WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADE KIT, PRESSURE PIECE AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING TWO ROTOR BLADE SEGMENTS
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- MX · MX
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NORDEX ENERGY SE & CO KG
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
Smart Images
Figure MX434420B0
Abstract
Description
WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADE KIT, PRESSURE PIECE AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING TWO ROTOR BLADE SEGMENTS 7znonn / C7n7 / e / Yi FIELD OF INVENTION The invention relates to a wind turbine rotor blade with at least two rotor blade segments, a kit for connecting two rotor blade segments, a pressure piece for connecting two rotor blade segments, and a method for connecting two rotor blade segments. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Wind turbines with wind turbine rotor blades are widely known in the prior art and are used to convert wind energy into electrical energy. Wind turbines comprise a multitude of components that are connected to each other, for example, by means of a flange connection. For instance, in the area of a rotor blade base / root, the rotor blades comprise a rotor blade connection with a number of connecting means integrated into the laminate, through which the rotor blades are connected to a bearing ring of a so-called pitch bearing or to a component connected to the bearing ring, such as a so-called wind turbine extender, by means of set screws or set bolts. The connecting means may be configured, for example, as cross bolts or bushings and form part of a flange insert for connecting the rotor blade.Such design is known from international application WO 2015 / 124568 A1. Alternatively, flanged connections are also used to connect rotor blade segments which, when arranged and joined together, form a rotor blade. Such a rotor blade is called a split or segmented rotor blade. For example, the connecting means are then located on the laminate of a respective connecting end or split flange of the rotor blade segments. The rotor blade segments can be connected to each other by means of bolts, either directly or via suitable intermediate pieces. Segmented rotor blades are especially preferred for transportation reasons and are becoming increasingly important, particularly due to the increasing overall length of rotor blades. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An underlying task of the present invention is to specify a concept for segmented rotor blades that ensures a particularly advantageous connection of the rotor blade segments. According to a first aspect, a wind turbine rotor blade is described, comprising at least two rotor blade segments. The segments are bolted together at their respective connecting ends by means of a plurality of connecting bolts. Between the rotor blade segments are arranged sleeve-shaped pressure pieces, each mounted on a connecting bolt. Each pressure piece comprises one or more cylindrical sections and a tool coupling section for an assembly tool. Each pressure piece is connected to a corresponding connecting bolt in a form-fit manner, such that a tightening force can be applied to the corresponding connecting bolt by means of the assembly tool through the pressure piece. The diameter of the cylindrical section(s) is smaller than the diameter of the tool coupling section.Each pair of adjacent pressure pieces are arranged rotated 180° relative to each other, so that, along a direction from one rotor blade segment to the other rotor blade segment, a first axial region is formed in which the cylindrical sections of the two adjacent pressure pieces lie opposite each other, a second axial region is formed in which the tool coupling portion of one of the pressure pieces opposes a cylindrical portion of the other pressure piece, and a third axial region is formed in which the tool coupling portion of the other pressure piece opposes a cylindrical portion of the pressure piece. To connect the two rotor blade segments of a wind turbine rotor blade, a large number of corresponding connecting elements, such as bushings, are typically used at the ends to be connected. These connecting elements create numerous bolted connections between the two segments. The assembly is designed so that the connecting bolts are first screwed into one end of a rotor blade segment, for example, into the bushings. Next, sleeve-shaped pressure pieces are pushed onto the connecting bolts before the free ends of the connecting bolts are threaded into the corresponding connecting element of the other rotor blade segment and at least partially tightened. Finally, the two rotor blade segments are bolted together, ensuring a tight connection that is pre-tensioned using the assembly tool.Therefore, the pressure pieces are held between the rotor blade segments. The inventive wind turbine rotor blade features pressure pieces with a special design for their cylindrical and tool-engaging sections. Specifically, the axial lengths of these