Assembly comprising a first member and a second member and a connecting member and method of assembling such an assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly comprising a first member and a second member connected via a connection piece, the connection piece being axially insertable into a passage defined by a passage of the first member and the second member, wherein the connection piece has a length extending in a longitudinal direction of the passage and comprises a first expansion block, a second expansion block and one or more than one wedge arranged between the first expansion block and the second expansion block and configured to be longitudinally displaced relative to the passage, thereby causing the connection piece to radially expand relative to the passage, and wherein at a cross section at half the length of the connection piece, a cross sectional area of the first expansion block and a height in a radial direction relative to the passage is smaller than a cross sectional area of the second expansion block and a height in the radial direction relative to the passage. The invention further relates to a method of assembling such an assembly of a first member and a second member.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a component comprising a first component and a second component, and a connector for connecting the first component and the second component relative to each other.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling such a component, comprising a first component and a second component, each including at least one passage.

[0003] This invention is particularly suitable for offshore applications, such as connecting wind turbines to monopiles, connecting wind turbines to transition pieces, connecting transition pieces to monopiles, and connecting components (i.e., tower sections) of monopiles or wind turbines to jacket connections. This invention can also be used for connections between the tower and nacelle of a monopile, and for connecting rotor blades to nacelles.

[0004] Based on existing offshore applications, the components of this type of assembly are traditionally fitted with flanges, which are connected using large-diameter bolts. Currently, M72 bolts are used to connect wind turbine towers to monopiles or transition pieces. In the first step, these bolts are electrically tightened to 8,000 Nm. In the second step, the preload is increased to 22,000 Nm using hydraulic tools. The bolts themselves are heavy, and the tools used to tighten them are also heavy and difficult to operate.

[0005] It appears that after a period of settling, the actual preload on the bolts is difficult to predict and control, and can vary considerably. While the exact factors influencing the torque-tension relationship of the bolts are not yet fully understood, it can be concluded that using a "constant torque" method to install bolts does not yield satisfactory results. Similar problems exist with tensioning systems used for bolted connections. The preload on the bolts must be checked and adjusted regularly, requiring significant periodic maintenance.

[0006] Furthermore, the bolts are arranged around the circumference of the flange, leaving only a very limited gap between adjacent bolts. The use of flanges and bolts is insufficient to meet the growing demand from even larger wind turbines, and the need for wind turbines to be installed at greater depths in the ocean.

[0007] International patent application WO 2018 / 139929 A1 by the same inventor proposes an improved assembly compared to a connection using a bolted flange. This improved prior art assembly includes:

[0008] - First section and second section, each section includes a longitudinal axis;

[0009] - Fixation, which is configured to fix the first section and the second section;

[0010] - wherein at least one of the first segment and the second segment includes a body configured to engage by a retainer; and

[0011] -The fixture includes a support and a radially displaceable actuator.

[0012] The actuator can be radially displaced relative to the longitudinal axis of the section including the actuator. This allows the actuator itself to be embodied as part of the clamp. During the radial displacement of the actuator, the inclined surface of the actuator engages the specially machined surface of the first section, and the clamping force connecting the first and second sections gradually increases. Although the assembly of WO 2018 / 139929 A1 already provides a significant improvement over the aforementioned conventional prior art connection using bolted flanges, the inventors have proposed further improvements, particularly to overcome the disadvantage of the assembly of WO 2018 / 139929 A1, namely that the radial displacement of the actuator requires a significant force due to the clamping action. Furthermore, a section with specially designed contact surfaces is required.

[0013] International patent application WO 2020 / 035770A1, by the same inventor and considered to be the closest prior art to this invention, proposes an improved component. At least the features of the characterizing portion of claim 1 are novel relative to WO 2020 / 035770 A1.

[0014] Compared to the assembly of WO 2018 / 139929 A1, the user can insert the connector of WO 2020 / 035770A1 into the channel to the termination position in the first step, followed by a further step in which the connector continuously expands radially relative to the channel, thereby connecting the first and second components relative to each other. In this way, the user can accurately and easily place the connector in the channel with very little trouble or force. The connector only expands in the channel to connect the first and second components relative to each other when it is placed in its desired termination position. The use of the connector as described in WO2018 / 139929A1 also makes specially machined contact surfaces with an inclination corresponding to the inclination of the radially movable actuator redundant.

