DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates to an arrangement for assembling two components, in particular for assembling two components of a wind turbine.

BACKGROUND
Wind turbines are widely known in the prior art. Wind turbines generally comprise a nacelle incorporating different components of a drive train and a rotor with one or more rotor blades. The nacelle is mounted on a tower. The rotor is connected to a rotor shaft via a hub, on which the rotor blades are mounted.

The installation of a wind turbine is often performed in such a way that, in a first step the tower is erected and that, in a second step, the nacelle is mounted on top of the tower by means of a special crane device. Very often, the rotor is pre-assembled on the ground. Afterwards, in a third step, the entire rotor is lifted by the crane device towards the nacelle, where the rotor, via its hub, gets assembled to the rotor shaft which is incorporated inside the nacelle.

When the rotor is pre-assembled on the ground, each rotor blade is fastened to the hub, via a blade bearing for example, by use of fastening elements, fastening bolts for example. In particular, the blade bearing is a slewing bearing between the rotor blade and the hub, such that the rotor blade is pivotably mounted at the hub via said blade bearing. For this purpose a number of fastening elements are used, which are spaced apart from each other. If the rotor blade or the blade bearing at which the rotor blade is mounted and the hub are assembled to each other via corresponding flanges, the fastening elements are spaced apart over the circumference of the respective flanges.

During the fastening procedure it is often necessary that the rotor blades are moved into different assembly positions in relation to that hub, which means that the rotor blades have to be swiveled. This procedure is performed manually or by use of a crane device, since during the assembly procedure of the rotor the pitch drives of the rotor blades are not yet active in their operation mode. During the regular operation of a wind turbine the pitch drives of the rotor blades are actuated by use of the central control system of the wind turbine. The adjustment of the correct rotor blade position in relation to the hub during the fastening procedure has to be optically controlled by the assembly staff, which however can result in mistakes. Furthermore, mistakes can arise with regard to the fastening procedure of the fastening elements itself, since the fastening elements may not be actuated randomly. Instead the fastening elements have to be actuated in a predetermined actuation order in order to achieve a stable and secure connection between the rotor blades and the hub. With this respect, the fastening elements might get actuated in the wrong actuation order.

Starting from the above mentioned general state of the art, it is the object of the present invention to avoid the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to discuss an arrangement and method for assembling two components in order to improve the efficiency of operation.

Another object of the present invention is to discuss an arrangement and method for assembling two components by using program-controller approach thereby reducing manual intervention.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement and method for assembling two components using computer product program for better assembling mechanism.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object is solved according to the invention by the arrangement for assembling two components, in particular for assembling two components of a wind turbine with the features according to independent claim 1, which is the first aspect of the invention, by the method for assembling two components, in particular for assembling two components of a wind turbine with the features of independent claim 7, which is the second aspect of the invention, and by the computer program product with the features of independent claim 14, which is the third aspect of the invention. Further features and details of the invention can be derived from the dependent claims, from the description as well as from the drawings. Therein, features and details which are described in connection with one aspect according to the invention apply with respect to their disclosure in their entirety also to the other aspects according to the invention, so that statements made with respect to one aspect also apply to their full extent to the other aspects and vice versa.

In particular, the present invention is directed to the technical field of wind turbines. However, the present invention is not limited to specific types of wind turbines.

In a preferred embodiment, a wind turbine comprises a tower, at the top of which a nacelle is mounted. Inside the nacelle, different mechanical components of the drive train are incorporated, for example the rotor shaft, the gearbox and the high-speed shaft. Furthermore, different electric components can be incorporated inside the nacelle as well. The drive train transmits and converts the rotor speed to the generator.

Preferably, the drive train comprises at least one rotor hub, on which the rotor blades, three rotor blades for example, are mounted, via blade bearings for example. The rotor hub and the rotor blades in their entirety provide the rotor. The entire rotor can be part of the drive train as well. According to a preferred type of wind turbines the rotor blades are adjustably mounted on the hub. This is realized by means of pitch drives, said pitch drives being part of a pitch system. The pitch system, which is generally known in the prior art, participates in the control of the rotor speed to given set points. In general, the rotor speed is controlled by the load and by the pitch angle. By means of the pitch-drive, the rotor blades may be moved about a rotor blade axes into different pitch positions, said rotor blade axis extending in an axial direction of the rotor blade.

Principally, the present invention is not limited to specific embodiments of components, which are assembled to each other. Preferably, the present invention is directed to a wind turbine, whereby two components of the wind turbine get assembled to each other.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention is directed to the assembly of one or more rotor blades as a first component to a hub as a second component, in particular by use of respective blade bearings, in order to build a rotor of the wind turbine. Therefore, the present invention is preferably used during the assembly procedure of the wind turbine, during the assembly procedure of the rotor for example.

Nevertheless, the present invention can be directed to the assembly of different components of a wind turbine as well. For example, the present invention can be used during the Yaw-bearing assembly of the tower segments. In such a case the assembly tool can be mounted on a device which is used during the assembly of the tower. Using the present invention, the assembly tool can automatically approach the right fastening element to be actuated.