sections are designed so that, for any two adjacent pressure pieces, the three axial regions described above are formed. Since the diameters of the cylindrical and tool-engaging sections of the pressure pieces are different, as previously defined, the alternating arrangement of the pressure pieces provides varying distances between two adjacent pressure pieces along their longitudinal axes—i.e., clearances—which are efficiently provided and utilized. This arrangement offers numerous advantages, as explained below. The inventive solution allows for efficient use of installation space. Specifically, a comparatively small distance between adjacent pressure sleeves can be achieved with the same size assembly tool, primarily due to the nested arrangement of the pressure pieces. In this nested arrangement, the tool mating sections of two adjacent pressure pieces do not oppose each other along their longitudinal axes. Therefore, the solution contributes to the pressure pieces requiring considerably less installation space. As a result, the small distance between the pressure pieces allows for a relatively high number of threaded connections between the segments along their circumference within their connection area. Furthermore, a shorter installation time can be achieved, as the assembly tool does not necessarily need to be opened during the complete tightening process of a pressure piece or connecting bolt. Instead, the tool can be easily repositioned in the initial axial region, for example, by rotating it in a closed position around the respective pressure piece. Furthermore, the solution enables particularly simple and economical production of pressure components, especially from simple semi-finished tubular products. This results in exceptionally low manufacturing costs. The solution also helps achieve a particularly rigid connection between the two blade segments. It allows for the absorption and transmission of exceptionally high tensile and compressive forces between the two rotor blade segments. Furthermore, particularly efficient force transmission from one segment to the other is possible exclusively through the connecting bolt. In other words, the blade segments are joined in a separable manner without force deviation, unlike eccentric threaded connections or intermediate parts subject to tensile or bending loads. This also allows for very good material utilization. It contributes to a low tendency for the connection to loosen under bending loads, especially in contrast to conventional flanged connections.Furthermore, a uniform distance between the connecting elements, such as the sockets, is guaranteed, and therefore the connection ends are kept separate from each other around the entire connection circumference. For example, the assembly tool is a hydraulic torsion tool, such as an open swing tool. The assembly tool may also be called a mounting tool or screw tool. In the closed state, the assembly tool completely surrounds a pressure piece, at least with a coupling or sheathing portion. The coupling portion is formed, for example, in the shape of a ring. For example, in the closed state, the open swing tool can be placed in the tool coupling section of a pressure piece, such that a rotation of the assembly tool rotates the pressure piece and, consequently, the respective connecting bolt, due to the form-fit connection of the pressure piece with the respective connecting bolt. The assembly tool can be opened, for example, by opening a swing or tilting arm and folding it. The pressure piece is designed as a sleeve, meaning it comprises a continuous bore / opening along a principal extension direction, i.e., a longitudinal axis. The pressure piece is configured, for example, as a clamping sleeve. In an axial region, a complete cylindrical section or a part of a cylindrical portion can be arranged. The positive locking connections (form-fit connections) between the pressure pieces and the bolts are such that a torque can be transmitted around the longitudinal axis of a pressure piece to the connecting bolt inserted for tightening. In other words, form-fit connections are torsion-proof. A connecting bolt, for example, is a threaded bolt. The connecting bolt is designed, for example, as an expansion shaft bolt (with corresponding external threads). The connecting elements mentioned, such as bushings, are, for example, laminated elements at the connecting ends of the blade segments. It is also conceivable that the two connecting elements are formed by dividing a single, complete connecting element. In this case, the rotor blade would first be manufactured as a whole, i.e., with a one-piece housing, and then separated at a dividing point, for example, by cutting or sawing. The separation takes place in the area of the complete connecting elements, so that for each complete connecting element, two halves of connecting elements are created, one for each of the two blade segments created by division. The cylindrical and tool engagement sections refer to the outer circumference of a pressing component. The tool engagement