PLAIN BEARING ARRANGEMENT AND NACELLE EQUIPPED WITH A PLAIN BEARING ARRANGEMENT FOR A WIND TURBINE

Abstract

A slide bearing arrangement includes an inner ring element, an outer ring element, and at least one slide bearing element, which is arranged between the inner ring element and the outer ring element. The slide bearing element includes at least two slide bearing pads, wherein the individual slide bearing pads each have a bearing surface that is cambered, viewed in an axial direction, and wherein an apex of the bearing surface has the largest diameter of the bearing surface.

Claims

1. A slide bearing arrangement (9), comprising: an inner ring element (13); an outer ring element (14); and at least one slide bearing element (15), which is arranged between the inner ring element (13) and the outer ring element (14), wherein a bearing surface (20) of the slide bearing element (15) and a mating surface (21) of the outer ring element (14) rest against each other, wherein the slide bearing element (15) comprises at least two slide bearing pads (18), and wherein the individual slide bearing pads (18) each have a bearing surface (20) that is cambered, viewed in an axial direction, in at least one sub-region.

2. The slide bearing arrangement (9) according to claim 1, wherein the individual slide bearing pads (18) have the basic form of a spherical cap with a spherical cap radius (30) in a spherical cap section (29) and have a transition radius (32) in a transition section (31).

3. The slide bearing arrangement (9) according to claim 2, wherein the spherical cap section (29) extends up to an apex (25) and the transition section (31) adjoins the spherical cap section (29) at the apex (25).

4. The slide bearing arrangement (9) according to claim 2, wherein the apex (25) is arranged at a distance (33) from a second front end (27) of the slide bearing pad (18), wherein the distance (33) is between 1% and 49%, in particular between 5% and 35%, preferably between 10% and 25%, of an axial extension (34) of the slide bearing pad (18).

5. The slide bearing arrangement (9) according to claim 1, wherein a removal opening (41) is configured in the outer ring element (14), which removal opening (41) interrupts the mating surface (21) of the outer ring element (14), starting from a first front end (42) of the outer ring element (14).

6. The slide bearing arrangement (9) according to claim 5, characterized in that wherein the removal opening (41) has a circumferential extension (47) and wherein the slide bearing pads (18) each have a circumferential extension (48), wherein the circumferential extension (48) of the slide bearing pads (18) is between 60% and 99.9%, in particular between 80% and 99%, preferably between 90% and 98%, of the circumferential extension (47) of the removal opening (41).

7. The slide bearing arrangement (9) according to claim 5, wherein the removal opening (41) is configured so as to widen radially towards the first front end (42).

8. The slide bearing arrangement (9) according to claim 1, wherein a slide bearing pad reception ring (110) is configured, which serves to affix the slide bearing pads (18), wherein the slide bearing pad reception ring (110) is received on the inner ring element (13).

9. The slide bearing arrangement (9) according to claim 8, wherein the slide bearing pad reception ring (110) is shrunk onto the inner ring element (13).

10. The slide bearing arrangement (9) according to claim 8, wherein multiple tapped holes (111) are configured in the slide bearing pad reception ring (110), which tapped holes (111) are arranged in an axial direction of the slide bearing pad reception ring (110) and serve to receive fastening screws (113), wherein pass-through holes are configured in the slide bearing pads (18), through which pass-through holes the fastening screws (113) are plugged in order to clamp the slide bearing pads (18) on the slide bearing pad reception ring (110) by means of the fastening screws (113).

11. The slide bearing arrangement (9) according to claim 8, wherein the slide bearing pads (18) have a shoulder (114) on their inner face (72), which shoulder (114) rests against a first front end (115) of the slide bearing pad reception ring (110), wherein the pass-through holes (112) are arranged in the region of the shoulder (114).

12. The slide bearing arrangement (9) according to claim 1, wherein a bearing block (17) is configured, in which the outer ring element (14) is received, wherein a cover (36) is configured on at least one axial front end (35) of the bearing block (17), wherein a lubricating oil reservoir (37) is configured so as to be integrated in the cover (36) or adjoined to the cover (36).

13. The slide bearing arrangement (9) according to claim 6, wherein the removal opening (41), in a circumferential direction, has an oil feed (44), in particular a rounding or a chamfer, which is larger than 5 mm, preferably larger than 10 mm, in particular larger than 20 mm.

14. The slide bearing arrangement (9) according to claim 1, wherein a form element (69), in particular a thread, is configured on the first front end (23) of the slide bearing pad (18), which form element (69) serves to receive a connection element.