[0015] Compared to older, existing technologies using bolted flanges, large-size bolts (e.g., M72 currently in use in 2021, and even up to M90 bolts considered for future wind farms) are redundant. Furthermore, the body can be smaller in volume than a flange that includes passageways for accommodating the bolts. As a result, components according to the invention require less material, are therefore more compact and lighter, and also more streamlined. While thicker parts require forging, smaller parts can also be rolled, potentially allowing for the formation of components using alternative and more attractive manufacturing methods. Moreover, components as described in WO 2018 / 139929 A1 are scalable, thus providing the opportunity to arrange multiple connectors in the axial direction of the component.

[0016] Another advantage of WO 2020 / 035770 A1 components compared to conventional bolted flanges is the absence of these flanges, which can provide significant mass outside the force travel path during the assembly's insertion into the ground using a hammer. The mass of conventional flanges can cause neck bending. Currently, when installed with a conventional impact hammer, these bending stresses result in a significantly shortened lifespan of the welded joints of these flanges.

[0017] Another advantage of the WO 2020 / 035770 A1 assembly compared to bolted flanges is that it can be applied to components connected below the waterline. On the one hand, longitudinal components of limited length can be used, allowing smaller vessels to transport them to the desired location on the offshore structure.

[0018] Tightening the bolts of bolted flanges continuously (which are typically tightened in multiple steps, as described above) is very time-consuming and labor-intensive. The assembly proposed in WO 2020 / 035770 A1 requires less labor and time than flanges with bolted connections.

[0019] Compared to older, existing technologies with bolted flanges as described above, the connection provided by WO 2020 / 035770 A1 exhibits superior fatigue resistance and is less sensitive to preload loss compared to typical bolted L-shaped flanges, even at preload levels reduced relative to the initial torque at installation. In bolted L-shaped flanges, pretension is crucial to prevent significant load fluctuations in the bolts or studs due to the poor fatigue resistance of the bolts or studs caused by the presence of threads. The connection provided by the recommended assembly proposed in WO 2020 / 035770 A1 does not encounter these problems because the bolts merely hold the wedge in place, but it is not subjected to large load fluctuations due to the bolt orientation. The primary / dominant load fluctuations are experienced in the first member.

[0020] As discussed above, previous international patent applications WO 2018 / 139929 A1 and WO2020 / 035770A1 by the same inventor have proposed significant improvements over the older prior art of bolted flanges. However, further improvements to this assembly remain necessary. In particular, there has been a desire to optimize this assembly while preferably retaining, as closely as possible, the aforementioned advantages of the prior art WO 2020 / 035770 A1.

[0021] The object of the present invention is to provide a component that is improved relative to the prior art, wherein at least one of the problems mentioned above is avoided or mitigated.

[0022] The objective is achieved by the component according to claim 1 of the present invention, the component comprising:

[0023] -First component and second component, wherein:

[0024] - The second component has a forked cross section, wherein the body is arranged between two substantially parallel walls, each wall including at least one passage.

[0025] - The first component is arranged between the two walls of the second component and is in adjacent contact with the surface of the main body of the second component. The first component includes a passage.

[0026] -The pathway of the first component and the pathway of the second component define the channel;

[0027] - A connector that can be axially inserted into a channel to a termination position and can be continuously radially expanded relative to the channel to connect a first member and a second member relative to each other by means of the following steps: pushing the first member against the body surface of the second member in a radial direction relative to the channel in the expanded state of the connector, so as to define a clamping contact between the body surface of the second member and the surface defined by a passage in a substantially parallel wall of the second member in the radial direction relative to the channel, and thereby defining a pre-tensioned connection;

[0028] -The connector has a length extending along the longitudinal direction of the channel and includes:

[0029] - A first expansion block, configured to push the first component against the body surface of the second component;

[0030] - A second expansion block, configured to contact a surface defined by a passage in a substantially parallel wall of the second member; and

[0031] - One or more wedges are arranged between the first expansion block and the second expansion block and are configured to be longitudinally displaced relative to the channel, thereby causing the connector to expand radially relative to the channel; and

[0032] - Wherein, at a cross-section at half the length of the connector, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first expansion block and its height in the radial direction relative to the channel are less than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second expansion block and its height in the radial direction relative to the channel.

[0033] Because the cross-sectional area and height of the first expansion block are smaller than those of the second expansion block, the total radial height of the connector can be optimized, particularly considering the optimized strength-to-size ratio. Therefore, compared to the connector of the assembly according to the closest prior art WO 2020 / 035770 A1, the connector can be smaller in size while maintaining the same strength. The smaller connector saves material not only on the connector itself but also on the material in the first and second components of the assembly. The smaller connector is also lighter, which is an advantage for those installing it. Furthermore, in addition to providing an assembly with optimized connectors, as many of the aforementioned advantages of the closest prior art WO2020 / 035770A1 are retained as much as possible.

