Method of mounting or demounting a blade to a rotor hub of a wind turbine

Abstract

A method (100) of mounting a blade (22) to or dismounting a blade (22) from a rotor hub (20) of a wind turbine (10), the method (100) comprising gripping the blade (22) using a gripper (50), the gripper (50) comprising a gripping member (58) configured for gripping the blade (22) and a tooth (60) protruding from the gripping member (58), wherein gripping comprises inserting the tooth (60) of the gripper (50) into a socket (78) of the blade (22); and rotating the blade (22) about a rotation axis (54) perpendicular to a longitudinal blade axis (53) using a blade rotation device (52) of the gripper (50), wherein the tooth (60) is configured for transmitting an axial load (57) of the blade (22) between the blade (22) and the gripping member (58).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to wind turbines, and more specifically, to a method for mounting blades to or removing blades from a rotor hub of a wind turbine. Background Technology

[0002] Wind power is considered one of the cleanest and most environmentally friendly energy sources available today, and wind turbines are receiving increasing attention in this area. A modern wind turbine typically consists of a tower, generator, gearbox, nacelle, and one or more rotor blades. The rotor blades capture kinetic energy from the wind using the known airfoil principle and transfer this kinetic energy through rotation to rotate a shaft that connects the rotor blades to the gearbox, or, if no gearbox is used, directly to the generator. The generator then converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy, which can be deployed to the public power grid.

[0003] The size of the rotor blades contributes to the energy efficiency of a wind turbine. Specifically, increasing the rotor blade size increases the energy output of the wind turbine. The economic benefits of increasing the turbine size or rotor blade size must be weighed against the corresponding costs of manufacturing, transporting, assembling, or repairing the wind turbine. Typically, wind turbine assembly involves mounting the rotor hub to the nacelle atop the tower and using a crane to individually lift each rotor blade to the hub. For example, blades may be lifted and mounted to the hub with their blade axes oriented horizontally.

[0004] As the size of wind turbines or blades increases, cranes with increased height or lifting capacity can be used to lift the blades. However, the use of such cranes can increase the costs associated with installing blades onto or removing them from the rotor hub, for example, during the assembly or disassembly of wind turbines or during the repair or replacement of rotor blades.

[0005] Therefore, this disclosure relates to a method for installing or removing wind turbine blades, which provides a safe, rapid and / or cost-effective method for raising, lowering and / or positioning the blades for installation or removal. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

[0007] In one aspect, this disclosure relates to a method of mounting a blade to or removing a blade from a rotor hub of a wind turbine, the wind turbine including a tower and a nacelle mounted on the tower, the rotor hub being coupled to the nacelle. The method includes using a clamp to hold the blade, the clamp including clamping members configured for holding the blade and teeth projecting from the clamping members, wherein clamping includes inserting the teeth of the clamp into a socket of the blade. The method includes using a blade rotating mechanism of the clamp to rotate the blade about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal blade axis, wherein the teeth are configured to transfer axial loads on the blade between the blade and the clamping members. It should be understood that the method may also include any additional steps and / or features as described herein.

[0008] In another aspect, this disclosure relates to a clamp for mounting blades to or removing blades from a rotor hub of a wind turbine. The clamp includes a blade rotating mechanism configured to rotate the blade about a rotation axis perpendicular to a longitudinal blade axis; a clamping member configured to clamp the blade; and teeth arranged on the clamping member, the teeth configured to insert into a socket on the blade, and wherein the teeth are configured to transfer axial loads on the blade between the blade and the clamping member. It should be understood that the clamp may also include any additional features as described herein.

[0009] In another aspect, this disclosure relates to a blade for a wind turbine. The blade includes an outer skin; a load-bearing structure disposed within the outer skin; and a socket connected to the load-bearing structure and extending through the outer skin, wherein the socket is configured to receive teeth of a clamp from outside the outer skin, and wherein the socket is configured to transfer axial loads of the blade between the load-bearing structure and the teeth received in the socket. It should be understood that the blade may also include any additional features as described herein.

[0010] In another aspect, this disclosure relates to an adapter for handling blades according to embodiments described herein. The adapter includes adapter teeth configured to insert into first plurality of sockets in the blade, the adapter teeth having locking elements configured to lock the adapter teeth in the first plurality of sockets in the blade, the adapter teeth being configured to support the weight of the blade in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blade. The adapter includes an interlocking device configured to interlock the adapter with a cargo lifting device. It should be understood that the adapter may also include any additional features as described herein.

[0011] Technical Solution 1. A method (100) for mounting a blade (22) to a rotor hub (20) of a wind turbine (10) or removing a blade (22) therefrom, the wind turbine (10) comprising a tower (12) and a nacelle (16) mounted on the tower (12), the rotor hub (20) being coupled to the nacelle (16), the method (100) comprising:

[0012] The blade (22) is held using a clamp (50), the clamp (50) including a clamping member (58) configured to hold the blade (22) and teeth (60) protruding from the clamping member (58), wherein holding includes inserting the teeth (60) of the clamp (50) into a socket (78) of the blade (22); and

[0013] The blade rotation device (52) of the clamp (50) rotates the blade (22) about a rotation axis (54) perpendicular to the longitudinal blade axis (53), wherein the tooth (60) is configured to transmit the axial load (57) of the blade (22) between the blade (22) and the clamping member (58).

[0014] Technical Solution 2. The method (100) according to Technical Solution 1, wherein rotating the blade (22) includes rotating the blade (22) about the rotation axis (54) of the blade rotating device (52) by an angle (55) of at least 20 degrees.

[0015] Technical Solution 3. The method (100) according to Technical Solution 1, wherein inserting the tooth (60) includes inserting a first tooth of the tooth (60) into a first socket of the socket (78) on a first side (85) of the blade (22), and inserting a second tooth of the tooth (60) into a second socket of the socket (78) on a second side (86) of the blade (22).

[0016] Technical Solution 4. The method (100) according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 3, wherein clamping includes retracting the tooth (60) into the clamping member (58) to a retracted position before inserting the tooth (60), and wherein inserting the tooth (60) includes extending the tooth (60) to an extended position to engage the socket (78) of the blade (22).

[0017] Technical Solution 5. The method (100) according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 3, wherein clamping the blade (22) includes engaging the outer skin (70) of the blade (22) with the clamping pad (64) of the clamping member (58).

