Erecting and lifting tool

Abstract

Erecting and lifting objects, such as foundation members of offshore wind turbines, e.g. monopile piles. A kind of erecting and lifting tool is used, wherein, with the tool suspended from one or more hoisting cables, e.g. in case the tool is suspended from a crane hook of a crane, and with the frame of the tool initially in a vertical orientation, a procedure is performed, which comprises operating one or more displacement actuators, in turn moving a cable displacement member and engaging a cable engagement surface with the one or more hoisting cables at a height above a pivot axis. Further continuing the movement of the cable displacement member and in turn exerting a cable displacement force on the one or more hoisting cables, in response, causes the frame to pivot to its horizontal orientation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an erection and lifting tool suspended from one or more lifting cables (e.g., from a crane hook). The tool is envisioned for installing wind turbines, particularly for erecting and lifting monopiles of offshore wind turbines. The tool can also be used for other purposes, such as erecting other piles, for example, for securing casing bases to the seabed, for mooring, etc. The tool can also be used to erect other wind turbine components, such as towers or casing bases. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of monopile installation, erecting monopile from horizontal orientation to vertical orientation usually requires the use of erection and lifting tools.

[0003] In a known embodiment, the tool includes a frame with functional components operable to engage with the upper end of a monopile, for example, by engaging with a flange at the upper end, or by frictionally gripping a portion of the upper end, for example, by engaging the interior of the upper end of the monopile through a ring array of operable friction gripping members of the tool.

[0004] Examples of fairly complex erection and lifting tools are disclosed in EP3574149.

[0005] Another example is disclosed in DE202009006507U1 and its figures 9d and 9e.

[0006] In the tool of EP3574149, a robust and heavy pivot arm is pivotally mounted at its inner end to an attachment member of the frame, wherein the lower end of a cable is attached to the outer or free end of the pivot arm. A hydraulic cylinder arrangement is configured to cause forced pivoting of the pivot arm relative to the tool's frame, thereby moving the frame between its vertical and horizontal orientations. The latter orientation is useful when the tool is coupled to a horizontally oriented monopile before the monopile is erected.

[0007] The tool in DE202009006507U1 does not have the aforementioned stable and heavy pivot arm. Alternatively, one or more cables are pivotally connected at their lower ends to attachment members of the frame via hooks. This arrangement does not allow any controlled pivoting of the frame in a horizontal orientation. The tool is installed onto the horizontally arranged monopile by first using another cable attached to a stationary stabilizing arm of the frame extending in the longitudinal direction, for example, by using another crane (e.g., a smaller crane) to lift the tool. When the frame is in a horizontal orientation, the cables are attached to this stabilizing arm at a point vertically above the center of gravity. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an improved or at least alternative erection and lifting tool that provides controlled movement of a frame between horizontal and vertical orientation.

[0009] The present invention provides an erection and lifting tool according to claim 1.

[0010] This invention is based on the insight that by applying cable displacement forces to one or more lifting cables above the pivot axis of the frame, pivotal movement of the frame can be achieved at some point along the length of one or more cables without the need for the robust and heavier pivot arm of EP 3574149. It should be noted that in the tool of this invention, the weight of the tool and the weight of the object erected / lifted by the tool are absorbed by one or more cables attached to the attachment members of the frame, and the cable displacement mechanism applies only the force required for controlled pivoting of the tool's frame. Compared to EP 3574149, this reduces the weight and size of the tool. Compared to DE 202009006507U1, it simplifies the operation of the tool.

[0011] Preferably, the cable shifting component includes one or more pivoting cable shifting arms. For example, the tool includes two laterally spaced cable shifting arms connected at their outer ends by a horizontal cable joining component (e.g., a horizontal extension tube).

[0012] One or more pivoting cable-operated arms are pivotally connected to the frame at their inner ends. One or more displacement actuators are operable between the frame on one side and the cable-operated arms on the other. These displacement actuators are provided to drive movement of the cable-operated members, which engage with one or more lifting cables while the frame is still vertical, and apply force to the lifting cables such that, in response, the frame undergoes a controlled pivoting in a horizontal orientation.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the cable shifting member (e.g., including one or more pivoting cable shifting arms) forms a single, rigid component that is movable (e.g., pivoting) relative to the frame as a whole. One or more shifting actuators are operable between the frame and the cable shifting member.

