Fan tower drum connecting device

Abstract

The invention provides a fan tower tube connecting device, which belongs to the technical field of fan installation and is provided with a lower frame, the lower frame is used for connecting a lower section tower tube of a fan tower tube and an installation platform to support the fan tower tube, and a plurality of locking mechanisms are arranged at the upper end of the lower frame. The locking mechanism comprises an internal locking block, an external locking block, a locking key and a reversing structure, when the upper section of the tower drum falls, the reversing structure converts downward movement of the internal locking block into transverse movement of the external locking block, and the locking key falls by means of gravity and locks the internal locking block and the external locking block. The connecting device is easy to operate, efficient and reliable, a traditional bolt flange connecting structure is replaced, and the problems that due to too many bolts, seawater corrosion is likely to happen, the connecting structure is complex, the machining difficulty is large, and time is wasted for installation are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of wind turbine installation technology, and more specifically, relates to a wind turbine tower connection device. Background Technology

[0002] Wind energy, as a pollution-free renewable energy source, boasts advantages such as ease of development and abundant resources, standing out among numerous clean energy sources and gaining increasing attention from various countries. To better develop offshore wind power, it is necessary to reduce the installation cost of offshore wind turbines and ensure their reliable operation. Currently, the main installation methods for offshore wind turbines are split-type installation and integral installation. Both methods involve complex hoisting processes and bolt-flange connections, making offshore wind turbine installation difficult, time-consuming, and costly. Furthermore, factors such as seawater corrosion can damage the strength of connecting bolts, making subsequent bolt maintenance difficult and potentially leading to accidents such as turbine collapse.

[0003] Chinese invention patent CN109931225A discloses a non-welded connection structure for a wind turbine tower platform, employing a suspended platform structure, including a suspension assembly and an anti-sway support assembly. Multiple sets of the suspension assembly and the anti-sway support assembly are distributed circumferentially along the tower platform. Each suspension assembly consists of a suspension screw, a welded load-bearing plate, a lower locking nut, and an upper locking nut. The inner end face of the tower flange of the wind turbine tower has a threaded hole for threaded connection with the suspension screw. Both ends of the suspension screw are threaded, with one end threaded to engage with the threaded hole on the inner end face of the tower flange and secured with the upper locking nut. The support plate is welded to the other end of the suspension screw to achieve maintenance-free operation throughout its entire lifecycle. The tower platform is placed on the welded support plate, which bears the platform's pressure. A locking nut is used to secure the platform and prevent loosening. The anti-sway support assembly consists of a support, a support screw, a rubber pad, and a locking nut. The support is welded to the edge of the tower platform. One end of the support screw is threaded, and the other end is a frustum to increase the load-bearing area. A rubber pad is glued to the end face of the frustum and then abuts against the tower wall. The support screw is fixed to the support by the locking nut. Adjusting the locking nut allows the extension length of the support screw to ensure the anti-sway support assembly is fully supported against the tower wall. The suspension assembly is connected between two adjacent bolts on the tower flange, eliminating the weakening effect of additional flange openings on the tower flange's strength and preventing interference. To prevent damage to the threads during welding, the end of the suspension screw connected to the welded support plate is machined into a stepped shaft shape and welded on the back of the threads. The support has a U-shaped structure. The threaded holes on the inner end face of the tower flange are machined into through holes or blind holes. The existing connection structure, due to the excessive number of connecting bolts, is susceptible to seawater corrosion, leading to bolt strength degradation, difficulty in later maintenance, and a higher risk of accidents such as wind turbine collapse. Furthermore, the excessive number of bolts and other parts makes the connection structure complex, difficult to manufacture, and requires excessively long installation times. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a wind turbine tower connection device to solve the problems of excessive bolts in the existing connection structure, which makes it susceptible to seawater corrosion and the connection structure is complex.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a wind turbine tower connection device, comprising:

[0006] The lower frame is used to connect the lower section of the wind turbine tower and the installation platform to support the wind turbine tower.

[0007] Multiple locking mechanisms are arranged around the wind turbine tower. Each locking mechanism includes an internal locking block, an external locking block, a locking key, and a reversing structure. The internal and external locking blocks are slidably connected to the lower frame, and the internal locking block is fixedly connected to the upper section of the wind turbine tower. A stepped limiter is fixedly provided on one side of the external locking block, forming a transverse limiting surface and a longitudinal limiting surface. The locking key is movably disposed above the transverse limiting surface. When the upper section of the tower falls, the reversing structure converts the downward movement of the internal locking block into the transverse movement of the external locking block until the locking key falls into the range of the longitudinal limiting surface and restricts the movement of the stepped limiter.

