Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic plain bearing, and method for adjusting the bearing play on a hydrodynamic or hydrostatic plain bearing

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydrodynamic or hydrostatic plain bearing (1) for rotatably supporting a shaft (3), in particular in a wind turbine (2), comprising at least one first sliding element (4) with a first sliding surface (5), which is provided on an adapter structure (9), and a connecting structure (6), which is used to secure the adapter structure (9), said adapter structure (9) being mounted so as to be radially and / or axially movable. A first ramp portion (7) is formed on the adapter structure (9) and a corresponding second ramp portion (8) is formed on the connecting structure (6) such that an axial offset of the adapter structure (9) relative to the connecting structure (6) produces a radial offset of the sliding element (4) and / or vice versa so that the bearing play of the sliding element (4) relative to the shaft (3) can be adjusted. The axial offset is determined by means of at least one intermediate piece (10), which is introduced into an intermediate space (11) brought about by the axial offset and thus creates a reproducible radial offset of the at least one sliding element (4).

Description

[0001] HYDRODYNAMIC OR HYDROSTATIC SLIDING BEARING, METHOD FOR ADJUSTING BEARING CLEARANCE ON A HYDRODYNAMIC OR HYDROSTATIC SLIDING BEARING

[0002] The present invention relates to a hydrodynamic or hydrostatic sliding bearing for the rotatable support of a shaft, particularly in a wind turbine, comprising at least one first sliding element with a first sliding surface, which is arranged to be radially and / or axially displaceable on a connecting structure. The invention further relates to a method for adjusting the bearing clearance of a hydrodynamic or hydrostatic sliding bearing and a wind turbine.

[0003] Nowadays, rolling bearings are commonly used for rotor support in wind turbines. However, the use of plain bearings for such rotors has also been proposed, as for example in DE 102 55 745 A1.

[0004] The use of plain bearings in the transmission gears for wind turbines is also generally known, as shown in EP 1 184 567 A2. Another application for plain bearings in wind turbines is a tower slewing ring bearing, as is also known from DE 100 43 936 A1. Furthermore, it is also known to use plain bearings for supporting the rotor blades of a wind turbine, as is evident, for example, from DE 102005 051 912 A1.

[0005] All possible applications of plain bearings within a wind turbine have in common that sufficient and reliable lubrication is essential for the longevity and operational reliability of such bearings. The oil pressure typically required for lubricating the plain bearings, or...

[0006] In hydrostatic plain bearings, the flow rate is typically supplied by an electric pump (e.g., a gear pump). Such a hydrostatic plain bearing thus has an active lubrication circuit, which is maintained by an external pump and circulated through the bearing gap between the moving elements. A thin hydrostatic film builds up in the bearing gap, reducing friction between the moving elements.

[0007] In addition to hydrostatic plain bearings, hydrodynamic plain bearings are also known, in which the lubricating film is only generated by the movement of the plain bearing. This is generally achieved by a wedge-shaped lubrication gap, so that the force transmission occurs via the interposed lubricant film in the lubricant carried into the constriction by the surface of the moving bearing part.

[0008] Segmented hydrostatic or hydrodynamic plain bearings of this type represent a technically interesting solution for the rotor bearing (main bearing) of wind turbines in the 10 MW range and above. Due to the size of the turbines, rolling bearings of a size that would be required would pose challenges in both manufacturing and logistics. Furthermore, segmented plain bearings can potentially be replaced or repaired directly on the tower in the event of damage. For the proper functioning of the plain bearing, it is essential to precisely align the individual sliding elements and to reproducibly set a uniform, very small clearance between the individual segments and the rotor shaft. Once the clearance has been set, the bearings must be easily and securely fastened.

[0009] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a hydrodynamic or hydrostatic plain bearing that enables precise, reproducible, and easy-to-assemble bearing clearance adjustment and fixing of a sliding element. Furthermore, the invention aims to provide an optimized method for adjusting the bearing clearance of a hydrodynamic or hydrostatic plain bearing and to implement an improved wind turbine.