[0014] In one embodiment, one or more cable shifting arms are each implemented as articulated arms, each of which includes a plurality of pivotally interconnected arm segments.

[0015] In one embodiment, one or more cable shift arms are telescopic, comprising one or more telescopic arm sections.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, one or more cable shift arms, together with one or more driven link members, one or more intermediate connecting members, and a segment of the frame, form part of a four-bar linkage. Herein, each of the driven link members is pivotally mounted to the frame at its inner end. Each of the one or more intermediate link members is pivotally connected at its inner end to the outer end of a corresponding driven link member, and pivotally connected at its outer end to a position between the pivotally connected inner end of a corresponding cable shift arm and a connecting member, for example, approximately midway between the inner end and the connecting member. This position determines the lever action of the cable shift arm, thereby amplifying the motion.

[0017] In one embodiment, one or more displacement actuators drive the driven link members to pivot in the direction of the lifting cable, and via intermediate link members, further cause one or more arms to pivot in the direction of the lifting cable and in the opposite direction, thereby engaging the lifting cable and applying a cable displacement force to it. The pivoting movement of the frame is a response to the application of a cable displacement force to one or more cables via the mechanism.

[0018] For example, one or more displacement actuators are hydraulic cylinders. Preferably, the tool is provided with a hydraulic power unit connected to one or more hydraulic cylinders, which is arranged, for example, on the tool frame.

[0019] For example, one or more shift actuators can be controlled by a remote controller.

[0020] The cable bonding surface may be formed, for example, by a circular cross-section tube, by one or more rolling elements, or by another (preferably, low-friction) surface.

[0021] In one embodiment, when the frame is horizontally oriented, the inner end of the cable displacement member can be mounted (e.g., pivotally mounted) to the frame at a position above the pivot axis of the tool.

[0022] If the tool has a four-bar linkage integrated with the cable displacement member, then preferably, when the frame is horizontally oriented, the inner end of the driven link member is connected to the frame at a position below the pivot axis, and when the frame is horizontally oriented, one or more displacement actuators are connected to the frame at a position below the pivot axis.

[0023] In one embodiment, one or more displacement actuators are one or more hydraulic cylinders, one end of which is connected to a frame and the other end to a cable displacement member, such as an arm. For example, the extension of one or more cylinders drives the cable displacement member to pivot toward and away from one or more lifting cables.

[0024] In embodiments with a four-bar linkage, the other ends of one or more cylinders may be mounted to one or more driven link members and connected to one or more cable shift arms via these driven link members and one or more intermediate link members.

[0025] In one embodiment, the tool further includes a locking mechanism operable between a cable displacement member on one side and a frame on the other. The locking mechanism is configured to ensure the position of the cable displacement member relative to the center of gravity in the horizontal orientation of the frame, thereby keeping the frame in a horizontal orientation.

[0026] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes one or more cable displacement actuators. For example, when the displacement actuator is implemented as a hydraulic cylinder, the displacement actuator is configured to secure the position by maintaining the extension when the frame is in a horizontal orientation.

[0027] In an embodiment, a functional component of the tool is operable to grip the longitudinal end of a wind turbine assembly (e.g., a monopile or tower) in a horizontal orientation and to hold the longitudinal end during pivoting toward a vertical orientation as the wind turbine assembly is erected from its horizontal orientation toward a vertical orientation. Various embodiments of the functional component are described, for example, in EP3574149 and DE202009006507U1.

[0028] In one embodiment, the cable engagement surface extends over a horizontal distance covering two or more adjacent lifting cables, for example, extending horizontally for 5 to 10 meters.