The underlying concept of the present invention is that in all different aspects of the invention it is realized that the fastening elements get program-controlled approached by an assembly tool in a predetermined actuation order, such that the fastening elements get actuated in this predetermined order. Preferably, this goal can be achieved automatically or by use of as specific trigger signal, at the push of a button for example.

Pursuant to to the first aspect of the present invention, an arrangement for assembling two components, in particular for assembling two components of a wind turbine, is provided, wherein the components get assembled to each other by means of a number fastening elements, in particular fastening bolts, being spaced apart from each other, using an assembly tool, by means of which the fastening elements get actuated. The arrangement is characterized in that it comprises a device for the predetermined assembly of the components, said device comprising a computing device, that computer program instructions are implemented on said computing device, which are performed by the computing device in such a way that the fastening elements, by means of which the components are brought in contact with each other, get program-controlled approached by said assembly tool in a predetermined actuation order.

The arrangement for assembling two components is used for such situations in which the components get assembled to each other by means of a number of fastening elements, in particular fastening bolts. These fastening elements are spaced from each other. For example, if the components get assembled to each other via respective flanges, the fastening elements, the fastening bolts for example, are preferably provided spaced apart from each other over the circumference of the respective flanges.

The actuation of the fastening elements is performed by means of an assembly tool. The present invention is not limited to specific types of assembly tools. Preferably the assembly tool is a hydraulic assembly tool or another kind of tool by use of which predetermined torque-loads can be forced on the fastening elements. In any case it is the general function of the assembly tool that the fastening elements can get actuated.

According to the present invention, the arrangement comprises a device for the predetermined assembly of the components. This device comprises a computing device, said computing device being a device which performs calculations automatically. For this purpose, computer program instructions are implemented on said computing device, which are performed by the computing device. The computer program instructions, which are in sum a computer program, perform a specific task when they are executed by the computer device. In a preferred embodiment, a computer program product according to the third aspect of the invention, which is described further below, is implemented in the computing device of the device for the predetermined assembly of the components. With regard to such a computer program product, the disclosure of the third aspect of the invention applies with respect to the disclosure in entirety also to the arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention, so that all of the statements made with respect to the third aspect of the invention also apply to their full extent to the first aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

As mentioned above, the computer program instructions carry out a specific task when they are executed by the computer device. In particular the computer program instructions control the assembly tool by sending operational commands to the assembly tool, such that the fastening elements, by means of which the components are brought in contact with each other, get program-controlled approached by said assembly tool in a predetermined actuation order.

This means that the assembly tool is controlled by said computer program instructions in such a way that it is moved to the fastening elements in a very specific order. Therefore, the fastening elements get actuated in a specific sequence or succession. For example, in a first step, by means of the computer program instructions the assembly tool is moved to a first fastening element. Once the assembly tool has reached this first fastening element, the fastening element can be or get actuated. When a fastening bolt is used as a fastening element, the fastening bolt is screwed by said assembly tool. Then, the next fastening element is approached by said assembly tool and the second fastening element is actuated respectively. This procedure is repeated until the last fastening element has been approached by said assembly tool. Due to the program-controlled approach of the assembly tool to the fastening elements in the predetermined actuation order it is ensured that a predetermined pattern with regard to the actuation of the fastening elements, for example a criss-cross pattern, is always kept.

According to the present invention, the computer program instructions control one or more devices which are used during the assembly of two components, two components of a wind turbine for example. In a preferred embodiment the computer device, on which the computer program instructions are performed, sends commands to the assembly tool, to which fastening element the assembly tool has to be moved. In a preferred embodiment, the computing device can send such commands to the assembly tool and the assembly tool automatically moves into the desired position. If the assembly tool has actuated one fastening element, it is moved to the next fastening element, automatically for example. In addition the computing device may control the assembly tool as well, such that the fastening elements get automatically actuated in the correct way. According to another preferred embodiment, the computing device generates a message, which fastening element has to be actuated next and in which position the assembly tool has to be moved. In such a case the computing device generates a piece of specification information in which position the assembly tool has to be moved. Once the fastening element has been brought into the desired position and has been actuated accordingly, the computing device generates a next message, and so on.

The arrangement according to the present invention can be part of a central control system, the central control system of a wind turbine for example. According to another preferred embodiment, the arrangement can be provided as a separate, individual device.

In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement is provided as a portable arrangement. Particularly the arrangement can be provided in such a way, that it is adapted to be arranged, in particular releasable arranged, inside of one of the components to be assembled. In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement can be mounted, in particular releasable mounted, inside the hub or inside a tower element of a wind turbine.

Preferably the device for the predetermined assembly of the components comprises a number of interfaces, each interface allowing the connection of a specific device to the device for the predetermined assembly of the components.

In particular, an interface establishes a connection between two pieces of electric equipment or between a person and a computer. The interface can allow a communication or data transfer in a unidirectional or bidirectional direction. An external device is linked to said device for the predetermined assembly of the components via an interface. Such a link can be a wired or wireless link or a connection respectively. A link via such an interface has the purpose of transmitting signals, for example audio signals, voice signals, text signals, data and the like. For example the interfaces incorporated in said device for the predetermined assembly of the components allow the establishment of a data link, a communication link, and the like to an external device.

