LUBRICATION RING, WIND TURBINE GEARBOX AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY THEREOF

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lubrication ring, a wind turbine gearbox, a method of assembly thereof and a wind turbine. The lubrication ring is formed by a number of ring segments that are positioned relative to each other in the circumference direction. The ring segments each have a first connection element and a second connection element, which are spaced apart to form a gap that takes up the thermal expansion of the ring segments. The lubrication ring forms at least one fluid channel for transferring lubrication fluid between a first gearbox part and a second gearbox part positioned relative to each other. Each ring segment has at least one mounting point for securing the ring segment to the first or second gearbox part and at least one first opening for guiding the lubrication fluid through the lubrication ring.

Claims

1. A lubrication ring for a wind turbine gearbox (15), preferably a planetary gear box, where the lubrication ring (20) is configured to be positioned in a first gap (19) formed between a first gearbox part (17) and a second gearbox part (18), the lubrication ring (20) extending in a circumference direction and having a cross-sectional profile with a local radial thickness and a local axial height, the lubrication ring (20) forming at least one fluid channel (24) extending in the circumference direction for transferring a lubrication fluid (25) between the first and second gearbox parts (17, 18), the fluid channel (24) being connected to at least one first opening (30a) arranged in a transverse wall (29) of the lubrication ring (20) for facilitating the flow of lubrication fluid (25) through the lubrication ring (20), wherein the lubrication ring (20) comprises a number of ring segments (20a-c), each having a local first end (31) and a local opposite second end (32) in the circumference direction, the first end (31) of one ring segment is adapted to be arranged relative to the second end (32) of an adjacent ring segment.

2. The lubrication ring according to claim 1, wherein, when assembled, a second gap (34) is formed between the first end (31) of the one ring segment and the second end (32) of the adjacent ring segment, where the ring segments (20a-c) are adapted to expand towards each other in the circumference direction, when heated.

3. The lubrication ring according to claim 1, wherein the first end (31) has a first connection element (35) and the second end (32) has a second connection element (36), where the first and second connection elements (35, 36) are adapted to engage each other, when assembled.

4. The lubrication ring according to claim 2, wherein the first and second connection elements (35, 36) together form a labyrinth seal in the axial direction, the radial direction and/or the circumference direction.

5. The lubrication ring according to claim 1, wherein the ring segments (20a-c) have a U-, H- or X-shaped cross-sectional profile.

6. The lubrication ring according to claim 1, wherein the lubrication ring (20) further comprises at least one mounting point for securing the lubrication ring (20) to the first or second gearbox part (17, 18), preferably the lubrication ring (20) is adapted to move relative to the at least one mounting point in the circumference direction, when expanding.

7. The lubrication ring according claim 6, wherein the mounting point comprises an oblong opening (30b) in the transverse wall (29) adapted to receive a fastening element (33) for securing the lubrication ring (20).

8. The lubrication ring according to claim 1, wherein the ring segments (20a-c) are made of a plastic material, a ferrous metal or metal alloy, or a non-ferrous metal or metal alloy.

9. A wind turbine gearbox comprises a first gearbox part (17) and a second gearbox part (18), wherein a first gap (19) is formed between the first and second gearbox parts (17, 18), an internal or external lubrication system (26) is connected to the first gap (19) for circulating a lubrication fluid (25) between the first gearbox part (17) and the second gearbox part (18), wherein a lubrication ring (20) according to claim 1 is positioned in the first gap (19).

10. The wind turbine gearbox according to claim 9, wherein the lubrication ring (20) is secured to a gearbox housing or a planet carrier in the gearbox (15).

11. The wind turbine gearbox according to claim 9, wherein at least one fluid path (22, 23) is arranged within at least one of the first and second gearbox parts (17, 18) and further connected to the first gap (19), wherein a nozzle or orifice element (21) is arranged at an opening of the at least one fluid path (22), the opening facing the first gap (19).

12. A method of assembling a wind turbine gearbox (15), comprising: providing a wind turbine gearbox (15) comprising at least a first gearbox part (17) and a second gearbox part (18), positioning a first ring segment (20a) on one gearbox part (17, 18), optionally in a first groove (27, 27), securing the first ring segment (20a) to the one gearbox part (17, 18), positioning at least a second ring segment (20b) relative to the first ring segment (20a), securing the second ring segment (20b) to the one gearbox part (17, 18), optionally, positioning further ring segments (20c) relative to the first or second ring segment (20a, 20b) and securing the further ring segments (20c) to the one gearbox part (17,18) until the assembly of the lubrication ring (20) is complete.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein prior to positioning one or more of the ring segments (20a-c), a nozzle or orifice element (21) is arranged at an opening of at least one fluid path (22, 23) in the one gearbox part (17, 18), where the one or more ring segments (20a-c) are positioned relative to the at least one fluid path (22).

