EP3434637A1 - Platform system - Google Patents

Abstract

A platform system comprising at least one drive unit (2), at least one support (3) and a first platform (4), one end of the at least one support (3) being movably connected to the first platform (4) and another end of the at least one a support (3) can be operatively connected to a structure-side fastening element (1), wherein the at least one drive unit (2) acts on the structure-side fastening element (1) for moving the at least one support (3) along the structure-side fastening element (1).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a platform system, in particular for the assembly of high hollow structures, such as towers.

STATE OF THE ART

High towers or masts, such as those required for wind turbines, are often composed of transportable tower segments. The individual segments are positioned with a crane. In order to position the individual segments exactly and to connect them together, a mounting platform inside the tower is needed. Platforms are known which are arranged on already mounted segments. After each assembled segment, the platform is brought to the next higher position with a crane and fastened there again. This design has the disadvantage that the platform can be arranged only at predetermined heights of the tower. The repositioning of the platform after each assembly of a tower segment is complex and time consuming. With a crane, the platform can not be repositioned simultaneously while a new segment is attached and prepared for positioning. To save time, two cranes can be used, one for the platform and one for the segments. However, this is costly and expensive.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a platform system which allows independent positioning of the platform at any height.

This object is achieved by a platform system having the features of claim 1. Further embodiments of the platform system and a method for mounting a structure with a platform system according to the invention are defined by the features of further claims.

A platform system according to the invention comprises at least one drive unit, at least one support and a first platform, wherein one end of the at least one support is movably connected to the first platform and another end of the at least one support can be operatively connected to a structure-side attachment element, wherein the at least one Drive unit acts on the structure-side fastening element for moving the at least one support along the structure-side fastening element. This design allows any displacement of the platform system in height with respect to the structure. Once a first structural segment is placed, such as an annular tower segment, which may consist of a one-piece ring or composite ring segments, a substantially vertically aligned fastener may be disposed on the structure. In this context, "essentially vertical" means that Fastening element with inclined inner structure of a tower segment can also be inclined accordingly. At the structure breakpoints may be provided for attachment of the fastener. At the structure side mounted fastener, the platform system can be mounted by the at least one drive unit is coupled to the fastener. The fastening element is for example a rail and has, for example, hollow profiles, which are connected to one another by webs. In the webs openings are formed, to which the fastening element can be fastened with fastening means to the structure. Further, recesses are formed in the webs of the fastening element, in which a gear and / or a securing element can engage. Due to the articulated connection of the first platform with the drive unit by the carrier, the first platform can be moved or pivoted relative to the drive unit. By pivoting or moving the position of the first platform with respect to the drive unit, or of the fastener and the structure can be changed. Thus, the area accessible by a user increases. In addition, the first platform may be designed to be rotatable or pivotable about a substantially vertical axis. This allows the exact alignment of certain areas of the first platform with respect to the perimeter of the structure. The platform may be distributed substantially uniformly distributed about the axis of rotation or it may be formed, for example, as a pivotable segment. The ones from Power required by the platform system may be provided by an external power supply or the platform system may include its own power source, with an external power supply reducing the weight of the platform system. For example, the electrical and / or hydraulic energy required by the system may be provided directly or indirectly by a generator.

In further embodiments, the platform system comprises at least two drive units and at least two supports. The at least two drive units can be arranged on a common fastening element or on different fastening elements. In both cases, the mechanical load of each drive unit and each fastener reduces.

In the second embodiment with two drive units on a fastener, one or both of the supports may be formed telescopically. For example, the upper support can be telescopic, which can be followed by a displacement of the first platform, which results from the pivoting movement about a first joint of the drive unit. Since in this case the upper support does not have to absorb pressure forces, it could also be replaced by a cable system, which could only absorb tensile forces. A cable system is less heavy than a telescopic support.

In the third embodiment with two drive units on two different fasteners, the fasteners can be arranged arbitrarily to each other on the structure. In the case of round structures, the fastening elements can be distributed on the inner circumference. In order to reduce the required absorption of the moments of each drive unit and thus to reduce the local load of each fastener, the two fasteners may be arranged opposite each other on the circumference of the structure. In this arrangement, neither the drive units, nor the supports or the platform need to record relevant holding moments. In order to reduce the forces of the drive units, which act on the outside of the fasteners, a clamping unit can be provided between the drive units. The clamping unit pulls the drive units to each other and can follow changes in distance between the drive units. For example, a telescopic support or a pull rope can be arranged between the drive units. The clamping unit can also be arranged between the supports and contract them. It is also possible to provide a plurality of superposed clamping units. For example, a first clamping unit may be provided on the drive units and a second clamping unit on the supports. The described clamping units can be used together with all embodiments with two or more drive units or supports.

