Recirculating cylindrical roller assembly for supporting pile retention systems on rails

Abstract

An assembly for supporting an object on a rail includes a load-bearing housing and an endless chain of steel cylindrical rollers arranged to recirculate along a closed path. The assembly includes a resiliently compressible insert sandwiched between a steel central body and steel tracks above a working portion of the path such that the central body is resiliently supported on the operative set of cylindrical rollers via the insert and the steel tracks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an assembly for supporting an object on a rail, for example, to a pile holder configured to hold a pile (for example, a monopile forming a foundation for supporting an offshore wind turbine) to be driven into the seabed.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an X - Y movement support type pile holder having a rail extending in the X direction and a rail extending in the Y direction. The pile holder is supported on these rails by wheels. Since the load applied to the wheels is very large, these wheels are generally designed with a large diameter from the viewpoints of stress distribution and friction.

[0003] In the case of a pile holder, since there is a tendency towards larger offshore wind turbines, the pile to be held by the pile holder tends to be larger, so the load supported on the rail is increasing, especially. Therefore, it is expected that in the near future, piles longer than 100 meters (in some cases, 120 meters or more) need to be installed. The weight of such a pile can be greater than 1000 mt (in some cases, 1300 mt or more).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention aims to provide an improved assembly for supporting an object on rails, for example, in the field of pile holding for the installation of foundation piles for offshore wind turbines, in view of increasingly demanding requirements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention provides the assembly described in claim 1.

[0007] As in a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, when the assembly of the present invention is used with an XY motion support for a pile holder, the advantage is that the effective height of the XY motion support for the pile holder can be reduced because a large-diameter wheel is no longer used for this purpose. This improves the stability of the load support on the vessel and the stability of the vessel including the load, making it easier, for example, to control its positioning. Furthermore, the rail is no longer subjected to undesirable localized mechanical loads at the relatively small interface between the wheel and the rail. This can make it possible to reduce the requirements for the mechanical properties of the rail. Also, compared to known arrangements of large-diameter wheels, the assembly of the present invention can provide smoother movement of the load along the rail. For example, the stick-slip effect can be reduced for the benefit of precise dynamic positioning control of the pile holder, which becomes increasingly difficult as the weight to be handled (e.g., of the pile) increases.

[0008] The rails may be mounted or mountable on a surface (e.g., on the upper surface of a ship) (e.g., on the deck of a ship) such that an object can move along the rails. For example, as in the embodiment of a structure according to a first aspect of the present invention, which will be discussed later, the rails may be mounted on a surface via another such rail. Alternatively, the rails may be mounted or mountable so as to extend laterally, or they may be suspended to support an object from above. The term "on" should be interpreted to include such configurations.

[0009] The assembly includes a load-bearing housing for supporting an object on the assembly (for example, for mounting an object on the assembly). By supporting the object and by engaging with the rails, the assembly supports the object on the rails. In embodiments, the assembly is suitable for supporting an object on multiple rails (for example, two parallel rails).

[0010] The assembly includes an endless chain of steel cylindrical rollers, the steel cylindrical rollers arranged to recirculate along a closed path defined by the assembly. For example, between 20 and 25 cylindrical rollers are arranged in the endless chain. The chain is formed by rows of steel cylindrical rollers, whose axes of rotation are parallel to each other, as is known in the art.

[0011] For example, cylindrical rollers may be physically interconnected, or they may push each other through intermediate elements between adjacent rollers.

[0012] The closed path runs around the steel track members and the steel central body. Thus, the steel track members and the steel central body form the inner perimeter of the closed path. The path includes a working section and a return section. The working section is defined by the load-bearing surface of the track members of the assembly, and in the working section, an operational set of cylindrical rollers is engaged with the rails. Thereafter, the working section supports the load of an object on the rails. The load-bearing surface is generally smooth, and the track members having this surface are inelastic because they are made of steel. The fact that the cylindrical rollers are also made of steel results in minimal friction between the cylindrical rollers and the load-bearing surface. In the return section (defined by the return surface of the steel central body), the remaining set of cylindrical rollers is free from the rails. Therefore, the remaining set of cylindrical rollers is not engaged with the rails and, consequently, does not support an object on the rails. This can be achieved by running a return surface directly upward from the load-bearing surface on both the front and rear sides of the load-bearing surface. In the example, the return section has a section parallel to the working section.

