JP5863990B2 - Windmill blade gripping mechanism and wind turbine generator assembly method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a wind turbine blade clamping mechanism and a method of assembling a wind power generator using the wind turbine blade clamping mechanism, and particularly suitable for clamping a wind turbine blade during assembly of a wind turbine rotor. The present invention relates to a wind turbine blade gripping mechanism.

  One of the main processes in the construction of the wind power generator is the process of attaching the wind turbine rotor to the nacelle. The wind turbine rotor is typically attached to the nacelle by lifting the wind turbine rotor to an appropriate position with at least one crane (usually multiple cranes) and connecting the wind turbine rotor to the nacelle with the wind turbine rotor lifted. Done in For example, US Patent Application Publication 2012/0027561 A1 discloses a technique for attaching a wind turbine rotor to a nacelle using a plurality of cranes.

  In recent wind turbine generators, wind turbine rotors have been increased in size in order to increase the output, but the use of large turbine rotors varies in the construction of wind turbine generators, particularly in the process of attaching the wind turbine rotor to the nacelle. Cause serious problems. First, it is difficult to transport a large wind turbine rotor to a construction site of a wind power generator. Furthermore, it becomes difficult to lift the windmill rotor and connect it to the nacelle at the construction site of the wind turbine generator. Such a problem is particularly serious in an offshore wind power generation apparatus in which the working environment is not good.

From this point of view, in the construction of a wind turbine generator equipped with a large wind turbine rotor, the wind turbine blades of the wind turbine rotor (wind
In some cases, the turbine blades are transported without being attached to the hub, and the wind turbine blades are attached to the hub at the construction site. According to such a method, the problem of transportation of a windmill rotor can be reduced. The technology for attaching a wind turbine blade to a hub at a construction site is, for example, International Publication WO 2011/095167 A1, European Patent Application Publication 2226502 A1, International Publication WO 2009/128708 A2, European Patent Application Publication 2159419 A1, International Publication WO 2008/132226. A1, International Publication WO 2008/061797 A1, International Publication WO 2006/053554 A2, International Publication WO 03/100249 A1.

  In order to attach the wind turbine blades to the hub at the construction site, it is necessary to lift the wind turbine blades, but when lifting the wind turbine blades, it is important to securely hold the wind turbine blades. The patent documents listed above disclose various techniques for gripping the wind turbine blade.

  However, according to the inventor's study, the techniques disclosed in the above-listed patent documents are not sufficient in terms of securely gripping the wind turbine blade while preventing damage to the wind turbine blade.

US Patent Application Publication 2012/0027561 A1 International Publication WO 2011/095167 A1 European Patent Application Publication 2226502 A1 International publication WO 2009/128708 A2 European Patent Application Publication No. 2159419 A1 International Publication WO 2008/132226 A1 International Publication WO 2008/061797 A1 International Publication WO 2006/053554 A2 International Publication WO 03/100249 A1

  Therefore, the present invention is to provide a technique for enabling the wind turbine blade to be securely gripped while preventing the wind turbine blade from being damaged when the wind turbine blade is attached to the hub at the construction site.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a wind turbine blade gripping mechanism for gripping a wind turbine blade includes a box-type frame including first and second box members each of which is a rigid structure, and a first box member A first cushion member formed of an elastic body, and a second cushion member formed of an elastic body attached to the second box member. The first box member and the second box member are connected so that the box-type frame can be opened and closed. In a state where the box frame is closed, the first cushion member and the second cushion member surround the wind turbine blade, and the box frame surrounds the first cushion member, the second cushion member, and the wind turbine blade.

  The windmill blade gripping mechanism may further include a suspension mechanism that is attached to the first box member and connected to a suspension line for hanging the windmill blade gripping mechanism. In this case, it is preferable that the suspension mechanism is configured to adjust a position where the suspension rope and the suspension mechanism are connected by power supplied from the outside.

  The windmill blade gripping mechanism may further include first and second suspension mechanisms attached to the first box member. Each of the first and second suspension mechanisms is configured to be coupled to a suspension line for suspending the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism. The first box member and the second box member are rotatable relative to each other around a rotation axis parallel to the first direction, and are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when the box frame is closed. So that they are connected. In this case, the first and second suspension mechanisms are provided side by side in the first direction, and the position at which the suspension rope and the suspension mechanism are connected to each other in the first direction and the second direction upon receiving power supply. It is preferable to be configured to be adjustable in a third vertical direction.

  In one embodiment, the first suspension mechanism has a structure coupled to a suspension rope, and a suspension plate coupled to the first box member so as to be swingable. And a drive mechanism that adjusts an angle between the box member and the box member. In this case, the drive mechanism is swingably connected to one of the suspension plate and the first box member, and inserted into the first cylinder so as to be swingable to the other of the suspension plate and the first box member. You may provide the connected 1st rod. The first cylinder is configured to extend or retract the first rod upon receiving power.

  In one embodiment, the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism may further include a hinge that rotatably connects the first box member and the second box member, and a first cylinder mechanism. The first cylinder mechanism is inserted into the second cylinder that is swingably connected to one of the first box member and the second box member, and is inserted into the second cylinder so as to swing to the other of the first box member and the second box member. And a second rod movably connected. The second cylinder is configured to extend or retract the second rod upon receiving power.

  In one embodiment, the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism may further include a lock mechanism for locking the first box member and the second box member so as not to open. In one embodiment, the lock mechanism has a second cylinder mechanism joined to one of the first box member and the second box member, and an opening joined to the other of the first box member and the second box member. And a lock plate. The second cylinder mechanism includes a third cylinder swingably connected to one of the first box member and the second box member, and a third rod inserted into the second cylinder. The third cylinder is configured to extend or retract the third rod upon receiving power. The first box member and the second box member are locked by inserting the third rod into the opening of the lock plate.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for assembling a wind turbine generator includes a step of building a tower, a step of mounting a nacelle on the tower, and a step of connecting a wind turbine blade to a hub connected to the nacelle. . In the step of connecting the wind turbine blades, the wind turbine blades are held by the wind turbine blade holding mechanism and the wind turbine blades are suspended.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism which can hold | grip a windmill blade reliably, preventing damage to a windmill blade can be provided.

It is a top view which shows the example of the structure of the windmill blade gripped by the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the example of the structure of the windmill blade illustrated by FIG. 1A. It is sectional drawing which shows the example of the structure of the windmill blade illustrated by FIG. 1A. It is a top view which shows the structure of the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of one Embodiment. It is a front view which shows the structure of the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of this embodiment. It is a rear view which shows the structure of the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of this embodiment. It is a side view which shows the structure of the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of this embodiment. It is a rear view of the structure of the hinge and cylinder mechanism of the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism of the present embodiment. It is a side view which shows the structure of the cylinder mechanism of the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of this embodiment. It is a side view which shows the opening / closing operation | movement of the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of this embodiment. It is a side view which shows the structure of the movable suspension mechanism of the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of this embodiment. It is a top view which shows the structure of the movable suspension mechanism of the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state by which the windmill blade is hold | gripped by the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of this embodiment, the blade width direction is turned to the substantially perpendicular direction. FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a state where the box frame of the windmill blade gripping mechanism in the state of FIG. 10A is opened and the windmill blade is detached from the windmill blade gripping mechanism. It is a figure which shows the state by which the windmill blade is hold | gripped by the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of this embodiment, the blade width direction is turned to the substantially horizontal direction. It is a figure which shows the state which the box-type flame | frame of the windmill blade holding mechanism in the state of FIG. 11A was opened, and the windmill blade was removed from the windmill blade holding mechanism. It is a figure explaining the movement of the gravity center when a box-type frame is opened. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the movable suspension mechanism corresponding to the movement of the gravity center of a box-type frame. It is a figure which shows the assembly method (construction method) of the wind power generator in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the assembly method (construction method) of the wind power generator in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the assembly method (construction method) of the wind power generator in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the assembly method (construction method) of the wind power generator in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the attitude | position control of the windmill blade with which the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of this embodiment was attached. It is a figure which shows the example of the attitude | position control of the windmill blade with which the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of this embodiment was attached. It is a figure which shows the example of the attitude | position control of the windmill blade with which the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of this embodiment was attached. In this embodiment, it is a front view which shows the structure of the suspension mechanism used in order to suspend the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism which grips a windmill blade. It is a front view which shows the structure of the gear box of the suspension mechanism of FIG. 16A. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the drive device of the suspension mechanism of FIG. 16A. In this embodiment, it is a perspective view which shows the structure of the roller chain used as a suspension rope of a suspension mechanism. It is a figure which shows the example of the attitude | position control of the windmill blade with which the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of this embodiment was attached. It is a figure which shows the example of the attitude | position control of the windmill blade with which the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of this embodiment was attached. It is a figure which shows the example of the attitude | position control of the windmill blade with which the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of this embodiment was attached. It is a figure which shows the example of the attitude | position control of the windmill blade with which the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of this embodiment was attached. It is a figure which shows the example of the attitude | position control of the windmill blade with which the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of this embodiment was attached. It is a figure which shows the example of the attitude | position control of the windmill blade with which the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism of this embodiment was attached. In this embodiment, it is a front view which shows the structure of the suspension mechanism used in order to suspend the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism which grips a windmill blade. It is a side view which shows the structure of the suspension mechanism of FIG. 19A. It is a side view which shows the structure of the gear box of the suspension mechanism of FIG. 19A. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the drive device of the suspension mechanism of FIG. 19A. It is a side view which shows three windmill blade holding | grip mechanisms stacked | stacked in the perpendicular direction. It is a front view which shows the three windmill blade holding | grip mechanisms piled up in the perpendicular direction. It is a perspective view which shows the example of a structure of the wind power generator comprised so that rotation of a windmill rotor might be transmitted to the rotor of a generator using a hydraulic system.

