CA2668177C - Tubular-member flange coupling - Google Patents
Tubular-member flange coupling Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2668177C CA2668177C CA2668177A CA2668177A CA2668177C CA 2668177 C CA2668177 C CA 2668177C CA 2668177 A CA2668177 A CA 2668177A CA 2668177 A CA2668177 A CA 2668177A CA 2668177 C CA2668177 C CA 2668177C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- recess
- tubular
- tubular member
- flange coupling
- flange
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
- E04H12/02—Structures made of specified materials
- E04H12/08—Structures made of specified materials of metal
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
- E04H12/02—Structures made of specified materials
- E04H12/08—Structures made of specified materials of metal
- E04H12/085—Details of flanges for tubular masts
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Wind Motors (AREA)
- Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
- Flanged Joints, Insulating Joints, And Other Joints (AREA)
- Connection Of Plates (AREA)
- Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
- Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
The production process is shortened and the manufacturing costs are reduced. The present invention is a tubular-member flange coupling (8) in which a top or bottom end of a circumferential portion is mated to a bottom or top end of a tubular member (7) to couple the tubular members (7) to each other. A recess (16) having a substantially U-shape in cross-section is provided around a circumferential direction in a surface to be connected to the tubular member (7) at a position radially inward of a surface to be mated to the tubular member (7).
Description
DESCRIPTION
TUBULAR-MEMBER FLANGE COUPLING
Technical Field [0001]
The present invention relates to, for example, a tubular-member flange coupling for connecting (coupling or joining) tubular members constituting a support tower of a wind turbine for wind turbine generator.
Background Art [0002]
As a tubular-member flange coupling for connecting tubular members constituting a support tower of a wind turbine for wind turbine generator, for example, one disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.
Patent Document 1:
Japanese Translation of PCT International Application, Publication No. 2004-525293 Disclosure of Invention [0003]
However, in the tubular-member flange coupling disclosed in Patent Document 1, a tubular portion to be connected (coupled or joined) to the bottom or top end of a tubular member via a weld seam is produced by cutting. Therefore, there are problems in that the production process is prolonged and the manufacturing costs increase.
TUBULAR-MEMBER FLANGE COUPLING
Technical Field [0001]
The present invention relates to, for example, a tubular-member flange coupling for connecting (coupling or joining) tubular members constituting a support tower of a wind turbine for wind turbine generator.
Background Art [0002]
As a tubular-member flange coupling for connecting tubular members constituting a support tower of a wind turbine for wind turbine generator, for example, one disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.
Patent Document 1:
Japanese Translation of PCT International Application, Publication No. 2004-525293 Disclosure of Invention [0003]
However, in the tubular-member flange coupling disclosed in Patent Document 1, a tubular portion to be connected (coupled or joined) to the bottom or top end of a tubular member via a weld seam is produced by cutting. Therefore, there are problems in that the production process is prolonged and the manufacturing costs increase.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of embodiments thereof is to provide a tubular-member flange coupling capable of shortening the production process and reducing the manufacturing costs.
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of embodiments thereof is to provide a tubular-member flange coupling capable of shortening the production process and reducing the manufacturing costs.
[0005]
An aspect of the present invention relates to a tubular-member flange coupling in which a circumferential portion of a top or bottom surface is mated to a bottom or top end of a tubular member to couple the tubular members to each other, wherein a recess having a substantially U-shape in cross-section is cut along an entire circumference on the top or bottom surface to be connected to the tubular member, at a position radially inward of the circumferential portion to be mated to the tubular member, an entirety of the top or bottom surface, including the circumferential portion, is at the same level on either side of the recess, and an entirety of the top or bottom surface is flat before the recess is cut thereon.
An aspect of the present invention relates to a tubular-member flange coupling in which a circumferential portion of a top or bottom surface is mated to a bottom or top end of a tubular member to couple the tubular members to each other, wherein a recess having a substantially U-shape in cross-section is cut along an entire circumference on the top or bottom surface to be connected to the tubular member, at a position radially inward of the circumferential portion to be mated to the tubular member, an entirety of the top or bottom surface, including the circumferential portion, is at the same level on either side of the recess, and an entirety of the top or bottom surface is flat before the recess is cut thereon.
[0006]
The tubular-member flange coupling of the present invention only requires machining of the recess having a substantially U-shape in cross-section, which is relatively easily machinable, in the surface to be connected to the tubular member. Because it is unnecessary to fabricate (machine) a tubular portion to be connected to the tubular member by cutting away a large part of the surface to be connected to the tubular member, as in the conventional case, the production process can be shortened and the manufacturing costs can be reduced.
Because it is unnecessary to fabricate (machine) a tubular portion to be connected to the tubular member by cutting away a large part of the surface to be connected to the tubular member to reduce the thickness, as in the conventional case, the original thickness can be effectively maintained.
This prevents the heat during welding of the tubular member and the flange coupling (welding heat) from being transmitted to a mating surface (contact surface) of the flange coupling, whereby deformation (distortion) of the mating surface can be prevented.
Moreover, because the deformation (distortion) of the mating surface can be prevented, shaping for correcting the deformation of the mating surface can be made unnecessary.
Thus, the production process can be further shortened and the manufacturing costs can be further reduced.