[0010] This problem is solved by a hydrodynamic or hydrostatic sliding bearing for the rotatable support of a shaft, particularly in a wind turbine, comprising at least one first sliding element with a first sliding surface, which is arranged on an adapter structure, and a connecting structure that serves to fasten the adapter structure, wherein the adapter structure is arranged to be radially and / or axially displaceable. The adapter structure has a first ramp section and the

[0011] The connection structure includes a corresponding second ramp section, designed such that an axial offset of the adapter structure relative to the connection structure causes a radial offset of the sliding element and / or vice versa, so that the bearing clearance of the sliding element relative to the shaft is adjustable. The axial offset is determined by means of at least one intermediate piece, which is inserted into a gap created by the axial offset and thus generates a reproducible radial offset of the at least one sliding element.

[0012] This offers the advantage of improved possibilities for the exact, reproducible positioning of the sliding element on an inclined plane and a fail-safe fixing of this sliding element during the operation of the sliding bearing.

[0013] The plain bearing can be designed as a radial bearing or an axial bearing.

[0014] The connection structure can, for example, be designed as a bearing ring. A bearing ring is particularly preferred as a separate component, allowing the plain bearing to be pre-assembled modularly and thus ready for use at a specific location, already fitted with the appropriate sliding elements. It would also be possible for the bearing ring to be segmented. The connection structure could also be formed from a housing component. Alternatively, a connection structure could be formed from a component of a wind turbine structure. This can have the advantage that only relatively small elements of the plain bearing need to be transported into a wind turbine nacelle, which can offer both logistical and assembly-related benefits.

[0015] It would also be conceivable to incorporate a displacement measuring device integrated into or attached to the sliding element. This device could be used during assembly to ideally dimension the intermediate piece and thus correctly adjust the sliding element's height. Alternatively, a strain gauge could be attached to or integrated with the sliding element to measure the loads acting upon it. This would allow the load acting on the sliding element to be measured, and its height could then be adjusted to the wear condition of other sliding elements within the bearing, preventing one sliding element from being subjected to significantly greater stress than the others.

[0016] Preferably, the sliding bearing can have several sliding elements arranged around the circumference of the shaft, each with one of the aforementioned adapter structures, so that the shaft is ideally supported.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sliding element can be movably arranged relative to the adapter structure by means of a spherical cap. This provides a particularly good way to compensate for any deviations with regard to position, roundness, bending, or wear.

[0018] The adapter structure of the plain bearing can preferably be clamped relative to the connecting structure by means of a bolted connection. This represents a technically simple and cost-effective method of fixation. Thus, the bearing clearance setting can be secured against adjustment during operation of the plain bearing in a particularly reliable manner. The intermediate piece can also be held in position by the bolted connection. In a further preferred embodiment of the latter variant, the bolted connection is designed parallel to the shaft axis. Due to the dimensions of such a bearing, this represents a particularly suitable method for implementing the bolted connection.

[0019] A preferred method for implementing the bolted connection is achieved by having the adapter structure have an elongated hole. This allows for a flexible connection between the adapter structure and the connecting structure via a bolted joint, thus preventing tension. Furthermore, the bolted connection can be designed parallel to the ramp section of the adapter structure. This counteracts tension and eliminates the need for other potentially necessary countermeasures.

[0020] In principle, it is conceivable that the sliding element is made of a metallic material, particularly steel. The advantage of this design lies in the fact that steel, in particular, exhibits good dynamic strength. Alloyed heat-treatable steels are especially preferred in this context. It would also be possible, in principle, to make the sliding element from aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0021] It would also be possible to form the sliding element in one piece, particularly monolithically. This allows the sliding element to be designed to be self-retaining in a particularly advantageous way. Alternatively, the sliding element can also be formed from several separate components. These separate components can then be connected by screws or welding. The sliding element can thus also be multi-part. In particular, it is conceivable that the sliding surface is formed on a structurally separate part of the sliding element and is, for example, connected to a base body of the sliding element.

[0022] The plain bearing preferably comprises a plurality of sliding elements, each with a sliding surface. Preferably, the sliding elements are essentially identical. This high degree of uniformity further reduces manufacturing costs.