[0013] During operation, that is, as the object and assembly move longitudinally along the rail, the operational set of cylindrical rollers moves along the working section of the closed path in the opposite direction of this movement. In doing so, the cylindrical rollers roll on the rail and on the load-bearing surface. In the return section of the closed path, the cylindrical rollers move along the return section from the side of the working section from which the cylindrical rollers exit to the side of the working section from which the cylindrical rollers enter. In doing so, the cylindrical rollers roll on the return surface.

[0014] The practical shape of the closure path has a working section, which runs longitudinally along multiple cylindrical rollers (e.g., 6 to 10 cylindrical rollers) and runs along the upper surface of the rail when the assembly is engaged with the rail, and the practical shape of the closure path has a straight part of a return section (e.g., of equal length), which is above the working section and parallel to the working section. The straight part of the return section and the working section can be interconnected by semicircular front and rear sections of the closure path. Alternatively, for example, the closure path has the shape of a rounded rectangle with its long sides formed by the working section and the straight part of the return section.

[0015] The engagement of the rail by the assembly may be from above only; however, it is preferable that the assembly also restricts the movement of the assembly relative to the rail in the lateral direction. In one embodiment, the cylindrical roller may be slightly concave. Lateral movement relative to the rail may also be restricted, for example, by providing one or more elements (e.g., rollers or wheels with a vertical axis of rotation) that engage laterally with the rail. These may be mounted on the assembly or be integrated with the assembly.

[0016] Cylindrical rollers may have a hardened surface to further reduce friction with the rail and load-bearing surface and at their interface.

[0017] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the assembly includes an elastically compressible elastic insert between a steel central body and a steel raceway. The central body is elastically supported via the insert on a kinetic set of cylindrical rollers.

[0018] The insert can be, for example, an elastically compressible elastic plate, onto which a load-bearing body part is attached.

[0019] The central body part is preferably directly attached to the elastic insert thereon.

[0020] A second aspect of the invention relates to a pile holding system configured to be mounted on a ship, for example for the installation of a pile (for example a monopile) adapted to support an offshore wind turbine.

[0021] The pile holding system according to the second aspect of the invention - a support assembly configured to be mounted on a ship (for example on the deck of the ship), and - a pile holder mounted on the support assembly, the pile holder being configured to hold a pile in a vertical orientation and comprising The pile holder includes at least one ring, the at least one ring being provided with a plurality of pile engagement devices distributed around the periphery of the ring, each pile engagement device being adapted to engage outside the pile extending through the ring, for example each pile engagement device includes one or more pile guide rollers. The ring includes a ring base fixed to the support assembly and one or more pivoting jaws (for example two semi-circular jaws), each jaw being pivotally mounted to the ring base at its inner end and having an outer end, the one or more jaws being movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position each ring forming a closed annulus, and in the open position there being an opening allowing the introduction of a pile into the pile holder.

[0022] Typically, a pile holding system is mounted on a ship to support and guide a pile adjacent to the ship while the pile is being lowered towards the seabed and / or while the pile is being driven into the seabed. A crane is used to upright the pile, i.e., to tilt the pile from a horizontal transport position to a vertical position so that it can be driven into the seabed, and to introduce the pile into the ring of the pile holding system. The pile is introduced into the ring by the slewing movement of the crane and / or the tilting movement of the crane boom.

[0023] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pile holding system including a pile holder mounted on a support assembly, the support assembly being configured to be mounted on the deck of a ship. The pile holder includes a ring, and the ring provides a plurality of pile engagement devices distributed around the periphery of the ring. Moreover, the ring includes a ring base and two semi-circular jaws, the ring base being fixed to the support assembly, and each jaw being pivotally mounted to the ring base at its inner end. The jaws are movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position, each ring forms a closed annular body, and in the open position, there is an opening allowing the introduction of a pile into the pile holder.