In a preferred embodiment, the device for the predetermined assembly of the components comprises an interface to a device for arranging the components to be assembled into a predetermined assembly position in relation to each other. Such a device might be an actuator or part of an actuator for actuating the components to be assembled in relation to each other. For example, such an actuator can be used to actuate one of the components. Such actuators are described in more detail further below. Therefore, full reference is made to this disclosure at his point.

According to another preferred embodiment, the device for the predetermined assembly of the components comprises an interface to a remote control. Therefore the operation of the arrangement for assembling two components, in particular the device for the predetermined assembly of the components can be controlled by use of this remote control, which in particular is an external member. The connection between the remote control and the device for the predetermined assembly of the components via its interface is preferably wireless or wired.

According to another preferred embodiment, the device for the predetermined assembly of the components comprises an interface to an assembly tool. The interface can be configured such that it is possible for the device for the predetermined assembly of the components to receive information from said assembly tool, for protocol purposes for example, and/or to transmit information to sad assembly tool, in form of specification values for example. Such assembly tools are described in more detail further above. Therefore, full reference is made to this disclosure at his point.

According to another preferred embodiment, the device for the predetermined assembly of the components comprises an interface to an input device. In general, an input device is such a device by means of which targets or defaults can be given to the device for the predetermined assembly of the components, in particular to the computing device. For example, the input device can be configured as a keyboard, as a device for generating voice input or video input, and the like.

According to another preferred embodiment, the device for the predetermined assembly of the components comprises an interface to an output device. In general an output device is such a device by means of which any information generated by the computing device can be made available to the outside, to a staff member for example. For example the output device can be configured as a display for showing information graphically, as a device for generating a voice output, a loudspeaker for example, a device for output of electronic signals and the like. By means of such an output device, a feedback can be given with regard to current and to the next following process steps, to staff members for example.

Preferably, the device for the predetermined assembly of the components comprises a storage device and/or an interface to a storage device. The storage device is provided in such a way, that it is capable to store specification values and/or reference values and/or protocol values with regard to the assembly positions into which the components get brought in relation to each other and/or with regard to the approach of the fastening elements in the predetermined actuation order by the assembly tool and/or with regard to the actuation of the fastening elements by the assembly tool. The storage device is capable for storing data at least temporarily. For example, it is possible, that the torque-procedure or the position of the components in relation to each other, the position of a rotor blade for example, the achieved torque moment, or the like get protocolled, from the assembly tool for example. Such values can be stored inside the storage device.

According to one preferred embodiment, the storage device is part of the arrangement, in particular part of the device for the predetermined assembly of the components. According to another preferred embodiment, the storage device is provided as an external, separate unit, which can be part of a central control system, which comprises a central database for example. In this case the device for the predetermined assembly of the components comprises an interface to this external storage device. In any case it is preferred that a bidirectional communication with the storage device is provided such that data can be stored in said storage device and that data can be read-out from said storage device.

In one preferred embodiment the device for the predetermined assembly of the components comprises interfaces to a number of external devices only. In this case such external devices are not part of the arrangement. Nevertheless the arrangement, via its device for the predetermined assembly of the components is capable of communicating with these external devices via these interfaces.

According to another preferred embodiment, the external devices can be part of the arrangement according to the fist aspect of the invention as well. In this case the external devices are external devices in relation to the device for the predetermined assembly of the components. Again, a communication between those external devices and the device for the predetermined assembly of the components takes place via the respective interfaces.

Preferably, the arrangement comprises at least one energy source for generating and/or providing electrical energy. However the invention is not limited to specific types of such energy sources. It is the function of the energy source to provide at least some of the components of the arrangement with electric power. For example the energy source might comprise a charger device and/or a battery pack and/or an accumulator, or the like. In particular, it is a general function of the energy source to provide electric energy independently from a generator.

Preferably the arrangement comprises an inverter. In particular, an inverter is an electric device or a circuit which converts direct current into alternating current, and vice versa.

Preferably the arrangement comprises at least one actuator control for actuating at least one of the components to be assembled. The actuator control communicates with an actuator of a component to be assembled, which has to be moved during the assembly procedure. For example such an actuator may be capable of moving or adjusting a rotor blade into a desired position, in particular via a blade bearing. In this case the actuator may be the pitch-drive of this rotor blade as mentioned further above.

According to another preferred embodiment, the arrangement can comprise such an actuator as well, said actuator being capable for actuating at least one of the components to be assembled

In some cases it is required that the assembly position of both components, which get assembled to one another, is changed in relation to each other during the assembly procedure, that means during the procedure, where the fastening elements get program-controlled approached by said assembly tool in said predetermined actuation order. For example if the rotor blades get assembled to the hub, via their blade bearings for example, the rotor blade has to be moved or swiveled whilst the fastening elements get actuated in the predetermined actuation order. By means of the computing device of said device for the predetermined assembly of the components such a change of the assembly position can be achieved as well. For this reason the assembly position of the components to be assembled in relation to each other, the movement of the rotor blade for example, can be program-controlled adjusted by means of the computing device as well.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the arrangement can comprise at least one input device and/or at least one output device and/or at least one assembly tool and/or at least one control device for at least one assembly tool. With regard to these devices, full reference is made to the description with regard to the respective interfaces further above.