15. The slide bearing arrangement (9) according to claim 1, wherein a thrust ring segment (68) is arranged on a second front end (27) of the slide bearing pad (18).

16. The slide bearing arrangement (9) according to claim 1, wherein spacers (73) are arranged between the individual slide bearing pads (18), viewed in a circumferential direction.

17. The slide bearing arrangement (9) according to claim 1, wherein a lubricating oil transport groove (75) is configured on a first circumferential face (74) of the slide bearing pad (18) in the region of the bearing surface (20).

18. The slide bearing arrangement (9) according to claim 1, wherein a reception (70) for a lifting device is configured in the slide bearing pad (18), on its inner face (72).

19. A method for changing a slide bearing pad (18) of a slide bearing arrangement (9), comprising the method steps: moving the slide bearing pad (18) to be changed to a removal opening (41) configured in the outer ring element (14); releasing the axial securing element (51) of the slide bearing pad (18) to be changed; axially removing the slide bearing pad (18) to be changed through the removal opening (41); axially inserting a new slide bearing pad (18) through the removal opening (41); and fixing the new slide bearing pad (18) by means of the axial securing element (51).

20. A nacelle (2) for a wind turbine (1), the nacelle (2) comprising: a nacelle housing (4); a rotor shaft (16); a rotor hub (6), which is arranged on the rotor shaft (16); a rotor bearing arrangement (8) for mounting the rotor shaft (16) on the nacelle housing (4), wherein the rotor bearing arrangement (8) comprises the slide bearing arrangement (9) according to claim 1.

21. The nacelle (2) according to claim 20, wherein the rotor bearing arrangement (8) comprises a bearing block (17), in which the outer ring element (14) is received, wherein the bearing block (17) has an axial stop (62) for the outer ring element (14), wherein the axial stop (62) is configured on an axial front end (35) of the bearing block (17) facing away from the rotor hub (6).

22. The nacelle (2) according to claim 21, wherein a removal opening (41) is configured in the outer ring element (14), which removal opening (41) interrupts the mating surface (21) of the outer ring element (14), starting from a first front end (42) of the outer ring element (14), wherein the first front end (42) of the outer ring element (14) is configured on the end of the bearing block (17) facing away from the rotor hub (6).

23. The nacelle (2) according to claim 22, wherein the axial stop (62) has a recess (63) in the region of the removal opening (41) of the outer ring element (14), which recess (63) corresponds with the removal opening (41).

Description

[0084] For the purpose of better understanding of the invention, it will be elucidated in more detail by means of the figures below.

[0085] These show in a respectively very simplified schematic representation:

[0086] FIG. 1 a schematic representation of a wind turbine;

[0087] FIG. 2 a perspective representation of a first exemplary embodiment of a slide bearing arrangement;

[0088] FIG. 3 a longitudinal section of the first exemplary embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement;

[0089] FIG. 4 a perspective view of the longitudinal section of the first exemplary embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement;

[0090] FIG. 5 a perspective view of the longitudinal section of the first exemplary embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement, wherein a cover is blanked out;

[0091] FIG. 6 a perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of an outer ring element;

[0092] FIG. 7 a perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of a rotor shaft with slide bearing pads arranged thereupon;

[0093] FIG. 8 a longitudinal section of a second exemplary embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement;

[0094] FIG. 9 a longitudinal section of a third exemplary embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement;

[0095] FIG. 10 a longitudinal section of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement;

[0096] FIG. 11 a perspective view of the longitudinal section of the third exemplary embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement;

[0097] FIG. 12 a cross section of the third exemplary embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement;

[0098] FIG. 13 a perspective representation of an outer ring element of the third exemplary embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement;

[0099] FIG. 14 a slide bearing pad of the third exemplary embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement in a first perspective representation;

[0100] FIG. 15 the slide bearing pad of the third exemplary embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement in a second perspective representation;

[0101] FIG. 16 the slide bearing pad of the third exemplary embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement in a third perspective representation;

[0102] FIG. 17 another exemplary embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement with slide bearing pads, which are screwed to a slide bearing pad reception ring, in a first perspective view;

[0103] FIG. 18 the other exemplary embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement with slide bearing pads, which are screwed to a slide bearing pad reception ring, in a sectional view.

