Wind turbine pitch bearing and method
US7331761B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 2005 |
| Grant date | Feb 19, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S415/908
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pitch bearing and related method for wind electric turbines has an annularly-shaped first bearing ring connected with an associated wind turbine blade, and includes a first raceway groove. An annularly-shaped second bearing ring is connected with the rotor portion of the wind turbine, and includes a second raceway groove aligned with the first raceway groove. Rolling elements are positioned in the first and second raceway grooves to rotatably interconnect the two bearing rings. A gear segment is formed on one of the bearing rings, and is configured to engage a pitch drive portion of the wind turbine to pivot the blade axially between different pitch angles. The gear segment has an arcuate measure of less than 200 degrees to facilitate economical manufacture.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.