Transport device and heavy goods vehicle comprising the transport device

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport device (100; 300; 400) which is designed and intended to be used in a heavy goods vehicle (200), and which is configured to receive an elongate load (F), the transport device (100; 300; 400) comprising a transport flange (102; 302; 402) which is configured to receive the load (F) at a longitudinal end of the load (F), and a flange receptacle (104, 304; 404) on which the transport flange (102; 302; 402) is mounted, wherein the flange receptacle (104; 304; 404) is designed and intended to be attached to the heavy goods vehicle (200), wherein the transport flange (102; 302; 402) has at least one flange receiving surface (102a; 302a; 402a) which is configured to face the flange receptacle (104; 304; 404), and a load receiving surface (102b, 302b; 402b) which is configured to face the load (F) when the transport device (100; 300; 400) is in use, and wherein the flange receiving surface (102a; 302a; 402a) and the load receiving surface (102b; 302b; 402b) have a predefined angle of inclination (α) to one another.

Description

[0001] Transport device and heavy-duty vehicle, comprising the transport device

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a transport device which is designed and intended to be used in a heavy-duty vehicle and is configured to receive an elongated load, in particular a wing.

[0004] The invention further relates to a heavy-duty vehicle comprising such a transport device.

[0005] It should be noted at this point that the heavy goods vehicle can be either a motor-driven heavy goods vehicle or a towed heavy goods vehicle, for example a heavy goods trailer or, as stated in Annex XI to EC Directive 2007-46-EC in the version of 15 July 2011, a “trailer for heavy goods transport”.

[0006] One application in which transport devices of this type are used concerns the transport of a load in the form of a wind turbine blade. However, it should be noted at this point that, although the present invention will be described in part below with reference to the transport of wind turbine blades, no limitations of any kind can be derived from this.

[0007] Since wind turbine blades are known to have a considerable length of up to 50 m, in particular up to 80 m, and more, their transport to a destination where, for example, a wind turbine is to be erected, often represents a technically demanding challenge. For this purpose, a wind turbine blade is usually fastened to a transport flange of the transport device with its longitudinal end facing away from the wind turbine blade tip. The transport flange can in turn be mounted on a flange holder which is designed and intended to be attached to the heavy-duty vehicle. In order to be able to guide the wind turbine blade past obstacles such as buildings, trees, tight bends or the like during transport with the transport device, known transport devices are often able to rotate the wind turbine blade around an axis running essentially in a horizontal direction, i.e.upwards and / or downwards as seen in the direction of travel of the heavy goods vehicle, and to pivot about an axis running essentially in a vertical direction, ie laterally to the right and / or to the left as seen in the direction of travel of the heavy goods vehicle.

[0008] However, the provision of a pivoting mechanism that enables lateral pivoting around the essentially vertical axis can result in the transport device having a comparatively large extension in one vertical direction. This can lead to an increased driving height of the heavy-duty vehicle when the transport device is used, making passage through tunnels or under bridges difficult or even impossible. Furthermore, the lateral pivoting of the wind turbine blade regularly leads to an increased risk of the heavy-duty vehicle tipping over due to the shift in the center of gravity if the pivoting angle is set too large for a particular transport situation, possibly inadvertently.

[0009] It is therefore the object of the present invention to remedy this situation.

[0010] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a transport device which is designed and intended to be used in a heavy-duty vehicle and is configured to receive an elongated load, the transport device comprising a transport flange which is configured to receive the load at a longitudinal end of the load, and a flange receptacle to which the transport flange is mounted, wherein the flange receptacle is designed and intended to be attached to the heavy-duty vehicle, wherein the transport flange has at least one flange receptacle surface which is configured to face the flange receptacle, and a load-receiving surface which is configured to face the load when the transport device is in use, and wherein the flange receptacle surface and the load-receiving surface have a predetermined angle of inclination to one another.

