Connector arrangement for down conductor of a wind turbine and wind turbine

Abstract

A connector arrangement for a down conductor (6) of a wind turbine, comprising a lightning conductor cable (11), a first connection element (12), a second connection element (13) and a tube (14), wherein a first end (15) of the cable (11) is connected to the first connection element (12) and a second end (16) of the cable (11) is connected to the second connection element (13), wherein the tube (14) at least surrounds a portion of the cable (11) between the first end (15) and the second end (16) of the cable (11), wherein the tube (14) is fixedly attached to the first connection element (12) and movable relative to the second connection element (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector device for a down conductor in a wind turbine, comprising a lightning conductor cable, a first connecting element, a second connecting element, and a tube, wherein a first end of the cable is connected to the first connecting element, and a second element of the cable is connected to the second connecting element. Furthermore, this invention relates to a wind turbine. Background Technology

[0002] One challenge in modern wind turbine design is the lightning protection system that safeguards the turbine from lightning strikes. Because wind turbines are typically the tallest structures in an area, they are highly susceptible to lightning strikes, especially offshore wind turbines. In most cases, lightning strikes hit the highest point of the wind turbine, which is usually one of the rotor blades.

[0003] Modern wind turbines are larger in size to maximize their electrical power output. Taller wind turbines are more susceptible to lightning strikes and are therefore struck more frequently. Furthermore, wind farm facilities that include multiple adjacent wind turbines increase the frequency of lightning strikes on wind turbines because lightning is attracted to the tall structure of the turbines.

[0004] Inside a wind turbine, a network of down conductors protects the turbine from lightning strikes by conducting lightning currents along predetermined paths along the down conductors. The down conductors forming the lightning protection system extend from the tip of each rotor blade down to the base of the wind turbine tower. Therefore, multiple down conductors must be connected to each other using a connection device also adapted to conduct lightning currents. Metal supports or cables are known to be used as connection devices. The down conductors and connection devices must be suitable for conducting the high-amplitude lightning currents generated by lightning strikes.

[0005] In addition to the high amplitude of lightning current, a large magnetic field is also generated when the lightning current is conducted in the down conductor. Therefore, the connection device must also resist these magnetic fields, or resist the mechanical loads generated by the interaction between the magnetic field and the connection device.

[0006] Furthermore, some connection devices need to bridge the connection sections between different movable parts of a wind turbine. Specifically, wind turbine blades can move relative to the wind turbine hub. Wind turbine blades generate the main loads in a wind turbine and can move relative to the hub due to their weight and due to static and / or dynamic wind loads. This can cause a significant amount of deflection in the blade root section adjacent to the wind turbine hub. The deflection between the blade and the hub can generate mechanical loads in the connection devices that connect the conductors in the blades and the conductors in the hub. Therefore, the connection devices must be able to withstand these mechanical loads during wind turbine operation while maintaining the electrical connection between the down conductors.

[0007] Furthermore, the connecting device arranged between the rotor blades and the hub rotates during the operation of the wind turbine, subjecting it to alternating mechanical loads due to the alternating effects of gravity caused by the weight of the connecting device itself. Therefore, it is desirable for the wind turbine down conductors to have connecting devices or connectors capable of withstanding these mechanical loads while maintaining a reliable electrical connection between the down conductors, especially throughout the lifespan of the wind turbine. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved connector device for down conductors of wind turbines, particularly with improved ability to withstand mechanical loads.

[0009] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a connector device as originally described, wherein a tube surrounds at least the portion of a cable between a first end and a second end of the cable, wherein the tube is fixedly attached to a first connecting element and is movable relative to a second connecting element.

[0010] The first connecting element to which the first end of the cable is connected, and the second connecting element to which the second end of the cable is attached, can each be attached to a down conductor, or to a conductive component integrated into the down conductor of the wind turbine. The connecting elements are, in particular, conductive, allowing lightning current to be conducted through the two connecting elements and through the cable attached to the two connecting elements.