[0029] In an embodiment, a functional component is operable to engage a tool with an object, and the functional component of the tool includes one or more guide members configured to guide the tool to engage with the object when the frame is horizontally oriented. For example, the object is a horizontally oriented wind turbine assembly, such as a monopile or tower. The functional component is operable to grip the wind turbine assembly in the horizontal orientation of the frame and to hold the wind turbine assembly during the frame's pivoting toward the vertical orientation of the frame as the wind turbine assembly is erected from the horizontal orientation to the vertical orientation. For example, the functional component is configured to grip a flange at the upper end of the wind turbine assembly (e.g., a monopile or tower), or to grip a portion of the upper end in a frictional manner, for example, by engaging the interior of the upper end of the monopile through a ring array of operable friction gripping members of the tool.

[0030] For example, each guide member is configured to engage the object as the tool approaches it relatively. Engagement of the guide members facilitates limiting the movement of the tool relative to the object in at least the radial direction and is configured to maintain engagement during movement of the tool toward a position where it can be engaged (e.g., gripped) the object, thus guiding the tool toward the engagement position. In an embodiment, two guide members are provided in the form of guide arms, the outer ends of which engage the object. The arms are, for example, pivotally mounted to the tool's frame, such that the outer ends are movable in the radial direction, and / or operated by means of one or more guide actuators. In any form, the guide members are configured to limit the frame's mobility relative to the object by contacting it, for example by bumping and / or pushing the object away, such as actively pushing or shoving the object, for example before any engaging member (e.g., gripping member) contacts the object.

[0031] The present invention also relates to an installation vessel for a base component (e.g., a monopile) of an offshore wind turbine, the vessel being equipped with a crane and tools as described herein.

[0032] The present invention also relates to a method for erecting and lifting objects (e.g., base components of offshore wind turbines, such as monopiles) using erecting and lifting tools as described herein.

[0033] With the tool suspended from one or more lifting cables (e.g., from the crane hook of a crane) and the frame initially in a vertical orientation, a procedure is performed that includes operating one or more displacement actuators, thereby moving cable displacement members and engaging cable engagement surfaces with one or more lifting cables at a height above the pivot axis, and further continuing the movement of the cable displacement members and thus applying cable displacement forces on one or more lifting cables, thereby causing the frame to pivot to its horizontal orientation in response.

[0034] For example, the procedure would be performed after the tool is retrieved from the deck of a ship using a crane, for example, where the frame is initially oriented vertically so that the tool and its frame are oriented horizontally, and then the tool is engaged with an object in the horizontal orientation (e.g., a monopile placed horizontally on the ship). Attached Figure Description

[0035] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 The erection and lifting tool according to the invention is schematically shown in a rear perspective view, wherein the frame is in its horizontal orientation while approaching the longitudinal end of a horizontally placed monolithic pile.

[0037] Figure 2The same erecting and lifting tool is schematically shown in a side view, with the frame in its vertical orientation, for example, when the tool is picked up by a crane;

[0038] Figure 3 , Figure 4 The same side view schematically illustrates the erection and lifting tools when the cable displacement component engages the lifting cable;

[0039] Figure 5 The same side view schematically illustrates the erection and lifting tools when the frame is horizontally oriented, thus engaging the longitudinal ends of the monolithic piles;

[0040] Figure 6 The previous view schematically shows the same erect and lift tools, with the frame in its horizontal orientation;

[0041] Figure 7 With Figure 1 The same side view schematically shows the displacement of the frame from vertical orientation to horizontal orientation, illustrating the pivoting and cable displacement actions. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Figures 1 to 7 An erecting and lifting tool 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The erecting and lifting tool is suspended from one or more lifting cables 101, here a pair of cable slings suspended from the hook 102 of a crane. For example, the cable slings are wire slings, or more preferably synthetic rope slings.

[0043] Tool 1 includes a frame 3 having functional components operable for attachment to object 201.

[0044] In this situation, object 201 is a wind turbine component, namely a single pile 201.

[0045] Functional component 3 is operable to engage the longitudinal end of the monopile 201 in both the horizontal and vertical orientations, and to hold this end while the monopile 201 moves between the horizontal and vertical orientations by raising and lowering the held end by means of the lifting cable 101.

[0046] exist Figure 1 In the image, the single pile 201 is in a horizontal orientation, and tool 1 is shown approaching the single pile 201, with the frame of tool 1 pivoted to a horizontal orientation.