[0011] Since, according to the invention, the transport flange of the transport device has the flange receiving surface and the load receiving surface, which have the predetermined angle of inclination relative to one another, the elongated load, when mounted on the transport flange, can exhibit a deflection, in particular a lateral deflection, with respect to its longitudinal direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the heavy-duty vehicle, which can correspond to the predetermined angle of inclination. Consequently, the transport device, including the elongated load mounted thereon, can be guided past obstacles, buildings, trees, tight curves, or the like in an improved manner without the need for a separate pivoting mechanism that allows pivoting of the transport device, in particular the flange receiving surface, about a substantially vertical axis.Therefore, the transport device can have a more compact vertical extension, making the transport device according to the invention particularly suitable for overcoming obstacles, such as tunnels or underpasses under bridges or the like, which require a low height of the transport device or a low driving height of the heavy-duty vehicle. The transport device can also have a reduced dead weight due to the elimination of the separate pivoting mechanism.

[0012] If the elongated load has a center of gravity that is offset from its longitudinal axis, i.e., off-center, by appropriately selecting the predetermined angle of inclination, the resulting lateral deflection of the elongated load relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis can shift the center of gravity of the elongated load toward the vehicle's longitudinal axis. Preferably, the center of gravity of the elongated load can be shifted by the predetermined angle of inclination such that the center of gravity, for example, as seen from a top view, lies close to or on the vehicle's longitudinal axis.By means of this targeted shift of the center of gravity, a more even load distribution can be achieved on the heavy-duty vehicle on which the transport device according to the invention is used, whereby the stability, for example a safety with regard to lateral tipping, and / or the application limits of the transport device and thus of the heavy-duty vehicle can be increased.

[0013] The elongated load can preferably be designed as a blade, in particular as a wind turbine blade, without being limited thereto. As already mentioned at the beginning, the elongated load can preferably have a length of more than 50 m, in particular more than 80 m.

[0014] Furthermore, the flange receiving surface of the transport flange can be aligned substantially orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the heavy-duty vehicle. Furthermore, it should be noted that the transport flange and the flange receptacle do not necessarily have to be designed as separate components; if desired, the transport flange can alternatively be formed integrally with the flange receptacle.

[0015] In principle, the predetermined angle of inclination can be any desired value, as long as proper operation of the transport device can be ensured and the risk of tipping of the heavy-duty vehicle can be prevented with sufficient safety. However, it has been found that for a variety of applications, it is advantageous if the predetermined angle of inclination is between 1° and 45°, preferably between 5° and 20°, and more preferably approximately 10°.

[0016] In general, the transport flange can be attached to the flange receptacle at a fixed, predetermined, in particular unchangeable, angle of inclination. However, in order to be able to provide the transport flange, for example, as a retrofit solution on existing transport devices with a straight transport flange, the transport flange can be designed according to one embodiment to be interchangeably attached to the flange receptacle, in particular with different angles of inclination. If the transport flange can have different angles of inclination, it is conceivable, for example, for a user of the transport device to maintain a plurality of transport flanges, each with a different angle of inclination, and to vary the predetermined angle of inclination by selecting a suitable transport flange depending on the application or usage scenario.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, it is conceivable for the transport flange to comprise a first flange part, which has the flange receiving surface, and a second flange part, which has the load-bearing surface, wherein the first flange part can be movably connected to the second flange part such that the predetermined angle of inclination between the flange receiving surface and the load-bearing surface can be adjusted by means of an adjusting device, in particular one or more hydraulic cylinders. Consequently, the predetermined angle of inclination can preferably be continuously adjustable via the adjusting device. Instead of one or more hydraulic cylinders, the adjusting device can also comprise other suitable adjusting elements, for example a spindle drive or the like.

[0018] In order to be able to specifically vary the deflection of the elongated load, in particular in a lateral direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the heavy-duty vehicle, when using the transport device, the transport flange can additionally or alternatively be attached to the flange mount in such a way that it can be rotated about a first axis of rotation relative to the flange mount by means of a drive device. In particular, the flange mount can be rotatable by 360° clockwise and / or counterclockwise about the first axis of rotation. Consequently, the elongated load can preferably follow a circular path when rotating about the first axis of rotation.

