Protective layer forming device

Abstract

The invention aims to prevent a pipeline from being damaged. A protective layer forming device (100) forms a protective layer within a construction range of a leading edge portion and a tip portion in a blade length direction of a windmill blade main body formed from FRP. A protective layer forming device (100) is provided with: a cabin (140) that surrounds a part of the construction range of a windmill blade main body in the longitudinal direction of the blade; a spraying unit that is provided inside the cabin (140) and that sprays a construction material within the construction range to form a protective layer; a nacelle movement mechanism that moves the nacelle (140) in the blade longitudinal direction (L1) of the windmill blade body; a dust collection device (160) provided separately from the cabin (140) and collecting dust in the cabin (140); and a flexible duct (161) that connects the cabin (140) and the dust collection device (160).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a protective layer forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] As the wind turbine rotor rotates, the wind turbine blades collide with foreign objects in the air (e.g., raindrops, dust, etc.) and are eroded, resulting in erosion on the leading edge of the wind turbine blades. To protect the wind turbine blades from this erosion, it is known to form an erosion-resistant protective layer on the leading edge of the wind turbine blades (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Previous technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-175830 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] When a protective layer is formed on wind turbine blades, dust (e.g., powdered construction materials) is dispersed. Therefore, to suppress dust dispersion, it is advisable to enclose the wind turbine blades, the object of the protective layer, within a compartment. When the wind turbine blades are enclosed within a compartment, dust dispersed into the compartment will become trapped. To remove the trapped dust from the compartment, a dust collection device can be installed. If the dust collection device is located outside the compartment, piping or conduits connecting the compartment and the dust collection device are required, but these piping or conduits may be damaged. Especially when the compartment moves, the damage to the piping or conduits is significant due to the load acting on them.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of this situation, and its object is to provide a protective layer forming apparatus that makes the pipes connecting the dust collection device and the compartment less susceptible to damage.

[0009] means for solving technical problems

[0010] To address the aforementioned issues, the protective layer forming apparatus of the present invention employs the following method.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention relates to a protective layer forming apparatus that forms a protective layer within a construction area of ​​the tip and leading edge of a wind turbine blade body formed by FRP in the blade length direction. The protective layer forming apparatus comprises: a chamber surrounding a portion of the construction area in the blade length direction; a spraying unit disposed inside the chamber and spraying construction material onto the construction area to form the protective layer; a chamber moving mechanism for moving the chamber along the blade length direction of the wind turbine blade body; a dust collection device disposed separately from the chamber and collecting dust within the chamber; and a flexible conduit connecting the chamber and the dust collection device.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, the pipes connecting the dust collection device and the chamber are less likely to be damaged. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating a wind power generation device using wind turbine blades according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the windmill blades.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The front view of the windmill blades.

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 The image shows a cross-sectional view of a windmill blade.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a front view showing the configuration of the wind turbine blades when the protective layer is formed.

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view at the support location.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a magnified front view showing the construction area of ​​the protective layer formed at the tip of the windmill blade.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a magnified front view showing the formation sequence of the protective layer.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic perspective view showing the protective layer forming apparatus of this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the protective layer forming apparatus of this embodiment and the forming direction of the protective layer in the blade thickness direction.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an opening provided on the compartment of the protective layer forming apparatus in this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a schematic perspective view showing the wind turbine blade and protective layer forming apparatus of this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a block diagram showing the control structure of the protective layer forming apparatus of this embodiment.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the control method of the protective layer forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the protective layer forming apparatus of this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the support mechanism provided in the protective layer forming apparatus of this embodiment.

[0030] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing the arm portion of this embodiment.

[0031] Figure 18 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the connection portion of this embodiment.

[0032] Figure 19 This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the support block component of this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the wind power generation device 1 includes: a tower 3, erected on the mounting surface B; a nacelle 6, mounted on the upper end of the tower 3; and a rotor head 4, which is rotatable about a generally horizontal axis and mounted on the nacelle 6.

[0035] On the rotor head 4, multiple (e.g., 3) windmill blades 5 are radially mounted around its axis of rotation. Thus, the force of the wind contacting the windmill blades 5 from the direction of the rotor head 4's axis of rotation is converted into power that causes the rotor head 4 to rotate around its axis of rotation. The resulting power is converted into electricity by a generator (not shown) and supplied to the outside.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the wind turbine blade 5 includes: a blade root 10, mounted on the rotor head 4; a blade tip (tip) 12, located at the position furthest from the rotor head 4; and a blade-shaped portion 14, extending between the blade root 10 and the blade tip 12. Figure 2 In the middle, the blade length direction L1 is horizontal.