[0011] The tube at least partially surrounds the cable in the portion between the connecting elements. Therefore, a portion of the cable between its first and second ends is disposed within the tube. The tube protects the cable and restricts its oscillating motion, which can occur, for example, at a connector assembly disposed in the rotating part of the wind turbine, such as in the hub or blades. This connector assembly can rotate about the axis of the hub during wind turbine operation, causing the cable to perform an oscillating or reciprocating motion due to its own weight. Because the tube at least partially surrounds the cable, the oscillating motion of the cable, at least partially disposed within the tube, is restricted. Advantageously, this reduces the mechanical load acting on the cable caused by the rotation of the connector assembly during wind turbine operation.

[0012] Because the tube is fixedly attached only to the first connecting element, torsional movement between the first and second connecting elements is still possible, even when using a relatively rigid tube. Cables that are more flexible than the tube may partially twist due to this torsional movement without being damaged. The ability of the connector assembly to withstand torsional loads is particularly advantageous when the connector assembly is arranged between the rotor blades and the hub of a wind turbine, because torsion relative to the hub can occur in the root region of the wind turbine blades when the rotor blades are loaded during wind turbine operation. Advantageously, mechanical loads generated by the relative movement between the two wind turbine components can also be reliably borne by the connector assembly.

[0013] The advantage of using cables as part of a connector assembly is that they are less likely to be damaged by the electromagnetic forces generated by a lightning strike because cables are flexible and therefore more resistant to the strong, short-duration magnetic fields that occur during the conduction of lightning currents. Magnetic fields can induce large electromagnetic forces, and thus greater stress and strain acting on the connector assembly, which can cause, for example, the support structure to deform and / or become brittle over time. Compared to a more rigid metal support structure, cables are less likely to be damaged by the magnetic fields that occur during a lightning strike. Therefore, the mechanical loads generated by the magnetic field can also be reliably withstood by the connector assembly.

[0014] Because the tube is fixedly attached to the first connecting element and therefore cannot move relative to it, a stable fixation of the tube relative to the first connecting element is achieved. Since the tube is not fixedly attached to the second connecting element, the tube and the second connecting element can move relative to each other. Advantageously, this particularly allows for the bearing of torsional loads between the first and second connecting elements without affecting the tube. Furthermore, the connector assembly can also withstand longitudinal loads.

[0015] The cable may be cylindrical, and the conduit may include a cylindrical cavity in which the cable is disposed. The cable and / or conduit may also have other geometries that allow the cable to be disposed within the conduit. The cable includes at least one conductive core, and it may include an insulating sheath, wherein, in particular, the conductive core is attached to first and second connecting elements for establishing an electrical connection between the first and second connecting elements.

[0016] Compared to conventional lightning rods used to connect two down conductors, the connector device according to the invention has the advantage of being more resistant to magnetic fields that occur during the conduction of lightning currents. Furthermore, by arranging the cable at least partially within a conduit, the effects of the cable's oscillating motion are at least partially limited, minimizing the impact of the oscillation motion on the connection between the cable and the connecting element and / or the wear in the cable due to continuous oscillation motion, which can occur, for example, at the connector device arranged in the hub of a wind turbine.

[0017] The connector assembly advantageously allows the conduction of high-amplitude lightning currents without cracking, whereas cracking can occur in areas of high stress and strain within a metal support. Because the cable is more flexible, it is more resistant to magnetic forces, and therefore no specific areas of high stress and strain are formed during the conduction of lightning currents. Advantageously, high reliability of the connector assembly is achieved over a long service life of several years.

[0018] Preferably, a gap is formed between the outer circumference of the cable and the inner circumference of the tube. This gap facilitates torsional movement between the first and second connecting elements, or torsional movement of the cable relative to the tube. Specifically, the gap extends around the entire outer circumference of the cable. The size of the gap may depend on the length of the cable and / or the length of the portion of the cable enclosed by the tube. The gap is particularly small enough to limit the oscillating movement of the cable during rotation of the connector assembly.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first connecting element includes a retaining clamp that tightly surrounds the outer periphery of the tube for securing the tube. By tightly surrounding the outer periphery of the tube, relative movement between the tube and the first connecting element is prevented, thereby securing the tube to the first connecting element. The retaining clamp may be particularly electrically insulating, such that lightning current is conducted only through the cable and not through the retaining clamp or the tube.