[0047] exist Figure 5 In the middle, the single pile 201 is also in a horizontal orientation, and tool 1 is shown to be engaged with the single pile 201.

[0048] Tool 1 includes a cable attachment member 2, and the frame 3 of tool 1 is pivotally connected to the lower end of a lifting cable 101, such as a sling, by means of the cable attachment member 2.

[0049] Through this connection, tool 1 is connected to crane hook 102 or other tool suspension device. Here, for example, given the fact that the weight of a single pile or other object can reach hundreds or even thousands of tons, hook 102 is suspended from a lifting trolley with multiple cable pulleys.

[0050] The attachment member 2 connects the frame 3 to the lower end of one or more lifting cables 101, such that the frame 3 is positioned relative to the connected lifting cables 101. Figure 2 The vertical orientation 3V shown in the image Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The horizontal orientation shown in the image can pivot around a generally horizontal pivot axis P between 3h.

[0051] Figure 4 Display the center orientation of frame 3.

[0052] In this embodiment, each of the lifting cables 101 has a loop, which forms a loop around an axis extending horizontally around the attachment member. Figure 1 and 6 The most clearly visible one.

[0053] As shown in the figures, on the vertical orientation 3v of frame 3, on the horizontal orientation 3h of frame 3, and on... Figure 4 In the central orientation of the frame 3 shown, the center of gravity C of the frame 3 is naturally aligned with the line of action L of the upward pulling force T obtained on the tool through the lifting cable 101.

[0054] The cable shifting mechanism, which includes the cable shifting component 4, is designed to make the frame 3 horizontally oriented 3h, wherein when the tool 1 is suspended from the lifting cable 101, the pivot axis P is horizontally aligned with the center of gravity C.

[0055] In this example, the cable shifting member 4 includes a support and a cable engagement tube 45. The support has two cable shifting arms 43 that are laterally spaced apart from each other. The inner end of each arm 43 is pivotally connected to the frame 3 for pivoting in a vertical plane. The outer ends of the arms 43 support a horizontally extending tube 45 that forms a cable engagement surface 41. For example, in a practical embodiment, the tube 45 may have a length between 5 meters and 10 meters.

[0056] The displacement actuator 42 is configured to be operable between the frame 3 and the cable displacement member, here operable via the linkage members 47 and 48 of the cable displacement mechanism. These cable displacement arms 43 and linkage members 47 and 48 are laterally spaced apart from each other, as in... Figure 1 and Figure 6 As can be seen, tool 1 has two shift actuators 42, with one shift actuator corresponding to each cable shift arm 43.

[0057] In this embodiment, the cable shifting mechanism includes a four-bar linkage. The following constitute the four bars of the four-bar linkage: two laterally spaced driven link members 47, each driven link member pivotally mounted to the frame 3 via its inner end; two laterally spaced intermediate link members 48, each intermediate link member having its inner end pivotally mounted to a corresponding outer end of a driven link member 47, and each intermediate link member having its outer end pivotally mounted to a corresponding connection point 49 of a cable shifting arm 43; the cable shifting arm 43; and a section of the frame 3 between the mounting members of the driven link members and the mounting members of the cable shifting arm 43 to the frame 3.

[0058] The cable displacement member 4 is configured to engage the lifting cable 101 at a height H above the pivot axis P in the vertical orientation 3h of the frame 3 by means of the cable engagement surface 41. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As explained in the text.

[0059] exist Figure 3 In the middle, the cable shifting arm 43 has been relative to its position by means of the shifting actuator 42. Figure 2 The position is moved so that the cable engagement surface 41 engages with the lifting cable 101 at a height H relative to the lower end of the lifting cable 101 (which is pivotally fastened to the frame 3).

[0060] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In order to clearly show the position of the cable shifting arm 43, the shifting actuator 42 and the connecting rod components 47 and 48 have been removed.

[0061] With the continuous operation of the displacement actuator 42, the cable displacement member 4 is configured to apply a cable displacement force S, in this case a horizontal thrust S, on the lifting cable 101 at a height H above the pivot axis P. This thrust S causes the frame 3 to move relative to the portion of the lifting cable 101 extending above the height H above the pivot axis P. In fact, when the frame 3 pivots upward, the pivot axis P is displaced horizontally by a distance D to a position rearward from the line of action L.