[0037] The wind turbine blade 5 has a leading edge 16 and a trailing edge 18 from the blade root 10 to the blade tip 12. The shape of the wind turbine blade 5 is defined by a pressure surface (positive pressure surface), i.e., the ventral side 20, and a negative pressure surface, i.e., the back side 22, opposite to the ventral side 20. The wind turbine blade 5 is formed of FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Plastic). As FRP, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) are used. The overall length of the wind turbine blade 5 from the blade root 10 to the blade tip 12 is set to be in the 100m range, for example, 80m or more and 150m or less. Furthermore, as the wind turbine blade 5 of this embodiment, a 200m range wind turbine blade can be used.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, the wind turbine blade 5 has a pre-bent portion PB on the side of the blade tip 12. The bending amount of the pre-bent portion PB is predetermined based on the wind pressure conditions that the wind turbine blade 5 will experience during operation. Therefore, the pre-bent portion PB is bent such that the ventral side 20, which is subjected to wind pressure, is concave and the dorsal side 22 is convex.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, a protective layer 30 is formed on the blade tip 12 of the wind turbine blade 5, including a defined area (leading edge) encompassing the leading edge 16, relative to the main body 5a of the wind turbine blade. The application area of ​​the protective layer 30 is within... Figure 2 The protective layer 30 is indicated by thick lines. The application range of the protective layer 30 along the blade length direction L1 is 20m to 40m, preferably about 30m, starting from the tip 12a of the blade tip 12. However, the application range of the protective layer 30 is not limited to this; for example, in areas where the circumferential speed exceeds 90m / s, it is set to approximately one-third of the total length from the tip of the wind turbine blade 5. The protective layer 30 is made of a material with excellent wear resistance, such as cermet or Co alloys (cobalt-based alloys). The protective layer 30 is formed, for example, by HVOF (High Velocity Oxy-Fuel).

[0040] Figure 4 The figure shows a cross-section of wind turbine blade 5. In this figure, the horizontal direction represents the chord direction (chord C1) of the blade. With the total length of wind turbine blade 5 set as R, (a) is the cross-section at the position of 0.9R, and (b) is the cross-section at the position of 0.7R.

[0041] Figure 4 (a) The blade chord length (chord length) c in the cross section is approximately 1 m. When the maximum blade thickness is set to t, the blade thickness ratio t / c is 18%.

[0042] Figure 4 The blade chord length c in the cross section of (b) is approximately 2 m, and the blade thickness ratio t / c is 25%.

[0043] like Figure 4 The protective layer 30, indicated by thick lines, is formed by extending from the ventral side 20 to the dorsal side 22 across the leading edge 16. The extent of the protective layer 30 is determined taking into account the erosion caused by raindrops and other contaminants on the wind turbine blades 5.

[0044] Next, the process of forming the protective layer 30 will be explained.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown, after the shape of the wind turbine blade body 5a of the wind turbine blade 5 is formed, the wind turbine blade 5 is set in a posture that is approximately horizontal in the blade length direction L1 and with the leading edge 16 pointing downwards (posture setting process). That is, it is set longitudinally with the blade chord direction C1 of the wind turbine blade body 5a pointing in an approximately vertical direction. At this time, the wind turbine blade 5 is supported from below by a plurality of support platforms 32 arranged at predetermined intervals in the blade length direction L1 (support process).

[0046] Figure 5 The diagram shows the leading edge 16 side of the wind turbine blade 5 supported by multiple support platforms 32. Each support platform 32 is installed on the installation surface BS during construction. Alternatively, the wind turbine blade 5 can be supported with its leading edge 16 side facing downwards. For example, instead of supporting the wind turbine blade 5 from below using the support platforms 32 as described above, it can be supported by a suspension component such as a steel wire suspended from above the wind turbine blade 5, which holds and lifts the downward-facing leading edge 16.

[0047] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, with the leading edge 16 facing downwards, a protective layer 30 is formed on the leading edge 16 of the wind turbine blade 5 by the protective layer forming apparatus 100 (described later). The protective layer forming apparatus 100 accelerates heated, molten, or softened construction material in the form of droplets or particles by conveying gas and sprays it onto the surface of the wind turbine blade body 5a.

[0048] Figure 7 The figure shows the construction area FA where a protective layer 30 is formed on the tip 12 of the wind turbine blade 5. As shown in the figure, the protective layer 30 is formed in a specified area (leading edge) on the side of the leading edge 16 of the wind turbine blade 5.

[0049] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, during the spraying operation (e.g., melt spraying) to form the protective layer 30, the spraying unit 110 moves back and forth along the blade length direction L1 (the direction indicated by (1) in the figure) (first spraying step). As a result, multiple layers of the protective layer are stacked. The thickness of the protective layer 30 is, for example, about 500 μm to 600 μm. The irradiation width on the blade surface of the spraying unit 110 is, for example, about 10 mm.

[0050] After the first spraying process described above, the position of the spraying section 110 is changed so that it is sprayed onto an adjacent position in the blade chord direction C1 (direction shown in (2) in the figure) (blade chord position change process). Then, at this adjacent position, similar to the first spraying process, the spraying section 110 is moved back and forth along the blade chord direction C1 in the blade length direction L1 (direction indicated by (1) in the figure) to perform spraying (second spraying process). The first and second spraying processes scan the spraying section 110 in a reciprocating manner along the blade length direction L1 to form a protective layer 30. This is because the curvature change of the blade surface in the blade length direction L1 is smaller than that in the blade chord direction C1.

