Lifting yoke

Abstract

Lifting yoke suitable for transporting convex or concave preformed elements (12) comprising a stack of fibrous mats fixed by means of an adhesive and suitable for producing wind turbine rotor blades, said lifting yoke comprising a plurality of gripping elements (6) suitable for gripping said preformed elements (12) and arranged in convex or concave geometry at a suspension device (5) of said yoke (1), and a support device (2) connected to said suspension device (5), said support device (2) comprising a connection device (3) suitable for connecting said yoke (1) to a lifting means (4) and a rotation device suitable for rotating a portion (14) of said support device (2) carrying said suspension device (5) with respect to said connection device (3) about a horizontal axis (A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lifting yoke suitable for transporting convex or concave preformed elements comprising a laminate of fiber pads fixed by means of an adhesive and suitable for producing wind turbine rotor blades. Background Technology

[0002] The preformed element is made of a preformed building material comprising individual fiber mats, preferably glass fibers, arranged as a stack in a preforming mold. The stack is provided with an adhesive, preferably in powder form, made of a thermosetting or thermoplastic binder. The building material is heated in the mold, thereby activating the adhesive, which adheres to the fiber mats and fixes the stack upon re-cooling. As a result, a preformed element with a desired shape defined by the mold is obtained, made from a stack of reinforcing fiber mats. Such preformed elements are advantageous in the manufacture of wind turbine rotor blades because they significantly reduce the layup time of blade material in the blade mold.

[0003] When handling such preformed components, such as from a preform mold to a shelf for storing them, or from a shelf to a blade mold for positioning them within a mold, handling equipment is required. Typically, a lifting yoke is used. This yoke can lift fragile preformed components during handling so that they do not delaminate, and it can lift and transport them to the blade mold, which includes convex and concave areas to which the preformed components are precisely attached at an angle. The mold includes a lower outer mold portion with concave molding areas and a mandrel disposed within the outer mold portion and having a circular cross-section, thereby providing convex molding areas. Therefore, the yoke must be able to handle the preformed components accordingly, allowing them to be positioned within both the concave and convex molding areas. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a lifting yoke that supports and simplifies the transport and arrangement of such bent preformed elements.

[0005] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the present invention provides a lifting yoke suitable for transporting convex or concave preformed elements comprising a laminate of fiber pads fixed by means of an adhesive and suitable for producing wind turbine rotor blades. The lifting yoke includes a plurality of clamping elements and a support device connected to the suspension device. The clamping elements are adapted to clamp the preformed elements and are arranged in a convex or concave geometry at the suspension device of the yoke. The support device includes a connecting device and a rotating device. The connecting device is adapted to connect the yoke to a lifting device, and the rotating device is adapted to rotate a portion of the support device carrying the suspension device about a horizontal axis relative to the connecting device.

[0006] The lifting yoke of the present invention is suitable for transporting large preformed components, which may have a length of several meters, for example 10 to 16 meters, and a width of several meters, for example 2 to 4 meters. Therefore, the arrangement of the lifting yoke, or the clamping elements adapted to hold the preformed component, is also adapted to the size and geometry of the preformed component to be transported, in order to provide a secure clamping of the preformed component. The clamping elements are arranged in a convex or concave geometry at the suspension device, depending on the orientation in which the preformed component needs to be clamped. The suspension device is preferably frame-like, wherein the dimensions of this frame-like suspension device also correspond to the dimensions of the preformed component, thereby allowing a corresponding distribution of the clamping elements. The suspension device is a load-bearing device for arranging the clamping elements, and the suspension device is connected to a support device, which includes a connecting device. The connecting device is adapted to connect the yoke to a lifting device, such as the lifting rope device of a crane.