[0018] Technical Solution 6. A clamp (50) for mounting a blade (22) to a rotor hub (20) of a wind turbine (10) or for removing a blade (22) therefrom, comprising:

[0019] A blade rotating device (52) is configured to rotate the blade (22) about a rotation axis (54) perpendicular to the longitudinal blade axis (53) of the blade (22);

[0020] A clamping member (58) configured to clamp the blade (22); and

[0021] A tooth (60) is arranged on the clamping member (58), the tooth (60) being configured to insert into a socket (78) of the blade (22), and wherein the tooth (60) is configured to transmit the axial load (57) of the blade (22) between the blade (22) and the clamping member (58).

[0022] Technical Solution 7. The clamp (50) according to Technical Solution 6, wherein the clamping member (58) includes a first clamping member configured to engage a first side (85) of the blade (22) and a second clamping member configured to engage a second side (86) of the blade (22), and wherein at least one of the teeth (60) protrudes from each of the first clamping member and the second clamping member.

[0023] Technical Solution 8. A clamp (50) according to any one of Technical Solution 6 and Technical Solution 7, wherein the clamping member (58) includes a toothed engagement device (62) configured to move the tooth (60) from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein in the retracted position the tooth (60) is at least partially retracted into the clamping member (58), and wherein in the extended position the tooth (60) is inserted into the socket (78).

[0024] Technical Solution 9. The clamp (50) according to Technical Solution 8, wherein the toothed engagement device (62) includes an elastic device that loads at least one tooth of the teeth (60) toward the extended position of the at least one tooth.

[0025] Technical solution 10. A blade (22) for a wind turbine (10), comprising:

[0026] Outer skin (70);

[0027] The load-bearing structure (72) is arranged within the outer skin (70); and

[0028] A socket (78) is connected to the support structure (72) and extends through the outer skin (70), wherein the socket (78) is configured to receive the teeth (60) of the clamp (50) from outside the outer skin (70), and wherein the socket (78) is configured to transmit the axial load (57) of the blade (22) between the support structure (72) and the teeth (60) received in the socket (78).

[0029] Technical Solution 11. The blade (22) according to Technical Solution 10, wherein the first socket of the socket (78) is disposed on the first side (85) of the blade (22), and the second socket of the socket (78) is disposed on the second side (86) of the blade (22).

[0030] Technical Solution 12. The blade (22) according to Technical Solution 10, the blade (22) includes a reinforcing member (80) that connects one or more sockets (78) to the shear web (74) of the load-bearing structure (72) and / or to the spar cap (76) of the load-bearing structure (72).

[0031] Technical Solution 13. The blade (22) according to any one of Technical Solutions 10 to 12, wherein the outer skin (70) includes at least one reinforcing skin patch positioned around the socket (78).

[0032] Technical Solution 14. The blade (22) according to any one of Technical Solutions 10 to 12, wherein each socket (78) includes a socket closing device (81) configured to close the socket (78) when the tooth (60) of the clamp (50) is removed from the socket (78).

[0033] Technical Solution 15. An adapter (90) for processing a blade (22) according to any of Technical Solutions 10 to 14, the adapter (90) comprising:

[0034] An adapter tooth (92) configured to insert into a first plurality of (77) sockets (78) of the blade (22), the adapter tooth (92) having a locking element (94) configured to lock the adapter tooth (92) into the first plurality of (77) sockets (78) of the blade (22), the adapter tooth (92) configured to support the weight of the blade (22) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal blade axis (53); and

[0035] An interlocking device (96) is configured to interlock the adapter (90) with the cargo lifting device (98).

[0036] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be further supported and described with reference to the following description and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The complete and practicable disclosure of the invention, including its best mode for those skilled in the art, is set forth in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 A perspective view of a wind turbine is shown;

[0039] Figure 2 A simplified interior view of the nacelle of a wind turbine is shown, particularly during normal operation.

[0040] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a wind turbine during blade-to-rotor hub installation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the blade according to an embodiment is shown;

[0042] Figures 5A-5B A schematic diagram of a blade clamping device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0043] Figures 6A-6D A schematic cross-sectional view of the clamping member and teeth according to an embodiment is shown;

[0044] Figures 7A-7B A schematic cross-sectional view of a blade clamping device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0045] Figures 8A-8B A schematic cross-sectional view of a blade clamping device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0046] Figure 9A flowchart illustrating the method according to an embodiment is shown; and

[0047] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a cargo lifting device using an adapter lifting blade, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made in the invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is intended that the invention cover such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0049] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1 A perspective view of a wind turbine 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the wind turbine 10 generally includes a tower 12 extending from a support surface 14 (also referred to herein as the ground), a nacelle 16 mounted on the tower 12, and a rotor 18 coupled to the nacelle 16.

[0050] As in Figure 1 As shown, rotor 18 includes a rotatable rotor hub 20 and at least one blade 22, the at least one blade 22 being coupled to and extending outward from rotor hub 20. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, rotor 18 includes three blades 22. However, in alternative embodiments, rotor 18 may include more or fewer than three blades 22. Each blade 22 may be spaced apart about rotor hub 20 to facilitate rotation of rotor 18 so that kinetic energy can be converted from wind into usable mechanical energy, and subsequently into electrical energy. For example, rotor hub 20 may be rotatably coupled to generator 24 positioned within nacelle 16. Figure 2 ), to allow the generation of electrical energy.

[0051] The wind turbine 10 may also include a wind turbine controller 26 centered within the nacelle 16. However, in other embodiments, the controller 26 may be located within any other component of the wind turbine 10 or at a location outside the wind turbine 10. Furthermore, the controller 26 may be communicatively coupled to any number of components of the wind turbine 10 to control those components. In this regard, the controller 26 may include a computer or other suitable processing unit. Thus, in several embodiments, the controller 26 may include suitable computer-readable instructions that, when implemented, configure the controller 26 to perform various functions, such as receiving, sending, and / or executing wind turbine control signals.

