Cutting device

Abstract

This invention relates to a cutting device configured to be positioned on top of a protective plate of a shear web of a wind turbine blade for cutting fiberglass material covering the protective plate. The cutting device includes a drive wheel, a clamping wheel, and an operating handle. The operating handle has a ready position and a working position, wherein in the ready position, the operating handle is pivoted such that the clamping wheel is away from the drive wheel, and in the working position, the operating handle is pivoted such that the clamping wheel is close to the drive wheel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cutting device configured to be disposed on top of a protective plate of a shear web of a wind turbine blade for cutting the fiberglass material covering the protective plate. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing process of wind turbine blades, a key step is cutting the fiberglass material used for the shear web within a mold. This cutting occurs during the shear web and sponge liner placement process in the layup stage. A protective plate is placed on the shear web, and the fiberglass material is then laid over it. A cutting device is used to cut the fiberglass material covering the protective plate, allowing it to be turned outwards to overlap and embed with the grooved wooden strips to be placed next. This ensures that the top of the shear web is in close contact with the fiberglass material laid in the upper mold, allowing the upper mold to bear the force on the shear web.

[0003] In existing technology, a manual cutting device is used to cut fiberglass materials. During operation, the operator lifts the operating arms of the manual cutting device that extend to both sides, moving the device along the shear web to cut the fiberglass material.

[0004] As the molds for wind turbine blades become larger, and the diameter increases towards the blade root, the original manual cutting devices require extended operating arms to meet the cutting requirements of the fiberglass material located at the center of the blade root. This makes it increasingly difficult for operators to lift the equipment for cutting.

[0005] In addition, existing manual cutting devices are prone to tipping over during movement, causing damage to the fiberglass material.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide an improved cutting device that can overcome one or more of the above-mentioned defects. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a cutting device is provided, configured to be disposed on top of a protective plate of a shear web of a wind turbine blade for cutting a fiberglass material covering the protective plate. The cutting device includes: a housing; a base to which the housing is connected to form a cavity; a drive mechanism disposed within the cavity; an operating handle including a first end and a second end, the first end of the operating handle being connected to a pivot such that the operating handle is pivotable about the pivot, and the second end of the operating handle extending from a recess at the rear of the housing; a drive wheel and a clamping wheel disposed below the base, the drive wheel being connected to the drive wheel. The device includes an output shaft for the driver, such that rotation of the output shaft drives the drive wheel to rotate; a clamping wheel is connected to the operating handle, such that pivoting of the operating handle about the pivot drives the clamping wheel to move approximately in the lateral direction of the cutting device; and a cutter, disposed at the front of the cutting device, the cutter including a cutting wheel for cutting the glass fiber material, wherein the operating handle has a ready position and a working position, and wherein, in the ready position, the operating handle is pivoted such that the clamping wheel is away from the drive wheel, and in the working position, the operating handle is pivoted such that the clamping wheel is close to the drive wheel.

[0008] In one embodiment, the cutting device further includes: a pivot member comprising a first arm and a second arm connected to each other and forming a predetermined angle between them, the pivot member further comprising a first hole, a second hole, and a third hole, the first hole being located at the connection between the first arm and the second arm, the second hole being located at the end of the first arm opposite to the first hole, and the third hole being located at the end of the second arm opposite to the first hole; and a pneumatic spring mechanism comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the pneumatic spring mechanism being pivotally connected to the base, the second end of the pneumatic spring mechanism comprising a hole through which a pin passes, and the second hole of the pivot member, such that the pneumatic spring mechanism and the pivot member are rotatable relative to each other, wherein the first end of the operating handle comprises a hole, the pivot passes through the hole at the first end of the operating handle and the first hole of the pivot member, the pivot being fixedly connected to the base, and wherein the base comprises an arcuate groove, the axle of the clamping wheel passing through the arcuate groove and the third hole of the pivot member and fixedly connected to the operating handle.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cutting device further includes a cutting wheel guide block having a groove through which a portion of the cutting wheel extends, wherein the outer contour of the cutting wheel guide block matches a groove on the top of the protective plate.

[0010] In one embodiment, the cutting device further includes an emergency stop switch extending from a top opening in the housing, wherein the emergency stop switch can be pressed by an operator in the event of an emergency to stop the drive and / or the cutter.

[0011] In one embodiment, the cutting device further includes a base guide block disposed on the bottom surface of the base, the outer contour of the base guide block matching the groove on the top of the protective plate.

