Climbing equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a climbing device (10) for improving the access of a person (11) to a mould of a large wind turbine part, the climbing device comprising: a flexible stepped structure (12) having steps (13); a suction unit (14) for attaching the stepped structure (12) to a surface (15) of the mold by suction; and an activation unit (16) for activating the suction unit (14) to generate the suction and for deactivating the suction unit (14) to release the suction. The suction unit (14) is configured to independently hold the stepped structure (12) at a surface (15) of the inclined section of the mold by the suction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a climbing device for improving the access of personnel to a mould for a large wind turbine component, in particular with large inclined and / or curved surfaces. Background Art

[0002] During the production and manufacturing of large composite components, such as rotor blades for wind turbines, access to the mold is required for maintenance and preparation of the mold surface, installation of filters, and other tasks. As the size of wind turbine parts, particularly rotor blades, increases, access to these parts during the manufacturing process becomes increasingly difficult. Furthermore, the surfaces on which operators need to work are often slippery and / or severely inclined. Consequently, the working position is not only difficult to reach for the operator, but also dangerous to access. Furthermore, the geometry of the rotor blade or its mold varies significantly from the root toward and beyond the shoulder, making it impossible to use conventional climbing equipment, such as ladders, in the desired manner. In order to continue working in the described environment, it is known to provide climbing equipment, such as harnesses and / or ropes, to secure the operator during the manufacturing process and help them reach the desired position.

[0003] Document DE 77 12 907 U discloses a holding device for holding a platform against the side of a vessel's hull plate. The platform is swingably attached to a plurality of ropes. To prevent the platform from swinging, a suction device is provided on the platform. This holding device is disadvantageous for the manufacture of large wind turbine components because external attachment devices are required to attach the ropes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved climbing device. In particular, it is an object to provide a climbing device that is easy to use by a person while providing safe movement and / or exercise of the person.

[0005] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the subject matter of the claims. In particular, this object is achieved by a climbing device according to claim 1. Further features and details of the invention can be gathered from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0006] According to the present invention, a climbing device for improving personnel access to a mold for a large wind turbine part is provided, the climbing device comprising: a flexible step structure having steps; a suction unit for attaching the step structure to a surface of the mold by suction; and an activation unit for activating the suction unit to generate the suction and deactivating the suction unit to release the suction. According to the present invention, the suction unit is configured to independently retain the step structure at the surface of an inclined section of the mold by suction.

[0007] Thanks to the flexible step structure, the shape of the climbing device can be easily adapted to uneven and / or curved surfaces. Therefore, the climbing device can be stably positioned even on such surfaces. Furthermore, by being able to adapt the shape of the step structure to the shape of the surface, the step structure can be laid onto the surface, and the force applied by the step structure to the surface can be evenly distributed over the entire length of the step structure. In this way, defects and / or damage to the surface and / or the wall structure beneath the surface can be prevented. By being able to manually adjust the shape of the step structure to suit the shape of the surface, suction can be applied in the desired manner even on surfaces with different curvatures. In other words, the same climbing device can be used on different surfaces, each with a different curvature, and the user can easily and reliably adapt the shape of the step structure to each curvature.

[0008] The suction unit can also be used to advantage on different surfaces and curvatures. This is particularly advantageous when the suction unit includes multiple suction devices located in at least three different positions on the stepped structure (e.g., in the lower, middle, and upper parts of the stepped structure). The climbing device frees up the gantry crane because it eliminates the need to handle intermediate inserts, all of which previously had various shapes to accommodate the varying geometries of the parts being manufactured.

[0009] The suction unit is configured to provide a sufficiently strong suction force to independently retain the stepped structure on the surface of the inclined section of the mold. Within the scope of the present invention, independently retaining means that no additional retaining devices (e.g., ropes, etc.) are required to retain the stepped structure on the surface and prevent it from falling or sliding down the surface. Furthermore, the suction force is sufficiently strong to retain the stepped structure, along with a worker climbing the stepped structure, on the surface of the inclined section of the mold.