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method further comprises the step of positioning the first and second gearbox parts (17, 18) relative to each other so that a first gap (19) is formed between the first and second gearbox parts (17, 18), preferably the lubrication ring (20) extends into a second groove (28) in the opposite gearbox part (17, 18).

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0070] The invention is described by example only and with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0071] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a wind turbine,

[0072] FIG. 2 shows a blade shell of the wind turbine blade with a spar cap,

[0073] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the blade shell with two reinforcing webs,

[0074] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of the gearbox with a first embodiment of a lubrication ring according to the invention,

[0075] FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of the gearbox with a second embodiment of the lubrication ring,

[0076] FIG. 6 shows a plurality of ring segments in an assembly configuration,

[0077] FIG. 7 shows the ring segments in an exploded configuration,

[0078] FIG. 8 shows the end interface between the first and second ring segments when assembled,

[0079] FIG. 9 shows the first and second ring segments of FIG. 8 before assembly,

[0080] FIG. 10 shows a cross-section of the first embodiment of the lubrication ring,

[0081] FIG. 11 shows a cross-section of the second embodiment of the lubrication ring,

[0082] FIG. 12 shows a cross-section of the third embodiment of the lubrication ring, and

[0083] FIG. 13 shows a cross-section of the gearbox with a third embodiment of the lubrication ring according to the invention.

[0084] In the following text, the figures will be described one by one, and the different parts and positions seen in the figures will be numbered with the same numbers in the different figures. Not all parts and positions indicated in a specific figure will necessarily be discussed together with that figure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0085] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a wind turbine 1 comprising a wind turbine tower 2, a nacelle 3 arranged on top of the wind turbine tower 2, and a rotor connected to a drive train in the nacelle 3. The rotor comprises a hub 4 and at least one wind turbine blade 5 connected to the hub 4. Here, three wind turbine blades 5 are shown, but the hub may be connected to more or less wind turbine blades.

[0086] The wind turbine 1 is here shown as an onshore wind turbine, but the wind turbine 1 may also be an offshore wind turbine 1.

[0087] FIG. 2 shows a blade shell 6 of the wind turbine blade 5 with a spar cap 11 integrated or bonded to the aerodynamic portion of the blade shell 6. Here only one spar cap is illustrated but the blade shell may comprise more or less than one spar cap. The blade shell 6 may be a continuous blade shell or comprise two or more shell portions. The blade shell 6 extends from a first end 7, e.g., the root end, to a second end 8, e.g., the tip end, in a spanwise direction. The blade shell 6 further extends from a first edge 9, e.g., the leading edge, to a second edge 10, e.g., the trailing edge, in a chordwise direction.

[0088] FIG. 3 shows the blade shell 6 with two reinforcing webs 12, 12 arranged within the blade shell 6. The blade shell 6 forms a pressure side 13 comprising an upper spar cap and a suction side 14 comprising a lower spar cap.

[0089] A shear web 12 extends between the upper and lower spar caps in a thickness direction. The shear web 12 is bonded or integrated with the upper and lower spar caps, respectively. Here only one shear web is illustrated but the wind turbine blade may comprise more or less than one shear web.

[0090] Optionally, one or more reinforcing webs 12 are further arranged within the blade shell 6. The reinforcing webs 12 are positioned at a distance from the leading edge 9 and/or the trailing edge 10. The reinforcing webs 12 are bonded or integrated to the pressure and suction sides 13, 14 of the blade shell 6.

[0091] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of a gearbox with a first embodiment of a lubrication ring according to the invention. The wind turbine 1 comprises a drivetrain arranged in the nacelle 3, wherein the drivetrain comprises at least a gearbox 15 and a generator 16. The gearbox input is connected to the rotor and the gearbox output is connected to the rotor input of the generator 16.

[0092] The gearbox 15 comprises a first gearbox part 17 and a second gearbox part 18 arranged relative to each other. A gap 19 is formed between opposite facing axial end surfaces of the respective gearbox parts 17, 18. Here, the second gearbox part 18 is a gearbox housing or a second rotatable gearbox part, e.g., a shaft or pinion. Here, the first gearbox part 17 is a planet carrier or a first rotatable gearbox part, e.g., another shaft or pinion.