[0019] Preferably, the first axis of rotation can run substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the heavy-duty vehicle, for example, in a plan view of the transport device. As a result, the deflection of the elongated load during rotation about the first axis of rotation can preferably occur substantially symmetrically to the vehicle's longitudinal axis. In other words, the deflection of the elongated load during rotation about the first axis of rotation can form an envelope curve that extends substantially conically around the first axis of rotation.

[0020] In principle, the drive device can be designed in any shape suitable for causing rotation about the first axis of rotation. However, in order to be able to realize the torques required for rotation with a comparatively compact drive and to be able to adjust a rotational position of the elongated load about the first axis of rotation, preferably continuously, the drive device can further comprise a drive element, in particular a drive pinion, which is arranged on the flange receptacle, and an output element, in particular a gear ring, which is attached to the transport flange, in particular to a circumferential surface of the transport flange, or to a part connected to the transport flange and engages with the drive element.It is understood that the drive element can be driven, for example, by a drive motor, for example a hydraulic or electric drive motor, which is preferably fixedly connected to the flange receptacle. If the drive element, in particular the toothing, is attached to the part connected to the transport flange, which can, for example, be a part arranged between the transport flange and the flange receptacle, the transport flange can be replaced without the drive element, in particular the toothing, also having to be replaced or adapted. Furthermore, the part connected to the transport flange can, for example, be designed as a connecting flange, which can preferably be connected to the transport flange in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0021] In order to increase the torque that can be transmitted from the drive device to the transport flange and / or to be able to use a plurality of compact drive motors for the respective drive element, in particular drive pinions, according to one embodiment the drive device can comprise a plurality of drive elements, in particular drive pinions, which are arranged distributed in the circumferential direction on the flange receptacle, wherein each of the drive elements can engage with the output element, in particular the gear ring, on the transport flange or on the part connected to the transport flange.

[0022] Another problem that can arise when transporting elongated loads, such as blades, especially wind turbine blades, is that crosswinds or similar forces acting on the elongated load during a transport operation can also lead to an increased risk of the heavy-duty vehicle tipping over. This can be particularly crucial for wind turbine blades, as these can develop a higher or lower lateral force depending on the angle of attack of the blade surfaces in relation to a wind direction, which can be transmitted accordingly to the transport device and thus to the heavy-duty vehicle.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the transport device can therefore further comprise an intermediate flange which is arranged between the transport flange and the flange receptacle, wherein the intermediate flange is connected at one end to the flange receptacle and at the other end to the transport flange, wherein the intermediate flange can be rotatable about a first or the first axis of rotation relative to the flange receptacle by means of a or the drive device, and the transport flange can be attached to the intermediate flange in such a way that it can be rotatable about a second axis of rotation relative to the intermediate flange by means of a further drive device, wherein the second axis of rotation can have a further predetermined angle of inclination to the first axis of rotation.

[0024] Accordingly, by adjusting a rotational position of the intermediate flange relative to the flange receptacle and / or a rotational position of the transport flange relative to the intermediate flange, it is possible to arrange the elongated load either such that the longitudinal axis of the load, in a plan view, has a deflection, in particular a lateral deflection, relative to the longitudinal axis of the heavy-duty vehicle, or to arrange it such that the longitudinal axis of the load is aligned substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation and / or the longitudinal axis of the heavy-duty vehicle. If the longitudinal axis of the load is aligned substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation and / or the longitudinal axis of the heavy-duty vehicle, the elongated load can be rotated about the first axis of rotation without the rotation leading to a deflection of the elongated load relative to the longitudinal axis of the heavy-duty vehicle.This is particularly advantageous if the elongated load is only to be rotated around its own longitudinal axis in order to be able to adjust the angle of attack of the load, also called "pitch", to a wind direction in such a way that the risk of the heavy-duty vehicle tipping over is minimized.

[0025] In order to be able to rotate the intermediate flange and the transport flange relative to each other in such a way that the longitudinal axis of the load is aligned substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation and / or the vehicle longitudinal axis of the heavy-duty vehicle, the further predetermined angle of inclination between the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation can correspond approximately, preferably exactly, to the predetermined angle of inclination.

