Expansion connection, wind turbine assembly and method

Abstract

An expansion fitting for interconnecting a first member and a second member of a wind turbine assembly, having an actuation direction and an expansion direction, comprising: an actuator having an elongate portion and a primary wedge portion, the primary wedge portion extending from the elongate portion in the actuation direction, the primary wedge portion having a first inclined surface such that the primary wedge portion tapers towards the elongate portion; an actuation wedge having a base portion and a secondary wedge portion, the base portion configured to receive the elongate portion of the actuator, the secondary wedge portion extending from the base portion in the actuation direction towards the primary wedge portion, the secondary wedge portion having a second inclined surface such that the secondary wedge portion tapers away from the base portion, wherein the secondary wedge portion is offset relative to the primary wedge portion in a transverse direction such that the primary wedge portion and the secondary wedge portion are allowed to overlap as seen in the transverse direction; and an expansion block comprising at least a first complementary inclined surface and a second complementary inclined surface, the first and second complementary inclined surfaces contacting the first and second inclined surfaces respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an expansion joint for interconnecting a first component and a second component of a wind turbine assembly. This disclosure also relates to a wind turbine assembly and a method for assembling a wind turbine assembly.

[0002] This disclosure is particularly applicable to onshore and offshore applications, such as connecting wind turbines to monopiles, connecting wind turbines to transition sections, connecting transition sections to monopiles, and connecting components (e.g., tower sections) of monopiles or wind turbines, as well as jacket connections. This disclosure can also be used for connections between the tower and nacelle of a monopile, for connecting wind turbine blades to a nacelle, and for connecting wind turbine blade segments to each other.

[0003] background

[0004] Traditionally, wind turbine components have been fitted with flanges, which are then connected using large-diameter bolts. Currently, M72, M80, and even M90 bolts are used to connect the wind turbine tower to a monopile or transition section. In the first step, these bolts are electrically tightened to 8000 Nm. In the second step, hydraulic tools are used to increase the preload to 22000 Nm. The bolts themselves are heavy, and the tools used to tighten them are equally heavy and difficult to operate.

[0005] It appears that after a period of stabilization, the actual preload on the bolts becomes difficult to predict and control, and can fluctuate significantly. While the exact factors influencing the torque-tension relationship of the bolts are not fully understood, it can be concluded that using a "constant torque" method to install bolts yields unsatisfactory results. Similar problems exist with tensioning systems used for bolted connections. The preload on the bolts must be checked and adjusted regularly, requiring substantial periodic maintenance.

[0006] Furthermore, the bolts are arranged around the circumference of the flange, with only a very limited gap between adjacent bolts. The scalability of connections using bolted flanges is insufficient to meet the growing demands due to the larger size of wind turbines and deeper installation areas.

[0007] International patent application WO 2020 / 035770 A1 by the same inventor discloses an improved assembly using a connector inserted into a channel passing through a first and second member, followed by a further step of continuously radially expanding the connector relative to the channel to connect the first and second members relative to each other. In this way, the user can accurately and easily place the connector in the channel, making the operation very simple and effortless. The connector only expands within the channel to connect the first and second members relative to each other when it is placed in its desired final position.

[0008] The benefits of using this expandable connector include, for example, that components of the assembly do not need to be modified to accommodate large bolts (such as M72 bolts, or even larger sizes such as M90 under consideration). As a result, less material is required, allowing the assembly to be more compact and lighter.

[0009] Another advantage of this assembly compared to traditional bolted flanges is the elimination of these flanges, which provide significant mass outside the force transmission path when the assembly is driven into the seabed using a hammer. The mass of conventional flanges can cause flange neck bending. Currently, when installed using conventional impact hammers, these bending stresses result in a significant reduction in the weld life of these flanges. Furthermore, the large, inwardly projecting body of conventional L-flange connections restricts the access of installation tools (such as drilling rigs) and hinders the sliding of auxiliary steel structures and platforms into the tubular member.

[0010] As mentioned above, tightening the bolts of a bolted flange sequentially—usually in multiple steps—is very time-consuming and labor-intensive. The assembly proposed in WO 2020 / 035770 A1 requires less labor and time compared to a bolted flange connection. Furthermore, this expandable connection exhibits excellent fatigue resistance, showing less sensitivity to preload loss even at reduced preload levels relative to the initial torque or initial tension during installation compared to typical bolted L-type flanges. In bolted L-type flanges, preload is crucial to prevent significant load fluctuations in the bolts or studs, which are prone to fatigue due to the presence of threads. The connection provided by the assembly proposed in WO 2020 / 035770 A1 avoids these problems because the bolts simply hold the wedges in place and, due to their orientation, do not experience large load fluctuations. The primary / dominant load fluctuations are borne by the first component.