[0020] Preferably, the second connecting element includes a limiting clamp that at least partially surrounds the tube and limits the movement of the tube in the radial direction. The limiting clamp of the second connecting element limits the movement of the tube in the radial direction and can therefore be used to limit the oscillating movement of the tube's end at the second connecting element caused by rotation of the connector assembly. Specifically, the limiting clamp only limits the movement of the tube in the radial direction, allowing for torsional movement of the tube relative to the second connecting element and movement in the longitudinal direction to maintain the connector assembly's ability to withstand torsional and / or longitudinal loads.

[0021] Preferably, the tube and the limiting clamp form a sliding bearing, or a gap is formed between the outer circumference of the tube and the inner circumference of the limiting clamp. When a sliding bearing or a planar bearing is formed between the tube and the limiting clamp, the radial movement of the tube relative to the second connecting element is completely restricted. However, the torsional and / or longitudinal movement of the tube relative to the second connecting element is not restricted by the sliding bearing. When a gap is formed between the outer circumference of the tube and the inner circumference of the limiting clamp, the torsional movement of the tube relative to the second connecting element is only partially restricted, because radial movement of the tube through the gap is still possible. The radial and / or torsional movement of the tube is not restricted by the gap between the outer circumference of the tube and the inner circumference of the limiting clamp.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first connecting element and / or the second connecting element includes an attachment portion aligned parallel to a portion of the cable, wherein a corresponding clamp of the connecting element is attached to the attachment portion. The attachment portion of the first connecting element is arranged parallel to a portion of the cable near a first end of the cable. A retaining clamp of the first connecting element may be arranged on the attachment portion of the first connecting element such that the tube is securely attached near the first end of the cable.

[0023] The attachment portion of the second connecting element can be aligned parallel to the portion of the cable near the second end of the cable. A limiting clamp for the second connecting element can be arranged on the attachment portion of the second connecting element. This allows for movement of the portion of the tube near the second end of the cable. The arrangement of the fixing clamp and the limiting clamp allows for the arrangement of the tube around a considerable portion of the cable between the first and second ends. Furthermore, a simple and robust structure is achieved for the connector assembly, facilitating its manufacture, installation, and / or maintenance (if necessary).

[0024] Preferably, the first and / or second connecting element includes a bracket having a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, with one end of the cable attached to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion attachable to a portion of the wind turbine. The second connecting portion can be arranged at different angles, from 0° to 180°, toward the first connecting portion to facilitate attachment of the connector assembly to a portion of the lightning down conductor. The attachment portion of the connecting element can be adjacent to, for example, the first connecting portion, with a first end or a second end of the cable attached to the first connecting portion. The second connecting portion of the connecting element (which can be attached to a portion of the wind turbine) can include, for example, a slit or hole for receiving a fixing device, particularly screws, bolts, rivets, etc., for attaching the connecting element to a portion of the wind turbine, particularly to a conductive portion and / or the down conductor.

[0025] The first and second connecting elements are, in particular, conductive. The support can be, for example, an angled metal plate. This allows an electrical connection to be established between a portion of the lightning down conductor attached to the second connecting portion of the first connecting element and another portion of the lightning down conductor attached to the second connecting portion of the second connecting element.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second ends of the cable includes a lug, wherein each lug is attached to a corresponding connecting element by at least two offset fixing devices. This advantageously prevents loosening of the connection between the cable ends and the corresponding connecting elements, which could occur due to relative movement when only a single fixing device is used. The use of two offset fixing devices, or two fixing devices spaced apart from each other, prevents rotational movement of the lugs at the cable ends about the fixing devices.

[0027] This allows for a robust and reliable fixation between the cable and the connecting element, ensuring the connection is unaffected by small-amplitude oscillations of the cable within the conduit. Advantageously, this also guarantees the electrical connection between the cable and the connecting element even after a long lifespan of the connector assembly or after significant oscillations.