[0010] With the activation unit, suction can be reliably generated. This provides an appropriate safety measure for people using the climbing device. The activation unit can be configured to automatically activate and / or deactivate the suction unit upon actuation of a trigger (e.g., a button or switch on the climbing device). That is, the climbing device preferably includes an auxiliary device and / or machine that, when the activation unit is actuated, activates and / or deactivates the suction unit in a predetermined manner using the activation unit. However, the activation unit can also be understood as a device for passively activating and / or deactivating the suction device. For example, the activation unit can include a connection port to which a hose and / or tube can be connected in order to generate negative pressure in the suction unit. In particular, air in the suction unit can be sucked out via the connection port and the connected tube and / or hose. In this case, a fluid connection is provided between the connection port and the suction unit. Furthermore, it is also possible for the climbing device to include a Venturi unit for generating negative pressure at the suction unit using compressed air.

[0011] The steps can be understood as steps, treads, and / or stairs of a staircase structure. In a preferred embodiment, the steps are stepped, that is, each step can include a riser and a tread. The steps and / or steps can include rounded corners and / or rounded edges. This further improves safety when using the climbing device.

[0012] In order to achieve the desired flexibility of the staircase structure, each step can be made elastically bendable. In addition, when being climbed by a person and / or when located on a curved surface, the steps can be arranged to be movable relative to each other, for example elastically movable, so that the geometry and / or shape of the staircase structure can adapt to the geometry and / or shape of the curved surface. Therefore, the steps can be made of flexible materials such as plastic and / or rubber, and / or have a suitable geometry. In addition, the steps can be connected to each other by flexible coupling devices. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, such coupling devices can be made of plastic and / or rubber. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling devices can be made of textiles. For example, the steps can be connected to each other by ropes and / or belts. In other words, the coupling devices can include flexible ropes and / or belts.

[0013] A climbing device provided for a person is understood to mean a climbing device that is arranged and / or configured to be used by a person in such a way that, once the suction unit is activated and attached to the surface, the person can climb the flexible step structure, while the suction unit holds the step structure securely to the surface even against the force of gravity. Furthermore, the climbing device is configured such that a single person can carry it and attach it to the desired surface.

[0014] The climbing apparatus may include a lockable storage compartment to store tools and consumable materials for work to be done so that the person can focus on maneuvering the climbing apparatus and the access point to be reached.

[0015] The surface is to be understood as the surface of a wall of a structure, in particular a structure produced in order to obtain a desired object, such as a rotor blade, such as the surface of a mold.

[0016] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the suction unit is configured to provide sufficient suction to the surface for maintaining a force perpendicular to the orientation of the suction unit of at least 1000 N. More preferably, the suction unit is configured to provide sufficient suction to the surface for maintaining a force perpendicular to the orientation of the suction unit of at least 2000 N. Thus, the climbing device can be securely attached to the vertical wall of the mold to facilitate workers climbing the ladder structure.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the invention, the activation unit comprises a motor for motorized activation of the suction unit. By means of the motor, the suction can be generated consistently in an easy manner. Furthermore, the climbing device is easy to use and / or manipulate, for example by using a manually operable trigger to start and stop the motor. The motor can be configured as a pump motor and / or blower motor for driving a pump or a blower, which can be considered as part of the activation unit and / or the suction unit. That is, the climbing device can comprise a motor-driven pump and / or blower in order to activate the suction unit. Furthermore, the motor can be configured as an actuator and / or a servomotor for mechanically moving parts in the climbing device in order to generate the suction.

[0018] Furthermore, the climbing device according to the present invention may include a battery for providing electrical energy to the motor for activating the suction unit. This battery further improves the maneuverability of the climbing device. There is no need to find or have access to an electrical outlet or an external pump / blower supply to generate the suction force. The battery may be rechargeable. Furthermore, the battery may be housed in a battery housing, allowing for manual battery replacement without the need for tools. The battery may be connected to the battery housing using a bracket and / or clamp mechanism.