[0011] Although the same inventor's WO 2020 / 035770 A1 has proposed numerous significant improvements over earlier prior art bolted flanges, further improvements to this assembly are still needed.

[0012] An improvement of this kind is proposed in WO 2023 / 059200 A1 by the same inventor. To reduce the forces on the slender actuator of the expansion connector, the upper expansion block and the wedge between the two expansion blocks are designed such that the forces applied to the upper expansion block are transmitted around the actuator, rather than through it. However, due to the limited actual width of the connector and the need for a certain width for the slender actuator, the contact surface through which these forces must be transmitted is relatively small, resulting in higher peak stresses at the connector contact surface.

[0013] Furthermore, due to tolerances and misalignments in the channels of the expansion joint, the expansion amount of the joint needs to be within a certain range. Therefore, the distance between the wedges of the joint may vary, resulting in different load distributions in each case. Moreover, loads cannot be transferred between the expansion blocks through the gaps between the wedges, but such gaps are necessary. This further leads to bending loads on the upper expansion block, as well as high contact loads at the outer ends of the blocks and at the wedges located between the blocks and contacting these outer ends. This, in turn, leads to high plasticity and coating damage. Coating damage also results in a non-constant coefficient of friction at the contact surfaces, which in turn leads to lower predictability and therefore lower accuracy in the actuation of the joint. Consequently, the pre-tensioning of the structural components is also not performed accurately. Furthermore, coating damage can lead to corrosion and limit the reusability of the joint and its components.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need to improve the load distribution within the expansion joint. This disclosure aims to provide such an improved expansion joint. Summary of the Invention

[0015] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an expansion connector is provided for interconnecting a first component and a second component of a wind turbine assembly. The expansion connector has an actuation direction and is configured to expand in an expansion direction substantially perpendicular to the actuation direction. The expansion connector includes an actuator having an elongated portion with engaging means. The elongated portion extends in the actuation direction. The actuator also includes a main wedge portion extending from the elongated portion in the actuation direction. The main wedge portion has a first inclined surface extending along the actuation direction and inclined relative to the actuation direction, such that the main wedge portion tapers toward the elongated portion. The expansion connector also includes an actuating wedge having a base portion and a secondary wedge portion, the base portion being configured to receive the elongated portion of the actuator such that the base portion is movable along the elongated portion in the actuation direction, and the secondary wedge portion extending from the base portion toward the main wedge portion in the actuation direction in the assembled state of the expansion connector. The secondary wedge portion has a second inclined surface that extends along and is inclined relative to the actuation direction, causing the secondary wedge portion to taper away from the base portion. The secondary wedge portion is offset relative to the main wedge portion in a lateral direction, which is substantially perpendicular to both the actuation and expansion directions, allowing the main and secondary wedge portions to overlap, as seen in the lateral direction. The expansion connector also includes a first expansion block, which includes at least a first complementary inclined surface and a second complementary inclined surface. In the assembled state of the expansion connector, the first and second complementary inclined surfaces contact the first and second inclined surfaces of the actuator and the actuated wedge, respectively. Therefore, actuation of the actuator in the actuation direction causes displacement of the first expansion block in the expansion direction. Consequently, the connector expands in the expansion direction. Expanding the expansion connector preferably does not result in any expansion in the lateral direction.

[0016] By incorporating the main wedge portion, which expands the connector (i.e., moves the expansion block), as an integral part of the actuator, the force acting on the expansion block can be transmitted directly through the actuator, rather than around the actuator as proposed in the prior art. This results in a better load distribution throughout the connector while still reducing the bending of the slender portion of the actuator. Furthermore, since the main and secondary wedge portions are allowed to overlap, as seen in the lateral direction, the contact area between the wedge portions and the first expansion block is maximized and remains constant throughout the entire actual actuation range of the expanding connector (i.e., from unexpanded to fully expanded). In other words, there are no gaps between the wedges within the actual expansion range of the connector, allowing the load to be transmitted through the middle portion of the connector even with limited expansion. Therefore, the load transmitted through the connector can be transmitted along almost the entire length and width of the connector, regardless of the expansion amount, resulting in a more uniform load (and thus stress) distribution throughout the connector. Moreover, the center of gravity of the components of the proposed connector is better balanced compared to the prior art, making them more stable during assembly and thus easier to use.

[0017] Preferably, the actuating wedge further includes a third wedge portion that extends from the base portion toward the main wedge portion in the actuation direction when the expansion connector is assembled. The third wedge portion has a third inclined surface that extends along the actuation direction and is inclined relative to the actuation direction, causing the third wedge portion to taper away from the base portion. The third wedge portion is offset relative to the secondary wedge portion in the lateral direction, such that the base portion, secondary wedge portion, and third wedge portion form a forked actuating wedge. This forked actuating wedge prevents torque from being generated on the actuating wedge when the expansion connector is actuated (i.e., expanded), thereby preventing separation between the actuating wedge and the actuator. Therefore, the expansion of the connector can be controlled more effectively and accurately, thereby controlling the pretension applied to the assembly utilizing the expansion connector.

