WO2013102462A1

WO2013102462A1 - Master model structure

Info

Publication number: WO2013102462A1
Application number: PCT/DK2013/000002
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peder Mohr JENSEN
Original assignee: Dencam Composite A/S
Priority date: 2012-01-04
Filing date: 2013-01-03
Publication date: 2013-07-11

Abstract

A master model structure (20', 20") for moulding of large objects such as hulls, wind turbine blades and nacelles, which master model structure (20', 20") comprises: - a base structure (2) consisting of a plurality of rods (5) attached to one another and hereby constituting a box-like structure; - a plurality of frames (8, 9) mechanically connected to the a base structure (2), which frames are provided with recesses (10) configured to receive connection members (12) mechanically connecting at least a subset of the frames (8, 9). The frames (8, 9) are attached to a protrusion member (16) that protrudes from the base structure (2) and is mechanically connected to the base structure (2).

Description

Master Model Structure

Description

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a master model structure for moulding of large objects such as hulls, wind turbine blades and wind turbine nacelles. The invention also relates to a method for producing a master model structure.

Background of the Invention

The last decades have introduced a still on-going growth in wind turbine size. Large wind turbines have blades and nacelles that normally are manufactured by moulding processes that applies large complex moulds, so-called master models or master plugs. Accordingly, there is a growing need for master model for moulding of large wind turbine blades and nacelles.

Typically, large complex master models are manufactured by creating a base structure of steel or wood. The base structure is provided with cross bars for supporting the construction. Hereafter several large frames are attached to the base struc- ture. These frames are typically made by a cutting or punching process that result in a huge cutting waste or punching waste. Moreover, when the frames are made steel (e.g. punched from steel sheets) the weights of the frames are significant and the enormous amount of material makes the production of the master models extremely expensive.

Therefore, there is need for a master model structure that can be produced with a reduced cutting waste or punching waste and that is takes less material so that the production cost can be reduced. Master Model Structure

Description

Field of the Invention

Background of the Invention

Therefore, there is need for a master model structure that can be produced with a reduced cutting waste or punching waste and that is takes less material so that the production cost can be reduced. Moreover it is desirable to have a master model structure that can be made in a lighter construction while maintaining the required stiffness of the structure. Object of the Invention

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a master model structure that can be produced with a reduced cutting waste or punching waste. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a master model structure that can be produced from less material (reduced weight) than the prior art master model structures.

Summary of the Invention

The object of the present invention can be achieved by a master model structure having the features defined in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependant sub claims and explained in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The master model structure according to the invention is intended for moulding of large objects such as wind turbine blades and wind turbine nacelles. The master model structure comprises:

- a base structure consisting of a plurality of rods attached to one another and hereby constituting a box-like structure;

- a plurality of frames mechanically connected to the a base structure, which frames are provided with recesses configured to receive connection members mechanically connecting at least a subset of the frames. The frames are attached to a pro- trusion member that protrudes from the base structure and is mechanically connected to the base structure.

Hereby it is achieved that the master model structure the wasted material from the cutting or punching process can be minimised due to the fact that the frames can have a significantly smaller dimension than the prior art frames.

In addition, a lighter (reduced weight) master model structure can be achieved because the protrusion member can be made in a construction that is lighter than when the prior art frames are used to construct the master model structure.

By having a protrusion member, the master model structure can be made in a construction where the dimensions (thickness) of the base structure and the cross elements (e.g. cross bars) while in the same time it is possible to maintain the stiffness of the structure. The use of thinner elements makes it possible to reduce the weight of the master model structure.

The base structure consisting of a plurality of rods attached to one another in a way so that they constitute a box-like structure; however, it is possible to use various types o. The rods may be massive or hollow and have any suitable geometry en- suring that the base structure has the required mechanical strength and stiffness. The box-like structure may be any grid suitable grid structure. A plurality of frames is mechanically connected to the base structure. This may be done by using any suitable means for attachment (e.g. welding or screwing). The recesses may have any suitable geometry. It may be preferred that the recesses have a rectangular geometry.