[0034] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling a first component and a second component, each of the first and second components including at least one passage, wherein the second component has a forked cross-section, and wherein the body is arranged between two substantially parallel walls, each wall including at least one passage, the method comprising the following steps:

[0035] - Arrange the first component between the two walls of the second component;

[0036] - Locate the pathways of the first and second components to define the passage;

[0037] - Connectors are provided, including:

[0038] - A first expansion block, configured to push the first component against the body surface of the second component;

[0039] - A second expansion block, configured to contact a surface defined by a passage in a substantially parallel wall of the second member; and

[0040] - One or more wedges are arranged between the first expansion block and the second expansion block and are configured to be longitudinally displaced relative to the channel by an actuator, thereby causing the connector to expand radially;

[0041] Insert the connector into the channel to the termination position;

[0042] - The connector is continuously expanded radially relative to the channel, thereby connecting the first component and the second component relative to each other;

[0043] - The expanded connector pushes the first member against the surface of the body of the second member in the radial direction relative to the channel, so as to define a clamping contact in the radial direction relative to the channel between the surface of the body of the second member and the surface defined by the passage in the substantially parallel wall of the second member, and thereby define a pre-tensioned connection; and

[0044] -The step of providing the connector includes: providing a connector in which, at a cross-section at half the length of the connector, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first expansion block and its height in the radial direction relative to the channel are smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second expansion block and its height in the radial direction relative to the channel.

[0045] The preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0046] The various aspects and features described and illustrated in the specification may be applied individually in any possible circumstances. These individual aspects, particularly those described in the appended dependent claims, may be inventions in themselves, relating to different problems relative to the prior art, and may be the subject of divisional patent applications.

[0047] In the following description, preferred embodiments of the invention are further illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an offshore wind turbine tower supported by a monopile;

[0049] Figure 2 A perspective view of the components according to the present invention is shown;

[0050] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional perspective view of the component shown;

[0051] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the connector;

[0052] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the connector;

[0053] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Detailed side view of the connector;

[0054] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 Exploded perspective view of the connector;

[0055] Figures 8 to 10 It is a cross-sectional view of the successive steps of assembling the components according to the invention;

[0056] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Detailed cross-sectional view;

[0057] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Detailed cross-sectional view;

[0058] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the final step in assembling the components according to the invention;

[0059] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Detailed cross-sectional views; and

[0060] Figure 15 Shown in Figure 13 The force acting on the connector under radial expansion.

[0061] exist Figure 1 The image shows an example of a marine structure including multiple connecting parts C, to which components according to the invention can be applied. The offshore wind turbine tower 1 is supported by a support base structure 2, which in... Figure 1 This is embodied in the single pile 3 with transition piece 4. Those skilled in the art will understand that similar connections exist for alternative support base structures 2, such as jackets (not shown).

[0062] The connecting part C can be applied between individual components 8 of the monopile 3, between the monopile 3 and the transition piece 4, between the transition piece 4 and the turbine tower 1, between the components 9 of the turbine tower 1, and between the rotor blade 6 and the rotor hub.

[0063] During operation, the wind turbine 5 will be oriented so that the rotor blades 6 are optimally driven by the available wind force. The rotor blades 6 drive a generator (not shown) in the fairing 7, which generates electricity. The wind turbine 5 generates alternating loads at any connection C in its construction, and depending on the wind direction, a particular portion of the connection C must absorb most of the load.

[0064] The component according to the invention includes a first member 10 and a second member 11. The second member 11 has a forked cross-section, wherein a body 12 is arranged between two substantially parallel walls 13, each wall 13 including at least one passage 14. Figure 8 The first component 10 is disposed between the two walls 13 of the second component 11 and is in abutment to the surface 15 of the body 12 of the second component 11. The first component 10 also includes a passage 16. The passage 16 of the first component 10 and the passage 14 of the second component 11 define a channel 17. Figure 9 The term “basically” in relation to the substantially parallel walls 13 of the second member 11 will be interpreted as meaning that these walls 13 form an angle of less than 10°.

