Gripping device

Abstract

The invention relates to a gripping device, in particular a so-called C-gripper, for arrangement on a cross beam or on a carrying means, to a cross beam having at least one such C-gripper for transporting goods to be lifted, and to a method for arranging a load on a cross beam having corresponding C-grippers. The gripping device has at least one support strut having a load support and support segments; the support strut, in the case of a C-gripper, is connected to a vertical strut so as to be rotatably mounted by means of a first joint; the first joint has a first stop which delimits a rotational movement; an upper strut is connected to the vertical strut so as to be rotatably mounted by means of a further joint; the further joint has a further stop which delimits a rotational movement; and the first stop and the further stop have at least one elastic region.

Description

[0001] Roloff * Nitschke

[0002] law firm

[0003] Description

[0004] Gripping device

[0005] The invention relates to a gripping device, in particular a so-called C-gripper for arrangement on a traverse or on a lifting element and a traverse with at least one such C-gripper for transporting goods to be lifted, as well as a method for arranging a load on a traverse with corresponding C-grippers.

[0006] C-grips have been known for many years, for example from EP 2873641 A1, EP 4276305 A2, and EP 3792211 A1. The C-grips disclosed therein have a rigid structure. This has led to disadvantages in transport in the past. Such grippers are generally not suitable for loading into a standard container, as it is advantageous, particularly when used on ships, for example, during the assembly of offshore wind turbines, to have such a gripper or a crossbeam with at least one such gripper. Furthermore, with the previously known rigid C-grips or C-elements, the problem exists that the greatest loads, and thus the highest potential for damage, occur in the corner areas of a vertical strut, also called the back.This is important because wind turbine rotor blades are becoming increasingly larger, heavier, and more fragile, thus changing the requirements for lifting beams with C-grips used to transport rotor blades. These beams need to be more flexible, able to withstand higher forces, and better adapt to the load.

[0007] From EP 3372549 Al, a traverse is also known in which two struts are already connected to each other by means of a joint. However, the construction there is relatively complex, since one vertical strut is telescopic.

[0008] Furthermore, the load support in EP 3372549 Al, as well as in EP 4276305 A2 and EP 3792211 Al, is rigidly designed, meaning that the support segments can only be adjusted to a specific load shape, such as a specific rotor blade shape, before the load is applied. There is only a single-piece or two-piece support. The design of rotor blades has changed in recent years, making them so flexible and sensitive that damage can occur during storage simply due to their own weight. This necessitates improved adjustability of the load support. While DE 10 2022 104 895 Al discloses two support cushions, and WO 2023 117 018 Al and WO 2023 117 016 Al disclose a type of plug-in system with elastic elements, these do not address the specific requirements of the German patents. However, these do not allow for the division of individual support segments and thus do not enable optimized transport of rotor blades.

[0009] The object of the invention is therefore to further develop a previously described gripping device and thus also a traverse with at least one such gripping device, in particular to make it more reliable for the use of rotor blades of different sizes, so that this respective gripping device can absorb higher forces and adapt better to the load.

[0010] The object of the invention is achieved by a gripping device, in particular a C-gripper, according to main claim 1, dependent claims 11 and 13, a crossbeam with at least one such gripping device according to independent claim 18, and a method for arranging a rotor blade on a crossbeam with such a gripping device according to claim 19. The dependent subclaims contain further embodiments of the invention.

