Bearing Compression Strap

Abstract

A tensioning arrangement for a bearing ring is disclosed, which introduces compressive force towards a rotational centre of the bearing ring, to prevent bearing ring distorting as a shaft supported by the bearing turns. The tensioner arrangement comprises a strap and a tensioner. The strap has a connector at each end, and tensioner has a means for connecting to the connectors. The tensioner also has a means for applying tension to the strap. In use, the strap is arranged around the bearing ring and a circumferential length of the strap in contact with the bearing ring is reduced, thereby applying compressive force to the bearing ring.

1 . A tensioning arrangement for a bearing ring comprising:
 a strap, in which said strap comprises a first connector at a first end and a second connector at a second end;   a tensioner, in which said tensioner comprises:
 means for connecting to said connectors; and 
 means for applying tension to the strap; 
   wherein, in use, the strap is connected to the tensioner and arranged around the bearing ring and actuation of the tensioner reduces a circumferential length of the strap in contact with the bearing ring and increases tension in the strap, thereby applying compressive force to a rotational centre of the bearing ring sufficient to prevent the bearing ring from distorting.   
     
     
         2 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 1  in which said first connector comprises a stud. 
     
     
         3 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 1  in which said second connector comprises a threaded stud. 
     
     
         4 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 1  in which said first connector comprises a loop. 
     
     
         5 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 4  in which said loop is formed from the strap. 
     
     
         6 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 1  in which said one of said connectors is a direct connection to said tensioner. 
     
     
         7 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 1  in which said means for connecting comprises a channel for receiving one end of said strap. 
     
     
         8 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 7  in which said channel comprises a slot. 
     
     
         9 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 7  in which said connector comprises a swaged stud and said swaged stud is secured to said tensioner by said slot. 
     
     
         10 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 9  in which said connector comprises a threaded stud and in which said threaded stud is secured to said tensioner by a nut. 
     
     
         11 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 10  in which said means for applying tension comprises tightening said nut to increase tension in said strap. 
     
     
         12 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 1  in which said tensioner comprises a plurality of channels for receiving a first end of said strap. 
     
     
         13 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 12  in which said first connector comprises a loop and in which said loop is mounted on said channels. 
     
     
         14 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 13  in which said second connector comprises a threaded member and in which said threaded member is secured to said tensioner by a nut. 
     
     
         15 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 14  in which said means for applying tension comprises tightening said nut to increase tension in said strap. 
     
     
         16 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 1  in which said means for applying tension comprises a thread and nut arrangement. 
     
     
         17 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 1  in which said means for applying tension comprises a gearing arrangement. 
     
     
         18 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 1  in which said means for applying tension comprises a ratchet arrangement. 
     
     
         19 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 1  in which said means for applying tension comprises a hydraulic arrangement. 
     
     
         20 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 1  in which said strap comprises one or more of a rope, a chain or a band. 
     
     
         21 . A wind turbine comprising a bearing and a bearing ring, in which the tensioner arrangement of  claim 1  is arranged around an outer circumference of the bearing ring. 
     
     
         22 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 1  in which said tensioner increases tension in the strap to greater than 25 kN. 
     
     
         23 . The tensioning arrangement of  claim 1  in which said tensioner comprises a mount plate, wherein, in use, said mount plate is in contact with said bearing ring.