Claims:We Claim:

1. A turning device for a hand operated turning of a rotor (5) of a wind turbine (1) comprising:
- a stand (15)
- a joint (16) coupled to the stand (15) and
- a lever (17) coupled to the joint (16),
Wherein on one end of the lever (17) is arranged a self-locking clamp (18) for gripping a brake disk (13) in a locking position of the self-locking clamp (18).

2. The turning device according to claim 1 characterized in that the self-locking clamp (18) has a locking position for gripping the brake disk (13) and a release position for non-gripping the brake disk (13).

3. The turning device according to claim 2 characterized in that in locking position the lever (17) is movable between a starting point and an end point.

4. The turning device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that on the opposite end of the self-locking clamp (18) of the lever (17) is arranged a handle area (24) for one or more operating personnel for gripping the lever (17).

5. The turning device according to claim 4 characterized in that the lever (17) comprises a section between the joint (16) and the handle area (24), which defines a hand section (25), wherein the hand section (25) has a length L1.

6. The turning device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the lever (17) comprises a further section between the joint (16) and the self-locking clamp (18), which defines a clamp section (26), wherein the clamp section (26) has a length L2.

7. The turning device according to the claims 5 and 6 characterized in that apply L1 > L2, especially L1 is many times longer than L2, preferred L1 is three times longer than L2, preferred L1 is four times longer than L2 and more preferred L1 is more than four times longer than L2.

8. A rotor arrangement for turning a rotor (5) of a wind turbine (1) comprising:
- a rotor (5) and
- a brake disk (13) connected to the rotor (5)
characterized by
- a turning device (12) according to one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the self-locking clamp (18) gripping the brake disk (13), when the self-locking clamp (18) is in a locking position.

9. The rotor arrangement according to claim 8 characterized in that for turning rotor (5), when moving the lever (17) from a starting point to an end point the self-locking clamp (18) is in a locking position at the brake disk (13).

10. A wind turbine arrangement for turning a rotor (5) of a wind turbine (1) comprising:
- a wind turbine (1) and
- a turning device (12) according to one of the claims 1 to 7.

11. The wind turbine arrangement according to claim 10 characterized in that the turning device (12) is arranged besides the brake disk (13) for turning the rotor (5) of the wind turbine (1).
, Description:FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a turning device; an arrangement having the turning device and a wind turbine arrangement having the turning device.

BACKGROUND

A brake disk brake is used as a standstill brake for maintenance and repair work at the wind turbine. It may also be used as support brake to bring the rotor to standstill. For safety reasons work at the drive train is only permitted if a form-closed rotor lock is applied. To apply this form-closed rotor lock the rotor needs to be in one of a certain number of possible locking positions. To get the rotor in the desired locking position the brake has to be disengaged to turn the rotor in the desired position. For the turning of the rotor the force of wind can be used (idling rotor). In case there is no or too less wind a turning device can be used to turn the rotor in the desired position. When the rotor is in the desired position the brake is engaged and the rotor lock applied.

In general it is determined that because of increasing the power of wind turbines also the rotor increases, especially the diameter and the weight inertia increases. At the same time the diameter of the brake disk of the rotor stays the same or even is decreased. Consequently in case of maintenance / repair work the force to be applied for turning / positioning the rotor to apply the rotor lock increases, so a hand operated turning is more difficult. Therefore, more and more mechanical turning devices were developed.

Different mechanical turning devices for rotating a rotor of a wind turbine are known from US 9,784,136 B2 and US 8,246,308 B2.

A disadvantage of these turning devices is that they are expensive to purchase as well as in operation because of using power and maintenance costs.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a turning device which can be used without any changes or provisions on the wind turbine. A further object is a use as additional tool for maintenance personnel and the turning device has a simple construction and cheap costs. It can be used also for existing wind turbine types to reduce risks to be drawn in by the drive train of the turbine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a turning device for a hand operated turning of a rotor of a wind turbine comprising a stand, a joint coupled to the stand and a lever coupled to the joint, wherein on one end of the lever is arranged a self-locking clamp for gripping a brake disk in a locking position. This reduces the force to be applied by the operator for turning the rotor setting a rotor lock. Advantageously, the joint can be a swivel joint like a ball joint, a pivot joint or something similar. More advantageously, the stand is a bipod stand. And more advantageously, the stand has anti-slip feet, especially made of rubber. One benefit of the turning device is that the turning device can be used for various wind turbine types. It is a simple construction which can be set up and dismantled fast as well as it could be transported easily. This turning device is cheap to purchase as well as in operation because of working without electrical power and don’t need expensive maintenance works.

Advantageously, there are many adaptions for different wind turbine types possible. One possible adaption is that the lever is height-adjustable. A further or additional possible adaptation is an adjustable or replaceable holder for the self-locking clamp.

