WO2013137734A1

WO2013137734A1 - FLANGE LOCKING device

Info

Publication number: WO2013137734A1
Application number: PCT/NL2013/050182
Authority: WO
Inventors: Theodorus Gerardus Wilhelmus Van Steijn; Klaas-Jan Mulderij
Original assignee: Ihc Handling Systems V.O.F.
Priority date: 2012-03-15
Filing date: 2013-03-14
Publication date: 2013-09-19
Also published as: NL2008493C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamping device (1) for clamping abutting flanges (9, 10) of two adjacent sections (7, 8) of a structure, the flanges each having a number of bolt holes (11, 12), the clamping device comprising a clamping face (4) for engaging the inner surface (13) of a bolt hole (12a) of the number of bolt holes for clamping the flanges together for maintaining abutment of the flanges.

Description

Flange locking device

Background The present invention relates to a method for coupling two sections of a structure in their desired mutual position, each section comprising a respective flange provided with a number of bolt holes, and wherein the respective flanges abut when the two sections are in their desired mutual position.

Such a method is known from WO 2011/009538 which application relates to a system for assembling, for fixing and for transporting as well as to a method for assembling and for transporting components of a wind turbine, in which a connecting device, a transport beam and transport frame are provided. The invention of WO 2011/009538 addresses the problem of providing a system and a method with which a rapid, cost-effective and reliable transport and a rapid, cost-effective and reliable assembly and disassembly of the components of a wind turbine can be achieved. That problem is essentially solved in that the connecting device comprises two

corresponding elements, which provide guide elements and receiving elements, the result being that the components are rapidly and reliably joined.

DE 3333 141 Al discloses a releasable "Schnellspannvorrichtung". This device is however not considered suitable because the "Kegel" and "Kegelhiilse", that is the parts responsible for the wedging action, need to be assembled on site which is too cumbersome in case of coupling two elongate sections of an upright heavy steel structure like a windmill. Also the Kegelhiilse seems such that it requires action from the side opposite the "Hydraulikzylinder" 8 during release of the device which is inpractical as well in case of a windmill. In addition, DE 3333 141 Al uses the

Schnellspannvorrichtung in connection with mould closure, pressure tanks and mounting of a machining device in a sleeve, wherein loads and circumstances are importantly different compared with the current invention.

US 2003/0108398 Al discloses a bolt assembly for securing together members having planar abutting surfaces. The assembly has a tapered pin and a bush defined by a generally annular wall which parts provide wedging action. This assembly is however not considered suitable because the pin and bush need to be assembled on site which is too cumbersome in case of coupling two elongate sections of an upright heavy steel structure like a windmill. In addition, the pin and bush need to be applied from opposite side which is all the more cumbersome. US 2003/0108398 Al uses the assembly in connection with an aero engine wherein loads and circumstances are importantly different compared with the current invention.

The present invention further relates to a clamping device for clamping abutting flanges of two adjacent sections of a structure.

Summary of the invention The invention aims to provide a method for coupling, in particular temporarily coupling, two sections of a structure in their desired mutual position, which method is safe, however more fast and easy.

Another object of the invention is to improve a method for coupling two sections of a structure in their desired mutual position.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an alternative method and clamping device for coupling two sections of a structure in their desired mutual position.

According to a first aspect of the invention this is realized with a method for coupling two sections of a structure in their desired mutual position, each section comprising a respective flange provided with a number of bolt holes and wherein the respective flanges abut when the two sections are in their desired mutual position, and wherein the method comprises the steps;

- providing a clamping device for clamping abutting flanges, the clamping device comprising a clamping face,

- engaging the inner surface of a bolt hole of the number of bolt holes with the clamping face for clamping the flanges together for maintaining the desired mutual position of the two sections, prior to;

- bolting the flanges for joining the two sections in their desired mutual position. The method enables a temporarily coupling of sections such that other handling equipment, like a hoisting crane, is allowed to detach from a section and move on to a next job. In practice, this is highly beneficial because capital handling equipment is not needed anymore during bolting the flanges which is relative time consuming. This method is in particular beneficial in connection with heavy structures wherein sections are coupled by relative large bolts like M42.

It has to be understood that the clamping face is suitable for clamping action based on effect of friction to provide a friction assembly between the clamping face and the inner surface of the bolt hole. This dominant effect of friction of the clamping face contrasts with the functioning of a threaded bolt which is based on form closure.

