Claims:We Claim:

1. A bearing arrangement for mounting a gearbox housing (28) on a main frame (26) of a wind turbine (2), the bearing arrangement (20) comprising,

- two bearing engagement elements (32, 32’;32a, 32a’) arranged on opposite sides at the gearbox housing (28; 28a), namely a left sided bearing engagement element (32; 32a) and a right sided bearing engagement element (32’; 32a’),

- two first fluid chambers (48, 48’) and two second fluid chambers (50, 50’),

- wherein one first fluid chamber (48) as well as one second fluid chamber (50) are arranged at the left sided bearing engagement element (32; 32a) and one first fluid chamber (48’) as well as one second fluid chamber (50’) are arranged at the right sided bearing engagement element (32’; 32a’) and

- wherein the left sided first fluid chamber (48) is in fluid communication with the right sided second fluid chamber (50’) and the left sided second fluid chamber (50) is in fluid communication with the right sided first fluid chamber (48’).

2. The bearing arrangement according to claim 1 characterized in that the left sided first fluid chamber (48) is in fluid communication with the right sided second fluid chamber (50’) over a first conduit (52; 52a) and the left sided second fluid chamber (50) is in fluid communication with the right sided first fluid chamber (48’) over a second conduit (54; 54a).

3. The bearing arrangement according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the first fluid chambers (48, 48’) and second fluid chambers (50, 50’) are arranged in at least two bearing elements (30, 30’, 90, 90’).

4. The bearing arrangement according to claim 3 characterized in that the left-sided first fluid chamber (48) as well as the left sided second fluid chamber (50) are arranged in a first one bearing element (30) and the right sided first fluid chamber (48’) as well as the right-sided second fluid chamber (50’) are arranged in a second one bearing element (30’)

5. The bearing arrangement according to claim 4 characterized in that the left sided bearing element (30) is arranged between the left sided bearing engagement element (32) and a left sided frame engagement element (34) and
wherein the right sided bearing element (30 ‘) arranged between the right sided bearing engagement element (32’) and a right sided frame engagement element (34’).

6. The bearing arrangement according to claim 4 or 5 characterized in that each bearing element (30, 30’) includes a piston (40, 40’) configured for axial movement, a first chamber (48, 48’) being on one side of a piston head (46, 46’) of the piston (40, 40’), and a second chamber (50, 50’) being on another side of the piston head (46, 46’).

7. The bearing arrangement according to claim 6 characterized in that each piston (40, 40’) includes a piston shaft (42, 42’) fixed to or integral with the piston head (46, 46’), the piston shaft (42, 42’) being connected to one of the bearing engagement element (32, 32’) and the frame engagement element (34, 34’).

8. The bearing arrangement according to claim 7 characterized in that
- (i) a bearing adaptor (44, 44’) is fixed to the end of each piston shaft (42, 42’) via cooperating screw threads (80) on an inner surface of the bearing adaptor (44, 44’) and on an external surface of the end of the piston shaft (42, 42’) and/or
- (ii) a frame adaptor (38, 38’) is fixed to the body (36, 36’) via cooperating screw threads (80) on an inner surface of the frame adaptor (38, 38’) and on an external surface of the body (36, 36’).

9. The bearing arrangement according to claim 7 or 8 characterized in that one or both of the bearing engagement element (32, 32’) and the frame engagement element (34, 34’) comprises a projecting pair of lugs (60, 62) having an intermediate space (64, 65) defined there between; and the bearing adaptor (44, 44’) and/or the frame adaptor (38, 38’) comprises at an end thereof a tag (66) configured to be disposed, in use, fully or partially within the intermediate space (64, 65).

10. The bearing arrangement according to claim 9 characterized in that the lugs (60, 62) each have first openings (68, 70) and the tag (66) has a second opening (72) of substantially the same diameter to the first openings (68, 70); and the first openings (68, 70) and the second opening (72) are configured to receive passing there through a securing bolt (74) for securing a tag (66) or body (36, 36’) to a respective bearing engagement element (32, 32’) or frame engagement element (34, 34’).

11. The bearing arrangement according to claim 9 or 10 characterized in that for each bearing adaptor (44, 44’) and/or frame adaptor (38, 38’), each tag (66) has a cross-section smaller than that of an adjacent portion of a bearing adaptor (44, 44’) or frame adaptor (38, 38’), thereby providing a shoulder (82) for abutment, in use, with a bearing engagement element (32, 32’) or frame engagement element (34, 34’).