In a fourth embodiment, the platform system comprises three drive units and three supports, wherein each drive unit can be arranged on another fixing element. The drive units, or the fastening elements can be arranged arbitrarily on the circumference of the structure. With a uniform distribution on the circumference to be absorbed by the drive units, the supports and the platform moments in each direction are negligible. The forces acting laterally outwards on the drive units can be counteracted with the clamping unit described above. In a structure with an inner diameter, which decreases with increasing structural height, the supports in the lower area are strongly spread and less spread in the upper area. A simple and flexible adaptation to the height changing inside diameter of the structure is easy with this design. As with all forms of performance, the first platform may extend uniformly outwardly with respect to the axis of rotation, or the first platform may be formed as a circular segment rotatable or pivotable about the axis of rotation.

In a fifth embodiment, the platform system further comprises at least one second platform and at least one cantilever arm, wherein the at least one second platform is pivotally connected to the first platform by the at least one cantilever arm. In this embodiment, the drive units with the supports and the first platform form a freely movable stable base on which the second platform is movably arranged by means of extension arms. For example, two mutually articulated boom arms are provided. It is also possible to provide three or four articulated or movably connected extension arms. The extension arms can optionally be telescopic. The cantilever arms together with the second platform are rotatable relative to the first platform about a substantially vertical axis. This construction with the articulated or movable boom arms and the second platform allows a mode of operation as with a slewing platform. By pivoting one or more extension arms, any locations can be approached above, below and laterally of the first platform with the second platform. For example, in a lower region of the tower, which has a larger inner diameter, the supports are strongly spread and the distance of the center of the first platform to the tower wall is large. The cantilevered arm located on the first platform may be oriented substantially horizontally and the subsequent cantilevered arms may be aligned sideways so that the tower wall with the second platform is easily accessible. In the area above the floor, the cantilever arm located on the platform can be horizontally aligned and the subsequent cantilever arms can be oriented downwards so that the second platform can be positioned laterally below the first platform. This position allows easy entry and exit. In an upper region of the tower, which has a smaller inner diameter, which can be to the first Platform subsequent boom and the subsequent boom arms are erected so that they require less space laterally.

In a further embodiment, the at least one support is telescopic or the at least one support and the at least one extension arm are telescopic. It is also conceivable to make all supports and extension arms telescopic. The telescoping provides additional degrees of freedom in the orientability of the first and / or the second platform. For example, at a same height position of all drive units, two of the three supports can be extended and the third support retracted, moving the first platform in the direction of the third support away from the tower centerline.

In the example described above, a control unit is provided with which the drive units can be moved synchronously with each other. Alternatively, the drive units can be moved different from each other. For example, two drive units can be moved upwards and the third drive unit remains stationary. This results in a pivoting movement of the first platform about the hinge in the fixed drive unit, whereby the second platform is moved to the side of the stationary drive unit. As a result of the different method, the first platform can thus be arranged arbitrarily in the interior of the tower.

Each drive unit may comprise at least one guide wheel and at least one gear for engagement with the corresponding rail as a fastening element. Each drive unit may comprise at least one securing element for engagement with the corresponding rail. In each drive unit, a drive can be integrated. This design has proven very useful in other drive units with a high safety standard. In this regard, the published patent applications WO 2012/119932 and WO 2009/034010 referred to the same applicant.

In another embodiment, the drive for each drive unit in the adjacent support or in the first platform is integrated and there is a respective power transmission is provided, which can transmit the driving forces from the drive to the drive unit. For example, the power transmission can be done by means of a shaft, chains or belts.

In another embodiment, a common drive for all drive units in the first platform is integrated and there is provided in each case a force or torque transmission, which can transmit the driving forces or moments from the common drive to the respective drive unit. For example, a hydraulic power pack may be provided on the first platform, and hoses transmit the pressure forces to hydraulic motors in the respective power units. However, it can also be provided a geared motor to the first platform and the force or torque transmission done with shaft, chain or belt. In principle, electric drives or hydraulic drives can be used in all embodiments.