[0051] Figure 9 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the protective layer forming apparatus of this embodiment and the forming direction of the protective layer on the blade chord C1. (See attached image.) Figure 9 As shown, the direction of position change in the blade chord position change process described above is indicated by the arrow in the figure, and is set as the direction from one blade surface (e.g., the ventral side 20) of the wind turbine blade 5 through the leading edge 16 toward another blade surface (e.g., the dorsal side 22).

[0052] Next, use Figures 9 to 14 The protective layer forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described.

[0053] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the protective layer forming apparatus 100 is an apparatus for forming a protective layer within the construction range (FA) of the tip and leading edge of the wind turbine blade body 5a formed by FRP in the blade length direction L1. Figure 13 This is a block diagram showing the control structure of the protective layer forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment.

[0054] like Figure 9 As shown, the protective layer forming apparatus 100 includes a compartment 140 that moves along a pair of tracks 200 while surrounding a portion of the wind turbine blade body 5a. Furthermore, as... Figure 10 As shown, the protective layer forming apparatus 100 includes a spraying section 110, a chamber moving mechanism 120, a multi-joint robot (spraying section moving mechanism) 130, and a control section 150, all disposed inside the chamber 140.

[0055] The spraying unit 110 is located inside the compartment 140. The spraying unit 110 is a device that forms a protective layer by spraying construction materials onto the construction area FA using conveyed gas. Figure 10 In the middle, the spraying section 110 sprays the construction material towards the target point P1.

[0056] The cabin movement mechanism 120 is designed to move the cabin 140, which houses the spraying unit 110 and the multi-joint robot 130, along the blade length direction L1 of the wind turbine blade body 5a (reference). Figure 9 The compartment movement mechanism 120 moves along the track 200, which is set on the installation surface BS during construction, in the blade length direction L1. The position of the compartment movement mechanism 120 in the blade length direction L1 is controlled by the control unit 150.

[0057] The compartment moving mechanism 120 includes multiple wheels 121 that engage with the track 200, a wheel adjusting part (not shown) for adjusting the rotational speed and direction of rotation of the wheels 121, and a drive source (not shown) for rotating the wheels 121. The wheels 121 are fixed to the lower surface of the bottom part 143 of the compartment 140. The adjusting part is controlled by the control part 150. The control part 150 adjusts the moving distance, moving direction, and moving speed of the compartment 140 in the blade length direction L1 by controlling the wheel adjusting part.

[0058] The multi-joint robot 130 is a mechanism installed in the chamber 140 that moves the spraying unit 110 to any position in three-dimensional space. Specifically, the multi-joint robot 130 moves the spraying unit 110 by adjusting the angles of arms 131, 132, and 133. Figure 10 As shown, the multi-joint robot 130 adjusts the position of the blade thickness direction T1 of the wind turbine blade body 5a of the spraying section 110 and the orientation of the spraying section 110 so that the construction direction of the spraying section 110 (the direction in which the spraying section 110 sprays the construction material) is opposite to the construction range FA of the wind turbine blade body 5a.

[0059] like Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown, the compartment 140 surrounds a portion of the wind turbine blade body 5a along the blade length direction L1. Figure 9 As shown, compartment 140 is internally divided into a construction space S1. The construction space S1 is largely enclosed.

[0060] The compartment 140 integrally comprises a top plate portion 141 above the construction space S1, four side wall portions 142 on the sides of the construction space S1, and a bottom portion 143 below the construction space S1. The compartment 140 is rectangular in shape.

[0061] The length of L1 in the blade direction of compartment 140 is set to approximately 5m.

[0062] The top plate 141 is a rectangular plate-shaped component, which is connected to the upper ends of each side wall 142.

[0063] And, as Figure 10 As shown, the bottom part 143 of the compartment 140 is a rectangular plate-shaped component, connected to the lower ends of each side wall part 142. A multi-joint robot 130 is fixed to the upper surface of the bottom part 143. Furthermore, a control unit 150 is provided on the upper surface of the bottom part 143 of the compartment 140.

[0064] On the two sidewall portions 142A that divide the blade length direction L1 among the four sidewall portions 142, as follows Figure 11 As shown, openings 144 are formed for the wind turbine blade body 5a to be inserted. A closing portion 145 is provided on each opening 144 to close it. The closing portion 145 allows the wind turbine blade body 5a to be inserted and, as far as possible, closes the gap formed between the wind turbine blade body 5a and the edge of the opening 144. Figure 11 As shown, the closure 145 may be, for example, a closure having a plurality of rubber components 145a extending along the blade chord direction C1, and the plurality of rubber components 145a being arranged without gaps along the blade thickness direction T1.

[0065] Furthermore, the closing portion 145 may be, for example, like the shutter of a camera, having a protrusion that extends from the edge of the opening 144 toward the center, and the protrusion closes the portion of the opening 144 except for the center portion.

[0066] like Figure 12 As shown, a sensor 146 is installed on the top plate 141 of the compartment 140 to detect multiple reference marks (detection objects) M set on the wind turbine blade body 5a. The sensor 146 sends the detection results to the control unit 150.