[0012] In one embodiment, the cutting device further includes a first guide and a second guide spaced apart from each other on the bottom surface of the base. The first guide and the second guide extend from the bottom surface of the base substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the base. The first guide includes a first portion adjacent to the cutter and a second portion adjacent to the drive wheel and the clamping wheel. The second guide includes a first portion adjacent to the cutter and a second portion adjacent to the drive wheel and the clamping wheel. The first portion of the first guide and the first portion of the second guide extend parallel to each other. The second portions of the first guide and the second portions of the second guide extend obliquely outward in a direction from the front to the rear of the base, such that the distance between the second portions of the first guide and the second portions of the second guide gradually increases in a direction from the front to the rear of the base.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first guide and the second guide are axially symmetric about the longitudinal axis of the cutting device.

[0014] In one embodiment, the cutting device further includes: a first position sensor configured to sense whether the clamping wheel abuts against the protective plate with a predetermined pressure; and / or a second position sensor configured to sense whether the cutting device is positioned on top of the protective plate. Preferably, the second position sensor includes a tab, configured to sense the depth to which the tab extends into a groove on top of the protective plate, and to emit a sensor signal when the depth reaches a predetermined threshold, indicating that the cutting device is positioned on top of the protective plate.

[0015] In one embodiment, the cutting device further includes a controller configured to communicate with the first position sensor and / or the second position sensor to receive sensor signals from the first position sensor and / or the second position sensor, and the controller is also configured to control the start and stop of the driver and the cutter.

[0016] In one embodiment, the cutting device further includes a remote control configured to communicate with the controller. The remote control includes a panel comprising a ready indicator light, a cutter start button, a cutter stop button, a forward button, a reverse button, and an emergency stop button. The ready indicator light is configured to indicate whether the cutting device is in a ready state. The ready state includes the clamping wheel abutting against the protective plate and the cutting device being positioned on top of the protective plate. When the sensor signal of the first position sensor indicates that the clamping wheel abuts against the protective plate, and the sensor signal of the second position sensor indicates that the cutting device is positioned on top of the protective plate, the controller sends a control signal to illuminate the ready indicator light. The cutter start button, the cutter stop button, the forward button, and the reverse button are only activated after the ready indicator light is illuminated.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of operating the cutting device described above is provided, the method comprising: cutting a fiberglass material using the cutting device, wherein the fiberglass material covers a protective plate, the protective plate including a first wall, a second wall, and a core, the first wall and the second wall extending parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction of the protective plate, the core disposed between the first wall and the second wall, the width of the core being less than the width of the first wall and the second wall, such that grooves extending along the longitudinal direction of the protective plate are formed at the top and bottom of the protective plate, respectively, wherein the protective plate is disposed on the top of a shear web of a wind turbine blade such that the top of the shear web is inserted into a groove at the bottom of the protective plate, and wherein the cutting device is placed on the protective plate such that the cutting wheel of the cutter is aligned with a groove at the top of the protective plate. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic side view of a wind turbine blade is shown.

[0019] Figure 2 Schematic illustration along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a wind turbine blade cut by line DD;

[0020] Figure 3A perspective view schematically showing a protective plate mounted on a shear web;

[0021] Figure 4 A perspective view schematically illustrating the cutting device according to the invention assembled with a shear-resistant web and a protective plate;

[0022] Figure 5a An exploded view of the cutting device according to the present invention is shown schematically;

[0023] Figure 5b The diagram illustrates the operating handle in the ready position;

[0024] Figure 5c The diagram illustrates the operating handle in the working position.

[0025] Figure 6a A perspective view of the cutting device according to the invention is schematically shown, wherein the outer casing has been removed;

[0026] Figure 6b A side view of the cutting device according to the invention is shown schematically, wherein the outer casing has been removed;

[0027] Figure 6c A schematic top view of the cutting device according to the invention is shown, wherein the outer casing has been removed;

[0028] Figure 6d A bottom view of the cutting device according to the invention is shown schematically, wherein the outer casing has been removed;

[0029] Figure 7a A perspective view of the remote control according to the present invention is schematically shown; and

[0030] Figure 7b A top view of the remote control according to the present invention is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1 A side view of a wind turbine blade 100 is shown schematically. Figure 2 Schematic illustration along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a wind turbine blade 100 cut along line DD. (See image.) Figure 2 As shown, the wind turbine blade 100 may include a shear web 110.

