A cleaning device for ultrasonic testing couplant

CN224788673UActive Publication Date: 2026-09-22GANSU CHONGTONG CHENGFEI NEW MATERIAL CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202522197865.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-10-16
Publication Date
2026-09-22
Estimated Expiration
2035-10-16

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]1、本实用新型能够实现半自动检测与清理,提升操作便捷性:装置将耦合剂涂布、超声检测和残留耦合剂清理功能集成于一体,通过真空吸附、吸水扒头等组件实现了检测后清理流程的半自动化。大幅降低了操作人员的劳动强度和技术门槛,减少了对人工的依赖,使整个检测流程更加顺畅、规范。

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to wind power blade detection technical field, concretely relates to a kind of cleaning device of ultrasonic detection coupling agent, including main support, coupling agent recovery subassembly and ultrasonic detection component, ultrasonic detection component includes the scanning probe of installation in main support, coupling agent recovery subassembly includes water absorption prong head, water suction pipe and water suction device, water absorption prong head is installed on main support, and it is located the rear of scanning probe, water absorption prong head is connected with the water inlet of water suction device by water suction pipe, the cleaning device of a kind of ultrasonic detection coupling agent of the utility model can realize coupling agent in wind power blade moulding process ultrasonic detection Semi-automatic coating, cleaning and recycling, effectively improve detection efficiency and economy.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of wind turbine blade testing technology, specifically to a device for cleaning ultrasonic testing coupling agent. Background Technology

[0002] Wind turbine blades are the core components that convert wind energy into electrical energy. The bonding area of ​​their composite materials not only constitutes a critical force transmission path in the blade's main beam structure, directly affecting the overall load transfer efficiency, but also serves as a seal for the aerodynamic shape. The internal quality of the bonding layer, the uniformity of the adhesive layer, and the distribution of defects have a decisive impact on the structural integrity and service safety of the blade. However, during the mold manufacturing process, due to the complexity of the structure and limited operating space, common internal defects such as debonding, porosity, and insufficient adhesive are difficult to effectively identify through visual inspection or traditional methods. If these hidden defects are not detected in time, they may gradually expand during operation, causing stress concentration, water seepage, or even structural cracking, seriously threatening the operational reliability and service life of the blade. At the same time, the corresponding repair work often requires a lot of manpower and time for mold opening and rework, and may even lead to the scrapping of the entire blade, significantly increasing quality costs and the risk of delivery delays.

[0003] To address these challenges, a specialized ultrasonic testing device for wind turbine blade assembly processes has been developed. This device combines a multi-axis robotic arm with phased array ultrasonic technology, enabling precise fitting of the blade's complex curved contours. During the assembly ultrasonic testing process, water is used as a coupling medium, allowing the device to effectively transmit sound waves, achieving non-destructive testing of the bonding area, accurately identifying internal defects such as debonding, porosity, and inclusions, and generating real-time visual scanning images.

[0004] However, after inspection, a large amount of coupling agent often remains on the inner surface of the blade. Traditional cleaning methods mainly rely on manual wiping, which is not only time-consuming and difficult to adapt to tight production cycles, but also prone to causing a series of problems due to incomplete cleaning: residual moisture is mainly concentrated in the bonding area, and the damp surface may interfere with subsequent production operations. Cleaning has become a key bottleneck restricting the overall efficiency and reliability of mold closing inspection. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides a cleaning device for ultrasonic testing coupling agent, enabling semi-automatic coating, cleaning, and recycling of coupling agent during ultrasonic testing of wind turbine blades in the mold assembly process, effectively improving testing efficiency and economy.

[0006] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A device for cleaning couplant used in ultrasonic testing includes a main support, a couplant recovery assembly, and an ultrasonic testing assembly. The ultrasonic testing assembly includes a scanning probe mounted on the main support. The couplant recovery assembly includes a suction head, a suction pipe, and a suction device. The suction head is mounted on the main support and located behind the scanning probe. The suction head is connected to the inlet of the suction device through the suction pipe.

