Base assembly for tower mounted crane

Abstract

A base assembly (120) configured to support an on-tower mounted crane (101) on a nacelle (200) of a wind turbine (300), the on-tower mounted crane comprising a base portion (102) and a boom (104), where the boom is rotatably disposed about a vertical axis relative to the base portion during normal operation of the on-tower mounted crane, the base assembly includes a base structure (122) adapted to be mounted to the nacelle and a support structure (124) configured to engage with and support the on-tower mounted crane in an upright position. A base portion of the on-tower mounted crane is attached to the support structure when the on-tower mounted crane is engaged with the base assembly. The support structure is movably coupled to the base structure and is adapted to be linearly displaced relative to the base structure in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nacelle to enable the on-tower mounted crane to be disposed at a plurality of crane mounting positions relative to the nacelle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a tower mounted crane for a wind turbine, the tower mounted crane comprising a base portion and a boom, wherein the boom is rotatably arranged relative to the base portion about a vertical axis during normal operation of the tower mounted crane. More particularly, the present invention relates to a base assembly for a tower mounted crane to enable the tower mounted crane to be mounted to a nacelle of a wind turbine. Background Art

[0002] Tower mounted cranes for wind turbines and comprising a base portion and a boom are well known in the art, wherein the boom is rotatably arranged relative to the base portion about a vertical axis during normal operation of the tower mounted crane. The tower mounted crane is usually transported to the site of the wind turbine in a container. The crane is then hoisted to the top of the wind turbine and attached to the nacelle. In this way, there is no need to erect a separate crane next to the wind turbine tower. Some tower mounted cranes are hoisted to the top of the wind turbine tower by a separate smaller crane, which is attached to the top of the wind turbine tower. Other tower mounted cranes are "self-elevating" and can hoist themselves to the top of the wind turbine tower. The prior art process of hoisting a self-elevating crane to the top of a wind turbine tower is well described in the applicant's co-pending application WO 2020201237.

[0003] During lifting operations, the "reach" of a crane is important. The greater the reach, the further the crane can effectively lift a load. As wind turbines become larger, there is a need for cranes with greater reach. To increase the reach, it is obvious to make the crane's boom longer. However, the greater the length of the crane, the stronger the foundation and the crane itself need to be. The stronger the foundation and the crane, the greater the weight and volume of the foundation and the crane, making it more difficult to lift the foundation and the crane to the top of the tower and to transport the foundation and the crane. Current cranes have been optimized to fit into 40-foot containers. Therefore, it is not possible to make the crane longer in a simple way. In addition, making the crane boom longer would significantly increase the cost of the crane. Summary of the invention

[0004] Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides a tower mounted crane assembly having an extended reach to facilitate maintenance and repair of various components of a wind turbine.

[0005] Another aspect of the present invention provides a tower mounted crane assembly having an extended reach while still being configured to be transported in a 40 foot container.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention provides a tower mounted crane assembly having an extended reach and which can be used to service and maintain wind turbines having different sizes and dimensions and, therefore, nacelles having different sizes and dimensions without increasing the size or weight of the base portion of the crane.

[0007] At least some of the above aspects are addressed by the base assembly of claim 1 .

[0008] In some embodiments, a base assembly is configured to support a tower mounted crane on a nacelle of a wind turbine. The base assembly includes a base structure and a support structure, the base structure being adapted to be mounted to the nacelle, the support structure being configured to engage with the tower mounted crane and to support the tower mounted crane in an upright position. When the tower mounted crane is engaged with the base assembly, a base portion of the tower mounted crane is attached to the support structure. The support structure is movably coupled to the base structure and adapted to be linearly displaced relative to the base structure in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the nacelle so as to enable the tower mounted crane to be arranged at a plurality of crane mounting positions relative to the nacelle. Displacement of the support structure together with the tower mounted crane in a longitudinal direction of the nacelle enables the tower mounted crane to have an extended reach on the nacelle without requiring a crane with a longer boom. Thus, an existing tower mounted crane with a longer effective reach can be used.

[0009] In some embodiments, the tower mounted crane is secured to the support structure in each of a plurality of crane mounting positions using mounting pins to prevent any tilting of the support structure, and thus the tower mounted crane, relative to the base structure during operation of the tower mounted crane.

[0010] In some embodiments, mounting pins are removed from the support structure and the base structure, the support structure together with the tower mounted crane is then shifted relative to the base structure, and the mounting pins are then inserted through the aligned holes of the base structure and the support structure to securely secure the tower mounted crane at the desired crane installation location.

[0011] In some embodiments, the base structure comprises a frame structure adapted to be mounted to the nacelle and a support platform, the frame structure being detachably connected to the first frame structure and extending vertically upward from the first frame structure. According to this feature, the frame structure can be customized / selected based on the size, shape and dimensions of the nacelle of the wind turbine so that the base structure and thus the base assembly can be mounted on nacelles of different sizes. Instead of providing a customized base assembly for each nacelle, a customized frame structure is provided for each nacelle, and then the support platform and support structure can remain unchanged between different nacelles.

[0012] In some embodiments, the frame structure and the support platform are integrally formed as a single component.

[0013] In some embodiments, the frame structure can be mounted to the floor or seat pan of the nacelle. Generally speaking, the nacelle usually has a fiberglass outer shell and a more rigid inner frame structure or seat pan. Therefore, the components requiring structural support are bolted / fastened to the more rigid inner frame structure or seat pan.

