Patent Description:
A wind turbine may include a rotor that includes a rotatable rotor hub assembly having multiple rotor blades. The rotor blades transform wind energy into a drive torque that drives a generator via a drive train. The drive train may comprise a rotor shaft, a gearbox, a coupling, a rotor brake and other components. The generator, the gearbox and the other components may be mounted within a nacelle that is positioned on top of a tower.

<CIT> relates to a wind turbine that has a drive train that comprises a rotor shaft and a planetary gear train. The rotor shaft is supported, on the side that faces away from the planetary gear train, by means of a toroidal roller bearing, on a first carrying structure. The planet carrier is connected to the rotor shaft in a fixed and backlash-free manner by means of a moment bearing. The outer ring of the moment bearing is connected to a housing.

<CIT> discloses a wind turbine active damping arrangement comprising a nacelle, a bedplate supporting a main bearing and a gearbox supported by the bedplate via torque arms, wherein the torque arm arrangement comprises damper means.

It is desirable to provide a gearbox support arrangement for a wind turbine and wind turbine that enables reliable operation.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a gearbox support arrangement for a wind turbine. In particular, the gearbox support arrangement comprises:.

The gearbox support arrangement allows a reliable operation of the rotor bearing support structure and the gearbox housing.

The rotor bearing support structure is configured to accommodate one or several rotor bearings for rotatably supporting the rotor shaft. According to embodiments, the rotor bearing support structure is a rotor bearing housing fixed and supported by a base or a machine frame (also called machine support or base frame), wherein said base or machine support is rotatably mounted on top of a tower of the wind turbine. According to further embodiments, the rotor bearing support structure comprises a first portion sized to receive the rotor shaft therethrough and a second portion which supports the first portion and which is configured to be rotatably mounted on top of a tower of the wind turbine, wherein the first and second portion are integrally formed with each other.

The gearbox housing is the housing of a gearbox which is configured to transform a torque (drive torque) and a rotation speed of the rotor shaft into a different torque (output torque) and a different rotation speed for the generator shaft of the wind turbine. The drive torque in the gearbox causes a counter torque in the gearbox housing. The gearbox housing therefore needs to be supported by a support structure in order for the gearbox to maintain its position.

The torque support arrangement enables a transmission of torque loads between the gearbox housing and the rotor bearing support structure. In particular, the torque support arrangement enables the transmission of a counter torque from the gearbox housing to the rotor bearing support structure. This counter torque from the gearbox housing results from the drive torque present in the gearbox. The counter torque from the gearbox housing is transmitted in the form of tangential forces to the torque support arrangement and the rotor bearing support structure. The rotor bearing support structure absorbs the counter torque transmitted from the gearbox housing via the torque support arrangement.

The torque support arrangement comprises a decoupling device. For example, the decoupling device is arranged between the gearbox housing and the rotor bearing support structure. The decoupling device is configured to transmit torque loads between the gearbox housing and the rotor bearing support structure. Furthermore, the decoupling device is configured to reduce vibrations and reaction loads (i.e. reaction forces and bending moments) which are for example caused by structural deformations and/or by manufacturing and assembly deviations of the components of the gearbox support arrangement. The decoupling device thus reduces the forwarding and transmission of said vibrations and reaction loads between the gearbox housing and the rotor bearing support structure. The gearbox housing and the rotor bearing support structure are decoupled from each other regarding said reaction loads, vibrations, shakings and/or tilting, while the transmission of the torque loads is still possible.

The torque support arrangement described herein prevents the need of torque support elements such as torque arms which vertically transmit the counter torque by directly coupling the gearbox housing to the base or machine frame of the nacelle. This enables more free space on the base or machine frame for yaw drives and/or for flanges to connect with a frame carrying electric components and/or for other components that need to be arranged inside the nacelle. Direct vertical support of the gearbox housing on the base or machine frame can be avoided. Thus, high bending moments and uneven load distribution on the base or machine frame can be avoided, which is particularly advantageous in case the base consists of a plate screwed on a yaw bearing. In addition, a shorter tolerance chain is possible. Furthermore, the arrangement can be provided as a modular arrangement. For example, the rotor bearing support structure can be easily separated from the gearbox housing. This is, for example, convenient for transport and erection of the wind turbine. The weight of the gearbox can also have a relieving effect on the rotor bearing(s) in the case of a firm connection between the rotor shaft and the gearbox input shaft. Furthermore, reactions loads in the rotor bearing(s) and in the bearing(s) of the gearbox first stage which are caused by structural deformations and/or by manufacturing and assembly deviations can be reduced.