[0026] In a further development of this embodiment, in a manner analogous to the embodiment without an intermediate flange, the drive device can have a drive element, in particular a drive pinion, which is arranged on the flange receptacle, and an output element, in particular a toothed ring, which is attached to the intermediate flange, in particular to a circumferential surface of the intermediate flange, and can engage with the drive element.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the further drive device can also have a further drive element, in particular a further drive pinion, which is arranged on the intermediate flange, and a further output element, in particular a further gear ring, which is attached to the transport flange, in particular to a circumferential surface of the transport flange, or to a part connected to the transport flange and can engage with the drive element.

[0028] In order to also increase the torque that can be transmitted from the further drive device on the intermediate flange to the transport flange and / or to be able to use a plurality of compact drive motors for the respective drive element, in particular drive pinions, the further drive device can comprise a plurality of further drive elements, in particular further drive pinions, which can be arranged distributed in the circumferential direction on the intermediate flange, wherein each of the further drive elements can engage with the output element, in particular the gear ring, on the transport flange or on the part connected to the transport flange.

[0029] In order to expand the possibilities for adjusting the orientation of the elongated load relative to the heavy-duty vehicle, the transport device can further comprise at least one adjusting unit, by means of which the flange receptacle can be pivoted about an axis substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the heavy-duty vehicle, in particular about a substantially horizontal axis. The transport device can comprise one or more hydraulic cylinders, which are connected at one end to the flange receptacle or a part connected thereto and at the other end to the heavy-duty vehicle or a part connected thereto. If the adjusting unit is configured to pivot the flange receptacle about the substantially horizontal axis, an adjustment angle range of the adjusting unit can preferably be from 0° to 60°.At 0°, a longitudinal axis of the elongated load can run essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heavy-duty vehicle. It should be noted, however, that the adjustment unit, in particular the one or more hydraulic cylinders, are merely optional, i.e., they do not have to be provided as long as the predetermined angle of inclination between the flange receiving surface and the load-bearing surface already allows sufficient adjustability. It should also be added that the transport device can further comprise a frame to which the flange receiver, including the transport flange, can be attached. In this context, the transport device, including its frame, can preferably be arranged between a front sub-vehicle and a rear sub-vehicle of the heavy-duty vehicle, but is not limited thereto.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention, the above object is achieved by a heavy-duty vehicle which comprises the transport device according to the invention.

[0031] With regard to the advantages and effects of the heavy-duty vehicle according to the invention, reference is made to the above discussion of the advantages and effects of the transport device according to the invention.

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0033] Figure 1A is a side view of a heavy-duty vehicle according to the invention, which comprises a transport device according to the invention,

[0034] Figure 1 B is a plan view of the heavy goods vehicle according to Figure 1 A,

[0035] Figure 2A is a plan view of a heavy-duty vehicle according to the invention, which essentially corresponds to that of Figure 1A, with an elongated load in the form of a wind turbine blade attached thereto,

[0036] Figure 2B is an enlarged view of Figure 2A,

[0037] Figure 2C is a front view of the heavy-duty vehicle according to Figure 2A, with various adjustment positions of the transport device, Figure 3A is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a transport device according to the invention,

[0038] Figure 3B is a plan view of the transport device according to Figure 3A with an elongated load mounted thereon,

[0039] Figure 3C is a view according to Figure 3B, in which a longitudinal axis of the elongated load is aligned substantially parallel to a first axis of rotation of the transport device,

[0040] Figure 4A is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a transport device according to the invention,

[0041] Figure 4B is a plan view of the transport device according to Figure 4A with an elongated load mounted thereon, and

[0042] Figure 4C is a view according to Figure 4B, in which a longitudinal axis of the elongated load is aligned substantially parallel to a vehicle longitudinal axis of the heavy-duty vehicle.