[0104] First of all, it is to be noted that, in the different embodiments described, equal parts are provided with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations, where the disclosures filled into in the entire description may be analogously transferred to equal parts with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations. Moreover, the specifications of location, such as at the top, at the bottom, at the side, chosen in the description refer to the directly described and depicted figure, and in case of a change of position, these specifications of location are to be analogously transferred to the new position.

[0105] FIG. 1 shows, in a schematic representation, a first exemplary embodiment of a wind turbine 1 for generating electric energy from wind energy. The wind turbine 1 comprises a nacelle 2, which is received on a tower 3 so as to be rotatable. The nacelle 2 comprises a nacelle housing 4, which forms the main structure of the nacelle 2. Arranged in the nacelle housing 4 of the nacelle 2 are the electrotechnical components such as a generator of the wind turbine 1, for example.

[0106] Further, a rotor 5 is configured, which has a rotor hub 6 with rotor blades 7 arranged thereupon. The rotor hub 6 is considered part of the nacelle 2. The rotor hub 6 is received on the nacelle housing 4 by means of a rotor bearing arrangement 8 so as to be rotatably movable. In particular, it is provided that a slide bearing arrangement 9 in accordance with the invention, which slide bearing arrangement 9 will be described in more detail below, is used as rotor bearing arrangement 8. In particular, it can be provided that the rotor hub 6 is arranged on a rotor shaft 16, wherein the rotor shaft 16 is mounted in the rotor bearing arrangement 8.

[0107] The rotor bearing arrangement 8, which serves to mount the rotor hub 6 on the nacelle housing 4 of the nacelle 2, is configured for receiving a radial force 10 and an axial force 11. The axial force 11 is a result of the force of the wind. The radial force 10 is a result of the weight of the rotor 5 and acts on the center of gravity of the rotor 5. As the center of gravity of the rotor 5 lies outside of the rotor bearing arrangement 8, a tilting moment 12 is caused in the rotor bearing arrangement 8 by the radial force 10. The tilting moment 12 can equally be caused by an uneven load on the rotor blades 7. This tilting moment 12 can be absorbed by means of a second bearing arrangement, which is arranged at a distance to the rotor bearing arrangement 8. The second bearing arrangement can be configured in the region of the generator, for example.

[0108] FIG. 2 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement 9 integrated in the nacelle 2. Of course, the slide bearing arrangement 9 represented in FIG. 2 can also be used in any and all other industrial applications outside of wind turbines. The slide bearing arrangement 9 is represented in FIG. 2 in a perspective view.

[0109] FIG. 3 shows the first exemplary embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement 9 in a longitudinal sectional representation.

[0110] Subsequently, the slide bearing arrangement 9 is described by means of a combination of Figures 2 and 3.

[0111] As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, it can be provided that the slide bearing arrangement 9 has an inner ring element 13 and an outer ring element 14. Arranged between the inner ring element 13 and the outer ring element 14 is a slide bearing element 15, which serves to mount the inner ring element 13 relative to the outer ring element 14 in a rotational slide bearing arrangement.

[0112] In the exemplary embodiment which is represented in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inner ring element 13 is configured as rotor shaft 16. Of course, the inner ring element 13 can also be any other type of shaft. Further, it is also conceivable that the inner ring element 13 is configured as an independent component, which is received on a shaft, in particular on a rotor shaft 16.

[0113] As can be seen particularly readily from FIG. 3, it can be provided that the outer ring element 14 is received in a bearing block 17. In particular, it can be provided that the bearing block 17 is coupled with the nacelle housing 4, or is alternatively also directly shaped in the nacelle housing 4. In this exemplary embodiment, it can therefore be provided that the outer ring element 14 is rigidly coupled with the nacelle housing 4 and the inner ring element 13 is rotatable, by means of the slide bearing element 15, relative to the outer ring element 14 with respect to an axis of rotation 19.

[0114] Further, it can be provided that the bearing block 17 serves directly as outer ring element 14.

[0115] Therefore, the rotor shaft 16 is received in the nacelle housing 4, by means of the slide bearing arrangement 9, so as to be rotatable.

[0116] As can further be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, it can be provided that the slide bearing element 15 comprises multiple individual slide bearing pads 18, which are arranged across the circumference so as to be distributed between the inner ring element 13 and the outer ring element 14.

[0117] Due to the structure shown in FIG. 3, the individual slide bearing pads 18 are firmly coupled with the inner ring element 13 in the operating mode of the slide bearing arrangement 9 and therefore rotate with same relative to the outer ring element 14. To enable the rotational movement between the inner ring element 13 and the outer ring element 14, a bearing surface 20 is configured on each of the individual slide bearing pads 18, which rests against a mating surface 21 of the outer ring element 14 in the ready mode of the slide bearing arrangement 9. The mating surface 21 is arranged on an inner face 22 of the outer ring element 14.