[0014] In some embodiments, the frame structure comprises a rotor lock and / or a spindle support clamp. In some embodiments, the frame structure may be mounted to an additional support frame mounted to the nacelle, the additional support frame comprising a rotor lock and / or a spindle support clamp.

[0015] In some embodiments, the frame structure includes a pair of beams, and the size of the beams may be selected based on the size of the nacelle in which the base assembly is to be mounted.

[0016] In some embodiments, the tower mounted crane is a self-elevating crane and the base assembly includes a cantilever connected to the base structure and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nacelle. The cantilever facilitates lifting the self-elevating crane from the ground to the nacelle.

[0017] In some embodiments where the tower mounted crane is a self-elevating crane, the base assembly includes a trolley that is movably supported on the boom and is configured to move between an inward position and an outward position along a path that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nacelle. When the trolley is moved to the outward position, an articulated portion of a base portion of the tower mounted crane can bear on the trolley, thereby enabling the base portion to be tilted relative to the base assembly. Thereafter, when the trolley is moved from the outward position to the inward position, the base portion of the self-elevating crane can be mounted on the support structure, thereby facilitating mounting the self-elevating crane in an upright position and substantially centered to the nacelle in a width direction of the nacelle.

[0018] In some embodiments, after tilting the base portion of the self-elevating crane, the trolley is displaced from the outward position to the inward position with the articulated portion supported on the trolley.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cart includes a plurality of wheels movably supported on a pair of beams of the cantilever to enable the cart to be shifted between an inward position and an outward position.

[0020] In some embodiments, the base assembly includes a displacement mechanism configured to slide / displace the cart between an outward position and an inward position relative to the boom.

[0021] In some embodiments, the displacement mechanism includes an actuating cylinder having a cylindrical housing and a piston, wherein the cylindrical housing is connected to the base structure, and the piston is connected to the trolley and is suitable for extending and retracting relative to the cylindrical housing to enable the trolley to shift between the inward position and the outward position.

[0022] In some embodiments, the support structure comprises a pair of rails extending in a longitudinal direction of the support structure and disposed at opposite sides of the support structure. The base structure comprises a plurality of rollers adapted to engage with the pair of rails to facilitate sliding / displacing of the support structure relative to the base structure, thereby enabling the tower mounted crane to be displaced between the plurality of crane installation positions.

[0023] In some embodiments, the base assembly further comprises a pair of cross beams detachably connected to the boom and the base structure such that the pair of cross beams are disposed above the support structure in a lateral direction during lifting of the self-elevating crane to provide additional strength / support to the boom.

[0024] In some embodiments, one of the pair of beams is removed after mounting the tower mounted crane to the support structure to allow the support structure to be displaced relative to the base structure, thereby allowing the tower mounted crane to be moved to a different crane mounting location.

[0025] In some embodiments, a pair of lift actuation cylinders of the tower mounted crane are coupled to the remaining cross beams to enable the support structure, which supports the tower mounted crane in the upright position, to slide relative to the base structure.

[0026] According to an aspect of the second invention, a base assembly is disclosed for lifting and mounting / supporting a self-elevating crane to a nacelle of a wind turbine. The base assembly comprises a base structure and a cantilever, the base structure being adapted to be mounted to the nacelle, the cantilever being connected to the base structure and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nacelle. The cantilever facilitates lifting the self-elevating crane from the ground to the nacelle. The base assembly further comprises a trolley, the trolley being movably supported on the cantilever and being configured to move between an inward position and an outward position along a path substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nacelle. When the trolley is moved to the outward position, an articulated portion of a base portion of the self-elevating crane can be supported on the trolley, thereby enabling the base portion to be tilted relative to the base assembly. Thereafter, when the trolley is moved from the outward position to the inward position, the base portion can be mounted on the base assembly, thereby facilitating mounting of a self-elevating crane in the upright position and substantially centrally mounted to the nacelle in the width direction of the nacelle. In some embodiments, the base structure is arranged so that a self-elevating crane can be attached to and supported by the base structure. In some embodiments, a support structure is provided on top of the base structure, and the support structure is arranged so that a self-elevating crane can be attached to and supported by the support structure.

[0027] In some embodiments, after tilting the base portion of the self-elevating crane, the trolley is displaced from the outward position to the inward position with the articulated portion supported on the trolley.

[0028] In some embodiments, the cart includes a plurality of wheels movably supported on a pair of beams of the cantilever to enable the cart to be shifted between an inward position and an outward position.

[0029] In some embodiments, the base assembly includes a displacement mechanism configured to slide / displace the cart between an outward position and an inward position relative to the boom.

[0030] In some embodiments, the displacement mechanism includes an actuating cylinder having a cylindrical housing and a piston, wherein the cylindrical housing is connected to the base structure, and the piston is connected to the trolley and is suitable for extending and retracting relative to the cylindrical housing to enable the trolley to shift between the inward position and the outward position.

[0031] It should be emphasized that when used in this specification, the term "comprises / comprising / consists of..." is used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In the following, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be emphasized that the embodiments shown are for illustrative purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention. For example, in the accompanying drawings, a self-elevating crane is shown, however, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that other forms of tower-mounted cranes may also be used. For example, a tower-mounted crane that is lifted into place together with another crane may also be provided.

[0033] Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of a self-elevating crane assembly having a self-elevating crane and a base assembly according to the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Exploded view of a base assembly depicting the various components of the base assembly.

[0035] Figure 3 A side perspective view of a support platform of a base structure of a base assembly is shown.

[0036] Figure 4 A top perspective view of the support structure of the base assembly is shown.