[0067] Reference mark M is set at the tip of the wind turbine blade body 5a. Reference mark M is positioned along the blade thickness direction T1 ( Figure 12 Multiple (e.g., two) reference marks are arranged at predetermined intervals along the depth direction of the paper. Furthermore, the location or number of reference marks M is not limited to the above description. For example, reference marks M can be placed at the base end of the wind turbine blade body 5a. Also, the number of reference marks M can be one or more than three.

[0068] A camera (not shown) is installed in the compartment 140 to capture the illumination status of the spraying section 110. The camera transmits the captured images to the control unit 150.

[0069] Furthermore, a dust collection device 160 is installed outside the compartment 140 to capture dust floating in the construction space S1.

[0070] like Figure 13 As shown, the control unit 150 is a device for controlling the spraying unit 110, the cabin movement mechanism 120, and the multi-joint robot 130.

[0071] The control unit 150 may include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), main memory, and secondary storage. Furthermore, the control unit 150 may include a communication unit for transmitting and receiving information with other devices.

[0072] The main storage device consists of a write-capable memory such as a cache memory or RAM (Random Access Memory), and serves as a working area for reading the CPU's executable program and writing data based on the executable program.

[0073] Secondary storage devices are non-transitory computer-readable storage media. Examples of secondary storage devices include hard disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memories.

[0074] As an example, a series of processes used to implement various functions are stored as programs in secondary storage. The CPU reads these programs into main storage and performs information processing / analysis to achieve these functions. Alternatively, programs can be provided pre-installed in secondary storage, in a state stored on a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted via wired or wireless communication. Computer-readable storage media include hard disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memories.

[0075] The control unit 150 includes: a spraying section control unit (first control unit) 151, which controls the multi-joint robot 130 according to the positions of multiple reference marks M detected by the sensor 146, so that the relative position of the spraying section 110 with respect to the wind turbine blade body 5a is a predetermined position; and a cabin control unit (second control unit) 152, which controls the cabin moving mechanism 120 according to the positions of multiple reference marks M detected by the sensor 146, so that the relative position of the cabin 140 with respect to the wind turbine blade body 5a is a predetermined position.

[0076] The spraying control unit 151 determines the position and orientation of the wind turbine blade body 5a based on the positions of multiple reference markers M detected by the sensor 146. At this time, the spraying control unit 151 can refer to data such as the shape of the wind turbine blade body 5a pre-stored in a storage unit or similar storage device. The spraying control unit 151 controls the multi-joint robot 130 based on the position and orientation of the wind turbine blade body 5a, so that the relative position of the spraying unit 110 with respect to the wind turbine blade body 5a becomes a predetermined position. Furthermore, the predetermined position is the position where the spraying unit 110 can appropriately spray the wind turbine blade body 5a; for example, it could be a position opposite to the target spraying area (the part sprayed by the spraying unit 110).

[0077] The cabin control unit 152 determines the position and orientation of the wind turbine blade body 5a based on the positions of multiple reference markers M detected by the sensor 146. At this time, the cabin control unit 152 can refer to data such as the shape of the wind turbine blade body 5a pre-stored in a storage unit or the like. The cabin control unit 152 controls the cabin movement mechanism 120 based on the position and orientation of the wind turbine blade body 5a, so that the relative position of the cabin 140 with respect to the wind turbine blade body 5a is a predetermined position. Furthermore, the predetermined position could be, for example, the position where the target coating portion is located within the cabin 140.

[0078] The following is for reference. Figure 14 An example of the processing of the protective layer forming apparatus 100 performed by the control unit 150 will be described. Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing of the protective layer forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. Figure 14 Each process is executed by reading the program stored in the storage unit (not shown) through the control unit 150.

[0079] In step S101, the control unit 150 determines the position and orientation of the wind turbine blade body 5a based on the positions of multiple reference marks M detected by the sensor 146.

[0080] In step S102, the control unit 150 controls the compartment movement mechanism 120 based on the position and posture of the wind turbine blade body 5a determined in step S101, so that the protective layer forming device 100 moves towards the starting position of movement in the blade length direction L1 (compartment movement process). The starting position of movement is, for example, the position of the end of the blade root 10 side of the construction range FA in the blade length direction L1 when the protective layer 30 is formed from the blade root 10 side of the construction range FA toward the blade tip 12. Figure 7 (The location shown).

[0081] In step S103, the control unit 150 controls the articulated robot 130 to adjust the position and orientation of the spraying unit 110 based on the position and posture of the wind turbine blade body 5a determined in step S101 (spraying unit movement process). The control unit 150 controls the robot to adjust... Figure 10 The angles of arms 131, 132, and 133 are shown to position the spraying unit 110 at the desired positions in the blade thickness direction T1 and the blade chord direction C1. The control unit 150 controls the multi-joint robot 130 at the start of the melting process so that the spraying unit 110 is positioned at the starting position, i.e., position P0, in the forming direction.