[0052] Now refer to Figure 2 , showing Figure 1 The diagram shows a simplified internal view of the nacelle 16 of the wind turbine 10, which specifically illustrates the power transmission components of the wind turbine 10. More specifically, as shown, a generator 24 may be coupled to a rotor 18 to generate electrical power from the rotational energy generated by the rotor 18. The rotor 18 may be coupled to a main shaft 34, which is rotatable via a main bearing (not shown). The main shaft 34 may then be rotatably coupled to the gearbox output shaft 36 of the generator 24 via a gearbox 30. The gearbox 30 may include a gearbox housing 38 connected to a base plate 46 by one or more torque arms 48. More specifically, in some embodiments, the base plate 46 may be a forged member in which the main bearing (not shown) is seated, and the main shaft 34 extends through the forged member. As generally understood, the main shaft 34 provides a low-speed, high-torque input to the gearbox 30 in response to the rotation of the rotor blades 22 and the rotor hub 20. Therefore, gearbox 30 converts low-speed, high-torque input into high-speed, low-torque output to drive gearbox output shaft 36 and thus drive generator 24.

[0053] Each blade 22 may also include a pitch adjustment mechanism 32 configured to rotate each blade 22 about its pitch axis 28 via a pitch bearing 40. Similarly, the wind turbine 10 may include one or more yaw drive mechanisms 42 communicatively coupled to the controller 26, wherein each(s) of the yaw drive mechanism(s) 42 is configured to change the angle of the nacelle 16 relative to the wind (e.g., by engaging the yaw bearing 44 of the wind turbine 10).

[0054] Installing or removing blades from a rotor hub for the assembly, disassembly, or repair of a wind turbine typically involves raising or lowering the blade, where the longitudinal blade axis is oriented horizontally. Clamping the blade with a gripper and tilting it relative to the horizontal axis can involve high clamping forces, particularly with the risk of damaging or crushing the blade or its outer skin. In this regard, this disclosure relates to a method for installing or removing blade 22 from the rotor hub 20 of a wind turbine 10, providing a safe, rapid, and / or cost-effective method for raising, lowering, or positioning the blade 22 for installation or removal.

[0055] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a clamp 50 for mounting the blade 22 to the rotor hub 20 of the wind turbine 10 or for removing the blade 22 therefrom includes a clamping member 58 configured to clamp the blade 22. For example, Figure 3 The blades 22 are shown mounted on the rotor hub 20 of the wind turbine 10. The blades 22 are held by a clamp 50. Specifically, Figure 3The blade 22 is rotated to an inclined position relative to the reference plane 56 to match the orientation of the blade mounting location on the rotor hub 20. The clamp 50 hooks onto the crane hook 68 of the crane 69.

[0056] In an embodiment, the gripper 50 may be configured to grip a central axial region of the blade 22, which specifically includes the center of gravity of the blade 22. As used herein, the terms “axial,” “radial,” or “circumferential” are understood specifically relative to the longitudinal blade axis 53 of the blade 22. The gripper 50 may be configured to grip the blade using a gripping member 58 at a first axial position and a second axial position, the center of gravity of the blade 22 being specifically located between the first axial position and the second axial position.

[0057] In one embodiment, the gripper 50 includes at least two gripping members 58. The gripping members 58 may be configured to engage a first side 85 of the blade 22 and a second side 86 of the blade 22. Both the first side 85 and the second side 86 may extend between the leading edge 87 and the trailing edge 88 of the blade 22, with the first side 85 being particularly different from the second side 86, for example, in… Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. For example, the first side 85 may be the suction side of the blade 22. The second side 86 may be the pressure side of the blade 22.

[0058] In some embodiments, the clamping member 58 includes a first clamping member configured for engaging a first side 85 of the blade 22 and a second clamping member configured for engaging a second side 86 of the blade 22, such as in, for example Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown in the diagram. In some embodiments, the gripper 50 includes a gripping actuator 66 for actuating at least one of the gripping members 58. The gripping actuator 66 may be connected to the gripper frame 51 of the gripper 50 and to at least one gripping member. The gripping actuator 66 may be configured to actuate at least one gripping member relative to the gripper frame 51 (particularly toward and / or away from the outer skin 70 of the blade 22). For example, the gripping actuator 66 may include a hydraulic actuator, such as in... Figure 5A and Figure 5B As exemplarily illustrated. In an embodiment, the clamping member 58 includes a clamping pad 64 configured to engage or contact the outer skin 70 of the blade 22.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the clamp 50 includes a blade rotation device 52 configured to rotate the blade 22 about a rotation axis 54 perpendicular to the longitudinal blade axis 53 of the blade 22. In an embodiment, the rotation axis 54 may be at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal tower axis 13 of the tower 12. Figure 3The axis of rotation 54 may be a horizontal axis. As used herein, a horizontal axis, horizontal direction, or horizontal plane is specifically understood to be at least substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity. A vertical direction may be understood to refer to the direction of gravity. In some embodiments, the blade rotating device 52 may be configured to rotate the blade 22 about a vertical axis.

[0060] In one embodiment, the blade rotating device 52 includes a first device portion and a second device portion. The blade rotating device 52 may include a motor for rotating the first device portion relative to the second device portion. The first device portion may be connected to a crane link 67 of the gripper 50. The crane link 67 of the gripper 50 may be configured as a crane hook 68 for hooking the gripper 50 onto a crane 69. The second device portion may, for example, be connected to a gripper frame 51 of the gripper 50 or to a gripping member 58.

[0061] In some embodiments, the gripper 50 is configured to rotate the blade 22 to an inclined position using the blade rotation device 52. In the inclined position, the angle 55 between the longitudinal blade axis 53 and the reference plane 56 perpendicular to the longitudinal tower axis 13 can be greater than 20 degrees, particularly greater than 25 degrees, and / or a maximum of 60 degrees, particularly a maximum of 50 degrees or a maximum of 45 degrees. For example, the gripper 50 can be configured to rotate the blade 22 to an angle 55 of up to 30 degrees. Rotating the blade 22 to an inclined position between the horizontal and vertical positions may, for example, require a smaller counterweight to balance the weight of the blade 22 relative to the crane link 67 compared to the vertical position of the blade 22.

[0062] In an embodiment, the gripper 50 may be configured to rotate the blade 22 to an angle 55, which is greater than 30 degrees, particularly greater than 45 degrees or greater than 60 degrees. For example, the gripper 50 may be configured to rotate the blade 22 to an angle 55 of up to 90 degrees. Rotating the blade 22 to an orientation closer to vertical or to a vertical orientation may, for example, reduce the crane height required to move the blade 22 between the support surface 14 and the rotor hub 20.

