Sensor clamp for a chain and an offshore wind turbine

Abstract

The application relates to an offshore wind turbine and a sensor clamp for an anchor chain, and relates to the technical field of offshore wind power. The sensor clamp for the anchor chain comprises a clamp body provided with a mounting portion for mounting a wind power sensor; a clamping structure comprises two clamping jaws, at least one of which is movably arranged on the clamp body in a first direction, so that the spacing between the two clamping jaws can be adjusted; a limiting structure is arranged on the clamp body to limit the movement of the clamp body in a second direction. The spacing between the two clamping jaws is changed by adjusting the position of the clamping jaws, so as to adapt to different sizes of chain rings of the anchor chain and realize close clamping. Meanwhile, the limiting structure is used to limit the displacement of the clamp body in the second direction, so as to preposition the clamp body on the anchor chain, which is convenient for installation and can cooperate with the clamping structure to improve the fixing effect of the sensor clamp for the anchor chain, thereby solving the problem that the existing sensor fixing mode is prone to loosening or rusting failure, so that the sensor position deviates or even falls off.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of offshore wind turbine technology, and in particular to a sensor clamp for anchor chains and an offshore wind turbine. Background Technology

[0002] Offshore wind power is a crucial component of the clean energy sector, with its turbines operating long-term in harsh marine environments characterized by high salt spray, strong winds, waves, and severe vibrations. To ensure the safe and stable operation of wind turbines, real-time monitoring of critical components using various sensors is essential. Among these, the anchor chain system used to secure the turbine is a key monitoring target. By installing sensors (such as stress sensors, vibration sensors, and attitude sensors) on the anchor chain, data on the stress state and health status of the anchoring system can be effectively acquired. Reliable installation of these sensors is fundamental to ensuring the accuracy of the monitoring data, and the sensor clamps used on the anchor chain, as critical components for securing the sensors, directly impact the effectiveness of the entire monitoring system.

[0003] Currently, the installation of offshore wind turbine sensors mostly adopts traditional clamp structures, such as directly fixing them to the wind turbine foundation or anchor chain with bolts, or using simple clamp structures to bind the sensors to the anchor chain links. However, for bolt-fixed clamps, the connection points between the bolts and the anchor chain / sensor bracket are exposed to a high-salt-spray environment for a long time, making them prone to corrosion. This can lead to jamming at the thread engagement or a decrease in bolt strength. Under the continuous action of dynamic loads such as wave impact and wind turbine vibration, the bolts are prone to loosening or even breaking, causing sensor fixation failure. As for simple clamp clamps, their clamping force depends entirely on the tightness of the fastening bolts. Under dynamic loads, relative slippage is prone to occur. At the same time, the metal material of the clamp corrodes rapidly in a high-salt-spray environment, which leads to a decrease in the rigidity of the clamping structure and a reduction in clamping force, which can easily cause sensor displacement or even sensor detachment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problem that existing sensor fixing methods are prone to loosening or corrosion failure, leading to sensor displacement or even detachment, this application provides a sensor clamp for anchor chains.

[0005] Firstly, the sensor clamp for anchor chains provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: A sensor clamp for an anchor chain is used in an offshore wind turbine, the offshore wind turbine including an anchor chain for securing the wind turbine, the sensor clamp for the anchor chain comprising: The fixture body is provided with a mounting part for mounting wind power sensors; The clamping structure includes two jaws, at least one of which is movably mounted on the clamp body along a first direction, such that the distance between the two jaws is adjustable; and... A limiting structure is provided on the fixture body to limit the movement of the fixture body in a second direction, which is orthogonal to the first direction.

[0006] By adopting the above technical solution, an installation part is set up to provide an installation benchmark for wind power sensors, so that the sensors are stably connected to the clamp body. The position of the clamps is adjusted to change the distance between the two clamps, so as to adapt to the chain links of different sizes of anchor chains and achieve tight clamping. At the same time, the limiting structure is used to limit the displacement of the clamp body in the second direction, so as to pre-position the clamp body on the anchor chain. This not only facilitates installation, but also cooperates with the clamping structure to improve the fixing effect of the sensor clamp for the anchor chain. This solves the problem that the sensor fixing method is prone to loosening or corrosion failure, which leads to sensor position displacement or even falling off.