[0082] Furthermore, the control unit 150 adjusts the orientation of the spraying section 110 of the wind turbine blade body 5a so that the construction direction of the spraying section 110 is opposite to the construction range FA of the wind turbine blade body 5a.

[0083] In step S104, the control unit 150 controls the chamber moving mechanism 120 to move the spraying unit 110 in the blade length direction L1.

[0084] In step S105, the control unit 150 activates the spraying unit 110 to spray the heated, molten, or softened construction material onto the surface of the wind turbine blade body 5a in the form of droplets or particles using a conveying gas.

[0085] The spraying in step S105 is performed simultaneously with the movement of the spraying unit 110 based on step S104. That is, in steps S104 and S105, the spraying unit 110 is moved along the blade length direction L1 of the wind turbine blade body 5a, and the process of forming a protective layer 30 by the spraying unit 110 is performed.

[0086] In step S106, the control unit 150 determines whether the spraying unit 110 has reached the end position of the movement in the blade length direction L1. If it is "yes", the process proceeds to step S107; if it is "no", the process proceeds to step S103.

[0087] In step S107, the control unit 150 controls the chamber moving mechanism 120 to stop the movement of the spraying unit 110 in the blade length direction L1 from the end position of the movement from the spraying unit 110 to the end position of the movement in the blade length direction L1, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0088] Next, use Figures 15 to 17 The support mechanism 170 is described below. The support mechanism 170 supports the pipe 161 connecting the compartment 140 and the dust collection device 160 located outside the compartment 140.

[0089] like Figure 15As shown, the dust collection device 160 is located outside the compartment 140. The dust collection device 160 is connected to the compartment 140 via a pipe 161. The dust collection device 160 draws in and collects dust floating inside the compartment 140 via the pipe 161.

[0090] like Figure 15 As shown, multiple ( ) are installed along pipe 161. Figure 15 In this example, there are two support mechanisms (support sections) 170. Multiple support mechanisms 170 are arranged separately. Each support mechanism 170 supports the pipe 161 from below. Each support mechanism 170 supports the middle section of the pipe 161. Each support mechanism 170 supports the pipe 161 and is capable of moving with the pipe 161 in accordance with the movement of the compartment 140.

[0091] Since the structures of all support mechanisms 170 are identical, a single structure will be described below instead.

[0092] like Figure 16 As shown, the support mechanism 170 is installed on the construction installation surface BS. The support mechanism 170 includes: an arm (insertion part) 171 for inserting the pipe 161; an insertion support part 172 for supporting the arm 171 from below; a spring mechanism (absorbing part) 173 for supporting the insertion support part 172 from below and absorbing vibrations in the vertical direction; a rotating part 174 provided below the spring mechanism 173 and rotatably supporting the spring mechanism 173, etc.; a support plate part 175 for supporting the rotating part 174 from below; and a plurality of wheels 176 (four in this embodiment) fixed to the lower surface of the support plate part 175 and in contact with the construction installation surface BS.

[0093] The arm 171 is a cylindrical component centered on a central axis extending horizontally. The arm 171 supports the pipe 161 with a margin of mobility along the pipe 161. That is, the inner diameter of the arm 171 is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe 161. Specifically, the inner diameter of the arm is set to be more than 10% and less than 50% larger than the outer diameter of the pipe 161.

[0094] like Figure 16 As shown, the arm 171 can be a straight tube. Furthermore, as... Figure 17 As shown, the end of the arm 171 along its central axis can be expanded. The expanded portion can be rolled up, with its edge facing the center of the arm 171. With this configuration, it is difficult for the pipe 161 inserted into the arm 171 to come into contact with the edge of the arm 171. Therefore, the pipe 161 is less likely to be damaged.

[0095] The insertion support 172 has an arm 171 fixed at its upper end.

[0096] A spring mechanism 173 is connected to the lower part of the insertion support portion 172. The spring mechanism 173 is configured to extend and retract in the vertical direction. The spring mechanism 173 absorbs vertical vibrations that act on the insertion support portion 172 and the arm portion 171.

[0097] The rotating part 174 has a rotating upper part 174a to which the spring mechanism 173 is fixed and a rotating lower part 174b to which the support plate part 175 is fixed. The rotating upper part 174a is rotatably engaged with a central axis extending in the vertical direction relative to the rotating lower part 174b.

[0098] The support plate portion 175 is a plate-shaped component, and a rotating lower portion 174b is fixed on its upper surface. Furthermore, a plurality of wheels 176 are mounted on its lower surface.

[0099] The wheel 176 moves the support mechanism 170 by rolling on the surface BS during construction. Furthermore, the wheel 176 is rotatably mounted on the support plate portion 175 about a central axis extending in the vertical direction. This allows the direction of the wheel 176's rolling to be changed.

[0100] Next, use Figure 18 The connection part 180 provided at the connection between the compartment 140 and the pipe 161 will be described.

[0101] The connecting part 180 includes a fixing part 181 fixed to the side wall part 142 of the compartment 140, and a cylindrical part (cylindrical part) 182 inserted into the fixing part 181.