section is, for example, a hexagonal section, and the assembly tool is designed accordingly to engage the pressing components within that section. The term adjacent means pressure pieces arranged directly next to each other along the circumference of the wind turbine rotor blade. The term diameter refers to the outside diameter and, in particular, preferably means the maximum outside diameter in the respective area or of the respective element. According to one modality, an axial length of the first axial region corresponds to at least one width of the assembly tool. According to one modality, an axial length of the second and / or third axial region corresponds to at least one width of the assembly tool. According to one model, the tool width is up to 20 to 40 mm. The width of the assembly tool is, for example, the width of a wrench, for example, of an enveloping portion of the open oscillating tool. According to one embodiment, each of the pressure pieces consists of a cylindrical portion with an axial length at least twice the width of the assembly tool, and the tool coupling portion has an axial length at least equal to the width of the assembly tool. This is a feasible and easily produced solution that enables the functions and advantages mentioned above. According to one embodiment, each of the pressure pieces comprises an additional cylindrical portion having an axial length at least equal to the width of the assembly tool, with the tool engagement portion located between the two cylindrical portions. This is another possible solution for a pressure piece, where, for example, two adjacent pressure pieces form two axial first regions that allow for the mounting / release or repositioning of the assembly tool. According to one embodiment, the diameter of a pressure piece in the first axial region is such that the assembly tool can rotate freely coaxially around the respective pressure piece in the first axial region. In particular, the diameter is 64 mm, 74 mm, 79 mm, or another value, for example, smaller or larger than the given values, depending on the required size; however, it is 1 mm smaller than the size of a used wrench or less. Thus, a clearance is defined between two adjacent pressure pieces, large enough to allow the tool to rotate at least partially around a respective pressure piece. For example, the diameter of a pressure piece in the first axial region is smaller than the size of a wrench on the assembly tool, allowing the tool to rotate freely. Furthermore, the clearance is so large that the tool can open and close to release it from or place it on a pressure piece. This also allows for easy repositioning of the tool, for example, to reattach the same tool coupling section to further tighten the same pressure piece. During repositioning, opening the assembly tool, for example, its outer or surrounding portion, is not necessary. Additionally, ratchet-less tools are possible. j7nonn / C7n7 / e / Yi According to one modality, the clearance between two adjacent pressure pieces in the second and / or third axial region is less than the clearance in the first axial region, in particular the clearance is 10 mm or less. The clearance is large enough to allow the assembly tool, in a state coupled with the tool coupling section, to be rotated to screw in the corresponding connecting bolt. According to one modality, in the first axial region the free space between two adjacent pressure pieces is at its maximum, particularly in comparison with the free space between all the remaining portions of the two adjacent pressure pieces. According to one embodiment, a pressure piece comprises cylindrical sections formed uniformly at opposite ends. Therefore, the end surfaces (contact surfaces with the rotor blade segments and, in particular, with inserts such as sleeves or bushings) are essentially dimensioned identically, so that, in principle, the friction or contact conditions are the same on both sides of the pressure pieces. In one configuration, the multiple pressure pieces are identically formed. Therefore, all pressure pieces are the same, which contributes to comparatively low production costs and makes assembly and installation similar for all bolted connections. According to another aspect, a kit for connecting two rotor blade segments of a wind turbine rotor blade is disclosed as defined in the claims. The kit essentially provides the advantages and functions mentioned above. The kit can be further developed according to the modalities mentioned above with respect to the first aspect of this disclosure. For example, several kits can be provided for all bolt connections used. According to another aspect, a pressure piece for connecting two rotor blade segments of a wind turbine rotor blade, according to any of the aforementioned embodiments, is disclosed as defined in the claims. The pressure piece essentially enables the advantages and functions mentioned above. According to another aspect, a method is described for joining two rotor blade segments of a wind turbine rotor blade according to any of the modalities