SPRING-MOUNTED GEARBOX HOUSING II

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 and a wind turbine according to the preamble of claim 11.

[0002] Prior art provides arrangements for resiliently fixing the housing of a wind turbine gearbox within the nacelle of the wind turbine. The housing is supported in the nacelle by cylindrical elastomers. A central axis of the elastomers is aligned parallel to the axis of rotation of an input shaft of the gearbox.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of improving the fixing of a wind turbine gearbox housing in a nacelle. This objective is achieved by an arrangement according to claim 1 and a wind turbine according to claim 11. Preferred embodiments are included in the dependent claims and will become apparent from the following description.

[0004] The arrangement according to the invention serves to fix the housing of a wind turbine gearbox, that is, a gearbox intended for use in a wind turbine, in a nacelle of the wind turbine. A wall of the housing encloses a cavity in which the internal components of the gearbox, such as shafts, bearings, and gears, are located. For example, the housing can enclose a rotor or input shaft of the gearbox and its bearings.

[0005] A nacelle is a device for housing the drive train of a wind turbine. The nacelle comprises a support structure for fixing the drive train, in particular for fixing a gearbox contained within the drive train.

[0006] The arrangement according to the invention includes a housing-fixed means, a gondola-fixed means and at least two spring devices - a first spring device and a second spring device.

[0007] A housing-fixed element refers to an element that is fixed to the housing, meaning it cannot be moved relative to it. Similarly, a nacelle-fixed element refers to an element that is fixed to the nacelle.

[0008] A spring device is a device consisting of one or more spring elements. Examples of spring elements used include elastomers (i.e., materials made of an elastomer) or hydraulic bearings.

[0009] The first spring assembly and the second spring assembly support the housing-mounted element against the nacelle-mounted element. They thus connect the housing-mounted element to the nacelle-mounted element in a force-conducting and resilient manner. For this purpose, the first spring assembly and the second spring assembly are preferably joined to the housing-mounted element and / or the nacelle-mounted element.

[0010] The spring devices support the housing-mounted element against the nacelle-mounted element in opposite directions along a support axis. The first spring device thus supports the housing-mounted element against the nacelle-mounted element in a first direction. The second spring device supports the housing-mounted element against the nacelle-mounted element in a second direction. The first and second directions are opposite to each other. If the first spring device is subjected to compression, the second spring device is subjected to tension in the opposite direction. Conversely, if the second spring device is subjected to compression, the first spring device is subjected to tension in the opposite direction. The support axis preferably runs orthogonally to a rotational axis of an input shaft of the wind turbine gearbox.

[0011] According to the invention, the spring devices are arranged on opposite sides of a plane. The plane runs parallel to the axis of rotation of the input shaft of the wind turbine gearbox. In particular, the plane can contain the axis of rotation of the input shaft. Preferably, the plane is oriented orthogonally to the support axis.

[0012] The directions of the forces acting on the spring devices depend on the axis of rotation of the input shaft. In particular, the direction of a drive torque supported by the spring devices and the direction of a weight force from the wind turbine gearbox transmitted into the nacelle via the spring devices depend on the orientation of the axis of rotation. Due to the inventive orientation of the plane and the resulting arrangement of the spring devices, one spring device is subjected primarily to compression, the other primarily to tension. Therefore, by selecting and designing the spring device, improved adaptation to the forces to be supported is possible. In particular, the behavior of the arrangement can be optimized with regard to vibration loads.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the first spring device and / or the second spring device are rotationally symmetric or rotationally symmetric with respect to the support axis. This means that the first spring device and / or the second spring device have a shape that can be mapped onto itself by rotation through at least one angle about the support axis. In particular, the first spring device and / or the second spring device can be rotationally symmetric in the narrower sense. In this case, the shape of the first spring device and / or the second spring device can be mapped onto itself by rotation through any arbitrary angle about the support axis.

[0014] The rotational symmetry of the first and / or second spring assembly, as determined by the advanced design, results in a particularly simple assembly. This simplifies the design of the spring assemblies described above.

[0015] Preferably, the first and second spring devices are designed to be mirror images of each other with respect to the aforementioned plane. This allows the first and second spring devices to be interchangeable. Consequently, the number of components is reduced, leading to cost savings.

[0016] The first spring assembly is fixed in a first part of the housing-mounted element. Similarly, the second spring assembly is fixed in a second part of the housing-mounted element. The mirror-symmetric design necessitates that the first and second parts of the housing-mounted element are also mirror-symmetrical to each other with respect to the aforementioned plane.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned plane intersects the housing-fixed element and / or the nacelle-fixed element. If the plane intersects the housing-fixed element, the resulting arrangement includes spring devices located on opposite sides of the housing-fixed element. Conversely, if the plane intersects the nacelle-fixed element, the resulting arrangement includes spring devices located on opposite sides of the nacelle-fixed element.