[0018] Preferably, the offset between the secondary wedge portion and the third wedge portion approximately corresponds to the width of the primary wedge portion in the lateral direction, allowing the primary wedge portion to be accommodated between the secondary and third wedge portions. Therefore, the primary wedge portion, as well as the secondary and third wedge portions, provide lateral guidance to each other, thereby further improving actuation accuracy. Furthermore, the absence of significant gaps between the wedge portions prevents lateral movement of the wedge portions relative to each other.

[0019] Preferably, the first expansion block further includes a third complementary inclined surface, wherein, in the assembled state of the expansion connector, the third complementary inclined surface contacts the third inclined surface of the actuating wedge. Thus, the force applied to the first expansion block can be effectively transmitted through the connector, particularly through the first, second, and third (and optionally other) wedge portions.

[0020] Preferably, the base portion of the actuated wedge includes a through-hole through which an elongated portion of the actuator can be received. The elongated portion may have a circular cross-section or other non-circular cross-section. The through-hole is preferably shaped according to the maximum cross-section of the elongated portion.

[0021] Preferably, the main wedge portion, the secondary wedge portion, and / or the third wedge portion each include an additional first inclined surface, an additional second inclined surface, and / or an additional third inclined surface, respectively, opposite to the first inclined surface, the second inclined surface, and / or the third inclined surface in the expansion direction. More preferably, the expansion connector includes a second expansion block comprising a first complementary inclined surface, a second complementary inclined surface, and / or a third complementary inclined surface, wherein, in the assembled state of the expansion connector, the first complementary inclined surface, the second complementary inclined surface, and / or the third complementary inclined surface contact the additional first inclined surface, the additional second inclined surface, and / or the additional third inclined surface, respectively. Preferably, the main wedge portion, the secondary wedge portion, and / or the third wedge portion are mirror-symmetrical, having planes of symmetry extending in the lateral and actuation directions. By using the first expansion block and the second expansion block (which may also be referred to as the upper expansion block and the lower expansion block, respectively), the actuating wedge and the actuator will not slide directly relative to the assembly in which the expansion connector is used. Since sliding only occurs between the actuator and the actuating wedge, and between the first expansion block and the second expansion block, the coefficient of friction can be accurately controlled, thereby enabling predictable actuation behavior of the expansion connector.

[0022] Preferably, the expansion connector further includes an adjusting device configured to engage with an engagement device of the actuator. More preferably, the engagement device of the actuator is formed by an external thread, and the adjusting device includes an internal thread; preferably, the adjusting device includes a nut. Preferably, in the assembled state of the expansion connector, the engagement device extends through a through-hole penetrating the base portion of the actuating wedge, and the adjusting device (preferably a nut) has a support surface that can be positioned against the base portion on the side of the base portion away from the connector, such that tightening the adjusting device against the support surface pulls the actuator and its main wedge portion toward the actuating wedge, thereby expanding the expansion connector by pushing the expansion block through the engagement of the inclined surface and the complementary inclined surface. When a nut is used as the adjusting device, tightening the nut thus expands the connector, while loosening the nut causes the connector to contract.

[0023] Preferably, the main wedge portion, the secondary wedge portion, and / or the third wedge portion include flat side surfaces on both sides in the lateral direction. Flat side surfaces help guide the components and ensure smooth movement while maintaining tight tolerances between the components.

[0024] Preferably, the normal of each of the first inclined surface, the second inclined surface, and / or the third inclined surface and / or the additional first inclined surface, the additional second inclined surface, and / or the additional third inclined surface has components in both the actuation direction and the expansion direction. Preferably, the normal of the first inclined surface has a positive component in the actuation direction, while the normals of the second and third inclined surfaces have negative components in the actuation direction, and vice versa; that is, the first inclined surface and the second and third inclined surfaces are partially oriented towards each other. Preferably, the normals of the first, second, and third inclined surfaces each have a positive or negative component in the expansion direction, i.e., they face the same direction.

[0025] In a second aspect of this disclosure, a wind turbine assembly is provided, comprising a first structural member and a second structural member, wherein the second member has a forked cross-section with a body disposed between two substantially parallel walls, each wall including at least one passage, and the first member is disposed between the two walls of the second member and in abutment contact with a surface of the body of the second member. The first member includes the passage, wherein the passage of the first member and the passage of the second member define a channel, wherein, preferably, the channel has an elongated cross-section extending in the longitudinal direction of at least one of the first member and the second member. The assembly further includes... Includes an expansion connector according to a first aspect of this disclosure, which is axially insertable into the channel to a final position and can be continuously radially expanded relative to the channel in the expansion direction of the expansion connector by actuating an actuator in the actuation direction of the expansion connector, so that, in the expanded state of the connector, the first member and the second member are connected 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 to define a clamping contact, thereby defining a pre-tensioned connection in the radial direction relative to the channel between the surface of the body of the second member and the surface defined by the through hole in the substantially parallel wall of the second member.