mentioned above. The method comprises the following steps: Partially thread connecting bolts into the first connecting end of the first rotor blade segment such that the connecting bolts protrude from the first connecting end; provide sleeve-shaped pressure pieces, each comprising one or more cylindrical portions and a tool coupling portion for an assembly tool, wherein the diameter of the cylindrical portion(s) is less than the diameter of the tool coupling portion; fit the pressure pieces onto the connecting bolts such that two adjacent pressure pieces are arranged in each case rotated 180° relative to each other; bring the second connecting end of the second rotor blade segment close to the first connecting end of the first rotor blade segment; and partially screw the connecting bolts into the second connecting end.Join an assembly tool to a first pressure piece in the first axial region with respect to an adjacent second pressure piece; align and axially move the assembly tool along the first pressure piece so that the assembly tool engages with the first pressure piece at the tool engagement portion; and screw the corresponding connecting screw onto the assembly tool. The method essentially allows the advantages and functions mentioned above. According to one method, after the tightening stage, the assembly tool is moved axially to the first axial region. The assembly tool is then removed and attached to the second pressure piece, or it is realigned by freely rotating it around the first pressure piece in the first axial region. In other words, the assembly tool is readjusted or removed from the first pressure piece for use with the second pressure piece. Other advantages, features, and functions are given in the following example embodiment of the invention, which are explained in relation to the figures. Identical, similar, or similarly functioning elements are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the figures: FIGURE 1 shows a schematic view of a wind turbine, FIGURE 2 shows a schematic view of a split rotor blade with two rotor blade segments, FIGURE 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary bolt-on connection of two rotor blade segments, FIGURE 4 shows a pressure piece according to one embodiment of the invention, FIGURE 5 shows an exemplary arrangement of three pressure pieces from FIGURE 4 for connecting two rotor blade segments according to one embodiment of the invention. Figures 6 to 9 show perspective views of different assembly stages with 7znonn / C7n7 / e / Yi an assembly tool according to a modality of the invention. Figures 10a to 10d show an exemplary installation procedure according to one embodiment of the invention, and FIGURE 11 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for joining two rotor blade segments according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIGURE 1 shows a schematic view of a wind turbine 100, comprising a tower 102. The tower 102 is fixed to the ground by means of a foundation 104. At one end of the tower 102 opposite the ground, a nacelle 106 is rotatably mounted. The nacelle 106, for example, comprises a generator that is coupled to a rotor 108 via a rotor shaft (not shown). The rotor 108 comprises one or more rotor blades (wind turbine) 110, which are arranged in a rotor hub 112. During operation, the rotor 108 is set in rotation by an airflow, such as wind. This rotational motion is transmitted to the generator via the rotor shaft and, if necessary, a gearbox. The generator converts the kinetic energy of the rotor 108 into electrical energy. Figure 2 shows an exemplary wind turbine rotor blade 110. The rotor blade 110 is shaped like a conventional rotor blade and has a rotor blade root area 114 facing the rotor hub 112. The rotor blade root area 114 typically has an essentially circular cross-section. The rotor blade root area 114 is followed by a transition area 116 and a profile area 118 of the rotor blade 110. The rotor blade 110 has a pressure side 122 and an opposing suction side 124 with respect to a longitudinal extension direction 120 (also the main extension direction). The rotor blade 110 is essentially hollow inside. In the rotor blade root area 114, a rotor blade connection end 126 is provided with a connection flange 128, by means of which the rotor blade 110 is mechanically connected to a pitch bearing or extender. The rotor blade 110 comprises a split area 130 where a rotor blade segment on the blade root side 132 and a rotor blade segment on the blade tip side 134 are connected to each other. For this purpose, both segments 132 and 134 respectively comprise a segment connection area 136 and 138 (also called connection ends). The rotor blade 110 is therefore a split rotor blade as described above. Each connection end 136 and 138 has a multitude of sleeves or caps 140 and 142, which are arranged according to the profile (circumferentially) and comprise internal threads for receiving bolts, also called bearing bolts or connecting bolts. For example, the first caps 140 comprise left-hand threads (first internal threads), and the second caps 142 comprise right-hand threads (second internal threads), or vice versa.A connection end 136, 138 is, for example, a flange insert, which is inserted into a production mold for manufacturing the rotor blade 110. However, it is also conceivable that no flange insert is provided and that the bushings are embedded and rolled directly into the rotor blade halves. The bushings are steel sleeves, for example. The connection of both rotor blade segments 132,134 will now be described in more detail, so this will be explained using a single bolt connection as an example. Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial area of two rotor blade segments connected 132, 134 at the split area 130, where a single-bolt connection 148 is shown. The first connecting end 136 of the first rotor blade segment 132 comprises a multitude of first bushings 140 as previously described. The second connecting end 138 of the second rotor blade segment 134 comprises a series of second bushings 142. A connecting bolt 146 is screwed into each pair of aligned first and second bushings 140, 142. This bolt 146 mechanically connects the two connecting ends 136, 138 and thus the two rotor blade segments 132, 134. In addition, a pressure piece 144 is held between the two connecting ends 136, 138 by a bolt connection 148. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a pressure piece 144 according to one embodiment of the invention. The pressure piece 144 is designed as a cylindrical sleeve and is manufactured from a simple semi-finished tubular product. The pressure piece 144 comprises a longitudinal (central) shaft 150 and a continuous bore 152 (general opening). The pressure piece 144 is designed to be pushed onto the connecting bolt 146 (not shown), thereby engaging the bolt 146 in a form-fit manner so that a rotation applied to the pressure piece 144 is transferred to the bolt 146. The pressure piece 144 has a first axial end 154 and an opposing second axial end 156. Starting from the first axial end 154, the pressure piece 144 has a first cylindrical section 158, a rear tool-engaging section 160 followed by a second short cylindrical section 162.An outside diameter 164 of the cylindrical sections 158, 162 is smaller than an outside diameter 166 of the tool coupling section 160. In the present embodiment, the cylindrical sections 158, 162 are uniformly formed and comprise the axial ends 154, 156. This ensures the same contact conditions of the pressure piece 144 on both rotor blade segments 132, 134. The cylindrical section 158 comprises grooves 163 that serve as windows allowing a view of the connecting pin 146 (not shown) within the pressure piece 144. 7znonn / C7n7 / e / Yi The tool coupling section 160 has a hexagonal outer shape for coupling with a respective assembly tool, as described below. The tool coupling section 160 comprises holes 161 in the flat areas of the hexagon. The holes are intended for inserting a bolt-like assembly tool to rotate the pressure piece 144 in a pre-assembly step. The design of the pressure piece 144 according to FIGURE 4 allows for a special nested arrangement of several pressure pieces 144 for connecting two rotor blade segments, as shown in FIGURE 5. Figure 5 shows three such pressure pieces 144, where, for clarity, bolts 146 and bushings 140, 142 are not shown, and the rotor blade segments 132 are indicated simply by dotted lines. Every two adjacent pressure pieces 144 are arranged rotated 180° relative to each other. Thus, the pressure pieces 144 alternate along the circumference of the rotor blade 110 with respect to their orientations. By means of this arrangement, along the direction from one rotor blade segment, for example, the first segment 132, to the other rotor blade segment, for example, the second segment 134, several axial regions are formed with respect to two adjacent pressure pieces 144. In a first axial region 168, only cylindrical sections (for example, portions of the first cylindrical sections 158) of two adjacent pressure pieces are arranged, for example, opposing each other. In the second and third axial regions 170 and 172, a respective tool coupling section 160 and a cylindrical section (for example, portions of the first cylindrical sections 158) of the respective two adjacent pressure pieces 144 are arranged, for example, opposing each other. The axial lengths 174, 176, and 178 (e.g., axial expansions) of the axial regions 168, 170, and 172 correspond essentially to at least one width 181 of an assembly tool 180, shown in FIGURES 6 to 9. In other words, the first cylindrical section 158 of a pressure piece 144 has a length at least twice the width 181 of the assembly tool 180. In other words, in the embodiment shown herein, the first axial region 168 extends from the middle (dotted line) at least half the width 181 of the assembly tool 180 toward the first and second axial ends 154, 156. A first clearance 182, for example, the distance, between two adjacent pressure pieces 144 in the first axial region 168 is smaller than a second clearance 184, for example, the distance, between the two adjacent pressure pieces 144 in the second and third axial regions. Thus, in the first axial region 168, a clearance 186 is formed between two adjacent pressure pieces 144, which is larger than the clearances in the second and third axial regions 170, 172. 