[0037] Figure 5 A perspective view of the cantilever of the base assembly is shown.

[0038] Figure 6 A perspective view of the cart showing the base assembly.

[0039] Figure 7 A displacement mechanism of the base assembly is shown, which is used to displace the trolley relative to the boom.

[0040] Figure 8 A side perspective view of a self-elevating crane and base assembly is shown, with the base portion of the self-elevating crane disposed within the space of the boom during lifting of the self-elevating crane.

[0041] Fig. 9 A top perspective view of a self-elevating crane and base assembly is shown, wherein the articulation of the base portion of the self-elevating crane is disposed directly above the trolley, which is disposed in an outward position.

[0042] Fig.10 A side perspective view of a self-elevating crane and base assembly is shown with the articulated portion of the base portion of the self-elevating crane disposed on a trolley, with the base portion in an inclined position and the trolley disposed in an outward position.

[0043] Fig.11A side perspective view of a self-elevating crane and base assembly is shown with the base portion in an inclined position and the trolley disposed in an inward position, depicting alignment of a first set of mounting pin holes of the base portion with a proximal mounting structure of the support structure.

[0044] Fig.12 A self-elevating crane is shown in an upright position disposed on a support structure and the self-elevating crane is disposed at a first crane mounting position. Fig.11 Rotate 90 degrees.

[0045] Fig.13 A self-elevating crane is shown with a support structure displaced relative to a base structure. Fig.12 The position of the support structure is shown displaced, with the self-elevating crane being arranged at a third crane mounting position.

[0046] Fig.14 A perspective view of a wind turbine is shown depicting a self-elevating crane assembly mounted on a nacelle of the wind turbine.

[0047] Fig.15 Shows Fig.14 An enlarged side view of a portion of a wind turbine depicting a foundation assembly schematically mounted on an schematic nacelle and a self-elevating crane supported on the foundation assembly, the self-elevating crane being disposed at a first crane mounting position.

[0048] Fig.16 An enlarged side view of a portion of a wind turbine is shown depicting a foundation assembly schematically mounted on an schematic nacelle and a self-elevating crane supported on the foundation assembly, the self-elevating crane being displaced toward a rotor of the wind turbine and disposed at a second crane mounting position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of a self-elevating crane assembly 100 according to the present invention is illustrated. According to the present invention, some features of the illustrated embodiment are optional. The self-elevating crane assembly 100 is suitable for installation on a nacelle 200 of a wind turbine 300, such as Figure 14-16 Best shown. Figure 1 The self-elevating crane assembly 100 includes a self-elevating crane 101 having a base portion 102, a boom 104, a hook block 106 provided with a hook 108, and two cables 110, 112 (at Figures 9 to 12), the two cables 110, 112 are preferably in the form of wires, such as metal wires, which are suitable for raising or lowering the hook block 106 relative to the boom 104 to enable the self-elevating crane 101 to operate in its installed position on the nacelle 200. The self-elevating crane 101 also includes a boom actuating cylinder 114 configured to pivot the boom 104 about a horizontal axis relative to the base portion 102, and a plurality of mounting pin holes 116 provided at the free end of the base portion 102 to enable the self-elevating crane 101 to be mounted in an upright position on the nacelle 200. The self-elevating crane is also of the type in which the boom 104 is rotatable about a vertical axis relative to the base portion 102 when installed in the upright position and during normal operation. Fig.11 , 12 13 illustrate this rotational freedom of the boom relative to the base portion.

[0050] The self-elevating crane assembly 100 further includes a base assembly 120 adapted to be disposed on and mounted to the nacelle 200. Although the base assembly 120 is envisioned to be disposed at a location substantially above the nacelle 200, the base assembly 120 may also be disposed at other locations or in the nacelle 200. The base portion 102 of the crane 101 is mounted on the base assembly 120, wherein the boom 104 of the self-elevating crane 101 is disposed above the base portion 102 for normal operation.

[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the base assembly 120 includes a base structure 122 and a support structure 124, the base structure being adapted to be mounted to the nacelle 200, the support structure being adapted to be supported on the base structure 122 and being configured to be displaced relative to the base structure 122 to facilitate positioning the self-elevating crane 101 at a plurality of crane installation locations. The support structure 124 is provided at each crane installation location using a plurality of mounting pins 126 (in Fig.12 124) is mounted / coupled / fixed to the base structure 122 such that once disposed at the desired mounting position, the position of the support structure 124 remains fixed relative to the base structure 122 and a strong and rigid coupling is achieved. Thus, in order to move / displace the support structure 124 relative to the base structure 122, the mounting pins 126 are disengaged / detached from the base structure 122 and the support structure 124. In some embodiments, the base structure 122 is configured to be mounted to a support frame that is fastened to the floor of the nacelle 200. In some embodiments, the support frame includes a rotor lock and / or a spindle support clamp.