The tubular-member flange coupling of the present invention only requires machining of the recess having a substantially U-shape in cross-section, which is relatively easily machinable, in the surface to be connected to the tubular member. Because it is unnecessary to fabricate (machine) a tubular portion to be connected to the tubular member by cutting away a large part of the surface to be connected to the tubular member, as in the conventional case, the production process can be shortened and the manufacturing costs can be reduced.
Because it is unnecessary to fabricate (machine) a tubular portion to be connected to the tubular member by cutting away a large part of the surface to be connected to the tubular member to reduce the thickness, as in the conventional case, the original thickness can be effectively maintained.
This prevents the heat during welding of the tubular member and the flange coupling (welding heat) from being transmitted to a mating surface (contact surface) of the flange coupling, whereby deformation (distortion) of the mating surface can be prevented.
Moreover, because the deformation (distortion) of the mating surface can be prevented, shaping for correcting the deformation of the mating surface can be made unnecessary.
Thus, the production process can be further shortened and the manufacturing costs can be further reduced.
[0007]
In the above-described tubular-member flange coupling, it is more preferable that the radius of curvature of a radially inward bottom surface of the recess be formed to be smaller than the radius of curvature of a radially outward bottom surface of the recess.
In the above-described tubular-member flange coupling, it is more preferable that the radius of curvature of a radially inward bottom surface of the recess be formed to be smaller than the radius of curvature of a radially outward bottom surface of the recess.
[0008]
With such a tubular-member flange coupling, a large P.C.D. (pitch circle diameter: the diameter of a circle formed by connecting the centers of bolt holes (bolt-hole pitch circle)) can be provided. Thus, separation of the circumferential portions of the flange couplings can be prevented, and the mating surfaces (contact surfaces) of the flange couplings 8 can be kept in closer contact with each other.
With such a tubular-member flange coupling, a large P.C.D. (pitch circle diameter: the diameter of a circle formed by connecting the centers of bolt holes (bolt-hole pitch circle)) can be provided. Thus, separation of the circumferential portions of the flange couplings can be prevented, and the mating surfaces (contact surfaces) of the flange couplings 8 can be kept in closer contact with each other.
[0009]
A wind turbine for wind turbine generator of the present invention includes a flange coupling capable of shortening the production process and reducing the manufacturing costs.
A wind turbine for wind turbine generator of the present invention includes a flange coupling capable of shortening the production process and reducing the manufacturing costs.
[0010]
The wind turbine for wind turbine generator of the present invention can shorten the production process of the entire wind turbine for wind turbine generator and can reduce the manufacturing costs.
The wind turbine for wind turbine generator of the present invention can shorten the production process of the entire wind turbine for wind turbine generator and can reduce the manufacturing costs.
[0011]
The present invention provides advantages in that the production process can be shortened and the manufacturing costs can be reduced.
Brief Description of Drawings [0012]
[FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a wind turbine for wind turbine generator having flange couplings according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a relevant part in FIG. 1.
[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of relevant parts of flange couplings according to another embodiment of the present invention, similar to FIG. 2.
[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of relevant parts of flange couplings according to another embodiment of the present invention, similar to FIGS. 2 and 3.
[FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of relevant parts of flange couplings according to another embodiment of the present invention, similar to FIGS. 2 to 4.
[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of relevant parts of flange couplings according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Explanation of Reference Signs:
The present invention provides advantages in that the production process can be shortened and the manufacturing costs can be reduced.
Brief Description of Drawings [0012]
[FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a wind turbine for wind turbine generator having flange couplings according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a relevant part in FIG. 1.
[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of relevant parts of flange couplings according to another embodiment of the present invention, similar to FIG. 2.
[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of relevant parts of flange couplings according to another embodiment of the present invention, similar to FIGS. 2 and 3.
[FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of relevant parts of flange couplings according to another embodiment of the present invention, similar to FIGS. 2 to 4.
[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of relevant parts of flange couplings according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Explanation of Reference Signs:
[0013]
1: wind turbine for wind turbine generator 7: tubular member 8: flange coupling 16: recess 16a: recess 20: flange coupling 21: recess 30: flange coupling 31: recess Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [0014]
A ring-shaped-member flange coupling (hereinafter, "flange coupling") according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 1 is a side view of a wind turbine for wind turbine generator having flange couplings according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a relevant part in FIG. 1.
1: wind turbine for wind turbine generator 7: tubular member 8: flange coupling 16: recess 16a: recess 20: flange coupling 21: recess 30: flange coupling 31: recess Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [0014]
A ring-shaped-member flange coupling (hereinafter, "flange coupling") according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 1 is a side view of a wind turbine for wind turbine generator having flange couplings according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a relevant part in FIG. 1.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 1, the wind turbine for wind turbine generator 1 includes a support tower (also referred to as "tower") 2 installed upright on a foundation B, a nacelle 3 mounted on the top of the support tower 2, and a rotor head 4 mounted to the nacelle 3 so as to be rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis.
A plurality of (for example, three) wind turbine rotor blades 5 are radially attached around the rotation axis of the rotor head 4. Thus, the force of the wind blowing in the rotation axis direction of the rotor head 4 against the wind turbine rotor blades 5 is converted into motive power for rotating the rotor head 4 about the rotation axis.
As shown in FIG. 1, the wind turbine for wind turbine generator 1 includes a support tower (also referred to as "tower") 2 installed upright on a foundation B, a nacelle 3 mounted on the top of the support tower 2, and a rotor head 4 mounted to the nacelle 3 so as to be rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis.