The frames are attached to a protrusion member that is mechanically connected to the base structure. The protrusion member is a structure that protrudes relative to the base structure. The protrusion member is preferably consists of a plurality of rods attached to one another in a way so that the protrusion member constitutes a grid structure. The rods may be massive or hollow and have any suitable geometry just like the rods used in the base structure. It is important that the rods are made so that the protrusion member has the required mechanical strength and stiffness.

It is preferred that the each frame is composed by a plurality of frame units mechanically attached to one another. Hereby, it is possible to make the frames very small so that the punching waste or cutting waste can be minimised.

It may be an advantage that the length of a frame unit is less than half the width of the base structure since frame units of this size result in a significantly reduced waste (from cutting or punching) compared to the prior art frames.

It is preferred that the length of all frame units is less than half the width of the base structure. Hereby, waste (from cutting or punching) can be reduced under production of all the frame units. In this way the largest possible waste reduction can be achieved. It is preferred that the height of a frame unit is less than half the height of the protrusion member and/or less than half the height of the base structure. In this way the waste from cutting or punching the frame units out of a plate or sheet material can be significantly reduced.

In order to minimise the waste from cutting or punching the frame units out of a plate or sheet material, it is preferred that the height of all frame units is less than half the height of the protrusion member and/or less than half the height of the base structure.

It may be beneficial that a cross band is provided at the base structure and/or the protrusion member, which cross band is configured stabilise the base structure and/or the protrusion member. Hereby, a robust, strong and stiff construction can be achieved.

In order to achieve the most reliable construction it is preferred that a plurality of cross bands each is provided at the base structure and/or the protrusion member, which cross bands are configured to stabilise the base structure and/or the protrusion member.

It may be an advantage that the cross band is provided with a tensioning member, which tensioning member is configured to tension the cross band and hereby stabilise the base structure and/or the protrusion member. The tensioning member ensures that a required stabilisation of the base structure can be achieved.

The tensioning member may be any suitable type of tensioning member. Preferably, an easy adjustable tensioning member, so that the tension of the cross band can be adjusted when require (e.g. due to changed thermal condition causing thermal expansion or thermal contraction).

It is preferred that the frame units are modular and that each frame unit has a connection member configured to be received by a matching receiving member of an adjacent frame unit and/or a receiving member configured to be connected to a matching connection member of an adjacent frame unit.

Hereby it is achieved that a frame easily can be constructed from two or more frame units. Moreover, the use of matching connection members and receiving members makes it possible to provide an accurate assembling of adjacent frame units.

It is preferred that the master model structure is configured to be used to mould a wind turbine blade or a wind turbine na- celle.

It may be an advantage that a frame unit has a straight side configured to be attached to a plane portion of a protrusion member and an arced side, in which arced side a number of re- cesses are provided. Such frame unit is highly suitable for being attached to a protrusion member made or straight rods or corresponding straight connection members. Thus attachment to the protru- sion member is eased, especially when the attachment is provide by welding or screwing the frame unit and the protrusion member together. The arced side may have any desired geometry. The method for producing a master model structure according to the invention comprising the step of:

- providing a base structure consisting of a plurality of rods attached to one another and hereby constituting a box-like structure;

- mechanically connecting a plurality of frames to the a base structure, which frames are provided with recesses configured to receive connection members mechanically connecting at least a subset of the frames. The frames are being attached to a protrusion member that is mechanically connected to the base structure.

This method makes it possible to produce a master model structure in a way so that the wasted material from the cutting or punching process can be minimised. This can be achieved because the frames can have a significantly smaller dimension than the prior art frames.

The method, in addition, makes it possible to provide a less massive and thereby lighter master model structure, due to the fact that the protrusion member can be made in a light construction.

In one embodiment of a master model structure according to the invention the master model structure comprises:

- a base member;

- a plurality of frames mechanically connected to the base member;

- a grid member or a perforated plate attached to pipe mem- bers or connection members attached to the frames and

- a surface attached to the grid member or the perforated plate. The surface comprises a foam layer directly attached to the grid member or the perforated plate and that the foam fills the gabs/holes in the grid member or the perforated plate.