[0026] In a third aspect of this disclosure, a method for assembling a wind turbine assembly according to a second aspect of this disclosure is provided, the method comprising: - Arrange the first component between the two walls of the second component; - Positioning through holes in the first and second components to define a channel, wherein, preferably, the channel has an elongated cross-section that extends in the longitudinal direction of at least one of the first and / or second components; - Provide the expansion connector and insert the expansion connector into the channel to its final position; - By actuating the actuator in the actuation direction of the connector, the connector is continuously radially expanded relative to the channel in the expansion direction of the connector, thereby connecting the first member and the second member relative to each other; and - The expanding expansion connector pushes the first member against the surface of the body of the second member in the radial direction relative to the channel to define a clamping contact, thereby defining a pre-tensioned connection in the radial direction relative to the channel between the surface of the body of the second member and the surface defined by the through hole in the substantially parallel wall of the second member.

[0027] Brief description of the attached figures

[0028] This disclosure will be further illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an offshore wind turbine tower supported by a monopile is shown. - Figure 2 A perspective view of the components according to the second aspect of this disclosure is shown; - Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A detailed perspective view of the components, showing the expansion connectors positioned in the channels of the components; - Figure 4 A perspective front view of the expansion connector according to the first aspect of this disclosure is shown; - Figure 5 A perspective rear view of the expansion connector is shown; - Figure 6 A schematic side view of the expansion connector is shown; - Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional side view of the expansion connector is shown; - Figure 8 An exploded perspective view of the expansion connector is shown. - Figure 9 An exploded perspective view of the expansion connector is shown, illustrating the cross-sections of the expansion block and the actuating wedge. - Figures 10 to 12 A schematic cross-sectional view showing the sequential steps of assembling an assembly using expansion connectors; and - Figure 13 It shows Figure 12 A magnified view. Detailed Implementation

[0029] exist Figure 1 The illustration depicts an example of an offshore structure comprising multiple connections C at which components according to this disclosure can be applied. An offshore wind turbine tower 1 is supported by a support foundation structure 2, which in this example is implemented as a monopile 3 with a transition section 4. Those skilled in the art will understand that similar connections exist for alternative support foundation structures 2 (e.g., jackets, not shown).

[0030] The connecting part C can be applied between individual components 8 of the monopile 3, between the monopile 3 and the transition section 4, between the transition section 4 and the turbine tower 1, between the components 9 of the turbine tower 1, between the sections of the wind turbine blade 6, and between the wind turbine blade 6 and the hub of the wind turbine.

[0031] During operation, the wind turbine 5 is oriented such that the rotor blades 6 are optimally driven by available wind power. The rotor blades 6 drive a generator (not shown) in the nacelle 7, which generates electricity. The wind turbine 5 induces alternating loads on any connection C in the structure, and depending on the wind direction, a particular portion of the connection C must bear the majority of the load.

[0032] Figure 2 and Figure 3 An expansion connector 18 is shown, which is axially inserted into a channel 17 of an assembly formed by a first member 10 and a second member 11. The connector 18 is inserted into the channel 17 to its final position and is capable of continuous radial expansion 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 a radial direction relative to the channel 17 while the connector 18 is in its expanded state. This pushing action defines a clamping contact, thereby establishing a through hole 14 in the surface 15 of the body 12 of the second member 11 and a through hole 14 in the substantially parallel wall 13 of the second member 11 (see [link to diagram]). Figure 10 and Figure 11 A pre-tensioned connection is established between the surfaces 19 defined by the channel 17 in the radial direction.

[0033] The expansion connector 18—specifically defined by the lengths of the first expansion block 20 and the second expansion block 21 (also referred to as the upper expansion block 20 and the lower expansion block 21)—has a length L extending in the longitudinal direction of the channel 17 and includes a first (or upper) expansion block 20 and a lower 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 lower expansion block 21 is configured to contact the surface 19 defined by a through hole 14 in a substantially parallel wall 13 of the second member 11. The connector 18 also includes an actuator 31 and an actuation wedge 22, which will reference... Figures 4 to 9 This will be explained in more detail below.