It will be clear that a number, like a pair, of clamping devices for clamping abutting flanges may be provided. These clamping devices are then evenly arranged along the circumference of the abutting flanges. It will be clear from the description and figures, that the clamping face acts directly on the inner surface of the bolt hole to provide a fast coupling. Acting directly means without an intermediate part between the clamping face and the inner surface of the bolt hole. Such an intermediate part would complicate the clamping action. In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the two sections are two elongate sections of an upright heavy steel structure, like for example, two tubular elongate sections of an upright windmill structure.

In an embodiment of the method, the clamping face engages the inner surface of a bolt hole of the number of bolt holes of an upper flange of the respective flanges. This is even more beneficial since the clamping device then makes use of the flange and bolt holes already present and designed to take up clamping forces.

In an embodiment of the method, the clamping face firstly translates into the bolt hole and then radially moves towards the inner surface of the bolt hole for clamping the flanges together for maintaining the desired mutual position of the two sections. This enables to execute the method even faster.

The invention further relates to a clamping device for clamping abutting flanges of two adjacent sections of a structure, the flanges each having a number of bolt holes, the clamping device comprising a clamping face for engaging the inner surface of a bolt hole of the number of bolt holes for clamping the flanges together for maintaining abutment of the flanges. In an embodiment of the invention, the clamping device comprises;

- a stationary part having a leading face for engaging a first flange of the abutting flanges,

- an elongate member which extends along a clamping device longitudinal axis and is moveably coupled with the stationary part, the elongate member having a clamping section at its leading end, and wherein the clamping section comprises the clamping face, and wherein the elongate member is moveable along the longitudinal axis between an extended position and a retracted position, in which extended position the clamping section extends in the second flange of the abutting flanges.

In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the clamping face is radially moveable with respect to the longitudinal axis between an inner position and an outer position, in which outer position the clamping face engages the inner surface of the bolt hole for providing a friction assembly between the clamping face and the inner surface of a bolt hole and clamping the abutting flanges together for maintaining abutment of the flanges. In the inner position, the clamping face engages the inner surface of the bolt hole such that upon driving the elongate member back towards the retracted position, the clamping face grips with the inner surface of the bolt hole to start a self clamping action based on wedging action by a wedge structure which couples the clamping face with the inner surface of the bolt hole. This type of wedge structure is well known per se. In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the clamping face extends substantially transverse relative to the leading face of the stationary part. This enables a fast introducing of the clamping face within the bore hole.

In an embodiment of the invention, the clamping device comprises a hydraulic cylinder coupled with the elongate member for moving the elongate member between the extended position and the retracted position. Any suitable driving member may suffice to move the elongate member. Use of a hydraulic cylinder enables simple feedback by pressure measurement which makes the clamping device and its use more robust.

In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the line of action of the hydraulic cylinder is aligned with the elongate member.

In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the clamping section comprises a number of clamping faces. In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the clamping section comprises a pair of opposite clamping faces.

In an embodiment of the clamping device according to the invention, the clamping face is coupled with the clamping section of the elongate member by a wedge structure in such a way that upon driving the elongate member back towards the retracted position, the clamping face moves radially towards its outer position for engaging the inner surface of the bolt hole for clamping the abutting flanges together for maintaining abutment of the flanges. The invention further relates to a device comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

The invention further relates to a method comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages.

Description of the drawings

The invention will be further elucidated referring to a preferred embodiment shown in the drawings wherein shown in: Fig. 1-3 in perspective view a clamping device according to the invention during successive steps of the method according to the invention.

Detailed description of embodiments

In the figures 1-3 a clamping device 1 according to the invention is shown during successive steps of the method according to the invention.

The clamping device 1 is suitable for clamping abutting flanges 9, 10 of two adjacent sections 7, 8 of a structure. These sections may be for example tubular sections of a windmill structure. It will be clear that the invention is not limited to tubular sections, other sections like rectangular are possible. Such a section 7, 8 normally has a thin walled portion 20, 21 firmly coupled to the flange 9, 10. When the sections 7, 8 are coupled together, the flanges 9, 10 abut at their respective abutting faces 23, 24 in a well known manner. The flanges 9, 10 each have a number of bolt holes 11, 12 for receiving bolts (not shown). When the sections 7, 8 are coupled together these pair of number of bolt holes 11, 12 align for coupling the sections 7, 8 together.