According to a further embodiment, the torque support arrangement comprises a protrusion at one of the gearbox housing and the rotor bearing support structure. The protrusion protrudes along the radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis. The torque support arrangement comprises a flange at the other one of the rotor bearing support structure and the gearbox housing. In particular, the protrusion and the flange form functional parts of the torque support arrangement, while the protrusion is structurally an integral part of the rotor bearing support structure and the flange is structurally an integral part of the gearbox housing. Alternatively, the protrusion and the flange may be separate elements to be fixed to the rotor bearing support structure and/or to the gearbox housing respectively, for example via a screw connection.

The torque support arrangement comprises a support frame with an opening into which the protrusion is insertable along the radial direction. The protrusion thus protrudes into the opening along the radial direction. The support frame is fixed to the flange along the axial direction. This enables an easy assembly of the gearbox support arrangement, as the fixing position of the support frame to the flange can be adapted to the specific dimensions of the respective components of the gearbox support arrangement.

For example, the gearbox housing comprises the flange. The support frame is fixed to the flange and thus fixed to the gearbox housing. The rotor bearing support structure comprises the radial protruding protrusion. The protrusion of the rotor bearing support structure protrudes into the opening of the frame of the gearbox housing. Alternatively or in addition, the rotor bearing support structure comprises the flange. The support frame is fixed to the flange and thus fixed to the rotor bearing support structure. The gearbox housing comprises the radial protruding protrusion. The protrusion of the gearbox housing protrudes into the support frame of the rotor bearing support structure. The torque support arrangement transmits the torque loads tangentially to the rotor bearing support structure. The torque loads are transmittable via the rotor bearing support structure to the tower of the wind turbine.

According to a further embodiment, the support frame completely surrounds the opening in a plane tangent to the gearbox housing and to the rotor bearing support structure. Thus, the support frame completely surrounds the opening in a tangent plane. In particular, the support frame is arranged at both sides of the protrusion along the longitudinal axis. The support frame enables a reliable and secure transmission of the torque loads from the gearbox housing to the rotor bearing support structure.

According to a further embodiment, the torque support arrangement comprises a plurality of screws that fix the support frame to the flange. The screws are aligned along the axial direction. The screws reach through the support frame to the flange along the axial direction. This makes a reliable and space-saving coupling possible.

According to a further embodiment, the protrusion protrudes along the axial direction. The torque support arrangement comprises two further protrusions at the other one of the rotor bearing support structure and the gearbox housing. The further protrusions limit the opening. The protrusion protrudes into the opening along the axial direction. The protrusion is insertable into the opening along the axial direction.

For example, the protrusion is arranged at the rotor bearing support structure and protrudes along the axial direction into the opening between the two further protrusions. The two further protrusions are arranged at the gearbox housing.

Alternatively or in addition, the gearbox housing comprises the protrusion which axially protrudes in the opening between the two further protrusions, which are arranged at the rotor bearing support structure. The rotor bearing support structure as well as the gearbox housing each comprise at least one axially protruding protrusion. Thus, the number of parts and components can be reduced and a space-saving arrangement is possible.

The axially protruding protrusions of the rotor bearing support structure and of the gearbox housing may structurally be an integral part of said rotor bearing support structure and gearbox housing. Alternatively, the protrusions may be separate elements to be fixed to the rotor bearing support structure and/or to the gearbox housing, for example via a screw connection.

According to a further embodiment, the decoupling device comprises two decoupling elements. The decoupling elements are tangentially arranged on opposite sides of the protrusion. Each decoupling element is arranged between the protrusion and a wall. The wall is arranged opposite the protrusion and limits the opening. For example, the wall is a wall of the support frame. For example, the wall is a wall of the further protrusions.

According to a further embodiment, the decoupling elements each comprise or consists of at least one spring damping element. These spring damping elements may have a hydraulic, elastomeric, elastomeric-hydraulic or plastic structure.

According to a further embodiment, the torque support arrangement comprises a ring element. The ring element is formed separately from the gearbox housing and the rotor bearing support structure. According to embodiments, the ring element is connected to the gearbox housing and comprises the protrusion. According to embodiments, the ring element is connected to the rotor bearing support structure and comprises the two further protrusions.

According to a further embodiment, the ring element comprises a plurality of ring segments. According to embodiments, the ring segments are radially removable from the the gearbox housing. According to embodiments, the ring segments are radially removable from the rotor bearing support structure.