[0032] Figure 3 A perspective view of a protective plate 200 mounted on a shear web 110 is shown schematically. Figure 3As shown, the protective plate 200 may include a first wall 210, a second wall 220, and a core 230. The first wall 210 and the second wall 220 may extend parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction of the protective plate 200. The core 230 may be disposed between the first wall 210 and the second wall 220. The width of the core 230 may be smaller than the width of the first wall 210 and the second wall 220, such that grooves 250 extending along the longitudinal direction of the protective plate 200 are formed at the top and bottom of the protective plate 200, respectively. The ends of the core 230 may extend beyond the ends of the first wall 210 and the second wall 220. The protective plate 200 may also include one or more through holes 240 extending laterally through the first wall 210, the second wall 220, and the core 230. Figure 2 Two through holes 240 are shown. However, the protective plate 200 may also include other numbers of through holes 240.

[0033] Figure 4 A perspective view schematically illustrating the cutting device 300 according to the invention assembled with a shear-resistant web 110 and a protective plate 200. (See diagram below.) Figure 4 As shown, the protective plate 200 can be disposed on top of the shear web 110, such that the top of the shear web 110 is inserted into the groove 250 at the bottom of the protective plate 200. The cutting device 300 can be disposed on top of the protective plate 200 to cut the fiberglass material covering the protective plate 200. The positional relationship between the cutting device 300 and the protective plate 200 is described in detail below.

[0034] Figure 5a An exploded view of the cutting device 300 according to the present invention is shown schematically. (As shown) Figure 5a As shown, the cutting device 300 may include a housing 302 and a base 304. The housing 302 and the base 304 are interconnected to form a cavity. The cutting device 300 may also include a drive wheel 306 and a clamping wheel 308 disposed below the base 304. The cutting device 300 may also include an operating handle 310, a driver 312, and a cutter 320. The driver 312 may be disposed within the cavity formed by the housing 302 and the base 304. The driver 312 may be any device capable of providing power output, such as an electric motor.

[0035] The operating handle 310 includes a first end 310a and a second end 310b. The first end 310a of the operating handle 310 is connectable to a pivot 311, allowing the operating handle 310 to pivot about the pivot 311, and the second end 310b of the operating handle 310 extends from a recess 302a at the rear of the housing 302. The operator can grasp the second end 310b of the operating handle 310 to pivot the operating handle 310 about the pivot 311.

[0036] The drive wheel 306 can be connected to the output shaft of the driver 312, so that the rotation of the output shaft of the driver 312 can drive the drive wheel 306 to rotate. The surface of the drive wheel 306 may be textured to increase the friction when in contact with the protective plate 200.

[0037] The clamping wheel 308 can be connected to the operating handle 310, such that the pivoting motion of the operating handle 310 about the pivot 311 can drive the clamping wheel 308 to move approximately in the lateral direction of the cutting device 300. The surface of the clamping wheel 308 can be smooth.

[0038] The operating handle 310 may have a ready position and a working position, wherein in the ready position, the operating handle 310 is pivoted such that the clamping wheel 308 is away from the drive wheel 306, and in the working position, the operating handle 310 is pivoted such that the clamping wheel 308 is close to the drive wheel 306.

[0039] A cutter 320 may be disposed at the front of the cutting device 300. The cutter 320 includes a cutting wheel 322. The cutting wheel 322 is driven by a power unit to cut the fiberglass material covering the protective plate 200. In some embodiments, the power unit driving the cutting wheel 322 may be a DC motor or an AC motor. In some embodiments, the power unit driving the cutting wheel 322 may be a variable frequency speed control motor or a servo motor, which can adjust the rotational speed of the output shaft, thereby adjusting the cutting speed of the cutter 320. In some embodiments, the cutter 320 may also include a cutting wheel guide block 324. The cutting wheel guide block 324 has a groove 326 through which a portion of the cutting wheel 322 extends. The outer contour of the cutting wheel guide block 324 matches the groove 250 on the top of the protective plate 200. For example, the width of the cutting wheel guide block 324 may match the width of the groove 250 on the top of the protective plate 200. For grooves 250 of different widths, a matching cutting wheel guide block 324 may be selected. During the cutting operation, the cutting device 300 is placed on the protective plate 200, so that the cutting wheel guide block 324 is inserted into the groove 250 at the top of the protective plate 200. As the cutting device 300 moves, the cutting wheel guide block 324 slides in the groove 250 at the top of the protective plate 200, thus serving as a guide.