[0019] The climbing device according to the present invention may further include at least one pressure sensor for measuring the suction generated, and a controller for controlling the suction generated based on the measured suction. With the aid of this controller, the climbing device can be used even more reliably. By controlling the suction, it is possible to prevent the suction from being inadvertently too low or too high. If the suction is too low, the climbing device may slip or fall from the surface, and a person may fall from the climbing device. If the suction is too high, the suction unit or other parts of the climbing device may deteriorate and / or be damaged. A controller for controlling the suction generated can be understood as a controller for monitoring the suction based on the measured suction, and for regulating and / or adjusting the suction if a value is too low or too high. The controller may also be configured to monitor the battery capacity and / or power consumption of the climbing device, and generate information that can be recognized by the person using the climbing device based on the monitored capacity and / or power consumption. In other words, if the controller detects that the battery capacity is below a predetermined reference capacity, it may send an audible and / or visual signal to notify the person of the low battery capacity. The same applies to power consumption, so that, for example, undesirable sudden losses of pressure and suction are avoided accordingly.

[0020] In addition, in a climbing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the suction unit may comprise a plurality of suction devices arranged at intervals from one another. In combination with a flexible step structure, the climbing device can be securely mounted even to curved surfaces in an easy and reliable manner. In a preferred embodiment, the suction unit comprises at least one suction device, in particular a plurality of suction devices, for each step. Each suction device can generate suction for attaching the step structure to the surface. For example, the suction device can be configured as a vacuum pad. It is further preferred that the suction device is placed at or below the step, preferably at or below each step. The suction devices can each be arranged to be adjustable in position and / or orientation, that is, the mounting point of each suction device can be tilted and / or rotatable so that it can be adjusted to the geometry of the surface when the climbing device is used.

[0021] Furthermore, the climbing device of the present invention may include a connection unit that provides a fluid-conducting connection between the suction devices. That is, the suction devices can be interconnected with one another by means of the connection unit. The connection unit may include a tube and / or channel for conducting a fluid (particularly air) between the suction device and at least a portion of the activation unit. If the activation unit includes a pump, the connection unit may also be connected to this pump. With the help of the connection unit, the suction unit and / or the suction devices can be easily and reliably activated together. Manual inspection of each suction device is unnecessary. In particular, when at least one of the pressure sensors mentioned above is used in the connection unit, safe operation of the climbing device can be ensured. The climbing device may include one pressure sensor in the connection unit and / or one pressure sensor for each suction device. Furthermore, the climbing device may include pressure sensors for different suction devices, such as pressure sensors for different groups of suction devices, in particular one pressure sensor for each group of suction devices at each step of the staircase structure.

[0022] The climbing device of the present invention may further comprise a valve for a controlled fluid outlet from the connection unit and a controlled fluid inlet to the connection unit. This allows for easy and rapid activation and deactivation of the suction unit. The valve can be understood as an opening that can be closed and opened to control the amount of fluid passing through the opening when activating and deactivating the suction unit.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the climbing device may include at least one manually operable trigger for operating the activation unit to activate and deactivate the suction unit. A manually operable trigger may be understood as at least one button or switch for operating the activation unit and the climbing device, respectively. For example, by having a trigger at one end portion of the step structure, suction can be easily applied to the other end portion of the step structure without the need for a person to be present. Furthermore, when two triggers are present, one at the lower end portion and one at the upper end portion of the step structure, the climbing device can be easily and comfortably manipulated, for example, when manufacturing a rotor blade. In particular, the climbing device may be located at the surface of a mold for the rotor blade, and the suction unit may be activated by operating the trigger at the lower end portion. Once the person has climbed out of the mold's construction area, they can deactivate the suction unit by operating the trigger at the upper end portion and pull the climbing device out of the construction area. The step structure may include an upper surface on which a person can walk and / or climb when using a climbing device, and a lower surface that is positioned adjacent to the surface when the step structure is attached to the surface. The step structure also includes a lower end surface, an upper end surface, and two side surfaces along the length of the step structure. The at least one trigger is preferably mounted on at least one of the side surfaces. In this manner, inadvertent operation of the trigger, such as by striking it with a foot or hand, can be prevented while still providing a position within easy reach of a person.