[0008] Furthermore, the connecting device also includes:

[0009] At least two sets of positioning mechanisms are used for positioning and guiding the upper tower section.

[0010] Furthermore, each set of positioning mechanisms includes:

[0011] Positioning pins are used to fix the upper or lower tower section to the tower section.

[0012] The positioning cylinder is fixedly connected to the upper or lower tower section.

[0013] The positioning pin and the positioning cylinder are arranged in pairs. When the upper tower section falls, the positioning pin is inserted into the positioning cylinder to position the upper tower section.

[0014] Furthermore, the connecting device also includes: an upper frame, which is used to connect the upper tower section and is disposed opposite to the lower frame, and the positioning mechanism is installed on the upper frame and the lower frame.

[0015] Furthermore, the inlet of the positioning cylinder is flared.

[0016] Furthermore, the connecting device also includes at least three lifting mechanisms, with the at least three lifting mechanisms arranged around the wind turbine tower;

[0017] The upper frame is provided with a plurality of mounting parts for mounting the fixed end of the lifting mechanism, or is provided with a bearing part for bearing the lifting end of the lifting mechanism.

[0018] The lower frame is provided with a plurality of mounting parts for mounting the fixed end of the lifting mechanism, or is provided with a bearing part for supporting the lifting end of the lifting mechanism.

[0019] The mounting part and the bearing part are arranged in pairs, and at least three fixed ends of the lifting mechanism are installed on the mounting part.

[0020] Furthermore, the commutation structure includes:

[0021] An inclined slider is provided in the internal locking block;

[0022] An inclined slide groove is provided on the external locking block and matches the inclined slide block.

[0023] Furthermore, the locking mechanism also includes:

[0024] The locking housing is fixedly connected to the lower frame and has a first sliding groove inside that matches the external locking block. The external locking block is disposed in the first sliding groove and can slide laterally along the first sliding groove. The locking housing has a second sliding groove inside and the locking key is disposed in the second sliding groove and can slide longitudinally along the second sliding groove.

[0025] Furthermore, an indicator rod is fixedly connected to the upper end of the locking key, and the indicator rod is used to indicate the position of the locking key.

[0026] Optionally, the lower frame 1 includes:

[0027] Lower clamp 11 is used to connect the lower section of the tower;

[0028] Multiple support leg blocks 12 are fixedly connected to the lower clamp 11 and are used to connect the installation platform 6 and support the wind turbine tower 7.

[0029] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: It provides a wind turbine tower connection device, which has a lower frame for connecting the lower section of the wind turbine tower and the installation platform to support the wind turbine tower. Multiple locking mechanisms are provided at the upper end of the lower frame. Each locking mechanism includes an internal locking block, an external locking block, a locking key, and a reversing structure. The external locking block is slidably connected to the lower frame, and the internal locking block is fixedly connected to the upper section of the wind turbine tower. A stepped limiter is fixedly provided on one side of the external locking block, forming a transverse limiting surface and a longitudinal limiting surface. The locking key is movably positioned above the transverse limiting surface. When the upper section of the tower falls, the reversing structure converts the downward movement of the internal locking block into the transverse movement of the external locking block until the locking key falls to the range of the longitudinal limiting surface and restricts the movement of the stepped limiter. This connection device is simple to operate, efficient, and reliable, replacing the traditional bolt flange connection structure and avoiding problems such as susceptibility to seawater corrosion due to excessive bolts, complex connection structures, difficult processing, and time-consuming installation.