  Drawing 1A-Drawing 1C are figures showing an example of structure of windmill blade 1 grasped by a windmill blade grasping mechanism of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows the structure of the wind turbine blade 1 viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the wind turbine blade 1 (the surface connecting the blade leading edge 1a and the blade trailing edge 1b), and FIG. 1B shows the blade leading edge 1a. The structure of the windmill blade 1 seen from FIG. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional structure of the wind turbine blade 1 at the maximum chord position 5 (the position where the chord length is maximized) shown in FIG. 1A. In the blade root 1c, the cross-sectional shape of the wind turbine blade 1 is cylindrical, and as the blade root 1c approaches the blade tip 1d, the cross-sectional shape of the wind turbine blade 1 changes to a shape that generates lift. In FIG. 1A, the code | symbol 6 has shown the position of the gravity center of the windmill blade 1. FIG. It should be noted that, in general, the position of the center of gravity 6 of the wind turbine blade 1 and the maximum chord position 5 are different.

  As shown in FIG. 1C, the wind turbine blade 1 includes an outer skin 2, a spar cap 3, and a girder 4. In the present embodiment, two spar caps 3 are provided on the ventral side and the back side of the wind turbine blade 1, respectively. The spar cap 3 is joined to the outer skin 2, and the abdominal spar cap 3 and the dorsal spar cap 3 are connected by a girder 4. The spar cap 3 functions as a structural member for maintaining the strength of the wind turbine blade 1.

  As is well known to those skilled in the art, the wind turbine blade 1 is often provided with a protective mechanism for preventing damage to the wind turbine blade 1 when a lightning strike occurs. In the wind turbine blade 1 of FIGS. 1A to 1C, a receptor 7 and a down conductor 8 are provided. Since lightning strikes are most likely to occur at the blade tip 1d, the receptor 7 is provided in the vicinity of the blade tip 1d. The down conductor 8 is provided so as to extend from the receptor 7 in the spanwise direction of the wind turbine blade 1 to reach the blade root 1 c, and a conducting wire provided from the receptor 7 to the outside of the wind turbine blade 1. It has a function to finally lead to the ground through. The receptor 7 is not only in the vicinity of the blade tip 1d. It can be provided at an appropriate location on the wind turbine blade 1.

  One method for gripping the wind turbine blade 1 having such a structure is to sandwich the wind turbine blade 1 at the position of the spar cap 3 having high mechanical strength. However, in such a method, since a force acts on the windmill blade 1 locally, the windmill blade 1 may be damaged.

  In addition, when the wind turbine blade 1 is gripped, the presence of the down conductor 8 can be a problem. Due to mounting problems, the down conductor 8 is formed of a thin copper foil film and may be provided near the surface of the wind turbine blade 1. The down conductor 8 having such a structure has low mechanical strength. . In particular, it is required to hold the wind turbine blade 1 while preventing damage to the down conductor 8 having low mechanical strength.

  As will be described in detail below, the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism of the present embodiment reliably prevents the wind turbine blade 1 having such a shape from being damaged while preventing damage to the wind turbine blade 1 (particularly, preventing damage to the down conductor 8). It is configured to be grippable. It should be noted that the structure of the wind turbine blade 1 gripped by the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism of the present embodiment is not limited to that illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1C.

  2 to 4, 5 </ b> A, and 5 </ b> B illustrate the structure of the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 of the present embodiment. Below, the structure of the windmill blade holding | grip mechanism 10 is demonstrated using an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a top view of the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 as viewed in the −Z direction. FIG. 3 is a side view of the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10 as viewed in the + Y direction, and FIG. 4 is a side view of the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10 as viewed in the −Y direction. FIG. 5 is a side view of the structure of the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 as viewed in the −X direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 includes a box-shaped frame 11. The box-shaped frame 11 includes two box members (first and second box members) 12 and 13. The box members 12 and 13 are both configured as rigid structures. As will be described in detail later, the box members 12 and 13 are connected so as to be relatively rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the X-axis direction (first direction). Can be opened and closed. When the box frame 11 is closed, the box members 12 and 13 are arranged in the Z-axis direction (second direction).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the box member 12 includes a front plate 12a, an upper plate 12b, and a back plate 12c. The front plate 12a and the back plate 12c are provided in parallel to the XZ plane, and the upper plate 12b is provided in parallel to the XY plane. That is, the front plate 12a and the back plate 12c are joined vertically to the upper plate 12b. The + Z direction end of the front plate 12a is joined to the −Y direction end of the upper plate 12b, and the + Z direction end of the back plate 12c is joined to the + Y direction end of the upper plate 12b. .

  Similarly, the box member 13 includes a front plate 13a, a lower plate 13b, and a back plate 13c. The front plate 13a and the back plate 13c are provided in parallel to the XZ plane, and the lower plate 13b is provided in parallel to the XY plane. That is, the front plate 13a and the back plate 13c are joined vertically to the lower plate 13b. The −Z direction end of the front plate 13a is joined to the −Y direction end of the lower plate 13b, and the −Z direction end of the back plate 13c is joined to the + Y direction end of the lower plate 13b. ing.

  When the box frame 11 is closed, the −Z direction end of the front plate 12a of the box member 12 and the + Z direction end of the front plate 13a of the box member 13 are close to each other, and the rear plate of the box member 12 The end on the −Z direction side of 12c and the end on the + Z direction side of the back plate 13c of the box member 13 are close to each other. That is, when the box frame 11 is closed, the front plate 12a, the upper plate 12b, and the rear plate 12c of the box member 12, and the front plate 13a, the lower plate 13b, and the rear plate 13c of the box member 13 are in the YZ plane. It has a rectangular shape in parallel planes.

  A cushion member (first cushion member) 16 is attached to the inner surface (the surface facing the box member 13) of the box member 12, and the cushion member (second surface) is attached to the inner surface (the surface facing the box member 12) of the box member 13. A cushion member 17 is attached. As the cushion members 16 and 17, an elastic body (for example, a resin foam (resin form) such as urethane foam or polystyrene foam) is used. The surface 16a of the cushion member 16 and the surface 17a of the cushion member 17 constitute a space 18 in which the wind turbine blade 1 is accommodated. When the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10 grips the windmill blade 1, the cushion members 16, 17 are in surface contact with the windmill blade 1 at their surfaces 16 a, 17 a while surrounding the windmill blade 1. Prevents large stresses from acting on the surface.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 includes two hinges 14, two cylinder mechanisms 15, and a structure for opening and closing the box frame 11 having the above structure. Is provided. FIG. 6 is a view showing the structure of the hinge 14 and the cylinder mechanism 15 and is a view of the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10 as viewed in the + Y direction. Only the box members 12, 13, the hinge 14 and the cylinder mechanism 15 are shown for easy viewing of the figure.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the hinge 14 includes plates 14 a to 14 c and a pin 14 d. The plates 14 a and 14 b are joined to the back plate 12 c of the box member 12, and the plate 14 c is joined to the back plate 13 c of the box member 13. The plates 14a and 14b and the plate 14c are joined by pins 14d so as to be rotatable relative to each other. The pin 14d is oriented in a direction parallel to the X-axis direction. By the hinge 14 having such a structure, the box members 12 and 13 are rotatably connected to each other around a rotation axis parallel to the X-axis direction.

  The cylinder mechanism 15 is a device that drives the box members 12 and 13 to open and close the box-shaped frame 11. 6A and 6B, the cylinder mechanism 15 includes a cylinder 15a and a rod 15b inserted into the cylinder 15a. Electric power or mechanical power is supplied to the cylinder mechanism 15, and the cylinder mechanism 15 is configured to extend the rod 15 b from the cylinder 15 a or retract the rod 15 b into the cylinder 15 a by the supplied power. Yes. The cylinder 15 a is swingably joined to a plate 15 c joined to the back plate 13 c of the box member 13, and the rod 15 b swings to a plate 15 d joined to the back plate 12 c of the box member 12. It is possible to join.