In a preferred embodiment, the self-locking clamp of the turning device has a locking position for gripping the brake disk and a release position for non- gripping the brake disk.

In a preferred embodiment, in the locking position the lever is movable between a starting point and an end point. In this configuration, the brake disk will rotate, which results a rotation of the rotor. Advantageously, the lever is also moveable between the end point and the starting point; during this the self-locking clamp is in a release position, so the brake disk is free. In other words, for turning the brake disk the self-locking clamp is in locking position during the moving from starting place to end place. During the movement in the opposite direction, namely from the end point to the starting point, the self-locking clamp is in the release position.

In a preferred embodiment, on the opposite end of the self-locking clamp of the lever is arranged a handle area for an operating personnel for gripping the lever.

In a preferred embodiment, the lever comprises a section between the joint and the hand area, which defines a hand section, wherein the hand section has a length L1.
In a preferred embodiment, the lever comprises a further section between the joint and the self-locking clamp, which defines a clamp section, wherein the clamp section has a length L2.

In a preferred embodiment, the length L1 is longer than the length L2, especially L1 is many times longer than L2, preferred L1 is three times longer than L2, preferred L1 is four times longer than L2 and more preferred L1 is more than four times longer than L2. The exact forces to be applied for turning the rotor depends on many facts like rotor diameter, gear ratio and brake disk diameter. An estimated force for turning the rotor is approximately 300 Nm. However, this force can be lower or higher.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to a rotor arrangement for turning a rotor of a wind turbine. A rotor arrangement for turning a rotor of a wind turbine comprises a rotor, a brake disk connected to the rotor and a turning device described above, wherein the self-locking clamp grips the brake disk, when the self-locking clamp is in locking position.

In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement is configured in such a way, that when moving the lever from a starting point to an end point, the self-locking clamp is in a locking position at the brake disk.

Advantageously, the arrangement could comprise a protection element arranged to the break disk for preventing the maintenance personnel against injuries. For arranging the turning device, it is necessary to demount this protection element. In a preferred embodiment, the protection element comprises an opening. The opening is constructed in such a way that the self-locking clamp could grip the brake disk, and could move from the starting point to the end point, and vice versa.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to a wind turbine arrangement for turning a rotor of a wind turbine. The wind turbine arrangement comprises a wind turbine and a turning device described above. Advantageously, the self-locking clamp is gripping the brake disk, when the self-locking clamp is in locking position.

In a preferred embodiment, the turning device is arranged beside the brake disk of the wind turbine for rotating the rotor of the turbine. Therefore, the turning device standing on the floor plates or nacelle main frame and the brake disk is located between the self-locking clamp.

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 a schematic view of a wind turbine;

Figure 2 a front view of a turning device gripping a brake disk;

Figure 3 a top view of the turning device according to Fig. 2 and

Figure 4 a cut-out side view of the turning device according to Fig. 2.

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 schematic view of a wind turbine (1) with a tower (2) and a nacelle (3). Depending on given requirements the wind turbine (1) can be used for offshore or onshore applications. The nacelle (3) is rotatable mounted on the tower (2). The nacelle (3) incorporates a number of components of a drive train chain (4) comprising a rotor shaft (not shown) connected to a gear box (not shown) for example. The nacelle (3) also incorporates a generator connected with a plurality of electrical components. Further the nacelle (3) comprises a yaw system for rotating the nacelle (3). Said rotor shaft is connected to a rotor (5). The rotor (5) comprises three rotor blades (6) which are mounted to a hub (7). The hub (7) is connected to the rotor shaft of the drive train chain (4). The rotor blades (6) are adjustably mounted on the hub (7). This is realized by means of pitch drives (8), said pitch drives (8) being part of a pitch system. The pitch system controls the rotor speed to given set points. By means of pitch-drives (8), the rotor blades (6) may be moved about a rotor blade (6) axes into different pitch positions, said rotor blade (6) axis extending in an axial direction of the rotor blades (6). Each rotor blade (6) is connected to the hub (7) via its pitch-drive (8). The nacelle (3) is covered by a nacelle cover (9), which has a nacelle cover interface (10). The hub (7) is covered by a spinner (11).

Figures 2 to 4 depict different views of a turning device (12) for a hand operated turning of the rotor (5) of the wind turbine (1), which is gripping a brake disk (13) of the rotor (5). For safety reasons the brake disk (13) is locked by a brake disk brake (14). So the rotor (5) is mechanically secured by means of friction force and cannot rotate in this configuration. However during the turning of the rotor (5) via the turning device (12) the brake disk brake (14) is loosened.