[0052] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the base structure 122 includes a frame structure 128 that is suitable for mounting to the floor of the nacelle or to a support frame connected to the nacelle. The frame structure 128 is suitable for being arranged on the nacelle 200 of wind turbines 300 of different types and sizes. In this way, the shape and size of the frame structure 128 can be selected based on the size, shape and / or size of the nacelle 200 of the wind turbine 300. Therefore, by appropriately selecting the frame structure 128, the base structure 122 and therefore the base assembly 120 can be customized for or used with any size, shape and / or size of wind turbines. As shown, in the current embodiment, the frame structure 128 includes a pair of elongated beams 130 that are suitable for being arranged to be spaced apart from each other and generally parallel to each other when mounted to the nacelle 200. In this embodiment, each beam 130 is identical to each other. As shown, each beam 130 includes a base 132 and a pair of legs 134, 136 extending downwardly from the base 132. The first leg 134 extends downwardly from a first end of the base 132 and defines a first mounting pin hole, while the second leg 136 extends downwardly from a second end of the base 132 and defines a second mounting pin hole. The mounting pin holes enable the beam 130 to be mounted or secured to the nacelle 200 using suitable pins. In addition, the base 132 defines a plurality of through holes arranged in a straight line between the first end and the second end to enable the frame structure 128 (i.e., the beam 130) to be coupled to a support platform 140 of the base structure 122, which is removably mounted to the beam 130 using a plurality of pins.

[0053] As shown, the support platform 140 is configured to be disposed between the pair of beams 130 and the support structure 124. Figure 3 As illustrated, the support platform 140 includes a plurality of first yoke structures 142 extending downwardly from a body 144 of the support platform 140 and adapted to receive the beam 130. Pins extend through the base 132 of the beam 130 and the aligned holes of the first yoke structures 142 to securely couple / connect / mount the support platform 140 with the beam 130. Additionally, the support platform 140 includes a plurality of second yoke structures 146, more particularly four second yoke structures 146, extending upwardly from the body 144 of the support platform 140 to facilitate engagement / coupling of the support structure 124 to the support platform 140 via the plurality of pins. The second yoke structures 146 are configured to receive the support structure 124 so that the support structure 124 can be engaged with the support platform 140 via the pins.

[0054] In addition, the support platform 140 includes a plurality of vertically extending brackets 152 disposed on the outer side of the body 144. As shown, two brackets (hereinafter referred to as first brackets 152a) are disposed on a first side of the body 144, and the remaining two brackets (hereinafter referred to as second brackets 152b) are disposed on a second side of the body 144 disposed opposite to the first side. The two first brackets 152a facilitate connecting the cantilever 154 of the base assembly 120 to the support platform 140. In order to enable the cantilever 154 to be connected to the support platform 140, each first bracket 152a includes a first fork 156 disposed at the upper end of the first bracket 152a and a second fork 158 disposed at the lower end of the first bracket 152a, wherein the cantilever 154 includes corresponding four eyelet structures 160 disposed at the rear end of the cantilever 154 and adapted to be disposed within the first fork 156 and the second fork 158 of the first bracket 152a. The cantilever arm 154 is connected / supported to the support platform 140 by extending a pin through the eye structure 160 of the cantilever arm 154 and the fork structures 156 , 158 of the support platform 140 .

[0055] In addition, reference Figure 5 , the boom 154 extends in a transverse direction of the nacelle 200 and includes a pair of arms 162 adapted to extend outwardly in the transverse direction from the base structure 122 when the boom 154 is coupled / connected / fixed to the support platform 140. As shown, the pair of arms 162 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other, thereby defining a space 164 therebetween. The width of the space 164 is selected so that the base portion 102 of the crane 101 can be easily accommodated within the space 164. As shown, each arm 162 includes a generally L-shaped shape having a first member 166 that extends outwardly generally horizontally from the base structure 122 when the boom 154 is coupled / connected / fixed to the support platform 140, and a second member 168 that extends vertically upwardly from the first member 166 and is disposed at a front end of the boom 154 that is distal to the base structure 122. The second member 168 is configured to support a lifting tackle (not shown) having a plurality of pulleys to facilitate lifting of the self-elevating crane 101 by means of cables. It should be noted that the process for lifting the crane 101 is described in more detail in the applicant's co-pending application WO 2020201237 and is therefore not described in detail in this specification.

[0056] In addition, the boom 154 includes a pair of beams 170, which are supported by the pair of arms 162 through a connecting member and extend in a direction substantially parallel to the first member 166 of the arm 162. As shown, the beam 170 is disposed below the first member 166 and disposed inside the pair of arms 162. Each beam 170 extends from the rear end of the boom 154 toward the front end of the boom 154, so that the front end of each beam 170 is disposed inside the front end of the arm 162 and is disposed to be offset from the front end of the arm 162. The pair of beams 170 is configured to slidably support a trolley 172 of the base assembly 120. The trolley 172 is configured to linearly shift relative to the beam 170 in the transverse direction of the nacelle 200, and supports the self-elevating crane 101 to move the self-elevating crane 101 toward the support structure 124.

[0057] like Figure 6 As best shown, the trolley 172 includes a frame 174 and a plurality of wheels 176 rotatably coupled to the frame 174 and engaged with the pair of beams to enable the trolley 172 to move in a lateral direction between an inward position and an outward position relative to the boom 154. As shown, the frame 174 includes a base support 178 configured to support the self-elevating crane 101 such that when the trolley 172 is disposed in the outward position, the articulated portion 180 of the self-elevating crane 101 is supported on the base support 178. In addition, the trolley 172 includes a pair of engagement brackets 182 adapted to engage pistons of lift actuating cylinders 184, 185 of the self-elevating crane 101. The engagement brackets 182 engage the pistons of the lift actuating cylinders 184, 185, as shown. Fig.10 and 11 As shown, the base portion 102 is tilted, thereby enabling the self-elevating crane 101 to tilt. After the base portion 102 is tilted, the trolley 172 is moved from the outward position to the inward position. In order to facilitate the sliding / displacing of the trolley 172 between the inward position and the outward position, the base assembly 120 includes a displacement mechanism 186, such as an actuating cylinder 188, coupled to the trolley 172 and the support platform 140.