[0011] The gripping device according to the invention, in particular a C-grip, for handling a load, also referred to as lifting material, consists of a top strut, a vertical strut, and a support strut. This constitutes a C-grip. Since the invention only co-claims C-grips, the gripping device nevertheless has at least one support strut. The load can be arranged on or against the support strut. In a C-grip, the support strut is rotatably connected to the vertical strut by means of a first joint, which is designed as a pivot joint in the form of a single-joint hinge. The first joint also has a first stop, which limits rotational movement, preferably a rotational movement directed away from the support strut. Thus, the first joint is rotatably mounted.The upper strut is connected to the vertical strut by means of a further joint, also with limited rotational movement, which is constructed like the first joint. This further joint has an additional stop that limits its rotational movement, preferably a limit on the rotational movement directed towards the support strut. According to the invention, the first stop and the further stop have at least one elastic section that counteracts the limitation of the directed rotational movement of the first and the further joint by the first and the further stop to a defined extent. This creates an elastic stop that provides a spring effect. This reduces the potential for damage in the corner areas of the gripping device between the upper strut and vertical strut and between the vertical strut and lower strut, and allows the gripping device to withstand higher forces and thus also higher loads.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first and the further joint each have a locking device which counteracts a rotational movement away from the first and the further stop of the first and the further joint when the stop surfaces of the first stop and the further stop of the first and the further joint are in contact, which constitutes a stop position, and when the locking device is engaged and active. There is no limitation of the rotational movement directed towards the first and the further stop of the first and the further joint. Thus, the respective at least one elastic area can continue to exert its effect in a spring-like manner.

[0013] The elastic section of the first and second stop is formed, according to the invention, by at least one elastic element, for example, an elastic surface section, such as a plate made of an elastomer, which is located between two stop surfaces of the first and second stop. It thus forms a type of spring element. The elastic element can be designed in different ways. It can consist of an elastic plastic, such as an elastomer as explained above, or of at least one mechanical spring element, such as at least one compression spring.

[0014] It is also within the scope of the invention that the elastic area of ​​the first and the further stop is formed from several elastic elements, for example two elastic molded sections, which are each arranged on stop surfaces of the first stop and the further stop and lie against each other in the stop position.

[0015] In one embodiment, the locking device can consist of two tabs that extend longitudinally opposite the respective first and second hinges to the stop surfaces of the first and second stops, each having an opening and being connectable by means of at least one connecting element that passes through the opening. Examples of suitable connecting elements include a bolt connection, a rivet connection, or a screw connection.

[0016] It can also be provided that the gripping device has a limiting device, which is designed, for example, as a tension strut, a rigid strut, or a flexible lashing element in the form of a textile lashing element, wherein the limiting device can restrict a rotational movement of the further joint, preferably in the stop position of the device directed away from the support strut and thus counteracting an opening of the gripping device. This contributes to the stabilization of the gripping device, such as the C-gripper.

[0017] The limiting device can be arranged at the free ends of the upper strut and the support strut. It can also be rotatably mounted on the upper strut, in which case the limiting device can be locked to the support strut. In this variant, the gripping device is closed in the stop position.

[0018] To ensure improved support and adaptation of the gripping device to increasing loads, the support strut can have a load support axially displaceable along the support strut with vertically adjustable support segments and at least one axially displaceable vertical stop. The support segments preferably project into the jaws of the gripping device, such as the C-grip. The load can be positioned on the support segments and the vertical stop, i.e., placed on or attached to them. Furthermore, the support segments of the load support can be hydraulically adjustable to adapt to the external geometry of the load, thus enabling improved load adaptation. The gripping device can also be manufactured generally, without a separate load support, and in various structural configurations.It can, for example, consist of only a top strut, a vertical strut, and a support strut, or even just with at least one support strut on which the load can be placed, and have several hydraulically adjustable support segments for receiving the load and thus also for adapting the gripping device to the external geometry of the increasing load. These support segments are not necessarily arranged on the load support but project into the jaws of the gripping device, such as the C-gripper. In the context of the invention, this projection is to be understood throughout the application as simply providing sufficient space for the load to be placed on the support segments without colliding with and potentially damaging other components of the gripping device. Advantageously, more than two support segments are provided.Optionally, as in the first variant of the gripping device described above, it can be provided that the gripping device has a clamping device that is movable relative to the support strut and points into the jaw of the C-gripper in order to lock a load arranged in the gripping device.

