Lifting tool

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure is a lifting tool, which is configured to lift a pitch bearing and blades of a wind turbine generator system. The lifting tool comprises: a lifting beam, which is configured to connect to the pitch bearing, so as to lift the blades connected to the pitch bearing by means of the pitch bearing. During assembly or disassembly of the pitch bearing and the blades connected to the pitch bearing, the lifting tool can be directly used to lift the pitch bearing and the blades, thereby eliminating the need for a large crane, and thus avoiding the rental cost of the large crane, and reducing the assembly and disassembly costs.

Description

lifting gear

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to the earlier application entitled "Lifting Gear", application number 202520269351.6, filed on February 19, 2025. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of lifting tools, specifically to a lifting device. Background Technology

[0003] Currently, wind turbine blades are developing towards ultra-long and flexible designs. As blade length increases, the difficulty and cost of hoisting and installation also increase. Furthermore, as the turbine operates, various problems arise with the blades, necessitating replacement of damaged blades to ensure normal turbine operation. Moreover, with the increased weight of the blades, pitch bearing cracking becomes a frequent occurrence. Existing methods for replacing blades or pitch bearings require the use of large cranes to remove the entire rotor from the tower, hoist it to the ground, and then lift and install the new blades, resulting in high costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a lifting device that can lift only the pitch bearing and blades to the ground and to the hub for installation, without the use of large lifting equipment, thus reducing replacement costs.

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure provides a lifting device for lifting the pitch bearing and blades of a wind turbine generator set. The lifting device includes a lifting beam for connecting to the pitch bearing to lift the blades connected to the pitch bearing via the pitch bearing.

[0006] The lifting device provided in this embodiment connects the lifting beam of the lifting device to the pitch bearing. When installing or disassembling the pitch bearing and the blades connected to the pitch bearing, the pitch bearing and blades can be directly lifted using the lifting device. Compared with the use of a large crane to lift the impeller as a whole in related technologies, the lifting weight is greatly reduced, eliminating the need for a large crane, eliminating the rental cost of a large crane, and saving on disassembly and assembly costs.

[0007] Further aspects and / or advantages of the general concept of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be clear from the description or may be learned by practice of the general concept of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The above and other objects and features of this disclosure will become clearer from the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a structure when the lifting device is connected to the pitch bearing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 shows a top view of a spreader connected to a pitch bearing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3 shows a side view of a lifting device connected to a pitch bearing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a lifting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a blade brake structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Explanation of the reference numerals in Figures 1 to 5:

[0015] 100 Lifting beam; 110 Support beam; 111 Central support; 112 Support beam; 1121 Second bolt hole; 120 Lifting joint;

[0016] 200 Blade Brake Structure; 210 Brake Brake Bracket; 220 Connector; 230 Brake Pad; 240 Clamping Part;

[0017] 300 pitch bearing; 310 first bolt hole; 320 third bolt hole;

[0018] 400 blades. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The following detailed embodiments are provided to aid the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will become apparent upon understanding this disclosure. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to those orders set forth herein, but may be changed as will become clear upon understanding this disclosure, except for operations that must occur in a specific order. Furthermore, for clarity and conciseness, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted.

[0020] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided only to illustrate some of the many feasible ways of implementing the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein, which will become clear upon understanding the disclosure of this application.

[0021] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the associated listed items and any combination of any two or more.

[0022] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe various components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts, these components, assemblies, regions, layers, or parts should not be limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, assembly, region, layer, or part from another. Thus, without departing from the teaching of the examples described herein, the first component, first assembly, first region, first layer, or first part referred to as the first component, first assembly, first region, first layer, or first part may also be referred to as the second component, second assembly, second region, second layer, or second part.

[0023] In the specification, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is described as being "on" another element, "connected to," or "bonded to" another element, the element may be directly "on" another element, directly "connected to," or "bonded to" the other element, or one or more other elements may be present in between. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on" another element, "directly connected to," or "directly bonded to" another element, no other elements may be present in between.

[0024] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various examples only and is not intended to limit disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” indicate the presence of the described features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof. The term “a plurality” represents any quantity of two or more.

[0025] The directional terms “above,” “below,” “top,” and “bottom” used in this application, unless otherwise specified, are based on the orientation of the product when it is in normal use.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains upon understanding this disclosure. Unless expressly defined herein, terms such as those defined in a general dictionary shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and in this disclosure, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formalistic manner.