[0007] The support device further includes a rotating device adapted to rotate the portion of the support device to which the suspension device is attached, and thereby also allows the suspension device and the clamping element arrangement to rotate relative to the connecting device about a horizontal axis. Thus, this rotating device allows the clamping element arrangement to rotate about the horizontal axis from a neutral position to either side in a corresponding pivot position, in which the clamping element or the frame-like suspension device is in a horizontal position. For transport, the preformed element is attached to the clamping element or the clamping element arrangement, and the preformed element can also rotate or turn about the horizontal axis at an angle from the neutral position to either side. The rotation angle can be, for example, at least + / - 45° from the neutral position, preferably + / - 60° and most preferably + / - 75°, up to a maximum of + / - 90°. By means of this active rotation or this active positioning of the preformed element, the orientation of the preformed element can be precisely adapted to its required orientation in the blade mold for the final production of the turbine blade. Depending on the position of the preformed element to be arranged in the blade mold, either a convex clamping element arrangement is used, which allows the preformed element to be clamped on the concave inner side, such that the convex outer side of the preformed element can be placed onto the concave mold surface of the lower mold portion; or a concave clamping element arrangement is used, which allows the preformed element to be clamped on the convex outer side, such that the concave inner side of the preformed element can be placed onto the convex surface of the mandrel. In either case, the ability to actively rotate and thus precisely adapt the spatial orientation of the preformed element relative to the blade mold simplifies the transport and arrangement of the preformed element, and, since the rotation is preferably automatic and performed by means of a correspondingly controlled motor, it is faster and more comfortable for the operator.

[0008] Preferably, the suspension device is releasably connected to the support device. This allows the desired clamping arrangement or suspension device to be coupled with a convex or concave clamping element arrangement. Therefore, the system may include two distinct suspension devices, one comprising a convex clamping element arrangement and the other comprising a concave clamping element arrangement. Depending on the location where the preformed element will be positioned in the blade mold, the corresponding suspension device with the convex or concave clamping element arrangement is simply connected to a common support device.

[0009] The suspension device may include a suspension frame, preferably rectangular, with a plurality of support rails attached to the suspension frame and a plurality of clamping elements arranged at each support rail. As previously mentioned, the suspension device is preferably frame-shaped. This geometry can be achieved by means of the suspension frame. To arrange the plurality of individual clamping elements, support rails are preferably used, which are convex or concave, such that they define the corresponding convex or concave geometry of the clamping element arrangement. The individual support rails are arranged at the suspension frame, and they are preferably evenly distributed parallel to each other along the length of the suspension frame, wherein each support rail extends perpendicular to the length of the suspension frame. The clamping elements are height-adjustable, such that by changing the height, the radius defined by the convex or concave clamping arrangement can be varied. Instead of such rails, each clamping element may also be fixed by means of a rod, the length of which is variable.

[0010] Preferably, the clamping elements are movable along the support rail and can be locked in a desired position. This allows for easy adjustment of the position of the clamping elements along the support rail. In this way, the clamping elements can be arranged closer or further apart from each other, thereby adjusting the width of the arrangement to the width of the preformed element to be clamped.

[0011] Like the suspension device, the support device is also preferably frame-shaped. Therefore, the support device may include a support frame, preferably rectangular, at which the connecting device is arranged. As previously described, the suspension device or suspension frame is connected to the support device. To provide a mechanically stable connection, it is advantageous to provide a corresponding support frame, like the suspension frame, whose dimensions are adapted to allow for a good mechanical connection.

[0012] As previously mentioned, this is preferably the case when the suspension device is releasably connectable to the support device. To achieve this variable connection, the support device may include connecting elements for releasable connection to the suspension device. It is advantageous to arrange these connecting elements at a common support device, as they only need to be provided once. Preferably, the connecting element is a clamping member movable between a release position and a clamping position. To connect the support device to the suspension device, simply arrange the support device at the suspension device, and then simply move the clamping member from the release position to the clamping position. Preferably, these clamping members are automatically movable, which can be achieved by means of a motor driving the clamping members. The clamping members may also be connected so that one or fewer motors can be used to drive all the clamping members. Of course, each clamping member may include a separate motor. Alternatively, the clamping members may also be manually moved.

[0013] As previously described, a core feature of the invention is a rotating device adapted to rotate a support device (and its clamping element arrangement together) about a horizontal axis relative to the connecting device. To achieve this rotating device or rotational capability, according to a first embodiment, the support device may include a shaft coupled to the connecting device, the shaft being rotatable by means of a motor, preferably located at the connecting device, and the shaft being coupled to a rotatable portion of the support device via a tilting device. The horizontally extending shaft is actively rotated by a motor preferably located at the connecting device. This shaft only provides a drive mechanism necessary for rotating or tilting a portion of the support device rotatable for rotating the clamping element arrangement. Therefore, the shaft does not provide the horizontal axis, which is arranged away from this shaft and closer to or at the rotatable portion of the support device. The shaft is connected to this portion of the support device via a corresponding tilting device, an example of which will be described later. The motor, controlled by a corresponding controller, preferably drives a gearbox including gears that mesh with gears arranged at the shaft.