[0019] In this embodiment of the gripping device according to the invention, each of the multiple support segments has at least one hydraulic cylinder. The multiple hydraulic cylinders of the respective support segments are hydraulically coupled to one another to ensure a uniform load distribution by means of pressure equalization. This forms a hydraulic system of the gripping device, which consists of further components, such as a control unit or, optionally, a measuring device. Accordingly, each of the at least one hydraulic cylinder has a control unit, such as a valve control unit, to control and thus regulate a vertical movement of the support segments, in particular to lock the support segments in their vertical movement. This allows for adjustable height adjustment of the support segments to the contour of the load.Control can be achieved, for example, using electrically adjustable valves. In an initial position, the valve, which is not supplied with electrical energy, is closed, thus preventing vertical movement of the respective support segment. Only when the respective valve is supplied with electrical energy can it be opened, allowing load equalization and adaptation to the contour of the load resting on the respective support segments. After load equalization, the respective valve can then be closed, thus interrupting any vertical movement of the respective support segments. The support segments are therefore rigidly adapted to the contour of the load, but not rigidly fixed to the load. They adapt to the blade contour, including tilt movements, through a gimbal-like mounting.The support segments can be designed such that each support segment consists of a support device and a support, for example in the form of a support pad or a plate, and the support is arranged on the support device by means of a universal joint. The at least one hydraulic cylinder of the respective support segments can be integrated into the support device. The support itself can be elastically designed to ensure that a load can be supported gently.

[0020] As long as the respective valves are open and hydraulic equalization takes place between the support segments with their respective associated hydraulic cylinders, the support segments are in a so-called floating position. This floating position occurs when the load is picked up by the gripping device, allowing the support segments and their hydraulic cylinders to adapt to the contour of the load being transported through their coupling and thus follow movements of the load, such as tilting movements. Only when the contour of the support segments has adapted to the load and the load is balanced are the respective valves of the hydraulic cylinders assigned to the support segments closed.Closing the respective valves interrupts the vertical movement of the respective support segments, resulting in a positive locking position of the load, such as the rotor blade to be transported, which can be further secured if necessary by additional means, such as optional clamping devices or textile lashing devices.

[0021] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the hydraulic system of the gripping device can have at least one measuring device. Using pressure measurement provided by the measuring device, the weight of the load can be determined if the gripping device is arranged symmetrically around the center of gravity (COG) of the load. For example, if an excessively heavy load, such as a rotor blade, is loaded and the gripping device is arranged symmetrically around the center of gravity (COG) of the load, the measuring device, via an evaluation unit that has stored a target value for a rotor blade to be transported, indicates the weight of the load. This includes whether the rotor blade weight, and thus the weight of the load to be transported, has been exceeded.

[0022] In a further embodiment, each support segment can also be individually hydraulically controlled, specifically in its vertical orientation. This can also be done manually, for example, by placing the valves of the respective support segments in a closed position. The invention also includes semi- or fully automatic control or remote control of the respective support segments. This allows for the coarse positioning of the support segments according to a known contour of the load to be transported, such as a rotor blade contour. This is important because some loads, such as individual rotor blades, have atypical contours, such as protrusions or fragile areas, against which a support segment must not come into contact, as this would otherwise damage the load to be transported, which is the case with certain rotor blades.The separate controllability of each support segment allows individual support segments to be preset in such a way that contact with atypical contours is prevented. This also offers a further advantage: individual support segments can usually be removed by simple disassembly.

[0023] However, if each support segment is individually hydraulically controllable, there is no need to dismantle the unused support segment, although this is also possible. This saves time, and the otherwise dismantled support segments do not need to be stored separately and are therefore not lost. This risk is particularly high with generic devices when used on steep slopes of wind turbines, especially in offshore areas.

[0024] The associated method of arranging a rotor blade on a crossbeam, on which at least two of the aforementioned gripping devices with the aforementioned features are preferably arranged parallel to each other, can then be carried out according to the following steps, whereby a gentle arrangement of a rotor blade on the gripping device is ensured.