[0043] In Figure 1A, a transport device according to the invention is generally identified by the reference numeral 100. In Figure 1A, the transport device 100 is attached to a heavy-duty vehicle according to the invention, which is generally identified by the reference numeral 200. For this purpose, the transport device 100 is fastened to the heavy-duty vehicle 200 via a frame 110 of the transport device 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the heavy-duty vehicle 200 further comprises a drawbar 204, so that the heavy-duty vehicle 200 is designed as a towed heavy-duty vehicle. However, it should already be noted at this point that the heavy-duty vehicle 200 is not limited to towed heavy-duty vehicles, but can also be designed as a self-propelled heavy-duty vehicle or the like. The heavy-duty vehicle 200 further comprises an auxiliary drive 206, which can be designed as a so-called power pack.The heavy-duty vehicle 200 comprises a plurality of axle assemblies 208, which can be arranged one behind the other in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis L of the heavy-duty vehicle 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the heavy-duty vehicle 200 is formed from a front sub-vehicle 200a and a rear sub-vehicle 200b, with the transport device 100, including its frame 110, being arranged between the front sub-vehicle 200a and the rear sub-vehicle 200b. The transport device 100 is not limited to a combination with the illustrated heavy-duty vehicle 200; rather, a multitude of other possible combinations are conceivable for combining the transport device 100 with a heavy-duty vehicle or a plurality of heavy-duty modular vehicles. The respective combination can vary depending on the transport requirements and the type of the heavy-duty vehicle.Furthermore, the transport device 100 does not necessarily have to be arranged between a front and a rear sub-vehicle of a heavy-duty vehicle, but can also be arranged, for example, on a heavy-duty vehicle or a sub-vehicle of a heavy-duty vehicle.

[0044] The transport device 100 comprises a transport flange 102, which is configured to receive an elongated load F (see, for example, Figure 2A). The transport flange 102 is mounted on a flange receptacle 104, which in turn is attached to the heavy-duty vehicle 200 via the frame 110.

[0045] As can be seen in Figure 1B, the transport flange 102 has a flange receiving surface 102a, which is configured to face the flange receptacle 104, and a load-bearing surface 102b, which is configured to face the load F when the transport device 100 is in use. According to the invention, the flange receiving surface 102a and the load-bearing surface 102b have a predetermined angle of inclination a to one another, which can be seen, for example, in Figure 1B. The predetermined angle of inclination a can, for example, lie in a range from 5° to 20°. Preferably, the angle of inclination a can be approximately 10°. The transport flange 102 can be attached to the flange receptacle 104 in an exchangeable manner, for example by means of several screws.In this case, it is conceivable to replace the transport flange 102, for example, with another transport flange which has an angle of inclination with respect to the flange receiving surface and the load receiving surface which is greater or smaller than the predetermined angle of inclination a.

[0046] Figures 2A and 2B show the heavy-duty vehicle 200 according to Figure 1A in a state in which an elongated load F in the form of a wind turbine blade is attached to the transport device 100. As can be seen in the plan view according to Figure 2B, due to the design of the transport flange 102, the elongated load F, in the state mounted on the transport flange 102, also has the predetermined angle of inclination α with respect to its longitudinal axis F* relative to the longitudinal axis L of the heavy-duty vehicle 200. As a result, in the exemplary embodiment according to Figures 2A and 2B, the elongated load F is deflected laterally relative to the longitudinal axis L of the heavy-duty vehicle 200 by the predetermined angle of inclination α, for example 10°.

[0047] Due to the lateral deflection of the elongated load F with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal axis L, a center of gravity S of the elongated load can be shifted in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis L, preferably lying on the vehicle's longitudinal axis L, as shown only schematically in Figure 2B. Without the lateral deflection of the elongated load F, i.e. if the flange receiving surface 102a and the load receiving surface 102b were aligned parallel to one another, the center of gravity S* of the elongated load F can be offset from the vehicle's longitudinal axis L, as also only schematically indicated in Figure 2B. This is particularly the case if the elongated load F has a center of gravity that is offset, i.e. off-center, with respect to its longitudinal axis F*.Through the targeted shift of the center of gravity, a more even load distribution on the heavy-duty vehicle 200 can be achieved, which can increase stability, for example, safety with regard to lateral tipping, and / or the operating limits of the heavy-duty vehicle 200. However, it should be noted that the centers of gravity S and S* shown in Figure 2B are intended only to illustrate the effect of the shift of the center of gravity described above; however, the actual position of the centers of gravity S and S* may differ from the position shown in Figure 2B.