[0040] In some embodiments, the cutting device 300 may further include a pneumatic spring mechanism 314 and a pivot member 315. The pivot member 315 may include a first arm 315a and a second arm 315b. The first arm 315a and the second arm 315b are connected to each other and form a predetermined angle with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the predetermined angle may be greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the predetermined angle may be greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees. The pivot member 315 may further include a first hole 315c, a second hole 315d, and a third hole 315e. The first hole 315c is located at the connection between the first arm 315a and the second arm 315b. The second hole 315d is located at the end of the first arm 315a opposite to the first hole 315c. The third hole 315e is located at the end of the second arm 315b opposite to the first hole 315c.

[0041] The first end 310a of the operating handle 310 includes a hole 310c. A pivot 311 passes through the hole 310c of the first end 310a of the operating handle 310 and the first hole 315c of the pivot member 315. The pivot 311 is fixedly connected to the base 304.

[0042] The pneumatic spring mechanism 314 includes a first end 314a and a second end 314b. The first end 314a of the pneumatic spring mechanism 314 is pivotally connected to the base 304. The second end 314b of the pneumatic spring mechanism 314 includes a hole 314c, through which a pin 317 passes and through a second hole 315d of the pivot member 315, such that the pneumatic spring mechanism 314 and the pivot member 315 can rotate relative to each other.

[0043] The base 304 includes an arcuate groove 304a. The axle 308a of the clamping wheel 308 passes through the arcuate groove 304a and the third hole 315e of the pivot member 315 and is fixedly connected (e.g., welded) to the operating handle 310. In this way, the pivot member 315 can pivot about the pivot 311 together with the operating handle 310.

[0044] Figure 5b The operating handle 310 is schematically shown in the ready position. Figure 5c The operating handle 310 is schematically shown in the working position. For clarity, in Figures 5b-5c Some components have been omitted.

[0045] like Figure 5b As shown, when the operating handle 310 is in the ready position, the operating handle 310 pivots outward about the pivot 311, causing the clamping wheel 308 to move away from the drive wheel 306. At this time, the pneumatic spring mechanism 314 is in the retracted state.

[0046] like Figure 5cAs shown, as the operating handle 310 moves from the ready position to the working position, it pivots inward about the pivot 311, causing the clamping wheel 308 to approach the drive wheel 306. During this process, the axle 308a of the clamping wheel 308 moves within the arcuate groove 304a, and the pneumatic spring mechanism 314 extends due to the tension from the pivot member 315. When the operating handle 310 moves to the working position, the pneumatic spring mechanism 314 extends by a predetermined amount and remains in the extended state. When the pneumatic spring mechanism 314 is in the extended state, a predetermined force needs to be applied to it to return it to the retracted state. In other words, once the operator moves the operating handle 310 from the ready position to the working position, thereby placing the pneumatic spring mechanism 314 in the extended state, it will remain in that extended state. Only when the operator applies a predetermined outward torque to the operating handle 310, thereby applying a predetermined force to the pneumatic spring mechanism 314 via the pivot member 315, can the pneumatic spring mechanism 314 retract. As the pneumatic spring mechanism 314 retracts to the retracted state, the operating handle 310 moves from the working position to the ready position. By employing the pneumatic spring mechanism 314, it can be further ensured that the operating handle 310 remains in the working position and does not accidentally return to the ready position when the cutting device 300 is operating (e.g., moving along the protective plate 200 to cut the fiberglass material covering the protective plate 200). Since the operating handle 310 remains in the working position when the cutting device 300 is operating, the drive wheel 306 and the clamping wheel 308 always clamp the protective plate 200 from both sides, thereby further preventing the cutting device 300 from tipping over during operation. In some embodiments, the predetermined extension amount of the pneumatic spring mechanism 314 in the extended state can be adjusted to accommodate protective plates 200 of different thicknesses.

[0047] In some embodiments, the cutting device 300 may further include an emergency stop switch 316. The emergency stop switch 316 may extend from the top opening 302b of the housing. In operation, in the event of an emergency, the operator may press the emergency stop switch 316 to stop the actuator 312 and / or the cutter 320.