[0025] First, the support segments are pre-positioned against a contour of the rotor blade, allowing defined sensitive areas of the rotor blade to be excluded from contact with the support segments if necessary. The hydraulic cylinders and valves assigned to each support segment are closed. The rotor blade to be transported is then placed on the support segments, with several of them set into a floating position. The valves are opened, allowing the multiple support segments and their hydraulic cylinders to adapt to the contour of the rotor blade through their coupling. The valves of the hydraulic cylinders assigned to the support segments are then closed again, preventing any vertical movement of the multiple support segments and creating a positive fit between the rotor blade and the multiple support segments.

[0026] Furthermore, it can be provided in a known manner that the gripping device has a clamping device and therefore the gripping device, and by way of example the upper strut, has a clamping device that is displaceable relative to the support strut and points into the jaw of the C-gripper in order to lock the load. The clamping device is, by way of example, arranged offset from the vertical strut on the upper strut and is displaceable in the direction of the support strut, as is known to those skilled in the art from known clamping devices.

[0027] The gripping device, even with the aforementioned design of the support segments, ensures suitability for use with rotor blades of different types and sizes, so that the respective gripping device can absorb higher forces and adapt better to the load, even for more flexible rotor blades. The device according to the invention thus provides improved adjustability of individual support segments and therefore optimized transport of rotor blades.

[0028] As already explained, the gripping devices described above can be arranged on a traverse by way of example. Typically, two C-grippers are arranged at a defined distance from each other on the traverse, often at the free ends of a beam or spreader traverse, and in a manner known to those skilled in the art. They are generally arranged parallel to each other on the traverse, whereby "essentially parallel" is also to be understood as defined in the invention.

[0029] The elastic areas of the device according to the invention reduce the potential for damage in the corner areas of the respective struts, as the spring effect reduces the risk of weld cracking. This allows the device to withstand higher forces than rigid devices of the same design and dimensions. Furthermore, it is also optionally possible to make the known rigid shape of a C-grip modifiable, thereby reducing the C-grip's volume. This is the case when the respective locking device of the first and subsequent joints is not in operation and thus open, providing no locking mechanism, and when the optional limiting device is not in operative connection with the upper strut and the support strut.This makes it possible, by means of the first and second joints, to fold the support strut, the vertical strut, and the top strut through a rotational movement, thus changing the outer contour of the C-grip. The gripping device can then be moved into a position adapted to the requirements of transport, so that, for example, transport in a standard container is possible.

[0030] Furthermore, the device according to the invention also provides optimized load support for the load to be transported, such as rotor blades, which—as explained—are becoming increasingly fragile due to their design and are susceptible to damage even from their own weight. The optimized adjustment of the adjustable support segments helps to reduce damage to the load being transported, such as rotor blades.

[0031] The invention is further explained below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the figures. This will reveal further advantages, features, and embodiments of the invention.

[0032] They show:

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a representation of a gripping device according to the invention.

[0034] Shape of a C-grip in side view, Fig. 2 a partial view of a joint of the

[0035] Gripping device with stop, elastic area and

[0036] Fixed positioning device

[0037] Fig. 3 shows a representation of a gripping device according to the invention in the form of a C-grip in oblique perspective.

[0038] Fig. 4 shows a traverse according to the invention with two gripping devices arranged at its free ends,

[0039] Fig. 5 shows a representation of a gripping device according to the invention in the form of a C-grip folded in oblique perspective.

[0040] Fig. 6 shows a lower strut of the gripping device according to the invention with several hydraulically adjustable support segments,

[0041] Fig. 7 shows a partial view of a support segment.