A plurality of (for example, three) wind turbine rotor blades 5 are radially attached around the rotation axis of the rotor head 4. Thus, the force of the wind blowing in the rotation axis direction of the rotor head 4 against the wind turbine rotor blades 5 is converted into motive power for rotating the rotor head 4 about the rotation axis.
[0016]
The support tower 2 has a structure in which a plurality of (for example, three) units 6 (refer to FIG. 2) are joined in the vertical direction. Each unit 6 has a tubular member 7 (refer to FIG. 2) and a flange coupling 8 (refer to FIG. 2).
The tubular member 7 consists of a plurality of cylindrical segments (not shown) each having a cylindrical shape assembled together by fixing their ends by welding, or, consists of a plurality of circular-truncated-cone segments (not shown) each having a circular-truncated-cone shape with a diameter gradually decreasing upward, assembled by fixing their ends by welding, as shown in FIG. 2.
The nacelle 3 is mounted on the top unit 6 of the units 6 constituting the support tower 2 and has a nacelle base plate (not shown) attached to the top end of the support tower 2 and a cover 9 for covering the nacelle base plate from above.
The support tower 2 has a structure in which a plurality of (for example, three) units 6 (refer to FIG. 2) are joined in the vertical direction. Each unit 6 has a tubular member 7 (refer to FIG. 2) and a flange coupling 8 (refer to FIG. 2).
The tubular member 7 consists of a plurality of cylindrical segments (not shown) each having a cylindrical shape assembled together by fixing their ends by welding, or, consists of a plurality of circular-truncated-cone segments (not shown) each having a circular-truncated-cone shape with a diameter gradually decreasing upward, assembled by fixing their ends by welding, as shown in FIG. 2.
The nacelle 3 is mounted on the top unit 6 of the units 6 constituting the support tower 2 and has a nacelle base plate (not shown) attached to the top end of the support tower 2 and a cover 9 for covering the nacelle base plate from above.
[0017]
The flange couplings 8 according to this embodiment are each a plate-like member having a ring shape (doughnut-shape) in plan view, in which a plurality of bolt holes 10 penetrating in the thickness direction (vertical direction in FIG. 2) are provided (formed) around the circumferential direction.
The top or bottom end of the circumferential portion of the flange coupling 8 and the bottom or top end of the tubular member 7 are connected (coupled or joined) via a weld seam 11 located radially inward and a weld seam 12 located radially outward.
Reference numerals 13, 14, and 15 in FIG. 2 respectively denote a bolt, a nut, and a washer that connect (couple or join) the flange couplings 8 to each other.
The flange couplings 8 according to this embodiment are each a plate-like member having a ring shape (doughnut-shape) in plan view, in which a plurality of bolt holes 10 penetrating in the thickness direction (vertical direction in FIG. 2) are provided (formed) around the circumferential direction.
The top or bottom end of the circumferential portion of the flange coupling 8 and the bottom or top end of the tubular member 7 are connected (coupled or joined) via a weld seam 11 located radially inward and a weld seam 12 located radially outward.
Reference numerals 13, 14, and 15 in FIG. 2 respectively denote a bolt, a nut, and a washer that connect (couple or join) the flange couplings 8 to each other.
[0018]
Furthermore, a recess (groove) 16 having a ring shape (doughnut-shape) in plan view and a substantially U-shape in cross-section is provided (formed) around the circumferential direction in the upper or lower surface of the flange coupling 8 to be connected to the tubular member 7.
The outer circumferential edge of the recess 16 is formed so as to be located approximately just beneath or above the inner circumferential surface of the tubular member 7. That is, the outer circumferential edge of the recess 16 is formed (provided) so as to provide a connecting surface (coupling surface or mating surface) having a ring shape (doughnut shape) in plan view and having a width that is substantially the same as the thickness of the tubular member 7 at the circumferential portion of the flange coupling 8.
On the other hand, the inner circumferential edge of the recess 16 is formed so as to be located approximately just beneath or above the outer circumferential surface of the washer 15 for connecting the flange couplings 8 to each other.
That is, the inner circumferential edge of the recess 16 is formed (provided) such that the lower or upper surface of the washer 15 is entirely in contact (close contact) with the upper or lower surface of the flange coupling 8.
Furthermore, a recess (groove) 16 having a ring shape (doughnut-shape) in plan view and a substantially U-shape in cross-section is provided (formed) around the circumferential direction in the upper or lower surface of the flange coupling 8 to be connected to the tubular member 7.
The outer circumferential edge of the recess 16 is formed so as to be located approximately just beneath or above the inner circumferential surface of the tubular member 7. That is, the outer circumferential edge of the recess 16 is formed (provided) so as to provide a connecting surface (coupling surface or mating surface) having a ring shape (doughnut shape) in plan view and having a width that is substantially the same as the thickness of the tubular member 7 at the circumferential portion of the flange coupling 8.
On the other hand, the inner circumferential edge of the recess 16 is formed so as to be located approximately just beneath or above the outer circumferential surface of the washer 15 for connecting the flange couplings 8 to each other.
That is, the inner circumferential edge of the recess 16 is formed (provided) such that the lower or upper surface of the washer 15 is entirely in contact (close contact) with the upper or lower surface of the flange coupling 8.