[0014] According to a first embodiment using such a drive shaft, the shaft is preferably connected to a portion of the support device via an arm assembly through a bearing assembly providing the horizontal axis. The arm assembly includes two arms at least partially laterally offset from the shaft and connected to the portion of the support device. These arms have variable lengths and provide the tilting mechanism. The shaft is connected to a rotatable portion of the support device via the two arms. The two arms, arranged at the ends of the shaft, include corresponding bearings in which the shaft can rotate. Furthermore, the two arms are connected to the portion of the support device via corresponding bearing assemblies that provide the horizontal axis, about which the portion of the support device can tilt. As previously described, this tilting is achieved by corresponding tilting mechanisms. In this embodiment, the tilting mechanism includes a corresponding additional arm as part of the arm assembly, the arm having variable lengths. Two arms, for example, extending horizontally to both sides of the shaft, are securely attached to the shaft. A vertically extending tilting mechanism is attached to each end of such an arm, wherein the other end of this arm is attached to the portion of the support device. Therefore, when the shaft rotates, the horizontally extending fixed arm is tilted due to the rotation, thereby extending one vertical arm connected to the portion of the support device and shortening the other arm. By changing the length of the vertical arm, the portion of the support device rotates about the horizontal axis. The direction of rotation depends on the direction of rotation of the shaft.

[0015] According to an alternative embodiment, the shaft is connected to a portion of the support equipment via an arm assembly through bearing arrangements providing the horizontal axis. The shaft is rotatably connected to the arm assembly and is either connected to the support equipment via one or more timing belts providing the tilting device, the timing belts engaging with the teeth of the shaft and secured at both ends to the frame portion, or connected to the support equipment via one or more traction cables providing the tilting device, the traction cables being wound around the shaft and secured at both ends to the support equipment portion. In this embodiment, an arm assembly is again provided. This arm assembly comprises only two arms located at the ends of the shaft, which are rotatably connected to these two arms via corresponding bearings. The other ends of these arms are also connected to a rotatable portion of the support equipment via corresponding bearing arrangements providing the horizontal axis, the portion of the support equipment and its clamping arrangement rotating about the horizontal axis. According to a first alternative, the tilting device may include at least one timing belt comprising teeth engaging with the teeth of the shaft. Both ends of the timing belt are connected to the portion of the support equipment. As the shaft rotates, one side of the timing belt shortens while the other side lengthens, thereby tilting the support device portion. Alternatively, the tilting device may include one or more traction cables, the ends of which are attached to a portion of the support device. The traction cables are wound around the shaft. Thus, as the shaft rotates, the traction cables shorten on one side and lengthen on the other, thereby tilting the support device portion.

[0016] Another embodiment does not use a common shaft driven by a motor, but instead uses a beam coupled to the connecting device, the beam including at least one motor coupled to a rim that circulates between 90° and 180° and is attached to a portion of the support device, the rim being movable relative to the beam when driven by the motor. In this embodiment, the axis of rotation is provided by the arcuate rim, which moves or rotates relative to the beam when driven by the motor, thereby also rotating the portion of the support device and the clamping element arrangement. Preferably, the corresponding motors and rims are arranged at both ends of the beam, and the motors are synchronized. The motors or each motor preferably drives a gearbox with gears that mesh with the toothed rims. Alternatively, friction rollers pressing against the friction surfaces of the rims can also be used. This embodiment also allows for precise tilting movement of the support device portion, along with the clamping element arrangement therein and the preformed elements attached thereto.