[0042] According to Fig. 1, the gripping device 1 shown therein is a C-grip for handling a load, consisting of an upper strut 2, a vertical strut 3, and a support strut 4. The support strut 4 can receive a load via its load support 16 with several support segments 17 and is rotatably connected to the vertical strut 3 by means of a first joint 5, which is designed as a pivot joint in the form of a single-joint hinge. The first joint 5 has a first stop 6, which limits the rotational movement of the first joint 5, in this exemplary embodiment a rotational movement directed away from the support strut 4. The upper strut 2 is also rotatably connected to the vertical strut 3 by means of a further joint 7, which is constructed in the same way as the first joint 5.The further joint 7 therefore also has a stop, namely a further stop 8, which limits the rotational movement of the further joint 7, in the exemplary embodiment a limitation of the.

[0043] Rotational movement directed towards the support strut 4. According to the invention, the first stop 6 and the further stop 8 have at least one elastic area 10 which counteracts the limitation of the directed rotational movement of the first joint 5 and the further joint 7 by the first and the further stop 6, 8 to a defined extent. This creates an elastic stop that has a spring effect.

[0044] The first and the second joint 5, 7 each have a locking device 11 which can counteract a rotational movement of the first and the second joint 5, 7 directed away from the first and the second stop 6, 8 when the stop surfaces of the first stop 6 and the second stop 8 of the first and the second joint 5, 7 are in contact, which constitutes a stop position and the locking device 11 is activated so that it can exert its effect. However, the respective locking device 11 does not limit the rotational movement directed towards the first and the second stop 6, 8 of the first and the second joint 5, 7. Thus, the respective elastic area 10 can continue to exert its spring effect.

[0045] In a non-active state of the locking device 11, the first and second joints 5, 7 can rotate in the opposite direction to the first and second stops 6, 8. In this state, the gripping device 1 can be folded because the support strut 4 and the vertical strut 3, and the vertical strut 3 and the upper strut 2, are each pivotable relative to each other. In the embodiment shown, the first and second joints 5, 7 are arranged oppositely on the vertical strut 3, as illustrated in Fig. 1. This also applies to the first and second stops 6, 8, so that the first and second joints 5, 7 can rotate in the opposite direction, thus enabling the described foldability. In the embodiment example, the elastic area 10 of the first and the further stop 6, 8 is formed from two elastic elements, which in the embodiment, as in the Fig.2 shown, each as a surface section in the form of a plate made of an elastomer and arranged on stop surfaces 9 of the first and the further stop 6, 8 .

[0046] Fig. 2 shows a section of the first joint 5, which, in its construction, is identical to the further joint 7, except that – as already explained – the first and the further joint 5, 7 are arranged oppositely on the vertical strut 3 and can thus allow opposite rotational movements. The first and the further joint 5, 7 are thus designed as a pivot joint in the form of a single-joint hinge, with a pivot pin as the axis of rotation, wherein the first joint 5 is arranged on a long side of the vertical strut 3 pointing towards the jaw 19 of the gripping device 1 and the further joint 7 on the opposite long side of the vertical strut 3. From Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 5 the locking device 11 is recognizable, which consists of two tabs 12 which connect to the stop surfaces 9 of the first and the further stop 6, 8 in longitudinal extension opposite the respective first and further joint 5, 7 .They have at least one opening 13, in the exemplary embodiment four openings 13. The two tabs 12 present at each joint 5, 7 and stop 6, 8 can be locked by means of at least one connecting element 14, in the exemplary embodiment four screw bolts, which correspond to the respective four openings 13 and can thus pass through the respective four openings 13.

[0047] Furthermore, the gripping device 1 has a limiting device 15, which in the exemplary embodiment is designed as a rigid strut. The limiting device 15 serves to stabilize the gripping device 1 when it is loaded and also restricts the rotational movement of the further joint 7. In the stop position of the further joint 7, this rotation is directed away from the support strut 4, thus preventing the gripping device 1 from opening. The limiting device 15 is rotatably arranged at a free end of the upper strut 2 and can be locked onto the support strut 4.