[0058] refer to Figure 7 The actuating cylinder 188 has a cylindrical housing 190 and a piston 192, the cylindrical housing being connected to the support platform 140, the piston being telescopically extended and retracted relative to the cylindrical housing 190 and being connected to a support arm 194 of the trolley 172. Figure 6As shown, the support arm 194 includes a generally triangular shape and extends downwardly from and is connected to the base support 178. The cart 172 moves from the inward position toward the outward position in response to the piston 192 extending outwardly relative to the cylindrical housing 190, and moves from the outward position toward the inward position in response to the piston 192 retracting into the cylindrical housing 190. Although the actuating cylinder 188 is shown and envisioned as the displacement mechanism 186, it is contemplated that any other type of displacement mechanism 186 (such as, but not limited to, a rack and pinion arrangement) or any other suitable mechanism that facilitates linear movement of the cart 172 relative to the cantilever 154 is also possible.

[0059] refer to Figure 4 , the support structure 124 includes a base frame 202 having two elongated members 204, 206 and a base member 208 connecting the two elongated members 204, 206. The elongated members 204, 206 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other and generally parallel to each other, and extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of the first member of the arm 162 of the cantilever 154. Therefore, when the base assembly 120 is mounted to the nacelle 200, the elongated members 204, 206 extend in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nacelle 200. Each elongated member 204, 206 includes an outer side that defines the outer side of the support structure 124. In addition, the support structure 124 includes a pair of rails, for example, a first rail 210 connected to the first elongated member 204 and disposed at the outer side of the first elongated member 204, and a second rail 212 connected to the second elongated member 206 and disposed at the outer side of the second elongated member 206. As shown, the rails 210, 212 extend in a longitudinal direction along the length of the elongated members 204, 206 and include a generally C-shaped shape defining C-shaped channels 214, 216. The plurality of rollers 220 (eg, Figure 3 214, 216 of the rails 210, 212 to enable the support structure 124 to slide in the longitudinal direction relative to the support platform 140 (i.e., the base structure 122). In addition, in order to arrange and install the support structure 124 in multiple crane installation positions, each elongated member 204, 206 includes a plurality of mounting holes 222, such as a first mounting hole 222a, a second mounting hole 222b, a third mounting hole 222c, a fourth mounting hole 222d, and a fifth mounting hole 222e, disposed between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of each elongated member 204, 206.

[0060] In the assembly of the support structure 124 with the support platform 140, the elongated members 204, 206 are disposed within the second yoke structure 146 and extend through the yoke structure 146 in a longitudinal direction. The mounting pin 126 is inserted through the aligned second yoke structure 146 and two mounting holes 222 of each elongated member 204, 206 to secure / dispose / position the support structure 124 in one of a plurality of crane mounting positions relative to the support platform 140. In one embodiment, the support structure 124 is secured at the first crane mounting position when the first hole 222a and the third hole 222c are aligned with the second yoke structure 146 and the mounting pin 126 extends through the first hole 222a, the third hole 222c and the associated second yoke structure 146. In addition, when the second yoke structure 146 is aligned with the second hole 222b and the fourth hole 222d of the elongated members 204, 206, the support structure 124 is disposed at the second crane mounting position, and when the second yoke structure 146 is aligned with the third hole 222c and the fifth hole 222e of the elongated members 204, 206, the support structure 124 is disposed at the third crane mounting position. It will be appreciated that the number of possible crane mounting positions may be varied by varying (i.e., increasing or decreasing) the number of mounting holes 222.

[0061] As shown, the support structure 124 includes a plurality of mounting structures 230 that extend vertically upward from the base frame 202 to enable the base portion 102 of the self-elevating crane to be mounted on the support structure 124 to position the self-elevating crane 101 in a normal position.

[0062] In addition, if Fig.10 and Fig.11 As best shown, the base assembly 120 includes a pair of cross beams 232, 234 adapted to be coupled to the boom 154 and the support platform 140. As shown, one end of each cross beam 232, 234 is connected to the boom 154, while the other end of each cross beam 232, 234 is connected to the second bracket 152b of the support platform 140. Thus, in the assembly of the cross beams 232, 234, the cross beams 232, 234 extend above the support structure 124 and provide additional support / reinforcement to the boom 154 during the lifting of the self-elevating crane 101 from the ground to the nacelle 200. In addition, the cross beams 232, 234 facilitate sliding or shifting of the support structure 124 and the mounted self-elevating crane 101 along the length of the elongated members 204, 206 to position the self-elevating crane 101 at a desired crane installation location in a plurality of crane installation locations. In order to enable the self-elevating crane 101 to be displaced in the longitudinal direction along the support structure 124 relative to the base structure 122, the base assembly 120 includes a pair of push support members 238, 240 (at Fig.12 and Fig.13The pair of push supports are removably coupled to one of the beams 232, 234, such as the beam 232 on the gearbox side. The push supports 238, 240 extend vertically upward from the beam 232 on the gear side. It will be appreciated that in order to displace the self-elevating crane 101 with the support structure 124, the other of the beams 232, 234 (e.g., the beam 234 on the rotor side) is disengaged and removed from the base assembly 120 (e.g., the beam 234 on the rotor side). Fig.12 and Fig.13 shown).