[0007] Optionally, the clamping structure further includes: A transmission screw is rotatably mounted on the clamp body, and both grippers are sleeved on the transmission screw to move towards or away from each other under the drive of the transmission screw; and, A locking structure is provided between the fixture body and the transmission screw, so that the transmission screw can be locked onto the fixture body.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the rotation of the transmission screw drives the two grippers to achieve synchronous movement in opposite directions, so as to provide a uniform and strong clamping force. By setting a locking structure, after the grippers are adjusted into place, the transmission screw is locked mechanically to prevent it from rotating in the opposite direction under external vibration or impact, which would cause the clamping force to weaken or loosen. This ensures that the clamping force remains constant and avoids the sensor from shifting or falling off due to the loosening of the clamps. This helps to extend the service life of the sensor in complex environments and reduce maintenance costs.

[0009] Optionally, the locking structure includes a locking protrusion and a mating recess, wherein one of the locking protrusion and the mating recess is provided on the clamp body and the other is provided on the transmission screw.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the rotation of the transmission screw is restricted by the locking protrusion and the mating concave part that cooperate with each other, thereby ensuring that the clamping force of the clamping structure can remain constant.

[0011] Optionally, the locking protrusion includes a locking bolt, which is movably mounted on the clamp body in a second direction. During its movement, the locking bolt has a locking position that can engage with the mating recess and an unlocking position that can disengage from the mating recess.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the locking bolt can be moved to engage or disengage with the recessed part, which can both release the locking of the transmission screw, making it easier to adjust the position of the gripper and adjust the clamping force of the clamping structure, and restrict the rotation of the transmission screw to lock the transmission screw and apply sufficient locking force to ensure that the clamping structure will not loosen during long-term operation and in harsh marine environments.

[0013] Optionally, the transmission screw includes a screw body and a locking gear fixedly disposed on the screw body, and the mating recess includes the tooth groove of the locking gear.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution and setting a locking gear, multiple locking points can be provided to enhance the flexibility and strength of locking. This also allows the locking bolt to be precisely engaged, ensuring that the locking position of the transmission screw is accurate and preventing uneven clamping force or loosening caused by inaccurate locking. This helps to improve the anti-loosening ability of the clamping structure and keep it stable under severe vibration and impact.

[0015] Optionally, the clamping structure may further include an operating part disposed on the transmission screw.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution and setting an operating part on the transmission screw, the operator can quickly adjust the distance of the gripper by hand without additional tools, thereby realizing the quick installation or disassembly of the clamp.

[0017] Optionally, the transmission screw is provided with a through hole; The operating part includes an operating lever and two limiting parts. The operating lever is radially movably inserted through the through hole along the transmission screw, and the two limiting parts are located at both ends of the operating lever to restrict the movement of the operating lever.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the torque of the drive screw can be adjusted by moving the operating lever, which makes it easy for the operator to adjust the clamping force of the clamping structure. At the same time, by setting two limiting parts, the movement of the operating lever is restricted to prevent the operating lever from disengaging from the drive screw.

[0019] Optionally, the anchor chain includes adjacent first links and second links; The limiting structure includes two limiting hooks and a limiting rod. The two limiting hooks are spaced apart on the clamp body and are used to hang on the end of the first chain link facing the second chain link to restrict the clamp body from moving away from the second chain link. The limiting rod connects the two limiting hooks and abuts against the end of the second connecting rod facing the first chain link to restrict the clamp body from moving closer to the second chain link.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the clamp body is locked on the chain link of the anchor chain by means of the limiting hook and the limiting rod, which effectively prevents it from sliding or displacing along the length of the anchor chain. This not only facilitates the installation of sensor clamps for anchor chains, but also improves the fixing effect of sensor clamps for anchor chains.

[0021] Optionally, multiple mounting portions are provided, and the multiple mounting portions are spaced apart along the first direction.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution and setting up multiple mounting parts to support multiple sensors, such as stress sensors, vibration sensors, and attitude sensors, it is helpful to achieve diversification and integration of monitoring functions. This avoids the need to set up multiple additional sensor clamps for anchor chains. At the same time, the spacing of multiple mounting parts allows for the selection of the optimal sensor installation position according to specific monitoring needs and anchor chain structural characteristics, avoiding possible mutual interference between sensors, thereby helping to optimize the monitoring effect.