[0024] An object of the second aspect of the present invention is to provide a pile holding system that enables the versatile use of the pile holding system.

[0025] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a pile holding system, wherein the ring base of the ring and the support assembly are provided with cooperating releasable fixing members configured to provide a plurality of individual mounting angular positions of the ring relative to the support assembly as seen in plan view.

[0026] Therefore, in the pile holding system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the ring can be mounted at multiple individual mounting angle positions relative to the support assembly. This enables a more versatile use of the pile holding system.

[0027] For example, the ring can be mounted at an angled position for introducing upright piles on the left side of the pile retention system, and at an alternative angled position for introducing upright piles on the right side of the pile retention system. Therefore, it enables optimal use of the pile retention system regardless of whether the piles are upright on the left or right side of the pile retention system.

[0028] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method for installing piles for offshore wind turbines, - A vessel having a hull with a deck and sides (for example, a jacked-up vessel) - A crane, the crane is erected on the deck of a ship, has a boom, the boom is rotatable around a vertical pivot axis by the crane's pivot drive, and is luffable around the boom axis by the crane's luffing mechanism, and the crane is configured to lift and lower piles, - An upright tool mounted on the deck of the ship within the reach of the crane, - Separately from the upright tool, a pile holding system is mounted on the deck of the ship within the reach of the crane, and the pile holding system is - A support assembly configured to be mounted on a ship (for example, on the deck of a ship), and - A pile holder mounted on a support assembly, configured to hold the pile in a vertical orientation. A pile retention system including Used, The pile holder includes at least one ring, the at least one ring is provided with a plurality of pile engagement devices distributed around the periphery of the ring, each pile engagement device being adapted to engage with the outside of a pile extending through the ring, for example, each pile engagement device includes one or more pile guide rollers. The ring comprises a ring base fixed to a support assembly and one or more pivotable jaws (e.g., two semicircular jaws), each jaw pivotably mounted to the ring base at its inner end and having an outer end, and one or more jaws are movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position each ring forms a closed annular body, and in the open position there is an opening that allows the introduction of pile into the pile holder. The method is, - A step of erecting a pile using an uprighting tool for tiltably supporting the lower section of the pile, and a crane for engaging a lift with the upper section of the pile, wherein the pile is brought into a vertical orientation in an upright position relative to the hull and is suspended from the crane, - A step of positioning the ring of the pile holding system so that the vertically suspended pile can be laterally introduced into the open annular body of the ring, - The step of closing one or more jaws of the ring, - With the pile holder holding the pile in a vertical orientation, the pile is lowered onto the seabed and driven into the seabed. In a method including, For the lateral introduction of the pile into the open annular body of the ring, the ring of the upright tool and pile holding system is characterized in that the vertically suspended pile is transported by a crane from an upright position to the open annular body of the ring, with only the movement of the crane's slewing drive involved, and the pile is positioned such that, in a plan view, it passes along a curved trajectory having a radius around the slewing axis of the crane.

[0029] A third aspect of the present invention (i.e., transporting a vertically suspended pile solely by the operation of the crane's slewing drive such that the pile passes along a curved trajectory having a radius around the crane's slewing axis, as viewed in a plan view) significantly reduces the complexity of the transport and, for example, avoids the need to luff the boom during the transport.