7znonn / C7n7 / e / Yi Figures 6 to 9 show different stages of assembling a bolt connection 148 using the assembly tool 180. Again, for clarity, bolts and rotor blade segments are not shown. Two bushings 140, 142 are at least partially shown. The assembly tool 180 is a hydraulic torsion tool, having a coupling portion 188 that is ring-shaped in its closed state. This coupling portion 188 specifies the width 181 of the assembly tool 180 in this embodiment. In the first axial region, the assembly tool 180 can be attached to or released from a respective pressure piece 144, as shown in FIGURE 6, where the coupling part 188 is in an open state. In this open state, a pivoting piece 190 is unlocked and folded. With regard to FIGURE 7, after closing the coupling part 188, the coupling part 188 completely surrounds the pressure piece 144. In the first axial region, the assembly tool 180, for example, the coupling part 188, can rotate freely around the cylindrical section 158 of the pressure piece. In a certain orientation, the assembly tool 180 can move axially on the respective tool coupling section 160. FIGURE 8 shows the state in which the assembly tool 180 is coupled to the pressure piece 144 to apply a screwing force on the pressure piece 144. With regard to FIGURE 9, after the pressure piece 144 has been rotated to screw in the corresponding bolt 146, the assembly tool 180 can either be axially moved back in the first axial region 168 to release or rotated to reposition itself to move again over the tool coupling portion 160. At this point, it is observed that at least two screws 146 and at least two pressure pieces 144 together form a kit or assembly kit for mounting two rotor blade segments. Figures 10a to 10d show an exemplary method for connecting two segments 132, 134 with the help of the flow diagram in Figure 11 according to one embodiment of the invention. In a first step S1, the connecting bolts 146 are partially screwed into the first connecting end 136 of the first rotor blade segment 132, in particular into the first bushings 140, such that the connecting bolts 146 protrude from the first connecting end 136 (not shown). In another step S2, the sleeve-shaped pressure pieces 144 are provided as described above (not shown). In an additional step S3, the pressure pieces 144 are fitted onto the connecting bolts 146 in a tight manner, wherein two adjacent pressure pieces are arranged in each j7nonn / C7n7 / e / Yi case rotated 180° relative to each other (see FIGURES 10a to 10d, which exemplify this arrangement). In another step S4, the second connection end 138 of the second rotor blade segment 134 approaches the first connection end 136 of the first rotor blade segment 132 (not shown). In another step S5, the connecting bolts 146 are partially screwed into the second connecting end 138 of the second rotor blade segment 134, in particular into second bushings 142 (not shown). In another step S6, the assembly tool 180 is joined to a first pressure piece 144 in the first axial region 168 with respect to an adjacent second pressure piece 144 (see also FIGURES 6 and 7). In another step S7, the assembly tool 180 is aligned and moved axially along the first pressure piece 144 so that the assembly tool 180 engages with the first pressure piece 144 at the tool engagement portion 160 (see FIGURE 10a and FIGURE 8). Therefore, the tool 180 moves into the second axial region 170. In another step S8, the corresponding connecting bolt 146 (not shown) is screwed in at least partially using assembly tool 180 (see FIGURE 10a). In another step S9, the assembly tool 180 moves axially back to the first axial region 168 (see FIGURE 10b). If necessary, in another step S10, the assembly tool 180 is repositioned in the first axial region 168 (free rotation around the cylindrical part of the pressure piece 144) and steps S7 to S9 are repeated. Otherwise, in another step S11, the assembly tool 180 is separated from the first pressure piece 144 and attached to the next second pressure piece 144 (see FIGURE 10c). Now, steps S7 to S9 and possibly S10 are repeated, with the difference that tool 180 is moved to the third axial region in step S7 to screw the respective pressure piece 144 / bolt 146 (see FIGURE 10d). The configurations described above enable the functions, effects, and advantages listed in the introductory section of this document. In particular, the pressure pieces 144 can be arranged very close together, while still allowing access and tightening by the assembly tool 180. It should be noted that in the configurations shown and described, all the pressure pieces 144 are identically formed. zznonn / cznz / e / Yi 7znann / P7n7 / e / Yi Reference signs 100 Wind turbine 102 Tower 104 Foundation 106 Nacelle 108 Rotor 110 Rotor blade 112 Rotor hub 114 