[0048] In some embodiments, the cutting device 300 may further include a base guide block 328 disposed on the bottom surface of the base 304. The outer contour of the base guide block 328 matches the groove 250 on the top of the protective plate 200. During the cutting operation, the cutting device 300 is placed on the protective plate 200 such that the base guide block 328 is inserted into the groove 250 on the top of the protective plate 200. As the cutting device 300 moves, the base guide block 328 slides in the groove 250 on the top of the protective plate 200, serving a guiding function.

[0049] In some embodiments, the cutting device 300 may further include a first guide 332a and a second guide 332b spaced apart from each other on the bottom surface of the base 304 (see also...). Figure 6a and 6d The first guide 332a and the second guide 332b may be plate-like members extending substantially perpendicularly to the bottom surface of the base 304. The first guide 332a includes a first portion 334a adjacent to the cutter 320 and a second portion 336a adjacent to the drive wheel 306 and the clamping wheel 308. Therefore, the first portion 334a of the first guide 332a is closer to the front of the base 304, and the second portion 336a of the first guide 332a is closer to the rear of the base 304. The second guide 332b includes a first portion 334b ​​adjacent to the cutter 320 and a second portion 336b adjacent to the drive wheel 306 and the clamping wheel 308. Therefore, the first portion 334b ​​of the second guide 332b is closer to the front of the base 304, and the second portion 336b of the second guide 332b is closer to the rear of the base 304. The first portion 334a of the first guide 332a and the first portion 334b ​​of the second guide 332b may extend parallel to each other. The second portion 336a of the first guide 332a and the second portion 336b of the second guide 332b may extend obliquely outward in a direction from the front to the rear of the base 304, such that the distance between the second portions 336a of the first guide 332a and the second portions 336b of the second guide 332b gradually increases in a direction from the front to the rear of the base 304. The first guide 332a and the second guide 332b may be axially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the cutting device 300. The first guide 332a and the second guide 332b are used to guide the cut fiberglass material to turn outward to both sides.

[0050] In operation, firstly, the protective plate 200 is placed on top of the shear web 110, such that the top of the shear web 110 is inserted into the groove 250 at the bottom of the protective plate 200. Then, fiberglass material is covered on the protective plate 200. Next, the cutting device 300 is placed on the protective plate 200, such that the cutting wheel 322 of the cutter 320 is aligned with the groove 250 at the top of the protective plate 200. In some embodiments, placing the cutting device 300 on the protective plate 200 includes inserting both the cutting wheel guide block 324 and the base guide block 328 into the groove 250 at the top of the protective plate 200. At this time, the operating handle 310 is in the ready position, and the drive wheel 306 and the clamping wheel 308 are located on opposite sides of the protective plate 200. The drive wheel 306 can contact the first wall 210 of the protective plate 200, while the clamping wheel 308 is spaced apart from the second wall 220 of the protective plate 200.

[0051] Then, the operating handle 310 is pivoted from the ready position to the working position, thereby moving the clamping wheel 308 from a position away from the drive wheel 306 to a position closer to the drive wheel 306, approximately in the lateral direction of the cutting device 300. When the operating handle 310 is in the working position, the clamping wheel 308 (e.g., with a predetermined pressure) abuts against the second wall 220 of the protective plate 200, thereby clamping the protective plate 200 (e.g., with a predetermined pressure) between the drive wheel 306 and the clamping wheel 308.

[0052] Then, the driver 312 and the cutter 320 can be started. In some embodiments, the cutter 320 is started first, and then the driver 312 is started.

[0053] Optionally, after covering the protective plate 200 with fiberglass material, and before activating the driver 312 and cutter 320, an initial cut can be made in the fiberglass material, aligning the initial cut with the groove 250 on the top of the protective plate 200. Alternatively, the initial cut can be made in the fiberglass material first, then the fiberglass material can be covered with the protective plate 200, aligning the initial cut with the groove 250 on the top of the protective plate 200, and then the driver 312 and cutter 320 can be activated.

[0054] When the driver 312 is activated, its output shaft rotates, thereby driving the drive wheel 306 to rotate. Since the protective plate 200 is clamped between the drive wheel 306 and the clamping wheel 308 with a predetermined pressure, the rotation of the drive wheel 306 causes it to roll on the first wall 210 of the protective plate 200. Correspondingly, the clamping wheel 308 also rolls on the second wall 220 of the protective plate 200, thus moving the entire cutting device 300 along the protective plate 200. The direction of movement of the cutting device 300 is related to the rotation direction of the output shaft of the driver 312. For example, when the output shaft of the driver 312 rotates forward, the cutting device 300 can move forward, and when the output shaft of the driver 312 rotates in the reverse direction, the cutting device 300 can move backward. Thus, the direction of movement of the cutting device 300 can be controlled by controlling the rotation direction of the output shaft of the driver 312.