[0048] To ensure improved support of the load placed by the gripping device 1 under increasing loads, the support strut 4 has an axially displaceable load support 16 with six vertically adjustable support segments 17 and a vertical stop 18 that is also axially displaceable along the support strut 4, as can be clearly seen in Figures 1 and 6. Additional support segments 17 can be arranged on the gripping device 1 alongside the existing ones, if required. These project into the jaw 19 of the gripping device 1 in the form of a C-grip. A load to be transported can thus rest securely on the support segments 17 and against the vertical stop 18. In the exemplary embodiment, the support segments 17 of the load support 16 are hydraulically adjustable to adapt to the external geometry of the load.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 7, each of the six support segments 17 visible in Figs. 1, 3, and 6 consists of a support device 22 and a support 23. The support 23 is movably mounted on the support device 22 by means of a universal joint 24, so that each support segment 17 can adapt optimally to the contour of the load. Furthermore, each support segment 17 has a hydraulic cylinder 25, which is integrated into the support device 22. This allows each support segment 17 to be vertically adjusted to the respective load. In addition, the respective hydraulic cylinders 25, and thus also the support segments 17, can be connected together or controlled individually, as already explained.Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the gripping device 1 has a clamping device 20, which is arranged on the upper strut 2 and is displaceable within the jaw 19 of the gripping device 1 relative to the support strut 4, thus pointing into the jaw 19. The clamping device 20 is arranged offset from the vertical strut 3 on the upper strut 2 and serves to lock the load resting on the load support 16 of the support strut 4, as is known to those skilled in the art from known clamping devices. This is visible in Figures 1, 3, and 4.

[0050] Figure 4 shows two gripping devices 1, 1' on a known spreader beam 21 with a receptacle for a load-bearing device, such as a crane hook. The two gripping devices 1, 1', as C-grippers, are arranged parallel to each other at the free ends of the spreader beam 21.

[0051] Reference symbol list

[0052] 1. Gripping device

[0053] 2. Upper strut

[0054] 3. Vertical strut

[0055] 4. Support strut

[0056] 5. first joint

[0057] 6. first attack

[0058] 7. other joint

[0059] 8th further attack

[0060] 9. Stop surfaces

[0061] 10. elastic range

[0062] 11. Locking device

[0063] 12. Tabs

[0064] 13. Opening

[0065] 14. Connecting element

[0066] 15. Limiting device

[0067] 16. Load bearing

[0068] 17. Edition segments

[0069] 18. Vertical stop

[0070] 19. Mouth

[0071] 20. Clamping device

[0072] 21. Traverse

[0073] 22. Support device

[0074] 23rd edition

[0075] 24. Cardan joint

[0076] 25. Hydraulic cylinder

Claims

Roloff * Nitschke law firm Patent claims 1. A gripping device (1), in particular a C-gripper, for handling a load, comprising an upper strut (2), a vertical strut (3) and a support strut (4) on or at which the load can be arranged, wherein the support strut (4) is rotatably connected to the vertical strut (3) by means of a first joint (5), the first joint (5) having a first stop (6) which limits rotational movement, the upper strut (2) being rotatably connected to the vertical strut (3) by means of a further joint (7), the further joint (7) having a further stop (8) which limits rotational movement, wherein the first stop (6) and the further stop (8) have at least one elastic area (10) which limits the directed rotational movement of the first joint (5) and the further joint (7) by the first and the further stop (6).(8) counteracts to a defined extent and wherein the first and the further joint (5) , (7) each have a locking device (11) which counteracts a rotational movement away from the first and the further stop (6) , (8) of the first and the further joint (5) , (7) ., 2. Gripping device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first The stop (6) of the first joint (5) limits a rotational movement directed away from the support strut (4), and the further stop (8) of the further joint (7) limits a rotational movement directed towards the support strut (4). Locking device (11) of a rotational movement of the first and the further joint (5) , (7) of the first and the further The stop (6) , (8) is directed away and counteracts when The stop surfaces (9) of the first stop (6) and the further stop (8) of the first and further joint (5) , (7) lie against each other.