By attaching the foam layer directly to the grid member or the perforated plate in a way in which the foam fills the gabs/holes in the grid member or the perforated plate the time consuming and expensive process of initially adding a glass fibre layer to the grid member or the perforated plate may be skipped.

Moreover, the foam will flow through the holes and expend both radially and axially. The expended foam will constitute a kind of "lock members" at the back side of the grid member or the perforated plate. The "lock members" will secure a strong joining of the foam layer to the grid member or the perforated plate.

In fact an extremely strong joining of the foam layer to the grid member or the perforated plate than is achieved by attaching the foam layer directly to the grid member or the perforated plate. The joining between the foam layer and the grid member (or the perforated plate) is significantly stronger than the joining between the glass fibre layer and the grid member (or the perforated plate) used in the prior art. Therefore, no additional use of screws is required in order to achieve the required mechanical joining between the first surface layer and the grid member or the perforated plate. In this way the master model surface can be provided in a faster, better and cheaper way.

It is preferred that the holes/gabs in the in the grid member or the perforated plate a sufficiently small so that the foam blocks all the holes/gabs.

It is moreover preferred that the thickness of the grid member or the perforated plate is sufficiently thin to allow for the foam to flow all the way through the holes/gabs so that the foam blocks the holes/gabs.

The base structure may consist of a plurality of rods attached to one another in a way so that the rods constitute a box-like structure; however, it is possible to use various types of base structures of other shapes by way of example. The rods may be massive or hollow and have any suitable geometry ensuring that the base structure has the required mechanical strength and stiffness. The box-like structure may be any grid suitable grid structure. A plurality of frames may be mechanically connected to the base structure and the frames may be attached by using any suitable means for attachment (e.g. welding or screwing). It may be an advantage that a glass fibre layer is added to one or more minor areas of the grid member or the perforated plate is before the foam layer is attached directly to the remaining part of the grid member or the perforated plate. The minor area is preferably an area that is critical very with re- spect to vacuum tightness with regard to the moulding process to which the master model structure is intended to be used.

By the term minor areas is meant an area that is significantly smaller than the total area. The minor area may be less than 20%, preferably less than 10% of the total area.

It may be beneficial that one glass fibre layer is added to each of the lateral sides of the grid member or the perforated plate is before the foam layer is attached directly to the remaining part of the grid member or the perforated plate.

By the term lateral side is meant a boundary area located near the end area of the rid member or the perforated plate. The lateral side is preferably the area that is critical regarding the requirements for vacuum tightness of the master model structure. It is of great importance that the master model structure is vacuum tight when it has to be used in a moulding process.

It is preferred that the foam layer is milled after being hard- ened and that a glass fibre layer is added to the milled foam layer. The milling process may be used to achieve the exact geometry that is desired.

It may be an advantage that an epoxy layer or a foam layer is added to the hardened glass fibre layer. The added epoxy layer or a foam layer may be used a finishing layer that may be milled or treated in another way to achieve a desired structure.

It may be preferred that the method according to the invention is a method for making a master model structure for moulding of large objects such as hulls, wind turbine blades and master model structure nacelles, which master model structure comprises:

- a base member;

- a plurality of frames mechanically connected to the base member;

- a grid member or a perforated plate attached to pipe members or connection members attached to the frames and

- a surface attached to the grid member or the perforated plate A foam layer is attached directly to the grid member or the perforated plate in a way, in which the foam fills the gabs/holes in the grid member or the perforated plate.

Hereby it is achieved that the initial adding of a glass fibre lay- er to the grid member or the perforated plate may be skipped. Therefore, production time and cost may be reduced compared with the prior art methods. In addition, a better mechanical joining between the first surface layer and the grid member or the perforated plate can be achieved. It is preferred that a glass fibre layer is added to one or more minor areas of the grid member or the perforated plate is before the foam layer is attached directly to the remaining part of the grid member or the perforated plate.