According to a further embodiment, the further protrusions are formed separately from the gearbox housing and the rotor bearing support structure. According to embodiments, the further protrusions are connected to the gearbox housing. According to embodiments, the further protrusions are connected to the rotor bearing support structure.

According to further embodiments, the gearbox support arrangement comprises a plurality of torque support arrangements. For example, each torque support arrangement is configured according to an embodiment of the torque support arrangement described herein.

It is possible that all torque support arrangements are configured the same way. It is also possible that different embodiments of the torque support arrangement are combined in a gearbox support arrangement.

The torque support arrangements, for example, are symmetrically arranged. In some embodiments, a symmetrical arrangement means that the angular distance between each pair of adjacent torque support arrangements around the circumference of the gearbox housing and the rotor bearing support structure is identical. In some embodiments, a symmetrical arrangement means that the torque support arrangements are symmetrically arranged with respect to an axis aligned to the radial direction. The use of the plurality of torque support arrangements, for example two, three, four, five or more torque support arrangements allows a smaller and more compact design of each of the torque support arrangements. Furthermore, a more equal distribution of the torque transmission around the circumference of the gearbox housing and the rotor bearing support structure is possible.

According to a further embodiment, the gearbox support arrangement, in particular the torque support arrangement, comprises:.

Further embodiments of the disclosure provide a wind turbine. In particular, the wind turbine comprises a nacelle. The wind turbine comprises a gearbox support arrangement according to at least one of the described embodiments. The wind turbine can have a compact design and in particular there is no need to have a larger nacelle even when wind turbines are getting bigger due to the space-saving that is made possible by the torque support arrangement.

The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims. Throughout the drawings, identical components and components of the same type and effect may be represented by the same reference signs.

As shown in <FIG> the wind turbine <NUM> comprises a tower <NUM>. The tower <NUM> is connected to a foundation <NUM> fixed on the ground. On a top end of the tower <NUM> opposite to the foundation <NUM> a nacelle <NUM> is arranged. The nacelle <NUM> houses the drive train. Inside the nacelle <NUM> for example a generator is arranged which is connected via a drive train comprising a generator shaft, a gearbox and a rotor shaft with a rotor <NUM>. The rotor <NUM> comprises several rotor blades <NUM>. The rotor blades <NUM> are mounted on a rotor hub <NUM>. The rotor hub <NUM> is connected to the rotor shaft.

The rotor <NUM> is driven in operation by an air flow, for example wind. The rotational movement of the rotor <NUM> is transmitted via the drive train to the generator. The generator converts the energy of the rotor <NUM> into electrical energy.

<FIG> shows the gearbox support arrangement <NUM> according to an embodiment.

The gearbox support arrangement <NUM> comprises a rotor bearing support structure <NUM>. The rotor bearing support structure <NUM> is designed to surround a rotor shaft <NUM> supported by rotor bearings. The rotor bearing support structure <NUM> can be designed as one single part which surrounds the rotor shaft <NUM> and which is supported by a base plate <NUM> that is part of a yaw system at the top end of the tower <NUM>. According to a further embodiment, the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> is made out of a plurality of separate parts, one of which is designed to be fixed to a yaw system at the top end of the tower <NUM>.

The gearbox support arrangement <NUM> comprises a gearbox housing <NUM>. The gearbox housing <NUM> houses gearbox components. The gearbox is configured to transform a drive torque of a rotor shaft coupled with the rotor <NUM> into an output torque for the generator shaft of the generator of the wind turbine <NUM>.

The gearbox housing <NUM> and the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> are arranged one behind the other along a longitudinal axis <NUM> corresponding to the rotation axis of the rotor shaft <NUM>. The gearbox housing <NUM> and the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> are coupled to each other via a torque support arrangement. The torque support arrangement <NUM> is arranged to transmit a counter torque <NUM> between the gearbox housing <NUM> and the rotor bearing support structure <NUM>.

According to the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> comprises two protrusions <NUM> that protrude along a radial direction <NUM> from the circumference of the rotor bearing support structure <NUM>. The radial direction <NUM> is in particular transverse to the axial direction <NUM>.

The protrusions <NUM>, for example, are integrally formed with the rotor bearing support structure <NUM>. As for example shown in <FIG>, more than two protrusions <NUM> may be arranged, for example three, four, five, six, seven or more protrusions <NUM> that protrude radially. The protrusions <NUM> are formed at an end of the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> that faces the gearbox housing <NUM>.