[0030] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a pile holding system configured to be mounted on a ship for, for example, the installation of a pile (e.g., a monopile) adapted to support an offshore wind turbine, wherein the pile holding system is - A support assembly configured to be mounted on a ship (for example, on the deck of a ship), - A pile holder mounted on a support assembly, wherein the pile holder is configured to hold the pile in a vertical orientation, and Includes, The pile holder includes at least one ring, the at least one ring is provided with a plurality of pile engagement devices distributed around the periphery of the ring, each pile engagement device being adapted to engage with the outside of the pile extending through the ring during the installation of the pile into the seabed, for example, each pile engagement device includes one or more pile guide rollers, The ring comprises a ring base fixed to a support assembly and one or more pivotable jaws (e.g., two semicircular jaws), each jaw pivotably mounted to the ring base at its inner end and having an outer end, and one or more jaws are movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position each ring forms a closed annular body, and in the open position there is an opening that allows for the lateral introduction of a vertically suspended pile into the open annular body of the ring. The ring base is provided with one or more of the aforementioned pile engagement devices, in addition to one or more individual bumper devices, which are configured to act as bumpers for the pile when introduced laterally into the open annular body of the ring. One or more bumper devices are each embodied with a movable bumper member and associated bumper actuator, each bumper device configured to move the bumper member to an operational position, the operational position facing inward to one or more pile engagement devices on a ring base, such that the pile remains in the dear of the one or more pile engagement devices during the lateral introduction; each bumper device is configured to move the bumper member to a non-operational position, the non-operational position facing outward to one or more pile engagement devices on a ring base, such that the pile is positionable by the pile engagement devices. In one embodiment, each movable bumper member includes a bumper beam, the bumper beam pivotably fixed to the ring base at one end around a vertical axis, and the actuator is configured to pivot the bumper beam relative to the ring base.

[0031] A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a pile holding system configured to be mounted on a ship for, for example, the installation of a pile (e.g., a monopile) adapted to support an offshore wind turbine, wherein the pile holding system is - A support assembly configured to be mounted on a ship (for example, on the deck of a ship), - A pile holder supported by a support assembly, wherein the pile holder is configured to hold the pile in a vertical orientation, and Includes, The pile holder includes at least one ring, which is provided with a plurality of pile engagement devices distributed around the periphery of the ring, each pile engagement device being adapted to engage with the outside of a pile extending through the ring, for example, each pile engagement device including one or more pile guide rollers. The ring comprises a ring base and one or more pivotable jaws (e.g., two semicircular jaws), each jaw pivotably mounted to the ring base at its inner end and having an outer end, and one or more jaws are movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position each ring forms a closed annular body with a central axis, and in the open position there is an opening that allows the introduction of pile into the pile holder. The ring base is movably supported by a support assembly, allowing the ring to rotate around its central axis relative to the support assembly, thereby adjusting the position of the ring's opening relative to the support assembly.

[0032] In the fifth embodiment of the pile holding system, the position of the ring can be adjusted while the ring remains attached to the support assembly. This is in contrast to the second embodiment of the pile holding system of the present invention, in which adjusting the position of the ring requires the ring to be detached from the support assembly, and therefore does not allow the ring to be repositioned while the pile is received inside the ring.

[0033] A pile-holding assembly according to a fifth aspect of the present invention provides the same benefits as a pile-holding system according to a second aspect of the present invention and can be advantageously used in conjunction with a method according to a third aspect of the present invention.

[0034] In an embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, the central body portion has a recess, the recess corresponds to the dimensions of the combination of the elastic insert and the raceway member, and the elastic insert is coplanar with the bottom surface of the central body portion.

[0035] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, the elastically compressible elastic insert is made from a composite material (such as a fiber-reinforced plastic material), for example, the composite material is adapted for use in bearings. For example, thermosetting composite bearing materials incorporate a technical fabric impregnated with a thermosetting resin and optionally further additives. For example, they contain one or more of polyester fibers, aramid fibers, polyester resins, epoxy resins, PTFE, molybdenum disulfide, graphite, and calcium carbonate. A material particularly suitable for the insert is now known by the registered trademark Orkot®.

[0036] The elastically compressible elastic insert provides generous support for the central body on the operational set of cylindrical rollers, and thereby generous support for the object supported by the assembly. The elastic support of the object on the operational set of cylindrical rollers distributes the load of the object acting on the central body across the cylindrical rollers for the benefit of the favorable mechanical loads of the cylindrical rollers and rails. The insert thus absorbs local discontinuities in the load profile along the workpiece (e.g., edge loads, misalignments), including discontinuities at the interface between the cylindrical rollers and rails, and / or at the interface between the cylindrical rollers and track surfaces (such as dents, bumps, or small inclines on these surfaces).