[0063] In addition, the base assembly 120 includes a pair of extension arms 242, 244 (eg, Fig.12 1, the pair of extension arms are detachably connected to a pair of lift actuator cylinders 184, 185 and push supports 238, 240 of the self-elevating crane 101. In addition, in order to enable the support structure 124 to be displaced together with the self-elevating crane 101, the mounting pins 126 are removed from the holes 222 of the elongated members 204, 206 and the second yoke structure 146, and the rollers 220 are set in the C-shaped channels 214, 216 of the rails 210, 212. Thereafter, the lift actuator cylinders 184, 185 are appropriately extended and / or retracted to slide the support structure 124 together with the crane 101 to the desired crane installation position. After positioning the support structure 124 with the self-elevating crane 101 at the desired crane installation location, the mounting pins 126 are extended through the aligned holes of the second yoke structure 146 and the holes 222 of the elongated members 210, 212 to secure / fix the self-elevating crane 101 at the desired crane installation location.

[0064] A method of mounting the self-elevating crane 101 on the support structure 124 will now be described. The base assembly 120 is mounted on the nacelle 200 of the wind turbine 300 prior to lifting the crane 101 to the nacelle 200. To this end, a pair of beams 130 are mounted to the nacelle 200 and the support platform 140 is mounted on the pair of beams 130 by inserting pins through holes in the beams and a first yoke structure 142 of the support platform 140. Thereafter or at another time, the support structure 124 is mounted above the support platform 140 such that the elongated members 204, 206 of the support structure 124 extend in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nacelle 200. The support structure 124 is mounted on the support platform 140 by extending the elongated members 204, 206 through the second yoke structure 146 of the support platform 140 and inserting the mounting pins 126 through the alignment holes 222 of the support structure 124 and the second yoke structure 146.

[0065] After the support structure 124 is mounted on the support platform 140 or at another time, the cantilever 154 is mounted to the support platform 140. The cantilever 154 is mounted to the support platform 140 by engaging the fork structures 156, 158 of the first bracket 152a with the eye structure 160 of the cantilever 154 using a pin. Fig.15 As shown, the cantilever 154 is suspended from the support platform 140 so that the arm 162 of the cantilever 154 extends in the lateral direction of the nacelle 200 and extends outward from the support platform 140. In addition, the actuating cylinder 188 is connected to the support platform 140 by coupling the end of the cylindrical housing 190 to the support platform 140 and coupling the end of the piston 192 to the support arm 194 of the trolley 172. In addition, a pair of cross beams 232, 234 are coupled to the cantilever 154 and the second bracket 152b of the support platform so that the cross beams 232, 234 extend above the support structure 124 and are arranged to be spaced apart from each other and generally parallel to each other. Subsequently or at other times, a lifting tackle (not shown) is disposed between the second members 168 of the arm 162 and is engaged to the vertically extending second member 168 of the cantilever so that the lifting tackle (not shown) extends in the longitudinal direction. In this way, the base assembly 120 is mounted to the nacelle 200.

[0066] After the hoisting block (not shown) is mounted on the boom 154 and the base assembly 120 is mounted on the nacelle 200, the self-elevating crane 101 is lifted from the ground to the nacelle 200 by operating a cable winch (not shown) provided at the ground. The cables 110, 112 of the self-elevating crane 101 extend from the hook block 106 and extend outward through the central opening in the base portion 102. From there, during the lifting of the crane 101, the cables 110, 112 extend further upward to the base assembly 120 on the nacelle 200, where the cables 110, 112 are guided around corresponding pulleys (not shown) of the hoisting block (not shown). From there, the cables 110, 112 extend downward back to the cable winch (not shown) provided at the ground. The self-elevating crane 101 is adapted to be lifted from the ground with the base portion 102 pointing upward until the articulated portion 180 of the self-elevating crane 101 is positioned / supported at the base support 178 of the trolley 172, which is arranged in an outward position (eg, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 ). The trolley 172 is moved to the outward position by extending the piston 192 of the actuating cylinder 188. As previously mentioned, the process for lifting the crane to the nacelle, the operation of the winch, cables, pulleys, etc. are described in more detail in the applicant's co-pending application WO 2020201237 and are therefore not described in detail here.

[0067] Thereafter, the pistons of the lifting cylinders 184, 185 of the self-elevating crane 101 are extended and coupled to the engagement bracket 182 of the trolley 172. In order to tilt the base part 102 and thus the self-elevating crane 101 about the hinge axis, the pistons are retracted, as shown. Fig.10 As shown. In addition, in some embodiments, to enable additional tilting of the base portion 102 relative to the boom 104, the boom actuating cylinder 114 may also be retracted. This will cause the base portion to tilt as the center of gravity of the jack-up crane changes, which is caused by the retraction of the boom actuating cylinder. During the tilting of the base portion 102, the technician can operate the lift actuating cylinders 184, 185 and / or the boom actuating cylinder 114 to prevent any part of the jack-up crane 101 from interfering with the base assembly 120 and / or the nacelle 200.

[0068] After the base portion 102 is appropriately tilted, the carriage 172 is moved / displaced toward the inward position by operating the displacement mechanism 186, i.e., by retracting the piston 192 of the actuating cylinder 188, until the first set of mounting pin holes 116a provided at the free end of the base portion 102 are aligned with the first set of mounting structures 230 provided on the first elongated member 204, as shown. Fig.11 As shown. After the first set of mounting pin holes 116a are aligned with the holes of the first mounting structure 230, the pins are inserted through the aligned mounting pin holes 116a and the holes of the mounting structure 230. Thereafter, the pistons of the lifting actuator cylinders 184, 185 are extended to further tilt the base portion 102 of the crane 101 until the second set of mounting pin holes 116b of the base portion 102 of the crane 101 are aligned with the holes of the second set of mounting structure 230 provided in the second elongated member 206. As a result, the self-elevating crane 101 is arranged in a vertical upright position, with the boom 104 arranged above the base portion 102, as shown. Fig.12 As shown. The pins are then extended through the aligned mounting pin holes 116b and the holes of the second set of mounting structures 230. Since the trolley 172 facilitates sliding the self-elevating crane 101 toward the nacelle 200, the self-elevating crane 101 can be mounted to the nacelle 200 substantially centered in the width direction, rather than being arranged to be laterally offset from the center of the nacelle 200 in the width direction as in current self-elevating cranes.