[0017] Another embodiment of the lifting yoke includes a support device comprising a frame yoke arranged at a preferably rectangular frame portion of the support device via a pivotal connection providing a rotation axis, wherein at least one motor is provided for pivoting the frame yoke relative to the frame portion. In this embodiment, the frame yoke is tilted directly relative to a portion of the support device without using any separate tilting device. The at least one motor tilting the frame yoke relative to a portion of the support device is directly arranged at the support device portion and connected to the frame yoke. The motor can be connected by any suitable mechanical device adapted to provide rotation or tilting in both directions, such as gear connections or hydraulic cylinders.

[0018] Preferably, at least one movable counterweight is arranged at the support device. This counterweight allows the arrangement to be balanced in the presence of uneven weight distribution.

[0019] Preferably, the support device is movable along a longitudinal axis passing through the connecting device. This longitudinal mobility further allows for a certain balancing effect in the event of uneven weight distribution in the longitudinal direction. A suitable motor can be provided for this longitudinal movement.

[0020] The clamping element directly attached to the preformed element can be a pin clamp, vacuum clamp, Bernoulli clamp, or eddy current clamp, wherein, preferably, at least a portion of the clamping element includes a heating device. Various types of clamping elements can be used, provided they provide a sufficiently stable attachment to the preformed element. The heating device may be integrated into at least a portion of the clamp, such that in areas where the edge of the preformed element overlaps with the edge of an adjacent preformed element, the adhesive can be reactivated by heating and thereby melting the adhesive, causing the molten adhesive to wet the adjacent preformed element and provide a strong adhesive bond after the adhesive has cured again. The two preforms are thus secured to each other, preventing slippage of the preformed elements once placed in the blade mold. Attached Figure Description

[0021] 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 and do not limit the invention. The drawings show: Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the yoke lifting mechanism of this invention. Figure 2 Partial illustration of a carrier rail with movable clamping elements. Figure 3 A first embodiment of the lifting yoke of the present invention includes a rotatable frame yoke in a neutral position. Figure 4 In rotation position Figure 3 Implementation examples, Figure 5-7 Figure 3 Side views of the lifting yoke at three different positions. Figure 8 A second embodiment of the lifting yoke of the present invention includes an arm device and a tilting device, wherein the tilting device includes a variable arm. Figure 9 A third embodiment of the lifting yoke of the present invention includes an arm assembly and a tilting device, wherein the tilting device includes a timing belt. Figure 10 A fourth embodiment of the lifting yoke of the present invention includes an arm assembly and a tilting device, wherein the tilting device includes a traction cable. Figure 11 A fifth embodiment of the present invention's lifting yoke, including an arc-shaped rim, and Figure 12 An enlarged view of the rim section. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the principle of a lifting yoke 1 according to the present invention, which is suitable for transporting convex or concave preformed components for the production of wind turbine rotor blades. The lifting yoke includes a support device 2, which includes a connecting device 3 for connecting the lifting yoke 1 to a lifting device 4, such as a crane lifting rope. Two separate suspension devices 5 can be releasably attached to the support device 2. Each suspension device 5 includes components arranged in a convex geometry. Figure 1 (right side) or concave geometry ( Figure 1 Multiple clamping elements 6 (on the left side). The lifting yoke 1 also extends longitudinally, so that the arrangement of the yoke 1, the support device 2, the suspension device 5, and the clamping elements 6 extends over a certain length and width. In particular, the distribution of the clamping elements 6 spans a certain area, so that correspondingly large convex or concave preforms can be clamped at several clamping points distributed on the surface of the preform.

[0023] As will be explained later in various embodiments, the arrangement of the clamping element 6 can be pivoted or tilted to change the orientation of the connected preformed element in order to facilitate the positioning of the preformed element in the blade mold.

[0024] The suspension device 5 includes a plurality of support rails 7 to which the clamping elements 6 are attached. These support rails are bent to define convex or concave geometries. The clamping elements 6 are preferably movable along the length of a corresponding support rail 7 to adjust the distance between a group or element along the support rail 7, such as... Figure 2 As shown by arrow P1. They can also be adjusted relative to the bearing rail 7 in their vertical extension direction to adjust the radius of the convex or concave bend, as shown by arrow P2.