[0008] In a further preferred embodiment, the device also includes a water supply pipe, one end of which is connected to the main support at the scanning probe, and the other end of which is connected to the water outlet of the water absorber.

[0009] More preferably, the ultrasonic testing assembly further includes an ultrasonic testing instrument and an ultrasonic testing operating table, with the scanning probe connected to both the ultrasonic testing instrument and the ultrasonic testing operating table.

[0010] In a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning device also includes a mobile cart, on which an ultrasonic testing workbench and a water suction device are mounted.

[0011] Further preferably, the bottom of the main support is provided with several vacuum suction cups for adsorbing and fixing the main support to the surface of the workpiece.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0013] 1. This utility model enables semi-automatic detection and cleaning, improving operational convenience: The device integrates coupling agent coating, ultrasonic detection, and residual coupling agent cleaning functions into one unit, achieving semi-automation of the post-detection cleaning process through components such as vacuum adsorption and water-absorbing squeegees. This significantly reduces the labor intensity and technical threshold for operators, decreases reliance on manual labor, and makes the entire detection process smoother and more standardized.

[0014] 2. This invention significantly improves testing efficiency: The semi-automated cleaning process avoids the tediousness of traditional manual wiping and shortens the preparation time after each test. Simultaneously, because the coupling agent can be quickly recovered and reused, the steps of frequently adding and replacing the coupling agent are eliminated, thereby greatly improving the overall operational efficiency of continuous ultrasonic testing, making it particularly suitable for testing batches of workpieces.

[0015] 3. This invention enables the recycling of coupling agent, highlighting its environmental and economic advantages: The core innovation of the device lies in establishing a closed-loop system of "coating-recovery-filtration-reuse". The collected coupling agent (such as water) is stored in a vacuum cleaner / water dispenser and can be reused after sedimentation or simple treatment. This not only significantly reduces the consumption of coupling agent and saves testing costs, but also reduces the generation and treatment costs of industrial wastewater, demonstrating good environmental and economic benefits.

[0016] 4. The integrated design of this utility model ensures stability and durability, and has high practical value: the main support is made of welded aluminum alloy, resulting in a sturdy structure; the suction head and suction pipe are reliably fixed by components such as clamps. This integrated and modular design not only ensures the long-term stable operation of the equipment in industrial environments, but also gives it good durability and maintainability, further improving the economic efficiency of the equipment in the long run.

[0017] 5. This utility model not only improves detection efficiency and convenience through semi-automated operation, but also plays an important role in reducing operating costs and environmental pollution through the recycling mechanism of the coupling agent, and has high practical and promotional value.

[0018] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an ultrasonic testing coupling agent cleaning device according to the present invention.

[0021] 1-Main support frame, 2-Ultrasonic testing instrument, 3-Ultrasonic testing operating table, 4-Scanning probe, 5-Mobile trolley, 6-Vacuum suction cup, 7-Connector, 8-Water suction head, 9-Water suction pipe, 10-Water suction device, 11-Clamping clamp, 12-Fixed support frame, 13-Water supply pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows for communication; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] refer to Figure 1 A device for cleaning ultrasonic coupling agent includes a main support 1, a coupling agent supply assembly, a coupling agent recovery assembly, and an ultrasonic testing assembly. The ultrasonic testing assembly includes an ultrasonic testing instrument 2, an ultrasonic testing operating platform 3, and a scanning probe 4. The ultrasonic testing instrument 2 is mounted on the ultrasonic testing operating platform 3. The scanning probe 4 is connected to both the ultrasonic testing instrument 2 and the ultrasonic testing operating platform 3 for performing ultrasonic testing. Preferably, the scanning probe 4 can be a phased array ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic testing operating platform 3 is mounted on a mobile cart 5 with multiple wheels at the bottom for easy movement.

[0026] The main support 1 is a frame structure welded from aluminum alloy. Several vacuum suction cups 6 are located at the bottom of the main support 1, such as one vacuum suction cup 6 at each end of the main support 1. The vacuum suction cups 6 are used to adhere and fix the main support 1 to the surface of the workpiece. The scanning probe 4 is mounted to the front of the main support 1 via a connector 7 and is used to perform ultrasonic testing.