[0019]
The flange coupling 8 according to this embodiment only requires machining of the recess 16 having a ring shape in plan view and a substantially U-shape in cross-section, which is relatively easily machinable, in the surface to be connected to the machine tubular member 7. Because it is unnecessary to fabricate (machine) a tubular portion to be connected to the tubular member by cutting away a large part of the surface to be connected to the tubular member, as in the conventional case, the production process can be shortened and the manufacturing costs can be reduced.
The flange coupling 8 according to this embodiment only requires machining of the recess 16 having a ring shape in plan view and a substantially U-shape in cross-section, which is relatively easily machinable, in the surface to be connected to the machine tubular member 7. Because it is unnecessary to fabricate (machine) a tubular portion to be connected to the tubular member by cutting away a large part of the surface to be connected to the tubular member, as in the conventional case, the production process can be shortened and the manufacturing costs can be reduced.
[0020]
Because it is unnecessary to fabricate (machine) a tubular portion to be connected to the tubular member by cutting away a large part of the surface to be connected to the tubular member to reduce the thickness, as in the conventional case, the thickness can be kept at substantially the original thickness.
This prevents the heat (welding heat) for welding the tubular member 7 and the flange coupling 8 from being transmitted to a mating surface (contact surface) 8a of the flange coupling 8, whereby deformation (distortion) of the mating surface 8a can be prevented.
Moreover, because the deformation (distortion) of the mating surface 8a can be prevented, shaping for correcting the deformation of the mating surface 8a can be made unnecessary.
Thus, the production process can be further shortened and the manufacturing costs can be further reduced.
In addition, because the original thickness can be effectively maintained, the internal force coefficient of the bolt 13 can be lowered. Thus, a bolt with superior strength can be achieved.
Because it is unnecessary to fabricate (machine) a tubular portion to be connected to the tubular member by cutting away a large part of the surface to be connected to the tubular member to reduce the thickness, as in the conventional case, the thickness can be kept at substantially the original thickness.
This prevents the heat (welding heat) for welding the tubular member 7 and the flange coupling 8 from being transmitted to a mating surface (contact surface) 8a of the flange coupling 8, whereby deformation (distortion) of the mating surface 8a can be prevented.
Moreover, because the deformation (distortion) of the mating surface 8a can be prevented, shaping for correcting the deformation of the mating surface 8a can be made unnecessary.
Thus, the production process can be further shortened and the manufacturing costs can be further reduced.
In addition, because the original thickness can be effectively maintained, the internal force coefficient of the bolt 13 can be lowered. Thus, a bolt with superior strength can be achieved.
[0021]
Referring to FIG. 3, flange couplings according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of relevant parts of flange couplings according to this embodiment, similar to FIG. 2.
Flange couplings 20 according to this embodiment differ from those according to the above-described embodiment in that each has a recess 21 instead of the recess 16. Because other components are the same as those according to the above-described embodiment, an explanation of such components will be omitted.
The same members as those according to the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
Referring to FIG. 3, flange couplings according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of relevant parts of flange couplings according to this embodiment, similar to FIG. 2.
Flange couplings 20 according to this embodiment differ from those according to the above-described embodiment in that each has a recess 21 instead of the recess 16. Because other components are the same as those according to the above-described embodiment, an explanation of such components will be omitted.
The same members as those according to the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0022]
The flange couplings 20 according to this embodiment are each a plate-like member having a ring shape (doughnut-shape) in plan view, in which the plurality of bolt holes 10 penetrating in the thickness direction (vertical direction in FIG. 3) are provided (formed) around the circumferential direction.
The top or bottom end of the circumferential portion of the flange coupling 20 and the bottom or top end of the tubular member 7 are connected (coupled or joined) via the weld seam 11 located radially inward and the weld seam 12 located radially outward.
The flange couplings 20 according to this embodiment are each a plate-like member having a ring shape (doughnut-shape) in plan view, in which the plurality of bolt holes 10 penetrating in the thickness direction (vertical direction in FIG. 3) are provided (formed) around the circumferential direction.
The top or bottom end of the circumferential portion of the flange coupling 20 and the bottom or top end of the tubular member 7 are connected (coupled or joined) via the weld seam 11 located radially inward and the weld seam 12 located radially outward.
[0023]
Furthermore, a recess (groove) 21 having a ring shape (doughnut-shape) in plan view and a substantially U-shape in cross-section is provided (formed) around the circumferential direction in the upper or lower surface of the flange coupling 20 to be connected to the tubular member 7.
The outer circumferential edge of the recess 21 is formed so as to be located approximately just beneath or above the inner circumferential surface of the tubular member 7. That is, the outer circumferential edge of the recess 21 is formed (provided) so as to provide a connecting surface (coupling surface or mating surface) having a ring shape (doughnut shape) in plan view and having a width that is substantially the same as the thickness of the tubular member 7 at the circumferential portion of the flange coupling 20.
On the other hand, the inner circumferential edge of the recess 21 is formed so as to be located radially outward (the left side in FIG. 3) of the inner circumferential surface of the recess 16 according to the above-described embodiment, i.e., formed such that the radius of curvature of the radially inward bottom surface of the recess 21 is smaller than the radius of curvature of the radially outward bottom surface of the recess 21, and so as to be located approximately just beneath or above the outer circumferential surface of the washer 15 for connecting the flange couplings 20 to each other. The inner circumferential edge of the recess 21 is formed (provided) such that the lower or upper surface of the washer 15 is entirely in contact (close contact) with the upper or lower surface of the flange coupling 20.