[0055] In some embodiments, the driver 312 may be a DC motor or an AC motor. In some embodiments, the driver 312 may be a variable frequency speed control motor or a servo motor, which can adjust the rotational speed of the output shaft, thereby adjusting the moving speed of the cutting device 300.

[0056] In some embodiments, the cutting device 300 may further include position sensors disposed on the base 304. For example, position sensor 318a may be configured to sense whether the clamping wheel 308 abuts against the protective plate 200 (e.g., the second wall 220 of the protective plate 200) with a predetermined pressure, and position sensor 318b may be configured to sense whether the cutting device 300 is positioned on top of the protective plate 200. Position sensor 318b may include a tab 330. Tab 330 may extend through a slot 304b in the base 304. When the cutting device 300 is positioned on top of the protective plate 200, tab 330 may extend into a groove 250 on top of the protective plate 200. Position sensor 318b may be configured to sense the depth to which tab 330 extends into the groove 250 on top of the protective plate 200, and to emit a sensor signal when the depth reaches a predetermined threshold, indicating that the cutting device 300 is positioned on top of the protective plate 200. The tab 330 may be located between the first guide 332a and the second guide 332b. The position sensor 318a and the position sensor 318b may be two separate sensors or integrated into a single sensor.

[0057] In some embodiments, the cutting apparatus 300 may further include a controller 319. The controller 319 may be configured to communicate with position sensors 318a and 318b to receive sensor signals from position sensors 318a and 318b. The controller 319 may also be configured to control the start and stop of the driver 312 and the cutter 320.

[0058] Figures 6a-6d Perspective view, side view, top view and bottom view of the cutting device 300 according to the present invention are shown schematically, wherein the outer casing 302 has been removed.

[0059] exist Figures 6a-6d In the figure, the operating handle 310 is drawn with dashed lines and solid lines respectively. The dashed lines represent the ready position of the operating handle 310, while the solid lines represent the working position of the operating handle 310.

[0060] In some embodiments, the cutting device 300 may further include a remote control 400, such as Figures 7a-7b As shown.

[0061] Figure 7a A perspective view of a remote control 400 according to the present invention is shown schematically. Figure 7aAs shown, the remote control 400 includes a body 410, a panel 420, and a handle 430. The body 410 houses various electrical and electronic components of the remote control 400. The panel 420 is disposed on the body 410 and includes several buttons and a ready indicator light. The handle 430 is attached to the body 410 for the operator to grip, lift, move, and place the remote control 400. The remote control 400 may be configured to communicate with the controller 319 of the cutting device 300. In some embodiments, the remote control 400 may be configured to communicate with the controller 319 of the cutting device 300 via wired communication or via wireless communication, such as Bluetooth-based wireless communication.

[0062] Figure 7b A top view of the remote controller 400 according to the present invention is shown schematically. Figure 7b As shown, panel 420 may include a ready indicator light 422, a cutter start button 424a, a cutter stop button 424b, a forward button 426a, a reverse button 426b, and an emergency stop button 428.

[0063] The ready indicator light 422 can be configured to indicate whether the cutting device 300 is in a ready state. The ready state of the cutting device 300 includes the clamping wheel 308 (e.g., with a predetermined pressure) abutting against the protective plate 200 (e.g., the second wall 220 of the protective plate 200) and the cutting device 300 being positioned on top of the protective plate 200. When the sensor signal from position sensor 318a indicates that the clamping wheel 308 (e.g., with a predetermined pressure) abuts against the protective plate 200 (e.g., the second wall 220 of the protective plate 200), and the sensor signal from position sensor 318b indicates that the cutting device 300 is positioned on top of the protective plate 200, the controller 319 issues a control signal to illuminate the ready indicator light 422.