[0018] Furthermore, an arrangement of a portion of the nacelle-mounted means between the first spring device and the second spring device, as well as between a first part and a second part of the housing-mounted means, is preferred. The first spring device is arranged between the first part of the housing-mounted means and the portion of the nacelle-mounted means, or is clamped between the first part of the housing-mounted means and the portion of the nacelle-mounted means. Similarly, the second spring device is arranged between the second part of the housing-mounted means and the portion of the nacelle-mounted means, or is clamped between the second part of the housing-mounted means and the portion of the nacelle-mounted means.

[0019] Alternatively, the arrangement can be further developed such that a part of the housing-fixed means is arranged between the spring devices and between a first part and a second part of the gondola-fixed means, wherein the first spring device is arranged or clamped between the first part of the gondola-fixed means and the part of the housing-fixed means, and wherein the second spring device is arranged or clamped between the second part of the gondola-fixed means and the part of the housing-fixed means.

[0020] In preferred embodiments, the gondola-mounted means is arranged at least partially between the spring devices and a first part and a second part of the housing-mounted means. Mutatis mutandis, that is, by exchanging the terms "gondola-mounted means" and "housing-mounted means," alternative embodiments result, relating to an arrangement in which at least a part of the housing-mounted means is arranged between the spring devices and between a first part and a second part of the gondola-mounted means.

[0021] Preferably, the housing-mounted element is further developed with a connecting element. This connecting element joins the first and second parts of the housing-mounted element. The connecting element thus runs between the first and second parts and transitions into the first and second parts, respectively, at the respective connection point. In particular, the transition can be integrally formed. In this case, the connecting element is integrally connected to both the first and second parts of the housing-mounted element. The connecting element is, for example, cylindrical. In particular, it can have the form of a right circular cylinder.

[0022] In accordance with the further development, the gondola-mounted element has a recess. This is designed as a through hole through which the connecting element passes. Accordingly, the recess encloses the connecting element. Since the connecting element joins the first and second parts of the housing-mounted element, these are located on opposite sides of the recess.

[0023] Furthermore, the arrangement is preferably further developed with a third spring device. This serves to support the housing-fixed element against the gondola-fixed element orthogonal to the support axis.

[0024] According to the further development, the third spring device is at least partially arranged in the recess of the gondola-mounted element. The third spring device itself has a recess, which is designed as a through hole and extends through the connecting element.

[0025] Further development with a third spring device is advantageous because the third spring device can be designed independently of the first and second spring devices. This makes it possible to support the housing-fixed element against the gondola-fixed element in the orthogonal direction with a specifically adapted spring element, while the properties of the original support provided by the first and second spring devices remain unchanged.

[0026] Preferably, the first spring device and / or the second spring device are each further developed in the form of a hollow truncated cone. A hollow truncated cone is a truncated cone with a cavity. The cavity also has the shape of a truncated cone.

[0027] The hollow, frustoconical shape allows the first spring device and / or the second spring device to support the housing-mounted element both axially and radially against the gondola-mounted element. This eliminates the need for a third spring device.

[0028] The first and second spring devices, which are further developed in a truncated cone shape, are preferably oriented with their tapered ends towards each other. In this further development, the first and second spring devices thus have the shape of a truncated cone that tapers towards the other spring device. The truncated cone that describes the shape of the first spring device tapers towards the second spring device. Conversely, the truncated cone that describes the shape of the second spring device tapers towards the first spring device. This results in a positive-locking fixation of the gondola-mounted element between the spring devices.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the gondola-mounted device comprises a first part and a second part. The first part and the second part are physically separate pieces and are therefore not integrally joined. Furthermore, the first part and the second part are joined together, preferably detachably.

[0030] The first spring device supports the housing-mounted means against the first part. Similarly, the second spring device supports the housing-mounted means against the second part. In particular, the first spring device can support the first part of the housing-mounted means against the first part of the gondola-mounted means, wherein the second spring device supports the second part of the housing-mounted means against the second part of the gondola-mounted means.

[0031] The two-part design of the gondola-mounted element and, if applicable, the housing-mounted element simplifies assembly and, in the case of a detachable joining connection, also disassembly.

[0032] A wind turbine according to the invention comprises a gearbox and a nacelle. According to the invention, the wind turbine also comprises three or four arrangements of the type described above, with which a gearbox housing is fixed in the nacelle.

