DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The invention relates to a mounting device for a wind turbine and to a method of mounting, and more particularly to an improved mounting device for mounting bearing rings in a wind turbine. The invention further relates to an installation template, ring holder and cable holding device therefor.

BACKGROUND

Up to now, when mounting a wind turbine, the bearings are inserted into the bearing seats by factory default. The bearing seats are thereby either fastened/fixed on the machine carrier/frame of the wind turbine, or are an integral part of the machine carrier/frame.

After mounting/installation of the rolling elements, mounting of the outer, axially separated bearing rings takes place. According to the prior art, in order to complete this step, the machine carrier is arranged such that the bearing axis stands vertically. Then, one of the outer rings of the bearing is mounted from above by means of a crane and a special gripper device.

Before mounting the bearing outer ring, the bearing seat has to be heated so that it expands and enables an insertion of the bearing ring.
After cooling of the bearing seat, a press fit of the bearing ring is formed. A problem is that this cooling process takes time.

After mounting the first bearing outer ring, the machine carrier then needs to be rotated once by 180 degrees, in order to repeat the same process for the second bearing which is located at the other axial end. Again, this takes time. A further disadvantage is that the machine carrier needs to be rotated again for mounting the yaw system.

Instead of heating the bearing seat the ring can also be cooled down so it shrinks and fits into the bearing seat.

The foregoing problems are addressed with the present invention.

The present invention seeks to overcome the aforementioned problems and provide an improved mounting device for mounting bearing rings in a wind turbine and method of mounting, as well as an installation template, ring holder and cable holding device therefor.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide for a mounting device for a wind turbine, method of mounting, and instalation template, ring holder and cable holding device therefor, which facilitate cooling process in short time without creating any hassle in the ring formation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide for a mounting device for a wind turbine, method of mounting, and instalation template, ring holder and cable holding device therefor, which reduces the requirement of rotating the the machine carrier for mounting the yaw system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a mounting device for mounting bearing rings in a wind turbine having a frame, the mounting device comprising: at least one installation template, the installation template or each installation template being configured to be placed in a bearing seat of the frame; a pilot; at least one pilot supporting element, configured to be attached to the frame, so as to support the pilot during installation; at least one ring holder configured to hold a bearing outer ring, the ring holder being movably mountable on the pilot during installation; and a cable holding device, configured to hold an induction cable and to be placed in a bearing seat of the frame. The cable holding device is only needed if the bearing seat is heated, if ring is cooled down this device is not needed.

Preferably, the installation template is substantially disc-shaped. Preferably, the installation template includes a slot for receiving, in use, the pilot.

Preferably, the width of the slot, viewed axially, is slightly larger, e.g. by 1-3 millimeters, than the outer diameter of the pilot.

Preferably, the slot includes a central support surface of semi-circular cross section. Preferably, the diameter of the central support surface is slightly larger, than the outer diameter of the pilot.

Preferably, the pilot supporting element or each pilot supporting element includes an annular end support, configured to be fixed in relation to the frame.

Preferably, there are two pilot supporting elements mounted or mountable on the frame. Preferably, the pilot supporting elements are mounted or mountable axially spaced apart on a respective end of the frame.

Preferably, the pilot supporting element or each pilot supporting element has a plurality of legs. Preferably, the leg or each leg has an L-shaped cross-section. Preferably, the, or each leg has at one end thereof a foot configured for attachment to the frame. Preferably, one end of the leg or each leg is attached to the annular end support.

Preferably, the ring holder comprises a peripheral ring, the bearing outer ring, and a plurality of spokes attaching the bearing outer ring to the peripheral ring.

Preferably, the cable holding device is substantially disc-shaped. Preferably, the cable holding device includes a slot for receiving, in use, the pilot.

Preferably, the ring holder comprises a security catch and an unlocking device.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an installation template for use in the mounting device of any of claims 1 to 12 of the appended claims.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a ring holder for use in the mounting device of any of claims 1 to 12 of the appended claims.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a cable holding device for use in the mounting device of any of claims 1 to 12 of the appended claims.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a pilot in the frame of a wind turbine using the mounting device of any of claims 1 to 12 of the appended claims, the method comprising: placing at least one installation template into a respective bearing seat of the frame; inserting the pilot into the frame so as to be supported by the at least one installation template; mounting at least one pilot supporting element on the frame, so as to support the pilot during installation; mounting the at least one ring holder on the pilot supporting element, the ring holder being configured to hold a bearing outer ring and being movably mountable on the pilot during installation; placing the cable holding device in the bearing seat of the frame and heating the bearing seat using an induction cable within the cable holding device; and while the bearing seat is expanded by heating, removing the cable holding device and pushing the ring holder with the bearing outer ring into the bearing seat.

An advantage of the present invention is that it enables mounting of the bearing rings during a horizontal alignment of the bearing axis, or with the machine carrier “lying on its back”. A further advantage is that the invention enables mounting of the bearing rings at the same time and simultaneously with the mounting of the yaw system.