[0027] The lifting device provided by the embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, a first aspect of this disclosure provides a lifting device for lifting a pitch bearing 300 and a blade 400 of a wind turbine generator set. The lifting device includes a lifting beam 100, which is connected to the pitch bearing 300 to lift the blade 400 connected to the pitch bearing 300 via the pitch bearing 300.

[0029] The lifting device provided in this embodiment connects the lifting beam 100 of the lifting device to the pitch bearing 300. When installing or disassembling the pitch bearing 300 and the blade 400 connected to the pitch bearing 300, the lifting device can be used to lift the pitch bearing 300 and the blade 400 simultaneously. Compared with the use of a large crane to lift the impeller as a whole in related technologies, the lifting weight is greatly reduced, eliminating the need for a large crane, saving on the rental cost of a large crane, and saving on disassembly and assembly costs.

[0030] Furthermore, in some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pitch bearing 300 has a plurality of first bolt holes 310 for connecting to the hub of the wind turbine generator set. The lifting beam 100 includes a support beam 110 and a lifting section 120. The support beam 110 is used to connect to at least two of the plurality of first bolt holes 310, and the lifting section 120 is disposed on the support beam 110 for connecting to the lifting rope of the lifting equipment.

[0031] In these embodiments, when lifting the pitch bearing 300 and the blade 400 connected to the pitch bearing 300, the lifting rope of the lifting equipment is connected to the lifting joint 120, and the support beam 110 is connected to the pitch bearing 300, so that the pitch bearing 300 and the blade 400 connected to the pitch bearing 300 can be lifted simultaneously. Regarding the connection method between the support beam 110 and the pitch bearing 300, the support beam 110 of the lifting beam 100 is connected to the first bolt hole 310 on the pitch bearing 300 for connection to the hub. This eliminates the need for additional connecting structures to be machined on the pitch bearing 300 to connect the support beam 110, simplifying the structure of the pitch bearing 300 and ensuring its structural strength.

[0032] In practical applications, when disassembling the blades and lifting the pitch bearing downwards, some of the first bolts connecting the hub and the pitch bearing 300 can be removed first, so that these first bolts can be removed from the first bolt holes 310. This facilitates the connection between the support beam 110 and the first bolt holes 310, thereby realizing the connection between the support beam 110 and the pitch bearing 300.

[0033] Additionally, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pitch bearing 300 also has a third bolt hole 320 through which bolts are connected to the hub. One of the first bolt hole 310 and the third bolt hole 320 is located on the inner ring of the pitch bearing 300, and the other is located on the inner ring of the pitch bearing 300.

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the support beam 110 is provided with a second bolt hole 1121. The second bolt hole 1121 is distributed opposite to and communicates with the first bolt hole 310, so that the second bolt passes through the first bolt hole 310 and the second bolt hole 1121. Here, the second bolt passing through the first bolt hole 310 and the second bolt hole 1121 is used to connect the support beam 110 and the pitch bearing 300 together, and the connection is firm.

[0035] It should be noted that both the first bolt and the second bolt are bolts. For ease of distinction, the bolt connecting the hub and the pitch bearing 300 is defined as the first bolt, and the bolt connecting the pitch bearing 300 and the support beam 110 is defined as the second bolt. The first bolt and the second bolt can be the same or different.

[0036] Of course, in other embodiments, a tapered pin, connecting rope, or other connecting component can be used to connect the support beam 110 and the pitch bearing 300 by passing through the first bolt hole 310 and the second bolt hole 1121. Alternatively, the second bolt hole 1121 can be omitted from the support beam 110, and the beam can be connected to the first bolt hole 310 through other structures. Or, the support beam 110 and the pitch bearing 300 can be connected without the first bolt hole 310. There are various specific connection methods between the support beam 110 and the pitch bearing 300, and these are not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0037] Further, in some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the lifting beam 100 includes a support beam 110 and a lifting section 120. The support beam 110 includes a central support 111 and at least two support beams 112. The lifting section 120 is disposed on the central support 111. The at least two support beams 112 are circumferentially spaced around the central support 111. One end of each support beam 112 away from the central support 111 is used to connect to the pitch bearing 300.

[0038] In these embodiments, the lifting section 120 is positioned on the central support 111 located at the center, which can prevent the center of gravity from shifting and causing the bearing to fall off during the lifting process, thus facilitating the stable lifting of the pitch bearing 300 and the blade 400. Moreover, at least two circumferentially distributed support beams 112 are connected to the pitch bearing 300, and the two are connected at multiple points around the circumference, resulting in a firm connection that is beneficial for stable lifting.