In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement comprises at least one sensor element for observing the assembly space or at least one interface to at least one sensor element for observing the assembly space. If an undesired situation occurs, which is detected by such a sensor element, it is possible that the arrangement gets deactivated by means of an emergency stop switch procedure.

According to the first aspect of the present invention as described further above the present invention is directed to an arrangement, in particular to a portable arrangement, in order to assemble two components, in particular two components of a wind turbine with each other, preferably rotor blades to a hub, in particular via a blade bearing, in order to form a rotor. In the latter case it is required that the fastening elements get actuated in a specific actuation order, which means in a specific actuation pattern. At the same time may be also required that the rotor blades get adjusted or moved or swiveled during the assembly procedure.

In the regular operation mode of the wind turbine, the adjustment of the rotor blade is controlled, via the pitch drives, by the central control system of the wind turbine, in particular by use of the central control cabinet.

When the rotor is assembled the assembly is performed on the ground by attaching the rotor blades to the hub, via respective blade bearings for example. For this assembly, a number of fastening elements, fastening bolts for example, are used. During the actuation procedure of the fastening elements it is necessary that the rotor blades get moved or swiveled.

The arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention is, in comparison to the central control cabinet of the entire wind turbine, some kind of an additional small control cabinet comprising an electric energy supply and/or an inverter and/or an actuator control, by means of which the rotor blade can be adjusted in a desired way such that the fastening elements can be actuated in the required actuation order, in a criss-cross pattern for example.

Inside the arrangement, in particular inside the computing device of the device for the predetermined assembly of the components, a computer program is run, said computer program, which is the sum of a number of computer program instructions, ensuring that the fastening elements are approached, preferably automatically approached, in the correct order and that in addition the rotor blades can be adjusted in the correct assembly position during the assembly procedure as well.

This program-controlled process flow can be determined and stored as a teach-in-procedure, which is described in more detail further below, for later assembly procedures.

Pursuant to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for assembling two components, in particular for assembling two components of a wind turbine, is provided, in particular by using an arrangement according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the components are assembled to each other by means of a number fastening elements, in particular fastening bolts, being spaced apart from each other, using an assembly tool, wherein the components are brought in contact with each other via the fastening elements and each fastening element being approached and successively activated by said assembly tool. This method is characterized in that, by means of a device for the predetermined assembly of the components, which comprises a computing device, on which computer program instructions are implemented, which are performed by the computing device, each fastening element being program-controlled approached by said assembly tool in a predetermined actuation order.

With regard to the function and the procedure of the method according to the second aspect of the invention, the disclosure of the first aspect of the invention applies with respect to the disclosure in entirety also to the method according to the second aspect according to the invention, so that all of the statements made with respect to first aspect of the invention also apply to their full extent to the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

It is the general progress of the method according to the second aspect of the invention, that due to the computer program instructions being implemented in the computing device of the device for the predetermined assembly of the components, the position of a first fastening element to be actuated is indicated or that an assembly tool gets a piece of Information which fastening elements has to be approached first. Once the assembly tool has reached or has been moved to this first fastening element, the fastening element is actuated in the desired manner. Next, a second fastening element gets approached and actuated in a similar way. According to the present invention all of the fastening elements get program-controlled approached by said assembly tool in the predetermined actuation order specified by the computer program instructions. This fastening procedure is repeated until the last fastening element has been approached and actuated accordingly.

During this assembly procedure it might be necessary that the components which are to get assembled, are brought in a predetermined assembly position in relation to each other. For example it might be required that, if rotor blades are to be assembled to a hub, these rotor blades have to be adjusted or moved or swiveled in a predetermined position with regard to the hub during the actuation procedure of the fastening elements. Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment, the components to be assembled are brought in contact with each other by means of the fastening elements in predetermined assembly positions in which the components to be assembled are in relation to each other and/or that the fastening elements are actuated by the assembly tool in the predetermined assembly positions, and that in particular the components, by means of the device for the predetermined assembly of the components, are program-controlled brought into the predetermined assembly positions in relation to each other.