[0048] The transport flange 102 can be attached to the flange receptacle 104 in such a way that it is rotatable about a first axis of rotation A1 relative to the flange receptacle 104 by means of a drive device, which is indicated in Figure 2B only by reference numeral 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the first axis of rotation A1 can run substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the heavy-duty vehicle 200 in the plan view according to Figure 2B.

[0049] As shown in Figure 2C, by rotation about the first axis of rotation A1, the transport flange 102 and thus the elongated load L can be rotated into various twisting positions with respect to the first axis of rotation A1. Due to the predetermined angle of inclination α on the transport flange 102, not only can a lateral deflection of the elongated load F with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal axis L change, but also an angle of attack, the so-called pitch, of the elongated load F in the form of the wind turbine blade can change. In Figure 2C, the elongated load, depending on the angle of rotation about the first axis of rotation A1, initially has a pitch of 0° (Fo), followed by a pitch of 30° (F30), followed by a pitch of 60° (Feo), and finally a pitch of 90° (F90).

[0050] Figures 3A to 3C show a further exemplary embodiment of the transport device according to the invention, which is generally identified by the reference numeral 300. Analogous components to the transport device 100 are each identified by analogous reference numerals, but increased by the number 200. The transport device 300 will also only be described insofar as it differs from the transport device 100, with reference otherwise being made to the above explanations regarding the transport device 100. The transport device 300 differs from the transport device 100 essentially in that an intermediate flange 306 is arranged between the transport flange 302 and the flange receptacle 304. The intermediate flange 306 is rotatable about the first axis of rotation A1 relative to the flange receptacle 304.For this purpose, the transport device 300 comprises a drive device 308 with a drive element 310, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a drive pinion. The drive pinion 310 engages with an output element 312 in the form of a toothed ring formed on a circumferential surface of the intermediate flange 306 in order to rotate the intermediate flange 306 about the first axis of rotation A1. To drive the drive pinion 310, the drive unit 308 comprises, for example, a drive motor 314, which can be designed as an electric or hydraulic drive motor or the like.

[0051] At this point, it should be noted that the exemplary embodiment according to Figures 1A to 2B can also have a drive device, which can essentially correspond to the drive device 308. For this purpose, the drive element, in particular the drive pinion, can be arranged on the flange receptacle 104, while the output element, in particular the gear ring, can be formed on the transport flange 102 on its peripheral surface or on a part connected to the transport flange 102, in particular in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0052] As can also be seen in Figures 3A to 3C, in the illustrated embodiment, the transport flange 302 is attached to the intermediate flange 306 so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation A2 (see, for example, Figure 3B). The second axis of rotation A2 can have a further predetermined angle of inclination β to the first axis of rotation A1. For rotating the intermediate flange 306 about the second axis of rotation A2, a further drive device 316 is provided on the intermediate flange 306, which can have a drive element 318 in the form of a drive pinion. The drive element 318 engages with an output element 320 in the form of a toothed ring, which is attached to a circumferential surface of the transport flange 302. The drive device 316, in turn, comprises a drive motor 322 for driving the drive pinion 318, which can also be designed, for example, as an electric or hydraulic drive motor or the like.By appropriately arranging the intermediate flange 306 and the transport flange 302 relative to one another, the elongated load F can be aligned such that a longitudinal axis F* of the elongated load has an inclination angle to the first axis of rotation A1, which angle can correspond to the sum of the predetermined inclination angle α and the further predetermined inclination angle β, as shown in Figure 3B. Furthermore, the intermediate flange 306 and the transport flange 302 can be arranged, i.e. rotated, relative to one another such that the longitudinal axis F* of the load F can run substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation A1, as shown in Figure 3C.