[0062] exist Figure 4 In the middle, due to the cable displacement force S, frame 3 has pivoted upwards to the center orientation, and in Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the middle, frame 3 has reached the horizontal orientation 3h.

[0063] Figure 5 It can also be seen that, due to the thrust S and reaction force applied to the tool 1 at the pivot axis P by the cable 101, the lifting cable 110 tilts horizontally by a distance D on the horizontal orientation 3h of the functional component 3.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment of the erecting and lifting tool 1, the cable displacement mechanism is configured to displace the member 4 by means of the actuator 42 during a continuous movement, so that the frame 3 is displaced from... Figure 1 The vertical orientation 3v moves to its position Figure 4 The horizontal orientation is 3h. This displacement is composed of the following: firstly, the frame relative to the lifting cable 101 from... Figure 2 The first component is the vertical pivoting movement from 3v to the upward pivoting direction, and the second is the displacement of the center of gravity C relative to the cable engagement surface. The first and second components occur simultaneously because the center of gravity C will naturally remain aligned with the line of action L throughout the movement. However, in Figure 7 The components are described separately for illustrative purposes only. For the first pivot component, the corresponding displacement of the center of gravity C towards the imaginary position Ci is indicated by a bold arched arrow. For the second cable displacement component, the corresponding displacement of the center of gravity is indicated by a bold backward arrow.

[0065] In the embodiment shown in Tool 1, the displacement actuator 42 that drives the pivoting of the driven link member 47 relative to the frame 3 is in the form of a hydraulic cylinder 42, which is mounted at its inner end to the frame 3 and at its outer end to a pivot joint between the driven link member 47 and the intermediate link member 48. Obviously, the hydraulic cylinder 42 can also be mounted to the driven link member 47 at another location, for example, between its inner and outer ends, preferably close to its outer end. The tube 45 is generally located outside the connection point 49, such that the cable displacement arm 43 acts as a lever amplifying the driven movement. With the cylinder 42 extended, the driven link member 47 pivots toward the line of action L, and the cable displacement arm 43 pivots toward the line of action L via the intermediate link member 48 and the connection point 49, thereby causing the cable engagement surface 41 to tend to engage with the lifting cable 101, as... Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0066] Once joined, Figure 4 Another extension of the cylinder 42 shown in the figure causes the mating surface 41 to press the cable 101 with a horizontal force S, thereby pushing the frame of the tool 1 away from the cable 101.

[0067] As in Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 It can be seen in the middle but Figure 1The most clearly visible feature is that when the frame is in a horizontal orientation of 3h, the inner end 46 of the pivot cable displacement member 4 (here via the cable displacement arm 43) is pivotally mounted to the frame 3 at a position above the pivot axis P.

[0068] When the frame is in horizontal orientation 3h, the inner end of the driven link member 47 is pivotally mounted to the frame 3 at a position below the pivot axis P, and one end of each cylinder 42 is pivotally mounted to the frame 3 at a position below the mounting position of the inner end of the driven link member 47.

[0069] The erecting and lifting tool 1 includes a locking mechanism 44 operable between a cable displacement member 4 on one side and a frame 3 on the other. The mechanism 44 is configured to ensure the position of the cable engagement surface 41 relative to the center of gravity C in a horizontal position 3h of the frame 3, thereby maintaining the horizontal orientation of the frame 3 for 3h. The locking mechanism 44 is formed by a cylinder 42 configured to remain extended after reaching the horizontal orientation 3h of the frame 3.

[0070] from Figure 5 It can be verified that when the tool approaches a horizontally arranged monolithic pile 201 (e.g., the diameter of the monolithic pile 201 is between 5 meters and 12 meters), the cable engagement surface 41 extends horizontally for 5 to 10 meters. The cable displacement arm 43 extends from the corresponding lateral end of the cable engagement surface 41 to the inner end 46 of the cable displacement member 4.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment of tool 1, the functional components are operable to connect tool 1 to the monolithic pile 201, and the functional components of tool 1 include one or more guide members 52 configured to guide tool 1 to engage with monolithic pile 201 when frame 3 is in horizontal orientation 3h.

