associated rotor shaft. Furthermore, it is desirable to specify a wind turbine that enables reliable operation. EP2935881 A1, EP2740928 A1, and US2020 / 102939 A1 describe known rotor bearing housings from the prior art.

[0004] According to one embodiment, a rotor bearing housing for a wind turbine has: a bearing body for receiving a rotor shaft of the wind turbine which rotates about an axis of rotation, wherein the bearing body has at a first end a first receptacle for a first rotor bearing and at a second end opposite an axial direction a second receptacle for a second rotor bearing, wherein the bearing body extends longitudinally along the axial direction, a support body which is arranged below the bearing body and is configured to be coupled at a first end to a ground element in order to transmit a force flow between the bearing body and the ground element, wherein the ground element can be arranged below the support body for rotatable attachment to a first end of a tower of the wind turbine, wherein the bearing body and the support body together form a one-piece body and wherein the bearing body and the support body are designed such that when a geometric center of the first receptacle is projected onto a cross-sectional plane of the first end of the tower, the geometric center is located outside a diameter of the tower at the first end.

[0005] The rotor bearing housing consists primarily of a single piece, which can be manufactured, for example, by a casting process. The casting may, for instance, be produced using a sand molding process. The rotor bearing housing may be made of spheroidal graphite cast iron or be entirely constructed of spheroidal graphite cast iron. Regardless of the material and manufacturing process, the single-piece design ensures good dimensional stability and stiffness distribution within the rotor bearing housing. Force flow within the rotor bearing housing can be efficiently transferred to the tower during operation. This eliminates the need for subsequent connections between individual elements, such as between the bearing body and the support structure. Consequently, the tolerances associated with such connections do not need to be considered. The elimination of assembly steps results in time savings. The single-piece rotor bearing housing is also relatively easy to transport.Furthermore, a space-saving design is achievable, so that drive trains with large diameter rolling bearings can also be implemented within specified installation spaces.

[0006] The projection of the first image onto the cross-sectional plane of the first end of the tower is located outside the tower's diameter in the operational state. The projection of the first image refers specifically to the projection of the geometric center of the first image. That is, the geometric center of the first image is located outside the circumference of the tower head in a plan view. For example, the geometric center of the first image is located outside the diameter of the tower connection in the operational state. The geometric center of the first image is located outside the tower head diameter in the operational state. The geometric center of the first image is located outside an azimuth slewing ring in the operational state.For example, the geometric center of the first image is located outside the tower's outer diameter, specifically outside the tower wall. For example, the geometric center of the first image is located outside the tower's inner diameter.

[0007] The arrangement of the first mounting for the first rotor bearing enables an efficient force flow. The forces and moments from the drivetrain, such as those from the rotor and rotor shaft, are ideally transferred to the tower via the rotor bearing housing. In particular, an acute angle during force transmission is avoided. Furthermore, sufficient clearance between the rotor blades and the tower is ensured. The sealing and lubrication systems provided at the first mounting are easily accessible, for example, for assembly and / or maintenance.

[0008] According to at least one further embodiment, the support body has a circularly symmetrical shape at a first end that can be connected to the base element. The support body has an elliptical basic shape in cross-sections above the first end and parallel to the base element. For example, the support body has an elliptical basic shape in every cross-section above the first end, outside the first end, and parallel to the base element. The support body is, for example, annular in shape directly adjacent to the base element, comparable to an azimuth bearing. The cross-sections of the support body parallel to the base element or horizontally spaced from the base element have an elliptical shape or are annular in shape, respectively.

[0009] The combination of the circular symmetrical shape at the base element and the elliptical shape at the rest of the support body enables efficient force transmission and a small footprint. The circular symmetrical shape at the first end of the support body allows for good force transmission to the azimuth bearing and a good stiffness distribution of the support body relative to the inner and / or outer ring of the azimuth bearing. The elliptical shape of the remaining support body facilitates good force transmission between the bearing body and the base element. Furthermore, the elliptical shape provides a greater span for supporting the bearing body than a corresponding circular shape at the second end of the support body. To achieve the same span with a circular shape at the second end as with the elliptical shape, the circle would need to have a larger diameter.In comparison, the elliptical basic shape allows for savings in material and construction space and therefore requires less space in the gondola.

[0010] According to at least one further embodiment, the support body has a connecting wall. The connecting wall extends between the first and second ends of the support body. At the first mounting point, the connecting wall has a first angle to a principal extension plane of the base element. At the second mounting point, the connecting wall has a second angle to the principal extension plane. The two angles are different from each other. Thus, it is possible, for example, to position the first mounting point sufficiently outside the base element in the projection. At the second mounting point, a different angle of the support body can be implemented, which is, for example, adapted to the force flow at the second mounting point.