[0102] The fixing part 181 integrally comprises an outer cylindrical part 181a that inserts through an opening formed in the side wall part 142, and a flange part 181b extending radially outward from the base end of the outer cylindrical part 181a. The fixing part 181 is formed of a metallic material. However, the material forming the fixing part 181 is not limited to a metallic material. The material forming the fixing part 181 can be any material with higher rigidity than the materials forming the cylindrical part 182 and the pipe 161.

[0103] The flange portion 181b is an annular component and is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the side wall portion 142 of the compartment 140. The outer cylinder portion 181a is erected along the edge of the circular hole formed at the center of the flange portion 181b. The outer cylinder portion 181a is a cylindrical component extending from one side of the flange portion 181b. The inner diameter of the outer cylinder portion 181a is slightly larger than the outer cylinder of the cylindrical portion 182.

[0104] The cylindrical portion 182 is fixed to the fixing portion 181. The cylindrical portion 182 is inserted into the outer cylindrical portion 181a. The cylindrical portion 182 is fitted into the outer cylindrical portion 181a. The cylindrical portion 182 and the outer cylindrical portion 181a can be fixed by fastening components such as bolts. The pointed end of the cylindrical portion 182 protrudes from the outer cylindrical portion 181a.

[0105] The cylindrical portion 182 has a pipe 161 inserted inside. The cylindrical portion 182 is formed of a flexible material (e.g., rubber, polyethylene, or other plastic material) with higher rigidity than the pipe 161.

[0106] In addition, a connecting part 180 is also provided at the connection between the dust collection device 160 and the pipe 161.

[0107] According to this embodiment, the following functions and effects are achieved.

[0108] In this embodiment, the dust collection device 160 is provided separately from the compartment 140. Therefore, compared to the case where the dust collection device 160 is provided inside the compartment 140, the compartment 140 can be miniaturized. Consequently, the entire protective layer forming apparatus 100 can be miniaturized.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the chamber 140 and the dust collection device 160 are connected by a flexible conduit 161. As a result, the conduit 161 and the chamber 140 deform accordingly with movement. Therefore, since the load generated in the conduit 161 can be reduced, the conduit 161 is less prone to damage.

[0110] Specifically, such as by Figure 15 As shown by the solid and dashed lines, if the compartment 140 moves along the blade length direction L1, the pipe 161 will also deform. This reduces the load in the pipe, making the pipe 161 less susceptible to damage.

[0111] In this embodiment, a support mechanism 170 is provided, which supports the pipe 161 and is capable of moving together with the pipe 161 in accordance with the movement of the compartment 140. Therefore, the pipe 161 supported by the support mechanism 170 can be positioned in a desired orientation. Consequently, it is difficult for the pipe 161 to connect to the dust collection device 160 and the compartment 140 at a steep angle. Therefore, the pipe 161 is less susceptible to damage.

[0112] Specifically, such as by Figure 15 As shown by the solid and dashed lines, if the compartment 140 moves along the blade length direction L1, the pipe 161 will also deform. At this time, the pipe 161 is supported by the support mechanism 170, and the positional relationship between the support mechanism 170, the compartment 140, and the dust collection device 160 becomes an appropriate positional relationship. An appropriate positional relationship means that the pipe 161 connecting the compartment 140 and the dust collection device 160 will not be bent to a radius below the permissible bending radius determined according to the material and shape of the pipe 161. Therefore, the pipe 161 can be connected to the dust collection device 160 and the compartment 140 in a state where it is difficult to bend to a radius below the permissible bending radius. Therefore, the pipe 161 is less likely to be damaged.

[0113] The permissible bending radius of pipe 161 is determined by the material and shape of pipe 161, as well as the force exerted by the solid-gas mixed-phase fluid flowing within pipe 161. In this embodiment, pipe 161 has, for example, a shear modulus of elasticity of 1 MPa or more and 200 MPa or less. If the shear modulus of elasticity of pipe 161 is less than 1 MPa, it may be damaged during use. On the other hand, if the shear modulus of elasticity is greater than 200 MPa, it may not deform properly. In this embodiment, since the shear modulus of elasticity of pipe 161 is set to 1 MPa or more and 200 MPa or less, damage to pipe 161 can be suppressed, and it can be deformed appropriately.

[0114] In this embodiment, the support mechanism 170 has an arm 171 through which the pipe 161 is inserted, and a rotating portion 174 that rotatably supports the arm 171 with a central axis extending in the vertical direction. This allows the pipe 161 supported by the support mechanism 170 to bend. Therefore, the pipe 161 is easy to bend, making it difficult for the pipe 161 to be connected to the dust collection device 160 and the compartment 140 at a steep angle. Thus, the pipe 161 is less likely to be damaged.

[0115] In this embodiment, the support mechanism 170 includes a spring mechanism 173 that absorbs vertical vibrations of the pipe 161. Therefore, even if the pipe 161 vibrates vertically due to pressure differences, the vibration can be absorbed by the vibration absorption section. Consequently, the support mechanism 170 and the pipe 161 are less susceptible to damage.