3. Gripping device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic area (10) of the first and the further stop (6) , (8) is formed from at least one elastic element located between two stop surfaces (9) of the first stop (6) and the further stop (8).

4. Gripping device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic area (10) of the first and the further stop (6) , (8) is formed from several elastic elements, each of which is arranged on the stop surfaces (9) of the first stop (6) and the further stop (8).

5. Gripping device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one elastic element consists of an elastic plastic or at least one mechanical spring element.

6. Gripping device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device (11) consists of two tabs (12) which are attached to the stop surfaces (9) of the first and further stop (6) , (8) in longitudinal extension opposite the respective first and further joint (5) , (7), each have an opening (13) and can be connected by means of at least one connecting element (14) which crosses the opening (13).

7. Gripping device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping device (1) comprises a limiting device (15) exhibits, by which a rotational movement of the further joint (7) can be limited.

8. Gripping device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the The limiting device (15) is arranged at the free ends of the upper strut (2) and the support strut (4), and the limiting device (15) is rotatably mounted on the upper strut (2) is arranged and can be locked to the support strut (4).

9. Gripping device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping device (1) has a clamping device (20) that is displaceable relative to the support strut (4) and points into the jaw (19) of the gripping device (1).

10. Gripping device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support strut (4) has an axially displaceable load support (16) with vertically adjustable support segments (17) and at least one axially displaceable vertical stop (18).

11. Gripping device (1) for handling a load, comprising at least a support strut (4) , wherein the support strut (4) has an axially displaceable load support (16) with vertically adjustable support segments (17) and at least one axially displaceable vertical stop (18).

12. Gripping device (1) according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the support segments (17) of the load support (16) are hydraulically adjustable to adapt to the external geometry of the load.

13. Gripping device (1) for handling a load, consisting of a top strut (2), a vertical strut (3) and a support strut (4) or at least comprising a support strut (4) , on or at which the load can be arranged, and wherein the support strut (4) has several hydraulically adjustable support segments (17) for receiving the load, which Support segments (17) each have at least one hydraulic cylinder (25), the hydraulic cylinders (25) are hydraulically coupled to each other and each at least one hydraulic cylinder (25) has a control to regulate a vertical movement of the support segments (17), in particular to lock the support segments (17) in their vertical movement.

14. Gripping device (1) according to claim 13, wherein the respective support segments (17) are individually hydraulically controllable in their vertical orientation.

15. Gripping device (1) according to one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the support segments (17) are gimbal mounted.

16. Gripping device (1) according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein a respective support segment (17) consists of a support device (22) and a support (23) and the support (23) is arranged on the support device (22) by means of a cardan joint (24) and the at least one hydraulic cylinder (25) of the respective support segment (17) is integrated into the support device (22).

17. Gripping device (1) according to one of claims 13 to 16, wherein a hydraulic system of the gripping device (1) has at least one measuring device and one evaluation unit for determining and displaying the weight of a load.

18. Traverse (21) for handling a load, wherein the traverse (21) has at least two gripping devices (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17, which are arranged at a defined distance from each other on the traverse (21).

19. Method for transporting a rotor blade by means of a Traverse (21) with at least two gripping devices (1) which are arranged parallel to each other on the traverse (21), according to one of claims 13 to 17, comprising the following steps: presetting the support segments (17) to a contour of the rotor blade, supporting (23) the rotor blade to be transported by setting a floating position of several Support segments (17) , so that the several support segments (17) with their hydraulic cylinders (25) adapt to the contour of the rotor blade to be transported by means of their coupling and then close the valves of the hydraulic cylinders (25) assigned to the support segments (17) , thereby interrupting a vertical movement of the several support segments (17) and resulting in a positive locking of the rotor blade and the several support segments (17).

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