[0034] An expansion connector 18 for interconnecting a first component 10 and a second component 11 of a wind turbine assembly has an actuation direction X and is configured to expand in an expansion direction Z substantially perpendicular to the actuation direction X. In the expanded state, the expansion connector 18 presses against the surface 19 of the through-hole 14 of the second component 11 facing away from its body 12 to define a pre-tensioned connection between the first component 10 and the second component 11. In the expanded state, where the connection between the first component 10 and the second component 11 is pre-tensioned, the through-hole 16 of the first component 10 is offset relative to the through-hole 14 in the second component 11. This offset is arranged in a radial direction relative to the channel 17.

[0035] The expansion connector 18 includes a contracted state and a connected state. In the contracted state, the expansion connector 18 has dimensions that allow it to be freely inserted into and removed from the channel 17 (see example...). Figure 11 In the connected state, the expansion connector 18 expands radially in the channel 17 to connect the first member 10 and the second member 11 relative to each other.

[0036] The following text is for reference only. Figures 4 to 9 Connector 18 is illustrated in more detail.

[0037] To actuate the connector 18, the connector 18 includes an actuator 31. The actuator 31 has an elongated portion 33 with an engagement device 331 and extends in the actuation direction X in the assembled state of the connector 18. In this example, the engagement device 331 is formed by an external thread 331.

[0038] The actuator 31 includes a main wedge portion 310 that extends from the elongated portion 33 in the actuation direction X. Preferably, the main wedge portion 310 and the elongated portion 33 are integrally formed, for example, from a single piece of steel. The main wedge portion 310 has a first inclined surface 310A that extends along and is inclined relative to the actuation direction X, such that the main wedge portion 310 tapers toward the elongated portion 33. The main wedge portion 310 also has an additional first inclined surface 310B opposite to the first inclined surface 310A in the expansion direction Z. Thus, in this example, the main wedge portion 310 is mirror-symmetric, with its plane of symmetry extending in the transverse direction Y and the actuation direction Z. Preferably, the first inclined surface 310A is inclined at an angle γ relative to the actuation direction X. Preferably, the additional first inclined surface 310B is inclined at an angle δ relative to the actuation direction X. More preferably, the angle γ is equal to the angle δ.

[0039] The connector 18 also includes an actuating wedge 22. The actuating wedge 22 has a base portion 41 configured to receive an elongated portion 33 of the actuator 31 through a through-hole 42 therein. The base portion 41 is movable along the elongated portion 33 in the actuation direction X. In this example, the actuating wedge 22 is fork-shaped and has a secondary wedge portion 43 and a third wedge portion 44, which, in the assembled state of the expansion connector 18, extend from the base portion 41 toward the main wedge portion 310 in the actuation direction X. The secondary wedge portion 43 has a second inclined surface 43A that extends along and is inclined relative to the actuation direction X, such that the secondary wedge portion 43 tapers away from the base portion 41. Similarly, the third wedge portion 44 has a third inclined surface 44A that extends along the actuation direction X and is inclined relative to the actuation direction X, such that the third wedge portion 44 tapers away from the base portion 41. The secondary wedge portion 43 and the third wedge portion 44 also have additional second inclined surfaces 43B and additional third inclined surfaces 44B, respectively, which are opposite to the second inclined surfaces 43A and the third inclined surfaces 44A in the expansion direction Z. Preferably, the second inclined surfaces 43A and the third inclined surfaces 44A are inclined at the same angle α relative to the actuation direction X. Preferably, the additional second inclined surfaces 43B and the additional third inclined surfaces 44B are inclined at the same angle β relative to the actuation direction X. More preferably, the second inclined surfaces 43A and the third inclined surfaces 44A, as well as the additional second inclined surfaces 43B and the additional third inclined surfaces 44B, are inclined at the same angle relative to the actuation direction X. In other words, preferably, the angle α is equal to the angle β.

[0040] Preferably, the sum of inclination angle α and inclination angle β is equal to the sum of inclination angle γ and inclination angle δ. The sum of inclination angle α and inclination angle β is preferably in the range of 5 degrees to 30 degrees, more preferably in the range of 10 degrees to 20 degrees. The sum of inclination angle γ and inclination angle δ is preferably in the range of 5 degrees to 30 degrees, more preferably in the range of 10 degrees to 20 degrees. Even more preferably, inclination angle α, inclination angle β, inclination angle γ, and inclination angle δ are all equal.

[0041] Both the secondary wedge portion 43 and the third wedge portion 44 are offset relative to the main wedge portion 310 in the lateral direction Y, which is substantially perpendicular to the actuation direction X and the expansion direction Z. Therefore, as seen in the lateral direction Y, the main wedge portion 310, as well as the secondary wedge portions 43 and the third wedge portion 44, are allowed to overlap. In other words, the main wedge portion 310 can be accommodated between the secondary wedge portion 43 and the third wedge portion 44.