[0116] In this embodiment, a connecting portion 180 is provided, which has a cylindrical portion 182 fixed to the compartment 140 and / or the dust collection device 160 and through which a pipe 161 is inserted. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 182 is formed of a material with higher rigidity than the pipe 161. Therefore, in the connecting portion 180 between the compartment 140 and / or the dust collection device 160 and the pipe 161, a certain degree of bending of the pipe 161 can be allowed while abrupt bending of the pipe 161 is suppressed. Thus, the pipe 161 is less prone to damage.

[0117] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from its spirit.

[0118] For example, in the above embodiment, an example of providing two support mechanisms 170 on the pipe 161 was described, but the number of support mechanisms 170 is not limited to this. For example, there may be one support mechanism 170, or there may be more than three support mechanisms 170.

[0119] [Variation Example]

[0120] And, as Figure 19As shown, instead of the support mechanism 170 of the above embodiment, a support block component (bending suppression part) 190 can be provided on the pipe 161.

[0121] The support block component 190 inhibits the bending of the pipe 161 so that when the pipe 161 bends, the bent portion does not fall below the permissible bending radius. The support block component 190 is, for example, a cylindrical component, and the pipe 161 is inserted inside it. Furthermore, the length 'a' of the support block component 190 in the direction intersecting the extension direction of the pipe 161 is set to a length above the permissible bending radius 'r' of the pipe 161. That is, the following equation (1) holds.

[0122] a≥r……(1)

[0123] Where a = length of the support block in the intersecting direction

[0124] r = Permissible bending radius of the pipe

[0125] Furthermore, the separation distance b between the support block component 190 and the dust collection device 160 in the extension direction of the pipe 161 is set to a length shorter than the allowable bending radius r of the pipe 161. That is, the following equation (2) holds.

[0126] b < r……(2)

[0127] Where b = the separation distance between the support block component and the dust collection device in the extension direction of the pipe.

[0128] r = Permissible bending radius of the pipe

[0129] In addition, the allowable bending radius of the pipe is determined by the material, shape, etc. of the pipe 161.

[0130] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of providing a support block component 190 near the dust collection device 160 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the support block component 190 may be provided near the compartment 140.

[0131] By providing a support block member 190 on the pipe 161, at the connection between the pipe 161 and the dust collection device 160, when the pipe 161 bends, the support block member 190 abuts against the dust collection device 160 before the pipe 161 reaches a radius below the permissible bending radius. This limits further bending of the pipe 161, thus making it difficult for the pipe 161 to bend to a radius below the permissible bending radius when connected to the dust collection device 160. Therefore, the pipe 161 is less susceptible to damage.

[0132] The protective layer forming apparatus described in the embodiments described above is, for example, as follows.

[0133] Furthermore, the protective layer forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is a protective layer forming apparatus 100 that forms a protective layer within the construction range (FA) of the tip and leading edge of the wind turbine blade body 5a formed by FRP in the blade length direction. The protective layer forming apparatus includes: a chamber 140 that surrounds a portion of the construction range of the wind turbine blade body in the blade length direction; a spraying unit 110 disposed inside the chamber and spraying construction material onto the construction range to form the protective layer; a chamber moving mechanism 120 that moves the chamber along the blade length direction L1 of the wind turbine blade body; a dust collection device 160 disposed separately from the chamber and collecting dust in the chamber; and a flexible pipe 161 that connects the chamber and the dust collection device.

[0134] In the above structure, a dust collection device is installed separately from the compartment. This allows for a smaller compartment compared to installing the dust collection device inside the compartment. Consequently, the entire protective layer forming apparatus can be miniaturized.

[0135] Furthermore, in the aforementioned structure, the compartment and the dust collection device are connected by flexible pipes. As a result, the pipes and compartments deform accordingly with movement. Therefore, the stress generated in the pipes can be reduced, making the pipes less susceptible to damage.

[0136] Furthermore, the protective layer forming apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect described above, includes a support portion 170 that supports the pipe and is capable of moving together with the pipe in accordance with the movement of the compartment.

[0137] The above structure includes a support portion that supports the pipe and is capable of moving with the pipe in accordance with the movement of the compartment. This allows the desired orientation of the pipe supported by the support portion to be determined. Consequently, it makes it difficult for the pipe to connect to the dust collection device and the compartment at steep angles. Therefore, it makes the pipe less susceptible to damage.

[0138] Furthermore, in the second aspect described above, the protective layer forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention includes a support portion comprising: an insertion portion 171 for inserting the pipe; and a rotating portion 174 that rotatably supports the insertion portion about a central axis extending in the vertical direction.

[0139] In the above structure, the support portion includes: a through portion for inserting the pipe; and a rotating portion that rotatably supports the through portion about a central axis extending in the vertical direction. This allows for bending of the pipe supported on the support portion. Therefore, the pipe is easy to bend, making it difficult to connect the pipe to the dust collection device and compartment at steep angles. Consequently, the pipe is less prone to damage.

[0140] Furthermore, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the protective layer forming apparatus includes, in the second or third aspect described above, a vibration absorbing portion 173 in the support portion that absorbs vibrations in the vertical direction of the pipe.