12. The bearing arrangement according to claim 3 characterized in that
- the left sided first fluid chamber (48) is arranged in a first bearing element (30a),
- the left sided second fluid chamber (50) is arranged in a first bearing sub-element (90),
- the right sided first fluid chamber (48’) is arranged in a second bearing element (30a’) and
- the right sided second fluid chamber (50’) is arranged in a second bearing sub-element (90’).

13. The bearing arrangement according to claim 12 characterized in that
- the first bearing element (30a) is arranged between the left sided bearing engagement element (32a) and a left sided upper yoke (91),
- the first bearing sub-element (90) is arranged between the left sided bearing engagement element (32a) and the left sided frame engagement element (34a),
- the second bearing element (30a’) is arranged between the right sided bearing engagement element (32a’) and a right sided upper yoke (91’) and
- the second bearing sub-element (90’) is arranged the right sided bearing engagement element (32a’) and the right sided frame engagement element (34a’).

14. The bearing arrangement according to claim 12 or 13 characterized in that each of the bearing elements (30a, 30a’) and each of the bearing sub-elements (90, 90’) is a hydraulic low height cylinder.

15. A wind turbine having a gearbox housing (28; 28a) and a main frame (26; 26a) characterized by a bearing arrangement according to one of the claims 1 to 14.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to components of a wind turbine, and more particularly to a bearing arrangement for a main frame of a wind turbine and to a wind turbine.

BACKGROUND

It is known to use in a wind turbine arrangements for mounting a gearbox/gearbox on the main frame in which, typically, not only is the torque transmitted by the gearbox but, due to the construction, forces act from a vertical movement of the drive train.

In one known arrangement, spring elements made from elastomer are arranged below and above the gearbox housing of the gearbox on both sides. The spring element is adjustable in its rigidity and comprises a connecting plate and an end plate between which is located an elastomer layer. The connecting plate has an opening with a connecting component through which by means of a displacement element in the form of a hydraulic fluid or a movable piston element pressure can be exerted on the elastomer layer which leads, therefore, to a change of the spring length of the spring element.

However, it has been found that with this known design, problems arise. That is, the result is a spring action in the vertical direction which leads to vertically acting forces due to the relative deformation between the gearbox and main frame.

Moreover, a disadvantage is that the gearbox is not only subjected to the stress/strain of its own weight and the acting torque, but is also subjected to the stress of the vertical deformation.

The present invention seeks to overcome the aforementioned problems and to provide an improved bearing arrangement for a main frame of a wind turbine and a wind turbine.

SUMMARY

According to the invention a bearing arrangement for mounting a gearbox housing on a main frame of a wind turbine, the bearing arrangement comprising, two bearing engagement elements arranged on opposite sides at the gearbox housing, namely a left sided bearing engagement element and a right sided bearing engagement element, two first fluid chambers and two second fluid chambers, wherein one first fluid chamber as well as one second fluid chamber are arranged at the left sided bearing engagement element and one first fluid chamber as well as one second fluid chamber are arranged at the right sided bearing engagement element and wherein the left sided first fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the right sided second fluid chamber and the left sided second fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the right sided first fluid chamber. This arrangement of the first and second fluid chambers allows the gearbox housing respectively the gearbox an up and down movement by simultaneous damping vertical forces on the one hand, but on the other hand a torque is compensated by the arrangement. So the forces applied in particular to the gearbox are reduced. The risk of damages is at least reduced, if not excluded.

In a preferred embodiment the left sided first fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the right sided second fluid chamber over a first conduit and the left sided second fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the right sided first fluid chamber over a second conduit.

In a preferred embodiment the first fluid chambers and second fluid chambers are arranged in at least two bearing elements.

In a preferred embodiment, the left sided first fluid chamber as well as the left sided second fluid chamber is arranged in a first one bearing element and the right sided first fluid chamber as well as the right sided second fluid chamber is arranged in a second one bearing element.

In a preferred embodiment, the left sided bearing element is arranged between the left sided bearing engagement element and a left sided frame engagement element and wherein the right sided bearing element arranged between the right sided bearing engagement element and a right sided frame engagement element.

In a preferred embodiment, each piston includes a piston shaft fixed to or integral with the piston head, the piston shaft being connected to one of the bearing engagement element and the frame engagement element.