[0011] According to at least one further embodiment, the support body has a varying wall thickness between the base element and the bearing body. For example, the wall thickness is non-uniform. This makes it possible, for instance, to adapt the wall thickness to the force flows occurring during operation, thus ensuring reliable support while simultaneously reducing material usage.

[0012] According to at least one further embodiment, the support body at the first mounting point is inclined in a first direction between the first end of the support body and the bearing body. The support body is also inclined in the first direction at the second mounting point. For example, the support body is thus inclined in a direction, particularly in the direction from which the wind flows during operation, starting from the base element. This allows the projection of the geometric center of the first mounting point to be positioned sufficiently far outside the tower. Other orientations of the support body are also possible; in particular, it is also possible for the support body to be inclined in a different direction at the first mounting point than at the second mounting point.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment, the geometric center of the first recording and a geometric center of the second recording are spaced apart along a transverse direction. The distance between the two geometric centers is at least as large as the diameter of the tower at its first end. The transverse direction is offset by a predetermined angle of inclination relative to the axial direction and runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tower.

[0014] According to at least one further embodiment, the geometric center of the first mounting is located at a greater distance from the cross-sectional plane of the first end of the tower than the geometric center of the second mounting. The bearing body is thus arranged at an overall inclination during operation, allowing the rotor blades to be positioned further away from the tower.

[0015] According to at least one further embodiment, the projection of the geometric center of the first receptacle and a projection of the geometric center of the second receptacle onto the cross-sectional plane are each arranged outside the diameter of the tower at the first end. The bearing body, for example, extends beyond the diameter of the tower. This ensures reliable support of the rotor shaft and maintains good power transmission to the tower. According to further embodiments, the projection of the second receptacle onto the cross-sectional plane of the first end of the tower is arranged within the diameter of the tower, thus saving installation space.

[0016] According to at least one further embodiment, the support body has an access opening. The access opening is arranged between the bearing body and the support body. Thus, the access opening is spaced apart from the first end of the support body. This allows for a stable design of the support body at the first end without interruptions. The access opening is arranged in a position where comparatively fewer forces have to be absorbed than at the first end of the support body.

[0017] According to at least one further embodiment, the first and second mountings are directly supported by the support body. The bearing body is partially or completely supported by the first and second mountings via the support body. The support body is located, in particular along the longitudinal direction, directly beneath the first and second mountings. This makes it possible to increase the stiffness of the support structure around the respective rotor bearings. This allows for a more favorable load distribution of the rolling elements on their raceway.

[0018] According to at least one further embodiment, the bearing body is at least partially open, particularly on its underside. The bearing body and the support body merge seamlessly into one another. This allows for a large access opening, thus facilitating access to the nacelle for maintenance personnel. This ensures, for example, reliable compliance with health and safety regulations. The open bearing body provides easy access to the rotor bearings, for instance, for maintenance work such as seal replacement.

[0019] According to at least one embodiment, a rotor bearing arrangement comprises a rotor bearing housing as described herein. The rotor bearing arrangement includes a first rotor bearing located in the first receptacle. The rotor bearing arrangement includes a second rotor bearing located in the second receptacle. The first rotor bearing and the second rotor bearing each serve to support the rotor shaft. The first rotor bearing and the second rotor bearing are each rolling bearings, in particular tapered roller bearings or angular contact ball bearings. Rolling bearings, in particular tapered roller bearings and angular contact ball bearings, absorb both radial and axial forces. The first rotor bearing and the second rotor bearing are in particular arranged as mirror images and are preloaded against each other in an O or X arrangement. The first rotor bearing and the second rotor bearing can have the same dimensions or different dimensions.

[0020] According to one embodiment, a wind turbine comprises a tower, a nacelle, and a rotor with a rotor shaft. The wind turbine includes a rotor bearing housing according to at least one of the embodiments described herein. The rotor bearing housing is located in the nacelle. The rotor bearing housing is rotatably mounted to the tower at a first end. The rotor shaft extends through the bearing housing. The first receptacle faces the rotor. The second receptacle faces away from the rotor. The receptacle facing the rotor is projected outside the tower. This enables efficient force transmission to support the rotor shaft within the rotor bearing housing and to transfer forces and moments into the tower.

[0021] The described advantages and further developments of the rotor bearing housing also apply to the wind turbine and vice versa.

[0022] According to at least one further embodiment, the first rotor bearing is arranged in the first receptacle. If a geometric center point of the first rotor bearing is projected onto a cross-sectional plane of the first end of the tower, the geometric center point of the first rotor bearing is located outside the tower at the first end. The rotor bearing housing is thus dimensioned such that the first rotor bearing is located in front of the tower at the first end. This allows for a large span for transferring loads to the tower.