[0030] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals generally represent the same components in the exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a wind turbine tower connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a wind turbine tower connected using a wind turbine tower connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of one side of the locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of the other side of the locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of the internal structure of a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of a positioning mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0039] 1. Lower frame; 11. Lower clamp; 12. Leg assembly; 13. Load-bearing component;

[0040] 2. Upper frame; 21. Upper clamp; 22. Mounting part;

[0041] 3. Locking mechanism; 31. Locking housing; 32. Internal locking block; 33. Slanted slider; 34. External locking block; 35. Slanted slide groove; 36. Locking key; 37. Stepped limit switch; 38. Indicator rod;

[0042] 4. Positioning mechanism; 41. Positioning pin; 42. Positioning cylinder;

[0043] 5. Lifting mechanism; 51. Lifting end;

[0044] 6. Install the platform;

[0045] 7. Wind turbine tower. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail. While preferred embodiments of the invention are described below, it should be understood that the invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0047] This embodiment provides a wind turbine tower connection device, such as... Figure 1-5 As shown, it includes:

[0048] The lower frame 1 is used to connect the lower section of the wind turbine tower 7 and the mounting platform 6 to support the wind turbine tower 7;

[0049] Multiple locking mechanisms 3 are arranged around the wind turbine tower 7. Each locking mechanism 3 includes an internal locking block 32, an external locking block 34, a locking key 36, and a reversing structure. The internal and external locking blocks 32 are slidably connected to the lower frame 1, and the internal locking block 32 is fixedly connected to the upper section of the wind turbine tower 7. A stepped limiter 37 is fixedly provided on one side of the external locking block 34. The stepped limiter 37 forms a transverse limiter surface and a longitudinal limiter surface. The locking key 36 is movably disposed above the transverse limiter surface. When the upper section of the tower falls, the reversing structure converts the downward movement of the internal locking block 32 into the transverse movement of the external locking block 34 until the locking key 36 falls into the range of the longitudinal limiter surface and restricts the movement of the stepped limiter 37.

[0050] Specifically, when the upper tower section is connected to the lower tower section, the locking mechanism 3 can automatically lock the upper tower section by relying on the gravity of the upper tower section. The operation is simple, efficient and reliable. This connection device replaces the traditional bolt flange connection structure, avoiding the problems of excessive bolts leading to easy seawater corrosion, complex connection structure, difficult processing and time-consuming installation.

[0051] Optionally, the lower frame 1 includes:

[0052] Lower clamp 11 is used to connect the lower section of the tower;

[0053] Multiple support leg blocks 12 are fixedly connected to the lower clamp 11 and are used to connect the installation platform 6 and support the wind turbine tower 7.

[0054] Specifically, in this embodiment, the lower frame 1 is pre-installed on the lower tower section during installation. The lower clamp 11 is fixedly connected to the top of the lower tower section by a boss and bolts. The support leg block 12 is connected to the lower clamp 11 by a connector and fixedly installed on the installation platform 6.

[0055] Optionally, the connecting device further includes:

[0056] At least two sets of positioning mechanisms 4 are used for positioning and guiding the upper section of the tower.

[0057] Preferably, such as Figure 6 As shown, each positioning mechanism 4 includes:

[0058] Positioning pin 41 is fixedly connected to the upper or lower tower section;

[0059] Positioning cylinder 42 is fixedly connected to the upper or lower tower section;

[0060] Positioning pin 41 and positioning cylinder 42 are set in pairs. When the upper tower section falls, positioning pin 41 is inserted into positioning cylinder 42 to position the upper tower section.

[0061] Specifically, in this embodiment, the positioning mechanism 4 consists of multiple positioning pins 41 and multiple positioning cylinders 42. The positioning pins 41 are fixedly installed on the upper frame 2, and the positioning cylinders 42 are fixedly installed on the lower frame 1. The upper part of the positioning cylinder 42 is provided with a flared opening. When the upper tower section is lowered, the positioning pins 41 are guided and positioned by the flared opening to complete the position adjustment.

[0062] Optionally, the connecting device further includes: an upper frame 2, which is used to connect the upper tower section and is arranged opposite to the lower frame 1, and a positioning mechanism 4 is installed on the upper frame 2 and the lower frame 1.

[0063] Specifically, in this embodiment, the upper frame 2 consists of two symmetrical structures connected by bolts. The upper frame 2 is pre-installed as an integral part of the upper wind turbine tower 7 via an upper clamp 21. The upper frame 2 and the lower frame 1 provide a secure installation means for the positioning mechanism 4, preventing the positioning mechanism 4 from being directly connected to the wind turbine tower 7 and affecting the strength of the wind turbine tower 7.

[0064] Preferably, the inlet of the positioning cylinder 42 is flared.