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 shows an installation template in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a mounting device for mounting a bearing in the frame of a wind turbine, according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 shows a ring holder used in the mounting device of Figure 2;
Figure 4 illustrates a pilot holder used in the mounting device of Figure 2;
Figure 5 shows a cable holding device used in the mounting device of Figure 2; and
Figure 6 illustrates a clamping arrangement used in the mounting device of Figure 2.

The foregoing and other aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless stated otherwise below, any design feature or method step of one embodiment may be implemented in conjunction with a design feature or method step of any other embodiment described or illustrated herein. Unless stated otherwise below, preferably all components are made of high strength steel.

Figure 1 shows an installation template (15, 16) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The installation template (15, 16) has a thickness t of several cm, and is provided with a radially extending slot (20) of width w=2r. Thus, the central portion (22) of the internal surface (24) of the slot (20) has a semicircular cross section of radius r. Preferably, the radius r is slightly larger than the radius of a pilot (tube; not shown) that will be received in slot (20), as described in more detail below. The installation template (15, 16) has a disc-shaped configuration and is dimensioned to be inserted into a bearing seat (not shown) of a wind turbine, as described in more detail below. According to another embodiment of the invention the template comprises an outer ring and spokes and is preferably welded.

Figure 2 illustrates a mounting device (1) for mounting a bearing in the machine carrier or frame (26) of a wind turbine, according to an embodiment of the invention. The installation procedure will be described with reference, inter alia, to Figure 2.

Initially, and referring to the right hand side in Figure 2, a first installation template (16) is inserted into a first bearing seat (28). Then, the pilot (10) (a pipe/tube) is inserted into the first installation template (16) and held at the rear end (LH side in Figure 2) by a crane.

While the pilot (10) is being supported by the crane, a ring holder (13) is pushed onto the pilot (10) (from the RH side).

Referring now to Figure 3, this shows a ring holder (13) used in the mounting device of Figure 2. The ring holder (13) comprises a peripheral ring (30), and a bearing outer ring (2); and these two components are fixedly attached to each other by means of two or more spokes (32).

Returning to Figure 2, the ring holder (13) with the bearing outer ring (2) is movably arranged on the pilot (10) and is slidable thereon for positioning.

Next, a pilot holder (11) is positioned and mounted to the frame (26); and the purpose of the pilot holder (11) is to ensure that the pilot (10) is in a precise axial position with respect to the bearing of the wind turbine.

Referring now to Figure 4, this illustrates a pilot holder (11) used in the mounting device of Figure 2. The pilot holder (11) includes an annular end support (36) having a central hole (38) for receiving and supporting the pilot (10) (not shown). The pilot holder (11) includes 3 or more legs (40), at a distal end of each of which is a foot (42) having one or more through holes (44) enabling secure bolting/screwing of the pilot holder (11) to the bearing seat (28) or the machine carrier/frame (26).

Returning to Figure 2, next the first installation template (16) is removed from the first bearing seat (28). Then, a cable holding device (46) housing an induction cable (not shown) is placed on the pilot (10).

Figure 5 shows a cable holding device (46) used in the mounting device (1) of Figure 2. The cable holding device (46) also has a slot (48) so that it can be placed on and removed from the pilot (10). Cables (50) lead away and are connectable to a source of power for inductive heating of the bearing seat (28).

Returning to Figure 2, as mentioned, the first installation template (16) is removed from the first bearing seat (28) and taken down from the pilot (10). Then the cable holding device (46) is pushed into the bearing seat (28) in place of the first installation template (16) and the bearing seat (28) is heated by inductive heating. When the bearing seat (28) has sufficiently expanded, the cable holding device (46) is pulled out of the bearing seat (28) and removed from the pilot (10).

Now, and while the bearing seat (28) is in a heated/expanded state, the ring holder (13) with the bearing outer ring (2) is pushed into the bearing seat (28). Upon cooling, the bearing outer ring (2) is retained within bearing seat (28) by compression fit.

Figure 6 illustrates a clamping arrangement (52) used in the mounting device of Figure 2. Ring holder (13) preferably comprises an L-shaped ring (3). The arrow shows the direction from which the bearing outer ring (2) is inserted into the bearing seat (28).

The arrows are parallel to the axis of the bearing outer ring (2) and therefore of the bearing seat (28).

Preferably, the ring holder (13) comprises a claw-shaped security catch (5) and an unlocking device (here a release pin (4) loaded by compression spring (6)). Before the bearing outer ring (2) has reached the shoulder of the bearing seat (28), release pin (4) is moved backwards relative to the direction of movement of the ring holder (13). Thus, the security catch (5) is tilted sideward and the ring is released.

Now the bearing outer ring (2) can be pushed up to the shoulder, e.g. by hydraulic cylinder.

The bearing outer ring (2) is - as soon as it is in the correct position - preferably screwed or clamped, until the bearing seat (28) has fully cooled down. For instance, the bearing outer ring (2) can be clamped to the pilot supporting element (11) or the bearing seat (28). However, the bearing outer ring (2) preferably does not have threads, etc.