[0042] The connector 18 also includes a first expansion block 20 (or upper expansion block 20) ​​and a second expansion block 21 (or lower expansion block 21). The upper expansion block 20 has a first complementary inclined surface 201, which contacts the first inclined surface 310A of the actuator 31 when the connector 18 is assembled. The upper expansion block 20 also has a second complementary inclined surface 202 and a third complementary inclined surface 203, which, when the connector 18 is assembled, contact the second inclined surface 43A and the third inclined surface 44A of the actuating wedge 22, respectively. Similarly, the lower expansion block 21 has a first complementary inclined surface 211, which, when the connector 18 is assembled, contacts the additional first inclined surface 310B of the actuator 31. The lower expansion block 21 also has a second complementary inclined surface 212 and a third complementary inclined surface 213. In the assembled state of the connector 18, the second complementary inclined surface 212 and the third complementary inclined surface 213 respectively contact the additional second inclined surface 43B and the additional third inclined surface 44B of the actuating wedge block 22.

[0043] When actuator 31 is actuated in the actuation direction X, the inclined surfaces of actuator 31, actuation wedge 22, and upper and lower expansion blocks 20 and 21 slide relative to each other to push expansion blocks 20 and 21 in the expansion direction Z. Connector 18 is actuated from its contracted state to its expanded state by tightening nut 32, which achieves the pulling of main wedge portion 310 between secondary wedge portion 43 and third wedge portion 44.

[0044] Figures 10 to 13 A method for assembling the first component 10 and the second component 11 is shown.

[0045] exist Figure 10The diagram shows the steps of arranging the first member 10 between the two walls 13 of the second member 11.

[0046] exist Figure 11 The diagram illustrates steps including positioning through holes 14 and 16 of a first member 10 and a second member 11 to define a channel 17, and providing a connector 18. A first expansion block 20 is configured to push the first member 10 against a surface 15 of the body 12 of the second member 11, and a second expansion block 21 is configured to contact a surface 19 defined by the through hole 14 in a substantially parallel wall 13 of the second member 11. The connector 18 is, for example, according to... Figures 4 to 9 Connectors.

[0047] exist Figure 12 and Figure 13 The diagram illustrates the steps of inserting the connector 18 into the channel 17 to its final position. Subsequent 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 the expanded connector 18 pushing the first member 10 against the surface 15 of the body 12 of the second member 11 in a radial direction relative to the channel 17 to define a clamping contact, thereby defining a pre-tensioned connection in a 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 through hole 14 in the substantially parallel wall 13 of the second member 11.

[0048] The accompanying drawings and descriptions presented herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure (in particular the claims) in any way, but should be interpreted only as illustrative examples used to illustrate this disclosure and the invention described therein.

[0049] This disclosure also includes the following provisions: Terms and Conditions 1. An expansion connector for interconnecting a first component and a second component of a wind turbine assembly, the expansion connector having an actuation direction and configured to expand in an expansion direction substantially perpendicular to the actuation direction, comprising: The actuator has: An elongated portion with a coupling device, the elongated portion extending in the actuation direction, and The main wedge portion extends from the elongated portion in the actuation direction, the main wedge portion having a first inclined surface that extends in the actuation direction and is inclined relative to the actuation direction, such that the main wedge portion tapers toward the elongated portion. The actuating wedge has the following characteristics: The base portion, configured as an elongated portion receiving the actuator, allows the base portion to move along the elongated portion in the actuation direction, and The secondary wedge portion, in the assembled state of the expansion connector, extends from the base portion toward the main wedge portion in the actuation direction. The secondary wedge portion has a second inclined surface that extends along the actuation direction and is inclined relative to the actuation direction, causing the secondary wedge portion to taper away from the base portion. The secondary wedge portion is offset relative to the primary wedge portion in a lateral direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the actuation and expansion directions, such that, as seen in the lateral direction, the primary and secondary wedge portions are allowed to overlap; and A first expansion block includes at least a first complementary inclined surface and a second complementary inclined surface, wherein, in the assembled state of the expansion connector, the first complementary inclined surface and the second complementary inclined surface respectively contact the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface of the actuator and the actuation wedge. The actuation of the actuator in the actuation direction causes the first expansion block to be displaced in the expansion direction, thereby causing the connector to expand in the expansion direction.

[0050] 2. The expansion connector according to Clause 1, wherein the actuating wedge further comprises a third wedge portion, the third wedge portion extending from the base portion toward the main wedge portion in the actuation direction in the assembled state of the expansion connector, the third wedge portion having a third inclined surface extending in the actuation direction and inclined relative to the actuation direction, such that the third wedge portion tapers away from the base portion, wherein: The third wedge portion is offset relative to the secondary wedge portion in the lateral direction, so that the base portion, the secondary wedge portion and the third wedge portion form a fork-shaped actuating wedge.