[0118] The bearing surface 20 of the slide bearing pad 18 and the mating surface 21 of the outer ring element 14 are configured as sliding surfaces, which slide against each other during operation of the slide bearing arrangement 9. In particular, it can be provided that the mating surface 21 of the outer ring element 14 is configured as a hard, wear-resistant surface, which can be formed by a hardened steel, for example. The bearing surface 20 of the slide bearing pad 18 can be formed from a slide bearing raw material that is soft in comparison to the mating surface 21. Of course, it is also conceivable that the bearing surface 20 has a slide coating.

[0119] As can be seen particularly readily from FIG. 3, it can be provided that the individual slide bearing pads 18 each have a bearing surface 20 that is cambered, viewed in an axial direction.

[0120] As can further be seen from FIG. 3, it can be provided that the bearing surface 20 has a first diameter 24 in the region of a first front end 23 of the slide bearing pad 18. Starting from this first front end 23, the bearing surface 20 can have a diameter increase towards an apex 25. The bearing surface 20 can have a diameter 26 at the apex 25.

[0121] Starting from the apex 25, the bearing surface 20 can have a diameter decrease towards a second front end 27 of the slide bearing pad 18. In the region of the second front end 27, the bearing surface 20 can have a second diameter 28.

[0122] In particular, it can be provided that a spherical cap section 29 is configured between the first front end 23 and the apex 25. The spherical cap section 29 can have the basic form of a spherical cap with a spherical cap radius 30.

[0123] Between the second front end 27 and the apex 25, a transition section 31 can be configured. The transition section 31 can have a transition radius 32. In particular, it can be provided that the transition radius 32 is smaller than the spherical cap radius 30.

[0124] It can further be provided that the apex 25 is arranged at a distance 33 from a second front end 27 of the slide bearing pad 18. The slide bearing pad 18 can have an axial extension 34.

[0125] FIG. 4 shows the first exemplary embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement 9 in a perspective sectional representation, wherein the same reference numbers and/or the same component designations as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 3 are used again. To avoid unnecessary repetitions, the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 3 should be noted and/or is referred to.

[0126] As can further be seen from FIG. 4, it can be provided that a cover 36 is arranged on an axial front end 35 of the bearing block 17. The cover 36 serves to close up the interior of the bearing block 17.

[0127] As can further be seen from FIG. 4, it can be provided that a lubricating oil reservoir 37 is adjoined to the cover 36, which lubricating oil reservoir 37 serves to receive lubricating oil 38. In particular, it can be provided here that a pass-through opening 39 is configured in the cover 36, through which the lubricating oil 38 from the lubricating oil reservoir 37 can flow into the interior of the bearing block 17.

[0128] As can further be seen from FIG. 4, it can be provided that a seal 40 is received in the cover 36, which seal 40 serves to seal the cover 36 against the bearing block 17. It can further be provided that another seal is configured, which serves to form a seal between the cover 36 and the rotor shaft 16. In particular, it can be provided that the other seal directly interacts with the rotor shaft 16, as can be seen from FIG. 4. The other seal can be a shaft sealing ring, for example.

[0129] FIG. 5 shows a perspective sectional representation of the slide bearing arrangement 9, wherein the same reference numbers and/or the same component designations as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4 are used again. To avoid unnecessary repetitions, the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4 should be noted and/or is referred to.

[0130] In FIG. 5, the cover 36 and the lubricating oil reservoir 37 are blanked out for better clarity. Therefore, the interior components of the slide bearing 9 are visible.

[0131] As can be seen from FIG. 5, it can be provided that a removal opening 41 is configured in the outer ring element 14, which removal opening 41 serves to axially remove individual of the slide bearing pads 18.

[0132] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the outer ring element 14, wherein the same reference numbers and/or the same component designations as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 5 are used again. To avoid unnecessary repetitions, the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 5 should be noted and/or is referred to.

[0133] In FIG. 6, the removal opening 41 is visible particularly clearly.

[0134] As can be seen from FIGS. 5 and 6, it can be provided that the removal opening 41 interrupts, at least in sections, the mating surface 21 configured in the outer ring element 14. In particular, it can be provided that the removal opening 41 extends starting from a first front end 42 of the outer ring element 14. In particular, it can be provided that the removal opening 41 does not extend up to a second front end 43 of the outer ring element 14. Rather, the removal opening 41 may extend only up to the apex 25.