Preferably the fastening elements get actuated by use of an assembly tool, as mentioned further above with regard to the first aspect of the invention as well. For this reason the assembly tool has to be positioned at the respective fastening element, which has to be actuated next. The instruction, which fastening element has to be approached next, is program-controlled transmitted from the computing device of the device for the predetermined assembly of the components to the assembly tool. For this reason it is preferred, that the device for the predetermined assembly of the components communicates with the assembly tool via an interface, and that specifications for actuating the fastening elements are transmitted, particularly program-controlled, via said interface to said assembly tool, and/or that data with regard to the actuation of the fastening elements are transmitted from the assembly tool to the device for the predetermined assembly of the components via said interface.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device for the predetermined assembly of the components comprises a storage device and/or an interface to a storage device, and that specification values and/or reference values and/or protocol values with regard to the assembly positions into which the components get brought in relation to each other and/or with regard to the approach of the fastening elements in the predetermined actuation order by the assembly tool and/or with regard to the actuation of the fastening elements by the assembly tool are stored in said storage device. With regard to the function and the configuration of this storage device, full reference is made to the respective disclosure with regard to the first aspect of the invention as well. It is the general function of this storage device that any data and values can be stored, at least temporarily, for various purposes, for example as specification values and/or reference values and/or protocol values. Furthermore the storage device may be as well adapted in such a way, that any data or values stored therein can be read-out by different devices for different purposes.

According to a preferred embodiment, values with regard to the assembly positions into which the components get brought in relation to each other and/or with regard to the approach of the fastening elements in the predetermined actuation order by the assembly tool and/or with regard to the actuation of the fastening elements by the assembly tool, which are generated and/or measured and/or determined and/or detected and/or calculated during the performance of the method, are stored during a teach-in-procedure as specification values and/or reference values and/or protocol values in the device for the predetermined assembly of the components, in particular in the storage device and/or that values with regard to the assembly positions into which the components get brought in relation to each other and/or with regard to the approach of the fastening elements in the predetermined actuation order by the assembly tool and/or with regard to the actuation of the fastening elements by the assembly tool are transmitted to the device for the predetermined assembly of the components via an input device, and particularly being stored in the storage device.
In particular a teach-in procedure is a method for “programming” the arrangement for assembling the two components. In a first step, the different positions of the assembly tool in the desired actuation order of the fastening elements are approached individually and in particular, manually. All data with regard to the approach of the desired fastening elements in the desired actuation order and/or data with regard to the fastening procedure itself of the fastening elements, which represent the actuation of the fastening elements and/or any change of the assembly position of the components to be assembled in relation to each other get stored, in particular in the storage device. Once one entire operation cycle has been run through, the resulting data can be used for further assembly procedures with comparable quality.

In a preferred embodiment, the individual steps of the method are executed automatically. If the computer program instructions are automatically performed by the computing device of the device for the predetermined assembly of the components, the assembly tool is controlled by theses computer program instructions in such a way that the fastening elements to be actuated are automatically approached by said assembly tool in the predetermined actuation order. Furthermore, the assembly tool can be automatically operated as well. In addition it is possible that the components to be assembled are automatically brought into a predetermined assembly position as well. According to another preferred embodiment, the individual steps of the method are executed initialized by a trigger signal. In particular, a trigger signal is a signal that sets a course of action in motion. The trigger signal can be introduced from outside, via an input device or a remote control for example. A trigger signal can be the push of a button for example. In both cases any mistakes during the assembly procedure can be avoided. Furthermore it is ensured that always the correct fastening element is approached and actuated and the components to be assembled are in the correct assembly position in relation to each other.

In a preferred embodiment, data with regard to the assembly of the components are transmitted from the device for the predetermined assembly of the components to an output device and being output thereon. Such output devices are described in more detail further above. Therefore, full reference is made to this disclosure at his point.

Pursuant to a third aspect of the present invention, a computer program product for assembling two components, in particular for assembling two components of a wind turbine, is provided, wherein the components are assembled to each other by means of a number fastening elements, in particular fastening bolts, being spaced apart from each other, using an assembly tool, by means of which the fastening elements get actuated in a predetermined actuation order, where the computer program product comprises computer program instructions on a computer-readable program memory medium. The computer program product is characterized in that the computer program instructions cause at least one computing device to implement a method according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the instructions are read and performed by the computing device.

With regard to the computer program product, the disclosure of the method according to the second aspect of the invention applies with respect to the disclosure in entirety also to the computer program product according to the third aspect according to the invention, so that all of the statements made with respect to second aspect of the invention also apply to their full extent to the third aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

For example, the computer memory medium can be a disk drive, a CD-ROM, a diskette, a flash memory, a USB-Stick and the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the computer program product is implemented or is adapted to be implemented in a computing device of an arrangement for assembling two components, in particular in a computing device of an arrangement for assembling two components according to the first aspect of the present invention. With this regard, the disclosure of the first aspect of the invention applies with respect to the disclosure in entirety also to the computer program product according to the third aspect according to the invention, so that all of the statements made with respect to first aspect of the invention also apply to their full extent to the third aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

The present invention according to its three aspects has a number of advantages: The present invention allows a reproducible assembly procedure with a high and consistent quality. A significant time saving during the assembly of the components can be achieved. The efficiency is improved by reducing the staff requirement at the same time. Redundant interfaces, for example staff-staff-machine interfaces, can be avoided. The performance of the present invention is independent from already existing grid connections due to the electric source of the arrangement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The invention will now be explained in more detail with respect to exemplary embodiments with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a depiction of a wind turbine;
Figure 2 shows the assembly procedure of the rotor of the wind
turbine; and
Figure 3 schematically shows the configuration of an arrangement for assembling two components according to the present invention for assembling the rotor of the wind turbine.