Hereby it is secured that the critical areas are vacuum tight. This is important when the master model structure (also called the master plug) is being used to manufacture a mould. It is preferred that one glass fibre layer is added to each of the lateral sides of the grid member or the perforated plate is before the foam layer is attached directly to the remaining part of the grid member or the perforated plate. The lateral sides are typically considered to be critical with respect to vacuum tight- ness. Accordingly, it is desirable to add a glass fibre layer to the lateral sides.

It is preferred that the foam layer is milled after being hardened and that a glass fibre layer is added to the milled foam layer. In this way a desired shape of the foam layer may be achieved.

It may be an advantage that an epoxy layer or a foam layer is added to the hardened glass fibre layer. An epoxy layer or a foam layer is added to the hardened glass fibre layer may give the master model structure a requested finish and surface property.

Description of the Drawing The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below. The accompanying drawings are given by way of illustration only, and thus, they are not limitative of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a prior art base structure and a prior art base structure with frames;

Fig. 2 shows perspective views of prior art base structure with frames;

Fig. 3 shows is a schematically view of a prior art master model structure;

Fig. 4 shows a master model structure according to the invention;

Fig. 5 is a schematically side views of two master model structures according to the invention;

Fig. 6 shows a close-up view of a first frame unit and a second frame unit according to the invention attached one another;

Fig. 7 shows an example of a portion of a prior art master model structure having a grid member to which a surface is added ;

Fig. 8 shows the steps of adding additional layers to the surface shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 shows how a foam layer is added directly to a grid member of a master model structure surface according to the invention;

Fig. 10 shows the steps of adding additional layers to master model structure surface shown in Fig. 9 and

Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional close-up view of a foam layer added directly to a perforate plate. Detailed Description of the Invention

Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illus- trating preferred embodiments of the present invention, a prior art base structure and a prior art base structure with frames is illustrated in Fig. 1.

The prior art base structure 2 illustrated in Fig. 1 a) comprises a base member 4 consisting of a number of steel rods 5 constituting a box-like configuration. The steel rods are reinforced by cross bars 6.

The next step in the process of producing a prior art master model structure is illustrated in Fig. lb). Here a plurality of frames 8 has been attached to the outer surface of the base structure 2.

Fig. 2a) illustrates a perspective view of the base structure 2 having a plurality of frames 8 shown in Fig. lb). A plurality of recesses 10 extend along the edge of the frames 8. These recesses 10 are configured to receive a number of longitudinal extending pipe members 12 like illustrated in Fig. 2 b). The stiffness of the construction is mainly provided by the base structure 2 and the cross members 6 are introduced in order to increase the cross stability of the construction (the base structure 2). In Fig. 3 a grid member 14 has further been attached to the pipe members 12 and the flames 8. It is also possible to attach a perforated plate to the pipe members 12 and the flames 8 as an alternative to the grid member 14.

The grid member 14 (or alternatively the perforated plate) is attached to the pipe members 12 and to the flames 8 by screws or by a welding depending of the materials. The configuration shown in Fig. 3 is a typical prior art master model structure 20.

The next step of producing the master model is to cover the outer surface of the master model structure 20 with an outer layer (not shown) of a fibre reinforced polymer made of a plas- tic matrix reinforced by fine fibres of glass, where the fibre reinforced polymer may be made of a plastic matrix reinforced by fine glass fibres. The outer layer (not shown) can hereafter be milled in order to achieve the required finish (geometric shape).

Fig. 4a) illustrates a base structure 2 according to a master model structure 20' of the invention. The master model structure 20' is intended to be used as a mould (a master plug) for producing large objects like blades or nacelles of a wind tur- bine.

The base structure 2 according to a master model structure 20' of the invention comprises a plurality of steel rods 5 arranged in a box-like configuration and hereby constituting a base con- struction that is reinforced by a plurality of cross members 6' formed as cross bands 6' each provided with a tensioning member 18 for tensioning the cross bands 6' and hereby stabilising the base structure 2. In Fig. 4b) a protrusion member 16 has been attached to the base structure 2 of the master model structure 20'. The protrusion member 16 is made of a plurality of rods 5' constituting a grid structure. This grid structure is reinforced by a number of diagonally extending protrusion member 16 cross bands 6'. The cross bands are tensioned by tensioning members 18'. The length L and the width of the master model structure 20' is indicated in Fig. 4b).