[0072] The functional components of tool 1 are configured to grip the longitudinal end of monopile 201 via a plurality of operable friction gripping members 51 of tool 1, the friction gripping members 51 being configured to engage the interior of the longitudinal end of monopile 201 and maintain engagement, so as to maintain the connection between tool 1 and the longitudinal end during the erection of monopile 201.

[0073] Each guide member 52 is configured to be relatively close to the individual pile in the tool 1 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 5 When the monopile 201 is engaged (as shown in the diagram), engagement of one or more guide members 51 facilitates limiting the movement of the tool 1 relative to the monopile 201 in at least the radial direction, and is configured to maintain engagement during movement of the tool 1 toward a position where it can be gripped by the gripping members 51, so as to guide the tool 1 toward the gripping position.

[0074] In one embodiment, two guide members 52 are provided in the form of guide arms, the outer ends of which will engage with the monolithic pile 201.

[0075] In one embodiment, the guiding member (e.g., at the outer end of the guiding arm) includes wheels whose circumferential surfaces engage with the outer surface of the monolithic pile 201. In another embodiment, one or more wheels are motorized to assist the tool's movement to a gripping position.

[0076] Arm 52 is pivotally mounted to frame 3 of tool 1, such that the outer end is movable in the radial direction of the monolithic pile 201.

Claims

1. An erecting and lifting tool (1) for erecting and lifting an object (201), the tool being configured to suspend from one or more lifting cables (101), the tool comprising a frame (3) provided with functional components operable for attaching the object (201) to the tool, and the frame being provided with cable attachment members (2) by means of which the frame (3) of the tool (1) is pivotally connected to one or more lifting cables (101) so as to be pivotable relative to one or more lifting cables about a generally horizontal pivot axis (P): - Vertical orientation (3v), where The center of gravity (C) and pivot axis (P) of the frame are aligned on the vertical line (L), and - Horizontal orientation (3h), wherein the tool is capable of engaging with the object in the horizontal orientation of the object, and then using the tool to erect the object in the vertical orientation of the object. In the horizontal orientation (3h) of the frame (3), the center of gravity (C) is offset from the pivot axis (P) by a horizontal distance (D). Its features The tool (1) further includes a cable shifting mechanism, the mechanism comprising: - A cable displacement member (4), which is mounted to the frame (3) and is movable relative to the frame (3), the cable displacement member having a cable engagement surface (41). - One or more displacement actuators (42) capable of operating between the cable displacement member (4) and the frame (3), The cable shifting mechanism is configured to execute a procedure when the tool (1) is suspended from one or more lifting cables (101) and the frame (3) is initially in a vertical orientation (3v), the procedure including: - Operate one or more displacement actuators (42), thereby moving the cable displacement member and engaging the cable engagement surface (41) with one or more lifting cables (101) at a height (H) above the pivot axis (P), further continuing the movement of the cable displacement member and thereby applying a cable displacement force (S) on one or more lifting cables (101), thereby causing the frame (3) to pivot to the horizontal orientation (3h) of the frame (3) in response.

2. The erecting and lifting tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The cable shifting member (4) includes one or more cable shifting arms (43), each cable shifting arm (43) including an inner end (46) pivotally connected to the frame (3), and a cable engagement surface (41) away from the inner end (46).

3. The erecting and lifting tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The attachment member (2) includes a pivot joint that is fastened to the frame (3) and can be connected to one or more lifting cables (101).

4. The erecting and lifting tool (1) according to claim 2, wherein, One or more pivot cable shift arms (43), together with the following, form the part of a four-bar linkage (3, 43, 47, 48): - One or more driven link members (47), each of which is pivotally mounted to the frame (3) at its inner end, and - One or more intermediate link members (48), each of which is pivotally connected at its inner end to the outer end of a corresponding driven link member, and at its outer end to a position between the inner end (46) and the outer end of a corresponding cable shift arm (43), and -A segment of the frame, located between the inner end of the driven link member and the inner ends of one or more cable displacement arms, One or more displacement actuators (42) are arranged to drive one or more driven link members (47) to pivot in the direction toward the lifting cable (101), and via one or more intermediate link members (48) to drive one or more arms (43) to pivot in the direction of one or more lifting cables and in the opposite direction to one or more lifting cables, and then engage with one or more lifting cables (101) and subsequently apply cable displacement force (S) to one or more lifting cables (101).