The clamping device 1 comprises a stationary part 19. The stationary part 19 has stationary part flange 18 having a leading face 14 for engaging a first flange 9 of the abutting flanges. In the figures, the first flange 9 is the lower flange. In use, the leading face 14 abuts the first flange 9 at the side 15 of the flange facing away from the second flange 10 opposite the first flange 9. The stationary part 19 has mounting means 16, 17, 26, 27 for coupling the clamping device 1 with the first flange 9. Here, the mounting means is an ordinary bolt 16, 17 in a respective leading face bolt hole 26, 27. Any suitable means for coupling the clamping device 1 with the first flange 9 will suffice.

The clamping device 1 comprises an elongate member 5 which extends along a clamping device longitudinal axis 6. The elongate member 5 is moveably coupled with the stationary part 19 in a known manner. The elongate member 5 is moveable along the clamping device longitudinal axis 6 between a retracted position shown in fig 1, 2 and an extended position shown in fig. 3. The clamping device 1 comprises a hydraulic cylinder (not shown) which is coupled with the elongate member 5 for moving the elongate member 5 between the extended position and the retracted position. The hydraulic cylinder is accommodated within the stationary part housing portion 28. The line of action of the hydraulic cylinder is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the elongate member 5. The clamping device 1 comprises a clamping section 2 for clamping engagement with the inner surface 13 of a bolt hole 12a. Clamping engagement here means that the engagement is based on effect of friction and a friction assembly is provided between the clamping section 2 and the bore hole 12a. The clamping section 2 is provided at the leading end of the elongate member which end is faced towards the second flange 10, here the upper flange 10. In the extended position of the elongate member 5, the clamping section 2 extends in the second, that is here upper, flange 10 of the abutting flanges 9, 10.

Here, the clamping section 2 has two opposite clamping shoes 3. The clamping shoes 3 are radially moveable between an inner position and an outer position relative to the clamping device longitudinal axis 6. Both clamping shoes 3 are provided with a clamping face 4 for clamping engagement with the inner surface 13 of a bolt hole 12a. The clamping face 4 engages the inner surface 13 of a bolt hole 12a when the clamping shoe is in its outer position. Thus, each clamping shoe 3, with its respective clamping face 4, is moveable between an inner position and an outer position, in which outer position the clamping face 4 engages the inner surface of the bolt hole for clamping the abutting flanges together for maintaining abutment of the flanges 9, 10. In the outer position the clamping face 4 provides a friction assembly between the clamping face 4 and the inner surface 13 of a bolt hole 12a. By this friction assembly, the clamping device 1 clamps the abutting flanges 9, 10 together for maintaining abutment of the flanges. In the inner position, the clamping face 4 engages the inner surface 13 of the bolt hole 12a such that upon driving the elongate member 5 from the extended position in fig. 3 back towards the retracted position shown in fig. 1 and 2, the clamping face 4 grips with the inner surface 13 of the bolt hole 12a to start a self clamping action based on wedging action by a wedge structure (not shown) which couples the clamping face 4 with the inner surface 13 of the bolt hole 12a. These types of wedge structures are well known per se. In effect the clamping device 1 clamps the flanges 9, 10 between the stationary part flange 18 and the clamping faces 4 of the clamping section 2. The clamping faces 4 extends substantially transverse relative to the stationary part flange 18.

The clamping section 2 and the elongate member 5 have an outer circumference such that the clamping section 2 and the elongate member 5 can be introduced in a bolt hole 11a, 12a having a relative large diameter like for a M42 type of bolt. It will be clear that the clamping section 2 and the elongate member 5 may have different outer circumferences. The clamping shoe 3, here shoes 3, and its clamping face 4 is coupled with the clamping section 2 of the elongate member in such a way that upon moving the elongate member 5 back towards the retracted position, the clamping face 4 moves towards its outer position for engaging the inner surface 13 of the bolt hole 12a for clamping the abutting flanges 9, 10 together for maintaining abutment of these flanges.