[0024] In addition, the climbing device according to the present invention may include a controller that is configured to deactivate the suction unit only when the at least one trigger is operated in a predetermined operating mode and / or when both triggers are operated simultaneously. This can improve the safety of people when using the climbing device. For example, at least two triggers can be provided, one on each side surface, or at other different positions on and / or at the step structure, wherein the controller can be configured so that both triggers must be operated simultaneously in order to activate and, in particular, deactivate the suction unit. In this way, accidental deactivation of the suction unit can be reliably prevented. The operating mode can be predetermined so that the suction unit will only be activated when a button-like trigger (for example, a preloaded button-like trigger) is pressed for a predetermined period of time. For example, this time can be longer than half a second, longer than one second, or longer than two seconds.

[0025] The ladder structure of the climbing device according to the present invention may also include a zigzag, wavy, and / or zigzag cross-section. That is, the steps, treads, and / or treads may be formed in a zigzag, wavy, and / or zigzag shape. This allows for the desired flexibility of the ladder structure while still maintaining sufficient stability. Such a structure is further easier to manufacture. In particular, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the ladder structure may be manufactured as a single-piece and / or monolithic structure, in which the steps are integrally and / or monolithically connected to one another. This also enhances the stability of the ladder structure. The steps of the climbing device may each have a trapezoidal cross-section. Such steps allow for comfortable and therefore safe climbing. Furthermore, ladder-shaped steps are easier to manufacture, particularly when each step is formed with a corresponding overall zigzag shape. Having a zigzag, wavy, and / or zigzag shape also offers the advantage of having compartments and / or recesses for the activation unit, suction unit, and other functional components of the climbing device. Consequently, the climbing device can be designed to be compact and stable.

[0026] Further measures for improving the inventive concept can be found in the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments, which are schematically shown in the drawings. The features and advantages that can be found in the claims, the description and the drawings may be considered essential individually or in combination with one another. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The invention is discussed in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 a schematic cross-sectional view showing a climbing device according to an embodiment of the invention in a mold of a rotor blade during its manufacturing process, and Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view shows a portion of a climbing device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Elements and features having the same function and operating principle are marked with the same reference numerals in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] exist Figure 1 In FIG, a climbing device 10 with a flexible step structure 12 is shown in a working area of a mold 27 during the manufacturing process of a rotor blade for a wind turbine. The mold 27 has a wall 26 and a surface 15 to which the step structure 12 is attached. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the climbing device 10 is used by a person 11 who accordingly climbs out of the working area and the mold 27 . Figure 1The climbing device 10 shown in comprises two button-like triggers 24, one at a lower end portion of the climbing device 10 and the other at an upper end portion of the climbing device 10. The triggers 24 are located at side surfaces of the climbing device 10 and the step structure, respectively. Figure 1 The climbing device 10 is attached to the surface 15 by suction. Both the trigger 24 can be manually operated by the person 11.

[0030] exist Figure 2 , a portion of the climbing device 10 is shown in more detail. Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, the step structure 12 comprises steps 13, each of which has a trapezoidal shape. The step structure 12 is provided in a unitary form, wherein the steps 13 are integrally connected to each other. The step structure 12 can be considered to have a sawtooth shape.

[0031] The climbing device 10 shown further comprises a suction unit 14 for attaching the step structure 12 to a surface 15 by suction, and an activation unit 16 for activating the suction unit 14 to generate suction and for deactivating the suction unit 14 to release the suction. The activation unit 16 comprises a motor 17 for motorized activation of the suction unit 14. The activation unit 16 further comprises a pump that can be driven by the motor 17 in order to generate the desired suction by the suction unit 14. The suction unit 14 comprises a plurality of suction devices 21 that are spaced apart from one another and / or arranged at and / or below each step 13.