[0023] Secondly, the offshore wind turbine provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: An offshore wind turbine includes a sensor clamp for an anchor chain, the sensor clamp for the anchor chain comprising: The fixture body is provided with a mounting part for mounting wind power sensors; The clamping structure includes two jaws, at least one of which is movably mounted on the clamp body along a first direction, such that the distance between the two jaws is adjustable; and... A limiting structure is provided on the fixture body to limit the movement of the fixture body in a second direction, which is orthogonal to the first direction. In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. Through the synergistic action of the clamping structure and the limiting structure, the sensor clamp used on the anchor chain is stably fixed and precisely pre-positioned on the anchor chain. The clamping structure utilizes two adjustable-pitch jaws to tightly clamp the anchor chain links, providing reliable clamping force; the limiting structure, by restricting the movement of the clamp body in the second direction, effectively prevents slippage or displacement of the clamp along the length of the anchor chain under dynamic loads such as wind and wave impacts. 2. The combination of a drive screw and a locking structure ensures long-term maintenance of clamping force and anti-loosening performance. The drive screw drives the grippers to move synchronously, achieving a uniform and adjustable clamping force; the locking structure uses a mechanical interlock to lock the drive screw, preventing accidental rotation under continuous vibration in the harsh marine environment, thus avoiding clamping force attenuation. 3. By setting up multiple spaced mounting points, the functional flexibility and monitoring integration capabilities of the sensor clamps used for anchor chains are enhanced. This layout optimizes sensor placement, avoids mutual interference, and improves monitoring efficiency, while also reducing the number of additional clamps required, thus lowering system complexity and cost. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sensor clamp for anchor chains provided in this application; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A front view schematic diagram of a sensor clamp for anchor chains; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side view of the sensor clamp for anchor chains; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of point B in the middle. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100. Sensor clamp for anchor chains; 1. Clamp body; 11. Mounting part; 12. Wind power sensor; 2. Clamping structure; 21. Gripper; 22. Drive screw; 221. Screw body; 222. Locking gear; 23. Locking structure; 231. Locking protrusion; 232. Mating recess; 24. Operating part; 241. Operating lever; 242. Limiting part; 3. Limiting structure; 31. Limiting hook; 32. Limiting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 5 This application will be described in further detail below.

[0026] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 3 A sensor clamp 100 for anchor chains is used in offshore wind turbines. The offshore wind turbines include anchor chains for fixing the wind turbines. The sensor clamp 100 for anchor chains includes a clamp body 1, a clamping structure 2, and a limiting structure 3. The clamp body 1 is provided with a mounting part 11 for mounting a wind power sensor 12. The clamping structure 2 includes two jaws 21, at least one of which is movably mounted on the clamp body 1 in a first direction so that the distance between the two jaws 21 is adjustable. The limiting structure 3 is provided on the clamp body 1 to limit the movement of the clamp body 1 in a second direction, which is orthogonal to the first direction.

[0027] It should be noted that the first direction and the second direction can be varied. For example, the first direction can be horizontal and the second direction can be vertical, or vice versa. The embodiments of this application do not limit this. For example, the first direction is the width direction of the anchor chain, and the second direction is the length direction of the anchor chain. Furthermore, the material of the clamp body 1 can be varied, including metals such as iron and aluminum, or alloys such as steel or aluminum alloys, as long as they meet the strength and hardness requirements. The embodiments of this application do not limit this. Similarly, the material of the gripper 21 can be varied, including metals such as iron and aluminum, or alloys such as steel or aluminum alloys. The embodiments of this application do not limit this. In addition, "at least one gripper 21 is movably mounted on the clamp body 1 along the first direction" means that one gripper 21 can be movably mounted on the clamp body 1, or both grippers 21 can be movably mounted on the clamp body 1. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0028] In the technical solution of this application, by setting the mounting part 11, an installation reference is provided for the wind power sensor 12, so that the sensor is stably connected to the clamp body 1. By adjusting the position of the clamp 21, the distance between the two clamps 21 is changed so as to adapt to the chain links of different sizes of the anchor chain and achieve tight clamping. At the same time, the limiting structure 3 restricts the displacement of the clamp body 1 in the second direction, so as to pre-position the clamp body 1 on the anchor chain. This facilitates installation and can cooperate with the clamping structure 2 to improve the fixing effect of the sensor clamp used for the anchor chain. This solves the problem that the sensor fixing method is prone to loosening or corrosion failure, which leads to sensor position displacement or even falling off.

[0029] In one embodiment of this application, please refer to Figures 3 to 5 The clamping structure 2 also includes a transmission screw 22 and a locking structure 23. The transmission screw 22 is rotatably mounted on the clamp body 1, and the two grippers 21 are both sleeved on the transmission screw 22 so that they can move towards or away from each other under the drive of the transmission screw 22. The locking structure 23 is located between the clamp body 1 and the transmission screw 22 so that the transmission screw 22 can be locked and mounted on the clamp body 1. In this way, the rotation of the transmission screw 22 drives the two grippers 21 to achieve synchronous movement towards or away from each other, so as to provide a uniform and strong clamping force. By setting the locking structure 23, after the grippers 21 are adjusted into place, the transmission screw 22 is locked mechanically to prevent it from rotating in the opposite direction under external vibration or impact, which would cause the clamping force to weaken or loosen. This ensures that the clamping force remains constant and avoids the sensor from shifting or falling off due to the loosening of the clamp, thereby helping to extend the service life of the sensor in complex environments and reduce maintenance costs.