Rotor blade root area 116 Transition area 118 Profile area 120 Longitudinal extension direction 122 Pressure side 124 Suction side 126 Rotor blade connection end 128 Flange connection 130 Splitting area 132 First rotor blade segment 134 Second rotor blade segment 136 First connection end 138 Second connection end 140 First bushing 142 Second bushing 144 Pressure piece 146 Connection bolt 148 Bolt connection 150 Longitudinal shaft 152 Drilling 154 First axial end 156 Second axial end 158 First cylindrical section 160 Tool coupling section 161 Hole 162 Second section cylindrical 163 slotted hole 164 outside diameter 14 166 outside diameter 168 first axial region 170 second axial region 172 third axial region 174-178 axial length 180 assembly tool 181 width 182 first clearance 184 second clearance 186 clearance 188 coupling part 190 oscillating / tilting part S1 to S11 steps
Claims
1. A wind turbine rotor blade (110), characterized in that it comprises at least two rotor blade segments (132, 134), said segments (132, 134) being bolted together at respective connecting ends (136, 138) by means of a plurality of connecting bolts (146), wherein sleeve-shaped pressure pieces (144) are arranged between the rotor blade segments (132, 134), each of which is mounted on a connecting bolt (146), each pressure piece (144) comprising one or more cylindrical sections (158, 162) and a tool coupling section (160) for an assembly tool (180), each pressure piece (144) being connected to a corresponding connecting bolt (146) in a form-fit manner, such that a tightening force can be applied to the corresponding connecting bolt (146) by means of the assembly tool (180) through the pressure piece (144),a diameter (164) of the cylindrical sections (158, 162) is smaller than a diameter (166) of the tool coupling section (160), and each pair of adjacent pressure pieces (144) are arranged rotated 180° relative to each other, so that in the case of adjacent pressure pieces (144), in one direction from one rotor blade segment (132, 134) to the other rotor blade segment (132, 134), a first axial region (168) is formed, in which the cylindrical sections (158, 162) of the two pressure pieces (144) are opposed to each other, a second axial region (170) is formed, in which the tool coupling portion (160) of one pressure piece (144) is opposed to a cylindrical portion (158, 162) of the other pressure piece (144), and a third region is formed. axial (172), wherein the tool coupling portion (160) of the other pressure piece (144) opposes a cylindrical portion (158, 162) of the pressure piece (144).
2. The wind turbine rotor blade (110) according to claim 1, characterized in that an axial length (174) of the first axial region (168) corresponds to at least a width (181) of the assembly tool (180).
3. The wind turbine rotor blade (110) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an axial length (176, 178) of the second and / or third axial region (170, 172) corresponds to at least a width (181) of the assembly tool (180).
4. The wind turbine rotor blade (110) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the width (181) of the assembly tool (180) is up to 20 to 40 mm.
5. The wind turbine rotor blade (110) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure pieces (144) are each formed by a cylindrical portion (158) comprising an axial length (176) of at least twice the width (181) of the assembly tool (180) and the tool coupling portion (160) whose axial length (176) is at least equal to the width (181) of the assembly tool (180).
6. The wind turbine rotor blade (110) according to claim 5, characterized in that the pressure pieces (144) each comprise an additional cylindrical portion having an axial length of at least the width (181) of the assembly tool (180), with the tool coupling portion (160) being situated between two of the cylindrical portions (158).
7. The wind turbine rotor blade (110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a diameter (164) of a pressure piece (144) in the first axial region (168) is such that the assembly tool (180) can rotate freely coaxially around the respective pressure piece (144) in the first axial region (168), in particular the diameter (164) is 64 mm, 74 mm, 79 mm or less or more.
8. The wind turbine rotor blade (110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clearance (184) between two adjacent pressure pieces (144) in the second and / or third axial region (170, 172) is less than the clearance (182) in the first axial region (168), in particular the clearance (184) is 10 mm or less.
9. The wind turbine rotor blade (110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clearance between two adjacent pressure pieces (144) in the first axial region (168) is maximum.
10. The wind turbine rotor blade (110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a pressure piece (144) comprises equally formed cylindrical sections at opposite ends (154, 156).
11. The wind turbine rotor blade (110) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of pressure pieces (144) are formed identically.