[0023] According to at least one further embodiment, the first rotor bearing faces the incoming wind during operation. The rotor is exposed to wind from a side opposite the first rotor bearing during operation. The first rotor bearing is positioned in front of the tower with respect to the incoming wind.

[0024] According to at least one embodiment, the bearing body encloses the rotor shaft. The rotor bearing housing completely surrounds the rotor shaft along its circumference in the area of ​​the rotor bearing housing. The rotor shaft can project from the bearing body along its axis towards the rotor and in the opposite direction. A receptacle is provided at the first receptacle and at the second receptacle to accommodate a first and a second rotor bearing, respectively, which is intended to support the rotor shaft. Between the first receptacle and the second receptacle, the bearing body completely surrounds the rotor shaft in the radial direction. In particular, the rotor bearing housing completely surrounds the rotor shaft in the radial direction between the first receptacle and the second receptacle.

[0025] According to at least one embodiment, the second rotor bearing is arranged in the second receptacle. The rotor bearing housing is designed such that the distance between the geometric center of the first rotor bearing and the geometric center of the second rotor bearing is greater than the diameter of the tower at its first end. The rotor bearing housing, with its support body and the arrangement of the first rotor bearing outside the tower at its first end, allows for this greater distance between the first and second rotor bearings relative to the diameter of the tower at its first end. This enables a large span for supporting the bearing body, independent of the diameter of the tower at its first end.

[0026] According to at least one embodiment, the wind turbine includes a base element. The base element is associated with an azimuth system designed for rotatably attaching the rotor bearing housing to the first end of the tower. The base element is coupled to the support body at its first end, for example, by bolting.

[0027] The wind turbine with the rotor bearing housing described here allows for pre-assembly and pre-adjustment of the rotor bearings before the housing is installed in the nacelle. In case of damage or for maintenance, the rotor bearings can be removed from the housing without having to completely remove the nacelle or disassemble the entire drive train. Overall, the rotor bearing housing allows the wind turbine to be divided into modules with permissible transport weights. The wind turbine can be built with a large bearing diameter even within a limited space in the nacelle.

[0028] Further advantages, features, and enhancements will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiments explained in conjunction with the figures. Identical, similar, and functionally equivalent elements may be designated with the same reference numerals.

[0029] They show: Figure 1a schematic representation of a wind turbine according to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 a schematic representation of a rotor bearing housing according to an exemplary embodiment, Figures 3 and 4 Schematic representations of a rotor bearing housing according to an exemplary embodiment, Figures 5 to 8 Schematic representations of support bodies according to various embodiments, Figure 9 a schematic representation of a part of a wind turbine according to an exemplary embodiment, Figures 10 to 12 Schematic representations of a rotor bearing housing according to an exemplary embodiment, Figures 13 and 14 Schematic representations of a rotor bearing housing according to an exemplary embodiment, and Figures 15 and 16 Schematic representations of a rotor bearing housing according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a wind turbine 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The wind turbine 100 has a tower 102. The tower 102 is attached to a ground at a second end 105 of the tower 102 by means of a foundation 104. A nacelle 106 is rotatably mounted at a first end 103 of the tower 102 opposite the ground. The nacelle 106 has, for example, a generator which is coupled to a rotor 108 via a drive train. The drive train has, for example, a rotor shaft 109 ( Figure 9The rotor 108 comprises, for example, a gearbox, a clutch, a rotor brake, and other components. The rotor 108 has one or more rotor blades 110 arranged on a rotor hub 112. The rotor hub 112, in turn, is connected to the rotor shaft 109. The rotor shaft 109 is rotatably mounted in the nacelle 106 within a rotor bearing housing 200. Incoming wind 101 flows from the direction of the rotor 108 towards the wind turbine 100, so that the wind first reaches the rotor 108 and subsequently the tower 102. The wind turbine 100 is therefore, in particular, a so-called upwind turbine.

[0031] Figure 2Figure 1 shows the rotor bearing housing 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. The rotor bearing housing 200 is fastened to a base element 201, for example, by a screw connection. The rotor bearing housing 200 is formed in one piece from a single body 215. In particular, the rotor bearing housing 200 does not consist of several interconnected components, but is formed as a single housing body without screw connections or the like. In particular, the entire rotor bearing housing 200 is manufactured as a single, coherent component by means of a single casting process.

[0032] The base element on which the rotor bearing housing 200 is fixed faces the tower 102 along a longitudinal direction 212, which corresponds in particular to a main propagation direction of the tower 102, during operation. The base element 201 belongs to an azimuth system that enables a rotatable coupling of the rotor bearing housing 200 with the tower 102 ( Figure 9 ).

[0033] Along the longitudinal direction 212, a support body 203 is provided on the side of the base element 201 facing away from the tower 102. This support body is part of the rotor bearing housing 200. The support body 203 extends along the longitudinal direction 212 between a first end 216 and a second end 217. The first end 216 of the support body 203 abuts the base element 201.