  When the rod 15b is pulled into the cylinder 15a by the power supplied to the cylinder mechanism 15, the plate 15c joined to the back plate 13c of the box member 13 and the plate 15d joined to the back plate 12c of the box member 12 The distance between them becomes smaller. As a result, the angle between the back plate 12c of the box member 12 and the back plate 13c of the box member 13 becomes smaller than 180 °, and the box frame 11 is opened as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. At this time, the angle formed by the back plate 12c of the box member 12 and the rod 15b and the angle formed by the back plate 13c of the box member 13 and the cylinder 15a also change.

  On the other hand, when the rod 15b is fed out of the cylinder 15a by the power supplied to the cylinder mechanism 15, the plate 15c joined to the back plate 13c of the box member 13 and the plate 15d joined to the back plate 12c of the box member 12 The distance between is increased. As a result, the angle between the back plate 12c of the box member 12 and the back plate 13c of the box member 13 becomes 180 °, and the box frame 11 is closed as shown in FIG.

  In the above-described embodiment, the cylinder 15a of the cylinder mechanism 15 is connected to the box member 13, and the rod 15b is connected to the box member 12. Instead, the cylinder 15a is connected to the box member 12 and the rod 15 b may be connected to the box member 13.

  Referring to FIG. 3, when the box frame 11 is to be closed, the front plate 12 a of the box member 12 and the front plate 13 a of the box member 13 are securely connected so that the box frame 11 does not open. For this purpose, a lock mechanism 19 is provided. In the present embodiment, two lock mechanisms 19 are provided. Each lock mechanism 19 includes a cylinder mechanism 21 and a lock plate 22. Each cylinder mechanism 21 includes a cylinder 21a joined to the front plate 12a of the box member 12, and a rod 21b inserted into the cylinder 21a. Electric power or mechanical power is supplied to the cylinder mechanism 21, and the cylinder mechanism 21 is configured to extend the rod 21b from the cylinder 21a or retract the rod 21b into the cylinder 21a by the supplied power. Yes. The lock plate 22 is joined to the front plate 13a of the box member 13 and has a through hole through which the rod 21b is passed. When locking the box members 12 and 13, the rod 21 b is fed out from the cylinder 21 a and the rod 21 b is passed through a through hole provided in the lock plate 22. Thereby, the box-type frame 11 is reliably closed. On the other hand, when opening the box-shaped frame 11, the rod 21 b is drawn into the cylinder 21 a and the rod 21 b is removed from the through hole provided in the lock plate 22. Thereby, the box-shaped frame 11 will be in the state which can be opened. After that, when the driving force for rotating the box members 12 and 13 relative to each other is given by the cylinder mechanism 15 as described above, the box-shaped frame 11 can be opened.

  In the above embodiment, the cylinder mechanism 21 of the lock mechanism 19 is joined to the box member 12 and the lock plate 22 is joined to the box member 13. Instead, the cylinder mechanism 21 is joined to the box member 13. The lock plate 22 may be joined to the box member 12.

  2 to 4, the box member 12 is provided with two movable suspension mechanisms 23, and the box member 13 is also provided with two movable suspension mechanisms 24. The movable suspension mechanism 23 is a mechanism for fixing the suspension rope to the box member 12 when the box member 12 is hung on a suspension line. As will be described later, the movable suspension mechanism 23 is configured such that the position at which the suspension rope is attached to the movable suspension mechanism 23 can be adjusted. The two movable suspension mechanisms 23 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction.

  Similarly, the movable suspension mechanism 24 is a mechanism for attaching the suspension rope to the box member 13 when the box member 13 is suspended from the suspension rope. As will be described later, the movable suspension mechanism 24 is configured so that the position where the suspension rope is attached to the movable suspension mechanism 24 can be adjusted. The two movable suspension mechanisms 24 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction.

  In the following description, when it is necessary to distinguish between the two movable suspension mechanisms 23, the movable suspension mechanism 23 positioned on the −X direction side is denoted by reference numeral 23-1, and the movable suspension mechanism 23 positioned on the + X direction side is denoted by reference numeral 23−. 2 may be referred to. Similarly, when it is necessary to distinguish between the two movable suspension mechanisms 24, the movable suspension mechanism 24 positioned on the −X direction side is denoted by reference numeral 24-1, and the movable suspension mechanism 24 positioned on the + X direction side is denoted by reference numeral 24-2. May be referenced. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the movable suspension mechanism 23-1 attached to the box member 12 and the movable suspension mechanism 24-1 attached to the box member 13 include the box members 12 and 13. It is provided so as to be opposed to each other. Similarly, the movable suspension mechanism 23-2 attached to the box member 12 and the movable suspension mechanism 24-2 attached to the box member 13 are provided so as to face each other with the box members 12 and 13 interposed therebetween. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, each movable suspension mechanism 23 includes a suspension plate 25 and a cylinder mechanism 26. As shown in FIG. 3, the suspension plate 25 is provided with a through hole 25a for attaching a cable. When the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10 is suspended by a suspension line, the suspension line may be directly attached to the through hole 25a, or a fixture attached to the tip of the suspension line is attached to the through hole 25a. May be. The suspension plate 25 is swingably joined to the upper plate 12b of the box member 12 by a hinge 25c, and the angle between the suspension plate 25 and the upper plate 12b is adjustable.

  8 and 9 are views showing the structure of each movable suspension mechanism 23 in more detail. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cylinder mechanism 26 of each movable suspension mechanism 23 includes a cylinder 26a and a rod 26b inserted into the cylinder 26a. Electric power or mechanical power is supplied to the cylinder mechanism 26, and the cylinder mechanism 26 is configured to extend the rod 26b from the cylinder 26a or retract the rod 26b into the cylinder 26a by the supplied power. Yes. The cylinder 26 a is swingably connected to a fixed plate 26 c joined to the upper plate 12 b of the box member 12. The rod 26b is slidably connected to a fixed plate 25b joined to the suspension plate 25.

  The movable suspension mechanism 23 having such a structure adjusts the length of the portion of the rod 26b of the cylinder mechanism 26 that is extended from the cylinder 26a, so that the angle between the suspension plate 25 and the upper plate 12b can be set to a desired value. Can be adjusted to angle. Thereby, the position in the Y-axis direction (third direction) where the suspension rope is attached to the movable suspension mechanism 23 can be adjusted to a desired position. Here, the Y-axis direction is a direction parallel to the rotation axis in which the box members 12 and 13 rotate (that is, the X-axis direction (first direction)), and the box member 12 in a state where the box frame 11 is closed. , 13 in the direction in which they are aligned (that is, the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction (second direction)). At this time, the movable suspension mechanism 23 is attached to the movable suspension mechanism 23 since the position in the Y-axis direction where the suspension cord is attached to the movable suspension mechanism 23 is adjusted by swinging the suspension plate 25. When the position is adjusted, the position in the Z-axis direction where the suspension rope is attached to the movable suspension mechanism 23 is also changed at the same time. However, as will be described later, the change in the Z-axis direction of the position in the Z-axis direction where the suspension rope is attached to the movable suspension mechanism 23 is not essentially important.

  In the above-described embodiment, the cylinder 26a of the cylinder mechanism 26 is connected to the box member 12 and the rod 26b is connected to the suspension plate 25. Instead, the cylinder 26a is connected to the suspension plate 25 and the rod 26 b may be connected to the box member 12.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 and 8, the movable suspension mechanism 24 provided on the lower plate 13 b of the box member 13 has the same structure as the movable suspension mechanism 23. Each movable suspension mechanism 24 includes a suspension plate 27 and a cylinder mechanism 28. As shown in FIG. 3, the suspension plate 27 is provided with a through hole 27 a for attaching a cable. When the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10 is suspended by a suspension line, the suspension line may be directly attached to the through hole 27a, or a fixture attached to the tip of the suspension line is attached to the through hole 27a. May be. The suspension plate 27 is swingably joined to the lower plate 13b of the box member 13 by a hinge 27c, and the angle between the suspension plate 27 and the upper plate 12b is adjustable.

  The cylinder mechanism 28 of each movable suspension mechanism 24 includes a cylinder 28a and a rod 28b inserted into the cylinder 28a. The cylinder mechanism 28 is supplied with electric power or mechanical power, and the cylinder mechanism 28 is configured to extend the rod 28b from the cylinder 28a or retract the rod 28b into the cylinder 28a by the supplied power. Yes. The cylinder 28 a is swingably connected to a fixed plate 28 c joined to the lower plate 13 b of the box member 13. The rod 28b is slidably connected to a fixed plate 27b joined to the suspension plate 27.