[0037] The track members form a load-bearing surface and guide the operational set of cylindrical rollers between the load-bearing surface and the rail surface. The track members are positioned between the elastic insert and the operational set of cylindrical rollers, defining the working portion of the path on the side of the operational set of cylindrical rollers. The central body is therefore supported on the operational set of rollers via the track members (e.g., track plates). The load-bearing surface engages with the cylindrical rollers and guides them as they move along the working portion of the path.

[0038] The elastic insert engages with the track members and is attached to them, for example, at their interface (for example, directly on them). In order to benefit from the effect of the insert, the movement of the track members relative to the central body is preferably not restricted, for example, by directly and fixedly interconnecting the track members with the central body.

[0039] Preferably, the elastic insert is embodied as a plate. Preferably, the track member is embodied as a plate. Most preferably, both the elastic insert and the track member are plates (preferably of equal width and length), and preferably overlapping each other so that their sides coincide axially. Preferably, the elastic insert, like the track member, covers only the working portion longitudinally.

[0040] The central body is preferably directly engaged with the elastic insert above it, or preferably attached to it.

[0041] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, the central body has a recess, for example, corresponding to the dimensions of the attached elastic insert and raceway member, the elastic insert and raceway member being disposed within the recess and thereby axially enclosed. Preferably, this is done such that the load-bearing surface of the raceway member is coplanar with the return surface of the central body, and the central body, as well as the inner periphery of the closed path formed by the load-bearing and return surfaces, runs in a flowing, continuous manner.

[0042] Similar to the load-bearing surface, the return surface of the central body is smooth, and since the central body is made of steel, it is inelastic, so any friction between the cylindrical rollers rolling on the return surface is minimized.

[0043] In one embodiment, both the track member and the elastic insert are embodied in the form of plates, and the track member has a thickness less than the track member's thickness, for example, a thickness equivalent to approximately 55% to 65% of the track member's thickness.

[0044] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, the assembly further includes a second endless chain of recirculating cylindrical rollers, the recirculating cylindrical rollers being arranged to recirculate along a second closed path, the working and return portions of the second closed path being defined by a second flat load-bearing surface of a second steel track member of the assembly and a second return surface of a central body, respectively. The two closed paths of the assembly are juxtaposed laterally and parallel to each other so that the cylindrical rollers move in the same direction during operation. In the working portion, the operational set of cylindrical rollers of the second endless chain is engaged with the rail, and in the return portion, the return portions of these cylindrical rollers are free from the rail. In this embodiment, the central body thus has two return surfaces defining the respective return portions and is elastically supported over the cylindrical rollers of both endless chains via the respective track members and their respective elastic inserts, or alternatively, via a single integrated elastic insert for similarly distributing the load across the two operational portions. Having one central body for two endless chains can offer advantages in terms of robustness, compactness, and ease of manufacture. In an alternative embodiment, instead of an integrated central body for both endless chains, a separate second central body may be provided for the second endless chain, which has its return surface.

[0045] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, the assembly is provided with one or more seals at least around the working portion of the recirculating cylindrical roller. These seals can extend between the bottom surface of the assembly surrounding the working portion and the upper surface of the rail. For example, the seal extends between the bottom surface of the assembly wall and the upper surface of the rail, where the bottom surface of the assembly wall is, for example, a longitudinal wall part and an end wall part that together surround the working portion, which will be discussed later. The seal, together with the wall and wall parts, defines a grease chamber for the operational set of the recirculating cylindrical roller between the load-bearing surface and the upper surface of the rail. For example, the seal is substantially V-shaped in cross-section. The grease inside the grease chamber can further reduce the amount of friction at least between the load-bearing surface and the cylindrical roller, and similarly further reduce the amount of friction between the return surface and the cylindrical roller. Seals defining the grease chamber are provided to retain grease inside the grease chamber and / or to prevent grease and / or dirt from entering the grease chamber from the outside. Therefore, these seals preferably contact as tightly as possible with the upper surface of the rail, even during the movement of the assembly along the rail, so that as little grease as possible escapes from the grease chamber or enters between the rail and the seal. Preferably, this contact does not significantly increase friction between the assembly and the rail when moving along the rail. For example, an inner seal is provided to retain grease inside the grease chamber, and an outer seal is provided to prevent grease and / or dirt from entering the grease chamber.