[0034] The second end 217 of the support body 203 connects to a bearing body 202, which is also part of the rotor bearing housing 200. The bearing body 202 serves to support and rotatably mount the rotor shaft 109. The bearing body 202 is supported by the support body 203. Along the longitudinal direction 212, the support body 203 is arranged between the base element 201 and the bearing body 202. For example, a rotor locking device 250 ( Figure 13 and 15) provided, which is, for example, attached to the rotor bearing housing 200 or formed integrally within the rotor bearing housing 200. The rotor 108 can be locked by means of the rotor locking device 250. Thus, it is possible to block the rotation of the rotor 108, for example, during maintenance.

[0035] The bearing body 202 extends, for example, in a hollow cylindrical or truncated conical shape along an axial direction 213, which is defined by the axis of rotation 213 of the rotor shaft 109. The axial direction 213 is offset by an inclination angle α to a transverse direction 211. The inclination angle α is typically between 2° and 8°. However, other angle values ​​are conceivable. The transverse direction 211 runs transversely to the longitudinal direction 212 and, in particular, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the tower 102.

[0036] At a first end 205 of the bearing body 202 there is a first receptacle 206 for a first rotor bearing 207 ( Figure 9) formed. The first end 205 of the bearing body 202 faces the rotor 108 during operation. Along the axial direction 213, away from the first end 205, the bearing body 202 has a second end 208. At the second end 208 of the bearing body 202, there is a second receptacle 209 for a second rotor bearing 210 ( Figure 9 ) provided. In the ready-to-use state, the first rotor bearing 207 and the second rotor bearing 210 are arranged in the rotor bearing housing 200 to form a rotatable connection between the rotor bearing housing 200 and the rotor shaft 109.

[0037] The rotor shaft 109 is in the ready-to-operate state about the axis of rotation 213 ( Figure 9 ) rotatable 200° relative to the rotor bearing housing.

[0038] The base element 201 has a principal extension plane 204. The base element 201 has its greatest extent in the principal extension plane 204. Along the principal extension plane 204, the base element 201 is more extensive than transversely to the principal extension plane 204. The base element 201 can, for example, be configured as a ring, a plate, or a disk. For example, the base element 201 is configured as described in DE 10 2007 009 575 B4, for example, as in paragraph 14 of this document.

[0039] In projection onto the main extension plane 204, which is, for example, aligned with the cross-sectional plane 228, the first receptacle 206 is arranged outside or in front of the base element 201. The support body 203 has a projecting area 237 that extends along the transverse direction 211 above the base element 201. Thus, the first receptacle 206, and therefore the first rotor bearing 207, is arranged along the transverse direction 211 in front of the cross-section of the tower 102 at the first end 103 of the tower 102. According to exemplary embodiments, the second receptacle 209 is also arranged in projection onto the main extension plane 204 outside the cross-section of the tower 102 at the first end 103 of the tower 102. According to further exemplary embodiments, the second receptacle 209 is arranged in projection onto a cross-sectional plane 228 ( Figure 9) of tower 102 at the first end 103 of tower 102 within the tower cross-section. In particular, at least one geometric center 238 ( Figure 3 ) of the first recording 206 in projection onto the cross-sectional plane 228 of the tower 102 at the first end 103 of the tower 102 outside the tower cross-section.

[0040] The geometric center 238, 239, 240, 241 is specifically defined as the point that corresponds to the average of all points within the receptacle 206, 209 or the rotor bearing 207, 210. For example, the inner wall of the receptacle 206, 209 or the rotor bearing 207, 210 maintains a substantially uniform distance from the geometric center 238, 239, 240, 241 along the annular shape of the inner wall. The circular shape of the receptacle 206, 209 or the rotor bearing 207, 210 is formed around the geometric center 238, 239, 240, 241 with a constant radius.

[0041] The bearing body 202 is arranged at an inclination with respect to the longitudinal direction 212. In particular, the bearing body 202 is inclined with respect to the base element 201. The geometric center 238 of the first recording 206 has a first distance 226 between the geometric center 238 and the cross-sectional plane 228 ( Figure 9 ). The first distance 226 at the first recording 206 is greater than a second distance 231 between the geometric center 239 of the second recording 209 and the cross-sectional plane 228.