[0028] Preferably, the cable includes a conductive core having a diameter of 20 mm. 2 and 100mm 2 Between, especially at 35mm 2 and 70mm 2 The cross-sectional area between the conductors. The conductive core of the cable may be surrounded by an insulating sheath. The core may include one or more electrical conductors, each contributing to the cross-sectional area of ​​the core with its respective diameter. The cross-sectional area of ​​the core may depend on the number of connector assemblies arranged in parallel at the interface in the lightning down conductor. Using a relatively large cross-sectional area allows high-amplitude lightning currents to be conducted through the connector assemblies without damaging the cable.

[0029] Preferably, the tube is a fiber-reinforced plastic tube. Fiber-reinforced plastic tubes provide high rigidity and high mechanical stability, thereby enabling reliable limitation of the cable's oscillating motion. Furthermore, due to its rigidity, the tube is less affected by the oscillation motion itself.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tube includes a lightning strike detection device, specifically a lightning clip attached to the outer periphery of the tube. Since lightning current is conducted through the connector assembly during grounding, the tube of the connector assembly is a suitable location for arranging the lightning strike detection device. A lightning clip, for example, can be provided as the lightning strike detection device, recording the magnetic field that occurs during the conduction of the lightning current. The lightning clip can then be used to detect one or more lightning strikes that have previously been conducted through the connector assembly.

[0031] The wind turbine according to the invention includes at least one connector device according to the invention.

[0032] Preferably, the cable of the connector device is integrated into the lightning down conductor of the wind turbine. The connector device is specifically used to connect two lightning conductors of the lightning down conductor, wherein a first connecting element and a second connecting element are each connected to one of the lightning conductors. In particular, the connector device is used to bridge the gap between the two lightning conductors, which may, for example, occur at the interface region between two different components of the wind turbine.

[0033] Preferably, the connector assembly is arranged between the rotor blades and the hub of the wind turbine. A first connecting element is attached to the hub of the wind turbine, and a second connecting element is attached to the root section of the rotor blades, or vice versa. However, it is also possible for the connector assembly to be arranged between two other components of the wind turbine.

[0034] All the advantages and details described above with respect to the connector device according to the invention apply accordingly to the wind turbine according to the invention, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are merely schematic diagrams, designed for illustrative purposes only, and do not limit the invention. The drawings show:

[0036] Figure 1 An embodiment of a wind turbine according to the present invention is shown; and

[0037] Figure 2 An embodiment of the connector device according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] exist Figure 1 The image shows an embodiment of a wind turbine 1. The wind turbine 1 includes a tower 2 and a nacelle 3, with a hub 4 carrying three rotor blades 5 mounted to the nacelle 3. Furthermore, the wind turbine 1 includes a lightning downconductor 6 for grounding the lightning current generated by a lightning strike on the wind turbine 1, particularly on one of the rotor blades 5. The lightning downconductor 6 includes a plurality of lightning conductors 7, 8, and 9. A connector device 10 is used to connect a first lightning conductor 7 arranged in the blades 5 of the wind turbine 1 to a lightning conductor 8 arranged in the hub 4 of the wind turbine 1.

[0039] The diagram of the lightning conductor 6 has been simplified. In particular, the lightning conductor 8 in the hub 4 can be connected to the lightning conductor 9 in the nacelle 3 and the tower 2 using an additional connection device, allowing the hub 3 to rotate relative to the nacelle 3.

[0040] During the operation of the wind turbine 1, the rotor blades 5 are subjected to torsional loads caused by the static weight of the rotor blades 5 and / or by the dynamic forces caused by the wind acting on the rotor blades 5. Therefore, the connector assembly 10 connecting the lightning conductor 7 in the blades 5 to the lightning conductor 8 in the hub 4 must be adapted to withstand the torsional loads occurring between the root side portion of the blades 5 and the hub 4.

[0041] Furthermore, since the hub 4 rotates during the operation of the wind turbine 1, the connector device 10 rotates around the central axis of the hub 4 and is therefore subjected to alternating gravitational forces acting on the connector device 10.