  The movable suspension mechanism 24 having such a structure adjusts the length of the portion of the rod 28b of the cylinder mechanism 28 that is extended from the cylinder 28a, so that the angle between the suspension plate 27 and the lower plate 13b can be set to a desired value. Can be adjusted to angle.

  In the above-described embodiment, the cylinder 28a of the cylinder mechanism 28 is connected to the box member 13 and the rod 28b is connected to the suspension plate 27. Instead, the cylinder 28a is connected to the suspension plate 27 and the rod 28 b may be connected to the box member 13.

  Next, a method of using the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10, that is, a method of gripping the windmill blade 1 by the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10 will be described. FIG. 10A shows a case where the wind turbine blade 1 is suspended by the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 when the wind turbine blade 1 is suspended so that the blade tip 1d of the wind turbine blade 1 is directed downward and the blade width direction of the wind turbine blade 1 is substantially aligned with the vertical direction. An example of a gripped state is illustrated. The box members 12 and 13 can be closed by feeding the rod 15b from the cylinder 15a of the cylinder mechanism 15 in a state where the windmill blade 1 is inserted into the space 18 between the cushion members 16 and 17. When the box members 12 and 13 are closed, the windmill blade 1 is sandwiched between the cushion members 16 and 17 and the windmill blade 1 is gripped. At this time, the reliability of gripping the wind turbine blade 1 can be improved by locking the front plates 12a and 13a of the box members 12 and 13 by the lock mechanism 19 shown in FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 10A, the suspension ropes 31 and 33 and the suspension fittings 32 and 34 are used to suspend the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10. A suspension fitting 32 is attached to the tip of the suspension rope 31, and the suspension fitting 32 is connected to the suspension plate 25 of the movable suspension mechanism 23. Thereby, the suspension rope 31 is mechanically connected to the box member 12. Further, a suspension fitting 34 is attached to the tip of the suspension rope 33, and the suspension fitting 34 is connected to a suspension plate 27 of the movable suspension mechanism 24. Thereby, the suspension rope 33 is mechanically connected to the box member 13.

  Here, in the example of FIG. 10A, the suspension ropes 31 and 33 connected to the movable suspension mechanisms 23 and 24 (that is, the movable suspension mechanisms 23 and 24 close to the blade root 1c of the wind turbine blade 1) located above are provided. All of the loads due to gravity acting on the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10 and the windmill blade 1 are supported. In this case, the suspension ropes 31 and 33 connected to the movable suspension mechanisms 23 and 24 (that is, the movable suspension mechanisms 23 and 24 close to the blade tip 1d of the wind turbine blade 1) positioned below are used to control the attitude of the wind turbine blade 1. May be used. Moreover, the suspension ropes 31 and 33 connected to the movable suspension mechanisms 23 and 24 located below may support a part of the load due to gravity acting on the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 and the wind turbine blade 1.

  FIG. 10B illustrates a state in which the wind turbine blade 1 is removed from the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 after the blade root 1c of the wind turbine blade 1 is connected to a hub (not shown). After the blade root 1c of the wind turbine blade 1 is connected to the hub, the lock members 19 unlock the box members 12, 13, and when the rod 15b is pulled into the cylinder 15a of the cylinder mechanism 15, the box members 12, 13 relatively rotates in a horizontal plane, and the box members 12 and 13 open. Thereby, the windmill blade 1 is removed from the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10.

  FIG. 11A illustrates an example of a state in which the wind turbine blade 1 is gripped by the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 when the wind turbine blade 1 is suspended so that the blade width direction of the wind turbine blade 1 is substantially aligned with the horizontal direction. . Similarly to the case of FIG. 10A, the box members 12 and 13 are closed by the rod 15b being drawn out from the cylinder 15a of the cylinder mechanism 15 in a state where the windmill blade 1 is inserted into the space 18 between the cushion members 16 and 17. Accordingly, the wind turbine blade 1 is sandwiched between the cushion members 16 and 17 and the wind turbine blade 1 is gripped.

  In the example of FIG. 11A, the suspension rope 31 is connected to the two movable suspension mechanisms 23 provided on the box member 12, and the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 is suspended. Specifically, a suspension fitting 32 is connected to the respective ends of the two suspension ropes 31, and the suspension fitting 32 is connected to two movable suspension mechanisms 23. The movable suspension mechanism 24 provided on the box member 13 is not used to suspend the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10. At this time, the two suspension ropes 31 are in the same plane parallel to the vertical plane, and the center of gravity of the entire box members 12 and 13 is located in the plane where the two suspension ropes 31 exist. .

  FIG. 11B illustrates a state in which the wind turbine blade 1 is detached from the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 after the blade root 1c of the wind turbine blade 1 is connected to a hub (not shown). After the blade root 1c of the wind turbine blade 1 is connected to the hub, the lock mechanism 19 unlocks the box members 12 and 13, and when the rod 15b is pulled into the cylinder 15a of the cylinder mechanism 15, the box member 13 is The box members 12 and 13 are opened by rotating in the vertical plane relative to the box member 12. Thereby, the windmill blade 1 is removed from the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10.

  One of the cases where the box member 13 is relatively rotated in the vertical plane and the box members 12 and 13 are opened (see FIG. 11B) with the blade root 1c of the wind turbine blade 1 connected to the hub. The problem is that the center of gravity 37 of the box-shaped frame 11 moves when the box members 12 and 13 are opened as shown in FIG. In FIG. 12, reference numeral 35 indicates the center of gravity of the structure constituted by the box member 12 and the cushion member 16 attached thereto, and reference numeral 36 comprises the box member 13 and the cushion member 17 attached thereto. The center of gravity of the structure is shown. The center of gravity 37 of the box-shaped frame 11 is located at the midpoint between the centers of gravity 35 and 36. When the center of gravity of the center of gravity 37 of the box-shaped frame 11 deviates from the plane B where the two suspension ropes 31 are located (parallel to the vertical plane) immediately before the box members 12 and 13 are opened, the box members 12 and 13 are The wind turbine blade 1 may move relative to the wind turbine blade 1 and fall off from the cushion members 16 and 17. This means that the wind turbine blade 1 may collide with the cushion members 16 and 17 and the box members 12 and 13. The lower part A of FIG. 12 illustrates that the cushion member 17 collides with the blade leading edge of the wind turbine blade 1. When the wind turbine blade 1 collides with the cushion members 16 and 17 and the box members 12 and 13, the wind turbine blade 1 may be damaged.

  Here, in the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 of this embodiment, the center of gravity 37 of the box-shaped frame 11 is positioned at the two suspension ropes 31 by operating the movable suspension mechanism 23 described above (the vertical plane). Can be prevented from deviating from the plane B. As understood from FIG. 12, when the box members 12 and 13 are opened, the center of gravity 37 of the box-shaped frame 11 approaches the + Y direction, that is, the hinge 14 from the plane B on which the two suspension ropes 31 are located. It shifts in the direction (that is, the direction approaching the rotating shaft in which the box members 12 and 13 rotate). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13, the movable suspension mechanism 23 is operated to position C where the movable suspension mechanism 23 is suspended from the suspension line 31 (in the example of FIG. 13, the suspension fitting 32 connected to the suspension line 31. Is moved in the + Y direction, that is, in the direction approaching the hinge 14, the box members 12, 13 can be prevented from moving relative to the wind turbine blade 1. . At this time, by maintaining the center of gravity 37 of the box-shaped frame 11 within the plane B on which the two suspension ropes 31 are located, the box members 12 and 13 are ideally relative to the wind turbine blade 1. Can be prevented. This is effective for preventing damage to the wind turbine blade 1. When the movable suspension mechanism 23 is operated, the suspension plate 25 swings, so that the position C where the movable suspension mechanism 23 is suspended from the suspension line 31 also moves in the Z-axis direction. This has nothing to do with the operation of maintaining the center of gravity 37 of the box frame 11 within the plane B on which the two suspension ropes 31 are located.

  Although the case where the two movable suspension mechanisms 23 are suspended by the two suspension ropes 31 is described above, the case where the two movable suspension mechanisms 24 are suspended by the two suspension ropes 33 is similarly movable suspension. By operating the mechanism 24, the wind turbine blade 1 can be prevented from colliding with the cushion members 16, 17 and the box members 12, 13. That is, the box members 12 and 13 move relative to the wind turbine blades 1 by operating the movable suspension mechanism 24 and shifting the position where the movable suspension mechanism 24 is suspended from the suspension rope 33 in the direction approaching the hinge 14. This can be suppressed. At this time, by maintaining the center of gravity 37 of the box-shaped frame 11 within the plane on which the two suspension ropes 33 are positioned, ideally, the box members 12 and 13 are relatively relative to the wind turbine blade 1. It can be prevented from moving.