[0042] The bearing body 202 is configured such that a distance 224 is formed between the first receptacle 206 and the second receptacle 209 along the transverse direction 211. In particular, the bearing body 202 is configured such that the distance 224 is formed between the two geometric centers 238, 239 along the transverse direction 211. The distance 224 is greater than the diameter of the first end 103 of the tower 102 along the transverse direction 211. Specifically, the distance 224 is greater than the diameter 230 of the first end 103 of the tower 102, regardless of whether the second receptacle 209 is located inside or outside the first end 103 of the tower 102 in projection onto the principal extension plane 204.The first inlet 209 is positioned sufficiently far in front of the first end 103 of the tower 102, or the projecting area 242 extends sufficiently far beyond the tower 102 at the first end 103, such that the distance 224 is always greater than the diameter 230 of the first end 103 of the tower 102. For example, a minimum distance between the geometric center 238 and the tower diameter 230 is at least 3 cm, at least 10 cm, or at least 50 cm. For example, a minimum distance between the geometric center 238 and the tower diameter 230 is at least one-quarter of the rolling element length, at least half the rolling element length, at least the rolling element length, or greater than the rolling element length.

[0043] Figures 3 and 4 The rotor bearing housing 200 is shown in further views.

[0044] As can be seen from the cross-sectional view of the Figure 3The support body 203 has a connecting wall 219 that surrounds a cavity and connects the bearing body 202 to the base element 201. During operation, a force flow 214 is transferred from the rotor bearings 207, 210 to the bearing body 202. The force flow 214 then spreads around the circumference of the support body 203 and is further transferred to the base element 201. From the base element 201, the force flow 214 can be directed into the tower 102.

[0045] For example, the support body 203 is inclined in a first direction 223. In particular, the first direction 223 is opposite to the direction of the wind 101 flowing in during operation. The support body 203 is inclined from the base element 201 in the direction of the rotor 108. This allows the projection of the first rotor bearing 207 to be positioned sufficiently far outside and in front of the tower 102 at the first end 103.

[0046] The base element 201 completely surrounds the support body 203. The contour of the base element 201 can, for example, be circular or other shapes (as in Figure 10 exhibit.

[0047] The inclination and design of the connecting wall 219, or the overall shape of the support body 203, can be implemented differently in different embodiments, as can be seen, for example, from the Figures 5 to 8This results in the following. In particular, it is possible that the connecting wall 219 is inclined in the same direction at the first mounting point 206 and at the second mounting point 209. It is also possible that the connecting wall 219 is inclined in the opposite direction at the first mounting point 206 than at the second mounting point 209. According to exemplary embodiments, the connecting wall 219 is inclined in the first direction 223. According to further exemplary embodiments, the connecting wall 219 is inclined at least section by section opposite to the first direction 223.

[0048] The various embodiments have in common that the support body 203 has a circular basic shape at the first end 216 of the support body 203 facing the base element 201, as can be seen, for example, from Figure 6 and 8This results in the following: Spacing from the first end 216, the support body 203 has a shape that deviates from a circular shape. For example, a cross-section 218 along the transverse direction 211 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 212 of the support body 202 has an elliptical shape, as can also be seen, for example, from the Figure 6 and 8 This results in the following. This applies to every cross-section located above the first end 216. The connecting wall 219 thus exhibits a transition from the circular shape at the first end 216 to an elliptical basic shape.

[0049] A center point 232 of the circular shape at the first end 216 of the support body 203 is, in particular, spaced apart from a center point 233 of the elliptical shape of the support body 203 from the first end 216. For example, the centers 232 and 233 are offset from each other along the first direction 223. Thus, for example, the inclination of the support body 203 in the first direction 223 is realized.

[0050] At the first image 206, the connecting wall 219 has a first angle 221 with the main extension plane 204 or with an inner side of the base element 201. The first angle 221 is located specifically within the support body 203. At the second image 209, a second angle 222 is formed between the connecting wall 219 and the main extension plane 204 or with an inner side of the base element 201. The second angle 222 is also located within the support body 203.

[0051] The first angle 221 and the second angle 222 are, for example, different from each other. It is also possible that the first angle 221 and the second angle 222 are the same. According to the exemplary embodiments, the first angle 221 is an acute angle, a right angle, or an obtuse angle. According to the exemplary embodiments, the second angle 222 is also an acute angle, a right angle, or an obtuse angle. For example, the first angle 221 is between 60° and 140°. The second angle 222 is also, for example, between 60° and 140°. Other angle values ​​for the first angle 221 and the second angle 222 are also possible.

[0052] The connecting wall 219 has a wall thickness 220, which is measured particularly along the transverse direction 211. The wall thickness 220 is, for example, unchanged between the base element 201 and the bearing body 202, as shown, for example, in Figure 5as shown. According to further embodiments, the wall thickness 220 changes between the base element 201 and the bearing body 202, as for example in the Figures 7 and 8 This is shown. In particular, the wall thickness 220 on the bearing body 202 is greater than on the base element 201. This enables good force transmission 214 and reliable absorption of forces and moments from the bearing body 202 by means of the support body 203.