[0042] For example, a lightning strike hitting the uppermost blade 5 is conducted to the ground via the lightning conductor 7 in blade 5, and also via the lightning conductor 8 in hub 4 and another lightning conductor 9 via the lightning down conductor 6. Since the lightning current caused by the lightning strike can have a high amplitude, a high magnetic field may also occur. These magnetic fields can cause mechanical forces acting on the components of the lightning down conductor 6, and especially on the connector assembly 10.

[0043] exist Figure 2 The image shows a connector assembly 10. The connector assembly 10 includes a lightning conductor cable 11, a first connecting element 12, a second connecting element 13, and a tube 14. A first end 15 of the cable 11 is attached to the first connecting element 12, and a second end 16 of the cable 11 is attached to the second connecting element 13. The tube 14 at least partially surrounds the cable 11 between the first end 15 and the second end 16. The longitudinal direction of the cable 11 and the tube 14 is represented by the z-axis. Correspondingly, the radial direction of the cable 11 and the tube 14 is represented by the radial direction r, and the circumferential direction of the cable 11 and the tube 14 is represented by Θ.

[0044] The tube 14 is fixedly attached to the first connecting element 12 and is movable relative to the second connecting element 13. This allows the connector assembly 10 to withstand torsional loads between the first connecting element 12 and the second connecting element 13, such torsional loads occurring, for example, when the first connecting element 12 is connected to the lightning conductor portion 8 disposed in the hub 4 of the wind turbine and the second connecting element 13 is connected to the lightning conductor portion 7 disposed in the blade 5 of the wind turbine 1. The torsional movement of the first connecting element 12 and the second connecting element 13 may occur circumferentially as a twist about the longitudinal axis.

[0045] To withstand these torsional loads, the inner diameter of tube 14 is larger than the outer diameter of cable 11, thereby creating a gap or void between the outer circumference of cable 11 and the inner circumference of tube 14. Cable 11 may have a circular shape and a conductive core comprising one or more electrical conductors. Possibly, the conductive core of cable 11 is surrounded by an electrically insulating sheath. Tube 14 also includes a circular geometry surrounding a cylindrical cavity in which cable 11 is arranged, such that tube 14 can serve as a covering for cable 11. Possibly, cable 11 and / or tube 14 may each have different outer or inner circumference shapes.

[0046] By providing a gap, particularly an air gap, between the outer periphery of the cable 11 and the inner periphery of the tube 14, the torsional movement between the first connecting element 12 and the second connecting element 13, and thus the twisting of the cable, becomes easy, since no friction occurs between the cable 11 and the tube 14.

[0047] The tube 14 is rigidly fixed to the first connecting element 12, thereby preventing relative movement of the tube 14 with respect to the first connecting element 12. Therefore, the first connecting element 12 includes a retaining clamp 17 that tightly surrounds the outer periphery of the tube 14. The retaining clamp 17 includes a lower portion 18 and an upper portion 19 surrounding an orifice 20 or opening. The diameter and shape of the orifice 20 match the diameter and shape of the outer periphery of the tube 14, such that the upper portion 19 can be secured against the lower portion 18 of the retaining clamp 17, for example by two fixing devices 21, thereby fixing the tube 14 securely attached to the retaining clamp 17 and preventing any movement of the tube 14 with respect to the first connecting element 12.

[0048] The second connecting element 13 includes a limiting clamp 22 that at least partially surrounds the tube 14 and limits movement of the tube 14 in the radial direction. The limiting clamp 22 may also include a lower portion 23 and an upper portion 24 surrounding an orifice 25. The orifice 25 may have a shape comparable to the shape of the outer surface of the tube 14, but with a larger diameter, thereby enabling torsional movement between the tube 14 and the limiting clamp 22 or the second connecting element 13.

[0049] In addition to forming a gap between the outer periphery of the tube 14 and the inner periphery of the limiting clamp 22, a sliding bearing can also be formed between the outer periphery of the tube 14 and the limiting clamp 22. With this sliding bearing, the movement of the tube 14 in the radial direction is completely restricted, while movement in the longitudinal direction and also in the circumferential direction is still possible.