[0027] The coupling agent recovery assembly includes a suction head 8, a suction pipe 9, and a suction device 10. The suction head 8 is mounted on the main support 1 via a clamp 11 and a fixing bracket 12, and is located behind the scanning probe 4. The suction head 8 is connected to the inlet of the suction device 10 via the suction pipe 9. Preferably, the suction device 10 can be mounted on a mobile cart 5 for easy movement and to save manpower. Alternatively, a vacuum cleaner can be used instead of the suction device 10.

[0028] The coupling agent supply assembly includes a water supply pipe 13. One end of the water supply pipe 13 is guided to the scanning probe 4 and connected to the main support 1. The other end of the water supply pipe 13 can be connected to the water outlet of the water absorber 10 or an external water source to supply coupling agent to the detection area.

[0029] The working principle of this invention is as follows: After the device is fixed by the vacuum suction cup 6, the water suction device 10 (in water suction mode) and the ultrasonic detector 2 are activated. The coupling agent is applied to the workpiece surface below the scanning probe 4 through the water supply pipe 13. The scanning probe 4 moves forward for detection. The subsequent suction head 8, under negative pressure, sucks in the remaining coupling agent after detection and collects it into the bucket of the water suction device 10 through the suction pipe 9. The collected coupling agent can be reused after sedimentation.

[0030] The operation process of an ultrasonic coupling agent cleaning device can be divided into three parts: preparation stage, detection and cleaning stage, and finishing stage. The specific operation process is as follows:

[0031] I. Preparation Stage

[0032] 1.1 Equipment placement and securing:

[0033] Move the integrated device above the workpiece to be inspected—a wind turbine blade. Activate the vacuum suction cup 6 on the main support 1 to stably attach the entire device to the workpiece surface or a flat working platform nearby.

[0034] 1.2 Connection System and Addition of Coupling Agent:

[0035] Ensure that one end of the suction pipe 9 is connected to the suction head 8 and secured with the clamp 11. Connect the other end of the suction pipe 9 to the inlet of the suction device 10.

[0036] Open the lid of the suction device 10 and add sufficient coupling agent (usually water) into the container. Connect one end of the water supply pipe 13 to the outlet of the suction device 10 containing the coupling agent or to a separate water source. Guide the other end of the water supply pipe 13 above the scanning probe 4 to facilitate the flow of coupling agent to the area below the probe.

[0037] 1.3 Equipment Power-On and Inspection:

[0038] Start the ultrasonic testing instrument 2 and the ultrasonic testing operating table 3 to perform equipment self-test and parameter settings.

[0039] Turn on the water extractor 10, switch its function to "water suction" mode, and check if the suction function is working properly.

[0040] II. Detection and Cleaning Phase (Semi-automated Cyclic Process)

[0041] 2.1 Applying coupling agent:

[0042] By controlling the valve or using simple gravity, the coupling agent in the water supply pipe 13 flows down and is evenly coated on the contact surface between the scanning probe 4 and the area to be detected on the workpiece, forming good acoustic coupling.

[0043] 2.2 Perform ultrasound scan:

[0044] The operator controls the scanning probe 4 to move along a predetermined path on the ultrasonic testing workbench 3 to begin ultrasonic testing. The test data is transmitted in real time to the ultrasonic testing instrument 2 for analysis and recording.

[0045] 2.3 Synchronous recovery of coupling agent:

[0046] After the scanning probe 4 moves and completes the detection of a certain area, the absorbent head 8 immediately covers the area that was just detected and has residual coupling agent.

[0047] The negative pressure generated by the suction device 10 is transmitted to the suction head 8 through the suction pipe 9, which efficiently sucks the residual coupling agent below it into the bucket.

[0048] The suction head 8 is fixed to the main support 1 by the clamp 11 to ensure that it maintains the optimal distance from the workpiece surface in order to achieve maximum recycling efficiency.