In a further embodiment, the platform system further comprises at least one rail as a fastening element. In this case, the rails are dismantled after installation of the tower again. This can be done gradually during the shutdown. The removed rails can be reused in a subsequent tower assembly. Alternatively, all rails or even individual rail tracks can be left on the structure or the building. The remaining rails can be used for maintenance purposes by a platform system according to the invention, another platform system or another transport module can be attached to the rails and thus persons and / or material can be conveyed. In this context, reference is made to the known lift system of the same Applicant, as for example in WO 2012/119932 is disclosed.

That the fastener consists of a rail or rails has already been mentioned. In further embodiments, it is proposed, for example, to use a rack or a support cable as a fastener.

After the final assembly of the tower or mast, the platform system can be removed from the inside of the tower. For this, the platform system is simple in parts or Assemblies can be dismantled, which fit through a maintenance opening in the lower part of the tower. This is well possible with the present design, as the system comprises narrow elements such as pillars and cantilever arms or compact elements such as drive units and platforms. It is also conceivable, however, for the platform system according to the invention to be left permanently in the tower or to be only partially degraded.

The mentioned embodiments of the platform system can be used in any combination, provided that they do not contradict each other.

• Bereitstellen von zumindest Teilen einer Struktur;
• Anbringen von mindestens einem Befestigungselement an den bereitgestellten Teilen der Struktur;
• Anordnen eines erfindungsgemässen Plattformsystems am mindestens einen Befestigungselement; und
• Verwenden des Plattformsystems zur Montage weiterer Teile der Struktur und zur Anbringung weiterer Befestigungselemente an den bereitgestellten Teilen der Struktur.

A method of assembling a structure comprises the steps:

• Providing at least parts of a structure;
• Attaching at least one fastener to the provided parts of the structure;
• Arranging a platform system according to the invention on the at least one fastening element; and
• Using the platform system to assemble additional parts of the structure and attach other fasteners to the provided parts of the structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Plattformsystems in einem Turmsegment an einem Befestigungselement in Form einer Schiene;

Fig. 2a

eine schematische Darstellung einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Plattformsystems;

Fig. 2b

eine schematische Darstellung einer dritten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Plattformsystems;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung einer vierten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Plattformsystems;

Fig. 4

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer fünften Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Plattformsystems;

Fig. 5

eine seitliche Schnittansicht durch eine Antriebseinheit der Figur 4;

Fig. 6

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer Schiene als Befestigungselement zur Verwendung mit einem erfindungsgemässen Plattformsystem;

Fig. 7

eine alternative fünfte Ausführungsform;

Fig. 8

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer sechste Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Plattformsystems; und

Fig. 9

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer siebten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Plattformsystems.

Embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to figures. These are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. Show it

Fig. 1

a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of an inventive platform system in a tower segment on a fastener in the form of a rail;

Fig. 2a

a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a platform system according to the invention;

Fig. 2b

a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a platform system according to the invention;

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a platform system according to the invention;

Fig. 4

a schematic perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an inventive platform system;

Fig. 5

a side sectional view through a drive unit of FIG. 4 ;

Fig. 6

a schematic perspective view of a rail as a fastener for use with a platform system according to the invention;

Fig. 7

an alternative fifth embodiment;

Fig. 8

a schematic perspective view of a sixth embodiment of an inventive platform system; and

Fig. 9

a schematic perspective view of a seventh embodiment of an inventive platform system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In all subsequent embodiments, like elements are given the same reference numerals and have the same characteristics and functions.

The FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a platform system according to the invention in a tower segment 10 on a rail 1 as a fastening element. The lower tower segments are not shown for better visibility. The rail 1 is fixed on the inside in the tower segment on the tower inner wall and extends substantially vertically. Since it follows the possible inclination of the tower wall, the rail 1 is slightly inclined to the longitudinal center axis of the tower. A drive unit 2 is arranged displaceably on the rail 1. A support 3 is at a first end with a first joint 8 connected to the drive unit 2. The hinge axis is formed substantially horizontally, whereby the support 3 is substantially pivotable in a vertical plane. With an actuator arranged on the drive unit 2 or on the support 3, a first angle between the rail 1 and the support 3 can be freely adjusted. For example, the support 3 is horizontally oriented at a 90 degree angle. The support 3 is connected at a second end to a second hinge 9 with a first platform 4. The hinge axis is oriented substantially horizontally, whereby the first platform 4 is pivotable in a vertical plane. With a arranged on the support 3 or on the first platform 4 actuator, a second angle between the support 3 and the first platform 4 can be adjusted freely. In a control unit of the platform system, the first and second angles may be coupled to each other such that the first platform 4 is always substantially horizontally aligned. For example, the first angle may be 0 degrees and the second angle 90 degrees. An increase of the first angle leads to an equal increase of the second angle. For example, at a first angle of 30 degrees, the second angle is 120 degrees, whereby the first platform 4 is again oriented horizontally. The first platform 4 is rotatable about an axis A perpendicular to the lateral extent of the first platform. For this purpose, bearing elements and a corresponding drive in the first platform are provided. The rotary actuators of the support 3 and the first platform 4, as well as the rotary drive of the first platform 4 to the Axis A, are supplied with an external or internal power supply 40 with, for example, electrical energy, ie an electrical cable 40 leads from an external power source, such as from a power generator to the first platform 4. Instead of an electric drive, it is also conceivable, an internal combustion engine to use a linear drive or a drive based on fuel cells.