[0065] Specifically, the inlet of the positioning cylinder 42 is flared, which can guide the position of the upper tower cylinder and facilitate the docking of the positioning pin 41 and the positioning cylinder 42.

[0066] Optionally,

[0067] The connecting device also includes: at least three lifting mechanisms 5, which are arranged around the wind turbine tower 7;

[0068] The upper frame 2 is provided with a plurality of mounting parts 22 for mounting the fixed end of the lifting mechanism 5, or a bearing part 13 for bearing the lifting end 51 of the lifting mechanism 5.

[0069] The lower frame 1 is provided with a plurality of mounting parts 22 for mounting the fixed end of the lifting mechanism 5, or a bearing part 13 for bearing the lifting end 51 of the lifting mechanism 5.

[0070] The mounting section 22 and the bearing section 13 are arranged in pairs, and the fixed ends of at least three lifting mechanisms 5 are installed on the mounting section 22.

[0071] Specifically, after the upper tower section is hoisted into place, at least three lifting mechanisms 5 work together to assist or replace the hoisting, which can adjust the tilt angle of the upper tower section and control the stable descent or ascent of the upper tower section, thereby improving the stability and accuracy of the installation process.

[0072] In this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 5 is a hydraulic lifting mechanism. The fixed end of the lifting mechanism 5 is installed on the upper frame 2 through a flange, and the lower frame 1 is provided with a bearing part 13 for bearing the lifting end 51 of the lifting mechanism 5.

[0073] Preferably, such as Figure 3-5 As shown, the commutation structure includes:

[0074] The inclined slider 33 is located inside the locking block 32;

[0075] The inclined slide 35 is provided on the external locking block 34 and matches the inclined slide block 33.

[0076] Specifically, the inclined slider 33 and the inclined slide groove 35 cooperate with each other to convert the longitudinal movement of the internal locking block 32 into the lateral movement of the external locking block 34, so that the upper tower section can lock itself by gravity.

[0077] Preferably, such as Figure 3-5 As shown, the locking mechanism 3 also includes:

[0078] The locking housing 31 is fixedly connected to the lower frame 1. It has a first sliding groove inside that matches the external locking block 34. The external locking block 34 is disposed in the first sliding groove and can slide laterally along the first sliding groove. The locking housing 31 has a second sliding groove inside it. The locking key 36 is disposed in the second sliding groove and can slide longitudinally along the second sliding groove.

[0079] Specifically, the first groove inside the locking housing 31 restricts the external locking block 34 to move only laterally, and the second groove restricts the locking key 36 to move only longitudinally.

[0080] Preferably, an indicator rod 38 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the locking key 36, and the indicator rod 38 is used to indicate the position of the locking key 36.

[0081] Specifically, during installation, the extension height of the indicator rod 38 can be observed to determine whether the locking key 36 has fully fallen into the locked position.

[0082] In practice, the installation process is as follows:

[0083] The lower tower section is fixedly connected to the lower frame 1 to form the lower integral structure;

[0084] The lower frame 1 is fixedly installed on the installation platform 6;

[0085] The upper tower section is fixedly connected to the upper frame 2 to form an integral upper structure;

[0086] The upper structure is hoisted above the lower structure using a hoisting device and its position is then corrected.

[0087] In this embodiment, the upper integral structure is lifted to the top of the lower integral structure using a crane or two boats. The alignment of the upper and lower integral structures is then observed. If there is a deviation, the position is adjusted by moving the crane or boat. After the shaking stops, the observation continues until the installation requirements are met.

[0088] The upper structure is lowered for the first time using a hoisting device until the telescopic end of the lifting mechanism 5 contacts the bearing part 13.

[0089] Specifically, during the lowering process, because the positioning mechanism 4 is equipped with a flared opening, a certain deviation is allowed. During this process, the positioning mechanism 4 will adjust the position of the upper overall structure. After the telescopic end of the lifting mechanism 5 contacts the bearing part 13, the lifting mechanism 5 begins to bear the weight of the upper overall structure and the lifting mechanism 5 begins to work.

[0090] Adjust the tilt angle of the upper structure using the lifting mechanism 5 until the installation requirements are met;

[0091] The upper structure is lowered a second time using the lifting mechanism 5. After it is lowered into place, the locking mechanism 3 locks the upper tower section.