Thus the protrusion member 16 is stabilised and is a stiff con- struction compared with the prior art construction shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 illustrates two side-views of two master model structures 20', 20" according to the invention. In Fig. 5a) a first master model structure 20' is illustrated. The first master model structure 20' corresponds to the master model structure 20' shown in Fig. 4b) however a number of minor frame units 8', 8", 8"' have been attached to one another and constitute a frame 8. The frame 8 is attached to the outer surface of the protrusion member 16.

These minor frame units 8', 8", 8" are provided with a plurality of recesses 10 and the frame units 8', 8", 8"' may be welded together of fixed to each other two by to by using other at- tachment means. The frame units 8', 8", 8"' may be secured to the protrusion member 16 by welding, screws or by using other suitable fixation means.

The master model structures 20', 20" in Fig. 5a) and in Fig. 5b) both comprise a base structure 2 like the ones illustrated in and explained with reference to Fig. 2. The base structure 2 comprises several steel rods 5 arranged in a box-like configuration constituting a base construction reinforced by a plurality of cross members 6' constructed as cross bands 6'. Each cross band 6' has a tensioning member 18 configured to tension the cross band 6' in order to stabilise the base structure 2.

Fig. 5b) illustrates a side-view of a second master model structure 20" almost similar to the first master model structure 20' shown in Fig. 5a). The second master model structure 20" illustrated in Fig. 5b) comprise a number of minor frame units 9', 9", 9"' constituting a frame 9 that has been attached to the outer surface of the protrusion member 16. Compared to the first master model structure 20' shown in Fig. 5a) the minor frame units 9', 9", 9"' attached to the outer surface of the protrusion member 16 of the second master model structure 20" are provided with significantly fewer recesses 10. However, the number of recesses 10 is sufficient to attach pipe members 12 or alternatively rods or other suitable connection members to the recesses 10 of the frames 9', 9", 9"' and attach a grid member 14 or a perforated plate thereto.

The frame 8, 9 are much smaller than the frames 8 used in the prior art (see Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) and therefore, the frames 8, 9, that typically are made out of steel sheets, can be produced with a significantly reduces punching waste (from the punching process). In fact, the frame units 8', 8", 8"', 9', 9", 9'" used in the master model structures 20', 20" according to the invention are so small that the can easily be manufactured by using standard optimisations programming for reducing the punching waste and hereby reducing the cost. Moreover, the master model structures 20', 20" having a protrusion member 16 like illustrated in fig. 4b) and in Fig. 5 is a much stronger and robust construction than the prior art construction (shown in Fig 2-3).

In Fig. 5 it is indicated that the size of the frame units 8', 8", 8'", 9', 9", 9"' are small compared with the size of the base structure 2 and the protrusion member 16. It can be seen that the height Hi of the frame 9" is significantly smaller than the height H₂ of the master model structure 20". The height Hi of the frame 9" is s significantly smaller than the height H2 of the master model structure 20". In fact, the height Hi of the frame 9" is smaller than the height H₃ of the protrusion member 16 and smaller than the height H₄ of the base structure 2.

In addition, the length U of the unit frame 9" is smaller than the width W of the base structure 2. When Fig. 5 is compared to Fig. 2 it can be seen that the size of the prior art frame (see Fig. 2) corresponds to the complete size of the protrusion member 16 and the frames 9', 9", 9'" of the master model structure 20" shown in Fig. 5b). Accordingly, it is clear that the frame 9 as well as the frame units 9', 9", 9"' of the master model structure 20" shown in Fig. 5b) are much smaller than the prior art frames illustrated in Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 illustrates a close-up view of a first frame unit 9' and a second frame unit 9" according to the invention attached one another. The first frame unit 9' has a straight side 26 configured to be attached to a plane portion of the protrusion member 16 (see Fig. 5) and an arced side 28. Five recesses 10 are provided along the arced side 28 of the first frame unit 9'.