[0065] Connector 18 ( Figures 4 to 7 The connector 10 can be axially inserted into the channel 17 to reach a termination position and can continuously expand radially relative to the channel 17 to connect the first member 10 and the second member 11 relative to each other by pushing the first member 10 against the surface 15 of the body 12 of the second member 11 in the radial direction relative to the channel 17 in the expanded state of the connector 18. Due to this pushing action, the surface 15 of the body 12 of the second member 11 is defined with the surface 19 defined by the passage 14 in the wall 13 that is substantially parallel to the second member 11. Figure 8 The clamping contact between the two parts in the radial direction relative to the channel 17 forms a pre-tensioned connection.

[0066] The connector 18 has a length L extending longitudinally along the channel 17 and includes a first expansion block 20 and a second expansion block 21. The first expansion block 20 is configured to push the first member 10 against the surface 15 of the body 12 of the second member 11, and the second expansion block 21 is configured to contact the surface 19 defined by a passage 14 in a substantially parallel wall 13 of the second member 11. The connector 18 also includes one or more wedges 22, 23, which are disposed between the first expansion block 20 and the second expansion block 21 and are configured to be longitudinally displaced relative to the channel 17, thereby causing the connector 18 to expand radially relative to the channel 17.

[0067] At the cross-section CS at half the length L of the connector 18, the cross-sectional area A1 of the first expansion block 20 and its height h1 in the radial direction relative to the channel 17 are smaller than the cross-sectional area A2 of the second expansion block 21 and its height h2 in the radial direction relative to the channel 17.

[0068] After years of testing and finite element simulations of the connector described in the closest prior art document WO 2020 / 035770 A1, the inventors have recognized that even though the first expansion block 20 and the second expansion block 21 together provide clamping contact for the pre-tensioned connection between the first member 10 and the second member 11, the first expansion block 20 and the second expansion block 21 are exposed to bending moments of very different magnitudes. In hindsight, this difference in bending moments can be explained by the forces traversing the paths of the first expansion block 20 and the second expansion block 21, respectively. Figure 15The force passing through the first expansion block 20 follows a generally straight path from the body 12 of the second connector 11 through the end portion 24 of the first member 10 to the wedges 22, 23. Therefore, the first expansion block 20 is exposed to only a finite amount of bending moment. Conversely, the bending moment experienced by the second expansion block 21 is slightly inward, i.e., toward the middle of the connector 18, where the cross section CS at half the length L of the connector 18 is located, and the second expansion block 21 is supported only at its outer end 25 on the surface 19 defined by the passage 14 in the generally parallel wall 13 of the second member 11. As a result, the second expansion block 21 must be able to withstand a bending moment significantly larger than that experienced by the first expansion block 20.

[0069] If, at the cross-section CS located at half the length L of the connector 18, the cross-sectional area A1 of the first expansion block 20 and its height h1 in the radial direction relative to the channel 17 are smaller than the cross-sectional area A2 of the second expansion block 21 and its height h2 in the same radial direction relative to the channel 17, then the connector 18 can be optimized in terms of strength in relation to its dimensions. In other words, for connectors 18 with the same strength, the total height of the connector 18 according to the invention in the radial direction relative to the channel can be significantly smaller than the height of the connector disclosed in the closest prior art document WO 2020 / 035770 A1.

[0070] The smaller height of the connector 18 results in a more compact connector 18, which requires less material and is lighter, thus making it easier for the person installing the connector 18 to handle. Furthermore, the smaller and more compact connector 18 not only saves material for the connector 18 itself, but also saves material for the first component 10 and the second component 11 of the assembly.

[0071] In addition to providing an optimized connector 18, the connector 18 according to the invention can maintain as close as possible to the aforementioned advantages of the prior art WO 2020 / 035770 A1.

[0072] In the expanded state of the connector 18, the connector 18 pushes and abuts against the surface 19 of the passage 14 of the second member 11 (the surface 19 is away from the body 12 of the second member 11) to define the pre-tensioned connection between the first member 10 and the second member 11.

[0073] In the expanded state of connector 18, the connection between the first member 10 and the second member 11 is pre-tensioned, and the passage 16 of the first member 10 is arranged offset relative to the passage 14 in the second member 11. This offset is arranged in the radial direction relative to the channel 17.

[0074] The connector 18 includes a retracted state and a connected state. In the retracted state, the connector 18 has dimensions that allow for free insertion and withdrawal of the channel 17. Figure 9 In the connected state, the connector 18 expands radially in the channel 17 to connect the first member 10 and the second member 11 relative to each other. Figure 13 and Figure 14 ).