In a preferred embodiment, (i) a bearing adaptor is fixed to the end of each piston shaft via cooperating screw threads on an inner surface of the bearing adaptor and on an external surface of the end of the piston shaft and/or (ii) a frame adaptor is fixed to the body via cooperating screw threads on an inner surface of the frame adaptor and on an external surface of the body.

In a preferred embodiment, one or both of the bearing engagement element and the frame engagement element comprises a projecting pair of lugs having an intermediate space defined there between; and the bearing adaptor and/or the frame adaptor comprises at an end thereof a tag configured to be disposed, in use, fully or partially within the intermediate space.

In a preferred embodiment, the lugs each have first openings and the tag has a second opening of substantially the same diameter to the first openings; and the first openings and the second opening are configured to receive passing there through a securing bolt for securing a tag or body to a respective bearing engagement element or frame engagement element.

In a preferred embodiment, for each bearing adaptor and/or frame adaptor, each tag has a cross-section smaller than that of an adjacent portion of a bearing adaptor or frame adaptor, thereby providing a shoulder for abutment, in use, with a bearing engagement element or frame engagement element.

In a further preferred embodiment, the left sided first fluid chamber is arranged in a first bearing element, the left sided second fluid chamber is arranged in a first bearing sub-element, the right sided first fluid chamber is arranged in a second bearing element and the right sided second fluid chamber is arranged in a second bearing sub-element.

Advantageously, the first bearing element is arranged between the left sided bearing engagement element and a left sided upper yoke, the first bearing sub-element is arranged between the left sided bearing engagement element and the left sided frame engagement element, the second bearing element is arranged between the right sided bearing engagement element and a right sided upper yoke and the second bearing sub-element is arranged the right sided bearing engagement element and the right sided frame engagement element.

More advantageously, each of the bearing elements and each of the bearing sub-elements is a hydraulic low height cylinder.

A further aspect of the invention is directed to a wind turbine comprising a bearing arrangement according to the invention.

Advantages of the invention, at least in embodiments, are:
(1) Avoiding the need to use elastomers;
(2) Handling the torque without vertical stiffness;
(3) Type of coupling of the gearbox and the main frame only transmits the torque from the drive train in the form of normal forces;
(4) No vertical forces from the relative deformation between drive train and machine carrier; and
(5) Relief of the load or strain on the gearbox housing and the planetary carrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further details of the invention will become apparent from the drawings according to the description. In the drawings:

Figure 1 (PRIOR ART) is a perspective view from above of the upper part of a known form of wind turbine;

Figure 2 is a perspective view from the side of a bearing arrangement for a wind turbine according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing arrangement according to an embodiment, in use, showing interconnection of opposed bearing elements;

Figure 4 is a perspective view from the side of a bearing arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention, with a bearing element shown cut-away;

Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the attachment of the bearing element of Fig. 4 to adjacent components;

Figure 6 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of (a) and upper portion, (b) a central portion and (c) a lower portion of the bearing element of Fig. 5;

Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of a bearing arrangement 20a and

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the bearing arrangement 20a of Figure 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, like reference numerals are used to designate like elements.

Figure 1 (PRIOR ART) is a perspective view from above of the upper part of a wind turbine (2). As shown, the wind turbine (2) has a tube tower (3) known from the prior art, a nacelle (4) mounted on the tower (3) and a rotor (5) with a hub (8) and three rotor blades (6) which are each rotatable mounted about a blade axle. The hub (8) is mounted on a rotor shaft (not shown) which is rotatable mounted on a main frame (not shown) within the nacelle (4). According to this embodiment, the tube tower (3) is formed of multiple tube segments (16).

Figure 2 is a perspective view from the side is a perspective view from the front, of a bearing arrangement (20) for the wind turbine (2) according to an embodiment of the invention. A gearbox (22) for conveying rotational energy via shaft (24) is mounted on the main frame (26). More particularly, a gearbox housing (28) of the gearbox (22) is coupled to the main frame (26) via bearing elements (30, 30‘), as will be described in more detail below. In this embodiment, the construction of the left sided bearing element (30) right sided bearing elements (30’) is identical. So hereinafter, the components of the right side are only referred with the corresponding reference sign having «’» and will not be described in detail further.