  One feature of the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 of the present embodiment described above is that the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 of the present embodiment has an elastic body inside the box members 12 and 13 that are rigid structures. The formed cushion members 16 and 17 are attached. When the box members 12 and 13 are closed, the cushion members 16 and 17 surround the wind turbine blade 1, and the box members 12 and 13 surround the cushion members 16 and 17 and the wind turbine blade 1. At this time, the surfaces 16 a and 17 a of the elastic cushion members 16 and 17 are formed in a shape matching the surface shape of the wind turbine blade 1, and the cushion members 16 and 17 are in surface contact with the wind turbine blade 1. . According to such a structure, since the stress which the cushion members 16 and 17 act on the windmill blade 1 can be reduced, the windmill blade 1 can be gripped while preventing the windmill blade 1 from being damaged. In particular, even when the down conductor 8 is provided in the vicinity of the surface of the wind turbine blade 1 as shown in FIG. 1A, the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 prevents the down conductor 8 from being damaged. Can be held. On the other hand, in the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 of the present embodiment, the cushion members 16 and 17 hold the wind turbine blade 1 in a wide area, and the cushion members 16 and 17 are mounted on the box members 12 and 13 which are rigid structures. Since it is surrounded and held, the wind turbine blade 1 can be reliably gripped.

  In order to reliably hold the wind turbine blade 1 in one layer, the wind turbine blade 1 is preferably gripped so that the maximum chord position 5 (see FIG. 1A) of the wind turbine blade 1 is inside the box members 12 and 13. . By forming the cushion members 16, 17 in a shape that matches the surface shape of the wind turbine blade 1, the wind turbine blade 1 is gripped so that the maximum chord position 5 of the wind turbine blade 1 is inside the box members 12, 13. The wind turbine blade 1 is less likely to be displaced in the blade width direction (that is, the direction toward the blade root 1c or the direction toward the blade tip 1d) with respect to the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10. This contributes to improving the certainty of gripping the wind turbine blade 1. Grasping the wind turbine blade 1 so that the maximum chord position 5 of the wind turbine blade 1 is inside the box members 12 and 13 is that the blade width direction of the wind turbine blade 1 is substantially horizontal or oblique to the horizontal plane. This is useful when the windmill blade 1 is gripped by the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10. In such a case, since the wind turbine blade 1 is easily displaced in the blade width direction, the wind turbine blade 1 is held so that the maximum chord position 5 of the wind turbine blade 1 is inside the box members 12 and 13. It is effective to eliminate the deviation in the direction.

  In addition, in the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 of the present embodiment, when the two movable suspension mechanisms 23 are suspended by the two suspension ropes 31, the movable suspension mechanism 23 is moved when the box members 12 and 13 are opened. By shifting the position C suspended from the suspension rope 31 in the direction approaching the hinge 14, the box members 12, 13 can be prevented from moving relative to the wind turbine blade 1, and damage to the wind turbine blade 1 can be prevented. it can. Similarly, when the two movable suspension mechanisms 24 are suspended by the two suspension ropes 33, the position at which the movable suspension mechanism 24 is suspended from the suspension rope 33 when the box members 12 and 13 are opened is the hinge 14. By shifting in the approaching direction, the box members 12 and 13 can be prevented from moving relative to the wind turbine blade 1, and damage to the wind turbine blade 1 can be prevented.

  14A to 14D are diagrams conceptually illustrating an example of a procedure for assembling (constructing) a wind turbine generator using the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 of the present embodiment. In the method of assembling (constructing) the wind turbine generator shown in FIGS. 14A to 14D, the three wind turbine blades 1 are sequentially connected to the hub 43.

  Here, it should be noted that in the method of assembling the wind turbine generator of this embodiment, the wind turbine rotor (ie, the hub 43) is not rotated when the three wind turbine blades 1 are connected. This is because, depending on the configuration of the wind turbine generator, when the wind turbine blades 1 are asymmetrically coupled to the hub 43 (for example, the three wind turbine blades 1 are originally connected to the hub 43 at intervals of 120 °. In the wind turbine rotor designed as described above, the hub 43 may not be rotated in a state where only one or two wind turbine blades 1 are connected.

  In a state where the wind turbine blades 1 are asymmetrically connected to the hub 43, the moment of inertia increases, so that the torque necessary to rotate the hub 43 is symmetrically connected to the hub 43. It becomes larger than the state (for example, the state where the three wind turbine blades 1 are connected to the hub 43 at intervals of 120 °). In such a case, in order to rotate the wind turbine rotor, it is necessary to apply a large torque.

  On the other hand, depending on the configuration of the wind turbine generator, the wind turbine rotor may not be able to rotate with a large torque. In general wind power generators, a speed increaser is provided between the wind turbine rotor and the generator. By rotating the output shaft of the speed increaser (the shaft connected to the generator) with a small torque, A large torque can be output from the input shaft of the speed increaser, and the wind turbine rotor connected to the input shaft can be rotated with a large torque. In such a case, even if the wind turbine blade 1 is asymmetrically connected to the hub 43, the wind turbine rotor can be easily rotated. However, for example, in a so-called direct drive type wind power generator, the hub of the wind turbine rotor is directly connected to the generator via the main shaft, and there is no speed increaser. Therefore, it is not possible to use a method of generating sufficient torque to rotate the wind turbine rotor by rotating the output shaft of the speed increaser.

  Further, even with a wind turbine generator configured to transmit the rotation of the wind turbine rotor to the rotor of the generator using a hydraulic system, the wind turbine rotor may not be rotated with a large torque depending on the specifications. FIG. 21 shows an example of the configuration of a wind turbine generator that uses a hydraulic system. In the wind power generator of FIG. 21, a main shaft 91, a hydraulic pump 92, a hydraulic motor 93, and a generator 94 are mounted on the nacelle 42. The hub 43 is connected to the main shaft 91, and the main shaft 91 is connected to the input shaft of the hydraulic pump 92. The hydraulic pump 92 generates hydraulic pressure from the rotational energy supplied from the main shaft 91, that is, the wind turbine rotor, and supplies the generated hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic motor 93. The hydraulic motor 93 drives the rotor of the generator 94 connected to the output shaft by the hydraulic pressure supplied thereto. In the wind turbine generator configured as shown in FIG. 21, the wind turbine rotor can be driven only with a small torque depending on the specifications of the hydraulic pump 92 and the hydraulic motor 93. The wind turbine generator assembly (construction) method illustrated in FIGS. 14A to 14D is a wind turbine generator configured such that the torque for driving the wind turbine rotor cannot be increased. It is for connecting.

  Returning to FIG. 14A, in the method of assembling the wind turbine generator of this embodiment, first, after the tower 41 is erected, the nacelle 42 is mounted on the tower 41. Further, the hub 43 is connected to the nacelle 42. Here, the nacelle 42 to which the hub 43 is connected in advance may be mounted on the tower 41.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 14B, the first wind turbine blade 1-1 is connected to the hub 43 from below the hub 43. Specifically, the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10 described above is attached to the windmill blade 1-1, and the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10 is suspended by the suspension mechanism 50. The wind turbine blade 1-1 is suspended such that its blade width direction is substantially coincident with the vertical direction and its blade tip is positioned below.

  The suspension mechanism 50 includes a suspension wire 51, a suspension block 52, and suspension ropes 53 and 54. The suspension wire 51 is connected to a suspension block 52, and the suspension block 52 is connected to suspension ropes 53 and 54. One end of the suspension line 53 is coupled to the movable suspension mechanism 23-1, and the other end is coupled to the movable suspension mechanism 23-2. Here, the movable suspension mechanism 23-1 is a movable suspension mechanism closer to the blade root of the two movable suspension mechanisms 23 connected to the box member 12, and the movable suspension mechanism 23-2 is the box member 12. Among the two movable suspension mechanisms 23 connected to each other, the movable suspension mechanism closer to the wing tip. Similarly, the suspension cable 54 has one end connected to the movable suspension mechanism 24-1 and the other end connected to the movable suspension mechanism 24-2. Here, the movable suspension mechanism 24-1 is a movable suspension mechanism closer to the blade root of the two movable suspension mechanisms 24 connected to the box member 13, and the movable suspension mechanism 24-2 is the box member 13. Of the two movable suspension mechanisms 24 connected to each other, the movable suspension mechanism closer to the wing tip. When the suspension wire 51 of the suspension mechanism 50 is lifted vertically upward by, for example, a crane (not shown), the wind turbine blade 1-1 is lifted upward, and the wind turbine blade 1-1 is connected to the hub 43 from below. . The detailed structure of the suspension block 52 and the suspension ropes 53 and 54 will be described later.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 14C, the second wind turbine blade 1-2 is connected to the hub 43 from obliquely above the hub 43. Specifically, the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10 described above is attached to the windmill blade 1-2, and the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10 is suspended by the suspension mechanism 60. The wind turbine blades 1-2 are suspended by the suspension mechanism 60 so that the blade width direction is obliquely upward, more specifically, at an angle of 120 ° with the vertical direction. The suspension mechanism 60 includes a suspension wire 61, a suspension block 62, and a suspension rope 63. The suspension wire 61 is coupled to a suspension block 62, and the suspension block 62 is coupled to a suspension line 63. One end of the suspension line 63 is coupled to the movable suspension mechanism 23-1, and the other end is coupled to the movable suspension mechanism 23-2. The suspension block 62 adjusts the length of the portion between the movable suspension mechanism 23-1 and the suspension block 62 of the suspension rope 63 and the length of the portion between the movable suspension mechanism 23-2 and the suspension block 62. It is configured to be able to. Such a configuration of the suspension block 62 is for controlling the attitude of the wind turbine blade 1-2 in the vertical plane. Detailed structures of the suspension block 62 and the suspension rope 63 will be described later.