[0135] As can further be seen from FIG. 6, it can be provided that an oil feed 44 adjoining the removal opening 41 is configured in the outer ring element 14 in a circumferential direction, which oil feed 44 forms the transition between the removal opening 41 and the mating surface 21. In particular, it can be provided that the oil feed 44 is configured cone-shaped, for example.

[0136] As can be seen particularly readily from a combination of FIGS. 3 and 6, it can be provided that the removal opening 41 is configured so as to widen radially towards the first front end 42. In particular, it can be provided here that a first removal opening region 45 and a second removal opening region 46 are configured, each of which have a different radial widening. It can further be provided that the second removal opening region 46, which is arranged closer to the first front end 42 of the outer ring element 14, has a larger radial widening than the first removal opening region 45.

[0137] In another exemplary embodiment, which is not represented, it can also be provided, of course, that the removal opening 41 completely penetrates the outer ring element 14 radially.

[0138] FIG. 7 shows the rotor shaft 16 with the slide bearing pads 18 arranged thereupon in a perspective view, wherein the same reference numbers and/or the same component designations as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 6 are used again. To avoid unnecessary repetitions, the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 6 should be noted and/or is referred to.

[0139] As can be seen from a combination of FIGS. 6 and 7, it can be provided that the removal opening 41 has a circumferential extension 47. The individual slide bearing pads 18 can have a circumferential extension 48.

[0140] As can be seen particularly readily from FIG. 5, it can be provided that a shaft nut 49 is configured, which can be screwed onto the rotor shaft 16. On the shaft nut 49, an axial securing element reception 50 can be configured, which serves to receive individual axial securing elements 51. In particular, it can be provided that the axial securing element reception 50 comprises a tapped hole, wherein the individual axial securing elements 51 can be screwed into the tapped hole in a radial direction by means of a fastening screw 52.

[0141] It can further be provided that the axial securing elements 51 have a wedge surface 54 on an axial front end 53. On the first front end 23 of the slide bearing pad 18, a first mating wedge surface 55 can be configured. In particular, it can be provided that the wedge surface 54 interacts with and/or rests against the first mating wedge surface 55.

[0142] As can further be seen from FIG. 5, it can be provided that an axial stop ring 56 is configured, which, together with the axial securing element 51, serves to clamp the slide bearing pad 18.

[0143] In particular, the individual slide bearing pads 18 can be clamped between the axial stop ring 56 and the axial securing element 51 and/or between multiple axial securing elements 51.

[0144] As can be seen from FIG. 5, it can be provided that the axial stop ring 56 has a wedge surface 57, which is configured such that an interlocking bond between the slide bearing pad 18 and the axial stop ring 56 can be achieved.

[0145] As can be seen from FIG. 3, it can be provided that an antitwist protection element 58 is configured, which acts between the axial stop ring 56 and the slide bearing pad 18. In particular, it can be provided that the antitwist protection element 58 is configured in the form of a cylindrical pin, which is received in a bore in the axial stop ring 56 and/or in a bore in the slide bearing pad 18.

[0146] As can be seen from FIG. 5, it can be provided that a rotation surface 59 for a seal arranged in the cover 36 is configured on the shaft nut 49. Analogously, a rotation surface 60 can be configured in the axial stop ring 56. The rotation surface 60 can interact with a seal arranged in a second cover 61.

[0147] As can further be seen from FIG. 5, it can be provided that the bearing block 17 has an axial stop 62 for the outer ring element 14. It can further be provided that a recess 63 is configured in the axial stop 62, which recess 63 corresponds with the removal opening 41.

[0148] In the assembled state of the slide bearing arrangement 9, the outer ring element 14 is received in the bearing block 17. Here, it can be provided that the outer ring element 14 is clamped axially between the second cover 61 and the axial stop 62 in the bearing block 17. Here, it can be provided that the second cover 61 is screwed axially against the bearing block by means of fastening means.

[0149] The axial stop ring 56 can be affixed to the rotor shaft 16. Further, the shaft nut 49 can be screwed onto the rotor shaft 16. As can be seen from FIG. 5, individual slide bearing pads 18 can be clamped between the axial stop ring 56 and at least one axial securing element 51 each. Due to the shape of the axial stop ring 56 and/or of the axial securing element 51, the slide bearing pads 18 can be coupled with the rotor shaft 16 so as to be clamped in an interlocking manner both in an axial direction and in a radial direction.