The first frame unit 9' has a connection member 22 configured to be received by a corresponding receiving member of an adjacent frame intended to be attached to the first frame unit 9'. The first frame unit 9' is secured to the second frame 9" by means of a mechanical connection. The mechanical connection comprises a connection member 22' of the first frame unit 9' which has been received by a matching receiving member 30 of the second frame unit 9". Two point welds 24 have been added in order to keep the first frame unit 9' and the second frame unit 9" together. It is possible to use other methods to attach the frame units 9', 9" to one another. Use of fastening means such as screws may be an alternative. If the frame units 9', 9" are made out of wood it is possible to attach adjacent frame units 9', 9" by use of a plate that is attached to both frame units 9', 9" by means of screws or other means for fastening.

The frame units 9', 9" may preferably be made of metal, such as steel by way of example so that adjacent frame units can be attached to one another by welding. It is possible to have embodiments where the geometry of the base structure 2 or the protrusion member 16 is different.

Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a portion of a prior art master model structure having a grid member 14. The grid member 14 may be attached to a plurality of pipe members or connection member like shown in Fig. 3. However, for clarity reasons only the grid member 14 is illustrated in Fig. 7. In Fig. 7 a) no additional layers are attached to the grid member 14. In Fig. 7 b) a glass fibre layer 32 has been attached to the grid member 14. Most often it is required to screw a plurality of screws 34 through the glass fibre layer 32 when it has been hardened. The hardening process may be time consum- ing.

In Fig. 7 c) a foam layer 36 (e.g. polyurethane foam) has been added to the glass fibre layer 32 and in Fig. 7 d) the added foam layer 36 has been milled to the desired geometric shape. The surface of the foam layer 36 smoother in Fig. 7 d) than in Fig. 7 c).

Fig. 8 illustrates the remaining steps in the production of a prior art master model structure surface. In Fig. 8 a) an additional glass fibre layer 38 has been added to the milled foam layer 36. Once the added glass fibre layer 38 has hardened, a foam layer 40 (or alternatively an epoxy layer 40) is added to the glass fibre layer 38. When the added foam layer 40 has been milled the master model structure surface is finished. The prior art master model structure surface consists of four layers 32, 36, 38, 40.

The production of a master model structure surface according to the invention is illustrated in Fig. 9-10. In Fig. 9 a master model structure 20" like the one shown in Fig. 5.

A grid member 14 is secured to the pipe members 12 fixed to the frame units 9', 9", 9'". Two glass fibre sheet members 46, 46' (narrow lanes) have been added to the lateral portion of the grid member 14. This is done to make sure that the master model structure surface will be vacuum tight in these areas which normally are considered to be critical. In Fig. 9 b) a foam layer 42 has been added directly to the grid member 14 and the hardened glass fibre sheet members 46, 46'. The foam layer 42 is rather uneven and thus it is milled. In Fig. 10 a) the foam layer 42 has been milled and an additional layer glass fibre layer 44 has been added to the milled foam layer 42.

When the additional glass fibre layer 44 has hardened a foam layer 48 or alternatively an epoxy layer is added to the hardened glass fibre layer 44. When the added foam layer 48 has been milled, the master model structure surface is finished.

Fig. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional close-up view of a foam layer 42 that has been added to a perforated plate 14. It can be seen that the foam 42 has been filled into the hole in the perforated plate 14. At the back side 15 of the perforated plate 14 the foam has expanded both radially and axially so that the foam constitute a domed "lock member" 43.

When the foam is added to a perforated plate 14 having a plu- rality of holes 17 a corresponding number of "lock members" 43 will be provided. Each of these "lock members" 43 will contribute to the joining between the foam layer 42 and the perforated plate 14. Accordingly, a firmly mechanical attachment of the foam layer 42 to the perforated plate 14 can be achieved by adding the foam 42 directly to the perforated plate (14) (or alternatively to a grid member).