[0063] In some embodiments, the gripper 50 is configured to rotate the blade 22 such that the root of the blade 22 points in an upward direction. In other embodiments, the gripper 50 may be configured to rotate the blade 22 such that the root points in a downward direction. The upward and downward directions will be understood specifically relative to the direction of gravity.

[0064] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the gripper 50 includes teeth 60 arranged on the gripping member 58. The teeth 60 are configured to insert into a socket 78 of the blade 22, such as, for example, in... Figure 5BAs shown in the diagram. The toothed part 60 may be configured to transfer an axial load 57 of the blade 22 between the blade 22 and the clamping member 58. The axial load 57 may be a load on the blade 22 that is directed in the axial direction along the longitudinal blade axis 53. The axial load 57 may, for example, include the axial component of the gravity load of the blade 22. The axial load 57 may include the axial component of the wind load of the blade 22. For example, in the tilt orientation of the blade 22, such as, for example, in Figure 3 As shown, the toothed part 60 can transfer the axial load 57 of the blade 22 to the clamping part 58 of the clamp 50. The clamping part 58 can support the lateral load of the blade 22, specifically via the clamping pad 64 of the clamping part 58. The lateral load can specifically include the lateral component of the gravity load of the blade 22 and / or the wind load of the blade 22, the lateral component being perpendicular to the longitudinal blade axis 53.

[0065] In some embodiments, the tooth 60 may be movably connected to the clamping member 58, particularly via a bearing (e.g., a sliding bearing). In other embodiments, the tooth 60 may be rigidly connected to the clamping member 58. In embodiments, the axial load 57 of the blade 22 is supported on the tooth 60 by a form-fit connection or positive locking between the tooth 60 and the socket 78. In particular, the gravitational load of the blade 22 in the axial direction may be supported at least partially by the tooth 60 and the socket 78, and not only by the frictional force between the clamping pad 64 of the clamping member 50 and the outer skin 70 of the blade 22.

[0066] In some embodiments, the tooth 60 may be configured to balance axial loads 57 within the tooth 60. In particular, the tooth 60 may be elastically configured to balance axial loads 57 within or on a single tooth 60. The elasticity or flexibility of the tooth 60 may be particularly higher in the axial direction than in the radial or circumferential direction.

[0067] In embodiments, the tooth 60 may be formed, for example, as a pin or cuboid. Specifically, the tooth 60 may be formed as straight or curved. The tooth 60 may be made of metal, such as steel. In embodiments, the tooth 60 may be configured to transmit an axial load 57 of at least 10 kN, particularly at least 30 kN, at least 50 kN, or at least 80 kN. In some embodiments, the tooth 60 is configured to transmit an axial load 57 of at least 25% of the blade weight, particularly at least 50% of the blade weight, at least 75% of the blade weight, or at least the blade weight.

[0068] According to an embodiment, at least one tooth of the teeth 60 protrudes from each of the first and second clamping members, the first clamping member being configured to engage a first side 85 of the blade 22, and the second clamping member being configured to engage a second side 86 of the blade 22. The clamp 50 having clamping members 58 is, for example, in... Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the clamping member 58 includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member. Teeth 60 protruding from the clamping member 58 are inserted into the socket 78 of the blade 22. Figure 5B ). In the inclined orientation of blade 22 ( Figure 3 The axial load 57 of the blade 22 can be supported on the toothed member 60, which transmits the axial load 57 to the clamping member 58. In embodiments, the clamping member 50 may specifically include more than one first clamping member and / or more than one second clamping member. The axial load 57 may be supported on the toothed member 60 at different locations relative to the axial direction of the blade 22 and / or relative to the flapping direction of the blade 22.

[0069] In some embodiments, the clamping member 58 includes a toothed engagement device 62 configured to move a tooth 60 from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein in the retracted position, the tooth 60 is at least partially retracted into the clamping member 58, and wherein in the extended position, the tooth 60 is inserted into a socket 78. Specifically, in the extended position, the tooth 60 may be positioned further away from the clamping member 58 than in the retracted position. In embodiments, in the retracted position, the tooth 60 may retract within the surface of the clamping member 58 or within the outer contour of the clamping member 58. In some embodiments, the toothed engagement device 62 may include an elastic device (such as a spring), an actuator device (such as a hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, electric actuator (such as an electric motor, electromagnetic actuator)), or any combination thereof.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the toothed engagement device 62 includes an elastic device that loads at least one tooth of the teeth 60 toward the extension position of the at least one tooth. For example, the elastic device may include a spring, such as in... Figure 6A-8B As shown in the figure. In some embodiments, the clamping member 58 may include a toothed retraction device 63. The toothed retraction device 63 may be configured to retract at least one tooth from an extended position to a retracted position. In embodiments, the toothed engagement device 62 and the toothed retraction device 63 may include actuator devices (e.g., electric actuators) configured to move at least one tooth to the extended position and configured to move at least one tooth to the retracted position. In other embodiments, the toothed engagement device 62 and the toothed retraction device 63 may be different devices.

[0071] For example in Figures 6A-6DAs shown, the toothed engagement device 62 may include a spring. The toothed object 60 may include a magnetic material. The toothed retraction device 63 may include an electromagnetic actuator, particularly a coil. The electromagnetic actuator may be configured to move the toothed object 60 against the spring force of the toothed engagement device 62 to a retracted position, or to hold the toothed object 60 in the retracted position. In an embodiment, the toothed retraction device 63 may be configured for a retracted state and a released state, in which the force of the toothed retraction device 63 biases the toothed object 60 toward the retracted position, and in the released state, the force of the toothed retraction device 63 is reduced relative to the retracted state and the toothed object 60 is biased by the toothed engagement device 62 toward the extended state.

[0072] According to some embodiments, the clamping member 58 includes a toothed locking device 65. The toothed locking device 65 may be configured to lock the toothed object 60 in a retracted position and / or configured to lock the toothed object 60 in an extended position. In embodiments, the toothed locking device 65 is configured for a locked state in which the toothed object 60 cannot move between the retracted and extended positions, and for an unlocked state in which the toothed object 60 can move between the retracted and extended positions. The toothed locking device 65 may, for example, include a latch and a latch actuator, the latch actuator being configured to lock the toothed object 60 in the locked state using the latch. Figure 6A and Figure 6D ), and configured to release the toothed part 60 in the unlocked state. Figure 6B and Figure 6C ).