[0030] To limit the rotation of the lead screw 22, in this embodiment, please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 5The locking structure 23 includes a locking protrusion 231 and a mating recess 232. One of the locking protrusion 231 and the mating recess 232 is provided on the clamp body 1 and the other is provided on the transmission screw 22. In this way, the rotation of the transmission screw 22 is restricted by the mutually cooperating locking protrusion 231 and mating recess 232, thereby ensuring that the clamping force of the clamping structure 2 can remain constant.

[0031] It is understood that the locking protrusion 231 can be fixed or movable. However, if the movable protrusion is fixed, the locking protrusion 231 and the mating recess 232 form a damping structure so that it can be positioned on the clamp body 1 when the transmission screw 22 stops rotating. However, the locking force of this method is relatively small, and the transmission screw 22 may rotate unexpectedly due to vibration or impact. Therefore, in this embodiment, please refer to... Figure 5 The locking protrusion 231 includes a locking bolt, which is movably mounted on the clamp body 1 along the second direction. During its travel, the locking bolt has a locking position that engages with the mating recess 232 and an unlocking position that disengages from the mating recess 232. When it is necessary to adjust the distance between the jaws 21, the locking bolt is moved outward along the second direction to the unlocking position, causing the locking bolt to disengage from the mating recess 232 and release the lock on the transmission screw 22. At this time, the transmission screw 22 can be freely rotated to adjust the position of the jaws 21. After adjustment, Then move the locking bolt inward along the second direction to the locked position, so that the locking bolt is embedded in the mating recess 232 to restrict the rotation of the lead screw. In this way, by moving the locking bolt to engage or disengage with the mating recess, the locking of the transmission lead screw 22 can be released, making it easier to adjust the position of the gripper 21 to adjust the clamping force of the clamping structure 2. At the same time, the rotation of the transmission lead screw 22 can be restricted, thus locking the transmission lead screw 22 and applying sufficient locking force to ensure that the clamping structure 2 will not loosen during long-term operation and in harsh marine environments.

[0032] To form a mating groove, please refer to the following embodiment: Figure 5 The transmission screw includes a screw body 221 and a locking gear 222 fixedly disposed on the screw body 221. The mating recess 232 includes the tooth groove of the locking gear 222. Thus, by setting the locking gear 222, multiple locking points can be provided, enhancing the flexibility and strength of locking. It also allows the locking bolt to be precisely engaged, ensuring that the locking position of the transmission screw 22 is accurate and correct. This avoids uneven clamping force or loosening caused by inaccurate locking, and helps to improve the anti-loosening ability of the clamping structure 2, so that it remains stable under severe vibration and impact.

[0033] In one embodiment of this application, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The clamping structure 2 also includes an operating part 24 provided on the transmission screw 22. Thus, by providing the operating part 24 on the transmission screw 22, the operator can quickly adjust the spacing of the grippers 21 by hand without additional tools, thereby achieving rapid installation or disassembly of the clamp. Furthermore, the transmission screw 22 has a through hole, and the operating part 24 includes an operating rod 241 and two limiting parts 242. The operating rod 241 moves radially through the through hole along the transmission screw, and the two limiting parts 242 are respectively provided at both ends of the operating rod 241 to restrict the movement of the operating rod 241. Thus, by moving the operating rod 241, the torque driving the transmission screw 22 can be adjusted, facilitating the operator to adjust the clamping force of the clamping structure 2. Simultaneously, by providing the two limiting parts 242, the movement of the operating rod 241 is restricted, preventing the operating rod 241 from disengaging from the transmission screw 22.

[0034] It is understood that there are various ways to connect the limiting part 242 and the operating lever 241. The limiting part 242 can be fixedly installed on the operating lever 241 or it can be detachably installed on the operating lever 241. This application does not limit this.