In one embodiment, the bearing outer ring (2) is cooled by a cooling mechanism (not shown) in order to fit in the bearing seat (28). Alternatively, a heating of the bearing seat (28) and a cooling of the bearing outer ring (2) may be performed.

Returning to Figure 2, the above procedure is preferably performed at the other end (18) of the frame (26) (LH side in Figure 2), i.e. using ring holder (14), pilot holder (12) and second installation template (15) in the same manner as with ring holder (13), pilot holder (11) and first installation template (16).

List of Reference Signs
1 mounting device
2 bearing outer ring
3 L-shaped ring
4 release pin
5 security catch
6 compression spring
10 pilot
11 pilot holder
12 pilot holder
13 ring holder
14 ring holder
15 installation template
16 installation template
18 end of frame
20 slot
22 central portion
24 internal surface
26 frame
28 bearing seat
30 peripheral ring
32 spoke
36 annular end support
38 central hole
40 leg
42 foot
44 through hole
46 cable holding device
48 slot
50 cable
52 clamping arrangement

The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is further understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly not limited.
,CLAIMS:We claim:

1. A mounting device (1) for mounting bearing rings (2) in a wind turbine having a frame (26), the mounting device comprising:
at least one installation template (15, 16), wherein each installation template (15, 16) being configured to be placed in a bearing seat (28) of the frame (26),
a pilot (10);
at least one pilot supporting element (11, 12), configured to be attached to the frame (26), so as to support the pilot (10) during installation;
at least one ring holder (13, 14) configured to hold a bearing outer ring (2), the ring holder (13, 14) being movably mountable on the pilot (10) during installation.

2. A mounting device (1) for mounting bearing rings (2) in a wind turbine having a frame (26) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the mounting device further comprising a cable holding device (46), configured to hold an induction cable and to be placed in a bearing seat (28) of the frame (26).

3. A mounting device (1) for mounting bearing rings (2) in a wind turbine having a frame (26), wherein the installation template (15, 16) includes a slot (20) for receiving, in use, the pilot (10).

4. A mounting device (1) for mounting bearing rings (2) in a wind turbine having a frame (26) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the width of the slot (20), viewed axially, is slightly larger, than the outer diameter of the pilot (10).

5. A mounting device (1) for mounting bearing rings (2) in a wind turbine having a frame (26), as claimed in claim 3, wherein the slot (20) includes a central support surface (22) of semi-circular cross section.

6. A mounting device (1) for mounting bearing rings (2) in a wind turbine having a frame (26) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the diameter of the central support surface (22) is slightly larger, than the outer diameter of the pilot (10).

7. A mounting device (1) for mounting bearing rings (2) in a wind turbine having a frame (26) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pilot supporting element or each pilot supporting element (11, 12) includes an annular end support (36), configured to be fixed in relation to the frame (26).

8. A mounting device (1) for mounting bearing rings (2) in a wind turbine having a frame (26) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the pilot supporting elements (11, 12) are mounted or mountable axially spaced apart on a respective end (18) of the frame (26).

9. A mounting device (1) for mounting bearing rings (2) in a wind turbine having a frame (26) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pilot supporting element or each pilot supporting element (11, 12) has a plurality of legs (40).

10. A mounting device (1) for mounting bearing rings (2) in a wind turbine having a frame (26) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ring holder (13, 14) comprises a peripheral ring (30), the bearing outer ring (2), and a plurality of spokes (32) attaching the bearing outer ring (2) to the peripheral ring (30).

11. A mounting device (1) for mounting bearing rings (2) in a wind turbine having a frame (26) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cable holding device (46) includes a slot (48) for receiving, in use, the pilot (10).

12. A mounting device (1) for mounting bearing rings (2) in a wind turbine having a frame (26) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ring holder (13, 14) comprises a security catch (5) and an unlocking device (4).

13. A mounting device (1) for mounting bearing rings (2) in a wind turbine having a frame (26) as claimed in claim 1, which further comprises an installation template (15, 16); a ring holder (13, 14); and a cable holding device (46) for use in the mounting device (1).

14. A method of installing a pilot (10) in the frame (26) of a wind turbine using the mounting device (1) of any of claims 1 to 12 the method comprising:
placing at least one installation template (15, 16) into a respective bearing seat (28) of the frame (26);
inserting the pilot (10) into the frame (26) so as to be supported by the at least one installation template (15, 16);
mounting at least one pilot supporting element (11, 12) on the frame (26), so as to support the pilot (10) during installation;
mounting the at least one ring holder (13, 14) on the pilot supporting element (11, 12), the ring holder (13, 14) being configured to hold a bearing outer ring (2) and being movably mountable on the pilot (10) during installation;
placing the cable holding device (46) in the bearing seat (28) of the frame (26) and heating the bearing seat (28) using an induction cable within the cable holding device (46); and
while the bearing seat (28) is expanded by heating, removing the cable holding device (46) and pushing the ring holder (13, 14) with the bearing outer ring (2) into the bearing seat (28).