Furthermore, a recess (groove) 21 having a ring shape (doughnut-shape) in plan view and a substantially U-shape in cross-section is provided (formed) around the circumferential direction in the upper or lower surface of the flange coupling 20 to be connected to the tubular member 7.
The outer circumferential edge of the recess 21 is formed so as to be located approximately just beneath or above the inner circumferential surface of the tubular member 7. That is, the outer circumferential edge of the recess 21 is formed (provided) so as to provide a connecting surface (coupling surface or mating surface) having a ring shape (doughnut shape) in plan view and having a width that is substantially the same as the thickness of the tubular member 7 at the circumferential portion of the flange coupling 20.
On the other hand, the inner circumferential edge of the recess 21 is formed so as to be located radially outward (the left side in FIG. 3) of the inner circumferential surface of the recess 16 according to the above-described embodiment, i.e., formed such that the radius of curvature of the radially inward bottom surface of the recess 21 is smaller than the radius of curvature of the radially outward bottom surface of the recess 21, and so as to be located approximately just beneath or above the outer circumferential surface of the washer 15 for connecting the flange couplings 20 to each other. The inner circumferential edge of the recess 21 is formed (provided) such that the lower or upper surface of the washer 15 is entirely in contact (close contact) with the upper or lower surface of the flange coupling 20.
[0024]
With the flange couplings 20 according to this embodiment, a large P.C.D. (pitch circle diameter: the diameter of a circle formed by connecting the centers of the bolt holes 10 (bolt-hole pitch circle)) can be provided.
Thus, the separation of the flange couplings 8 at the circumferential portion can be prevented, and the mating surfaces (contact surfaces) 8a of the flange couplings 8 can be kept in closer contact with each other.
The radius of curvature of the radially inward bottom surface of the recess 21 is set to be smaller than the radius of curvature of the radially outward bottom surface of the recess 21. Thus, the stress is concentrated on the radially inward bottom surface of the recess 21. However, higher compressive force (fastening force or clamping force) is exerted on the radially inward bottom surface of the recess 21 than on the radially outward bottom surface of the recess 21, which increases the apparent fatigue strength of the material of the radially inward bottom surface of the recess 21. The stress concentration on the radially inward bottom surface of the recess 21 is balanced out (covered) by the apparently improved fatigue strength. Thus, generation of cracks in the radially inward bottom surface of the recess 21 can be prevented.
Because other advantages are the same as those according to the above-described embodiment, an explanation thereof will be omitted.
With the flange couplings 20 according to this embodiment, a large P.C.D. (pitch circle diameter: the diameter of a circle formed by connecting the centers of the bolt holes 10 (bolt-hole pitch circle)) can be provided.
Thus, the separation of the flange couplings 8 at the circumferential portion can be prevented, and the mating surfaces (contact surfaces) 8a of the flange couplings 8 can be kept in closer contact with each other.
The radius of curvature of the radially inward bottom surface of the recess 21 is set to be smaller than the radius of curvature of the radially outward bottom surface of the recess 21. Thus, the stress is concentrated on the radially inward bottom surface of the recess 21. However, higher compressive force (fastening force or clamping force) is exerted on the radially inward bottom surface of the recess 21 than on the radially outward bottom surface of the recess 21, which increases the apparent fatigue strength of the material of the radially inward bottom surface of the recess 21. The stress concentration on the radially inward bottom surface of the recess 21 is balanced out (covered) by the apparently improved fatigue strength. Thus, generation of cracks in the radially inward bottom surface of the recess 21 can be prevented.
Because other advantages are the same as those according to the above-described embodiment, an explanation thereof will be omitted.
[0025]
Referring to FIG. 4, flange couplings according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of relevant parts of flange couplings according to another embodiment of the present invention, similar to FIGS. 2 and 3.
Flange couplings 30 according to this embodiment differ from those according to the above-described embodiment in that each has a recess 31 instead of the recesses 16 and 21.
Because other components are the same as those according to the above-described embodiment, an explanation of such components will be omitted.
The same members as those according to the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
Referring to FIG. 4, flange couplings according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of relevant parts of flange couplings according to another embodiment of the present invention, similar to FIGS. 2 and 3.
Flange couplings 30 according to this embodiment differ from those according to the above-described embodiment in that each has a recess 31 instead of the recesses 16 and 21.
Because other components are the same as those according to the above-described embodiment, an explanation of such components will be omitted.
The same members as those according to the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0026]
The flange couplings 30 according to this embodiment are each a plate-like member having a ring shape (doughnut-shape) in plan view, in which the plurality of bolt holes 10 penetrating in the thickness direction (vertical direction in FIG. 4) are provided (formed) around the circumferential direction.
The top or bottom end of the circumferential portion of the flange coupling 30 and the bottom or top end of the tubular member 7 are connected (coupled or joined) via the weld seam 11 located radially inward and the weld seam 12 located radially outward.
The flange couplings 30 according to this embodiment are each a plate-like member having a ring shape (doughnut-shape) in plan view, in which the plurality of bolt holes 10 penetrating in the thickness direction (vertical direction in FIG. 4) are provided (formed) around the circumferential direction.
