SNAIL TOWER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a screw tower and a use of such a screw tower.

[0002] GB 820,559 A discloses a multi-level garage consisting of spirally ascending or descending ramps, in which the ramps comprise a plurality of prefabricated individual units similar in shape and size. Each prefabricated unit consists of a main column supporting a forked main beam, on which are mounted further beams connected by floor joists and covered with slabs forming a floor or road surface. This forms a spiral driveway spiral that runs along the outer perimeter. Parking lanes for cars are located in the center and along the outer perimeter.

[0003] EP 0 195 090 A1 discloses a scaffold garage, preferably made of prefabricated steel elements, suitable for constructing various garage sizes. Spiral access and exit lanes are formed along the perimeter, and a parking area is provided in the center. The individual modules are formed from steel beams attached to vertical concrete columns.

[0004] US 719 751 A discloses a spiral elevator that can be used, for example, in high-rise buildings. A spiral rail runs around the outer perimeter of a scaffold or building. A drive housing has a drive motor that drives a drive cable guided in the rail. A gondola designed to transport passengers is also guided in the rail.

[0005] KR 20-2020 0090388 A discloses a prefabricated observation tower that can accommodate a tight bend curve for a pedestrian access ramp. The observation tower's spiral pedestrian access ramp runs along the outer perimeter of a truss structure. A multitude of truss-forming tubes are fitted together. The tubes intersect along the perimeter to form the supporting truss.

[0006] It is difficult to build a structure in an area where helicopters and large cranes cannot be used.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to erect a structure in an area where helicopters and large cranes cannot be used.

[0008] This object is achieved by a screw tower and by a use having the features according to the independent claims.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a spiral tower is provided, comprising a plurality (for example, at least three or at least five) of helical tower windings that are connected to one another in a spiral manner for vehicle travel, and a plurality of stair elements that are connected to one another in a manner that a user can walk on. Each of the tower windings is formed from a plurality (for example, at least three or at least five) of interconnected winding modules that also connect adjacent tower windings to one another, and wherein a respective upper one of the tower windings can be mounted from a respective lower one of the tower windings by connecting further winding modules. The stair elements are connected to one another in a helical manner, and the interconnected stair elements that can be walked on extend in a spiral direction opposite to the traversable tower windings.

[0010] According to a non-claimed example, a winding module for forming a screw tower with the features described above is provided, wherein the winding module has a (in particular horizontally or inclinedly arranged) surface element for contributing to the drivability of the screw tower and a (in particular vertically arranged) connecting element for connecting to another winding module of the screw tower (and optionally a stair element).

[0011] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a snail tower having the features described above is used for driving over by a vehicle and / or for walking over by a user in rough terrain.

[0012] According to an unclaimed example, a method for assembling a screw tower is provided, the method comprising helically connecting a plurality of helical tower windings to one another to form a screw tower that can be driven over by a vehicle and / or walked on by a user, forming each of the tower windings by connecting a plurality of winding modules to one another such that they also connect adjacent tower windings to one another, and mounting a respective upper one of the tower windings from a respective lower one of the tower windings by connecting respective winding modules.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, a spiral-shaped and preferably wheelchair-accessible tower is created, which can be erected modularly and without a crane or helicopter or another temporarily constructed attachment point above a construction site. This makes it possible to erect tall spiral towers, with a spiral-shaped, barrier-free track serving as an access ramp (for example, for wheelchairs, building materials and / or construction equipment). Within the spiral structure, a subsequent level or turn can be raised from a lower level or turn. It is particularly preferred to erect a spiral tower according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in a no-fly zone, a forest, an island, or in an area without available cranes, helicopters, or heavy construction equipment.

[0014] Additional embodiments of the screw tower are described below.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the screw tower can be continuously accessible from the ground to a platform at the top. The entire path from the ground to the platform can be barrier-free for a vehicle or wheelchair.

[0016] According to the invention, the spiral tower comprises a plurality of stair elements that are connected to one another so that a user can walk on them. The spiral tower can therefore be driven on and walked on simultaneously.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the stair elements can be continuously accessible from the ground to the upper platform. The entire path from the ground to the platform can be barrier-free for a pedestrian and may only require climbing steps.

[0018] According to the invention, the stair elements are connected to each other in a helical configuration. The spiral-shaped design of the access ramp can also be realized by the stair elements.