[0046] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, the housing is provided with front and / or rear scrapers facing the longitudinal direction of the rail and at a longitudinal distance from the working portion, the front and / or rear scrapers engaging with the upper surface of the rail to clean the rail from any grease that has escaped from the grease chamber, for example, when provided.

[0047] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes front and rear vertical end walls extending laterally on the front and rear sides of the assembly, respectively, and front and rear guide walls attached to the front and rear end walls, respectively, the front and rear guide walls defining the front and rear sections of the return portion of the closing path, respectively, on the opposite side of the return surface. Preferably, the attachment is via one or more elongated mounting elements (e.g., one or more bolts, screws, or similar), the one or more elongated mounting elements extending vertically through the end walls and longitudinally penetrating into the guide walls. The seal can be provided to extend along these end walls and can be attached to them, for example, below the end walls.

[0048] As previously described, in embodiments in which the assembly includes two endless chains of cylindrical rollers and thus two closing paths, the housing includes a second front guide wall and a second rear guide wall, which are attached to the front and rear end walls, respectively, defining the front and rear sections of the return portion of the second closing path, opposite the second return surface. The fact that the guide walls associated with each of the endless chains are attached to the same end wall on either longitudinal side of the assembly is advantageous in that it is possible to improve the stability of the assembly and improve the distribution of load forces across the assembly in a manner that is favorable to the mechanical stress profile in the housing material.

[0049] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention having front and / or rear scrapers, the housing of the assembly further includes front and / or rear frames projecting forward and / or rearward from the front and / or rear end walls, respectively, the front and / or rear scrapers being mounted beneath the respective frames at their longitudinal ends.

[0050] In some embodiments, the central body can be attached to the housing. In other embodiments, the central body can be integrated with the housing. The tread and / or longitudinal wall parts for guiding the head end of the roller shaft can be integrated with the central body. Integrating the parts can offer advantages in terms of robustness and ease of manufacture.

[0051] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical rollers of the endless chain each rotate around their respective roller axes, and the head ends of the roller axes run on treads formed by vertical projections from the central body. These treads extend longitudinally along the closing path on each lateral side of the closing path.

[0052] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, the assembly further includes upper left and lower left and upper right and lower right longitudinal wall parts. These longitudinal wall parts form upper and lower vertical projections from the central body at the left and right ends of the central body and extend longitudinally over at least the length of the closing path. Preferably, the upper left and lower left parts are interconnected via one or more elongated mounting elements (e.g., one or more bolts, screws, or similar), and the upper right and lower right longitudinal wall parts are interconnected via one or more elongated mounting elements, one or more elongated mounting elements extending vertically inside the respective upper and lower longitudinal wall parts and extending through the respective lateral ends of the central body. Preferably, the multiple elongated mounting elements are distributed longitudinally along the wall parts. This configuration with elongated mounting elements can benefit the distribution of mechanical loads across the wall parts and the central body, and the loads are transmitted through the mounting elements. Furthermore, its configuration provides stability and robustness to the assembly.

[0053] In embodiments where two endless chains and thus two closure paths are present, the assembly may further include intermediate upper and intermediate lower longitudinal wall parts, which form upper and lower vertical projections from the central body between the two closure paths and extend longitudinally at least over the length of the closure paths. Similar to the right and left longitudinal wall parts, the intermediate upper and intermediate lower longitudinal wall parts are preferably interconnected via one or more elongated mounting elements (e.g., one or more bolts, screws, or similar), which extend vertically inside the respective upper and lower longitudinal wall parts and through the central portion of the central body. Preferably, the multiple elongated mounting elements are distributed longitudinally along the wall parts.

[0054] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention in which an end wall portion is present, the longitudinal wall portion is preferably connected to the end wall portion via one or more elongated mounting elements, the one or more elongated mounting elements extending vertically through the end wall portion and longitudinally penetrating into the longitudinal wall portion portion.