[0075] At the cross-section CS located halfway down the length L of the connector 18, the height h1 of the first expansion block 20 in the radial direction relative to the channel 17 is preferably equal to or less than 66% of the height h2 of the second expansion block 21 in the radial direction relative to the channel 17. This cross-section CS, located halfway down the length L of the connector 18, is positioned at or near the center of the face 15 of the body 12 of the second member 11. As described above, at this location, the force exerted on the first expansion block 20 is only a finite magnitude, while the bending force experienced by the second expansion block 21 reaches its maximum value at this location.

[0076] At the cross-section CS located halfway down the length L of the connector 18, the cross-sectional area A1 of the first expansion block 20 is preferably equal to or less than 66% of the cross-sectional area A2 of the second expansion block 21. A larger cross-sectional area is associated with increased bending strength.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, at the cross-section CS located halfway down the length L of the connector 18, the height h1 of the first expansion block 20 in the radial direction relative to the channel 17 is at least 50% of the radius of the side of the passage 14 in the first member 10 pointing towards the body 12 of the second member 11. However, even more preferably, at the cross-section CS located halfway down the length L of the connector 18, the height h1 of the first expansion block 20 in the radial direction relative to the channel 17 is between 100% and 125% of the radius of the side of the passage 14 in the first member 10 pointing towards the body 12 of the second member 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the height h1 is approximately 100% of the radius of one side of the passage 14, which allows the first expansion block 20 to abut against substantially the entire area of ​​the face 26 of the end portion 24 of the first member 10 and distribute force over the largest area, while allowing the height h1 of the first expansion block 20 to be as small as possible. If the first expansion block 20 is sufficiently robust to withstand the forces exposed at that height h1, there is no need to further increase the height h1. The smaller the height h1 of the first expansion block 20, the more compact and lightweight the connector 18 can be.

[0078] Connector 18 in Figures 4 to 7The diagram shows this in great detail. One or more wedges 22, 23 include first sliding surfaces 27, 28 that contact the first expansion block 20 and second sliding surfaces 29, 30 that contact the second expansion block 21. The connector 18 shown includes wedges 22, 23 on each side of a cross-section CS at half the length L of the connector 18. These wedges 22, 23 are arranged in a mirror-image configuration at the cross-section CS at half the length L of the connector 18. The first sliding surfaces 27, 28 of the wedges 22, 23 slide along the sliding surface 34 of the first expansion block 20. Similarly, the second sliding surfaces 29, 30 of the wedges 22, 23 slide along the second expansion block 21. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The sliding surface 35 slides.

[0079] Although the two wedges 22, 23 could be the same size, this is not the case in the illustrated embodiment. Wedge 22 has a greater length to make it easily accessible and actuated by actuator 31, which is embodied as nut 32, which can be driven along threaded rod 33. However, the opposing wedge 23 (which does not need to be easily accessible) can be intentionally designed to be smaller to reduce weight, and the connector 18 can be designed to be as lightweight as possible.

[0080] The first sliding surfaces 27 and 28 form a first angle α relative to the longitudinal direction of the channel 17, and the second sliding surfaces 29 and 30 form a second angle β relative to the longitudinal direction of the channel 17, wherein the first angle α is smaller than the second angle β. The larger height h2 of the second expansion block 21, which requires sufficient bending strength, can also be used to accommodate the wedges 22 and 23, which require a relatively large second angle β. In this way, the radial expansion range of the connector 18 can be provided primarily or even entirely by the larger second expansion block 21, thereby allowing the height h1 of the first expansion block 20 to be as small as possible. Therefore, the first angle α, which is smaller than the second angle β, allows the connector 18 to be optimized in terms of strength in relation to its dimensions.

[0081] The first angle α is in the range of 0° to 15°, and preferably in the range of 0° to 5°. In the preferred embodiment shown, the first angle α is approximately 0°, which allows the first expansion block 20 to be designed with a minimum height h1.

[0082] The second angle β is in the range of 5° to 30°, which allows the connector 18 to have sufficient radial expansion range even when the first angle α is in the range of 0° to 15°.

[0083] To further reduce the weight of the connector 18, the height h1 of the first expansion block 20 may be reduced toward one or more longitudinal ends 36 of the first expansion block 20.

[0084] Now for reference Figures 8 to 14 The method of assembling the first component 10 and the second component 11 is described.

[0085] Figure 8 The steps for arranging the first member 10 between the two walls 13 of the second member 11 are shown.