[0023] The object of the invention is further achieved by a method for adjusting a bearing clearance on a hydrodynamic or hydrostatic sliding bearing, comprising the following steps:

[0024] Provision of at least one first sliding element with a first sliding surface and an adapter structure with a first ramp section; provision of a connecting structure for receiving the at least one adapter structure with the first sliding element, with a second ramp section that interacts with the first ramp section of the adapter structure in such a way that an axial offset of the sliding element relative to the connecting structure causes a radial offset of the sliding element and vice versa, so that the bearing clearance of the sliding element relative to the shaft is adjustable.

[0025] • Provision of at least one intermediate piece which can be inserted into a gap caused by the axial offset,

[0026] • Inserting at least one intermediate piece into the gap between the adapter structure and the connection structure caused by the axial offset,

[0027] • Fixing the adapter structure and the intermediate piece to the connection structure

[0028] Finally, the problem can also be solved by a wind turbine comprising a hydrodynamic or hydrostatic sliding bearing according to one of claims 1-6 for the rotatable support of a shaft.

[0029] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to figures, without limiting the general concept of the invention.

[0030] It shows:

[0031] Figure 1 shows a sliding bearing in a sectional view.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of a sliding element in an oblique view, Figure 3 shows a wind turbine with a sliding bearing in a schematic representation.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a hydrodynamic or hydrostatic sliding bearing 1 for the rotatable mounting of a shaft 3, in particular for a wind turbine 2, as also shown by way of example in Figure 3. Such a wind turbine 2 typically has an electric machine 19 driven by a shaft 3 via a gear arrangement 18. In such a wind turbine 2, the shaft 3 can be rotatably mounted on a sliding bearing 1, as explained in more detail below.

[0034] The plain bearing 1 has a plurality of essentially identical sliding elements 4, which are arranged distributed around a circumference on a connecting structure 6, for example, designed as a bearing ring. To avoid repetition, the function is explained below using the example of only one sliding element 4. It is understood that a plurality of the sliding elements 4 in the plain bearing 1, preferably all sliding elements 4, are constructed and function as explained below using one sliding element 4 as an example.

[0035] The sliding element 4, which has a sliding surface 5, is arranged on an adapter structure 9. The adapter structure 9 is arranged to be radially and / or axially displaceable and has a first ramp section 7, wherein a corresponding second ramp section 8 is formed on the connecting structure 6 such that an axial displacement of the adapter structure 9 relative to the connecting structure 6 causes a radial displacement of the sliding element 4 and / or vice versa, so that the bearing clearance of the sliding element 4 relative to the shaft 3 is adjustable. The axial displacement is determined by means of at least one intermediate piece 10, which is inserted into a gap 11 caused by the axial displacement and thus generates a reproducible radial displacement x of the at least one sliding element 4. The adapter structure 9 is clamped relative to the connecting structure 6 by means of a screw connection 15.The sliding element 4 is movably arranged relative to the adapter structure 9 by means of a spherical cap 12. Figure 2 shows a first sliding element 4 with a first sliding surface 5. A first ramp section 7 is arranged on the adapter structure 9. The adapter structure 9 has a hole 17 or, as indicated, an elongated hole 16, in order to fasten the adapter structure 9, or the sliding element 4, to the connecting structure 6 by means of a screw connection 15. The intermediate piece 10 can also be securely attached via a hole.

[0036] A method for adjusting the bearing clearance on the hydrodynamic or hydrostatic sliding bearing 1 can now comprise the following steps, with reference to Figures 1 and 2:

[0037] First, at least one first sliding element 4 with a first sliding surface 5 and an adapter structure 9 with a first ramp section 7 is provided.

[0038] Furthermore, a connection structure 6, for example in the form of a bearing ring, is provided to receive the at least first sliding element 4, with a second ramp section 8, which interacts with the first ramp section 7 of the adapter structure 9 in such a way that an axial offset of the sliding element 4 relative to the connection structure 6 causes a radial offset of the sliding element 4 and vice versa, so that the bearing clearance of the sliding element 4 relative to the shaft 3 is adjustable.