[0053] If the transport flange 302 and the intermediate flange 306 are in the twisted position according to Figure 3C, the transport flange 302 and thus the elongated load F can be rotated about the first axis of rotation A1 by driving the drive device 308, in particular the drive pinion 310 thereof, without the elongated load F being deflected laterally, i.e., essentially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis F*. This can be particularly advantageous if the elongated load F is to be adapted to a wind direction only with regard to an angle of attack or pitch, so that the risk of tipping is minimized. This is particularly crucial if the elongated load F is a wind turbine blade.

[0054] It should also be added that, as can be seen in Figure 3A, the further drive device 316 can also have a plurality of drive pinions 322, which can be arranged distributed in the circumferential direction on the intermediate flange 306. Analogously, the drive device 308 can also comprise a plurality of drive pinions 310 distributed over a circumference of the flange receptacle 304. In order to expand the possibilities for adjustability of the orientation of the elongated load F relative to the heavy-duty vehicle 200, the transport device 100, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B, can further comprise at least one adjustment unit 124, by means of which the flange receptacle 104 can be pivoted about a substantially horizontal axis, preferably between an angle of 0° and 60°.

[0055] Figures 4A to 4C show yet another embodiment of the transport device according to the invention, which is generally designated by reference numeral 400. Analogous components to transport device 300 are each designated by analogous reference numerals, but incremented by the number 100. Transport device 400 will also be described only insofar as it differs from transport device 300; otherwise, reference is made to the above explanations regarding transport device 300.

[0056] In contrast to the transport device 300, the transport flange 402 of the transport device 400 comprises a first flange part 403a, which has the flange receiving surface 402a, and a second flange part 403b, which has the load-bearing surface 402b. The first flange part 403a is movably connected to the second flange part 403b such that the predetermined angle of inclination α between the flange receiving surface 402a and the load-bearing surface 402b can be adjusted by means of an adjustment device 430, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises two oppositely arranged hydraulic cylinders 430a and 430b. For this purpose, the transport device 400 comprises a universal joint 432, by means of which the second flange part 403b can be pivoted about a pivot axis A3 relative to the first flange part 403a.

[0057] In addition, the transport device 400 can optionally comprise, analogously to the transport device 300, a rotary joint with one or more drive pinions 418 and one or more drive motors 422 in order to be able to rotate the transport flange 402 about the axis of rotation A1 or the longitudinal axis F* of the elongated load F relative to the flange receptacle 404. In this context, it is also conceivable for the rotary joint and the universal joint 432 to be arranged interchangeably, i.e., for the rotary joint to be arranged directly on the flange receptacle 404 and the universal joint 432 to be attached to the rotary joint. In other words, with respect to a forward direction of travel of the heavy-duty vehicle 200, the rotary joint can be arranged behind the universal joint 432, as shown in Figures 4A to 4C, or the rotary joint can be arranged in front of the universal joint 432 with respect to the forward direction of travel of the heavy-duty vehicle 200 (not shown).

Claims

Claims 1. Transport device (100; 300, 400) which is designed and intended to be used in a heavy-duty vehicle (200) and is configured to receive an elongated load (F), the transport device (100; 300; 400) comprising a transport flange (102; 302; 402) which is configured to receive the load (F) at a longitudinal end of the load (F), and a flange receptacle (104, 304; 404) to which the transport flange (102; 302) is mounted, wherein the flange receptacle (104; 304; 404) is designed and intended to be attached to the heavy-duty vehicle (200), wherein the transport flange (102; 302; 402) has at least one flange receiving surface (102a; 302a; 402a) which is configured to to face the flange receptacle (104; 304; 404), and has a load-bearing surface (102b, 302b; 402b) which is designed to, when using the transport device (100; 300;400) to face the load (F), and wherein the flange receiving surface (102a; 302a; 402a) and the load receiving surface (102b; 302b; 402b) have a predetermined angle of inclination (a) to one another.; 2. Transport device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined angle of inclination (a) is from 1° to 45°, preferably from 5° to 20°, more preferably about 10°.