[0073] Figure 6A The clamping member 58 and the toothed part 60 are shown in a locked retracted state. The toothed part 60 is in the retracted position. The toothed part locking device 65 is in the locked state, locking the toothed part 60 in the retracted position. For example, the toothed part 60 may be arranged in the retracted position and in the locked state before the clamping member 58 engages the outer skin 70 of the blade 22. Figure 6B The tooth 60 is shown in the retracted position and in the unlocked state of the tooth locking device 65. For example, after the outer skin 70 of the blade 22 is engaged with the clamping member 58, the tooth 60 can be loaded toward the extended position by the tooth engagement device 62. In particular, the tooth retraction device 63 can be in the released state. The outer skin 70 of the blade 22 prevents the tooth 60 from moving to the extended position, especially if the tooth 60 is not spatially aligned with the socket 78 of the blade 22.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the toothed part 60 can be unlocked by switching the toothed part locking device 65 to the unlocked state, and moved to the extended position by the toothed part engaging device 62 before engaging the outer skin 70. Figure 6CWhen the clamping member 58 engages the outer skin 70 of the blade 22, the tooth 60 may be forced back to the retracted position, especially if the tooth 60 is not spatially aligned with the socket 78 of the blade 22.

[0075] As in Figure 7A The toothed locking device 65 and toothed retraction device 63, which are specifically shown in the diagram, are for clarity. Figures 7A-7B (omitted), the clamping member 58 is movable along the outer skin 70 of the blade 22 to align the tooth 60 and the socket 78 of the blade 22. In an embodiment, the resilient mechanism of the tooth engagement device 62 may be configured to insert or snap the tooth 60 into the socket 78 of the blade 22, particularly when the tooth 60 and the socket 78 are spatially aligned. For example, in Figure 7B After the space between the tooth 60 and the socket 78 is aligned, the tooth 60 snaps into the socket 78 of the blade 22. During the insertion of the tooth 60 into the socket 78, the tooth 60 extends to the extended position. Figure 6C The toothed part 60 is shown in its extended position. The toothed part 60 can be locked in the extended position by switching the toothed part locking device 65 to the locked state. Figure 6D For example, after the tooth 60 is locked into the socket 78 of the blade 22, the blade 22 may be raised toward the rotor hub 20 for mounting the blade 22 to the rotor hub 20, or lowered toward the support surface 14 for removing the blade 22 from the rotor hub 20, and / or rotated using the blade rotating device 52.

[0076] To release the blade 22 from the gripper 50 or to reset the gripper 58 and the toothed member 60 to the locked retracted state, the toothed member 60 can be unlocked, for example, by switching the toothed member locking device 65 to the unlocked state. Figure 6C The toothed object 60 can be switched to the retracted state by switching the toothed object retraction device 63. Figure 6B The toothed object 60 can be locked in the retracted position by switching the toothed object locking device 65 to the locked state. Figure 6A The clamping member 58 can be disengaged from the outer skin 70 of the blade 22, especially after the tooth 60 is retracted to the retracted position.

[0077] In some embodiments, at least one of the toothed engagement device 62, the toothed locking device 65, and the toothed retraction device 63 can be remotely controlled. For example, the toothed locking device 65 and the toothed retraction device 63 may be remotely controlled.

[0078] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a blade 22 for a wind turbine 10 includes an outer skin 70. According to embodiments described herein, the outer skin 70 provides the outer surface of the blade 22, particularly a first side 85 and a second side 86 of the blade 22. The blade 22 includes a load-bearing structure 72 disposed within the outer skin 70. The load-bearing structure 72 may particularly include a shear web 74 and / or a sparsity cap 76. For example, the shear web 74 and sparsity cap 76 of the load-bearing structure 72 may particularly be arranged as a shear box, such as in… Figure 4 As shown in the image.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the blade 22 includes a socket 78 connected to the support structure 72 and extending through the outer skin 70. In an embodiment, the socket 78 is configured to receive teeth 60 of the gripper 50 from outside the outer skin 70, particularly from the gripper 50 according to the embodiments described herein. The socket 78 is configured to transfer axial load 57 of the blade 22 between the support structure 72 and the teeth 60 received in the socket 78. In an embodiment, the socket 78 is disposed on a first side 85 and / or a second side 86 of the blade 22. Specifically, a first socket in the socket 78 may be disposed on a first side 85 of the blade 22, and a second socket in the socket 78 may be disposed on a second side 86 of the blade 22. In some embodiments, the socket 78 is axially positioned about the center of gravity of the blade 22. The socket 78 may be chordally positioned about the center of gravity of the blade 22. The socket 78 may be positioned along the chord direction to one or both sides of the spar cap 76, particularly outside the chordal spar cap region, and more particularly outside the chordal spar cap region. For example, the socket may be positioned such that the structural integrity of the spar cap is not compromised.

[0080] In some embodiments, blade 22 includes a reinforcing member 80 that connects one or more sockets 78 to the shear web 74 of the load-bearing structure 72 and / or the spar cap 76 of the load-bearing structure 72. In embodiments, socket 78 may include a sleeve 79, particularly a metal sleeve, or more particularly a steel sleeve. Socket 78 may be attached to reinforcing member 80 using an adhesive (e.g., resin). In other embodiments, socket 78 may be integrally formed with reinforcing member 80. In embodiments, reinforcing member 80 is attached to load-bearing structure 72, for example, bolted to shear web 74. In some embodiments, the axial length of reinforcing member 80 may be longer than the swing depth of socket 78. The axial length of reinforcing member 80 may be longer than the chordal length of reinforcing member 80, and / or longer than the swing length of reinforcing member 80. In embodiments, reinforcing member 80 is configured to transfer at least a portion of axial load 57 between load-bearing structure 72 and socket 78.

[0081] For example, Figure 4 The socket 78 is shown, and each socket 78 includes a sleeve 79 connected to the reinforcing member 80. Figures 7A to 8B Specifically, a cross-section along the axial direction of blade 22 according to an embodiment is shown. Reinforcing member 80 extends along the longitudinal blade axis 53 and is connected to shear web 73. Receptacle 78 is configured to receive the teeth 60 of clamp 50.