Above only a few embodiments of the invention have been described, however, it can easily be envisaged that several other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. It will e.g. be possible to have embodiments where the geometry of the frame units 9', 9", 9"' is different.

List of reference numerals

2 Base structure

4 Base member

5, 5' Rod

6, 6' Cross member

8, 9 Frame

8', 8", 8"' Frame unit

9', 9", 9"' Frame unit

10 Recess

12 Pipe member/connection member

14 Grid member

15 Back side

16 Protrusion member

17 Hole

18, 18' Tensioning member

20, 20', 20" Master model structure

22, 22' Connection member

24 Weld

26 Straight side

28 Arced side

30 Receiving member

H, Hi, H2, H3, H4 Height

L, Li Length

W Width

32 Glass fibre layer

34 Screw

36 Foam layer

38 Glass fibre layer 40 - Foam layer or epoxy layer

42 - Foam layer

43 - Lock member

44 - Glass fibre layer

46, 46' - Glass fibre sheet member

48 - Foam layer or epoxy layer

Claims

1. A master model structure (20', 20") for moulding of large objects such as hulls, wind turbine blades and nacelles, which master model structure (20', 20") comprises:

- a base structure (2) consisting of a plurality of rods (5) attached to one another and hereby constituting a box-like structure;

- a plurality of frames (8, 9) mechanically connected to the a base structure (2), which frames are provided with recesses

(10) configured to receive connection members (12) mechanically connecting at least a subset of the frames (8, 9) characterised in that the frames (8, 9) are attached to a protrusion member (16) that protrudes from the base structure (2) and is mechanically connected to the base structure (2).

2. A master model structure (20', 20") according to claim 1 characterised in that the each frame (8, 9) is composed by a plurality of frame units (8', 8", 8'", 9', 9", 9"') mechanically at- tached to one another.

3. A master model structure (20', 20") according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that the length (Li) of a frame unit (8', 8", 8'", 9', 9", 9"') is less than half the width (W) of the base structure (2).

4. A master model structure (20', 20") according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the height (Hi) of a frame unit (9") is less than half the height (H₃) of the protru- sion member (16) and/or less than half the height (H₄) of the base structure (2).

5. A master model structure (20', 20") according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that a cross band (6) is provided at the base structure (2) and/or the protrusion member (16), which cross band (6) is configured stabilise the base structure (2) and/or the protrusion member (16).

6. A master model structure (20', 20") according to claim 5 characterised in that the cross band (6) is provided with a tensioning member (18), which tensioning member (18) is configured to tension the cross band (6) and hereby stabilise the base structure (2) and/or the protrusion member (16).

7. A master model structure (20', 20") according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the frame units (8', 8", 8'", 9', 9", 9"') are modular and that each frame unit (8', 8", 8'", 9', 9", 9"') has a connection member (22) configured to be received by a matching receiving member (30) of an adjacent frame unit (8', 8", 8'", 9', 9", 9"') and/or a receiving member (30) configured to be connected to a matching connection member (22) of an adjacent frame unit (8', 8", 8'", 9', 9", 9'").

8. A master model structure (20', 20") according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the master model structure (20', 20") is configured to be used to mould a wind turbine blade or a wind turbine nacelle.

9. A master model structure (20', 20") according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that a frame unit (8', 8", 8'", 9', 9", 9"') has a straight side (26) configured to be attached to a plane portion of a protrusion member (16) and an arced side (28), in which arced side (28) a number of recesses (10) are provided.

10. A method for producing a master model structure (20') which method comprising the step of:

- providing a base structure (2) consisting of a plurality of rods (5) attached to one another and hereby constituting a box-like structure;

- mechanically connecting a plurality of frames (8, 9) to the a base structure (2), which frames are provided with recesses (10) configured to receive connection members (12) mechanically connecting at least a subset of the frames (8, 9) characterised in that the frames (8, 9) are being attached to a protrusion member (16) that is mechanically connected to the base structure.