[0039] As an example, the support beams 110 are distributed axially or centrally. For instance, the support beams 110 may be in a straight line, cross, or star shape, which is beneficial for the stable hoisting of the pitch bearing 300 and the blade 400.

[0040] As an example, as shown in Figure 1, there is one lifting part 120, which is a hook or a ring.

[0041] As an example, as shown in Figure 4, each support beam 112 has a second bolt hole 1121 at the end away from the central support 111. The second bolt passes through the second bolt hole 1121 and the first bolt hole 310 on the pitch bearing 300 to connect the support beam 110 and the pitch bearing 300.

[0042] Of course, in other embodiments, the support beam 110 may not have the structure described above, and may also be in a grid shape or the like. The lifting parts 120 may not be one, but multiple, distributed at multiple locations on the support beam 110.

[0043] Furthermore, in some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the lifting device further includes a blade brake structure 200 for connection with the pitch bearing 300 or with the lifting beam 100. The blade brake structure 200 can fit tightly against the inner wall of the blade 400 to restrict the rotation of the blade 400.

[0044] In these embodiments, the lifting device is also equipped with a blade brake structure 200. The blade brake structure 200 is mounted on the pitch bearing 300 or the lifting beam 100 and is made to fit tightly against the inner wall of the blade 400. This can prevent the blade 400 from rotating during lifting and ensure lifting stability. Moreover, it facilitates placing the blade 400 on the ground in a specific posture, which can avoid damage to the blade 400 from impacts.

[0045] Furthermore, there can be multiple blade brake structures 200, which are circumferentially spaced around the pitch bearing 300. These multiple blade brake structures 200 are tightly fitted to the inner wall of the blade 400 at multiple circumferential positions, providing better restraint of the blade 400 and ensuring that the blade 400 does not rotate. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, there are four blade brake structures 200.

[0046] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, the blade brake structure 200 includes: a brake bracket 210 for connection to the pitch bearing 300 or the lifting beam 100; a brake pad 230 for contacting the inner wall of the blade 400; and a clamping member 240 connecting the brake bracket 210 and the brake pad 230, which clamps the brake pad 230 against the inner wall of the blade 400. By using the clamping member 240 to press the brake pad 230 against the inner wall of the blade 400, rotation of the blade 400 relative to the pitch bearing 300 can be effectively prevented.

[0047] As an example, as shown in Figure 5, the clamping element 240 is a brake set screw.

[0048] As an example, the surface of the brake pad 230 is provided with an elastic pad, through which the brake pad 230 contacts the blade 400, which can prevent the blade brake structure 200 from wearing the blade 400. The elastic pad can be a rubber pad.

[0049] Regarding the placement of the blade brake structure 200, in some embodiments, the pitch bearing 300 has a plurality of first bolt holes 310 for connecting the hub of the wind turbine generator set, and the blade brake structure 200 can be connected to a plurality of the first bolt holes 310.

[0050] In these embodiments, the blade brake structure 200 is connected to the first bolt hole 310 on the pitch bearing 300 for connection with the hub. This eliminates the need to machine a connecting structure on the pitch bearing 300 to connect the blade brake structure 200, which simplifies the structure of the pitch bearing 300 and ensures the structural strength of the pitch bearing 300.

[0051] In practical applications, the first bolts connecting the hub and the pitch bearing 300 can be removed first, so that these first bolts can be removed from the first bolt holes 310. This facilitates the connection between the blade brake structure 200 and the first bolt holes 310, thereby realizing the connection between the blade brake structure 200 and the pitch bearing 300.

[0052] In this configuration, as shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, the blade brake structure 200 may further include a connector 220 disposed on the brake bracket 210 and inserted into the first bolt hole 310. This prevents the blade 400 from rotating relative to the pitch bearing 300.

[0053] The connector 220 includes, but is not limited to, a pin, and may also be a bolt, etc.

[0054] In practical applications, the blade brake structure 200 is installed into the first bolt hole 310 on the inner ring of the pitch bearing 300 through the connector 220. By tightening the brake set screw, the brake pad 230 is pressed tightly against the root of the blade 400, and the friction between the brake pad 230 and the blade 400 restricts the rotation of the blade 400.

[0055] Of course, the blade brake structure 200 can also be mounted on the lifting beam 100. For example, the blade brake structure 200 can be welded to the lifting beam 100, or fixed to the lifting beam 100 by bolts or other connecting parts.

[0056] The following details a method for replacing the pitch bearing 300 and blades 400 according to an embodiment of this disclosure, including the following steps:

[0057] Step 1: Move all parts of the lifting equipment into the wheel hub and assemble the lifting beam 100 inside the wheel hub.