[0150] To change the individual slide bearing pads 18, the cover 36 can be removed from the bearing block 17. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that a maintenance opening is configured in the cover 36, which maintenance opening can be uncoupled from the cover 36, whereby the interior of the bearing block 17 is accessible.

[0151] In another alternative, it is also conceivable that the cover 36 is configured so as to be divided, so that it can be removed radially from the rotor shaft 16 and need not be displaced along the rotor shaft 16 in an axial direction. Here, the cover 36 can be configured so as to be divided in a center plane, for example.

[0152] When the interior components of the bearing block 17 are accessible in accordance with the representation according to FIG. 5, in order to change the individual slide bearing pads 18, respectively one slide bearing pad 18 to be changed can be twisted into the region of the removal opening 41. Subsequently, the axial securing element 51 of the slide bearing pad 18 to be changed can be released and removed. This ensures that the slide bearing pad 18 to be changed is no longer clamped on the rotor shaft 16. In another method step, the slide bearing pad 18 to be changed can be displaced axially and/or optionally simultaneously also radially outward through the removal opening 41 in order to remove the slide bearing pad 18 from the inside of the bearing block 17. In another method step, a new slide bearing pad 18 can be inserted again into the inside of the bearing block 17 and/or be clamped with the axial securing element 51 in reverse sequence. This operation can be repeated for all slide bearing pads 18 to be changed.

[0153] Subsequently, the inside of the bearing block 17 can be closed up again by means of the cover 36 and thus the slide bearing arrangement 9 can be made operational again.

[0154] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement 9 that is optionally independent in itself, wherein the same reference numbers and/or the same component designations as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 7 are used again. To avoid unnecessary repetitions, the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 7 should be noted and/or is referred to.

[0155] As can be seen from FIG. 8, it can be provided that the antitwist protection elements 58 can be configured in the form of feather keys, for example, which can be screwed to the slide bearing pad 18. Further, a recess for receiving the antitwist protection element 58 can be configured in the axial stop ring 56.

[0156] Independent of the other features and as can further be seen from FIG. 8, it can be provided that the axial securing element 51 has a stop dog 64, which can be received in a groove 65 that is inserted in the rotor shaft 16. Here, the axial securing element 51 can equally have a wedge surface 54, which serves to clamp the slide bearing pad 18. Further, a trapezoid groove 66 can be configured in the rotor shaft 16, in which trapezoid groove 66 a T-nut 67 can be received. In particular, the T-nut 67 can be displaceable relative to the rotor shaft 16 in a circumferential direction. The T-nut 67 can have an internal thread, which serves to screw in the fastening screw 52 for clamping the axial securing element 51.

[0157] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement 9 that is optionally independent in itself, wherein the same reference numbers and/or the same component designations as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 8 are used again. To avoid unnecessary repetitions, the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 8 should be noted and/or is referred to.

[0158] As can be seen from FIG. 9, it can be provided that a thrust ring segment 68 is arranged on the slide bearing pad 18. The thrust ring segment 68 can serve to receive axial forces between the slide bearing pad 18 and the outer ring element 14. In particular, it can be provided that the thrust ring segment 68 has a sliding surface and that the outer ring element 14 has a mating sliding surface, wherein the sliding surface and the mating sliding surface rest against each other and slide against each other during operation.

[0159] FIGS. 10 to 13 show another, third embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement 9 that is optionally independent in itself, wherein the same reference numbers and/or the same component designations as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 9 are used again. To avoid unnecessary repetitions, the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 9 should be noted and/or is referred to.

[0160] As can be seen from FIG. 10, it can be provided that the bearing surface 20 has a diameter increase towards the apex 25 in the region of the first front end 23 of the slide bearing pad 18, starting from the first front end 23. The bearing surface 20 can have a diameter 26 at the apex 25.

[0161] As can further be seen from FIG. 10, the bearing surface 20 can have a diameter decrease towards the second front end 27, starting from the apex 25.

[0162] In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 10, it can be provided that a spherical cap section 29 is configured between the first front end 23 and the apex 25. The spherical cap section 29 can have the basic form of a spherical cap with a spherical cap radius 30.

[0163] Between the second front end 27 and the apex 25, a transition section 31 can be configured. The transition section 31 can have a transition radius 32. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 10, it can be provided that the transition radius 32 and the spherical cap radius 30 have the same size. The transition radius 32 and the spherical cap radius 30 can therefore transition to each other at the apex 25 without a kink.

[0164] In addition to the transition section 31, a thrust ring segment 68 can be arranged on the second front end 27 of the slide bearing pad 18, which thrust ring segment 68 can serve to receive axial forces.