The top or bottom end of the circumferential portion of the flange coupling 30 and the bottom or top end of the tubular member 7 are connected (coupled or joined) via the weld seam 11 located radially inward and the weld seam 12 located radially outward.
[0027]
Furthermore, a recess (groove) 31 having a ring shape (doughnut-shape) in plan view and a substantially U-shape in cross-section is provided (formed) around the circumferential direction in the upper or lower surface of the flange coupling 30 to be connected to the tubular member 7.
The outer circumferential edge of the recess 31 is formed so as to be located approximately just beneath or above the inner circumferential surface of the tubular member 7. That is, the outer circumferential edge of the recess 31 is formed (provided) so as to provide a connecting surface (coupling surface or mating surface) having a ring shape (doughnut shape) in plan view and having a width that is substantially the same as the thickness of the tubular member 7 at the circumferential portion of the flange coupling 30.
On the other hand, similarly to the inner circumferential edge of the recess 21, the inner circumferential edge of the recess 31 at the opening end (on the tubular member 7 side) is formed so as to be located radially outward of the inner circumferential surface of the recess 16 (the left side in FIG. 4) and so as to be located approximately just beneath or above the outer circumferential surface of the washer 15 for connecting the flange couplings 30 to each other. The inner circumferential edge of the recess 31 located at the opening end is formed (provided) such that the lower or upper surface of the washer 15 is entirely in contact (close contact) with the upper or lower surface of the flange coupling 30. The inner circumferential edge of the recess 31 at a deep part (on the bottom surface side) is, similarly to the inner circumferential edge at a deep part (on the bottom surface side) of the recess 16, formed so as to be located radially inward of the inner circumferential edge of the recess 31 at the opening end.
Furthermore, a recess (groove) 31 having a ring shape (doughnut-shape) in plan view and a substantially U-shape in cross-section is provided (formed) around the circumferential direction in the upper or lower surface of the flange coupling 30 to be connected to the tubular member 7.
The outer circumferential edge of the recess 31 is formed so as to be located approximately just beneath or above the inner circumferential surface of the tubular member 7. That is, the outer circumferential edge of the recess 31 is formed (provided) so as to provide a connecting surface (coupling surface or mating surface) having a ring shape (doughnut shape) in plan view and having a width that is substantially the same as the thickness of the tubular member 7 at the circumferential portion of the flange coupling 30.
On the other hand, similarly to the inner circumferential edge of the recess 21, the inner circumferential edge of the recess 31 at the opening end (on the tubular member 7 side) is formed so as to be located radially outward of the inner circumferential surface of the recess 16 (the left side in FIG. 4) and so as to be located approximately just beneath or above the outer circumferential surface of the washer 15 for connecting the flange couplings 30 to each other. The inner circumferential edge of the recess 31 located at the opening end is formed (provided) such that the lower or upper surface of the washer 15 is entirely in contact (close contact) with the upper or lower surface of the flange coupling 30. The inner circumferential edge of the recess 31 at a deep part (on the bottom surface side) is, similarly to the inner circumferential edge at a deep part (on the bottom surface side) of the recess 16, formed so as to be located radially inward of the inner circumferential edge of the recess 31 at the opening end.
[0028]
Because the advantages of the flange coupling 30 according to this embodiment are the same as those according to the above-described embodiment, an explanation thereof will be omitted.
Because the advantages of the flange coupling 30 according to this embodiment are the same as those according to the above-described embodiment, an explanation thereof will be omitted.
[0029]
With the wind turbine for wind turbine generator 1 including the flange couplings 8, 20, or 30 that can shorten the production process and reduce the manufacturing costs, the whole production process of the wind turbine for wind turbine generator 1 can be shortened and the manufacturing costs can be reduced.
Furthermore, with the wind turbine for wind turbine generator 1 including the flange couplings 20 or 30 that can prevent the separation of the flange couplings 8 at the circumferential portion and can keep the mating surfaces (contact surfaces) 8a of the flange couplings 8 in closer contact with each other, the reliability of the support tower 2 can be improved and the reliability of the whole wind turbine for wind turbine generator 1 can be improved.
With the wind turbine for wind turbine generator 1 including the flange couplings 8, 20, or 30 that can shorten the production process and reduce the manufacturing costs, the whole production process of the wind turbine for wind turbine generator 1 can be shortened and the manufacturing costs can be reduced.
Furthermore, with the wind turbine for wind turbine generator 1 including the flange couplings 20 or 30 that can prevent the separation of the flange couplings 8 at the circumferential portion and can keep the mating surfaces (contact surfaces) 8a of the flange couplings 8 in closer contact with each other, the reliability of the support tower 2 can be improved and the reliability of the whole wind turbine for wind turbine generator 1 can be improved.
[0030]
In the above-described embodiment, it is more preferable that the recesses 16, 21, and 31 that are formed in the upper surface of the flange coupling 30 (that open upward) be filled with silicon, grease or the like.
This can prevent water droplets running down the inner wall surface of the tubular member 7 from being collected in the recess 16, 21, or 31, and can thus prevent rust from forming in the recess 16, 21, or 31.
In the above-described embodiment, it is more preferable that the recesses 16, 21, and 31 that are formed in the upper surface of the flange coupling 30 (that open upward) be filled with silicon, grease or the like.