[0082] According to some embodiments, the outer skin 70 includes at least one reinforcing skin patch positioned around the socket 78. Specifically, the reinforcing skin patch may be positioned in a clamping region configured to clamp the blade 22 using a clamp 50. The reinforcing skin thickness of the reinforcing skin patch may be thicker than the skin thickness of the skin region of the outer skin 70, which is axially offset relative to the reinforcing skin patch and is located outside or adjacent to the clamping region. The outer skin 70 may be locally reinforced using at least one reinforcing skin patch to withstand pressure or slippage of the tooth 60 over the outer skin 70.

[0083] In some embodiments, each receptacle 78 includes a receptacle closure device 81 configured to close the receptacle 78 when the teeth 60 of the clamp 50 are removed from the receptacle 78. Specifically, the receptacle closure device 81 may be configured to automatically close the receptacle 78. In embodiments, the receptacle closure device 81 includes a resilient mechanism 84. The resilient mechanism 84 may include a spring (e.g., a coil spring or a spring plate). In some embodiments, the receptacle closure device 81 includes a plug 82. The plug 82 may be movably disposed in the receptacle 78. Specifically, the plug 82 may be movable in a waving direction. The plug 82 may include a pin that can be inserted into and moved within the receptacle 78. The receptacle closure device 81 (particularly the plug 82) may include a flexible seal. The flexible seal may be configured to seal the receptacle 78 to prevent water from entering the receptacle 78. The flexible seal may be attached to the pin of the plug 82.

[0084] In an embodiment, the resilient mechanism 84 of the receptacle closure device 81 is configured to load the plug 82 toward the outer skin 70 into the receptacle 78. For example, the resilient mechanism 84 may be configured to push the plug 82 into the receptacle 78 such that the outer plug surface of the plug 82 is at least substantially flush with the outer surface of the outer skin 70. When the toothed object 60 is inserted into the receptacle 78, the receptacle closure device 81 may be configured to push the plug 82 toward the interior of the blade 22. For example, Figures 8A-8BThe blade 22 and clamping member 58 are shown. The blade 22 includes a socket 78 having a sleeve 79 connected to the reinforcing member 80. The socket 78 includes a socket closing device 81 having a resilient mechanism 84 (particularly a spring plate). The resilient mechanism 84 is supported by a resilient mechanism support 83 connected to the shear web 74. The socket closing device 81 includes a plug 82 disposed within the sleeve 79. The plug 82 is positioned in a closed position within the socket 78 when the teeth 60 are not inserted into the socket 78. Specifically, in the closed position, the plug 82 is positioned such that the outer plug surface of the plug 82 is flush with the outer surface of the outer skin 70. Figure 8A When the toothed part 60 is pushed into the socket 78 for inserting the toothed part 60 into the socket 78 (e.g., by means of the toothed engagement device 62 of the clamping member 58), the plug 82 is pushed toward the interior of the blade 22. Figure 8B When the toothed part 60 is removed from the socket 78, the plug 82 can be automatically pushed back to the closed position by the elastic mechanism 84.

[0085] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a method 100 is provided for mounting a blade 22 to or removing a blade 22 from a rotor hub 20 of a wind turbine 10. Specifically, the method can be used to mount or remove a blade 22 according to embodiments described herein, and / or the method may include using a clamp 50 according to embodiments described herein. For example, Figure 9 A flowchart of method 100 according to an embodiment is shown.

[0086] At 110, method 100 includes clamping the blade 22 using a clamp 50. In an embodiment, the clamp 50 includes a clamping member 58 configured for clamping the blade 22 and teeth 60 projecting from the clamping member 58. The blade 22 may include a socket 78 configured to receive the teeth 60 of the clamp 50. At 110, clamping includes inserting the teeth 60 of the clamp 50 into the socket 78 of the blade 22. The blade 22 may be clamped by the clamping member 58 about its center of gravity, particularly at a first axial position and a second axial position, wherein the center of gravity of the blade 22 is located between the first axial position and the second axial position.

[0087] In some embodiments, inserting the tooth 60 includes inserting a first tooth of the tooth 60 into a first socket in a socket 78 on a first side 85 of the blade 22, and inserting a second tooth of the tooth 60 into a second socket in a socket 78 on a second side 86 of the blade 22. The first side 85 and the second side 86 of the blade 22 may be constructed according to embodiments described herein.

[0088] In an embodiment, inserting the tooth 60 may include extending the tooth 60 from a retracted position to an extended position to engage the socket 78 of the blade 22. Specifically, extending the tooth 60 may include, for example, using a resilient device to snap the tooth 60 into the socket. Extending the tooth 60 may be performed according to embodiments described herein (particularly as per the embodiments described herein). Figures 6A-7B (Described) to execute.

[0089] According to an embodiment, inserting the toothed object 60 may include pushing the plug 82 of the receptacle closure device 81 toward the interior of the blade 22 (particularly according to the embodiments described herein (e.g., Figures 8A-8B )).

[0090] In some embodiments, clamping the blade 22 includes engaging the outer skin 70 of the blade 22 with a clamping pad 64 of the clamping member 58. Specifically, the clamping pad 64 may contact the outer skin 70, particularly with a first side 85 and a second side 86 of the blade 22. Engaging the outer skin 70 of the blade 22 may include, for example, using a clamping actuator 66 to actuate at least one of the clamping members 58 toward the outer skin 70.

[0091] In some embodiments of method 100, particularly the method of removing blade 22 from rotor hub 20, method 100 may include disconnecting blade 22 from rotor hub 20, particularly after clamping blade 22.

[0092] According to some embodiments, for example in Figure 9 At position 120, method 100 may include moving the blade 22 using a clamp 50, particularly toward the support surface 14 or toward the rotor hub 20. In an embodiment, the blade 22 may be moved vertically using the clamp 50. The clamp 50 and the blade 22 may be moved by a crane 69, the clamp 50 hooked to a crane hook 68 of the crane 69. In an embodiment of method 100 for removing the blade 22, moving the blade 22 may include lowering the blade 22 toward the support surface 14. In an embodiment of method 100 for mounting the blade 22 to the rotor hub 20, moving the blade 22 may include raising the blade 22 toward the rotor hub 20.

[0093] At 130, method 100 includes using a blade rotating device 52 of the clamp 50 to rotate the blade 22 about a rotation axis 54, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal blade axis 53. In one embodiment, the rotation axis 54 may be at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal tower axis 13 of the tower 12. The rotation axis 54 may be a horizontal axis. In another embodiment, the rotation axis 54 may be a vertical axis.