[0025] Figure 3 This illustrates a first embodiment of the lifting yoke 1 of the present invention, which generally corresponds to Figure 1 The schematic diagram shows the support device 2, its connecting device 3, and the suspension device 5. The suspension device includes a suspension frame 30 and a plurality of bearing rails 7 with clamping elements 6 attached to the suspension frame 30. The support device 2 includes a frame portion 8 in a rectangular form. A frame yoke 9 is attached to this frame portion 8 by corresponding bearings, such that the frame yoke 9 can rotate or tumble relative to the frame portion 8 about a horizontal axis A. Figure 3 As shown. From Figure 3 Starting from the neutral position shown, this rotation is possible in both directions. In this embodiment, the rotation is achieved by means of two motors 10 arranged at the support device 2 and connected to the frame yoke 9, so that the frame portion 8 and the suspension device 5 with a pre-formed clamping arrangement thereto can also rotate about axis A.

[0026] Figure 4 Showing the position of rotation or tilt Figure 3 The lifting yoke 1, wherein the frame yoke 9 connected to the lifting device 4 via the connecting device 3 remains vertical. As shown, the arrangement of the frame portion 8, together with the support device 5 and the clamping member 6 attached to the bearing rail 7, is significantly rotated about axis A, such that the convex plane of the clamping arrangement is moved away from the predominantly horizontal neutral position. As previously mentioned, this rotation is possible in both directions. Typically, the possible rotation angle is at least + / - 45°, preferably at least + / - 60°, and at most + / - 90°. Of course, any intermediate angle is acceptable.

[0027] At least one counterweight 11 is assigned to each motor, and the counterweight is preferably adjustable by adding or removing weight units. If there is an uneven weight distribution in the longitudinal direction, there may also be different weights at corresponding positions.

[0028] Figures 5 to 7 Showing three different positions Figure 3 The corresponding side view of the lifting yoke 1 is shown, which is cut along the longitudinal direction of the rectangular geometry of the lifting yoke 1. Figure 5The lifting yoke 1 is shown, with the rotatable portion of the support device 2, together with the suspension device 5 and the clamping member 6, in a neutral position. A preformed element 12 is attached to the clamping member 6. In this embodiment, the clamping member is arranged with a convex geometry such that the preformed element 12 is clamped on the concave inner or outer side, as shown. Figure 5 As shown.

[0029] Figure 6 The same arrangement of the lifting device 1 is shown when it rotates clockwise. The preformed element 12 can now be positioned at a 45° position, for example, in the lower concave portion of the blade mold. Figure 7 The lifting yoke 1 with preformed element 12 is shown, which has also been rotated, for example, 45° counterclockwise, and can now be precisely positioned in the blade mold in this orientation.

[0030] Figure 8 Another embodiment of the lifting device 1 of the present invention is shown, the lifting device 1 comprising a support device 2 with a connecting device 3 and a suspension device 5 with a clamping member 6 attached thereto. In this embodiment, the clamping member 6 is attached to a corresponding rod 13 instead of a load-bearing rail. For illustrative purposes only, a preformed element 12 is attached to the clamping member 6. This embodiment illustrates the possibility that the support device 2 can be releasably connected to the suspension device 5, as has been addressed in [the present invention]. Figure 1 Explanation: To achieve this, the support device 2 includes a frame-like portion 14 comprising a plurality of connecting elements implemented as clamping members 15 movable between a release position and a clamping position, in which they do not clamp or connect the suspension device 5, and in the clamping position, the suspension device 5 is securely fixed to the portion 14, which is a rotatable portion 14 of the support device 2 and can be rotated by a corresponding tilting device as described below. Therefore, when the support device 2 is to be connected to the suspension device 5, the suspension device 5 can have convex or concave clamping elements arranged such that the support device 2 is lowered onto the suspension device 5 only while the clamping members 15 are open, and then the clamping members 15 are closed to securely clamp the two components together.