The FIG. 2a shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of an inventive platform system with two drive units 2, which are each connected to a corresponding support 3 hingedly connected to the first platform. The two drive units 2 are arranged one above the other on a common rail 1 as a fastening element. As in the first embodiment, actuators can be provided on the drive units 2, the supports 3 or the first platform 4, with which the position of the first platform 4 can be determined. In this embodiment, one or both supports 3 can be telescopic, as shown in FIG FIG. 2b is shown. By pivoting the lower support 3 on the lower drive unit 2, with the same length of the lower support 3, the distance of the first platform 4 increases from the inner tower wall 10. In order not to generate internal stresses in the platform system, the upper attachment by means of upper support 3 and the upper drive unit 2 can be adjusted. This can be achieved at least in part by the raising of the upper drive unit 2 respectively ( Fig. 2a ) and / or at least partially by the extension of the upper support 3 ( Fig. 2b ). As in the first embodiment, the first platform 4 may be rotatable about a vertical axis. In other words, a combination of the two embodiments according to Fig. 2a and 2 B conceivable by a support 3 telescopic - as in Fig. 2b shown - and a second support 3 is fixed, as in both in Fig. 2a illustrated supports 3 is the case.

The FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of an inventive platform system with two drive units 2, which are each connected to a corresponding support 3 hingedly connected to the first platform 4. The two drive units 2 are arranged on different rails 1 as fastening elements substantially at the same height. The rails 1 are arranged on opposite sides of the inner wall of the tower structure 10. Due to the shape of the inner wall, the two rails can converge towards the top or remain parallel. It is also conceivable, with the tower structure opening upwards, that the rails diverge. By a parallel and synchronous startup of the two drive units 2, the first platform 4 is moved parallel upwards. Due to the upward according to Fig. 3 converging rails 1, the angle between the supports 3 and the rails 1 decreases when the drive units 2 are moved upwards. In this embodiment, no actuators are needed to control the angles between the rails 1 and the supports 3 to change. As in the previous embodiments, one or both supports 3 may be telescopic. As in the previous embodiments, the first platform 4 may be rotatable about a vertical axis. In order to reduce the forces acting on the outside of the drive units 2 on the rails 1, for example, a clamping unit 7 is provided between the two drive units 2, which contracts them. For example, a standing under train wire rope is provided, which can follow the changing over the height position of the drive units 2 distance between the two drive units 2.

The FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an inventive platform system with three drive units 2, which are each connected to a corresponding support 3 articulated or simply movable with the first platform 4. The three drive units 2 are arranged on different rails 1 as fastening elements substantially at the same height. The rails 1, for example, evenly distributed on the circumference of the inner wall of the tower structure 10 are arranged. The additional drive unit 2 with the corresponding support 3 allows the substantially uniform distribution of all forces acting on the first platform 4 in each direction. The drive units 2, the supports 3, the first platform 4 and the clamping unit 7 are as in the previously explained Embodiment. By the clamping unit 7, the forces acting on the outside can be reduced to the rails 1.

The FIG. 5 shows a side sectional view through a drive unit 2 of FIG. 4 , The drive unit 2 has, for example, two drives 20, two guide wheels (in Fig. 5 not shown), two gears 22 and two securing elements 23. It should be noted, however, that a simple embodiment of the drive units 2 is conceivable in which only a drive, a guide element, a power transmission element and a securing element is present.

The FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a rail 1 as a fastener for use with a platform system according to the invention. The rail 1 has hollow profiles 100, which are interconnected by webs 101, 102. In the webs openings are formed, on which the rail 1 can be fastened to the structure 10 with fastening means. Further, 1 recesses 103 are formed in the webs of the rails, in which a gear and / or a securing element can engage.