A flange <NUM> is formed at the gearbox housing <NUM>. The flange <NUM> is arranged at an end of the gearbox housing <NUM> that faces the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> along an axial direction <NUM>. The axial direction <NUM> is for example aligned along the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The flange <NUM> projects radially to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The flange <NUM>, for example, is integrally formed with the gearbox housing <NUM>. There are as many flanges <NUM> as protrusions <NUM>. Alternatively, there may be a single flange <NUM> around the whole circumference of the gearbox housing <NUM>.

A support frame <NUM> is fixed to the flange <NUM>. There are as many support frames <NUM> as protrusions <NUM>. In the shown embodiment, there are two support frames <NUM>. The support frame <NUM> is axially fixed to the flange <NUM> by screws <NUM>. The screws are aligned along the axial direction <NUM>. The support frame <NUM> is pressed against the flange <NUM> along the axial direction <NUM> by the screws <NUM>. The screws <NUM> pass through the support frame <NUM> along the axial direction <NUM> to the flange <NUM>.

The support frame <NUM> surrounds an opening <NUM>. The support frame <NUM> surrounds the opening <NUM> with a wall <NUM>. The wall <NUM> limits the opening <NUM> in four directions in a plane which is tangential to the circumference of the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> and the gearbox housing <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is open along the radial direction <NUM>.

The protrusion <NUM> and the support frame <NUM> are mountable along the radial direction <NUM>. For example, the support frame <NUM> is moved along the radial direction <NUM> onto the protrusion <NUM>. Thereby, the protrusion <NUM> is inserted into the opening <NUM> such that the support frame <NUM> surrounds the protrusion <NUM>.

A decoupling device <NUM> is arranged to decouple the gearbox housing <NUM> and the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> from each other in a way that reactions loads, vibrations and tilts are not transmitted between the gearbox housing <NUM> and the rotor bearing support structure <NUM>. The decoupling device <NUM> is designed to transmit the counter torque <NUM> between the gearbox housing <NUM> and the rotor bearing support structure <NUM>.

For example, the decoupling device <NUM> comprises two decoupling elements <NUM>, <NUM> for each protrusion <NUM>. The decoupling element <NUM> is arranged at a first side <NUM> of the protrusion <NUM>. The second decoupling element <NUM> is arranged at a second opposite side <NUM> of the protrusion <NUM>. The decoupling elements <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged tangentially to the circumference of the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> between the support frame <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM>. Thus a transmission of the counter torque <NUM> via the decoupling device <NUM> is possible.

For example, the decoupling elements <NUM>, <NUM> each have a damping function <NUM> and a spring function <NUM> (schematically illustrated in <FIG>). Other realizations of the decoupling elements <NUM>, <NUM> are possible that allow a transmission of the counter torque <NUM> and a reduction of reaction loads and vibrations.

According to further embodiments (not explicitly shown) the radial protrusion <NUM> is arranged at the gearbox housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the flange <NUM> is arranged at the rotor bearing support structure <NUM>. Apart from that, the torque support arrangement <NUM> is constructed and works as described above.

It is also possible to have radial protrusions <NUM> at the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> as well as at the gearbox housing <NUM>. Accordingly, each corresponding flange <NUM> is then respectively provided at the other one of the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> and the gearbox housing <NUM>. Thus, it is possible to have the support frame <NUM> axially fixed to the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> and another support frame <NUM> axially fixed to the gearbox housing <NUM>.

This makes a reliable transmission of the counter torque <NUM> possible.

<FIG> shows the gearbox support arrangement <NUM> according to a further embodiment. The embodiment according to <FIG> corresponds to the embodiments described above in connection with <FIG>. In addition, the gearbox support arrangement <NUM> according to the embodiment of <FIG> comprises more than two protrusions <NUM> with corresponding support frames <NUM>, in particular four protrusions <NUM> and corresponding support frames <NUM>, which are arranged symmetrically. According to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the protrusions <NUM> and the support frames <NUM> all have the same design and are arranged in the same way. According to further embodiments, the protrusions <NUM> are partly arranged on rotor bearing support structure <NUM> and partly on the gearbox housing <NUM>. For example, the torque support arrangements <NUM> are arranged in a rotated manner and/or in a mirrored manner with respect to each other.