[0093] A lubrication ring 20 is positioned in the gap 19 for sealing the gap 19 and reduce the oil leakage and pressure drop between the two gearbox parts during rotation. The first gearbox part 17 comprises an orifice element 21 arranged at the opening of a number of first fluid paths 22 connected to the gap 19. The second gearbox part 18 comprises a number of second fluid paths 23 connected to the gap 19.

[0094] FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of the gearbox 15 with a second embodiment of the lubrication ring 20. The lubrication ring 20 forms a fluid channel 24 extending in the circumference direction for transferring a lubrication fluid 25 between the first and second gearbox parts 17, 18. A lubrication system 26 is coupled to the first and second fluid paths 22, 23 and configured to circulate the lubrication fluid 25 through at least the gearbox 15.

[0095] A first axial end of the lubrication ring 20 extends into a first groove 27 in the first gearbox part 17. A second axial end of the lubrication ring 20 extends into a second groove 28 in the second gearbox part 18.

[0096] The fluid channel 24 is connected to a number of first openings arranged in a transverse wall 29 of the lubrication ring 20 for facilitating the flow of lubrication fluid 25 through the lubrication ring.

[0097] FIG. 6 shows the lubrication ring 20 in an assembly configuration. The lubrication ring 20 is formed of a plurality of ring segments 20a-20c. The lubrication ring 20 extends in a circumference direction and has a cross-sectional profile with a local radial width and a local axial height.

[0098] FIG. 7 shows the ring segments 20a-20c in an exploded configuration, where each ring segment 20a-20c has a first end 31 and a second end 32 in the circumference direction. The first end 31 of one ring segment 20a-20c is configured to be positioned relative to the second end 32 of an adjacent ring segment 20a-20c.

[0099] The ring segment 20a-20c comprises one or more openings 30a (first openings) for guiding the lubrication fluid 25 through the lubrication ring 20.

[0100] The ring segments 20a-20c further comprises one or more mounting points for securing the ring segment 20a-20c to the gearbox part 17, 18. Here, the mounting points are shaped as openings 30b, preferably oblong openings, shaped to receive fastening elements 33.

[0101] FIG. 8 shows the end interface between the first and second ring segments 20a, 20b, when assembled. A gap 34 is formed between the opposite facing first and second ends 31, 32 of the first and second ring segments 20a, 20b. The width of the gap 34 may correspond to the thermal expansion of the ring segments 20a, 20b determined at a pre-selected operating temperature. This allows the ring segments 20a-20c to expand circumferentially (indicated by arrows) when heated. The diameter of the ring segments 20a-20c may follow the thermal expansion in the radial direction.

[0102] FIG. 9 shows the first and second ring segments 20a, 20b before assembly. The first end 31 has a first connection element 35, e.g., a male element. The second end 32 has a second connection element 36, e.g., a female element. Here, the first and second connection elements 35, 36 also act as first and second sealing elements. The first and second sealing elements interlock to form a seal, preferably a labyrinth seal.

[0103] FIG. 10 shows a cross-section of the first embodiment of the lubrication ring 20. Here, the ring segment 20a-20c has a X-shaped cross-sectional profile along the A-A line shown in FIG. 7. Here, an interface for receiving the orifice element 21 at least partly is formed in the lubrication ring 20. The interface may be a recess 37 arranged at the first axial end of the ring segment 20a-20c. The opening 30a extends between the fluid channel 24 and the recess 37.

[0104] FIG. 11 shows a cross-section of the second embodiment of the of the lubrication ring 20. Here, the ring segment 20a-20c has a U-shaped cross-sectional profile along the A-A line shown in FIG. 7. Here, the first axial end has a continuous end surface for contacting the gearbox part 17, 18. The opening 30a extends between the fluid channel 24 and the axial end surface.

[0105] FIG. 12 shows a cross-section of the third embodiment of the of the lubrication ring 20. Here, the ring segment 20a-20c has a H-shaped cross-sectional profile along the A-A line shown in FIG. 7. Here, an interface for receiving the orifice element 21 at least partly is formed in the lubrication ring 20. The interface may be a recess 37 arranged at the first axial end of the ring segment 20a-20c. The opening 30a extends between the fluid channel 24 and the recess 37.

[0106] FIG. 13 shows a cross-section of the gearbox 15 with a third embodiment of the lubrication ring 20 according to the invention. The ring segments 20a-20c have a X-shaped cross-sectional profile, which extend partly into a first groove 27 on the first gearbox part 17 and partly into a second groove 28 on the second gearbox part 18.

[0107] Here, the orifice element 21 is arranged at the opening of the first fluid path 22. The opening is located at the bottom of the first groove 27.