The turning device (12) comprises a stand (15), a joint (16) coupled to the stand (15) and a lever (17) coupled to the joint (16). On one end of the lever (17) is arranged a self-locking clamp (18) for gripping a brake disk (13) in a locking position. The self-locking clamp (18) is articulated arranged to the lever (17). The stand (15) stands on an indicated ground (19), especially on floor plates of the main frame (not shown) of the nacelle (3). So the turning device (12) stands inside the nacelle (3). Because of a slope of the drive train chain (4) of e.g. around 4,5 ° to 6° the stand (15) could comprise an anti-slip feet (not shown). The stand (15) could be built in different embodiments. One preferred embodiment is a bipod stand. Further the stand (15) could comprise an additional joint (not shown), so the stand (15) stays safe on the ground (19), especially if the ground (19) is steeper. Further the stand (15) is configured to follow the movement of the lever (17) as indicated with the left right arrow (27). Also the joint (16) could be built in different embodiments. One preferred embodiment is a pivot joint (as indicated in Fig. 3), which could be high-adjustable. The self-locking clamp (18) comprises two clamping jaws (20). These clamping jaws (20) grip the brake disk (13) on the side surfaces. For a better adhesion to the brake disk (13) on each clamping jaw (20) is arranged a frictional lining 21 (as indicated in Fig. 3 and 4).

The self-locking clamp (18) has a locking position for gripping the brake disk (13) and turns it in a clockwise direction as indicated with the arrow (22) and a release position for non-turning the brake disk (13). In locking position the lever (17) is movable between a starting point and an end point. The starting point is indicated by the solid lines of the lever (17) and self-locking clamp (18), whereas the end point is indicated by the doted lines of the lever (17) and the self-locking clamp (18). During this movement a locking-force is directed to the self-locking clamp (18), which results that the clamping jaws (20) grip the side surfaces of the brake disk (13), so the self-locking clamp (18) is in locking position. If the lever (17) is moving in the opposite direction, namely from the end point to the starting point, no locking-force is directed to the self-locking clamp (18), which means that the clamping jaws (20) don’t grip the side surfaces of the brake disk (13), so the self-locking clamp (18) is in the release position. The movement from the starting position to the end position and vice versa is indicated by an up down arrow (23).

On the opposite end of the self-locking clamp (18) of the lever (17) is arranged a handle area (24) for an operating personnel (not shown) for gripping the lever (17). This eases the movement of the lever (17) for the operating personnel. Depending on the force to be applied for turning the rotor (5) the handle area (24) could be built for two or more operating personnel.

The lever (17) comprises a section between the joint (16) and the handle area (24), which defines a hand section (25), wherein the hand section (25) has a length L1. The lever (17) comprises a further section between the joint (16) and the self-locking clamp (18), which defines a clamp section (26), wherein the clamp section (26) has a length L2. The length L1 is longer than the length L2, especially L1 is many times longer than L2, preferred L1 is three times longer than L2, preferred L1 is four times longer than L2 and more preferred L1 is more than four times longer than L2.

In an advantageous embodiment the lever (17) is a telescopic lever. Such a telescopic lever allows an adjustment of the length L1. So the length L1 could adjust according to the force to be applied for moving the rotor (5). This is more advantageous because of the turning device (12) could use for various wind turbines types. It is understood that the turning device (12) can used for various wind turbine types also without a telescopic lever.
A rotor arrangement for turning a rotor (5) of a wind turbine (1) according to a further aspect of the invention is not shown in a drawing. It is well known that a rotor arrangement comprises a rotor (5) and a brake disk (13), which is connected to the rotor (5). Such an arrangement requires no further description. However the claimed rotor arrangement is characterized by a turning device (12) described above, wherein the self-locking clamp (18) gripping the brake disk (13), when the self-locking clamp (18) is in locking position. When moving the lever (17) from the starting point to the end point the self-locking clamp (18) is in the locking position at the brake disk (13).

A wind turbine arrangement for turning a rotor (5) of a wind turbine (1) according to a further aspect of the invention is not shown in a drawing. The wind turbine arrangement comprises the wind turbine (1) and the turning device (12) described above. As described above the turning device (12) stands on the ground (19) of the main frame of the nacelle (3). There the turning device (12) is mounted to the brake disk (13) for turning the rotor (5) of the wind turbine (1).

Reference List

1 Wind turbine
2 Tower
3 Nacelle
4 Drive train chain
5 Rotor
6 Rotor blades
7 Hub
8 Pitch drives
9 Nacelle cover
10 Nacelle cover interface
11 Spinner
12 Turning device
13 Brake disk
14 Brake disk brake
15 Stand
16 Joint
17 Lever
18 Self-locking clamp
19 Ground
20 Clamping jaws
21 Friction lining
22 Arrow indicates clockwise turning direction
23 up down arrow indicates moving of lever
24 Handle area
25 Hand section
26 Clamp section
27 left right arrow indicates moving of stand