A bearing engagement element (32, 32’) is provided on each side of the gearbox housing (28) and a frame engagement element (34, 34’) is provided on each side of the main frame (26), in a manner to be described in detail hereinafter. Further, the bearing engagement elements (32, 32’) are provided in pairs, with the bearing engagement elements (32, 32’) being provided on opposing sides of the gearbox housing (28) (e.g. diametrically opposed).

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing arrangement (20) in more detail according to an embodiment, in use, showing interconnection of opposed bearing elements (30, 30’).

The body (36, 36’) of the bearing element (30, 30’) is generally cylindrical and hollow and includes a portion or frame adaptor (38, 38’) enabling the bearing element (30, 30’) to be attached to the frame engagement element (34, 34’). A piston (40, 40’) includes a piston shaft (42, 42’), one end of which is attached (e.g. via a bearing adaptor (44, 44’). At the other end of the piston shaft (42, 42’) is provided a piston head (46, 46’). Within the body (36, 36’) are defined a first fluid chamber (48, 48’) on the side of the piston head (46, 46’) nearest to the bearing engagement element (32, 32’) and a second fluid chamber (50, 50’) on the other side of the piston head (46, 46’). For each bearing element (30, 30’), the respective first fluid chamber (48, 48’) and second fluid chamber (50, 50’) are filled with fluid, which may be any suitable hydraulic fluid (e.g. hydraulic oil or the like).

Only shown in Fig. 3, two conduits (52, 54) are provided extending between the bearing elements (30, 30’) whereby fluid chambers (48, 48’, 50, 50’) of the bearing elements (30, 30’) are in fluid communication. In this embodiment, a first conduit (52) extends between a first chamber (48) of a first one of the bearing element (30) and a second chamber (50’) of a second one of the bearing element (30’). Further, a second conduit (54) extends between the second chamber (50) of first one of the bearing element (30) and a first chamber (48’) of a second one of the bearing element (30’).

Or in other words, the two first fluid chambers (48, 48’) and two second fluid chambers (50, 50’) arranged in this way that one first fluid chamber (48) as well as one second fluid chamber (50) are arranged at the left sided bearing engagement element (32) and one first fluid chamber (48’) as well as one second fluid chamber (50’) are arranged at the right sided bearing engagement element (32’). Further the left sided first fluid chamber (48) is in fluid communication with the right sided second fluid chamber (50’) and the left sided second fluid chamber (50) is in fluid communication with the right sided first fluid chamber (48’). The fluid communications are served by the first conduit (52) and the second conduit (54), wherein the left sided first fluid chamber (48) is in fluid communication with the right sided second fluid chamber (50’) over a first conduit (52) and the left sided second fluid chamber (50) is in fluid communication with the right sided first fluid chamber (48’) over a second conduit (54).

It should be pointed out that according to this embodiment each bearing element (30, 30’) has two fluid chambers (48, 50; 48’ 50’). More in detail, the left side bearing element (30) comprises one of the first fluid chamber (48) as well as one of the second fluid chamber (50) and the right sided bearing element (30’) comprises one of the first fluid chamber (48’) as well as one of the second fluid chamber (50’). The fluid chambers (48, 50; 48’ 50’) are connected as described above.

Figure 4 is a perspective view from the side of a bearing arrangement (20) according to an embodiment of the invention, with a bearing element (30) shown cut-away. In this embodiment, the bearing engagement element (32) and the frame engagement element (34) each comprise a projecting pair of lugs (60, 62), respectively, each having a respective intermediate space (64, 65) defined there between. In this embodiment, the bearing adaptor (44) and the frame adaptor (38) comprise at an end thereof a tag (66, 66’) configured to be disposed, in use, fully or partially within the intermediate space (64, 65).

Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the attachment of the bearing element (30) of Fig. 4 to adjacent components. In this embodiment, a bearing adaptor (44) is configured for fixing an end of the piston shaft (42) opposite the piston head (46) to the bearing engagement element (32). In this embodiment, a frame adaptor (38) is configured for fixing the body (36) to the frame engagement element (34).

In this embodiment, the lugs (60, 62) each have first openings (68, 70) and the tag (66) has a second opening (72) of substantially the same diameter to the first openings. In this embodiment, the first openings (68, 70) and the second opening (72) are configured to receive passing there through a securing bolt (74) for securing the tag (66) or body (36) to a respective bearing engagement element (32) or frame engagement element (34).