[0064] The cutter start button 424a, cutter stop button 424b, forward button 426a, and reverse button 426b will only operate after the ready indicator light 422 is illuminated. At this time, the operator can begin the cutting operation after observing the ready indicator light 422 illuminate. If the ready indicator light 422 is not illuminated, it means that the clamping wheel 308 is not (e.g., with a predetermined pressure) against the protective plate 200 (e.g., the second wall 220 of the protective plate 200) and / or the cutting device 300 is not positioned on top of the protective plate 200. In this case, the cutter start button 424a, cutter stop button 424b, forward button 426a, and reverse button 426b will not operate. Even if the operator presses the start button 424a, cutter stop button 424b, forward button 426a, and reverse button 426b, no corresponding operation will be performed.

[0065] With the ready indicator light 422 illuminated, when the cutter start button 424a is pressed, the remote control 400 sends a cutter start signal to the controller 319 of the cutting device 300. Upon receiving this cutter start signal, the controller 319 of the cutting device 300 can start the cutter 320.

[0066] With the ready indicator light 422 illuminated, when the cutter stop button 424b is pressed, the remote control 400 sends a cutter stop signal to the controller 319 of the cutting device 300. The controller 319 of the cutting device 300 can stop the cutter 320 upon receiving this cutter stop signal.

[0067] With the ready indicator light 422 illuminated, when the forward button 426a is pressed, the remote control 400 sends a forward signal to the controller 319 of the cutting device 300. Upon receiving the forward signal, the controller 319 of the cutting device 300 can rotate the output shaft of the driver 312 in the forward direction, thereby moving the cutting device 300 forward.

[0068] With the ready indicator light 422 illuminated, when the reverse button 426b is pressed, the remote control 400 sends a reverse signal to the controller 319 of the cutting device 300. Upon receiving the reverse signal, the controller 319 of the cutting device 300 can reverse the rotation of the output shaft of the driver 312, thereby moving the cutting device 300 backward.

[0069] The emergency stop button 428 on the remote control 400 functions similarly to the emergency brake switch 316 on the cutting device 300. During operation, in case of an emergency, the operator can press the emergency stop button 428. When the emergency stop button 428 is pressed, the remote control 400 sends an emergency stop signal to the controller 319 of the cutting device 300. Upon receiving this emergency stop signal, the controller 319 of the cutting device 300 can stop the drive 312 and / or the cutter 320.

[0070] The cutting device according to the present invention has at least the following advantages: (1) The cutting device of the present invention only requires one person to operate the movement, cutting and turning of the cutting device, without the need for two people to lift and move it; (2) The control mode of the cutting device of the present invention is changed from manual to remote control, and the movement direction (forward and backward) and movement distance (stop when moving to the desired position) can be controlled as needed; (3) The cutting device of the present invention provides an emergency brake button and an emergency stop button, which improves safety in case of emergency; (4) By adopting a base guide block and a cutting wheel guide block, the cutting device of the present invention can move along the protective plate, reducing or avoiding the situation where the existing cutting device cuts the protective plate and causes slag due to the need for two people to lift and move it.

[0071] Although the invention has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention is not limited to the exact structures and components described herein, and that various modifications, variations, and alterations will become apparent from the foregoing description without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The invention is not limited to the shown order of steps, as some steps may be performed in a different order and / or concurrently with others. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cutting device configured to be disposed on top of a protective plate of a shear web of a wind turbine blade for cutting a fiberglass material covering the protective plate, the cutting device comprising: shell; Base, the outer shell is connected to the base to form a cavity; A driver, the driver being disposed within the cavity; An operating handle, the operating handle including a first end and a second end, the first end of the operating handle being connected to a pivot such that the operating handle can pivot about the pivot, and the second end of the operating handle extending from a notch at the rear of the housing; A drive wheel and a clamping wheel are disposed below the base. The drive wheel is connected to the output shaft of the driver, so that the rotation of the output shaft of the driver can drive the drive wheel to rotate. The clamping wheel is connected to the operating handle, so that the pivoting motion of the operating handle about the pivot axis can drive the clamping wheel to move approximately in the lateral direction of the cutting device. A cutter, disposed at the front of the cutting device, includes a cutting wheel for cutting the fiberglass material. A pivoting member comprising a first arm and a second arm connected to each other and forming a predetermined angle with respect to each other, the pivoting member further comprising a first hole, a second hole, and a third hole, the first hole being located at the connection between the first and second arms, the second hole being located at the end of the first arm opposite to the first hole, and the third hole being located at the end of the second arm opposite to the first hole; and A pneumatic spring mechanism includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the pneumatic spring mechanism is pivotally connected to the base. The second end of the pneumatic spring mechanism includes a hole through which a pin passes. A second hole in the pivoting member is also passed through the hole in the second end of the pneumatic spring mechanism, allowing the pneumatic spring mechanism and the pivoting member to rotate relative to each other. The operating handle has a ready position and a working position. In the prepared position, the operating handle is pivoted so that the clamping wheel is away from the drive wheel, and in the working position, the operating handle is pivoted so that the clamping wheel is close to the drive wheel. The operating handle has a first end including a hole, and the pivot passes through the hole at the first end of the operating handle and the first hole of the pivoting member. The pivot is fixedly connected to the base. The base includes an arc-shaped groove, and the axle of the clamping wheel passes through the arc-shaped groove and the third hole of the pivot member and is fixedly connected to the operating handle.