[0092] Specifically, during the vertical lowering of the upper structure, the inclined slider 33 of the internal locking block 32 contacts the inclined slide groove 35 of the external locking block 34, and the locking operation is carried out synchronously with the lowering operation of the upper structure. During this process, multiple lifting mechanisms 5 operate synchronously. After the structure is lowered into place, the external locking block 34 moves into place at the same time. At this time, the locking key 36 slides down to complete the locking. The operator can observe the position of the locking key 36 through the indicator rod 38. If the locking key 36 does not slide down into place, it can be operated manually.

[0093] After the connection work is completed, disconnect the hydraulic circuit of the lifting mechanism 5 and remove the relevant equipment and other structures.

[0094] The various embodiments of the present invention have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.

Claims

1. A wind turbine tower connection device, characterized in that, include: The lower frame (1) is used to connect the lower section of the wind turbine tower (7) and the installation platform (6) to support the wind turbine tower (7); Multiple locking mechanisms (3) are arranged around the wind turbine tower (7). Each locking mechanism (3) includes an internal locking block (32), an external locking block (34), a locking key (36), and a reversing structure. The external and internal locking blocks (32) are slidably connected to the lower frame (1). The internal locking block (32) is fixedly connected to the upper section of the wind turbine tower (7). A stepped limiter (37) is fixedly provided on one side of the external locking block (34). The stepped limiter (37) forms a transverse limiter surface and a longitudinal limiter surface. The locking key (36) is movably disposed above the transverse limiter surface. When the upper section of the tower falls, the reversing structure converts the downward movement of the internal locking block (32) into the transverse movement of the external locking block (34) until the locking key (36) falls into the range of the longitudinal limiter surface and restricts the movement of the stepped limiter (37).

2. The wind turbine tower connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting device further includes: At least two sets of positioning mechanisms (4) are used for positioning and guiding the upper tower section.

3. The wind turbine tower connecting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each group of positioning mechanisms (4) includes: Positioning pin (41) is fixedly connected to the upper or lower tower section; Positioning cylinder (42) is fixedly connected to the upper or lower tower section; The positioning pin (41) and the positioning cylinder (42) are arranged in pairs. When the upper tower section falls, the positioning pin (41) is inserted into the positioning cylinder (42) to position the upper tower section.

4. The wind turbine tower connecting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting device further includes: an upper frame (2), which is used to connect the upper tower section and is arranged opposite to the lower frame (1), and the positioning mechanism (4) is installed on the upper frame (2) and the lower frame (1).

5. A wind turbine tower connection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inlet of the positioning cylinder (42) is flared.

6. The wind turbine tower connecting device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting device further includes at least three lifting mechanisms (5), and the at least three lifting mechanisms (5) are arranged around the wind turbine tower (7); The upper frame (2) is provided with a plurality of mounting parts (22) for mounting the fixed end of the lifting mechanism (5), or a bearing part (13) for bearing the lifting end (51) of the lifting mechanism (5); The lower frame (1) is provided with a plurality of mounting parts (22) for mounting the fixed end of the lifting mechanism (5), or a bearing part (13) for bearing the lifting end (51) of the lifting mechanism (5); The mounting part (22) and the bearing part (13) are arranged in pairs, and the fixed ends of at least three of the lifting mechanisms (5) are mounted on the mounting part (22).

7. The wind turbine tower connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The commutation structure includes: An inclined slider (33) is disposed in the internal locking block (32); An inclined slide groove (35) is provided on the external locking block (34) and matches the inclined slide block (33).

8. The wind turbine tower connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism (3) further includes: The locking housing (31) is fixedly connected to the lower frame (1). It has a first sliding groove inside that matches the external locking block (34). The external locking block (34) is located in the first sliding groove and can slide laterally along the first sliding groove. The locking housing (31) has a second sliding groove inside. The locking key (36) is located in the second sliding groove and can slide longitudinally along the second sliding groove.

9. The wind turbine tower connecting device according to claim 8, characterized in that, An indicator rod (38) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the locking key (36), and the indicator rod (38) is used to indicate the position of the locking key (36).

10. The wind turbine tower connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower frame (1) includes: The lower clamp (11) is used to connect the lower section of the tower. Multiple outrigger blocks (12) are fixedly connected to the lower clamp (11) for connecting the installation platform (6) and supporting the wind turbine tower (7).

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