  When the second wind turbine blade 1-2 is connected to the hub 43, the suspension mechanism 60 is suspended with the suspension block 62 adjusting the posture of the wind turbine blade 1-2 so that the blade width direction is obliquely upward. The wire 61 is lifted by a crane (not shown), for example. In this state, the wind turbine blades 1-2 are brought close to the hub 43 obliquely from above and connected to the hub 43.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 14D, the third wind turbine blade 1-3 is connected to the hub 43 from obliquely above the hub 43. Here, the third wind turbine blade 1-3 is connected to the hub 43 from the opposite side of the second wind turbine blade 1-2 with the hub 43 interposed therebetween. Specifically, the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10 described above is attached to the windmill blade 1-3, and the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10 is suspended by the suspension mechanism 60. The attitude of the wind turbine blade 1-3 is adjusted by the suspension mechanism 60 so that the blade width direction is obliquely upward, more specifically, an angle of 120 ° with the vertical direction. In this state, the wind turbine blades 1-3 are brought close to the hub 43 obliquely from above and connected to the hub 43. Through the above procedure, the three wind turbine blades 1 are connected to the hub 43 to complete the wind turbine rotor.

  14C and 14D, the wind turbine blade 1 is held in an oblique direction (for example, held in a direction that forms an angle of 120 ° with the vertical direction) and is connected to the hub 43. On the other hand, until the wind turbine blade 1 is attached to the hub 43, it is transported to the construction site and stored in a state of being held in the horizontal direction. This means that it is necessary to change the direction of the wind turbine blade 1 in the vertical plane in the air during the operation of connecting the wind turbine blade 1 to the hub 43.

  15A to 15C show a process of adjusting the attitude of the wind turbine blade 1 by the suspension mechanism 60. First, as shown in FIG. 15A, the suspension rope 63 of the suspension mechanism 60 is connected to the movable suspension mechanisms 23-1 and 23-2 with the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 attached to the wind turbine blade 1. . At this time, one end of the suspension rope 63 is connected to the movable suspension mechanism 23-1 near the blade root 1 c of the wind turbine blade 1, and the other end of the suspension rope 63 is movable near the blade tip 1 d of the wind turbine blade 1. Connected to The suspension line 63 is passed through the interior of the suspension block 62. Further, the suspension wire 61 attached to the suspension block 62 is lifted by a crane or other lifting device. At this time, the length of the portion 63-1 between the suspension block 62 and the movable suspension mechanism 23-1 and the length of the portion 63-2 between the suspension block 62 and the movable suspension mechanism 23-2 are set. By making them substantially the same, it is possible to lift the wind turbine blade 1 while keeping the blade width direction of the wind turbine blade 1 approximately horizontal.

  After the wind turbine blade 1 is lifted to the vicinity of the hub 43, as shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C, the blade width direction of the wind turbine blade 1 is obliquely upward (specifically, approximately 120 ° with respect to the vertical direction). The attitude of the wind turbine blade 1 is adjusted so as to be in the direction of the angle formed. The attitude of the wind turbine blade 1 is controlled by the suspension block 62 by increasing the length of the portion 63-1 of the suspension rope 63 (portion close to the blade root 1 c of the wind turbine blade 1) and the portion 63-2 (of the wind turbine blade 1. This is done by shortening the length of the portion close to the blade tip 1d.

  FIGS. 16A to 16C are diagrams showing examples of the structure of the suspension mechanism 60 that enables such an operation, and FIG. 17 shows the suspension rope 63 corresponding to the suspension mechanism 60 of FIGS. 16A to 16C. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure. As illustrated in FIG. 16A, a gear box 64 is provided on the suspension block 62 of the suspension mechanism 60. The gear box 64 includes a plurality of sprockets 65 as shown in FIG. 16B. In the configuration of the gear box 64 illustrated in FIG. 16B, three sprockets 65-1 to 65-3 are provided. On the other hand, as the suspension rope 63, a chain that meshes with the sprockets 65-1 to 65-3, more specifically, a roller chain is used.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of the structure of a roller chain used as the suspension rope 63. The roller chain includes an outer plate 71, an inner plate 72, a roller 73, a bush 74, and a pin 75. A pair of outer plates 71 are connected by two pins 75 that are press-fitted into each to form an outer link. On the other hand, a pair of inner plates 72 are connected by two bushes 74 press-fitted into each to form an inner link. A bush 74 is passed through the hole of the roller 73, and the roller 73 can freely rotate around the bush 74. The outer link and the inner link are connected by passing the pin 75 through the hole of the bush 74. A roller chain is configured by connecting the outer link and the inner link.

  Returning to FIG. 16B, the roller chain used as the suspension rope 63 is engaged with the upper part of the sprockets 65-1 and 65-3 located at the end and is engaged with the lower part of the sprocket 65-2. . According to such a structure, the length of the portion of the roller chain that meshes with the sprockets 65-1 to 65-3 can be increased, and the mechanical load acting on the roller chain can be reduced.

  At least one of the three sprockets 65-1 to 65-3 is driven by a driving device. By driving the sprockets 65-1 to 65-3, the length of the part 63-1 (part close to the blade root 1 c of the wind turbine blade 1) of the suspension rope 63 (that is, the roller chain) and the part 63-2 The length of (the portion near the blade tip 1d of the wind turbine blade 1) is adjusted.

  FIG. 16C is a block diagram conceptually showing an example of the configuration of the driving device 66 of the suspension block 62 configured to drive the sprocket 65-2 among the three sprockets 65-1 to 65-3. The drive device 66 includes a gear box 66a, a motor 66b, a control device 66c, and a battery 66d. The sprocket 65-2 is connected to the motor 66b through the gear box 66a and is driven by the motor 66b. The gear box 66a is used to decelerate and transmit the rotation of the rotor of the motor 66b to the sprocket 65-2. The motor 66b is controlled by the control device 66c. An instruction is given to the control device 66c from outside by wired or wireless, and the control device 66c controls the motor 66b in response to the instruction. As a result, the sprocket 65-2 is moved by the motor 66b to the length of the portion 63-1 (portion close to the blade root 1c of the wind turbine blade 1) of the suspension rope 63 (that is, the roller chain) and the portion 63-2 ( The wind turbine blade 1 is driven so that the length of the portion near the blade tip 1d) becomes a desired length. The battery 66d supplies electric power necessary for the operation of the motor 66b and the control device 66c to the motor 66b and the control device 66c.

  In the configuration of the driving device 66 shown in FIG. 16C, the battery 66d is built in, but the power for operating the motor 66b and the control device 66c may be supplied from the outside by a cable.

  According to the suspension block 62 using the gear box 64 having the structure described above, the attitude control of the long windmill blade 1 can be performed while preventing the suspension rope 63 from slipping. In the above example, the number of sprockets 65 included in the gear box 64 is three, but the number of sprockets 65 included in the gear box 64 may be any natural number. However, while the roller chain used as the suspension rope 63 increases the length of the portion that meshes with the sprockets 65-1 to 65-3, the portion 63-1 of the suspension rope 63 (on the blade root 1 c of the wind turbine blade 1). The number of sprockets 65 included in the gear box 64 is an odd number of 3 or more in order to maintain symmetry with respect to the near part) and the part 63-2 (part close to the blade tip 1d of the wind turbine blade 1). Is preferred.

  Referring to FIG. 14B again, in the above-described method of assembling (constructing) a wind turbine generator, when connecting the first wind turbine blade 1-1 to the hub 43, the blade width direction of the wind turbine blade 1-1 is substantially vertical. The wind turbine blade 1-1 is suspended so as to be parallel to the horizontal axis. On the other hand, in general, the wind turbine blade 1-1 is transported with the blade width direction of the wind turbine blade 1-1 directed substantially in the horizontal direction, and is placed at a construction site. This means that it is necessary to change the direction of the windmill blade 1-1 in the process of lifting the windmill blade 1-1.