[0050] The first connecting element 12 and the second connecting element 13 each include an angled metal bracket 26 having a first connecting portion 27 to which a first end 15 or a second end 16 of the cable 11 is attached. Furthermore, each bracket 26 includes a second connecting portion 28, which can be attached to a portion of the wind turbine 1. The second connecting portion 28 is angled relative to the first connecting portion 27. This angle is particularly between 30° and 120°, for example, 90°. The angle and / or shape of each of the brackets 26 (and thus the relative orientation of the first connecting portion 27 and the second connecting portion 28) can be adapted to the size and / or structure of the wind turbine component to be connected by the connector assembly 10. The second connecting portion 28 may each include a hole 29 and / or a slit 30 for receiving one or more fasteners 31 (e.g., screws, bolts, or rivets).

[0051] The first connecting element 12 and the second connecting element 13 each include an attachment portion 32, which is arranged parallel to a portion of the tube 14 or a portion of the cable 11. The attachment portion 32 abuts against a first connecting portion 27 of the corresponding bracket 26. The attachment portion 32 may be a straight or crank-shaped supplement to the first connecting portion 27. A retaining clamp 17 is attached to the attachment portion 32 of the first connecting element 12. This can be achieved, for example, by attaching the lower portion 18 of the retaining clamp 17 to the attachment portion 32 and / or by means of a retaining device 21. Accordingly, a limiting clamp 22 is attached to the attachment portion 32 of the second connecting element 13.

[0052] The first end 15 and the second end 16 of the cable 11 are crimped together, and each end includes a lug 34, which is attached by at least two fastening devices 34 to the first connection portion 27 of the bracket 26 of the first connecting element 12 and the second connecting element 13. By using the two fastening devices 34, loosening of the connection between the lug 34 and the corresponding connecting elements 12, 13 is prevented because rotational movement of the first end 15 or the second end 16 of the cable 11 about the fastening device 34 is impossible. This prevents alternating loads from acting on the fastening device 34 when the connector assembly 12 rotates about the central axis of the hub 3 and when the cable 11 swings or reciprocates.

[0053] The fixing devices 21, 31, and 34 can be, for example, screws, bolts, rivets, etc. Furthermore, the lugs 33 of the first end 15 and the second end 16 of the cable 11 can be fixed to the first connecting portion 27 of the bracket 26 by welding or the like.

[0054] The flexibility of cable 11 prevents damage to connector assembly 10 during lightning current conduction, as the flexibility of cable 11 compensates for the stress and strain caused by the electromagnetic force induced by the lightning current. Specifically, by using tube 14, the oscillating movement of cable 11 caused by hub rotation is limited because cable 11 is enclosed by tube 14. This prevents damage to cable 11, for example, by preventing loosening of at least one conductive core of cable 11 from the crimp end or lug 34.

[0055] The rigid and immovable fixation of the tube 14 to the first connecting element 12, and the relative mobility of the tube 14 with respect to the second connecting element 13, at least in the longitudinal and circumferential directions, allow the connector assembly 10 to withstand torsional loads without damaging the cable 11 and / or the tube 14. This results in a reliable and stable connector assembly 10 that prevents damage during lightning strikes and / or during operation of the wind turbine throughout its lifespan. Advantageously, a long service life of 25 years or more for the connector assembly 10 can be achieved.

[0056] To conduct lightning current, cable 11 may include at least one conductive core, such as a copper core, which has a 20mm diameter. 2 and 100mm 2 Between, especially 35mm 2 and 70mm 2 The cross-sectional area between them. To ensure that lightning current is conducted only through cable 11, conduit 14 may include or be made of electrically insulating material. In particular, conduit 14 may be made of fiber-reinforced plastic material.

[0057] The supports 26 of the first and second connecting elements 12, 13 may be made of a conductive material such as metal, thereby allowing current to be conducted between the second connecting portions 28, each of which may be attached to the lightning conductors 7, 8, 9 or the lightning down conductor 6. The fixing clamp 17 (or its lower portion 18 and its upper portion 19) and / or the restraining clamp 22 (or its lower portion 23 and its upper portion 24) may be made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic.