Of course, other numbers of protrusions <NUM> and corresponding support frames <NUM> are possible, for example five protrusions <NUM> and corresponding support frames <NUM> that are arranged equally spaced. It is also possible to arrange the protrusions <NUM> with the corresponding support frames <NUM> not uniformly but with different spaces towards each other. For example, this allows a more space-saving arrangement and/or a reliable transmission of the counter torque <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the gearbox support arrangement <NUM> according to further embodiments. The gearbox support arrangement <NUM> corresponds generally with the embodiments of the gearbox support arrangement <NUM> described above. One of the differences is, however, that the protrusion <NUM> protrudes along the axial direction <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the protrusion <NUM> at the gearbox housing <NUM>. However, it is also possible that the protrusion <NUM> is arranged at the rotor bearing support structure <NUM>.

The protrusion <NUM> protrudes axially into the opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is open at an axial end, such that the protrusion <NUM> can be inserted into the opening <NUM> along the axial direction <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> and the opening <NUM> are arrangeable along the axial direction <NUM>. For example, the gearbox housing <NUM> is moved along the axial direction <NUM> onto rotor bearing support structure <NUM>. Thereby, the protrusion <NUM> is inserted into the opening <NUM>.

The opening <NUM> is formed by two further protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>. The further protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> limit the opening <NUM> with the wall <NUM> along the radial direction <NUM>.

The protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the torque support arrangement <NUM> allow a coupling of the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> and the gearbox housing <NUM> to transmit the counter torque <NUM> in the way of a claw coupling. In particular the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> form a claw coupling. The protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> each protrude along the axial direction <NUM> and thereby form U-shaped openings <NUM>. There are also openings <NUM> between two adjacent protrusions <NUM>. The coupling of the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> enable a transmission of the counter torque <NUM>. The axial direction <NUM> may be inclined by an angle <NUM> with respect to the horizontal direction.

The decoupling device <NUM> is arranged between the protrusion <NUM> and the further protrusion <NUM> as well as between the protrusion <NUM> the further protrusion <NUM>. The decoupling element <NUM> is arranged at the first side <NUM> of the protrusion <NUM>. The decoupling element <NUM> is arranged at the second side <NUM> of the protrusion <NUM>. The decoupling elements are arranged between all of the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

There may be four protrusions <NUM> and four further protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> or more or less protrusions <NUM> and further protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, there are two protrusions <NUM> and one further protrusion <NUM> and one further protrusion <NUM>. It is also possible to have three, five, six or more protrusions <NUM> and a corresponding number of further protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> show the gearbox support arrangement <NUM> according to a further embodiment. The gearbox support arrangement <NUM> corresponds generally with the embodiments of the gearbox support arrangement <NUM> shown in <FIG>. One of the differences is that the protrusion <NUM> are arranged at a ring segment <NUM>. In particular, the ring element <NUM> comprises a plurality of the axial protrusions <NUM>.

The ring element <NUM> comprises a plurality of ring segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the ring element <NUM> comprises three or more ring segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Each ring segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> comprises one or more protrusions <NUM>.

According to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the ring segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> each are attached to the gearbox housing <NUM>. Each ring segment <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a ring segment bottom surface <NUM> which protects the inside of the drive train from the environment. In some embodiments, the ring segment bottom surface <NUM> may also serve as a radial support of the ring segment <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> on the gearbox housing <NUM> and/or provide a radial support to the further axial protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>.

The protrusions <NUM> are formed on the ring element <NUM>, which is an element separate to the gearbox housing <NUM>. The ring element <NUM> is coupled to the gearbox housing <NUM>, such that torque loads can be transmitted between the gearbox housing <NUM> and the ring element <NUM>.

The further axial protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged at the rotor bearing support structure <NUM>. For example, the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> comprises six further protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, which are screwed to the rotor bearing support structure <NUM>. For this purpose, the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> for example comprises screw holes <NUM>.

For example, the further protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> are elements separate to the rotor bearing support structure <NUM>. The further protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled to the rotor bearing support structure <NUM>, such that torque loads can be transmitted between the further protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> and rotor bearing support structure <NUM>.

Thus, a transmission of torque loads between the gearbox housing <NUM> and the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> is possible via the further protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> fixed to the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> and the ring element <NUM>.

The decoupling elements <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned between the axial protrusions <NUM> of the ring segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the further axial protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>.

According to further embodiments (not explicitly shown), the ring segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are attached to the rotor bearing support structure <NUM>. In this embodiment, the gearbox housing <NUM> comprises the corresponding further protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>. Accordingly, the screw holes <NUM> are arranged at the gearbox housing <NUM>. Apart from that, the elements correspond in particular to what is disclosed herein.