[0053] Figure 9 Figure 1 shows the rotor bearing housing 200 in its operational state according to an exemplary embodiment. The rotor shaft 109 is arranged within the bearing body 202. The first rotor bearing 207 and the second rotor bearing 210 are provided between the rotor shaft 109 and the bearing body 202 to allow rotation of the rotor shaft 109 relative to the bearing body 202. The first rotor bearing 207 faces the rotor hub 112. The second rotor bearing 210 faces away from the rotor hub 112 along the transverse direction 211.

[0054] The rotor bearing housing 200 is attached to the base element 201 of an azimuth system. The azimuth system includes, among other things, the base element 201, an azimuth bearing 227, and azimuth drives (not shown) mounted on the base element 201. The azimuth system enables rotation of the rotor bearing housing 200 and the nacelle 106 around the tower 102.

[0055] By means of the azimuth system the rotor bearing housing 200 is rotatably attached to the first end 103 of the tower 102, in particular to a so-called tower connection.

[0056] The tower 102 has a diameter 230 at its first end 103. A distance 229 between the rotor bearings 207, 210 is greater than the diameter 230. The distance 229 between the geometric centers 240, 241 of the rotor bearings 207, 210 is greater than the diameter 230. The distance 229 between the rotor bearings 207, 210 is, in particular, the distance between the geometric centers 240, 241 of the two rotor bearings 207, 210 along the transverse direction 211 ( Figure 2 The geometric center 240 of the first rotor bearing 207 is located outside the tower 102 in projection onto a cross-sectional plane 228 of the first end 103 of the tower 102, in particular along the transverse direction 211 in front of the tower 102. Accordingly, the first receptacle 206 is located outside the tower cross-section in the cross-sectional plane 228, at least on the side of the bearing body 202 facing the tower 102.

[0057] Figures 10 to 12show a schematic representation of the rotor bearing housing 200 according to a further embodiment.

[0058] The base element 201 has a first access opening 235, which allows access under the rotor bearing housing bearing body 200 from the direction of the tower 102. The base element 201 surrounds the first access opening 235 along the transverse direction 211.

[0059] The support body 203 has a second access opening 236, or rather two further access openings 236. The additional access opening 236 allows entry from the support body 203 into the gondola 106. This additional access opening 236 is located specifically between the bearing body 202 and the support body 203. This ensures a complete connection between the support body 203 and the base element 201 at the first end 216 of the support body 203, a connection that is not interrupted by an access opening. This enables reliable force transmission between the support body 203 and the base element 201.

[0060] Figures 13 and 14 The rotor bearing housing 200 is shown according to a further embodiment. In contrast to, for example, the rotor bearing housing 200 according to Figures 9 and 10The first mounting 206 and the second mounting 209 of the bearing body 202 are designed to be wider. The first mounting 206 and the second mounting 209 are supported directly by the support body 203. Specifically, the bearing body 202 is partially or completely supported by the support body 203 via the first mounting 206 and the second mounting 209. The support body 203 lies directly beneath the first and second mountings 206 and 209, respectively, along the longitudinal direction 212. This increases the stiffness of the supporting structure around the respective rotor bearings 207 and 210, resulting in a more favorable load distribution on the rolling elements along their raceway.

[0061] The vertical projection of the geometric center 238 of the first rotor bearing 207 or the first mounting 206 is located outside the tower diameter 230. For example, the distance between the geometric center 238 and the tower diameter 230 is smaller than in the exemplary embodiment of the Figures 9 and 10 For example, a minimum distance between the geometric center 238 and the tower diameter 230 is in a range between 2 cm and 50 cm. For example, the first angle 221 is smaller than in the embodiment of the Figures 9 and 10 . Thus, it is possible to design the area of ​​the support body 203, which is located under the first mount 209, with a higher stiffness, which leads to a more favorable load distribution of the rolling elements on the raceway in the first rotor bearing 207.

[0062] The choice of the distance between the geometric center 238 of the first rotor bearing 207 and the tower wall is therefore determined in particular depending on the beneficial force flow, the sufficient distance between the rotor blades 110 and the tower 102 and the desired stiffness.

[0063] The bearing surface of the support body 203 on the base element 201 lies, for example, directly above a ring of the azimuth bearing 227, for example, either the inner ring or the outer ring. The second end 217 of the support body 203 lies, for example, directly above a ring of the azimuth bearing 227, for example, either the inner ring or the outer ring. For example, the second end 217 of the support body 203 lies directly above the rotatable ring of the azimuth bearing 227. Thus, good force transmission of the loads from the rotor bearing housing 200 to the tower 102 is possible.