Further Fig. 5 shows the piston (40) in more detail. As described above the body (36) of the bearing element (30) is generally cylindrical and hollow and includes a portion or frame adaptor (38) enabling the bearing element (30) to be attached to the frame engagement element (34). A piston (40) includes a piston shaft (42), one end of which is attached (e.g. via a bearing adaptor (44). At the other end of the piston shaft (42) is provided a piston head (46). Within the body (36) are defined a first fluid chamber (48) on the side of the piston head (46) nearest to the bearing engagement element (32) and a second fluid chamber (50) on the other side of the piston head (46). For each bearing element (30), the respective first fluid chamber (48) and second fluid chamber (50) are filled with fluid, which may be any suitable hydraulic fluid (e.g. hydraulic oil or the like). In this Fig. the first and second conduit (52, 54) are not depicted.

Figure 6 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of (a) an upper portion, (b) a central portion and (c) a lower portion of bearing element (30) of Fig. 5. As seen in Fig. 6(a), in this embodiment, the bearing adaptor (44) is fixed to the end of the piston shaft (42) via cooperating screw threads on an inner surface of the bearing adaptor (44) and on an external surface of the end of the piston shaft (42). Preferably elastomer rings (78) are provided between the bolt (74) and lugs (60).

As seen in Figs. 6(b) and 6(c), in this embodiment, the frame adaptor (38) is fixed to the body (36) via cooperating screw threads (80) on an inner surface of the frame adaptor (44) and on an external surface of the body (36). Preferably elastomer rings (78) are provided between the bolt (74) and lugs (62). Further Fig. 6(b) shows that the first chamber (48) is separate from the second chamber (50) by the piston head (46). Connections from the first chamber (48) to the first conduit (52) and from the second chamber (50) to the second circuit (54) are not depicted.

Referring again to Figs. 6(a) and 6(c), in this embodiment, for each bearing adaptor (44) and/or frame adaptor (38), each tag (66) has a cross-section smaller than that of an adjacent portion of a bearing adaptor (44) or frame adaptor (38), thereby providing a shoulder (82) for abutment, in use, with a corner (84) or surface (86) on the lugs (60, 62) of the bearing engagement element (32) and frame engagement element (34), respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, a multipoint bearing arrangement is used comprising, axially spaced apart with respect to a gearbox housing (28), two or more bearing arrangements (20) as described herein.

Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of the invention, in which a hydraulic low height cylinder of Fig. 10 can be used. Such a further embodiment is the same as the embodiment of Figs 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7, except as described hereafter. This embodiment does not require the ball joints of Figs 9 and 10. Components described before which have the same functions, but differs under constructions, are numbered with an “a”.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing arrangement (20a) in more detail according to a further embodiment, in use, showing interconnection of opposed bearing elements (30a, 30a’). The left sided bearing element (30a) will now be described; in this embodiment, the construction of the right sided bearing elements (30a’) is identical. So hereinafter, the components of the right side are only referred with the corresponding reference sign having «’».

The shown embodiment mainly differs from the above described embodiment in the fact that each of the fluid chambers (48, 48’, 50, 50’) are arranged in a separate bearing element, namely the left sided first fluid chamber (48) is arranged in a first bearing element (30a), the left sided second fluid chamber (50) is arranged in a first bearing sub-element (90), the right sided first fluid chamber (48’) is arranged in a second bearing element (30a’) and the right sided second fluid chamber (50’) is arranged in a second bearing sub-element (90’).

The connection between the fluid chambers (48, 48’, 50, 50’) is the same as in the embodiment described above. According to this the two first fluid chambers (48, 48’) and two second fluid chambers (50, 50’) arranged in this way that one first fluid chamber (48) as well as one second fluid chamber (50) are arranged at the left sided bearing engagement element (32a) and one first fluid chamber (48’) as well as one second fluid chamber (50’) are arranged at the right sided bearing engagement element (32a’). Further the left sided first fluid chamber (48) is in fluid communication with the right sided second fluid chamber (50’) and the left sided second fluid chamber (50) is in fluid communication with the right sided first fluid chamber (48’). The fluid communications are served by the first conduit (52a) and the second conduit (54a), wherein the left sided first fluid chamber (48) is in fluid communication with the right sided second fluid chamber (50’) over a first conduit (52a) and the left sided second fluid chamber (50) is in fluid communication with the right sided first fluid chamber (48’) over a second conduit (54a).