[0058] Step 2: Remove the first bolt connecting the pitch bearing 300 and the hub, and install the blade brake structure 200.

[0059] Step 3: Disassemble some of the first bolts connecting the pitch bearing 300 and the hub again (e.g., remove 6 to 8 first bolts), and install the pre-prepared third bolt as a limit protection. Use the third bolt to connect the pitch bearing 300 and the hub through the first bolt hole 310, replacing the original first bolt. The third bolt is a long bolt, at least 100mm longer than the first bolt.

[0060] Step 4: Slowly and evenly remove the remaining first bolts connecting the pitch bearing 300 and the hub. Under their own weight, the blades 400 and pitch bearing 300 will separate from the hub, allowing the pitch bearing 300 and blades 400 to rest on the third bolts. Then, remove all remaining first bolts connecting the pitch bearing 300 and the hub. At this point, there should be at least a 100mm gap between the pitch bearing 300 and the hub, providing sufficient assembly space.

[0061] Step 5: Install the lifting device at the first bolt hole 310 on the inner ring of the pitch bearing 300. Specifically, a second bolt can be passed through the second bolt hole 1121 of the lifting device and the first bolt hole 310 of the pitch bearing 300. Then, within the aforementioned assembly space, tighten the nut on the second bolt to secure the lifting device to the pitch bearing 300. Use a winch to lift the pitch bearing 300 and its blades 400 upwards, and remove the third bolt.

[0062] Step 6: Hoist the blade 400 and pitch bearing 300 together to the bottom of the tower, and repair or replace the pitch bearing 300 or blade 400 at the bottom of the tower.

[0063] Step 7: Hoist the pitch bearing 300 and blade 400 onto the tower along the same path to complete the replacement of the pitch bearing 300 and the blade 400 connected to it.

[0064] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It should be understood that, to those skilled in the art, these modifications and variations will still fall within the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A spreader for hoisting a pitch bearing (300) and a blade (400) of a wind turbine generator, wherein, The lifting tool comprises: a lifting beam (100) configured to be connected with the variable pitch bearing (300) to lift the blade (400) connected with the variable pitch bearing (300) through the variable pitch bearing (300).

2. The spreader of claim 1, wherein, The variable pitch bearing (300) has a plurality of first bolt holes (310) for connecting the hub of the wind turbine generator; The lifting beam (100) comprises a support beam (110) configured to be connected with at least two of the plurality of first bolt holes (310) and a lifting connecting portion (120) disposed on the support beam (110) and configured to be connected with a lifting rope of a lifting device.

3. The spreader of claim 2, wherein, Second bolt holes (1121) are disposed on the support beam (110) and are distributed opposite to and in communication with the first bolt holes (310) so that bolts pass through the first bolt holes (310) and the second bolt holes (1121).

4. The spreader of claim 2, wherein, The support beam (110) comprises: a central support (111) on which the lifting connecting portion (120) is disposed; at least two support beams (112) circumferentially spaced around the central support (111), and each end of each support beam (112) away from the central support (111) is configured to be connected with the variable pitch bearing (300).

5. The spreader of claim 4, wherein, The support beam (110) has an axisymmetric structure.

6. The spreader of claim 1, wherein, The lifting tool further comprises: a blade brake structure (200) configured to be connected with the variable pitch bearing (300) or the lifting beam (100), and the blade brake structure (200) is capable of closely abutting an inner wall of the blade (400) to limit rotation of the blade (400).

7. The spreader of claim 6, wherein, The variable pitch bearing (300) has a plurality of first bolt holes (310) for connecting the hub of the wind turbine generator, and the blade brake structure (200) is capable of being connected with several of the plurality of first bolt holes (310).

8. The spreader of claim 7, wherein, The blade brake structure (200) comprises: a brake support (210); a plug-in piece (220) disposed on the brake support (210) and configured to be inserted into the first bolt hole (310); a brake pad (230) configured to contact the inner wall of the blade (400); a pressing piece (240) connecting the brake support (210) and the brake pad (230) and configured to press the brake pad (230) against the inner wall of the blade (400).

9. The spreader of claim 8, wherein, The plug-in piece (220) is a bolt or a pin; and / or A surface of the brake pad (230) is provided with an elastic pad, and the brake pad (230) contacts the blade (400) through the elastic pad; and / or The pressing piece (240) is a brake jack.

10. The spreader of claim 6, wherein, The number of the blade brake structures (200) is a plurality, and the blade brake structures (200) are circumferentially spaced around the variable pitch bearing (300).

Images