[0064] Figures 15 and 16The rotor bearing housing 200 is shown according to a further embodiment. In contrast to, for example, the rotor bearing housing 200 according to Figures 9 and 10 or the rotor bearing housing 200 according to Figures 13 and 14 The rotor bearing housing 200 does not have a closed cylindrical or frustoconical bearing body 202. Instead, the bearing body 202 is at least partially open, particularly on its underside. For example, the bearing body 202 is essentially semi-cylindrical. The bearing body 202 and the support body 203 merge seamlessly and overlap. This allows for a large access opening 235, 236, thus facilitating access to the nacelle 106 for maintenance personnel. This ensures, for example, that health and safety guidelines can be reliably met. The open bearing body 202 allows easy access to the rotor bearings 207, 210, for example, for maintenance work such as seal replacement.

[0065] The rotor bearing housing 200, in its various embodiments, offers good dimensional stability due to its favorable stiffness distribution. In particular, the various features described in relation to the different figures can be combined across all figures. For example, the different inclinations and angles of the connecting wall 219 can be combined with the varying or constant wall thickness 220.

[0066] The rotor bearing housing enables closed structures, such as the closed bearing body 202 (for example) Figures 2 to 14 ), which completely surrounds the rotor shaft 109. Alternatively, the rotor bearing housing allows for open structures, such as the open bearing body 202 (for example). Figures 15 and 16 ), which only partially surrounds the rotor shaft 109.

[0067] Due to the comparatively large distances 224 and 229, respectively, large spans are possible for transmitting the forces and moments from the bearing body 202 to the tower 102. The rotor bearings 207 and 210 can be pre-assembled in the rotor bearing housing 200 before being mounted on the tower 102. The rotor bearing housing 200 allows for an angled mounting that is sufficiently rigid in the axial direction to preload the rotor bearings 207 and 210. The rotor bearings 207 and 210, which are, for example, tapered roller bearings, are sufficiently stable in the bearing body 202 along the transverse direction 211.

[0068] The bearing body 202 has, for example, a different diameter at the first mounting 206 and at the second mounting 209 than between the two mountings 206, 209. The diameter of the bearing body 202 along the axial direction 213 does not have to be the same, but can change.

[0069] The combination of the hollow cylindrical or hollow frustoconical bearing body 202 and the elliptical support body 203 with cross-section 218 enables high radial and axial stiffness of the entire rotor bearing housing 200. This also allows for stabilization and support of the azimuth bearing within the azimuth system. The bearing body 202 is primarily intended for axial stiffening, and the support body 203 primarily for radial stiffening. The contour of the connecting wall 219 results from the connection between the elliptical base shape at cross-section 218 of the support body 203 and the circular ring at the first end 216 of the support body 203. Depending on the displacement and shape of the elliptical base shape, different contours of the connecting wall 219 and the support body 203 result.

[0070] The rotor bearing housing 200 in its various embodiments enables a reliable force flow 214 from the rotor bearings 207, 210 through the bearing body 202, the support body 203, and into the base element 201. The force flow is then transferred from the base element through the azimuth system into the tower 102. Due to the projecting arrangement of the first mounting 206 or the first rotor bearing 207, reliable support of the rotor shaft 109 is achieved. Reference sign

[0071] 100 Wind turbine 101 Incoming wind 102 Tower 103 First end of tower 104 Foundation 105 Second end of tower 106 Nacelle 108 Rotor 109 Rotor shaft 110 Rotor blade 112 Rotor hub 200 Rotor bearing housing 201 Base element 202 Bearing body 203 Support body 204 Main extension plane 205 First end of bearing body 206 First mount 207 First rotor bearing 208 Second end of bearing body 209 Second mount 210 Second rotor bearing 211 Transverse direction 212 Longitudinal direction 213 Axis of rotation, axial direction 214 Force flow 215 Body 216 First end of support body 217 Second end of support body 218 Cross section 219 Connecting wall 220 Wall thickness 221 First angle 222 Second angle 223 First direction 224 Distance between mounts 226, 231 Distance between mount and cross-sectional plane 227 Azimuth bearing 228 Cross-sectional plane of the tower 229 Distance between bearings 230 Diameter of the tower at the first end 232, 233 Center point 235,236 Entry opening 237 Projecting area above the base element 238 Geometric center of the first mount 239 Geometric center of the second mount 240 Geometric center of the first bearing 241 Geometric center of the second bearing 242 Projecting area above the first end of the turret 250 Rotor locking device

Claims

1. A rotor bearing housing for a wind turbine (100), comprising: - a bearing body (202) for receiving a rotor shaft (109) of the wind turbine (100) rotating about an axis of rotation (213), the bearing body (202) comprising a first receptacle (206) for a first rotor bearing (207) at a first end (205) and a second receptacle (209) for a second rotor bearing (210) at a second end (208) opposite along an axis direction (213), the bearing body (202) extending longitudinally along the axis direction (213), - a support body (203) comprising a connecting wall (219) surrounding a cavity which is arranged below the bearing body (202) and designed to be coupled to a base member (201) at a first end (216) for transmitting a flux of force (214) between the bearing body (202) and the base member (201), the base member being able to be arranged below the support body (203) for rotatably fastening to a first end (103) of a tower (102) of the wind turbine (100), wherein the bearing body (202) and the support body (203) together form a one-piece body (215), and wherein the bearing body (202) and the support body (203) are designed such that when a geometric center (238) of the first receptacle (206) is projected onto a cross-sectional plane (228) of the first end (103) of the tower (102), the geometric center (238) is arranged outside a diameter (230) of the tower (102) at the first end (103), and wherein the first receptacle (206) and the second receptacle (209) are directly supported by the support body (203), the bearing body (202) being partially or fully supported by the support body (203) by means of the first receptacle (206) and the second receptacle (209).