In use, the clamping device 1 temporarily couples two sections 7, 8 of a structure 22 in their desired mutual position. The clamping device 1 is coupled with a first flange 9 by mounting means, here screws 16, 17. When the clamping device 1 is coupled with the first flange 9, the leading face 14 of the stationary part flange 18 abuts the first flange 9 as shown in fig. 1. Sections 7, 8 are then manoeuvred in their desired position, see fig 2, in which the flanges 9, 10 abut. Subsequently, the elongate member 5 is translated into its extended position wherein the clamping section 2 extends in the bolt hole 12a of the, here upper, flange 10 opposite the first flange 9, see fig. 3. Then, upon driving the elongate member 5 back towards its retracted position, the clamping faces 4 engage the inner surface 13 of the bolt hole 12a which forces the clamping face 4 towards its outer position. Consequently, an effect of friction is instantly build up which provides a friction assembly between the clamping section 2 and the flange 10, see fig. 3. The clamping device 1 now couples the abutting flanges 9, 10 together for maintaining the desired mutual position of the two sections 7, 8. Finally, the flanges 9, 10 are bolted together for joining the two sections 7, 8 in their desired mutual position, where after the clamping device 1 can safely be removed. It will also be obvious after the above description and drawings are included to illustrate some embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the scope of protection. Starting from this disclosure, many more embodiments will be evident to a skilled person which are within the scope of protection and the essence of this invention and which are obvious combinations of prior art techniques and the disclosure of this patent.

Claims

1. Method for coupling two sections (7, 8) of a structure in their desired mutual position, each section comprising a respective flange (9, 10) provided with a number of bolt holes (11, 12), and wherein the respective flanges abut when the two sections are in their desired mutual position, and wherein the method comprises the steps;

- providing a clamping device (1) for clamping abutting flanges, the

clamping device comprising a clamping face (4),

- engaging the inner surface (13) of a bolt hole (12a) of the number of bolt holes with the clamping face for clamping the flanges together for maintaining the desired mutual position of the two sections, prior to;

- bolting the flanges for joining the two sections in their desired mutual position.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the two sections are two elongate sections of an upright heavy steel structure.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the two sections are two tubular elongate sections of an upright windmill structure.

4. Method according to a preceding claim, the clamping face engaging the inner surface of a bolt hole of the number of bolt holes of an upper flange (10) of the respective flanges (9, 10).

5. Method according to a preceding claim, wherein the clamping face (4) firstly translates into the bolt hole (12a) and then radially moves towards the inner surface (13) of the bolt hole (12a) for clamping the flanges together for maintaining the desired mutual position of the two sections.

6. Clamping device (1) for clamping abutting flanges (9, 10) of two adjacent

sections (7, 8) of a structure, the flanges each having a number of bolt holes (11, 12), the clamping device comprising a clamping face (4) for engaging the inner surface (13) of a bolt hole (12a) of the number of bolt holes for clamping the flanges together for maintaining abutment of the flanges.

7. Clamping device according to claim 6, comprising;

- a stationary part (19) having a leading face (14) for engaging a first flange (9) of the abutting flanges,

- an elongate member (5) which extends along a clamping device

longitudinal axis (6) and is moveably coupled with the stationary part, the elongate member having a clamping section (2) at its leading end, and wherein the clamping section comprises the clamping face (4), and wherein the elongate member is moveable along the longitudinal axis (6) between an extended position and a retracted position, in which extended position the clamping section extends in the second flange of the abutting flanges.

8. Clamping device according to a preceding claim 6 or 7, wherein the clamping face (4) is radially moveable with respect to the longitudinal axis (6) between an inner position and an outer position, in which outer position the clamping face engages the inner surface of the bolt hole for providing a friction assembly between the clamping face and the inner surface (13) of a bolt hole (12a) and clamping the abutting flanges together for maintaining abutment of the flanges.

9. Clamping device according to a preceding claim 7-8, wherein the clamping face

(4) extends substantially transverse relative to the leading face (14) of the stationary part (19).

10. Clamping device according to a preceding claim 7-9, comprising a hydraulic cylinder coupled with the elongate member for moving the elongate member between the extended position and the retracted position.

11. Clamping device according to claim 10, wherein the line of action of the

hydraulic cylinder is aligned with the elongate member.

12. Clamping device according to a preceding claim 7-11, wherein the clamping section comprises a number of clamping faces (4).

13. Clamping device according to claim 12, wherein the clamping section

comprises a pair of opposite clamping faces (4).

14. Clamping device according to a preceding claim 7-13, wherein the clamping face (4) is coupled with the clamping section (2) of the elongate member by a wedge structure in such a way that upon driving the elongate member back towards the retracted position, the clamping face moves radially towards its outer position for engaging the inner surface of the bolt hole for clamping the abutting flanges together for maintaining abutment of the flanges.

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