[0035] In one embodiment of this application, the anchor chain includes an adjacent first link and a second link. The limiting structure 3 includes two limiting hooks 31 and a limiting rod 32. The two limiting hooks 31 are spaced apart on the clamp body 1 and are used to hook onto the end of the first link facing the second link to restrict the clamp body 1 from moving away from the second link. The limiting rod 32 connects the two limiting hooks 31 and abuts against the end of the second connecting rod facing the first link to restrict the clamp body 1 from moving closer to the second link. When installing the clamp, the two limiting hooks 31 are hooked onto the end of the first link closer to the second link. The clamp body 1 is restricted from moving away from the second chain link by contact between the hook body and the end of the chain link; at the same time, the limiting rod 32 connecting the two limiting hooks 31 will abut against the end of the second chain link near the first chain link. The abutment force between the rod body and the end of the chain link restricts the movement of the clamp body 1 towards the second chain link. In this way, the clamp body 1 is locked on the chain link of the anchor chain by the limiting hooks 31 and the limiting rod 32, effectively preventing its sliding or displacement along the length of the anchor chain. This facilitates the installation of the sensor clamp 100 and improves the fixing effect of the sensor clamp 100.

[0036] In one embodiment of this application, multiple mounting portions 11 are provided, and the multiple mounting portions 11 are spaced apart along a first direction. In this way, by providing multiple mounting portions 11, multiple sensors can be carried, such as stress sensors, vibration sensors and attitude sensors, which helps to achieve diversification and integration of monitoring functions, so as to avoid the need to set up multiple additional sensor clamps 100. At the same time, the spaced arrangement of multiple mounting portions 11 allows for the selection of the optimal sensor installation position according to specific monitoring needs and anchor chain structure characteristics, avoiding possible mutual interference between sensors, thereby helping to optimize the monitoring effect.

[0037] Furthermore, this application also provides an offshore wind turbine generator, which includes a sensor clamp 100 for the anchor chain. It should be noted that the specific structure of the sensor clamp 100 for the anchor chain is the same as described in the above embodiments. Since this offshore wind turbine generator adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it possesses at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0038] The embodiments described in this specific implementation are preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Identical components are represented by the same reference numerals. Therefore, all equivalent changes made to the structure, shape, and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A sensor clamp for an anchor chain, used in an offshore wind turbine, the offshore wind turbine comprising an anchor chain for securing the turbine, characterized in that, The sensor clamp for the anchor chain includes: The fixture body (1) is provided with a mounting part (11), which is used for mounting the wind power sensor (12); The clamping structure (2) includes two grippers (21), at least one of the grippers (21) being movably mounted to the clamp body (1) along a first direction, such that the distance between the two grippers (21) is adjustable; and, A limiting structure (3) is provided on the fixture body (1) to limit the movement of the fixture body (1) in a second direction, which is orthogonal to the first direction.

2. The sensor clamp for anchor chains according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping structure (2) also includes: A lead screw (22) is rotatably mounted on the clamp body (1), and two grippers (21) are sleeved on the lead screw (22) to move towards or away from each other under the drive of the lead screw (22); and, A locking structure (23) is provided between the clamp body (1) and the transmission screw (22) so that the transmission screw (22) can be locked and installed on the clamp body (1).

3. The sensor clamp for anchor chains according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking structure (23) includes a locking protrusion (231) and a mating recess (232). One of the locking protrusion (231) and the mating recess (232) is provided on the clamp body (1), and the other is provided on the transmission screw (22).

4. The sensor clamp for anchor chains according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking protrusion (231) includes a locking bolt, which is movably mounted on the clamp body (1) in a second direction. During its movement, the locking bolt has a locking position that can engage with the mating recess (232) and an unlocking position that can disengage from the mating recess (232).

5. The sensor clamp for anchor chains according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission screw includes a screw body (221) and a locking gear (222) fixed to the screw body (221), and the mating recess (232) includes the tooth groove of the locking gear (222).

6. The sensor clamp for anchor chains according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping structure (2) also includes an operating part (24) provided on the transmission screw (22).

7. The sensor clamp for anchor chains according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission screw (22) is provided with a through hole; The operating part (24) includes an operating lever (241) and two limiting parts (242). The operating lever (241) is movably inserted through the through hole along the radial direction of the transmission screw. The two limiting parts (242) are respectively disposed at both ends of the operating lever (241) to limit the movement of the operating lever (241).

8. The sensor clamp for anchor chains according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anchor chain includes an adjacent first link and a second link; The limiting structure (3) includes two limiting hooks (31) and a limiting rod (32). The two limiting hooks (31) are spaced apart on the clamp body (1) and are used to hang on the end of the first chain link facing the second chain link to restrict the clamp body (1) from moving away from the second chain link. The limiting rod (32) connects the two limiting hooks (31) and abuts against the end of the second chain link facing the first chain link to restrict the clamp body (1) from moving closer to the second chain link.

9. The sensor clamp for anchor chains according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple mounting parts (11) are provided, and the multiple mounting parts (11) are spaced apart along the first direction.

10. An offshore wind turbine generator, characterized in that, Includes the sensor clamp for anchor chains according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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