[0019] According to the invention, the accessible, connected stair elements run in a spiral direction opposite to the accessible tower windings. This protects a vehicle or wheelchair that accidentally rolls downhill from accidentally falling through the stair elements.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the tower windings can be designed as a ramp, particularly a wheelchair ramp. A wheelchair can thus travel the entire distance from the ground to a platform at the top of the screw tower.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the auger tower can include construction equipment, in particular a mini-crane, attached to the auger tower. Such lightweight construction equipment can be firmly anchored to the auger tower, thereby improving operational safety.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the snail tower can comprise at least one of a group consisting of a railing (particularly for fall protection), a slide (particularly for sliding between different tower turns), a net (particularly for fall protection and as a recreational activity), an occupational safety device, and ropes course elements (particularly for climbing park applications). Other equipment can also be attached to the snail tower to further enhance its functionality.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, each winding module can have a (particularly horizontally or inclined) surface element to contribute to drivability and a (particularly vertically arranged) connecting element for connecting to another winding module, and optionally a stair element. The connecting element(s) can connect winding modules arranged one above the other, whereas the surface element can border on a surface element of an adjacent winding module. Preferably, a winding module has three connecting elements, which preferably run parallel to one another and mechanically connect winding modules arranged vertically one above the other in a particularly reliable manner. The at least one connecting element can have mechanical connecting elements (for example locking elements) at one or two free ends for mechanically connecting to connecting elements of winding modules arranged above and / or below.Such a modular design allows the spiral tower to be easily constructed and scaled as required by mechanically connecting the connecting elements (e.g., by plugging them together). If the spiral modules also include a stair element, a path for vehicles and a staircase for pedestrians can be created simultaneously by simply connecting the spiral modules.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the screw tower can be designed with a polygonal outline, in particular an octagonal outline. An octagonal outline is preferred because the screw tower can then be constructed with particularly simple and few modules.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the impassable terrain may include at least one of a group consisting of mountainous terrain (in particular, a mountain peak), a no-fly zone, a forest (in particular, one without accessible access), an island, and an area without available cranes, helicopters, and heavy construction equipment. Other applications are possible.

[0026] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the following figures. Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a screw tower according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a side view of the screw tower according to Figure 1 . Figure 3 shows a top view of the screw tower according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Figure 4 shows a spatial view of an upper area of the screw tower according to Figure 1 to Figure 3 . Figure 5 shows a spatial view of a winding module of the screw tower according to Figure 1 to Figure 4 . Figure 6 shows a side view of the winding module according to Figure 5 .

[0027] The same or similar components in different figures are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0028] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a screw tower 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention during the construction phase. Figure 2 shows a side view of the screw tower 10 according to Figure 1 . Figure 3 shows a top view of the screw tower 10 during the construction phase according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Figure 4 shows a spatial view of an upper area of the screw tower 10 according to Figure 1 to Figure 3 . Figure 5 shows a spatial view of a winding module 13 of the screw tower 10 during the construction phase according to Figure 1 to Figure 4 . Figure 6shows a side view of the winding module 13 according to Figure 5 .

[0029] The illustrated screw tower 10 has a plurality of helical tower windings 11 that are interconnected in a spiral manner for continuous travel by a vehicle 12. Each of the tower windings 11 is formed from a plurality of interconnected winding modules 13. Adjacent tower windings 11 are also interconnected by interconnected winding modules 13. A respective upper one of the tower windings 11 can be mounted from a respective adjacent lower one of the tower windings 11 by connecting further winding modules 13.

[0030] Due to the described modular construction, it is possible for the screw tower 10 to be continuously driven on from the floor 14 up to an upper platform 15.

[0031] Furthermore, the snail tower 10 has a plurality (for example, at least three or at least five) of stair elements 16 that are interconnected so that a user can walk on them. Said stair elements 16 extend from the floor 14 to an upper platform 15 and allow continuous access. Advantageously, the stair elements 16 are interconnected in a helical manner.

[0032] Preferably, the accessible, connected stair elements 16 are arranged in a spiral direction opposite to the accessible tower windings 11. This prevents a vehicle, such as a wheelchair, from falling over the stair elements 16. The vehicle therefore remains reliably on the accessible ramp. The tower windings 11 are designed as a drive-on ramp, more precisely, as a wheelchair ramp.

[0033] The figures further show that construction equipment 2-5, including a mini crane, is attached to the snail tower 10. Furthermore, additional equipment is mounted on the snail tower 10, for example, a railing 6, a slide 7, a net, and / or rope course elements.

[0034] Figure 5 and Figure 6 show that winding modules 13 of the screw tower 10 have a surface element 17 to contribute to the trafficability and connecting elements 18 for connecting to another winding module 13, as well as a stair element 16. Other winding modules 13 than the one in Figure 5 and Figure 6The winding module 13 shown can also be installed in the screw tower 10. In particular, a type of winding module 13 can be installed which has a surface element 17 to contribute to the drivability and connecting elements 18 for connecting to another winding module 13, but no stair element 16. To form the screw tower 10, connecting elements 18 of winding modules 13 arranged one above the other can be coupled to one another using mechanical connecting elements (such as plug-in and / or locking elements), and surface elements 17 can be attached to one another in a substantially horizontal direction. Particularly advantageous with regard to a stable construction is the provision of winding modules 13 with three vertical connecting elements 18 which are arranged in a triangular shape (preferably along an isosceles or equilateral triangle).This configuration creates a prism-shaped connecting structure that promotes a particularly reliable connection of stacked winding modules 13. This modular design of the screw tower 10 combines low assembly and disassembly effort with moderate manufacturing effort. The construction of the screw tower 10 consists of only a few different modules, including the winding module 13 according to . Figure 5 and Figure 6 , allows for simple manufacturing and assembly. The screw tower 10 can, for example, be designed with an octagonal or hexagonal outline. Such a geometry promotes the modular construction of the screw tower 10.