5. The erecting and lifting tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein, When the frame (3) is in a horizontal orientation (3h), the inner end of the cable displacement member (4) is pivotally mounted to the frame at a position above the pivot axis (P).

6. The erecting and lifting tool (1) according to claim 2, wherein, One or more displacement actuators are one or more hydraulic cylinders, one end of which is connected to the frame (3), and the extension of one or more hydraulic cylinders drives one or more cable displacement arms (43) to pivot toward and away from one or more lifting cables (101).

7. The erecting and lifting tool (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The cable shifting member (4) includes one or more cable shifting arms (43), each cable shifting arm (43) including an inner end (46) pivotally connected to the frame (3), and a cable engagement surface (41) away from the inner end (46). One or more of the displacement actuators are one or more hydraulic cylinders, one end of which is connected to the frame (3), and the extensions of one or more hydraulic cylinders drive one or more cable displacement arms (43) to pivot toward and away from one or more lifting cables (101). The other ends of one or more hydraulic cylinders are mounted to one or more driven link members (47) and connected to one or more cable shift arms via these driven link members (47) and one or more intermediate link members (48).

8. The erecting and lifting tool (1) according to claim 1, comprising a locking mechanism (44) operable between a cable shifting member (4) on one side and a frame (3) on the other side, the locking mechanism being configured to ensure the position of the cable shifting member (4) relative to the center of gravity (C) in the horizontal orientation of the frame so as to keep the frame in the horizontal orientation (3h).

9. The erecting and lifting tool (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The locking mechanism (44) includes one or more displacement actuators (42) configured to ensure the position of the cable displacement member (4) relative to the center of gravity (C) in the horizontal orientation of the frame in order to keep the frame in the horizontal orientation.

10. The erecting and lifting tool (1) according to claim 6, comprising a locking mechanism (44) operable between a cable shifting member (4) on one side and a frame (3) on the other side, the locking mechanism being configured to ensure the position of the cable shifting member (4) relative to the center of gravity (C) in the horizontal orientation of the frame, so as to hold the frame in the horizontal orientation (3h), wherein, The locking mechanism (44) includes one or more displacement actuators (42) configured to ensure the position of the cable displacement member (4) relative to the center of gravity (C) in the horizontal orientation of the frame, so as to keep the frame in a horizontal orientation. One or more displacement actuators are configured to ensure position by maintaining their extensions in the horizontal orientation of the frame.

11. The erecting and lifting tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The cable joint surface (41) extends horizontally between a distance of 5 meters and 10 meters.

12. The erecting and lifting tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The functional component (3) is operable to grip the longitudinal end of the wind turbine assembly in the horizontal orientation (3h) of the frame and to hold the longitudinal end as the frame pivots toward the vertical orientation (3v) during the erection of the wind turbine assembly from its horizontal orientation to its vertical orientation.

13. An installation vessel for installing a base component of an offshore wind turbine, the vessel being equipped with a crane and the tool according to claim 1.

14. A method for erecting and lifting an object, wherein, Using the erecting and lifting tool according to claim 1, wherein, with the tool (1) suspended from one or more lifting cables (101) and with the frame (3) initially in a vertical orientation (3v), a procedure is executed, the procedure comprising: - Operate one or more displacement actuators (42) to move the cable displacement member and engage the cable engagement surface (41) with one or more lifting cables (101) at a height (H) above the pivot axis (P), and further continue the movement of the cable displacement member and apply cable displacement force (S) to one or more lifting cables (101), thereby causing the frame (3) to pivot to the horizontal orientation of the frame (3) in response.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, After the tool is picked up with the aid of a crane, the procedure is performed, wherein the frame (3) is initially in a vertical orientation (3v) so as to place the tool and its frame in a horizontal orientation, and then the tool is engaged with an object in the horizontal orientation.

Images