[0086] The next step includes locating the passage 14 of the first component 10 and the passage 16 of the second component 11 to define the channel 17. Figure 9 ). Figure 9 The step of providing a connector 18 is also shown, the connector 18 comprising a first expansion block 20, a second expansion block 21, and one or more wedges 22, 23. The first expansion block 20 is configured to push a first member 10 against a surface 15 of the body 12 of a second member 11, and the second expansion block 21 is configured to contact a surface 19 defined by a passage 14 in a substantially parallel wall 13 of the second member 11. One or more wedges 22, 23 are arranged between the first expansion block 20 and the second expansion block 21 and are configured to be longitudinally displaced relative to the channel 17, thereby causing the connector 18 to expand radially. According to the invention, this step of providing the connector 18 includes providing a connector 18 such that, at a cross-section CS at half the length L of the connector 18, the cross-sectional area A1 of the first expansion block 20 and its height h1 in the radial direction relative to the channel 17 are smaller than the cross-sectional area A2 of the second expansion block 21 and its height h2 in the radial direction relative to the channel 19.

[0087] Following the aforementioned steps, connector 18 is inserted into channel 17 to reach the termination position. Figure 10 ).exist Figure 10 In the middle, the connector 18 is still in a compressed state, wherein the connector 18 has the size of a channel 17 that can be freely inserted and withdrawn. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A detailed cross-sectional view shows that a gap 39 still exists between the first expansion block 20 and the face 26 of the end portion 24 of the first member 10.

[0088] The next steps include: continuously expanding the connector 18 radially relative to the channel 17 to connect the first member 10 and the second member 11 relative to each other; and pushing the expanded connector 18 in the radial direction relative to the channel 17 to abut the first member 10 against the surface 15 of the body 12 of the second member 11 to define a clamping contact in the radial direction relative to the channel 17 between the surface 15 of the body 12 of the second member 11 and the surface 19 defined by the passage 14 in the substantially parallel wall 13 of the second member 11, and thereby defining a pre-tensioned connection.

[0089] In the preferred embodiment shown, the second expansion block 21 is configured such that when the connector 18 is in an unloaded state (i.e., a compressed state) before expanding to its expanded state, the second expansion block 21 abuts the surface 19 defined by the passage 14 in the substantially parallel wall 13 of the second member 11 only at or near its longitudinal end 37. Therefore, for this method, the step of inserting the connector 18 into the channel 17 to reach a termination position includes such a termination position where, when the connector is in an unloaded state, the second expansion block 21 abuts the surface 19 defined by the passage 14 in the substantially parallel wall 13 of the second member 11 only at or near its longitudinal end 37. This is Figure 10 The state shown, and the state in Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is shown in more detail. Only at or near the longitudinal end 37 is the contact surface between the outer end 25 of the second expansion block 21 and the surface 19 extended in the longitudinal direction of the channel 17 by less than 25% of the length of the surface 19.

[0090] In the preferred embodiment shown, the second expansion block 21 is configured to abut the surface 19 defined by the passage 14 in the substantially parallel wall 13 of the second member 21 at least half the length of the surface 19 when the connector 18 expands radially to an expanded state to define a pre-tensioned connection. Therefore, for this method, the step of the expanded connector 18 pushing the first member 10 radially relative to the channel 17 includes deforming the second expansion block 21 of the connector 18 when the connector 18 expands radially to an expanded state to define a pre-tensioned connection until the second expansion block 21 abuts the surface 19 defined by the passage 14 in the substantially parallel wall 13 of the second member 11 at least half the length of the surface 19. This is Figures 13 to 15 The state shown. In Figure 14 In the detailed view, the contact surface 38 between the outer end 25 of the second expansion block 21 and the surface 19 increases due to the deformation of the second expansion block 21. Because of this deformation, the contact surface 38 now extends over substantially the entire length of the surface 19 in the longitudinal direction of the channel 17.

[0091] By initiating initial contact only at or near the longitudinal end 37 of the second expansion block 21, and because the contact surface 38 between the outer end 25 of the second expansion block 21 and the face 19 of the second member 11 only gradually increases as the second expansion block 21 deforms under increasing bending force, the substantially parallel walls 13 of the second member 21 are prevented from being pushed apart from each other (i.e., outwards relative to the longitudinal direction of the channel 17). As a result, the thickness of the walls 13 of the second member 21 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the channel 17 can be reduced. Therefore, the second member 11 can be designed to be lighter, saving material. Initiating initial contact only at or near the longitudinal end 37 of the second expansion block allows for a more uniform pressure distribution between the second member 21 and the face 19, thereby reducing the risk of significant plastic deformation.