[0094] In one embodiment, the tooth 60 is configured to transfer the axial load 57 of the blade 22 between the blade 22 and the clamping member 58. Specifically, when the blade 22 is rotated to an inclined position relative to a reference plane 56 or a horizontal plane, the axial load 57 may include the axial component of the gravitational load of the blade 22.

[0095] In an embodiment of method 100 for removing blade 22 from rotor hub 20, rotating blade 22 may include rotating blade 22 to match the tilt of support surface 14. For example, blade 22 may be rotated to at least a generally horizontal orientation. In an embodiment of method 100 for mounting blade 22 to rotor hub 20, blade 22 may be rotated to an tilted orientation that matches the orientation of the blade mounting location on rotor hub 20.

[0096] In some embodiments, according to the examples described herein, rotating the blade 22 includes rotating the blade 22 by an angle 55, particularly by an angle 55 of at least 20 degrees about the axis of rotation 54 of the blade rotating device. In some embodiments, the blade 22 may be rotated such that the root of the blade 22 points in an upward direction. In some embodiments, the blade 22 may be rotated such that the root points in a downward direction.

[0097] In some embodiments of method 100, particularly the method of mounting blade 22 to rotor hub 20, method 100 may include connecting blade 22 to rotor hub 20.

[0098] In an embodiment, method 100 includes releasing the blade 22 from the gripper 50. Specifically, releasing the blade 22 may include retracting the tooth 60 from the socket 78. Releasing the blade 22 may also include closing the socket 78. The socket may be automatically closed, for example, by a socket closing device 81. In an embodiment, releasing the blade 22 may include disengaging the gripping member 58 (particularly the gripper pad 64) from the outer skin 70 of the blade 22.

[0099] According to some embodiments, the blade 22 may be a segmented blade comprising at least two blade segments. The at least two blade segments may be connected at at least one blade junction (e.g., at one, two, or more blade junctions). For example, the segmented blade may include a root segment comprising the root of the blade 22. The segmented blade may include one or more extended segments configured to connect to the root segment along the longitudinal axis of the blade, particularly a terminal segment comprising the end of the blade 22. In some embodiments, the segmented blade may include chordal segments configured to connect to the root segment in a chordal direction at a chordal junction. For example, a chordal segment may include a portion of the blade 22 at its maximum chordal extension.

[0100] In some embodiments, the gripper may be configured to support a segmented blade or a segment of a segmented blade at the blade joint of the segmented blade. Specifically, the gripper may be configured to mount a segment of blade 22 to the rotor hub 20, or to remove a segment of blade 22 (particularly the root segment and / or extension segment of the segmented blade) from the rotor hub 20. In embodiments, at least two blade segments of a segmented blade may be mounted to or removed from the rotor hub together, for example, a complete blade or root segment together with a chordal segment. In other embodiments, one or more blade segments of a blade (e.g., a root segment) may be mounted to or removed from the rotor hub individually. In some embodiments, at least one socket of blade 22 may be provided on a blade segment of blade 22, or at the blade joint of the segmented blade. Specifically, at least one socket may be positioned at the blade joint of the segmented blade. For example, at least one socket may be positioned at the chordal joint between the root segment and the chordal segment.

[0101] According to an embodiment, an adapter 90 is provided for handling blades 22 (particularly blades 22 according to embodiments described herein). The adapter 90 can be configured for handling blades 22 by a cargo lifting device 98, for example, at a blade manufacturing site or at a port (particularly during transport). Figure 10 A cargo lifting device 98 is shown that uses an adapter 90 to lift the blade 22 onto the blade transport vehicle 99.

[0102] The adapter 90 includes adapter teeth 92 configured to insert into a first plurality of 77 sockets 78 on the blade 22. The first plurality of 77 sockets 78 may include a first socket on a first side of the blade and / or a second socket on a second side of the blade, particularly either a first socket only or a second socket only.

[0103] In one embodiment, the adapter tooth 92 may have a locking element 94 configured to lock the adapter tooth 92 in a first plurality of 77 sockets 78 of the blade 22, the adapter tooth 92 being configured to support the weight of the blade 22 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal blade axis 53.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the first plurality of 77 sockets 78 of the blade 22 may include a locking support element 95. The locking support element 95 may be configured to transfer the weight of the blade 22 to the adapter teeth 92 of the adapter 90. In particular, the locking support element 95 of the first plurality of 77 sockets 78 may be configured to provide a positive locking or form-fit connection with the locking element 94 of the adapter teeth 92.

[0105] According to some embodiments, the locking element 94 and the locking support element 95 may be passive locking elements. For example, the locking element 94 and the locking support element 95 may include pin holes. The locking element 94 may be manually locked to the locking support element 95, for example, by inserting a retaining pin through the pin hole. In other embodiments, the locking element 94 and the locking support element 95 may be active locking elements, particularly capable of remote control. In embodiments, the adapter 90 may include an adapter interface configured for electrical, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic connections to the cargo lifting device 98.

[0106] In some embodiments, the adapter 90 (particularly the active locking element of the adapter 90) includes a toothed rotation device 93 for rotating the adapter teeth 92. The toothed rotation device 93 may be specifically configured to rotate each adapter tooth 92 about a toothed axis 97 (particularly the toothed axis 97 along which the adapter teeth 92 will be inserted into one of the first plurality of 77 sockets 78). The toothed rotation device 93 may include a motor. The adapter 90 may be configured to rotate the adapter teeth 92 for providing a positive locking or form-fit connection between a locking element 94 of the adapter teeth 92 and a locking support element 95. According to an exemplary embodiment, the locking element 94 may include toothed threads provided on the adapter teeth 92, the toothed threads being configured to engage the socket threads of the locking support element 95 provided in the first plurality of 77 sockets. The toothed threads engage the socket threads by rotating the adapter teeth 92.