[0141] In the above structure, the support portion has a vibration-absorbing portion that absorbs vibrations in the vertical direction of the pipeline. Therefore, even if the pipeline vibrates vertically due to pressure differences, the vibration can be absorbed by the vibration-absorbing portion. Consequently, the support portion and the pipeline are less susceptible to damage.

[0142] Furthermore, the protective layer forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to fourth aspects described above, includes a connecting portion 180 provided at the connection portion between the compartment and / or the dust collection device and the pipe, the connecting portion having a cylindrical portion 182 fixed to the compartment and / or the dust collection device and through which the pipe is inserted, the cylindrical portion being formed of a flexible material with higher rigidity than the pipe.

[0143] The above structure includes a connecting portion, which has a cylindrical section fixed to the compartment and / or dust collection device and through which a pipe is inserted. Furthermore, the cylindrical section is formed of a material with higher rigidity than the pipe. Therefore, at the connection between the compartment and / or dust collection device and the pipe, a certain degree of pipe bending is allowed while abrupt pipe bending is suppressed. Thus, the pipe is less prone to damage.

[0144] Furthermore, the protective layer forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention includes, in any of the first to fifth aspects described above, a bending suppression portion 190 provided on the pipe, wherein the distance between the bending suppression portion and the chamber or the dust collection device is shorter than the allowable bending radius of the pipe, and the length of the bending suppression portion in the direction intersecting the extension direction of the pipe is set to a length greater than or equal to the allowable bending radius of the pipe.

[0145] In the above structure, at the connection between the pipe and the compartment or dust collection device, in the event of a pipe bend, the bending suppression part abuts against the compartment or dust collection device before the pipe reaches a radius below the permissible bending radius. This restricts further bending of the pipe, thus making it difficult for the pipe to bend to a radius below the permissible bending radius when connected to the compartment or dust collection device. Therefore, the pipe is less susceptible to damage.

[0146] Symbol Explanation

[0147] 1-Wind power generation device; 3-Tower; 4-Rotor head; 5-Wind turbine blade; 5a-Wind turbine blade body; 6-Nacelle; 10-Blade root; 12-Blade tip; 12a-Tip; 14-Blade-shaped part; 16-Leading edge; 18-Leading edge; 20-Ventral side; 22-Apolateral side; 30-Protective layer; 32-Support platform; 100-Protective layer forming device; 110-Spraying part; 120-Cavity moving mechanism; 121-Wheel; 130-Multi-joint robot; 131-Arm; 132-Arm; 133-Arm; 140-Cavity; 141-Top plate; 142-Side wall; 142A-Side wall; 143-Bottom; 144-Opening; 145-Sealing part; 145a-Component; 146-Sensor; 150-Control unit. 151-Spraying section control unit, 152-Compartment control unit, 160-Dust collection device, 161-Pipe, 170-Support mechanism (support part), 171-Arm part (insertion part), 172-Insertion support part, 173-Spring mechanism (vibration absorption part), 174-Rotating part, 174a-Upper rotating part, 174b-Lower rotating part, 175-Support plate part, 176-Wheel, 180-Connecting part, 181-Fixing part (cylinder part), 181a-Outer cylinder part, 181b-Flange part, 182-Cylindrical part, 200-Railway, B-Setting surface, BS-Setting surface during construction, C1-Blade chord direction, FA-Construction range, L1-Blade length direction, M-Reference mark, PB-Pre-bending part, S1-Construction space, T1-Blade thickness direction.

Claims

1. A protective layer forming apparatus for forming a protective layer within a construction area of ​​the tip and leading edge of a wind turbine blade body formed by FRP in the length direction of the blade, the protective layer forming apparatus comprising: The compartment, which surrounds the main body of the wind turbine blade, is a portion of the construction area along the blade's length. A spraying unit is located inside the compartment and sprays construction materials onto the construction area to form the protective layer. A cabin moving mechanism that moves the cabin along the length of the wind turbine blade body; A dust collection device is installed separately from the compartment and collects the dust inside the compartment; and A flexible duct connects the compartment to the dust collection device.

2. The protective layer forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: The support supports the pipe and is capable of moving with the pipe in accordance with the movement of the compartment.

3. The protective layer forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The support portion has: a insertion portion for inserting the pipe; and a rotating portion that rotatably supports the insertion portion about a central axis extending in the vertical direction.

4. The protective layer forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The support portion has a vibration-absorbing portion that absorbs vibrations in the vertical direction of the pipeline.

5. The protective layer forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: A connecting portion is provided at the connection between the compartment and / or the dust collection device and the pipeline. The connecting part has a cylindrical section that is fixed to the compartment and / or the dust collection device and through which the pipe is inserted. The cylindrical section is formed of a flexible material with higher rigidity than the pipe.

6. The protective layer forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: A bend-inhibiting section is provided in the pipe. The distance between the bending suppression section and the compartment or the dust collection device is shorter than the allowable bending radius of the pipe. The length of the bending suppression section in the direction intersecting the extension direction of the pipe is set to a length greater than or equal to the allowable bending radius of the pipe.

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