The foregoing and other aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Figure 1 depicts a wind turbine (100) with a tower (102) and a nacelle (101). Nacelle (101) is rotatable mounted on the tower (102). Nacelle (101) incorporates a number of components of a drive train (103), a rotor shaft (not shown in Figure 1) for example. Said rotor shaft is connected to a rotor (104). Rotor (104) comprises three rotor blades (106) which are mounted to a hub (105), via respective blade bearings for example. Hub (105) of rotor (104) is connected to the rotor shaft of the drive train (103). The rotor blades (106) are adjustably mounted on the hub (105), via their blade bearings for example. This is realized by means of pitch drives (107), said pitch drives (107) being part of a pitch system. To each rotor blade (106), one pitch drive (107) is allocated. The pitch system controls the rotor speed to given set points. By means of pitch drives (107), the rotor blades (106) may be moved about a rotor blade axes into different pitch positions, said rotor blade axis extending in an axial direction of the rotor blades (106). Each rotor blade (106) is connected to the hub (105) via its pitch drive (107).

Very often, the rotor (104) is pre-assembled on the ground. A schematic embodiment thereof is depicted in Figure 2. When the rotor (104) is pre-assembled on the ground, the rotor blades (106) are fastened to the hub (105) via respective blade bearings for example by use of fastening elements, fastening bolts for example. For this purpose a number of fastening elements are used, which are spaced apart from each other. If the assembly of the components is realized via corresponding flanges, the fastening elements are spaced apart over the circumference of the respective flanges.

During the fastening procedure of the fastening elements it is often necessary that the rotor blades (106) are moved into different assembly positions in relation to hub (105), which means that the rotor blades (106) have to be adjusted or moved or swiveled. This procedure is currently performed manually or by use of a crane device, since during the assembly procedure of the rotor (104) the pitch drives (107) of the rotor blades (106) are not yet active in their operation mode. During the regular operation of a wind turbine the pitch drives (107) of the rotor blades (106) are actuated by use of the central control system (not shown) of the wind turbine. The adjustment of the correct rotor blade (106) position in relation to the hub (105) during the fastening procedure has to be optically controlled by the assembly staff, which however can result in mistakes. Furthermore, mistakes can arise with regard to the fastening procedure of the fastening elements itself, since the fastening elements may not be actuated randomly. Instead the fastening elements have to be actuated in a predetermined actuation order in order to achieve a stable and secure connection between the rotor blades (106) and the hub (105). With this respect, the fastening elements might get actuated in the wrong actuation order.

In order to overcome these drawbacks, an arrangement (10) for assembling two components is used, said arrangement being provided as a portable arrangement which works independently from the central control system of the wind turbine. The arrangement (10) comprises a device for the predetermined assembly of the components, said device comprising a computer device on which a specific computer program product is implemented. This arrangement (11) is fully depicted in Figure 3 and it is described in more detail further below.

As can be seen from Figure 2, the portable arrangement (10) is connected to the components of the rotor (104) to be assembled. Figure 2 schematically depicts that arrangement (10) is somehow connected to hub (105). In a preferred embodiment the arrangement (10) is detachably mounted to the hub (105). For example, the arrangement (10) can be mounted inside hub (105).

Figure 3 depicts the arrangement (10) as generally shown in Figure 2 in more detail. Arrangement (10) comprises a number of different elements which will now be introduced and explicitly described.

Arrangement (10) comprises a device (11) for the predetermined assembly of the components, said device (11) comprising a computing device (12). A computer program product (13) for performing the method according to the second aspect of the invention is implemented on said computing device (12). For storing any values or data generated during the performance of the method, or for storing any values or data as specification data or reference data or protocol data the arrangement comprises a storage device (14), said storage device (14) being linked to said computing device (12) via a link (15), said link (15) allowing a bidirectional transmission of values or data.

In order to activate arrangement (11) from the outside, a remote control (17) is provided said remote control (17) being linked to the device (11) for the predetermined assembly of the components via an interface (16) being provided inside device (11). The communication, in particular a bidirectional communication between remote control (17) and interface (16) is performed via link (18). In a similar way, an assembly tool (20) for actuating the fastening elements can be linked via link (21) to an interface (19), said interface (19) being provided inside device (11).

Device (11) may comprise another interface (22), said interface (22) being capable of being linked to an input device (23) via link (24). Input device (23) can be provided as a keyboard or a voice control for example. Furthermore, device (11) may comprise an interface (25), said interface (25) allowing a communication with an output device (26) via link (27). Output device (26) can be provided as a display or a loudspeaker for example

Another interface (29) of device (11) allows a connection to an actuator control (29) via a communication link (31). The actuator control (29) may control an actuator (30) for bringing one of the components into ta predetermined assembly position. For example, the actuator (30) as depicted in Figure 3 can be identical with the pitch drive (107) as depicted in Figures 1 and 2. In such a case, by means of actuator control (29) the arrangement (10) is capable of adjusting the rotor blades (106) in a predetermined assembly position.