[0058] The length of cable 11 and / or tube 14 can be, for example, between 10 cm and 1 m, depending on the location of connector assembly 10 in wind turbine 1. Tube 14 may include a lightning strike detection device 35, which is arranged between fixing clamp 17 and restraining clamp 22. The lightning strike detection device 35 may be, for example, a lightning card that records the presence of a magnetic field caused by a lightning strike current and conducted in cable 11. The lightning strike detection device 35 allows for checking whether connector assembly 10 is conducting a lightning strike current.

[0059] The first connecting element 12 can be connected, for example, to a lightning conductor 8 disposed in the hub 4 of the wind turbine 1. The lightning conductor 8 can be, for example, a conductive substrate of the hub 4, which is connected to other portions of the down conductor 6. The second connecting portion 13 can be connected, for example, to a lightning conductor 7 in the root region of the rotor blade 5. Similarly, the reverse attachment of the connector device 10 is also possible. The connector device 10 can also be used in other areas of the wind turbine 1 to bridge the interface between two different lightning conductor portions of the lightning conductor 6.

[0060] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples, and those skilled in the art can derive other variations from these disclosed examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A connector assembly for a down conductor (6) of a wind turbine, comprising a lightning conductor cable (11), a first connecting element (12), a second connecting element (13), and a tube (14), wherein, The first end (15) of the cable (11) is connected to the first connecting element (12), and the second end of the cable (11) is connected to the second connecting element (13), wherein the cable is electrically connected to the first connecting element and the second connecting element, wherein the tube (14) surrounds at least the portion of the cable (11) between the first end (15) and the second end (16) of the cable (11), wherein the tube (14) is fixedly attached to the first connecting element (12) and is movable relative to the second connecting element (13).

2. The connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A gap is formed between the outer periphery of the cable (11) and the inner periphery of the tube (14).

3. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first connecting element (12) includes a fixing clamp (17) that tightly surrounds the outer periphery of the tube (14) for fixing the tube (14).

4. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second connecting element (13) includes a limiting clamp (22) that at least partially surrounds the tube (14) and restricts the movement of the tube (14) in the radial direction of the tube (14).

5. The connector device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The tube (14) and the limiting clamp (22) form a sliding bearing, or a gap is formed between the outer periphery of the tube (14) and the inner periphery of the limiting clamp (22).

6. The connector device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first connecting element (12) and / or the second connecting element (13) includes an attachment portion (32) aligned parallel to a portion of the cable (11), wherein corresponding clamps (17, 22) of the connecting elements (12, 13) are attached to the attachment portion (32).

7. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first connecting element (12) and / or the second connecting element (13) includes a bracket (26) having a first connecting portion (27) and a second connecting portion (28), the ends (15, 16) of the cable (11) being attached to the first connecting portion (27) and the second connecting portion (28) being able to be attached to a part of the wind turbine (1).

8. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first end (15) and the second end (16) of the cable (11) each include a lug (33), wherein each lug (33) is attached to a corresponding connecting element (12, 13) by at least two biased fixing devices (34).

9. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cable (11) comprises an electrically conductive core having a cross-sectional area between 20 mm 2 and 100 mm 2 .

10. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tube (14) is a fiber-reinforced plastic tube.

11. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tube (14) includes a lightning strike detection device (35).

12. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cable (11) includes a conductive core, the conductive core having a diameter of 35 mm. 2 and 70 mm 2 The cross-sectional area between them.

13. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tube (14) includes a lightning clamp attached to the outer periphery of the tube.

14. A wind turbine, comprising at least one connector device (10) according to any of the preceding claims.

15. The wind turbine according to claim 14, wherein, The cable (11) of the connector device (10) is integrated into the lightning down conductor (6) of the wind turbine (1).

16. The wind turbine according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The connector device (10) is arranged between the rotor blades (5) and hub (4) of the wind turbine (1).

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