[0049] 2.4 Advancement and Repetition:

[0050] The operator continuously pushes or controls the device to move it, causing the scanning probe 4 and the suction head 8 to advance synchronously. The three steps of applying coupling agent → ultrasonic scanning → coupling agent recovery form a continuous semi-automatic cycle until the entire workpiece is inspected.

[0051] III. Final Stage

[0052] 3.1 Stop the equipment:

[0053] After completing all testing tasks, first stop the movement of the scanning probe 4. Turn off the power to the ultrasonic testing instrument 2 and the ultrasonic testing operating table 3. Turn off the power to the water suction device 10.

[0054] 3.2 Recycling and Disposal:

[0055] Remove the device from the workpiece. Close the vacuum suction cup 6 to release the fixation. The coupling agent (water) collected in the suction tank 10 can be directly used for the next test after sedimentation or simple filtration, realizing reuse.

[0056] Disconnect all water pipes and power cords, clean and maintain the equipment, and store it properly.

[0057] The ultrasonic testing coupling agent cleaning device of this utility model has the following main features:

[0058] Semi-automated: Throughout the process, the operator's main task is to monitor the detection data and guide the equipment to move, while the heavy work of applying and cleaning the coupling agent is completed automatically by the equipment.

[0059] Improved efficiency: Inspection and cleaning are carried out simultaneously without interruption, eliminating the time spent waiting for manual wiping in traditional methods and enabling continuous operation.

[0060] Economic efficiency and environmental protection: The recycling of coupling agent directly reduces material consumption costs and reduces the discharge of industrial waste liquid, which meets the requirements of green manufacturing.

[0061] Alongside the introduction of ultrasonic testing equipment, a highly efficient and automated coupling agent cleaning system was developed. By effectively combining a vacuum suction cleaning unit with a contour cleaning unit, residual coupling agent on the surface can be quickly removed after scanning, ensuring the mold-fitting area is dry and clean. This not only ensures the smooth implementation and accuracy of non-destructive testing and avoids quality risks caused by coupling agent residue, but also significantly shortens cleaning time and reduces manual labor intensity. It makes coupling agent cleaning for ultrasonic testing of mold-fitting areas a highly efficient, reliable, and embeddable quality control closed loop in continuous production processes, providing solid technical and management support for the high-standard, high-efficiency production of wind turbine blades.

[0062] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of this utility model. Commonly known structures and characteristics are not described in detail here. Those skilled in the art are aware of all common technical knowledge in the field prior to the application date or priority date, are knowledgeable of all existing technologies in that field, and possess the ability to apply conventional experimental methods prior to that date. Therefore, those skilled in the art can, based on the guidance provided in this application, improve and implement this solution in conjunction with their own capabilities. Typical known structures or methods should not be obstacles for those skilled in the art to implement this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of this utility model. These modifications and improvements should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model, and will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of this utility model or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for ultrasonic detection coupling agent, characterized in that: The device includes a main support (1), a coupling agent recovery assembly, and an ultrasonic testing assembly. The ultrasonic testing assembly includes a scanning probe (4) mounted on the main support (1). The coupling agent recovery assembly includes a suction head (8), a suction pipe (9), and a suction device (10). The suction head (8) is mounted on the main support (1) and located behind the scanning probe (4). The suction head (8) is connected to the inlet of the suction device (10) through the suction pipe (9).

2. The ultrasonic coupling agent cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device also includes a water supply pipe (13), one end of which is connected to the main support (1) at the scanning probe (4), and the other end of which is connected to the outlet of the water absorber (10).

3. The ultrasonic coupling agent cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic testing assembly also includes an ultrasonic testing instrument (2) and an ultrasonic testing operating table (3), and the scanning probe (4) is connected to the ultrasonic testing instrument (2) and the ultrasonic testing operating table (3) respectively.

4. The ultrasonic coupling agent cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The device also includes a mobile cart (5), on which the ultrasonic testing operating table (3) and the water suction device (10) are mounted.

5. The ultrasonic coupling agent cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the main support (1) is provided with several vacuum suction cups (6) for adsorbing and fixing the main support (1) to the surface of the workpiece.