In order to observe the assembly space, the inside of hub (105) for example, a sensor element (38) may be provided, said sensor element (38) being linked to device (11) via link (39) and an interface (37) inside device (11).

In order to allow that the computer program product (13) which is implemented in computing device (12), may influence the external devices (17), (23), (26), (38), (30), (20), the respective interfaces (16), (22), (25), (37), (29), (19) are linked , for a bidirectional communication for example, to computing device (12) via links (34), (35), (36), (40), (33), (32).

In any case the external devices (17), (23), (26), (38), (30), (32) are external to the device (11) for the predetermined assembly of the components. However, according to a preferred embodiment, these external devices can be provided as components of the arrangement (10). According to another preferred embodiment these devices can be provided as external devices to the arrangement (10).

The device (11) for the predetermined assembly of the components comprises an energy source (28) for generating and/or providing electric energy. Electric energy is required for operating the different components of the arrangement (11), and in particular for operating the external devices (17), (23), (26), (38), (30), (20) as well.

According to a preferred embodiment the energy source (28) is connected via electrical connection (41) to the actuator (30). Therefore it is possible to move a component to be assembled, which is connected to the actuator (30), into a predetermined assembly position without having the need that the central energy source which is later used for actuating such an actuator in the regular operative mode, once the components have been assembled, is available already.

According to the embodiment being depicted in the drawings, the portable arrangement (11) as depicted in Figure 3 is used to assemble rotor blades (106) to a hub (105), via respective blade bearings for example, in order to pre-assemble rotor (104) on the ground. In this case it is required that the fastening elements get actuated in a specific actuation order, which means in a specific actuation pattern. At the same time it is also required that the rotor blades (106) get adjusted or moved or swiveled during the assembly procedure.

In the regular operation mode of the wind turbine, the adjustment of the rotor blades (106) is controlled, via the pitch drives (107), by the central control system (not shown) of the wind turbine (100), in particular by use of the central control cabinet.

When the rotor (104) is assembled the assembly is performed on the ground by attaching the rotor blades (106) to the hub (105). For this assembly, a number of fastening elements, fastening bolts for example, are used. During the actuation procedure of the fastening elements it is necessary that the rotor blades (106) get moved or swiveled.

The arrangement (11) according to the present invention, in comparison to the central control cabinet of the entire wind turbine (100), represents some kind of an additional small control cabinet comprising an electric energy source (30) and/or an inverter and/or an actuator control (29), by means of which the rotor blade (106) can be adjusted in a desired way whereby the fastening elements can be actuated in the required actuation order, in a criss-cross pattern for example.

Inside arrangement (10), in particular inside the computing device (12) of the device (11) for the predetermined assembly of the components, a computer program product (13) is run, said computer program product (13) ensuring that the fastening elements are program-controlled approached, preferably automatically approached, in the correct actuation order and that, in addition, the rotor blades (106) can be adjusted in the correct assembly position during the assembly procedure of the rotor (104) as well.

List of Reference Numerals

10 Arrangement for assembling two components
11 Device for the predetermined assembly of the components
12 Computing device
13 Computer program product
14 Storage device
15 Link
16 Interface
17 Remote control
18 Link
19 Interface
20 Assembly tool
21 Link
22 Interface
23 Input device
24 Link
25 Interface
26 Output device
27 Link
28 Energy source
29 Actuator control
30 Actuator
31 Link
32 Link
33 Link
34 Link
35 Link
36 Link
37 Interface
38 Sensor element for observing the assembly space
39 Link
40 Link
41 Electrical connection

100 Wind turbine
101 Nacelle
102 Tower
103 Drive train
104 Rotor
105 Hub
106 Rotor blade
107 Pitch drive

The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is further understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly not limited.
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. An arrangement (10) for assembling two components, in particular for assembling two components (105, 106) of a wind turbine (100), wherein the components get assembled to each other by means of a number fastening elements, in particular fastening bolts, being spaced apart from each other, using an assembly tool (20), by means of which the fastening elements get actuated, characterized in that the arrangement (10) comprises a device (11) for the predetermined assembly of the components, said device (11) comprising a computing device (12), that computer program instructions are implemented on said computing device (12), which are performed by the computing device (12) in such a way that the fastening elements, by means of which the components are brought in contact with each other, get program-controlled approached by said assembly tool (20) in a predetermined actuation order.

2. An arrangement (10) for assembling two components as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arrangement (10) is a portable arrangement, and that the arrangement (10) is particularly provided in such a way, that it is adapted to be arranged inside of one of the components to be assembled.

3. An arrangement (10) for assembling two components as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (11) for the predetermined assembly of the components comprises an interface (29) to a device for arranging the components to be assembled into a predetermined assembly position in relation to each other and/or an interface (16) to a remote control (17) and/or an interface (19) to an assembly tool (20) and/or an interface (22) to an input device (22) and/or an interface (25) to an output device (26).