[0107] According to another exemplary embodiment, the adapter tooth 92 may have toothed protrusions or toothed recesses. The adapter tooth 92 may be inserted into a first plurality of 77 sockets 78. After insertion, the adapter tooth 92 may be rotated such that the toothed protrusions engage the recesses of the locking support elements 95 in the first plurality of 77 sockets 78. For example, the locking element 94 and the locking support element 95 may be configured as bayonet mounts. Figure 10 An adapter 90 is shown, wherein the adapter teeth 92 rotate after being inserted into the first plurality of 77 sockets 78. The toothed protrusions of the locking element 94 engage recesses (particularly recesses as in bayonet mounts) of the locking support elements 95 of the first plurality of 77 sockets 78. In some embodiments, the adapter teeth may be rotated such that the toothed recesses engage the protrusions of the locking support elements 95 in the first plurality of 77 sockets 78.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the adapter 90 includes an interlocking device 96 configured to interlock the adapter 90 with a cargo lifting device 98. In some embodiments, the interlocking device 96 may be remotely operable, particularly for interlocking the adapter 90 with the cargo lifting device 98, and / or for releasing the adapter 90 from the cargo lifting device 98. The interlocking device 96 may include at least one container lock, particularly a twist lock, twist lock interface, or container corner fitting (e.g., according to ISO 1161). In embodiments, the interlocking device 96 includes more than one container lock, particularly four container locks.

[0109] In an embodiment, the adapter 90 may include an adapter frame 91. Adapter teeth 92 and interconnecting devices 96 may be arranged on the adapter frame 91. Specifically, four container locks may be arranged on the adapter frame 91 at the corners of a rectangle. In an embodiment, the rectangle may have a width of at least 1.5m (particularly at least 2m) and / or at most 3m (particularly at most 2.5m). For example, the width of the rectangle may be 2.259m. In some embodiments, the length of the rectangle may be at least 2m (particularly at least 5m or at least 10m) and / or at most 20m (particularly at most 15m or at most 13m). For example, the length of the rectangle may be 2.787m, 5.853m, 8.918m, 11.985m, or 13.509m. Specifically, the interlocking devices 96 may be constructed according to ISO container fittings, particularly conforming to ISO 668. The interlocking devices 96 may be configured for compatibility with cargo lifting devices 98 used in ISO container lifting. In some embodiments, the blade transport assembly may include a blade 22 according to an embodiment and an adapter 90 according to an embodiment described herein.

[0110] The embodiments of this disclosure offer the following advantages: axial loads on the blade can be supported during blade installation to or removal from the rotor hub. The blade can be lifted and rotated using grippers, particularly where strong clamping forces are not applied to the blade's outer skin to support the axial load. According to embodiments, load-bearing structures or reinforcements to the blade's outer skin used to support strong clamping forces that rely on friction to hold the blade are avoided. Rotating the blade allows it to be installed at a low height relative to the ground or in various orientations relative to the rotor hub. In particular, cranes with lower heights can be used to install or remove the blade. Numerous angular movements of the rotor hub during installation or removal can be reduced. According to embodiments, the use of adapters simplifies blade transport. In embodiments, the time and / or costs associated with installing, removing, or transporting the blade, particularly crane costs, can be reduced.

[0111] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention (including the best mode) and also enables those skilled in the art to practice the invention (including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated methods). The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that may occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not significantly different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A method (100) for mounting a blade (22) to a rotor hub (20) of a wind turbine (10) or removing a blade (22) therefrom, the wind turbine (10) comprising a tower (12) and a nacelle (16) mounted on the tower (12), the rotor hub (20) being coupled to the nacelle (16), the method (100) comprising: The blade (22) is held using a clamp (50), the clamp (50) including a clamping member (58) configured to hold the blade (22) and teeth (60) protruding from the clamping member (58), wherein holding includes inserting the teeth (60) of the clamp (50) into a socket (78) of the blade (22); as well as The blade rotation device (52) of the clamp (50) rotates the blade (22) about a rotation axis (54) perpendicular to the longitudinal blade axis (53), wherein the tooth (60) is configured to transmit the axial load (57) of the blade (22) between the blade (22) and the clamping member (58). The blade (22) comprises: Outer skin (70); The load-bearing structure (72) is arranged within the outer skin (70); and A socket (78) is connected to the support structure (72) and extends through the outer skin (70), wherein the socket (78) is configured to receive the teeth (60) of the clamp (50) from outside the outer skin (70), and wherein the socket (78) is configured to transmit the axial load (57) of the blade (22) between the support structure (72) and the teeth (60) received in the socket (78).

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein, Rotating the blade (22) includes rotating the blade (22) about the axis of rotation (54) of the blade rotating device (52) by an angle (55) of at least 20 degrees.

3. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein, Inserting the tooth (60) includes inserting a first tooth of the tooth (60) into a first socket of the socket (78) on a first side (85) of the blade (22), and inserting a second tooth of the tooth (60) into a second socket of the socket (78) on a second side (86) of the blade (22).

4. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Clamping includes retracting the tooth (60) into the clamping member (58) to a retracted position before inserting the tooth (60), and inserting the tooth (60) includes extending the tooth (60) to an extended position to engage the socket (78) of the blade (22).

5. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Clamping the blade (22) includes engaging the outer skin (70) of the blade (22) with the clamping pad (64) of the clamping member (58).

6. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The clamping member (58) includes a first clamping member configured to engage a first side (85) of the blade (22) and a second clamping member configured to engage a second side (86) of the blade (22), wherein at least one of the teeth (60) protrudes from each of the first clamping member and the second clamping member.

7. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The clamping member (58) includes a toothed engagement device (62) configured to move the tooth (60) from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein in the retracted position the tooth (60) is at least partially retracted into the clamping member (58), and wherein in the extended position the tooth (60) is inserted into the socket (78).

8. The method (100) according to claim 7, wherein, The toothed engagement device (62) includes an elastic device that loads at least one of the teeth (60) toward the extended position of the at least one tooth.

9. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The first socket of the socket (78) is located on the first side (85) of the blade (22), and the second socket of the socket (78) is located on the second side (86) of the blade (22).

10. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The blade (22) includes a reinforcing member (80) that connects one or more sockets (78) to the shear web (74) of the load-bearing structure (72) and / or to the spar cap (76) of the load-bearing structure (72).

11. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1, 9, and 10, wherein, The outer skin (70) includes at least one reinforcing skin patch positioned around the socket (78).

12. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1, 9, and 10, wherein, Each socket (78) includes a socket closing device (81) configured to close the socket (78) when the teeth (60) of the clamp (50) are removed from the socket (78).

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