[0092] The outer end 25 of the second expansion block 21 and the surface 19 defined by the passage 14 in the substantially parallel wall 13 of the second member 11 preferably form an angle γ, γ≤2°, when they make initial contact in the unloaded state of the connector 18.

[0093] Although surface 19 can be machined to provide angle γ, this angle γ is preferably determined by the corresponding shape or curvature R of at least the outer end of the second expansion block 21 (see...). Figure 11 The angle γ is defined by the tangent at the contact point between the outer end 25 of the second expansion block 21 and the surface 19 of the second member 11. During manufacturing and before assembling the connector 18, machining the second expansion block 21 is easier than machining the surface 19 in the passage 14. In the case of curvature R, the angle γ is defined by the tangent at the contact point between the outer end 25 of the second expansion block 21 and the surface 19 of the second member 11.

[0094] The material of the second expansion block 21 can exhibit a higher yield strength than the material of the first expansion block 20.

[0095] In preferred embodiments (e.g.) Figure 13(Best shown in the diagram), the first expansion block 18 includes an abutment surface 181 configured to abut the first member 24 when the connector radially expands to an expanded state to define a pre-tensioned connection. The abutment surface 181 can be shaped such that, in the compressed state, the distance between the abutment surface 181 and the first member 24 in the radial direction is less between the central portion 182 of the abutment surface (preferably arranged near the longitudinal center of the first expansion block 18) and the first member 24 than the distance between the outer portion 183 of the abutment surface 181 (preferably arranged away from the longitudinal center of the first expansion block 18 (i.e., viewed along the longitudinal direction of the channel 17)) and the first member 24. Therefore, when the connector is tensioned, the central portion 182 abuts the first member 24 first, and the outer portion 183 abuts the first member 24 in a later stage, thereby reducing stress concentration in the edges 241 of the first member 24 when in the pre-tensioned state. Therefore, the central portion 182 preferably extends 4 mm or less, more preferably 2 mm or less, most preferably 1 mm or less, preferably at least 0.01 mm, and more preferably at least 0.1 mm further than the outer portion 183 in the radial direction toward the first member 24. For this purpose, the adjacent surface 181 preferably has a curvature about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the channel 17, wherein the curvature preferably has a radius of at least 900 mm.

[0096] The above embodiments are intended to illustrate the invention only and are not to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Therefore, it should be understood that when features mentioned in the appended claims are followed by reference numerals, these numerals are included merely for the purpose of enhancing the comprehensibility of the claims and are by no means intended to limit the scope of the claims. The scope of protection is defined only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A component comprising: - First component and second component, wherein; The second component has a forked cross section, wherein the body is arranged between two substantially parallel walls, each wall including at least one passage. The first component is disposed between two walls of the second component and is in adjacent contact with the surface of the main body of the second component; the first component includes a passage. The pathway of the first component and the pathway of the second component define a channel; - A connector capable of axially inserting into the channel to a termination position and capable of continuously expanding radially relative to the channel to connect the first member and the second member relative to each other by pushing the first member against the surface of the body of the second member in the radial direction relative to the channel in the expanded state of the connector, thereby defining a clamping contact between the surface of the body of the second member and the surface defined by the passage in the substantially parallel wall of the second member in the radial direction relative to the channel, and thus defining a pre-tensioned connection; The connector has a length extending along the longitudinal direction of the channel, and the connector includes: A first expansion block, configured to push the first member against the surface of the body of the second member; A second expansion block, configured to contact the surface defined by the passageway in the substantially parallel walls of the second member; and One or more wedges are arranged between the first expansion block and the second expansion block and are configured to be longitudinally displaced relative to the channel, thereby causing the connector to expand radially relative to the channel. The feature is that, at a cross-section at half the length of the connector, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first expansion block and its height in the radial direction relative to the channel are less than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second expansion block and its height in the radial direction relative to the channel.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein, At the cross-section located at half the length of the connector, the height of the first expansion block in the radial direction relative to the channel is equal to or less than 66% of the height of the second expansion block in the radial direction relative to the channel.

3. The component according to claim 1, wherein, At the cross-section located at half the length of the connector, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first expansion block is equal to or less than 66% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the second expansion block.

4. The component according to claim 1, wherein, At the cross-section at half the length of the connector, the height of the first expansion block in the radial direction relative to the channel is at least 50% of the radius of the passage in the first member pointing towards the body of the second member.

5. The component according to claim 4, wherein, At the cross-section at half the length of the connector, the height of the first expansion block in the radial direction relative to the channel is in the range of 100% to 125% of the radius of the side of the passage in the first member pointing toward the body of the second member.

6. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The one or more wedge-shaped member includes a first sliding surface that contacts the first expansion block and a second sliding surface that contacts the second expansion block; The first sliding surface forms a first angle α with respect to the longitudinal direction of the channel; The second sliding surface forms a second angle β relative to the longitudinal direction of the channel; and The first angle α is less than the second angle β.

7. The component according to claim 6, wherein, The first angle α is in the range of 0° to 15°.

8. The component according to claim 7, wherein, The first angle α is in the range of 0° to 5°.

9. The component according to claim 6, wherein, The second angle β is in the range of 5° to 30°.

10. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7 to 9, wherein, The connector includes wedge-shaped elements on each side of the cross-section at half the length of the connector.

11. The component of claim 10, wherein, The cross-section of the wedge-shaped member at half the length of the connector is arranged in a mirror configuration.

12. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 7 to 9 and 11, wherein, The height of the first expansion block decreases toward one longitudinal end of the first expansion block or toward more than one longitudinal end of the first expansion block.

13. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 7 to 9, and 11, wherein, The second expansion block is configured to abut the surface defined by the passage in the substantially parallel wall of the second member only at or near the longitudinal end of the second expansion block when the connector is in an unloaded state before the connector expands to its expanded state.

14. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 7 to 9 and 11, wherein, The second expansion block is configured to, when the connector expands radially to an expanded state to define the pre-tensioned connection, abut the surface defined by the passage in the substantially parallel wall of the second member at least half the length of the surface.

15. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 7 to 9 and 11, wherein, When the outer end of the second expansion block and the surface defined by the passage in the substantially parallel wall of the second member make initial contact with each other in the unloaded state of the connector, an angle γ, γ≤2°, are formed.

16. The component of claim 15, wherein, The angle γ is defined by the corresponding shape or curvature of at least the outer end of the second expansion block.

17. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 7 to 9, 11, and 16, wherein, The material of the second expansion block exhibits a higher yield strength than the material of the first expansion block.

18. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 7 to 9, 11, and 16, wherein, The first expansion block includes an abutting surface configured to abut the first member when the connector radially expands to an expanded state to define the pre-tensioned connection portion; The adjacent surface is shaped such that, in a compressed state, the distance between the central portion of the adjacent surface and the first member in the radial direction is less than the distance between the outer portion of the adjacent surface and the first member.

19. The component of claim 18, wherein, The central portion is located near the longitudinal center of the first expansion block.

20. The component of claim 19, wherein, The outer portion is arranged away from the longitudinal center of the first expansion block.

21. A method for assembling a first component and a second component, each of the first component and the second component including at least one passage, wherein, The second component has a forked cross-section, wherein the body is arranged between two substantially parallel walls, each wall including at least one passage, and the method includes the following steps: The first component is arranged between the two walls of the second component; Locate the pathway of the first component and the pathway of the second component to define a channel; A connector is provided, the connector comprising: - A first expansion block, configured to push the first member against the surface of the body of the second member; - A second expansion block, configured to contact the surface defined by the passageway in the substantially parallel walls of the second member; and - One or more wedges, said one or more wedges being arranged between the first expansion block and the second expansion block and configured to be longitudinally displaced relative to the channel by an actuator, thereby causing the connector to expand radially; Insert the connector into the channel to the termination position; The connector is continuously expanded radially relative to the channel, thereby connecting the first member and the second member relative to each other; and The expanded connector pushes the first member against the surface of the body of the second member in the radial direction relative to the channel, so as to define a clamping contact between the surface of the body of the second member and the surface defined by the passage in the substantially parallel wall of the second member in the radial direction relative to the channel, and thereby define a pre-tensioned connection. Its features are, The step of providing the connector includes: providing a connector in which, at a cross-section at half the length of the connector, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first expansion block and its height in the radial direction relative to the channel are less than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second expansion block and its height in the radial direction relative to the channel.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The step of inserting the connector into the channel to reach a termination position includes a termination position in which, when the connector is unloaded, the second expansion block abuts the surface defined by the passage in the substantially parallel wall of the second member only at or near the longitudinal end of the second expansion block.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, When the connector expands radially to an expanded state to define the pre-tensioned connection, the step of the expanded connector pushing the first member in the radial direction relative to the channel includes deforming the second expansion block of the connector until the second expansion block abuts the face defined by the passage in the substantially parallel wall of the second member at least half the length of the face.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, further comprising at least one of the following: Provide a connector for the component according to any one of claims 1 to 20, or a connector for said component; and Assemble the components according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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