[0032] The climbing device 10 further includes a battery 18 for providing electrical energy to the motor 17 in order to activate and deactivate the suction unit 14. Furthermore, the climbing device 10 includes a pressure sensor 19 at each suction device 21 for measuring the suction force generated at and / or in the suction device 21. Furthermore, the climbing device 10 includes a controller 20. The controller 20 is configured to control the suction force generated based on the measured suction force. In other words, the controller 20 is capable of driving the motor 17 based on the measured pressure in such a manner that the pump generates the desired suction force through the suction unit 14.

[0033] As in Figure 2 As can be seen in the figure, the climbing device 10 further comprises a connecting unit 22, which provides a guided fluid connection between the suction devices 21. In particular, the connecting unit 22 comprises a fluid channel for fluidically connecting not only the suction devices 21 to each other, but also the pump of the activation unit 16 to the suction devices 21, as well as a valve 23. The valve 23 is provided for a controlled fluid outlet from the connecting unit 22 to the environment of the climbing device 10, and for a controlled fluid inlet from the environment of the climbing device 10 to the connecting unit 22. In the example shown, the fluid can be understood to be ambient air.

[0034] The foregoing description of the drawings is provided only as details and examples. The specific features and drawings of each aspect of the invention may be combined with one another if they are of technical significance. For example, the step structure 12 may include a wavy and / or zigzag cross-section, i.e. a more circular shape. The steps 13 may be made of plastic and / or rubber. The step structure 12 may include a coupling device 25 for coupling the steps 13 to each other. The coupling device 25 may be part of an integral step structure 12, or may be provided as a rope and / or belt for connecting the steps 13 to each other. The controller may also be configured to deactivate the suction unit 14 only when the trigger 24 is operated in a predetermined operating mode and / or when two triggers 24 are operated simultaneously.

Claims

1. A climbing device (10) for improving access by personnel (11) to a mold for a large wind turbine component, comprising: A flexible ladder structure (12) having steps (13); a suction unit (14) for attaching the stepped structure (12) to the surface (15) of the mold by suction; and an activation unit (16) for activating the suction unit (14) to generate the suction and for deactivating the suction unit (14) to release the suction, It is characterized by: The suction unit (14) is configured to hold the stepped structure (12) at the surface (15) of the inclined section of the mold independently by the suction.

2. Climbing device (10) according to claim 1, It is characterized by: The suction unit (14) is configured to provide sufficient suction to the surface (15) for maintaining a force of at least 1000 N perpendicular to the orientation of the suction unit (14).

3. Climbing device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized by: The activation unit (16) comprises a motor (17) for motorized activation of the suction unit (14).

4. Climbing device (10) according to claim 3, It is characterized by: The climbing device (10) comprises a battery (18) for providing electrical energy to the motor (17) in order to activate the suction unit (14).

5. Climbing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: The climbing device (10) comprises at least one pressure sensor (19) for measuring the generated suction force and a controller (20) for controlling the generated suction force based on the measured suction force.

6. Climbing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: The suction unit (14) comprises a plurality of suction devices (21) spaced apart from each other.

7. Climbing device (10) according to claim 6, It is characterized by: A connecting unit (22) provides a fluid-conducting connection between the suction devices (21).

8. Climbing device (10) according to claim 7, It is characterized by: A valve (23) for a controlled fluid outlet from the connection unit (22) and a controlled fluid inlet to the connection unit (22).

9. Climbing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: At least one manually operable trigger (24) for operating the activation unit (16) to activate and deactivate the suction unit (14).

10. Climbing device (10) according to claim 9, It is characterized by: A controller (20) is configured to deactivate the suction unit (14) only when the at least one trigger (24) is operated in a predetermined operating mode and / or when both triggers (24) are operated simultaneously.

11. Climbing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: The stepped structure (12) comprises a sawtooth-shaped, wavy and / or zigzag cross-section.

12. Climbing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: The steps (13) are connected to each other in one piece and / or in one piece.

13. Climbing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: The steps (13) and / or the coupling device (25) for coupling the steps (13) to each other are made of plastic and / or rubber.

Images