[0051] 3. The expansion connector according to Clause 2, wherein the offset between the secondary wedge portion and the third wedge portion approximately corresponds to the width of the primary wedge portion in the lateral direction, such that the primary wedge portion can be accommodated between the secondary wedge portion and the third wedge portion.

[0052] 4. The expansion connector according to clause 2 or 3, wherein the first expansion block further includes a third complementary inclined surface, wherein, in the assembled state of the expansion connector, the third complementary inclined surface contacts the third inclined surface of the actuating wedge.

[0053] 5. The expansion connector according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the base portion of the actuating wedge includes a through hole through which an elongated portion of the actuator can be received.

[0054] 6. The expansion connector according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the main wedge portion, the secondary wedge portion and / or the third wedge portion each include an additional first inclined surface, an additional second inclined surface and / or an additional third inclined surface that are respectively opposite to the first inclined surface, the second inclined surface and / or the third inclined surface in the expansion direction.

[0055] 7. The expansion connector according to Clause 6 further includes a second expansion block, the second expansion block including a first complementary inclined surface, a second complementary inclined surface and / or a third complementary inclined surface, wherein, in the assembled state of the expansion connector, the first complementary inclined surface, the second complementary inclined surface and / or the third complementary inclined surface respectively contact the additional first inclined surface, the additional second inclined surface and / or the additional third inclined surface.

[0056] 8. The expansion connector according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes an adjustment device configured to engage with the engagement device of the actuator.

[0057] 9. The expansion connector according to Clause 8, wherein the engagement device of the actuator is formed by an external thread, and the adjusting device includes an internal thread, preferably wherein the adjusting device includes a nut.

[0058] 10. The expansion connector according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the main wedge portion, the secondary wedge portion and / or the third wedge portion include flat side surfaces on both sides in the transverse direction.

[0059] 11. The expansion connector according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the normal of each of the first inclined surface, the second inclined surface and / or the third inclined surface and / or the additional first inclined surface, the additional second inclined surface and / or the additional third inclined surface has components in the actuation direction and the expansion direction.

[0060] 12. A wind turbine assembly comprising a first structural member and a second structural member, wherein the second member has a forked cross-section and a body disposed between two substantially parallel walls, each wall including at least one through hole, and the first member is disposed between the two walls of the second member and in contact with a surface of the body of the second member, the first member including the through hole. The through hole in the first component and the through hole in the second component define a channel, wherein, preferably, the channel has an elongated cross-section that extends in the longitudinal direction of at least one of the first component and the second component. The assembly also includes an expansion connector according to any one of the foregoing clauses, the expansion connector being axially insertable into the channel to a final position and capable of continuously radially expanding relative to the channel in the expansion direction of the expansion connector by actuating an actuator in the actuation direction of the expansion connector, so that, in the expanded state of the connector, the first member and the second member are connected 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 to define a clamping contact, thereby defining a pre-tensioned connection in the radial direction relative to the channel between the surface of the body of the second member and the surface defined by the through hole in the substantially parallel wall of the second member.

[0061] 13. A method of assembling a wind turbine assembly according to Clause 12, the method comprising: - Arrange the first component between the two walls of the second component; - Positioning through holes in the first and second components to define a channel, wherein, preferably, the channel has an elongated cross-section that extends in the longitudinal direction of at least one of the first and second components; - Provide the expansion connector and insert the expansion connector into the channel to its final position; - By actuating the actuator in the actuation direction of the connector, the connector is continuously radially expanded relative to the channel in the expansion direction of the connector, thereby connecting the first member and the second member relative to each other; and - The expanding expansion connector pushes the first member against the surface of the body of the second member in the radial direction relative to the channel to define a clamping contact, thereby defining a pre-tensioned connection in the radial direction relative to the channel between the surface of the body of the second member and the surface defined by the through hole in the substantially parallel wall of the second member.

Claims

1. An expansion connector for interconnecting a first component and a second component of a wind turbine assembly, the expansion connector having an actuation direction and configured to expand in an expansion direction substantially perpendicular to the actuation direction, comprising: The actuator has: An elongated portion with a coupling device, the elongated portion extending in the actuation direction, and A main wedge portion extending from the elongated portion in the actuation direction, the main wedge portion having a first inclined surface that extends along the actuation direction and is inclined relative to the actuation direction, such that the main wedge portion tapers toward the elongated portion; The actuating wedge has the following characteristics: A base portion, configured to receive the elongated portion of the actuator, such that the base portion is movable along the elongated portion in the actuation direction, and The secondary wedge portion, in the assembled state of the expansion connector, extends from the base portion toward the main wedge portion in the actuation direction. The secondary wedge portion has a second inclined surface that extends along the actuation direction and is inclined relative to the actuation direction, such that the secondary wedge portion tapers away from the base portion. The secondary wedge portion is offset relative to the primary wedge portion in a lateral direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the actuation direction and the expansion direction, such that, as seen in the lateral direction, the primary wedge portion and the secondary wedge portion are allowed to overlap; and A first expansion block includes at least a first complementary inclined surface and a second complementary inclined surface, wherein, in the assembled state of the expansion connector, the first complementary inclined surface and the second complementary inclined surface respectively contact the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface of the actuator and the actuation wedge. The actuation of the actuator in the actuation direction causes the first expansion block to be displaced in the expansion direction, thereby causing the connector to expand in the expansion direction.