In the Fig. 6 shown rail 1 as a fastener is in the publication EP-2 195 488 B1 the same applicant described in detail.

The FIG. 7 shows an alternative fifth embodiment. In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 4 , the first platform 4 is not a platform extending in all directions with respect to the axis A, but rather the first platform 4 is a cantilevered person basket pivotable about the axis A. In this illustration, the basket has a circular segment-shaped base. Alternatively, the basket can be arranged on a boom, wherein the boom is pivotable about the axis A on its side opposite the basket. Optionally, the boom can be telescopic.

The FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a platform system according to the invention. In this embodiment, a second platform 5 is provided in addition to the first platform 4, wherein the two platforms 4, 5 are connected by means of boom arms 6, for example, articulated or telescopic. Shown are two boom arms, which can be aligned with actuators. With a first actuator, the alignment of the first extension arm 6 with respect to the first platform 4 is adjustable, and with a second actuator, the orientation of the second extension arm with respect to the first extension arm is adjustable. Optionally, the extension arms 6 can be telescopic. The second platform 5, together with the cantilever arms 6, is rotatable about an axis A relative to the first platform 4.

The FIG. 9 shows a schematic perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a platform system according to the invention with a first platform 4 and two second platforms 5, which are each connected to three boom arms 6 with the first platform 4 articulated or movable. With a first actuator, the orientation of the first cantilever arm 6 with respect to the first platform 4 is adjustable, with a second actuator, the orientation of the second cantilever arm with respect to the first cantilever arm is adjustable and with a third actuator, the orientation of the third cantilever arm with respect to the second cantilever is adjustable. Optionally, the extension arms 6 can be telescopic. Both second platforms 5 are rotatable with the corresponding cantilever arms 6 about a substantially vertical axis A with respect to the first platform 4. Basically, both second platforms 5 are rotatable by 360 degrees. In order to avoid collisions, certain position combinations of the two platforms may be restricted in the system control.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

fastener

100

hollow profile

101

web

102

web

103

recess

10

structure

2

drive unit

20

drive

21

guide element

22

Power transmission element

23

fuse element

Claims (14)

A platform system comprising: at least one drive unit (2), - At least one support (3) and a first platform (4), wherein one end of the at least one support (3) is movably connected to the first platform (4) and another end of the at least one support (3) can be operatively connected to a structure-side fastening element (1), wherein the at least one drive unit (2) on the structure-side fastening element (1) for moving the at least one support (3) along the structure-side fastening element (1) acts. The platform system according to claim 1, comprising at least two drive units (2) and at least two supports (3), wherein the at least two drive units (2) can be arranged on a common fastening element (1) or on different fastening elements (1). The platform system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: at least one second platform (5) and at least one cantilever arm (6), wherein the at least one second platform (5) is movably connected to the first platform (4) by the at least one cantilever arm (6). The platform system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one support (3) is telescopic or wherein the at least one support (3) and the at least one extension arm (6) are telescopic. The platform system according to one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a clamping unit (7) which can engage all the drive units (2) or on all supports (3) and can contract them. The platform system according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein a control unit is provided, with which the drive units (2) can be moved synchronously with each other or with which the drive units (2) can be moved different from each other. The platform system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each drive unit (2) comprises at least one guide element (21) and at least one force transmission element (22) for engagement with the corresponding fastening element (1). The platform system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each drive unit (2) at least one Securing element (23) for engagement with the corresponding fastening element (1). The platform system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each platform (4, 5) is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis (A). The platform system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a drive (20) is integrated in each drive unit (2). The platform system according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a drive (20) for each drive unit (2) in the adjacent support (3) or in the first platform (4) is integrated and in each case a power transmission (24) is provided, which can transmit the driving forces from the drive (20) to the drive unit (2). The platform system according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a common drive (20) for all drive units (2) in the first platform (4) is integrated and in each case a power transmission (24) is provided, which drives the common drive (20 ) can transmit to the respective drive unit (2). The platform system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (1) is a rail, a rack or a suspension cable. A method of assembling a structure (10) comprising the steps of: - providing at least parts of a structure (10); - attaching at least one fastener (1) to the provided parts of the structure (10); - Arranging a platform system according to one of claims 1 to 12 on at least one fastening element (1); and - Using the platform system for mounting other parts of the structure (10) and for attaching further fasteners (1) to the provided parts of the structure (10).

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