[0033] Preferably, the wind turbine is further developed such that the first spring device and the second spring device of the three or four arrangements are each arranged on opposite sides of the same plane running parallel to the axis of rotation of the gearbox input shaft. This results in a particularly simple design of the housing-mounted element. In particular, it is possible to use a plate-shaped component that forms the nacelle-mounted element of at least two of the arrangements, preferably all of the three or four arrangements. Examples of prior art solutions can be found in the following documents: DE 10 2010 009863 A1, US 9 366 330 B2, US 2008 / 308980 A1 and JP 2013 144970 A.

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures. Matching reference numerals denote identical or functionally equivalent features. Specifically, the figures show: Fig. 1a spring-mounted drive train of a wind turbine; Fig. 2 Spring elements of a spring device; Fig. 3 an arrangement with a hollow frustoconical elastomer; and Fig. 4 an arrangement with two hollow frustoconical elastomers. Figure 1 Figure 1 shows gearbox bearings 101 with a cylindrical base shape. A housing 103 is fixed in a nacelle-mounted machine carrier 105 by means of the gearbox bearings 101. The main shaft of a wind turbine is mounted in the housing 103. The main shaft connects a rotor of the wind turbine to the input shaft of a gearbox in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0035] The machine carrier 105 has a plate 107. This, together with a housing-fixed support foot 109, a counter support 110 and three elastomers 111, 113, 115, forms a gearbox bearing 101.

[0036] The elastomers 111, 113, and 115 each have the shape of a hollow cylinder, that is, a cylinder with a cylindrical cavity. A bolt 117, formed by the support foot 109 and the counter-holder 110, extends through the cavities of the elastomers 111, 113, and 115. The bolt 117 connects the support foot 109 to the counter-holder 110. It is designed in two parts for assembly and disassembly purposes.

[0037] A first elastomer 111 is arranged between the support foot 109 and the plate 107. In this way, the support foot can be supported in a first direction in the plate 107 via the elastomer 111.

[0038] The counterholder 110 is arranged on the side of the plate 107 opposite the support foot 109. A second elastomer 113 is located between the counterholder 110 and the plate 107. The counterholder 110 can be supported in the plate 107 in a second direction opposite to the first via this elastomer 113. By arranging the support foot 109 and the counterholder 110 on opposite sides of the plate 107, the housing 107 is fixed in the plate 107 in both directions via the first elastomer 111 and the second elastomer 113.

[0039] A third elastomer 115 serves to fix the bolt orthogonally to the first. This elastomer is located in a recess 119 of the plate 107. The bolt 117 is supported against the recess 119 by means of the third elastomer 115.

[0040] Instead of a single, one-piece first elastomer 111 and a second, also one-piece second elastomer 113, it is possible, as in Figure 2 The figures show several elastomers being used in each figure. The elastomers are arranged in two groups – a first group 201 and a second group 203.

[0041] The elastomers of the first group 201 are located between the support foot 109 and the plate 107. They are grouped rotationally symmetrically around the bolt 107 and take over the function of the first elastomer 111 from Figure 1 .

[0042] The elastomers of the second group 203 are arranged between the counter-holder 110 and the plate 107. They are also grouped rotationally symmetrically around the bolt 117. Accordingly, the elastomers of the second group 203 take over the function of the second elastomer 113 from Figure 1 .

[0043] One in Figure 3The illustrated gearbox bearing 301 does not require a third elastomer 115. This is achieved by shaping the second elastomer 113 as a hollow truncated cone. A bearing surface in the plate 107 and the counter-support 111 is each shaped accordingly, i.e., they have the form of a lateral surface of a truncated cone.

[0044] Due to its hollow, frustoconical shape, the second elastomer 113 can absorb forces in axial and radial directions. The first elastomer 111, on the other hand, has, in accordance with Figure 1 a hollow cylindrical shape.

[0045] During a session in the Figures 4A and 4B In the gear mounting 401 shown, both the second elastomer 113 and the first elastomer 111 are designed in a hollow, frustoconical shape. Here too, there is no third elastomer 115, since the first elastomer 113 and the second elastomer 111, due to their hollow, conical shape, can also absorb radial forces. The gear mounting 401 according to the Figures 4A and 4B It therefore shows, like the gearbox bearing 301 according to Figure 3 exactly two elastomers - the first elastomer 111 and the second elastomer 113.

[0046] A support flange 403 for the first elastomer 111 is attached to the plate 107. This flange is screwed to the plate 107. The first elastomer 111 is clamped between the support flange 403 and the support foot 109.