  18A to 18F show a process of changing the wind turbine blade 1-1 that is suspended in a state in which the blade width direction is substantially horizontal, to a state in which the blade width direction is substantially vertical. FIG. As illustrated in FIGS. 18A to 18F, the wind turbine blade 1-1 is suspended by the suspension mechanism 50 in this process. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the suspension cables 53 and 54 of the suspension mechanism 50 are movable suspension mechanisms 23-1 in a state where the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10 is attached to the windmill blade 1. 23-2, 24-1, 24-2. It should be noted that in the process of FIGS. 18A to 18F, the wind turbine blade 1-1 is suspended using the four movable suspension mechanisms 23 and 24. One end of the suspension rope 53 is connected to the movable suspension mechanism 23-1 close to the blade root 1 c of the wind turbine blade 1, and the other end of the suspension rope 53 is connected to the movable suspension mechanism 23-2 close to the blade tip 1 d of the wind turbine blade 1. The Similarly, one end of the suspension rope 54 is connected to the movable suspension mechanism 24-1 near the blade root 1c of the windmill blade 1, and the other end of the suspension rope 54 is movable near the blade end 1d of the windmill blade 1. Connected to The suspension lines 53 and 54 are passed through the interior of the suspension block 52.

  19A to 19D are diagrams illustrating examples of the structure of the suspension mechanism 50. FIG. The suspension mechanism 50 has a similar structure to the suspension mechanism 60 described above. As illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the suspension mechanism 50 includes a suspension wire 51 and a suspension block 52. The suspension block 52 is provided with a suspension plate 52a, and a suspension ring 52b is connected to the suspension plate 52a. A suspension wire 51 for suspending the suspension block 52 is connected to the suspension ring 52b.

  The suspension block 52 includes a pair of gear boxes 55A and 55B and a drive device 56. The gear box 55A is used for driving the suspension line 53, and the gear box 55B is used for driving the suspension line 54.

  FIG. 19C is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the gear boxes 55A and 55B. Like the gear box 64 of the suspension mechanism 60, each of the gear boxes 55A and 55B includes a plurality of sprockets 57. In the configuration of the gear boxes 55A and 55B shown in FIG. 19C, the gear box 55A includes three sprockets 57A-1 to 57A-3, and the gear box 55B includes three sprockets 57B-1 to 57B-3. It has. On the other hand, the suspension lines 53 and 54 used in combination with the suspension mechanism 50 are chains used in meshing with sprockets, more specifically, the suspension lines 63 and 54 used in combination with the suspension mechanism 60. The roller chain illustrated in FIG. 17 can be used.

  The roller chain used as the suspension line 53 is meshed with the upper part of the sprockets 57A-1 and 57A-3 located at the ends and meshed with the lower part of the sprocket 57A-2. Similarly, the roller chain used as the suspension line 54 is meshed with the upper part of the sprockets 57B-1 and 57B-3 located at the ends and meshed with the lower part of the sprocket 57B-2. According to such a structure, the length of the portion of the roller chain used as the suspension rope 53, 54 that meshes with the sprockets 57A-1 to 57A-3, 57B-1 to 57B-3 can be increased. The mechanical load acting on the roller chain can be reduced.

  At least one of the three sprockets 57A-1 to 57A-3 included in the gear box 55A is driven by the driving device 56, and at least one of the three sprockets 57B-1 to 57B-3 included in the gear box 55B is driven. Driven by. By driving the sprockets 57A-1 to 57A-3, the length of the suspension cable 53 (that is, the roller chain) part 53-1 (the part close to the blade root 1c of the wind turbine blade 1) and the part 53-2 The length of (the portion near the blade tip 1d of the wind turbine blade 1) is adjusted. Similarly, by driving the sprockets 57B-1 to 57B-3, the length and portion of the suspension cable 54 (that is, the roller chain) portion 54-1 (portion close to the blade root 1c of the wind turbine blade 1) The length of 54-2 (portion close to the blade tip 1d of the wind turbine blade 1) is adjusted.

  FIG. 19D conceptually illustrates an example of the configuration of the driving device 56 configured to drive the sprockets 57A-2 and 57B-2 among the sprockets 57A-1 to 57A-3 and 57B-1 to 57B-3. FIG. The drive device 56 includes a gear box 56a, a motor 56b, a control device 56c, and a battery 56d. The sprockets 57A-2 and 57B-2 are commonly connected to the output shaft 56e of the gear box 56a. That is, the sprockets 57A-2 and 57B-2 are connected to each other by the output shaft 56e and rotate coaxially. The input shaft of the gear box 56a is connected to the motor 56b. When the input shaft is driven and rotated by the motor 56b, the sprockets 57A-2 and 57B-2 also rotate. The gear box 56a is used to decelerate and transmit the rotation of the rotor of the motor 56b to the sprockets 57A-2 and 57B-2. The motor 56b is controlled by the control device 56c. An instruction is given to the control device 56c from outside by wired or wireless, and the control device 56c controls the motor 56b in response to the instruction. Thereby, the length of the part 53-1 (part close to the blade root 1 c of the windmill blade 1) of the suspension rope 53 (that is, the roller chain) and the part 53-2 (part close to the blade tip 1 d of the windmill blade 1). The sprocket 57A-2 is driven so that the desired length becomes a desired length, and the length of the part 54-1 of the suspension cable 54 (the part close to the blade root 1c of the wind turbine blade 1) and the part 54- The sprocket 57B-2 is driven so that the length of 2 (portion close to the blade tip 1d of the wind turbine blade 1) becomes a desired length.

  In the configuration of the driving device 56 shown in FIG. 19D, the battery 56d is built in, but the power for operating the motor 56b and the control device 56c may be supplied from the outside by a cable.

  In the above example, the number of sprockets 57 included in each of the gear boxes 55A and 55B is three. However, the number of sprockets 57 may be an arbitrary natural number. However, while the roller chain used as the suspension lines 53 and 54 increases the length of the portion where the roller chain meshes with the sprockets 57A-1 to 57A-3 and 57B-1 to 57B-3, In order to maintain symmetry with respect to 53-1, 54-1 (portion close to the blade root 1c of the windmill blade 1) and portions 53-2, 54-2 (portion close to the blade tip 1d of the windmill blade 1), 55A 55B is preferably an odd number of 3 or more.

  According to the suspension mechanism 50 having the above-described structure, the wind turbine blade 1 in which the blade length direction is substantially horizontal is driven by driving the suspension ropes 53 and 54 while preventing the suspension ropes 53 and 54 from slipping. The attitude of the wind turbine blade 1 can be changed so that the blade length direction is in the vertical direction.

  First, as shown in FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B, the suspension wire 51 attached to the suspension block 52 is connected to a crane or other lifting device in a state where the blade length direction of the wind turbine blade 1 is substantially horizontal. Is lifted by. At this time, the length of the part 53-1 between the suspension block 52 and the movable suspension mechanism 23-1 and the length of the part 53-2 between the suspension block 52 and the movable suspension mechanism 23-2 are defined. The length of the part 54-1 between the suspension block 52 and the movable suspension mechanism 24-1 and the part 54-between the suspension block 52 and the movable suspension mechanism 23-2 are adjusted substantially the same. The length of 2 is adjusted to be approximately the same. Thereby, the windmill blade 1 can be lifted, keeping the blade width direction of the windmill blade 1 substantially horizontal.

  18C and 18D, the attitude of the wind turbine blade 1 is gradually changed so that the blade tip 1d of the wind turbine blade 1 is on the lower side and the blade root 1c is on the upper side. Specifically, the length of the portion 53-2 of the suspension rope 53 (the portion close to the blade tip 1d of the wind turbine blade 1) is increased by the gear box 55A of the suspension block 52, and the portion 53-2 (the blade of the wind turbine blade 1) is increased. The length of the portion close to the root 1c is shortened. Similarly, the length of the portion 54-2 (portion near the blade tip 1d of the wind turbine blade 1) of the suspension rope 54 is increased by the gear box 55B, and the portion 54-2 (portion close to the blade root 1c of the wind turbine blade 1). ) Is shortened. Thereby, the attitude | position of the windmill blade 1 changes so that the blade tip 1d may be located in the downward direction relatively, and the blade root 1c may be located in the upper side.