2. The rotor bearing housing according to claim 1, in which the support body (203) has a circularly symmetric shape at the first end (216) connectable to the base member (201) and has an elliptical basic shape at cross-sections (218) above the first end (216) and parallel to the base member (201).

3. The rotor bearing housing according to claim 2, in which the support body (203) comprises a connecting wall (219) extending between the first end (216) and a second end (217) of the support body (203) facing the bearing body (202), the connecting wall (219) comprising, on the side of the first receptacle (206), a first angle (221) to a main extension plane (204) of the base member (201) and, on the side of the second receptacle (209), a second angle (222) to the main extension plane (204), the two angles (221, 222) being different from each other.

4. The rotor bearing housing according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which the support body (203) at the first receptacle (206) between the first end (216) of the support body (203) and the bearing body (202) is oriented so as to be inclined in a first direction (223), and the support body (203) at the second receptacle (209) is likewise oriented so as to be inclined in the first direction (223).

5. The rotor bearing housing according to any of claims 1 to 4, in which the geometric center (238) of the first receptacle (206) and a geometric center (239) of the second receptacle (209) are spaced apart from each other along a transverse direction (211) by a distance (224), the distance (224) being at least as large as a diameter (230) of the tower (102) at the first end (103) of the tower (102).

6. The rotor bearing housing according to any of claims 1 to 5, in which the geometric center (238) of the first receptacle (206) has a greater distance (226) to the cross-sectional plane (228) of the first end (103) than the geometric center (239) of the second receptacle (209).

7. The rotor bearing housing according to any of claims 1 to 6, in which the projection of the geometric center (238) of the first receptacle (206) and a projection of the geometric center (239) of the second receptacle (209) onto the cross-sectional plane (228) are each arranged outside the diameter (230) of the tower (102) at the first end (103).

8. The rotor bearing housing according to any of claims 1 to 7, in which the support body (203) comprises an entry opening (236) arranged between the bearing body (202) and the support body (203).

9. The rotor bearing housing according to any of claims 1 to 8, in which the bearing body (202) is open at least in certain areas, in particular on its underside, the bearing body (202) and the support body (203) merging smoothly and running into each other.

10. A wind turbine, comprising: - a tower (102), - a nacelle (106), - a rotor (108) having a rotor shaft (109), - a rotor bearing housing (200) according to any of claims 1 to 9, which is arranged in the nacelle (106) and rotatably fastened to the tower (102) at a first end (103) of the tower (102), wherein - the rotor shaft (109) extends through the bearing body (202), the first receptacle (206) faces the rotor (108), and the second receptacle (209) faces away from the rotor (108).

11. The wind turbine according to claim 10, in which the first rotor bearing (207) is arranged in the first receptacle (206), wherein, when a geometric center (240) of the first rotor bearing (207) is projected onto a cross-sectional plane (228) of the first end (103) of the tower (102), the geometric center (240) of the first rotor bearing (207) is arranged outside the tower (102) at the first end (103) of the tower (102).

12. The wind turbine according to any of claims 10 or 11, in which the bearing body (202) encloses the rotor shaft (109).

13. The wind turbine according to any of claims 10 to 12, in which the second rotor bearing (210) is arranged in the second receptacle (209) and the rotor bearing housing (200) is designed such that a distance (229) between the geometric center (240) of the first rotor bearing (207) and a geometric center (241) of the second rotor bearing (210) is at least as large as a diameter (230) of the tower (102) at the first end (103) of the tower (102).

14. The wind turbine according to any of claims 10 to 13, comprising the base member (201), the base member (201) being associated to an azimuthal system provided for rotatably fastening the rotor bearing housing (200) to the first end (103) of the tower (102).

15. A rotor bearing assembly, comprising: - a rotor bearing housing according to any of claims 1 to 9, - a first rotor bearing (207) arranged in the first receptacle (206) and a second rotor bearing (208) arranged in the second receptacle (209), for supporting the rotor shaft (109), wherein the first rotor bearing (207) and the second rotor bearing (208) are each roller bearings, in particular tapered roller bearings or angular contact ball bearings.