According to the embodiment according to <FIG>, the ring segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are radially removable without the need of dismantling the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> and/or the gearbox housing <NUM>. This enables an easy access to the inside of the gearbox support arrangement <NUM>, for example to conduct an assembly work and/or a maintenance work. This may include for example tightening screws located inside the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> and/or the gearbox housing <NUM>.

According to embodiments, the bottom surface <NUM> of the ring segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise an opening (not explicitly shown). The opening is radially aligned with an opening <NUM> of the further protrusion <NUM>, <NUM> located over the ring segment bottom surface <NUM> in the radial direction <NUM>. A technician located next to the torque support arrangement <NUM> can thus have a look at the inside of the drive train through the radially aligned ring segment openings and the openings <NUM>. For example, the segment opening comprises a triangular shape.

According to embodiments, the ring segment opening is formed at a butt joint between two directly adjacent ring segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

According to embodiments, at least one of the ring segment opening and the openings <NUM> is covered by a transparent cover for protecting the inside of the drive train from the environment.

According to embodiments the gearbox support arrangement <NUM> comprises one or more torque support arrangements <NUM> as described in connection with <FIG> in combination with one or more torque support arrangements <NUM> as described in connections with <FIG>. Thus, one or both of the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> and the gearbox housing <NUM> for example comprises radial and axial protruding protrusions <NUM>. For example, one of the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> and the gearbox housing <NUM> comprises radial protrusions <NUM> and the other one comprises axial protruding protrusion <NUM>.

The combination of the embodiments of the torque support arrangement <NUM> makes it possible to reduce constraining forces and to compensate displacements caused by tolerances and static deformation of the components.

The gearbox support arrangement <NUM> with the torque support arrangement <NUM> according to the different embodiments allows a coupling of the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> with the gearbox housing <NUM> with connecting means parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The opening <NUM>, that acts as the counterpart for the protrusion <NUM> can be fixed directly to the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> or the gearbox housing <NUM> respectively. The counter torque is transmitted via the decoupling device <NUM>. The gearbox support arrangement <NUM> with the torque support arrangement <NUM> makes a short tolerance chain possible. Also, a coupling of the gearbox housing <NUM> for transmitting torques in both directions is possible with the same structural component, namely the torque support arrangement <NUM>. Vertical forces to the base or machine frame can be avoided. Thus, a bending of the base or machine frame can be avoided. There is no need to arrange torque support elements such as torque arms on the base or machine frame. Thus, the space requirement and the high masses can be avoided.

The coupling of the gearbox housing <NUM> with the rotor bearing support structure <NUM> can be simplified. This makes a cost-effective gearbox support arrangement <NUM>, which has lower masses, possible. A simplified rotor bearing support structure <NUM> is possible. For example, the torque support arrangement <NUM> is useful for drive drains with two tapered roller bearings which take over the function of the rotor bearings and are arranged in the rotor bearing support structure <NUM>. More than two torque support arrangements <NUM> are possible such that the counter torque that is to be transmitted is distributed over several coupling points.

Further, stiffening elements are possible, for example for further protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> that limit the opening <NUM>. For example, stiffening elements are bolted to the further protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> to reinforce the further protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>.

For example, the torque support arrangement <NUM> transmits only the counter torque <NUM> from the gearbox drive torque and the weight of the gearbox relieves the rotor bearing housing <NUM>, in particular in case of a radially and angularly fixed connection between the rotor shaft and the gearbox input shaft.

Claim 1:
A gearbox support arrangement (<NUM>) for a wind turbine (<NUM>), comprising:
- a gearbox housing (<NUM>),
- a torque support arrangement (<NUM>),
- a rotor bearing support structure (<NUM>),
wherein
- the gearbox housing (<NUM>) and the rotor bearing support structure (<NUM>) are arranged next to each other along a longitudinal axis (<NUM>),
- the torque support arrangement (<NUM>) couples the gearbox housing (<NUM>) and the rotor bearing support structure (<NUM>) with each other such that torque loads are transmittable between the gearbox housing (<NUM>) and the rotor bearing support structure (<NUM>),
- the torque support arrangement (<NUM>) comprises a decoupling device (<NUM>) configured to transmit said torque loads between the gearbox housing (<NUM>) and the rotor bearing support structure (<NUM>) and to reduce a transmission of vibrations and reaction loads between the gearbox housing (<NUM>) and the rotor bearing support structure (<NUM>).