[0165] As can be seen from FIG. 11, it can be provided that the rotor shaft 16 has a rotor shaft flange 71, which can serve to flange the rotor hub 6.

[0166] As can be seen from FIG. 12, it can be provided that spacers 73 are configured on the individual slide bearing pads 18. The spacers 73 serve to correctly space the individual slide bearing pads 18 in relation to one another in a circumferential direction. In particular, it can be provided that, on at least one of the circumferential faces 74 of the slide bearing pad 18, the spacers 73 are configured exclusively in the region of the inner face 72 and do not extend across the complete height of the slide bearing pads 18. It can further be provided that the spacers 73 are configured on both circumferential faces 74 of the slide bearing pad 18.

[0167] As can be seen from a combination of the FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, it can be provided that a circumferential lubricating oil distribution groove 77 is configured on a circumference of the outer ring element 14. The lubricating oil distribution groove 77 can be configured on the surface on which the outer ring element 14 rests against the bearing block 17. The lubricating oil distribution groove 77 can therefore be bounded by the outer ring element 14 and the bearing block 17 and therefore form a fluid canal for transporting a lubricating oil. Further, it can be provided that a lubricating oil bore 78 is configured, which flow-connects the lubricating oil distribution groove 77 with the mating surface 21. In the region of the mating surface 21, the lubricating oil bore 78 can open into an oil pocket 79. The oil pocket 79 can extend across a large portion of the width of the mating surface 21. This has the advantage that the slide bearing pads 18 can be supplied with lubricating oil via the lubricating oil distribution groove 77 by means of an oil pump.

[0168] Further, it can be provided that a seal is arranged on both sides of the lubricating oil distribution groove 77, which seal serves to seal the lubricating oil distribution groove 77 between the outer ring element 14 and the bearing block 17.

[0169] As can be seen particularly readily from FIG. 13, it can be provided that a filler element 80 is configured, which serves to be inserted in the removal opening 41 of the outer ring element 14. In the inserted state, the filler element 80 can complete, or at least partially complete, the mating surface 21. This results in improved sliding properties.

[0170] It can further be provided that the filler element 80 can be coupled with the outer ring element 14 by means of an interlocking bond 81, in particular by means of a connecting groove. It can further be provided that the filler element 80 is secured in its position by means of a securing element, which is not represented.

[0171] FIGS. 14 to 16 show a detailed view of the slide bearing pad 18 from the third exemplary embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement 9 in different perspective representations, wherein the same reference numbers and/or the same component designations as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 13 are used again. To avoid unnecessary repetitions, the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 13 should be noted and/or is referred to.

[0172] As can be seen from FIGS. 14 to 16, it can be provided that the thrust ring segment 68 is coupled with the second front end 27 of the slide bearing pad 18 by means of three fastening means.

[0173] Also the spacers 73 can readily be seen in FIGS. 14 to 16.

[0174] As can be seen particularly readily from FIG. 14, it can be provided that a reception 70 for producing an interlocking bond with a lifting device is configured on the inner face 72 of the slide bearing pad 18.

[0175] As can be seen from FIG. 16, it can be provided that a form element 69, in particular a tapped hole, is configured on the first front end 23 of the slide bearing pad 18, which form element 69 serves to receive a connection element. By means of the form element 69, the slide bearing pad 18 can be coupled with a slide bearing pad changing device.

[0176] Further, it can be provided that a recess 82 is configured in the region of the form element 69, which recess 82, in interaction with the form element 69, serves to couple the slide bearing pad 18 with the slide bearing pad changing device.

[0177] FIGS. 17 and 18 show another, fourth embodiment of the slide bearing arrangement 9 that is optionally independent in itself, wherein the same reference numbers and/or the same component designations as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 16 are used again. To avoid unnecessary repetitions, the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 16 should be noted and/or is referred to.

[0178] For the sake of simplicity, only a single slide bearing pad 18 is represented in FIGS. 17 and 18, wherein, however, also multiple of the slide bearing pads 18 can be arranged so as to be distributed evenly across the circumference, just like in the preceding exemplary embodiments.

[0179] As can be seen from FIG. 18, it can be provided that a slide bearing pad reception ring 110 is arranged on the inner ring element 13, which slide bearing pad reception ring 110 serves to receive the individual slide bearing pads 18.