[0069] After the self-elevating crane 101 is fixed to the support structure 124, the support structure 124 can be moved / displaced along the longitudinal axis of the nacelle 200 to place the self-elevating crane 101 at any one of the crane installation positions to increase the reach of the self-elevating crane 101 in the longitudinal direction of the nacelle 200, so as to enable repair and maintenance of components of the long nacelle 200 that are arranged at the far side, thereby enabling repair and maintenance of wind turbines with different sizes. In order to displace the self-elevating crane 101 relative to the nacelle 200 in the longitudinal direction of the nacelle 200, one of the beams 232, 234 (e.g. the beam 234 on the rotor side) is disassembled from the cantilever 154 and the support platform 140, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 In addition, the push support members 238, 240 are mounted on the other of the cross beams 232, 234, for example, the cross beam 232 on the gear box side.

[0070] The push supports 238, 240 are mounted on the cross beam 232 on the gearbox side so that the push supports 238, 240 are aligned with the lift actuating cylinders 184, 185 in the longitudinal direction of the nacelle 200. After the push supports 238, 240 are mounted, two extension arms 242, 244 are connected to the two lift actuating cylinders 184, 185 and the push supports 238, 240. To this end, the lift actuating cylinders 184, 185 can be set in a retracted position, and the first end of the first extension arm 242 is connected to the end of the piston of the associated lift actuating cylinder 184, and the first push support 238 is connected to the first extension arm 242 at a position close to the first end of the first extension arm 242. The first extension arm 242 is arranged so that a major part of the first extension arm 242 extends through the first push support 238 on a side of the first push support 238 arranged opposite to the lift actuating cylinder 184, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 Similarly, the second extension arm 244 is coupled to the other lift actuating cylinder 185 and the second push support 240 .

[0071] Thereafter or at another time, the rollers 220 of the support platform 140 are engaged with the tracks 210, 212 of the support structure 124 and inserted into the C-shaped channels 214, 216 of the tracks 210, 212. To this end, the mounting pins 126 that engage or secure the support structure 124 to the support platform 140 are removed. For example, the mounting pins 126 are removed from the first holes 222a and the third holes 222c of the second yoke structure 146 and the elongated members 204, 206. Before removing the mounting pins 126, the boom 104 is rotated to a suitable angle, such as 90 degrees, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown, the center of gravity of the self-elevating crane 101 is properly adjusted to prevent the self-elevating crane 101 from tilting uncontrollably relative to the base structure 122.

[0072] Subsequently, the pistons of the lift actuator cylinders 184, 185 are extended. In response to the extension of the pistons of the lift actuator cylinders 184, 185, the support structure 124 is moved backward (i.e., toward the rotor of the wind turbine 300) relative to the support platform 140 (i.e., the base structure 122). Fig.16 101 relative to the base structure 122. In some embodiments, in order to further displace the support structure 124 with the self-elevating crane 101 in the longitudinal direction, the extension arms 242, 244 are disconnected from the push supports 238, 240, and the pistons of the lifting actuator cylinders 184, 185 are retracted. Thereafter, the second ends of the extension arms 242, 244 are connected to the push supports 238, 240 using pins. Thereafter, the pistons of the lifting actuator cylinders 184, 185 are extended again to further displace the support structure 124 relative to the support platform 140. The pistons of the lifting actuator cylinders 184, 185 are extended until the support structure 124 is arranged at a desired crane installation position, such as the second crane installation position or the third crane installation position, with the self-elevating crane 101. As a result, the appropriate holes 222 of the elongated members 204, 206 corresponding to the second crane installation position or the third crane installation position are aligned with the second yoke structure 146 of the support platform 140. Thereafter, the self-elevating crane 101 is secured at the second crane mounting position or the third crane mounting position by inserting mounting pins through the associated holes 222 of the elongated members 204 , 206 and the second yoke structure 146 .

[0073] In some cases, the crane 101 may also be displaced backwards from the initial crane installation position. This may be useful in situations where a rotor blade of the wind turbine 300 may collide with the crane 101 in the initial crane installation position.

[0074] It should be noted that the drawings and the above description have shown exemplary embodiments in a simple and schematic manner. Many specific mechanical details are not shown, because those skilled in the art should be familiar with these details, and these details will only unnecessarily complicate the present description. For example, the specific materials used and the specific manufacturing process are not described in detail, because those skilled in the art should be able to find suitable materials and suitable methods to manufacture the base assembly according to the present invention.

[0075] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings illustrate additional features that would be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, these additional features are not described in detail herein.

[0076] Furthermore, as previously mentioned, the drawings and description have shown and described embodiments of the present invention and a self-elevating crane. However, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the base assembly with a displaceable support structure can be used with many other forms of tower-mounted cranes, and the crane can be mounted on a displaceable support structure. For example, in one embodiment, a smaller crane is assembled on top of a wind turbine tower. The tower-mounted crane is then lifted to the top of the wind turbine using the smaller crane. The tower-mounted crane can be lifted in one or more pieces and then assembled on top of the support structure. Therefore, the invention defined in this specification can be used with many different types of tower-mounted cranes.