4. An arrangement (10) for assembling two components as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (11) for the predetermined assembly of the components comprises a storage device (14) and/or an interface to a storage device, and that the storage device (14) is provided in such a way, that it is capable of storing specification values and/or reference values and/or protocol values with regard to the assembly positions into which the components get brought in relation to each other and/or with regard to the approach of the fastening elements in the predetermined actuation order by the assembly tool (20) and/or with regard to the actuation of the fastening elements by the assembly tool (20).

5. An arrangement (10) for assembling two components as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said arrangement (10) comprises at least one energy source (28) for generating and/or providing electrical energy and/or at least one inverter and/or at least one actuator control (29) for actuating at least one of the components to be assembled and/or at least one actuator (30) for actuating at least one of the components to be assembled and/or at least one input device (23) and/or at least one output device (26) and/or at least one assembly tool (20) and/or at least one control device for at least one assembly tool (20).

6. An arrangement (10) for assembling two components as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said arrangement (10) comprises at least one sensor element (38) for observing the assembly space or at least one interface to at least one sensor element for observing the assembly space.

7. A method for assembling two components, in particular for assembling two components (105, 106) of a wind turbine (100), in particular by using an arrangement (10), wherein the components are assembled to each other by means of a number of fastening elements, in particular fastening bolts, being spaced apart from each other, using an assembly tool (20), wherein the components are brought in contact with each other via the fastening elements and each fastening element being approached and successively activated by said assembly tool (20), characterized in that, by means of a device (11) for the predetermined assembly of the components, which comprises a computing device (12), on which computer program instructions are implemented, which are performed by the computing device (12), each fastening element being program-controlled approached by said assembly tool (20) in a predetermined actuation order.

8. A method for assembling two components as claimed in claim 7, wherein the components to be assembled are brought in contact with each other by means of the fastening elements in predetermined assembly positions in which the components to be assembled are in relation to each other and/or that the fastening elements are actuated by the assembly tool (20) in the predetermined assembly positions, and that in particular the components, by means of the device (11) for the predetermined assembly of the components, are program-controlled brought into the predetermined assembly positions in relation to each other.

9. A method for assembling two components as claimed in claim 7, wherein the device (11) for the predetermined assembly of the components communicates with the assembly tool (20) via an interface (19), and that specifications for actuating the fastening elements are transmitted, particularly program-controlled, via said interface (19) to said assembly tool (20), and/or that data with regard to the actuation of the fastening elements are transmitted from the assembly tool (20) to the device (11) for the predetermined assembly of the components via said interface (19).

10. A method for assembling two components as claimed in claim 7, wherein the device (11) for the predetermined assembly of the components comprises a storage device (14) and/or an interface to a storage device, and that specification values and/or reference values and/or protocol values with regard to the assembly positions into which the components get brought in relation to each other and/or with regard to the approach of the fastening elements in the predetermined actuation order by the assembly tool and/or with regard to the actuation of the fastening elements by the assembly tool (20) are stored in said storage device (14).

11. A method for assembling two components as claimed in claim 7, wherein the values with regard to the assembly positions into which the components get brought in relation to each other and/or with regard to the approach of the fastening elements in the predetermined actuation order by the assembly tool (20) and/or with regard to the actuation of the fastening elements by the assembly tool (20), which are generated and/or measured and/or determined and/or detected and/or calculated during the performance of the method, are stored in a teach-in-procedure as specification values and/or reference values and/or protocol values in the device (11) for the predetermined assembly of the components, in particular in the storage device (14) and/or that values with regard to the assembly positions into which the components get brought in relation to each other and/or with regard to the approach of the fastening elements in the predetermined actuation order by the assembly tool (20) and/or with regard to the actuation of the fastening elements by the assembly tool (20) are transmitted to the device (11) for the predetermined assembly of the components via an input device (23), and particularly being stored in the storage device (14).

12. A method for assembling two components as claimed in claim 7, wherein the individual steps of the method are executed automatically, or that the individual steps of the method are executed initialized by a trigger signal.

13. A method for assembling two components as claimed in claim 7, wherein the data with regard to the assembly of the components are transmitted from the device (11) for the predetermined assembly of the components to an output device (26) and being output thereon.

14. A computer program product (13) for assembling two components, in particular for assembling two components (105, 106) of a wind turbine (100), wherein the components are assembled to each other by means of a number fastening elements, in particular fastening bolts, being spaced apart from each other, using an assembly tool (20), by means of which the fastening elements get actuated in a predetermined actuation order, where the computer program product (13) comprises computer program instructions on a computer-readable program memory medium, characterized in that the computer program instructions cause at least one computing device (12) to implement a method according to anyone of the preceding claims 7 to 13, when the instructions are read and performed by the computing device (12).

15. A computer program product (13) for assembling two components, in particular for assembling two components (105, 106) of a wind turbine (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the components are assembled to each other by means of a number fastening elements, in particular fastening bolts, being spaced apart from each other, using an assembly tool (20), by means of which the fastening elements get actuated in a predetermined actuation order, where the computer program product (13) comprises computer program instructions on a computer-readable program memory medium, characterized in that the computer program instructions cause at least one computing device (12) to implement a method according to anyone of the preceding claims 7 to 13, when the instructions are read and performed by the computing device (12).