[0180] In particular, it can be provided that the individual slide bearing pads 18 have a shoulder 114 on their inner face 72. The shoulder 114 can form a contact surface, so that the slide bearing pad 18 can rest against a first front end 115 of the slide bearing pad reception ring 110 in the region of the shoulder 114. This ensures that the slide bearing pad 18 can be positioned relative to the slide bearing pad reception ring 110 in an axial direction.

[0181] It can further be provided that the shoulder 114 bounds a recess 116, which is configured on the inner face 72 of the slide bearing pad 18. The recess 116 can extend up to the shoulder 114 starting from the second front end 27 of the slide bearing pad 18. The recess 116 and/or the shoulder 114 can be configured so as to be rotationally symmetric.

[0182] In particular, it can be provided that, in the integrated state of the slide bearing pad 18, the slide bearing pad reception ring 110 is at least partially received in the recess 116 of the slide bearing pad 18.

[0183] It can further be provided that multiple tapped holes 111 are configured on the first front end 115 of the slide bearing pad reception ring 110. Corresponding with the tapped holes 111, one, in particular multiple, pass-through holes 112 can be configured in each of the slide bearing pads 18.

[0184] Further, fastening screws 113 can be guided through the pass-through holes 112, which fastening screws 113 can be screwed into the tapped holes 111 and can therefore serve to affix the slide bearing pads 18 to the slide bearing pad reception ring 110.

[0185] As can further be seen from FIG. 18, it can be provided that a second front end 117 of the slide bearing pad reception ring 110 rests against a shaft bead 118. This enables the slide bearing pad reception ring 110 to be positioned axially on the inner ring element 13.

[0186] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, wherein it should be noted in this respect that the invention is not restricted to these particular illustrated embodiment variants of it, but that rather also various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are possible and that this possibility of variation owing to the teaching for technical action provided by the present invention lies within the ability of the person skilled in the art in this technical field.

[0187] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and the drawings are to be adduced for construing the claims. Individual features or feature combinations from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The object underlying the independent inventive solutions may be gathered from the description.

[0188] Any and all specifications of value ranges in the description at issue are to be understood to comprise any and all sub-ranges of same, for example the specification 1 to 10 is to be understood to mean that any and all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit 1 and from the upper limit 10 are comprised therein, i.e. any and all sub-ranges start at a lower limit of 1 or larger and end at on upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0189] Finally, as a matter of form, it should be noted that for ease of understanding of the structure, elements are partially not depicted to scale and/or are enlarged and/or are reduced in size.

TABLE-US-00001 List of reference numbers 1 wind turbine 2 nacelle 3 tower 4 nacelle housing 5 rotor 6 rotor hub 7 rotor blade 8 rotor bearing arrangement 9 slide bearing arrangement 10 radial force 11 axial force 12 tilting moment 13 inner ring element 14 outer ring element 15 slide bearing element 16 rotor shaft 17 bearing block 18 slide bearing pad 19 axis of rotation 20 bearing surface 21 mating surface 22 inner face 23 first front end 24 first diameter 25 apex 26 diameter at apex 27 second front end 28 second diameter 29 spherical cap section 30 spherical cap radius 31 transition section 32 transition radius 33 distance 34 axial extension of slide bearing pad 35 axial front end of bearing block 36 cover 37 lubricating oil reservoir 38 lubricating oil 39 pass-through opening 40 seal 41 removal opening 42 first front end of outer ring element 43 second front end of outer ring element 44 oil feed 45 first removal opening region 46 second removal opening region 47 circumferential extension of removal opening 48 circumferential extension of slide bearing pad 49 shaft nut 50 axial securing element reception 51 axial securing element 52 fastening screw 53 axial front end of axial securing element 54 wedge surface of axial securing element 55 first mating wedge surface 56 axial stop ring 57 wedge surface of axial stop ring 58 antitwist protection element 59 rotation surface of shaft nut 60 rotation surface of axial stop ring 61 second cover 62 axial stop 63 recess 64 stop dog 65 groove 66 trapezoid groove 67 T-nut 68 thrust ring segment 69 form element of slide bearing pad 70 reception for lifting device 71 rotor shaft flange 72 inner face 73 spacer 74 circumferential face 75 lubricating oil transport groove 76 second mating wedge surface 77 lubricating oil distribution groove 78 lubricating oil bore 79 oil pocket 80 filler element 81 interlocking bond 82 recess 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 slide bearing pad reception ring 111 tapped hole 112 pass-through hole 113 fastening screw 114 shoulder 115 first front end of slide bearing pad reception ring 116 recess 117 second front end of slide bearing pad reception ring 118 shaft bead