Therefore the main frame (26a) comprises on each side a frame adaptor (38a, 38a’) having an upper yoke (91, 91’). The gearbox housing (28a) comprises on each side a bearing engagement element (32a, 32a’), namely a left sided bearing engagement element (32a) and a right sided bearing engagement element (32a’). Further the main frame (28a) having on each side a frame engagement element (34a, 34a’), namely a left sided frame engagement element (34a) and a right sided frame engagement element (34a’). The frame adaptors (38a, 38a’) arranged besides the frame engagement elements (34a, 34a’). Because of this, the left sided bearing engagement element (32a) is arranged left sided frame engagement element (34a) and the left sided upper yoke (91) respectively the right sided bearing engagement element (32a’) is arranged between the right sided frame engagement element (34a’) and the right sided upper yoke (91’). Each upper yoke (91, 91’) comprises bores (93, 93’) for receiving screws for fixing the first bearing elements (30a, 30a’) to the upper yoke (91, 91’). Corresponding to this, the first bearing sub-element (90) and the second bearing sub-element (90’) are fixed via screws to the frame adaptors (38a, 38a’). For a vibration damping an elastic element (94) is arranged between the bearing elements (30a, 30a’) respectively the bearing sub-elements (90, 90’) and the upper yokes (91, 91’) respectively the frame adaptors (38a, 38a’). The elastic element (94, 94’) could be an elastomer pad, a spring or something else.

In a not shown alternative embodiment, for arranging the bearing sub-elements (90, 90’) to the main frame (26a) has a recess on each side, wherein the first bearing sub-element (90) is arranged in the recess at the left side and the second bearing sub-element is (90’) is arranged in the recess at the right side. In the same manner the upper yokes (91, 91’) comprising recesses for arranging the bearing elements (30a, 30a’). For a vibration damping an elastic element (94) is arranged between the bearing elements (30a, 30a’) respectively the bearing sub-elements (90, 90’) and the corresponding recesses. The elastic element (94) could be an elastomer pad, a spring or something else.

As can be further seen the first bearing element (30a) is arranged between the left sided bearing engagement element (32a) and the left sided upper yoke (91), the first bearing sub-element (90) is arranged between the left sided bearing engagement element (32a) and the left sided frame engagement element (34a). The second bearing element (30a’) is arranged between the right sided bearing engagement element (32a’) and a right sided upper yoke (91’) and the second bearing sub-element (90’) is arranged the right sided bearing engagement element (32a’) and the right sided frame engagement element (34a’).

According to the present embodiment each of the bearing elements (30a, 30a’) and each of the bearing sub-elements (90, 90’) is a hydraulic low height cylinder.

Figure 8 shows schematically the bearing arrangement (20a) of Fig. 7, wherein one side of the bearing arrangement (20a) is depicted. Out of this comes out that the bearing element (30a) as well as the bearing sub-element (90) is connected in series with the corresponding elastic element (94). Depending of the properties of the fluid in the fluid chambers (48a, 50a) the bearing elements (30a, 90) have a specific inertia, so short vibrations could not compensate by the bearing elements (30a, 90). Because of this, the elastic element (94) serves only as a vibration damper. Torque forces are compensated by the arrangement of the fluid chambers (48, 48’, 50, 50’) as described above.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention. It is to be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
List of reference signs

2 wind turbine
3 tower
4 nacelle
5 rotor
6 rotor blades
8 hub
16 segments
20, 20a bearing arrangement
22 gearbox
24 shaft
26 main frame
26a main frame
28 gearbox housing
28a gearbox housing
30, 30’ bearing element
30a, 30a’ bearing element
32, 32’ bearing engagement element
32a, 32a’ bearing engagement element
34, 34’ frame engagement element
34a, 34a’ frame engagement element
36, 36’ body
38, 38’ frame adaptor
38a, 38a’ frame adaptor
40, 40’ piston
42, 42’ piston shaft
44, 44’ bearing adaptor
46, 46’ piston head
48, 48’ first chamber
50, 50’ second chamber
52 first conduit
52a first conduit
54 second conduit
54a second conduit
60 lug
62 lug
64 intermediate space
65 intermediate space
66, 66´ tag
68 first opening
70 first opening
72 second opening
74 bolt
78 elastomer ring
80 screw thread
82 shoulder
84 corner
86 surface
90 first bearing sub-element
90’ second bearing sub-element
91, 91‘ upper yoke
93, 93’ bores (upper yoke)
94 elastic element