[0031] Figure 8The embodiment further includes a shaft 16 connected to the connecting device 3. This shaft 16 is rotatably arranged at an arm assembly 17 comprising two arms 18. The shaft 16 is arranged in bearings of the arms 18 so that it can rotate, and the arms 18 are also arranged at the frame-like rotatable portion 14 of the support device via corresponding bearing assemblies. Furthermore, the shaft 16 has fixed arms 19 extending to both sides of the shaft 16. The ends of the two arms 19 are connected to the rotatable portion 14 via additional arms 20 of variable length. The connecting device 3 includes a motor 21, which preferably drives and rotates the shaft 16 via a gearbox, as indicated by arrows P3 and P4. This rotation also causes rotation of the fixed arms 19, thereby extending or shortening the respective arms 20. The arms 20 are tilting devices 22 for achieving tilting or rotation. This results in rotation about axis A, which is achieved by the bearings at the rotatable portion 14 of the support device 2 where the arms 18 are arranged. Depending on the direction of rotation, the portion 14 and the preformed element 12 connected thereto can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0032] As shown in this embodiment, the entire lifting yoke 1 may also be moved along the longitudinal direction through the connecting device 3, as indicated by arrows P5 and P6. A corresponding motor can be provided for this movement. This movement allows for a certain degree of balance in the longitudinal direction even in the presence of any uneven weight distribution.

[0033] Figure 9 An embodiment of a lifting yoke 1 is shown, comprising a support device 2 fixed to a suspension device 5 with clamping elements 6, also illustrated in this figure, with a preformed element 12 attached to the clamping elements 6. This embodiment includes a rotatable shaft 16 attached to a connecting device 3, the connecting device 3 including a motor 21 for rotating the shaft 16, as indicated by arrows P3 and P4. An arm assembly 17 is also provided, comprising two arms 18 disposed at the two ends of the shaft 16, the shaft 16 being rotatably disposed at the two arms 18. Similarly, the two arms 18 are rotatably disposed at the rotatable portion 14 of the suspension device 2 via corresponding bearing arrangements that enable horizontal rotation of axis A.

[0034] In this embodiment, the tilting device 22 includes two timing belts 23, each having teeth 24. Each timing belt is attached to the portion 14 at both ends and runs above the shaft 16, engaging with the teeth 25 of the shaft 16. As shown by arrow P7, the corresponding portions of the timing belts 23 running to the right and left are shortened or lengthened depending on the direction of rotation of the shaft 16, causing the rotatable portion 14, together with the preformed element 12, to rotate about the axis A.

[0035] Figure 10 An embodiment of a lifting device 1 is shown, comprising a support device 2 and a suspension device 5 with clamping members 6, to which a preformed element 12 is attached for illustrative purposes. A shaft 16 is connected to a connecting device 3 including a motor 21, the shaft 16 being rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise via the motor 21, as indicated by arrows P3 and P4. The shaft 16 is arranged at a rotatable portion 14 of the suspension device 2 via an arm assembly 17 comprising two arms 18, the arms 18 being rotatably arranged in bearings at both ends of the shaft 16. The lower ends of the arms 18 are rotatably arranged in corresponding bearing assemblies in the portion 14, thereby again achieving rotation of the axis A.

[0036] In this embodiment, the tilting device 22 includes two traction cables 26, each with its ends attached to a corresponding portion 14 and wound around the shaft 16 several times. When the shaft 16 is rotated, the portions of the traction cables 26 extending to both sides of the shaft 16 are lengthened or shortened, causing a corresponding rotational movement of the portion 14 and the preformed element 12 therewith. Depending on the direction of rotation (clockwise or counterclockwise), the preformed element 12 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, as already targeted. Figure 7 Explanation.

[0037] at last, Figure 11 and Figure 12 An embodiment of a lifting yoke 1 is shown, the lifting yoke 1 including a support device and a suspension device 5 having a clamping member 6, with a preformed element 12 shown attached to the clamping member 6.

[0038] In this embodiment, the support device 2 includes a beam 27 attached to the connecting device 3. A drive unit 28 is attached to both ends of the beam 27, and the drive unit 28 includes a motor 21. Additionally, two arcuate rims 29 are provided, which are fixed to the frame-like portion 14 of the suspension device 2 and extend through the drive unit 28. The rims 29 can be moved clockwise or counterclockwise through the drive unit 28, as indicated by arrow P8, thereby changing the position of the rims 29 relative to the drive unit 28. Since the rims 29 are fixed to the rotatable portion 14, which is ultimately connected to the preformed element 12, this rotatable arrangement rotates again about a rotation axis A. In this embodiment, axis A extends through the center of the arcuate rims 29, which extend approximately 180°. The drive unit 28 preferably includes gears that mesh with the toothed circumference of the corresponding rim 29, such as... Figure 12 As shown in the diagram. In this alternative to the toothed configuration, friction drive can also be used.