[0035] Preferably, the illustrated snail tower 10 is used for driving over by a vehicle 12 and for walking over by a user in rough terrain. The rough terrain can be, for example, mountainous terrain (such as a mountain peak), a no-fly zone, a forest, an island, or an area without available cranes, helicopters, and heavy construction equipment. According to Figure 1 to Figure 6 A snail-shaped wheelchair-accessible snail tower 10 has been created, which can be erected without a crane, helicopter or other temporary anchor points above it.

[0036] This design makes it possible to erect tall, wheelchair-accessible spiral towers 10 in locations where neither cranes, helicopters, temporary cable cars, nor other temporary anchor points above the construction site are possible, affordable, or permitted. The spiral-shaped wheelchair ramp 1 serves as an access ramp for materials and light construction equipment, such as a mobile mini-crane 2, a pallet truck, a forklift 3, or an ATW 4. Within the spiral, the next level is raised from the level below. Furthermore, portable mini-cranes 5 can be temporarily bolted onto the previously completed structure.

[0037] The design is therefore particularly suitable for the following areas and conditions: Mountain peaks and similar inaccessible areas No-fly zones Forests without good access roads Islands without connections for heavy construction equipment, without a shipping port or airport Areas where cranes, helicopters or heavy construction equipment are not available, cannot drive to or fly into, it would not be economical or human labor is significantly more cost-effective.

[0038] One or more staircases 6 can also be added as part of this self-supporting construction. The staircases preferably run in a spiral shape opposite to the wheelchair ramp. This reliably prevents an out-of-control wheelchair from falling down the stairs or steps. Other structures, such as railings, slides 7, nets, rope course elements, and the like, can also be easily guided upwards via the ramp. This also eliminates the need for heavy cranes or helicopters, etc., for these additional structures. To keep the modules transportable and lightweight, while still maintaining a diameter that allows wheelchair accessibility within a 360° circuit, the wheelchair must cross a plane. An octagonal construction is recommended, although all other polygons are also possible. The design is suitable for temporary or stationary towers.The tower will be built using modular construction 8 and preferably in steel, aluminum, wood or concrete.

[0039] The Figure 1 to Figure 6 The snail tower 10 shown can, for example, be erected on a small island next to a military airport where neither flying nor heavy equipment (such as crane trucks) can be brought onto the island.

[0040] Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

1. A helical tower (10) comprising: a plurality of helical tower turns (11) connected to each other in a helical shape for travel by a vehicle (12); and a plurality of stair elements (16) connected to each other so as to be walkable by a user; wherein each of the tower turns (11) is formed from a plurality of interconnected turn modules (13) that also interconnect adjacent tower turns (11); wherein a respective upper one of the tower turns (11) is mountable from a respective lower one of the tower turns (11) by connecting further turn modules (13), characterized in that the stair elements (16) are connected to each other in a helical shape; and the walkable connected stair elements (16) run in a spiral-shaped opposite direction to the travelable tower turns (11).

2. The helical tower (10) according to claim 1, wherein the helical tower (10) is continuously travelable from the bottom (14) to an upper-side platform (15).

3. The helical tower (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stair elements (16) are continuously walkable from the bottom (14) to an upper-side platform (15).

4. The helical tower (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tower turns (11) are configured as an approach ramp, in particular as a wheelchair ramp.

5. The helical tower (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising construction equipment (2-5), in particular a mini crane, which is attached to the helical tower (10).

6. The helical tower (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising at least one of a group consisting of a railing (6), a chute (7), a net and cable garden elements.

7. The helical tower (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each turn module (13) comprises a surface element (17), in particular arranged horizontally or inclined, for contributing to the travelability and a connecting element (18), in particular arranged vertically, for connecting to another turn module (13), and optionally a stair element (16).

8. The helical tower (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, configured with a polygonal outline, in particular an octagonal outline.

9. Use of a helical tower (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for travel by a vehicle (12) and / or for walking by a user in rough terrain, wherein the rough terrain comprises at least one of a group consisting of a mountain terrain, in particular a mountain summit, a no-fly zone, a forest, an island, and an area without available cranes, helicopters and heavy construction equipment.