[0039] The provision also includes at least one intermediate piece 10, which can be inserted into a space 11 created by the axial offset.

[0040] Then at least one intermediate piece 10 is inserted into the space 11 between adapter structure 9 and connection structure 6 caused by the axial offset.

[0041] The adapter structure 9 and the intermediate piece 10 are then fixed to the connecting structure 6.

[0042] The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the figures. The foregoing description is therefore not to be considered limiting, but rather explanatory. The following claims are to be understood as meaning that a named feature is present in at least one embodiment of the invention. This does not preclude the presence of further features. Insofar as the claims and the foregoing description define 'first' and 'second' features, this designation serves to distinguish between two similar features without establishing any hierarchy.

[0043] List of reference signs

[0044] 1 plain bearing

[0045] 2 wind turbines

[0046] 3rd wave

[0047] 4 sliding element

[0048] 5 sliding surface

[0049] 6 Connection structure / bearing ring / housing

[0050] 7 Ramp section

[0051] 8 Ramp section

[0052] 9 Adapter structure

[0053] 10 Intermediate piece

[0054] 11 space

[0055] 12 calotte

[0056] 13 -

[0057] 14 -

[0058] 15 screw connections

[0059] 16 elongated holes

[0060] 17 holes

[0061] 18 Gear arrangement

[0062] 19 Electric Machine

Claims

Claims 1. Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic sliding bearing (1) for rotatable Bearing of a shaft (3), in particular in a wind turbine (2), with at least one first sliding element (4) having a first sliding surface (5), which is arranged on an adapter structure (9), and a connecting structure (6) which serves to fasten the adapter structure (9), wherein the adapter structure (9) is arranged to be radially and / or axially displaceable, wherein a first ramp section (7) is formed on the adapter structure (9) and a corresponding second ramp section (8) is formed on the connecting structure (6) such that an axial displacement of the adapter structure (9) relative to the connecting structure (6) causes a radial displacement of the sliding element (4) and / or vice versa, so that the bearing clearance of the sliding element (4) relative to the shaft (3) is adjustable, and wherein the axial displacement is determined by means of at least one intermediate piece (10),which is inserted into a gap (11) caused by the axial offset and thus produces a reproducible radial offset of the at least one sliding element (4).

2. Plain bearing (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the plain bearing (19) has several sliding elements (4) arranged around the circumference of the shaft (3), each with an adapter structure (9).

3. Plain bearing (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one sliding element (4) is movably arranged relative to the adapter structure (9) by means of a spherical cap (12).

4. Plain bearing (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter structure (9) is held clamped relative to the connecting structure (6) by means of a screw connection (15).

5. Plain bearing (1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the screw connection (15) is designed parallel to the shaft axis.

6. Plain bearing (1 ) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the adapter structure (6) has an elongated hole (16) which allows a flexible connection of the adapter structure (9) to the connecting structure (6) by means of a screw connection (15).

7. Sliding bearing (1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the screw connection (15) is formed parallel to the ramp section of the adapter structure (9).

8. Method for adjusting a bearing clearance on a hydrodynamic or hydrostatic sliding bearing (1) comprising the following steps: • Provision of at least one first sliding element (4) with a first sliding surface (5) and an adapter structure (9) with a first ramp section (7), • Provision of a connection structure (6) for receiving the at least one adapter structure (9) with a first sliding element (4), with a second ramp section (8) which interacts with the first ramp section (7) of the adapter structure (9) in such a way that an axial offset of the sliding element (4) relative to the connection structure (6) causes a radial offset of the sliding element (4) and vice versa, so that the bearing clearance of the sliding element (4) relative to the shaft (3) is adjustable, • Provision of at least one intermediate piece (10) which can be inserted into a gap (11) caused by the axial offset, • Inserting at least one intermediate piece (10) into the space (11) created by the axial offset between the adapter structure (9) and the connection structure (6), • Fixing the adapter structure (9) and the intermediate piece (10) to the connecting structure (6).

9. Wind turbine (2) comprising a hydrodynamic or hydrostatic sliding bearing (1 ) according to one of claims 1-6 for rotatable support of a shaft (3).

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