[0047] The support flange 401 is designed in two parts. It consists of a first half 403a and a second half 403b. The two halves 403a and 403b are bolted together. This allows the support flange 401 to be easily assembled and disassembled. In particular, the support flange 401 can also be disassembled at a later date for repair and maintenance purposes. Reference sign

[0048] 101 Gearbox mounting 103 Housing 105 Machine carrier 107 Plate 109 Support foot 110 Counterholder 111 Elastomer 113 Elastomer 115 Elastomer 117 Bolt 119 Recess 201 First group of elastomers 203 Second group of elastomers 301 Gearbox mounting 401 Gearbox mounting 403 Support flange 403a First half of the support flange 403b Second half of the support flange

Claims

1. Assembly (101, 301, 401) for securing a housing (103) of a wind turbine gearbox in a nacelle, having a means (109, 110) fastened to the housing, a means (105, 107, 403) fastened to the nacelle, and at least two spring devices (111, 113, 201, 203); wherein the spring devices (111, 113, 201, 203) support the means (109, 110) fastened to the housing, in opposite directions along a support axis, against the means (105, 107, 403) fastened to the nacelle; wherein the spring devices (111, 113, 201, 203) are arranged on different sides of a plane extending parallel to an axis of rotation of an input shaft of the wind turbine gearbox; characterized in that a part (107, 403) of the means (105, 107, 403) fastened to the nacelle is arranged between the spring devices (111, 113, 201, 203) and between a first part (109) and a second part (110) of the means (109, 110) fastened to the housing; wherein a first spring device (111, 201) is arranged between the first part (109) of the means (109, 110) fastened to the housing and the part (107, 403) of the means (105, 107) fastened to the nacelle; and wherein a second spring device (113, 203) is arranged between the second part (110) of the means (109, 110) fastened to the housing and the part (107, 403) of the means (105, 107, 403) fastened to the nacelle.

2. Assembly (101, 301, 401) according to Claim 1; characterized in that at least one of the at least two spring devices (111, 113, 201, 203) is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the support axis.

3. Assembly (101, 301, 401) according to either of the preceding claims; characterized in that the spring devices (111, 113, 201, 203) are mutually mirror-symmetrical with respect to the plane.

4. Assembly (101, 301, 401) according to one of the preceding claims; characterized in that the plane intersects the means (109, 110) fastened to the housing and / or the means (105, 107, 403) fastened to the nacelle.

5. Assembly (101, 301, 401) according to one of the preceding claims; characterized in that the means (109, 110) fastened to the housing has a connecting element (117), which connects the first part (109) and the second part (110) to one another, and which extends through a cutout (119) in the means (105, 107, 403) fastened to the nacelle.

6. Assembly (101) according to the preceding claim; characterized by a third spring device (115), which is at least partially arranged in the cutout (119); wherein the connecting element (117) extends through a cutout in the third spring device (115).

7. Assembly (301, 401) according to one of the preceding claims; characterized in that the first spring device (111) and / or the second spring device (113) have / has the shape of a hollow conical frustum.

8. Assembly (401) according to the preceding claim; characterized in that the first spring device (111) and the second spring device (113) have the shape of a hollow conical frustum, which tapers towards the respective other spring device (113, 111).

9. Assembly (101, 301, 401) according to one of the preceding claims; characterized in that the first part (109) and the second part (110) of the means (109, 110) fastened to the housing are formed as physically separate pieces and are joined to one another; wherein a first spring device (111, 201) supports the first part (109) and the second spring device (113, 203) supports the second part () against the means fastened to the nacelle.

10. Assembly (401) according to one of the preceding claims; characterized in that the means (105, 107, 403) fastened to the nacelle comprises a first part (403) and a second part (105, 107); wherein the first part (403) and the second part (105, 107) form physically separate pieces and are joined to one another; wherein the first spring device (111) supports the means (109, 110) fastened to the housing against the first part (403) and the second spring device (113) supports the means (109, 110) fastened to the housing against the second part (105, 107).

11. Wind turbine having a gearbox and a nacelle; characterized by a total of three or four assemblies (101, 301, 401) according to one of the preceding claims; wherein a housing (103) of the wind turbine gearbox is secured in the nacelle using the assemblies (101, 301, 401).

12. Wind turbine according to the preceding claim; characterized in that the first spring device (111, 201) and the second spring device (113, 203) of the three or four assemblies (101, 301, 401) are each arranged on different sides of the same plane extending parallel to an axis of rotation of an input shaft of the wind turbine gearbox.