3. Transport device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transport flange (102; 302; 402) is designed to be replaceably attached to the flange receptacle (104; 304; 404), in particular with different predetermined angles of inclination (α).

4. Transport device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transport flange (402) comprises a first flange part (403a) which has the flange receiving surface (402a), and a second flange part (403b) which has the load receiving surface (402b), wherein the first flange part (403a) is movably connected to the second flange part (403b) such that the predetermined angle of inclination (a) between the flange receiving surface (402a) and the load receiving surface (402b) can be adjusted by means of an adjusting device (430), in particular one or more hydraulic cylinders (430a, 430b).

5. Transport device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transport flange (102; 302; 402) is attached to the flange receptacle (104; 304; 404) in such a way that it is rotatable about a first axis of rotation (A1) relative to the flange receptacle (104; 304; 404) by means of a drive device (108; 308).

6. Transport device according to claim 5, wherein the first axis of rotation (A1) runs substantially parallel to a vehicle longitudinal axis (L) of the heavy-duty vehicle (200).

7. Transport device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the drive device (108) has a drive element, in particular a drive pinion, which is arranged on the flange receptacle (104), and an output element, in particular a gear ring, which is attached to the transport flange (102), in particular to a circumferential surface of the transport flange (102), or to a part connected to the transport flange (102) and is in engagement with the drive element.

8. Transport device according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the drive device (108) comprises a plurality of drive elements, in particular drive pinions, which are arranged distributed in the circumferential direction on the flange receptacle (104), wherein each of the drive elements is connected to the output element, in particular the gear ring, on the Transport flange (102) or on the part connected to the transport flange (102).

9. Transport device according to one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an intermediate flange (306) which is arranged between the transport flange (302) and the flange receptacle (304), wherein the intermediate flange (306) is connected at one end to the flange receptacle (304) and at the other end to the transport flange (302), wherein the intermediate flange (306) is rotatable about a first or the first axis of rotation (A1) relative to the flange receptacle (304) by means of a or the drive device (308), and the transport flange (302) is attached to the intermediate flange (306) in such a way that it is rotatable about a second axis of rotation (A2) relative to the intermediate flange (306) by means of a further drive device (316), wherein the second axis of rotation (A2) has a further predetermined angle of inclination (ß) to the first axis of rotation (A1).

10. Transport device according to claim 9, wherein the further predetermined angle of inclination (ß) between the first axis of rotation (A1) and the second axis of rotation (A2) corresponds approximately to the predetermined angle of inclination (α).

11. Transport device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the drive device (308) has a drive element (310), in particular a drive pinion, which is arranged on the flange receptacle (304), and an output element (312), in particular a toothed ring, which is attached to the intermediate flange (306), in particular to a circumferential surface of the intermediate flange (306), and is in engagement with the drive element (310).

12. Transport device according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the further drive device (316) has a further drive element (318), in particular a further drive pinion, which is arranged on the intermediate flange (306), and a further output element (320), in particular a further gear ring, which is attached to the transport flange (302), in particular to a circumferential surface of the transport flange (302), or to a part connected to the transport flange (102) and is in engagement with the drive element (318).

13. Transport device according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the further drive device (316) comprises a plurality of further drive elements (318), in particular further drive pinions, which are arranged distributed in the circumferential direction on the intermediate flange (306), wherein each of the further drive elements (318) is in engagement with the output element (320), in particular the gear ring, on the transport flange (302) or on the part connected to the transport flange (102).

14. Transport device according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the elongated load (F) is designed as a wing, in particular as a wind turbine blade.

15. Transport device according to one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising at least one adjusting unit (124) by means of which the flange receptacle (104) can be pivoted about at least one axis substantially orthogonal to a vehicle longitudinal axis (L) of the heavy-duty vehicle (200), in particular about a substantially horizontal axis.

16. Heavy-duty vehicle (200) comprising the transport device (100; 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims.

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