12. A kit for connecting two rotor blade segments (132, 134) of a wind turbine rotor blade (110), characterized in that it comprises at least two connecting bolts (146) for screwing the two rotor blade segments (132, 134) together and at least two sleeve-shaped pressure pieces (144), each of which can be applied to a connecting bolt (146) and are arranged between the rotor blade segments (132, 134) in a connected state of the two rotor blade segments (132, 134), wherein each pressure piece (144) comprises one or more cylindrical sections (158, 162) and a tool coupling section (160) for an assembly tool (180), each pressure piece (144) being connectable with a corresponding connecting bolt (146) in a way of adjusting the shape,so that a tightening force can be applied to the corresponding connecting bolt (146) by means of the assembly tool (180) through the pressure piece (144), a diameter (164) of the cylindrical sections (158, 162) is smaller than a diameter (166) of the tool coupling section (160), and the pressure pieces (144) in the connected state of the rotor blade segments (132, 134) can be placed adjacent to each other and rotated 180° relative to each other such that, in a direction from one rotor blade segment (132, 134) to the other rotor blade segment (132, 134), a first axial region (168) is formed, in which opposite cylindrical sections (158, 162) of the two pressure pieces (144) lie, and a second axial region (170) is formed, in which the coupling portion of tools (160) of a pressure piece (144) opposes a cylindrical portion (158, 162) of the other pressure piece (144),and a third axial region (172) is formed, in which the tool coupling portion (160) of the other pressure piece (144) opposes a cylindrical portion (158, 162) of the pressure piece (144).
13. A pressure piece (144) for connecting two rotor blade segments (132, 134) of a wind turbine rotor blade (110) according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the pressure piece (144) is sleeve-shaped, the pressure piece (144) comprises one or more cylindrical portions (158, 162) and a tool coupling portion (160) for an assembly tool (180), the pressure piece (144) can be applied to a connecting bolt (146) by means of a form-fit lock, so that a tightening force can be applied to the corresponding connecting bolt (146) by means of the assembly tool (180) through the pressure piece (144), a diameter (164) of the cylindrical section or sections (158, 162) is less than a diameter (166) from the tool coupling section (160),and the pressure piece (144) is designed such that in a connected state of the rotor blade segments (132, 134), in which the pressure piece (144) is arranged between the rotor blade segments (132, 134), the pressure piece (144) can be arranged rotated 180° with respect to another adjacent pressure piece (144), so that, in the direction from one rotor blade segment (132, 134) to the other rotor blade segment (132, 134), a first axial region (168) is formed, in which the cylindrical portions (158, 162) of the two pressure pieces (144) are opposed to each other, and a second axial region (170) is formed, in which the tool-engaging portion (160) of one pressure piece (144) is opposed to a cylindrical portion (158, 162) of the other pressure piece (144), and a third axial region is formed,wherein the tool coupling portion (160) of the other pressure piece (144) opposes a cylindrical portion (158,162) of the pressure piece (144).
14. A method of joining two rotor blade segments (132, 134) of a wind turbine rotor blade (110) according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: partially screwing connecting bolts (146) into a first connecting end (136) of the first rotor blade segment (132) such that the connecting bolts (146) protrude from the first connecting end (136), providing sleeve-shaped pressure pieces (144), each comprising one or more cylindrical portions (158, 162) and a tool coupling portion (160) for an assembly tool (180), and wherein a diameter (164) of the cylindrical portions (158, 162) is smaller than a diameter (166) of the tool coupling portion (160),fit the pressure pieces (144) onto the connecting bolts (146) in a form fit such that two adjacent pressure pieces (144) are arranged in each case rotated 180° relative to each other, bring the second connecting end (138) of the second rotor blade segment (134) close to the first connecting end (136) of the first rotor blade segment (132), partially screw the connecting bolts (146) onto the second connecting end (138), attach an assembly tool (180) to a first pressure piece (144) in the first axial region (168) with respect to an adjacent second pressure piece (144), align and / or axially move the assembly tool (180) along the first pressure piece (144) so that the assembly tool (180) engages with the first pressure piece (144) at the tool engagement portion (160); and tighten the corresponding connecting screw (146) using the assembly tool (180).
15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, after the screwing step, the assembly tool (180) is axially moved backward in the first axial region (168) and then the assembly tool (180) is withdrawn and joined to the second pressure piece (144) or the assembly tool (180) is realigned by rotating it freely around the first pressure piece (144) in the first axial region (168).