[0077] Parts List

[0078] 100 Self-elevating crane components

[0079] 101 Self-elevating crane

[0080] 102 base part

[0081] 104 boom

[0082] 106 Hook Block

[0083] 108 hook

[0084] 110 Cable

[0085] 112 Cable

[0086] 114 boom actuator cylinder

[0087] 116 Mounting pin hole

[0088] 116a The first set of mounting pin holes

[0089] 116b Second set of mounting pin holes

[0090] 120 base assembly

[0091] 122 base structure

[0092] 124 Support structure

[0093] 126 Mounting pin

[0094] 128 frame structure

[0095] 130 beam

[0096] 132 base

[0097] 134 First Leg

[0098] 136 Second Leg

[0099] 140 support platform

[0100] 142 First yoke structure

[0101] 144 Main Body

[0102] 146 Second yoke structure

[0103] 152 vertical extension bracket

[0104] 152a First bracket

[0105] 152b Second bracket

[0106] 154 Cantilever

[0107] 156 First Fork

[0108] 158 Second Fork

[0109] 160 hole structure

[0110] 162 Arm

[0111] 164 Space

[0112] 166 First Component

[0113] 168 Second Component

[0114] 170 beam

[0115] 172 Car

[0116] 174 Frame

[0117] 176 wheels

[0118] 178 base support

[0119] 180 articulated part

[0120] 182 Joint bracket

[0121] 184 Lifting Actuating Cylinder

[0122] 185 Lifting Actuating Cylinder

[0123] 186 displacement mechanism

[0124] 188 Actuating Cylinder

[0125] 190 cylindrical shell

[0126] 192 Piston

[0127] 194 Support Arm

[0128] 200 Cabin

[0129] 202 base frame

[0130] 204 first elongated member

[0131] 206 Second long member

[0132] 208 base components

[0133] 210 First Track

[0134] 212 Second Track

[0135] 214C channel

[0136] 216C channel

[0137] 220 roller

[0138] 222 mounting holes

[0139] 222a first mounting hole

[0140] 222b Second mounting hole

[0141] 222c Third mounting hole

[0142] 222d Fourth mounting hole

[0143] 222e fifth mounting hole

[0144] 230 installation structure

[0145] 232 Gear side beam

[0146] 234 Rotor side beam

[0147] 238 first push support member

[0148] 240 second push support member

[0149] 242 first extension arm

[0150] 244 second extension arm

[0151] 300 wind turbines

Claims

1. A base assembly for a tower-mounted crane for a wind turbine, the tower-mounted crane comprising a base portion and a boom, wherein: During normal operation of the tower-mounted crane, the boom is rotatably arranged relative to the base portion about a vertical axis, the base assembly being configured to support the tower-mounted crane on a nacelle of the wind turbine, the base assembly comprising: a base structure adapted to be mounted to the nacelle; and a support structure configured to engage the tower mounted crane and support the tower mounted crane in an upright position, wherein a base portion of the tower mounted crane is attached to the support structure when the tower mounted crane is engaged with the base assembly, Features The support structure is movably coupled to the base structure and is adapted to be linearly displaced relative to the base structure in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the nacelle to enable positioning of the tower mounted crane at a plurality of crane mounting positions relative to the nacelle.

2. The base assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The base structure comprises: a frame structure adapted to be mounted to the nacelle, and A support platform is detachably connected to the frame structure and extends vertically upward from the frame structure.

3. The base assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The base assembly includes a cantilever connected to the base structure and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the nacelle, wherein the cantilever facilitates lifting the tower mounted crane from the ground to the nacelle.

4. The base assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The base assembly includes a hoisting tackle adapted to be supported on the boom and having a plurality of pulleys to enable the tower mounted crane to be lifted by a winch located on the ground.

5. The base assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The base assembly includes a trolley movably supported on the cantilever and configured to move between an inward position and an outward position along a path substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the nacelle, wherein enabling an articulated portion of a base section of the tower mounted crane to bear on the trolley when the trolley is moved to the outward position, thereby enabling the base section to be tilted, and When the trolley is moved from the outward position to the inward position, the base portion is enabled to be mounted on the support structure, thereby facilitating mounting of the tower mounted crane in the upright position and substantially centrally to the nacelle.

6. The base assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The base assembly includes a displacement mechanism configured to slide the cart between the outward position and the inward position.

7. The base assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The displacement mechanism includes an actuating cylinder coupled to the cart and the base structure.

8. A base assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The support structure or the base structure comprises a pair of rails extending in the longitudinal direction of the support structure and arranged at opposite sides of the support structure, and The base structure or the support structure includes a plurality of rollers adapted to engage with the pair of rails to facilitate sliding movement of the support structure relative to the base structure, thereby enabling the tower mounted crane to be shifted between the plurality of crane mounting positions.

9. The base assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a pair of cross beams detachably connected to the boom and the base structure such that the pair of cross beams are disposed above the support structure in a lateral direction during lifting, wherein one of the pair of cross beams is removable to allow the support structure to be displaced relative to the base structure, thereby allowing the tower mounted crane to be moved to a different crane installation location.

10. The base assembly of claim 9, wherein A pair of lifting cylinders of the tower mounted crane are coupled to the other of the pair of cross beams to enable the support structure supporting the tower mounted crane in the upright position to slide relative to the base structure.

Images