[0039] In all embodiments, the corresponding motor 21 is preferably connected to a gearbox, which includes corresponding gears or friction wheels, etc., and ultimately meshes with the corresponding driven component, namely the shaft 16 or the wheel rim 29.

[0040] Although the present 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 the examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0041] Individuals with male or female identities are included within the terminology, independent of grammatical usage.

Claims

1. A lifting yoke adapted for transporting a convex or concave preformed element (12) comprising a laminate of fiber pads fixed by means of an adhesive and adapted for producing wind turbine rotor blades, the lifting yoke comprising a plurality of clamping elements (6) and a support device (2) connected to the suspension device (5), the clamping elements being adapted to clamp the preformed element (12) and arranged in a convex or concave geometry at the suspension device (5) of the yoke (1), the support device (2) comprising a connecting device (3) and a rotating device, the connecting device being adapted to connect the yoke (1) to a lifting device (4), the rotating device being adapted to rotate a portion (14) of the support device (2) carrying the suspension device (5) about a horizontal axis (A) relative to the connecting device (3).

2. The lifting yoke according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suspension device (5) is releasably connected to the support device (2).

3. The lifting yoke according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The suspension device (5) includes a suspension frame (30) preferably rectangular, a plurality of bearing rails (7) attached to the suspension frame, and a plurality of clamping elements (6) arranged at each of the bearing rails.

4. The lifting yoke according to claim 3, characterized in that, The clamping element (6) is movable along the bearing rail (7) and can be locked in the desired position.

5. The lifting yoke according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support device (2) includes a support frame (14) that is preferably rectangular.

6. The lifting yoke according to any one of claims 2 and 3 to 5, characterized in that, The support device (2) includes a connecting element for releasable connection to the suspension device (5).

7. The lifting yoke according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting element is a clamping member (15) that can move between a release position and a clamping position.

8. The lifting yoke according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support device (2) includes a shaft (16) connected to the connecting device (3), the shaft (16) being rotatable by means of a motor (21), the motor preferably being located at the connecting device (3), and the shaft being connected to a rotatable portion (14) of the support device (2) via a tilting device (22).

9. The lifting yoke according to claim 8, characterized in that, The shaft (16) is connected to a portion (14) of the support device (2) via an arm assembly (17) through a bearing assembly providing the horizontal axis (A). The arm assembly (17) includes two arms (20) that are at least partially laterally offset from the shaft (16) and connected to a portion (14) of the support device (29). The arms (20) are of variable length and provide the tilting device (22).

10. The lifting yoke according to claim 8, characterized in that, The shaft (16) is connected to a portion of the support device (2) via an arm assembly (17) through a bearing assembly providing the horizontal axis (A), wherein the shaft (16) is rotatably connected to the arm assembly (17) and is connected to a portion (14) of the support device (2) either via one or more timing belts (23) providing the tilting device (22), the timing belts (23) engaging with the teeth (25) of the shaft (16) and securing their ends to the portion (14) of the support device (2), or via one or more traction cables (26) providing the tilting device (22), the traction cables (26) being wound around the shaft (16) and secured at their ends to the portion (14) of the support device (2).

11. The lifting yoke according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The support device (2) includes a beam (27) connected to the connecting device (3), the beam (27) including at least one motor (21) connected to a rim (29) which circulates between 90 and 180° and is attached to a portion (14) of the support device, the rim (29) being movable relative to the beam (27) when driven by the motor (21).

12. The lifting yoke according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The support device (2) includes a frame yoke (9) which is arranged at a preferably rectangular frame portion (8) of the support device (2) via a pivotal connection providing a rotation axis (A), wherein at least one motor (10) is provided for pivoting the frame yoke (9) relative to the frame portion (8).

13. The lifting yoke according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one movable counterweight (11) is arranged at the support device (2).

14. The lifting yoke according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support device (2) can move along the longitudinal axis passing through the connecting device (3).

15. The lifting yoke according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clamping element (6) is a pin clamp, a vacuum clamp, a Bernoulli clamp, or an eddy current clamp, wherein preferably at least a portion of the clamping element includes a heating device.

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