This can prevent water droplets running down the inner wall surface of the tubular member 7 from being collected in the recess 16, 21, or 31, and can thus prevent rust from forming in the recess 16, 21, or 31.
[0031]
The shape of the side surface of the flange couplings of the present invention is not limited to a cylindrical shape as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, but may be a circular-truncated-cone shape as shown in FIG. 5.
This enables the side surfaces of the flange couplings and the side surfaces of the tubular members 7 to be substantially flush with each other. Thus, irregularities on the entire surface of the support tower 2 can be reduced and the appearance of the support tower 2 and the whole wind turbine for wind turbine generator 1 can be improved.
The shape of the side surface of the flange couplings of the present invention is not limited to a cylindrical shape as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, but may be a circular-truncated-cone shape as shown in FIG. 5.
This enables the side surfaces of the flange couplings and the side surfaces of the tubular members 7 to be substantially flush with each other. Thus, irregularities on the entire surface of the support tower 2 can be reduced and the appearance of the support tower 2 and the whole wind turbine for wind turbine generator 1 can be improved.
[0032]
Furthermore, the recesses 16 shown in FIG. 5 may each be a recess 16a having a cross-section as shown in FIG. 6, i.e., an inclined U shape that is cut along (so as to be parallel with) the side surface of the flange coupling 8.
Because the advantages provided by this configuration are the same as those according to the embodiment explained with reference to FIG. 2, an explanation thereof will be omitted.
Furthermore, the recesses 16 shown in FIG. 5 may each be a recess 16a having a cross-section as shown in FIG. 6, i.e., an inclined U shape that is cut along (so as to be parallel with) the side surface of the flange coupling 8.
Because the advantages provided by this configuration are the same as those according to the embodiment explained with reference to FIG. 2, an explanation thereof will be omitted.
Claims (3)
1. A tubular-member flange coupling in which a circumferential portion of a top or bottom surface is mated to a bottom or top end of a tubular member to couple the tubular members to each other, wherein a recess having a substantially U-shape in cross-section is cut along an entire circumference on the top or bottom surface to be connected to the tubular member, at a position radially inward of the circumferential portion to be mated to the tubular member, an entirety of the top or bottom surface, including the circumferential portion, is at the same level on either side of the recess, and an entirety of the top or bottom surface is flat before the recess is cut thereon.
2. The tubular-member flange coupling according to claim 1, wherein the radius of curvature of a radially inward bottom surface of the recess is formed to be smaller than the radius of curvature of a radially outward bottom surface of the recess.
3. A wind turbine for wind turbine generator comprising the tubular-member flange coupling according to claim 1 or 2.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2007/067015 WO2009028092A1 (en) | 2007-08-31 | 2007-08-31 | Flange joint for tubular member |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2668177A1 CA2668177A1 (en) | 2009-03-05 |
| CA2668177C true CA2668177C (en) | 2012-10-23 |
Family
ID=40386836
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2668177A Expired - Fee Related CA2668177C (en) | 2007-08-31 | 2007-08-31 | Tubular-member flange coupling |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20100058673A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP2194214A4 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP5022440B2 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR101134959B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN101542056B (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2007358358B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2668177C (en) |
| MX (1) | MX2009005193A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2009028092A1 (en) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007059768A1 (en) * | 2005-11-24 | 2007-05-31 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | A wind turbine tower, connection means for assembling a wind turbine tower and methods hereof |
| US20110154757A1 (en) * | 2008-05-02 | 2011-06-30 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Tower section for a wind turbine tower |
| US8490337B2 (en) * | 2009-06-09 | 2013-07-23 | Thomas Nott Word, III | Structural flange connection system and method |
| US8087898B2 (en) * | 2009-12-15 | 2012-01-03 | General Electric Company | Stress relief flange and method for distributing stress for wind turbine components |
| US20110131898A1 (en) * | 2010-04-29 | 2011-06-09 | Jacob Johannes Nies | Flange connection |
| DE102010020443A1 (en) * | 2010-05-12 | 2011-11-17 | Timber Tower Gmbh | Tower for a wind turbine and method for erecting a tower for a wind turbine |
| CA2800710A1 (en) | 2010-05-25 | 2011-12-01 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Jacket structure for offshore constructions |