  As shown in FIGS. 18D and 18E, when the lengths of the portions 53-2 and 54-2 of the suspension ropes 53 and 54 are increased to a certain extent and the lengths of the portions 53-1 and 54-1 are decreased to a certain extent. The tension is not applied to the portions 53-2 and 54-2 of the suspension ropes 53 and 54, and the load due to gravity acting on the wind turbine blade 1 and the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10 is affected by the portion 53-1 of the suspension ropes 53 and 54. , 54-1 only. FIG. 18D shows a state immediately before the tension does not act on the portions 53-2 and 54-2 of the suspension ropes 53 and 54. In a state where tension does not act on the portions 53-2 and 54-2 of the suspension ropes 53 and 54, as shown in FIGS. 18E and 18F, the blade width direction of the wind turbine blade 1 is substantially vertical. Turn to. This completes the process of changing the wind turbine blade 1-1 suspended in a state in which the blade width direction is substantially horizontal, to a state in which the blade width direction is substantially vertical. The blade root 1c of the wind turbine blade 1 is connected to the hub 43 in a state where the blade width direction of the wind turbine blade 1 is substantially in the vertical direction.

  When implementing the above-described method of assembling (constructing) a wind turbine generator, it is necessary to transport three wind turbine blades 1 for each wind turbine generator. Here, in the structure of the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10 described above, since the cross-sectional shape thereof is substantially rectangular, it is easy to stack the plurality of windmill blade gripping mechanisms 10 in the vertical direction while gripping the windmill blade 1. Suitable for transportation of wing 1.

  20A and 20B illustrate three windmill blade gripping mechanisms 10 that are stacked in the vertical direction, each gripping the windmill blade 1. 20A and 20B, the wind turbine blade 1-1 is the wind turbine blade 1 that is first attached to the hub 43 (that is, the wind turbine blade 1 that is attached to the hub 43 from vertically below) (see FIG. 14B). The wind turbine blade 1-2 is the wind turbine blade 1 that is secondly attached to the hub 43 (that is, the wind turbine blade 1 that is attached to the hub 43 obliquely from above) (see FIG. 14C). Finally, it is the wind turbine blade 1 attached to the hub 43 (that is, another wind turbine blade 1 attached to the hub 43 obliquely from above) (see FIG. 14D).

  The windmill blade gripping mechanism 10-3 attached to the windmill blade 1-3 is placed at the bottom, and the spacer 81 is placed on the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10-3. Further, the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10-2 attached to the windmill blade 1-2 is placed on the spacer 81, and the spacer 82 is placed on the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10-2. The windmill blade gripping mechanism 10-1 attached to the windmill blade 1-1 is placed on the spacer 82.

  Here, the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10-1 that grips the windmill blade 1-1 and the other windmill blade gripping mechanisms 10-2 and 10-3 are preferably stacked in different directions. More specifically, the wind turbine blade gripping mechanisms 10-2 and 10-3 are stacked such that the box member 12 is positioned above and the box member 13 is positioned below. On the other hand, the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10-1 is stacked such that the box members 12 and 13 are aligned in the horizontal direction.

  By loading the windmill blade gripping mechanisms 10-1 to 10-3 in this way, the efficiency of the operation of connecting the windmill blade gripping mechanisms 10-1 to 10-3 to the suspension mechanism 50 or 60 can be improved. Specifically, as understood from FIG. 14B, the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10-1 that grips the wind turbine blade 1-1 that is lifted first includes the two movable suspension mechanisms 23 attached to the box member 12 and the box member. Both of the two movable suspension mechanisms 24 attached to 13 are lifted in a state where they are connected to the suspension mechanism 50. By stacking the windmill blade gripping mechanism 10-1 so that the box members 12 and 13 thereof are aligned in the horizontal direction, access to the movable suspension mechanisms 23 and 24 is facilitated. The efficiency of the work of attaching 54 is improved. On the other hand, regarding the wind turbine blade gripping mechanisms 10-2 and 10-3 that grip the second and third wind turbine blades 1-2 and 1-3, only the two movable suspension mechanisms 23 attached to the box member 12 are used. Is lifted in a state where it is connected to the suspension mechanism 60. The wind turbine blade gripping mechanisms 10-2 and 10-3 are stacked such that the box member 12 is located above and the box member 13 is located below, thereby making it easy to access the movable suspension mechanism 23 and making the movable The efficiency of the work of attaching the suspension rope 63 to the suspension mechanism 23 is improved.

  At this time, it is preferable that the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism 10-1 is stacked so that the direction of the chord of the wind turbine blade 1-1 is substantially vertical. Accordingly, when the wind turbine blade 1-1 is attached to the hub 43 after the attitude of the wind turbine blade 1-1 is changed in the procedure illustrated in FIGS. 18A to 18F, the wind turbine blade 1-1 is naturally in a feather state or The pitch angle is close to that. This is preferable from the viewpoint of preventing the hub 43 from being rotated by the wind when the wind turbine blade 1-1 is attached to the hub 43.

  Similarly, it is preferable that the windmill blade gripping mechanisms 10-2 and 10-3 are stacked such that the chord direction of the windmill blades 1-2 and 1-3 is substantially horizontal. As a result, when the windmill blade gripping mechanisms 10-2 and 10-3 are lifted while keeping the direction of the windmill blade gripping mechanisms 10-2 and 10-3, the windmill blades 1-2 and 1-3 are attached to the hub 43. Further, the pitch angle is such that the wind turbine blades 1-2 and 1-3 are naturally in a feather state or a state close thereto. This is preferable from the viewpoint of preventing the hub 43 from being rotated by wind when the wind turbine blades 1-2 and 1-3 are attached to the hub 43.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been specifically described above, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above-described embodiment. The present invention may be implemented with various modifications that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (9)

A windmill blade gripping mechanism for gripping a windmill blade,
A box frame comprising first and second box members each of which is a rigid structure;
A first cushion member formed of an elastic body, attached to the first box member;
A second cushion member attached to the second box member and formed of an elastic body;
The first box member and the second box member are connected so that the box frame can be opened and closed,
When the box-type frame is closed, the first cushion member and the second cushion member surround the wind turbine blade, and the box-type frame includes the first cushion member, the second cushion member, and the wind turbine. Windmill blade gripping mechanism that surrounds the wing. The wind turbine blade gripping mechanism according to claim 1,
Furthermore,
A suspension mechanism attached to the first box member and connected to a suspension rope for suspending the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism;
The said suspension mechanism is comprised so that the position where the said suspension rope and the said suspension mechanism may be connected with the power supplied from the outside is comprised. Windmill blade holding | grip mechanism. The wind turbine blade gripping mechanism according to claim 2,
Furthermore,
Comprising first and second suspension mechanisms attached to the first box member;
The first box member and the second box member are rotatable relative to each other around a rotation axis parallel to the first direction, and are perpendicular to the first direction when the box-shaped frame is closed. Connected in two directions,
Each of the first and second suspension mechanisms is configured to be coupled to a suspension rope for suspending the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism,
The first and second suspension mechanisms are provided side by side in the first direction,
The first suspension mechanism and the second suspension mechanism are supplied with power, and a position where the suspension rope and the suspension mechanism are connected is set in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The windmill blade gripping mechanism is configured to be adjustable. The wind turbine blade gripping mechanism according to claim 3,
The first suspension mechanism is
A suspension plate having a structure coupled to the suspension rope and pivotably coupled to the first box member;
A wind turbine blade gripping mechanism comprising a drive mechanism that receives the power and adjusts an angle between the suspension plate and the first box member. The wind turbine blade gripping mechanism according to claim 4,
The drive mechanism is
A first cylinder pivotably connected to one of the suspension plate and the first box member;
A first rod inserted into the first cylinder and connected to the other of the suspension plate and the first box member in a swingable manner;
The wind turbine blade gripping mechanism, wherein the first cylinder is configured to receive or supply the power to extend or retract the first rod. A windmill blade gripping mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Furthermore,
A hinge for rotatably connecting the first box member and the second box member;
A first cylinder mechanism,
The first cylinder mechanism is
A second cylinder pivotably connected to one of the first box member and the second box member;
A second rod inserted into the second cylinder and connected to the other of the first box member and the second box member in a swingable manner;
The wind turbine blade gripping mechanism is configured such that the second cylinder is supplied with power to extend or retract the second rod. The wind turbine blade gripping mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Furthermore,
A windmill blade gripping mechanism comprising a lock mechanism for locking the first box member and the second box member so as not to open. The wind turbine blade gripping mechanism according to claim 7,
The locking mechanism is
A second cylinder mechanism joined to one of the first box member and the second box member;
A lock plate having an opening joined to the other of the first box member and the second box member;
The second cylinder mechanism is
A third cylinder pivotably connected to the one of the first box member and the second box member;
A third rod inserted into the second cylinder;
The third cylinder is configured to extend or retract the third rod upon receiving power.
The first box member and the second box member are locked by inserting the third rod into the opening of the lock plate. The process of building a tower,
Mounting the nacelle on the tower;
Connecting a wind turbine blade to a hub connected to the nacelle,
A method of assembling a wind turbine generator, wherein in the step of connecting the wind turbine blades, the wind turbine blade is held by the wind turbine blade gripping mechanism according to claim 1 and the wind turbine blade is suspended.

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