2. The expansion connector according to claim 1, wherein, The actuating wedge further includes a third wedge portion, which extends from the base portion toward the main wedge portion in the actuation direction in the assembled state of the expansion connector. The third wedge portion has a third inclined surface that extends along the actuation direction and is inclined relative to the actuation direction, such that the third wedge portion tapers away from the base portion, wherein: The third wedge portion is offset relative to the sub-wedge portion in the lateral direction, such that the base portion, the sub-wedge portion, and the third wedge portion form a fork-shaped actuating wedge.

3. The expansion connector according to claim 2, wherein, The offset between the secondary wedge portion and the third wedge portion approximately corresponds to the width of the main wedge portion in the lateral direction, such that the main wedge portion can be accommodated between the secondary wedge portion and the third wedge portion.

4. The expansion connector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The first expansion block further includes a third complementary inclined surface, wherein, in the assembled state of the expansion connector, the third complementary inclined surface contacts the third inclined surface of the actuating wedge.

5. The expansion connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The base portion of the actuated wedge includes a through-hole through which the elongated portion of the actuator can be received.

6. The expansion connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The main wedge portion, the secondary wedge portion, and / or the third wedge portion each include an additional first inclined surface, an additional second inclined surface, and / or an additional third inclined surface that are respectively opposite to the first inclined surface, the second inclined surface, and / or the third inclined surface in the expansion direction.

7. The expansion connector according to claim 6, further comprising a second expansion block, the second expansion block comprising a first complementary inclined surface, a second complementary inclined surface, and / or a third complementary inclined surface, wherein, In the assembled state of the expansion connector, the first complementary inclined surface, the second complementary inclined surface and / or the third complementary inclined surface respectively contact the additional first inclined surface, the additional second inclined surface and / or the additional third inclined surface.

8. The expansion connector according to any one of the preceding claims further includes an adjustment device configured to engage with the engagement device of the actuator.

9. The expansion connector according to claim 8, wherein, The actuator engagement device is formed by an external thread, and the adjustment device includes an internal thread, preferably wherein the adjustment device includes a nut.

10. The expansion connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The main wedge portion, the secondary wedge portion, and / or the third wedge portion include flat side surfaces on both sides in the lateral direction.

11. The expansion connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The normal of each of the first inclined surface, the second inclined surface, and / or the third inclined surface and / or the additional first inclined surface, the additional second inclined surface, and / or the additional third inclined surface has components in the actuation direction and the expansion direction.

12. A wind turbine assembly, comprising a first structural member and a second structural member, wherein, The second member has a forked cross-section and a body disposed between two substantially parallel walls, each wall including at least one through hole. The first member is disposed between the two walls of the second member and abuts against the surface of the body of the second member. The first member also includes the through hole. The through-holes in the first component and the second component define a channel, wherein, preferably, the channel has an elongated cross-section that extends in the longitudinal direction of at least one of the first and second components. The assembly further includes an expansion connector according to any one of the preceding claims, the expansion connector being axially insertable into the channel to a final position and capable of continuously expanding radially relative to the channel in the expansion direction of the expansion connector by actuating the actuator in the actuation direction of the expansion connector, thereby connecting 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, to define a clamping contact, thereby defining a pre-tensioned connection in the radial direction relative to the channel between the surface of the body of the second member and the surface defined by the through hole in the substantially parallel wall of the second member.

13. A method of assembling a wind turbine assembly according to claim 12, the method comprising: - Arrange the first component between the two walls of the second component; - Positioning the through holes of the first and second components to define a channel, wherein, preferably, the channel has an elongated cross-section that extends in the longitudinal direction of at least one of the first and second components; - Provide the expansion connector and insert the expansion connector into the channel to its final position; - By actuating the actuator in the actuation direction of the connector, the connector continuously expands radially relative to the channel in the expansion direction of the connector, thereby connecting the first member and the second member relative to each other; and - The expanding expansion connector pushes the first member against the surface of the body of the second member in the radial direction relative to the channel to define a clamping contact, thereby defining a pre-tensioned connection in the radial direction relative to the channel between the surface of the body of the second member and the surface defined by the through hole in the substantially parallel wall of the second member.

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