| NZ605916A (en) | 2010-07-13 | 2015-01-30 | Andresen Towers As | Method of assembling a tubular building structure by using screw sockets |
| SE535989C2 (en) * | 2011-03-23 | 2013-03-19 | Northcone Ab | Compliant post and way of arranging road lighting |
| WO2012131852A1 (en) * | 2011-03-25 | 2012-10-04 | 新日本製鐵株式会社 | Steel pipe having flange disk welded thereto |
| CN103201511B (en) | 2011-11-04 | 2016-05-25 | 三菱重工业株式会社 | Device carrier structure and wind power generation plant in tower |
| CA2880788C (en) * | 2012-08-03 | 2020-03-24 | James D. Lockwood | Precast concrete post tensioned segmented wind turbine tower |
| EP2889474A1 (en) * | 2013-12-30 | 2015-07-01 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Flange connection for direct driven wind turbine |
| DK2937556T3 (en) * | 2014-04-25 | 2018-03-12 | Siemens Ag | Flange of a windmill |
| CN104019003B (en) * | 2014-06-04 | 2016-09-14 | 国电联合动力技术有限公司 | A kind of flange connection and containing its sectionally assembled pylon of lightning protection |
| FR3029231B1 (en) * | 2014-12-01 | 2016-12-30 | Lafarge Sa | CONCRETE SECTION |
| DE102015110344A1 (en) * | 2015-06-26 | 2016-12-29 | Eno Energy Systems Gmbh | Section of a tower section, a tower and a method of making a section of a tower section |
| KR101685854B1 (en) * | 2015-12-03 | 2016-12-12 | 두산중공업 주식회사 | Retrofit structure of wind plant and method for installing the same |
| JP7305384B2 (en) * | 2019-03-18 | 2023-07-10 | 出光興産株式会社 | Large pipe flange with different diameter |
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| US2617672A (en) * | 1948-06-23 | 1952-11-11 | Harry J Nichols | Coupling |
| US2956821A (en) * | 1956-10-08 | 1960-10-18 | American Radiator & Standard | Flanged pipe coupling for pressure vessels having stress compensating means |
| GB920220A (en) * | 1959-01-09 | 1963-03-06 | Kralovopolska Strojirna Zd Y C | Improvements relating to flanges for tubular members |
| NL7401323A (en) * | 1974-01-31 | 1975-08-04 | Lely Nv C Van Der | TOOTH ATTACHMENT FOR A GROUND PROCESSING WORK |
| US4105227A (en) * | 1977-05-11 | 1978-08-08 | Ekberg Sven Erik | Flange joint between pipe lengths |
| JPS54136803A (en) * | 1978-04-17 | 1979-10-24 | Hitachi Ltd | Tone arm device |
| JPS597929Y2 (en) * | 1979-10-03 | 1984-03-12 | 日本電信電話株式会社 | steel pipe coupling |
| US4458924A (en) * | 1980-12-01 | 1984-07-10 | Gunter Schlicht | Bimetal flange connector |
| JPS6077661U (en) * | 1983-11-02 | 1985-05-30 | 株式会社隅田運搬機製作所 | tower equipment |
| JPS642901U (en) * | 1987-06-25 | 1989-01-10 | ||
| GB8905894D0 (en) * | 1989-03-15 | 1989-04-26 | Rolls Royce Plc | Fluid-tight joints |
| JP2567435Y2 (en) * | 1991-07-31 | 1998-04-02 | 川崎製鉄株式会社 | Pillar hardware |
| DE4135521A1 (en) * | 1991-10-28 | 1993-04-29 | Ruehs Klaus Gerd | Flat flange for welding to pipe - has groove on upper surface in welding area of pipe |
| US5333436A (en) * | 1992-09-14 | 1994-08-02 | Pirod, Inc. | Modular antenna pole |
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| US5967566A (en) * | 1998-01-06 | 1999-10-19 | Schlicht; Gunter | Light-weight, slip-on pipe flange |
| JP3552652B2 (en) * | 2000-07-07 | 2004-08-11 | 住友金属工業株式会社 | Pipe flange joints for structures |
| ES2240732T3 (en) * | 2001-03-23 | 2005-10-16 | Aloys Wobben | UNION FLANGE FOR TUBULAR COMPONENTS. |
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| DE10223429C1 (en) * | 2002-05-25 | 2003-05-28 | Aloys Wobben | Flange coupling method for wind turbine tower sections with softening of variable viscosity layer between cooperating flange surfaces during formation of flange coupling |
| US20080041009A1 (en) * | 2006-08-18 | 2008-02-21 | General Electric | Flangeless support structures |
| US20100024311A1 (en) * | 2008-07-30 | 2010-02-04 | Dustin Jon Wambeke | Wind turbine assembly with tower mount |
| ES2386519T3 (en) * | 2008-11-27 | 2012-08-22 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Tower for a wind turbine and method to mount the tower |
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2007
- 2007-08-31 MX MX2009005193A patent/MX2009005193A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2007-08-31 CN CN200780042980XA patent/CN101542056B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2007-08-31 JP JP2009529941A patent/JP5022440B2/en active Active
- 2007-08-31 EP EP07806488A patent/EP2194214A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2007-08-31 CA CA2668177A patent/CA2668177C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2007-08-31 AU AU2007358358A patent/AU2007358358B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2007-08-31 US US12/312,145 patent/US20100058673A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-08-31 WO PCT/JP2007/067015 patent/WO2009028092A1/en active Application Filing
- 2007-08-31 KR KR1020097010239A patent/KR101134959B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2007358358B2 (en) | 2011-11-17 |
| CA2668177A1 (en) | 2009-03-05 |
| CN101542056B (en) | 2012-12-12 |
| WO2009028092A1 (en) | 2009-03-05 |
| KR101134959B1 (en) | 2012-04-09 |
| CN101542056A (en) | 2009-09-23 |
| EP2194214A4 (en) | 2011-03-23 |
| EP2194214A1 (en) | 2010-06-09 |
| JPWO2009028092A1 (en) | 2010-11-25 |
| KR20090086996A (en) | 2009-08-14 |
| AU2007358358A1 (en) | 2009-03-05 |
| MX2009005193A (en) | 2009-05-25 |
| JP5022440B2 (en) | 2012-09-12 |
| US20100058673A1 (en) | 2010-03-11 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20150831 |