2. The cutting device according to claim 1, further comprising a cutting wheel guide block having a groove, a portion of the cutting wheel extending through the groove, wherein, The outer contour of the cutting wheel guide block matches the groove on the top of the protective plate.

3. The cutting device according to claim 1 further includes an emergency brake switch, the emergency brake switch extending from the top opening of the housing, wherein, In the event of an emergency, the emergency brake switch can be pressed by the operator to stop the drive and / or the cutter.

4. The cutting device according to claim 1 further includes a base guide block disposed on the bottom surface of the base, the outer contour of the base guide block matching the groove on the top of the protective plate.

5. The cutting device according to claim 1, further comprising a first guide and a second guide spaced apart from each other on the bottom surface of the base, the first guide and the second guide extending substantially perpendicularly to the bottom surface of the base, the first guide including a first portion adjacent to the cutter and a second portion adjacent to the drive wheel and the clamping wheel, the second guide including a first portion adjacent to the cutter and a second portion adjacent to the drive wheel and the clamping wheel, the first portion of the first guide and the first portion of the second guide extending parallel to each other, the second portion of the first guide and the second portion of the second guide extending obliquely outward in a direction from the front to the rear of the base, such that the distance between the second portion of the first guide and the second portion of the second guide gradually increases in a direction from the front to the rear of the base.

6. The cutting device according to claim 5, wherein, The first guide and the second guide are axially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the cutting device.

7. The cutting device according to claim 1, further comprising: A first position sensor is configured to sense whether the clamping wheel is abutting the protective plate with a predetermined pressure. and / or A second position sensor is configured to sense whether the cutting device is positioned on top of the protective plate.

8. The cutting device according to claim 7, wherein, The second position sensor includes a tab, which is configured to sense the depth to which the tab extends into a groove on the top of the protective plate, and to emit a sensor signal when the depth reaches a predetermined threshold, indicating that the cutting device is positioned on the top of the protective plate.

9. The cutting apparatus of claim 7 or 8, further comprising a controller configured to communicate with the first position sensor and / or the second position sensor to receive sensor signals from the first position sensor and / or the second position sensor, and the controller further configured to control the start and stop of the driver and the cutter.

10. The cutting apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a remote controller configured to communicate with the controller, wherein, The remote control includes a panel with a ready indicator light, a cutter start button, a cutter stop button, a forward button, a reverse button, and an emergency stop button. The ready indicator light is configured to indicate whether the cutting device is in a ready state. The ready state includes the clamping wheel abutting against the protective plate and the cutting device being positioned on top of the protective plate. When the sensor signal of the first position sensor indicates that the clamping wheel abuts against the protective plate, and the sensor signal of the second position sensor indicates that the cutting device is positioned on top of the protective plate, the controller sends a control signal to illuminate the ready indicator light. The cutter start button, the cutter stop button, the forward button, and the reverse button are only activated after the ready indicator light is illuminated.

11. A method of operating the cutting apparatus according to any one of claims 1-10, the method comprising: The cutting device is used to cut fiberglass material. The fiberglass material covers a protective plate, which includes a first wall, a second wall, and a core. The first wall and the second wall extend parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction of the protective plate. The core is disposed between the first wall and the second wall, and the width of the core is smaller than the width of the first wall and the second wall, such that grooves extending along the longitudinal direction of the protective plate are formed at the top and bottom of the protective plate, respectively. The protective plate is positioned on top of the shear web of the wind turbine blade, such that the top of the shear web is inserted into a groove at the bottom of the protective plate. The cutting device is placed on the protective plate such that the cutting wheel of the cutter is aligned with the groove on the top of the protective plate.

Images