[0055] In an embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, the return surface runs directly upward from the load-bearing surface on the front and rear sides of the load-bearing surface. This is to ensure that only the operational cylindrical rollers inside the working portion of the path are in contact with the rail and, consequently, support the load on the rail. Therefore, the cylindrical rollers in the return portion do not support the load on the rail. Preferably, the foremost and / or rearmost sections of the track member are additionally inclined slightly upward toward the return surface to enable smooth unloading of the rollers as they exit the working portion.

[0056] Furthermore, the present invention in its first aspect provides the use of an onboard assembly (for example, an assembly as described herein) on a ship, the assembly comprising an endless chain of linear recirculating cylindrical rollers for supporting an object on rails mounted on the ship (for example, on the ship's deck) while the object is moving along the rails in the ship's XY plane. As discussed, the use of an assembly can advantageously prevent the use of wheels, and by extension, reduce or eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages associated with such wheels, as one or more assemblies can be used in place of wheels. The assembly as described is particularly suitable for use because the load of the object is distributed uniformly across the rollers, which can be extremely important in terms of the generally enormous weight of objects to be handled in offshore applications (for example, foundations or wind turbines, or parts thereof).

[0057] Furthermore, in a first aspect of the present invention, a system of one or more rails adapted to be mounted on a ship (for example, on the deck of a ship), and one or more assemblies for supporting an object on one or more rails while the object is moving along one or more rails. The one or more assemblies are preferably embodied as previously described herein. For example, the system includes two or more rails in parallel, which are engaged by one or more respective assemblies. Thus, the load of the object can be distributed across the assemblies.

[0058] Each assembly is configured to engage with one of the rails and includes a central body for engaging with and supporting an object on the assembly (for example, for mounting an object onto the assembly).

[0059] Each assembly includes an endless chain of cylindrical rollers, which are arranged to recirculate along a closed path defined by the assembly. This path includes a working section and a return section. The working section is defined by the load-bearing surface of the assembly, in which a working set of cylindrical rollers is engaged with the rail. In the return section, the return portion of the cylindrical rollers is free from the rail.

[0060] Preferably, each assembly includes an elastic insert, and the central body is elastically supported on the raceway members and, consequently, on the operational set of cylindrical rollers via the elastic insert, as previously described herein.

[0061] Furthermore, the present invention in a first aspect provides a structure for supporting an object on a ship, the structure comprising two systems (i.e., a first and a second system) as described. One or more rails of the first system are one or more first rails extending in a first direction, and one or more assemblies are one or more first assemblies. One or more rails of the second system are one or more second rails extending in a second direction at an angle with respect to the first direction, and one or more assemblies are one or more second assemblies. The structure is configured to support an object on one or more first rails via one or more first assemblies, and one or more first rails are supported on one or more second rails via one or more second assemblies, so that the object is movable along the rails in both the first and second directions. Thus, the object is capable of moving in both the first and second directions and is capable of combined movement in the XY plane.

[0062] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, the first rail is mounted directly on one or more second assemblies so as to be supported on one or more second rails.

[0063] In another embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, the structure further includes a positioning frame, one or more first rails mounted on one or more second assemblies via the positioning frame, and the first system, thereby enabling an object to move on one or more second rails by moving the positioning frame on one or more second rails.

[0064] Preferably, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and the directions are configured to follow a conventional coordinate system, and advantageously, can be controlled in the same way as a conventional coordinate system. For example, when the structure is installed on a ship, the first direction may correspond to the ship's X direction (i.e., the ship's longitudinal axis) and the second direction may correspond to the ship's Y direction. In one embodiment, both the first and second rails are straight and, for example, extend perpendicular to each other. In another embodiment, one or more of the first and / or second rails are curved, for example, to allow rotation of an object supported thereon, and form, for example, circular segments.

[0065] Furthermore, a first aspect of the present invention provides a combination of an object and a system according to any one or more of claims 18 to 20, or a structure according to claim 21, wherein the object is a tool for handling an offshore structure, for example, an elongated offshore structure; for example, the tool is a pile-holding tool for handling a pile, for example, a pile adapted to support an offshore wind turbine; and the combination further includes one or more actuators for moving the tool on one or more rails and, consequently, relative to the vessel when mounted on a ship.

[0066] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the tool is elastically mounted on one or more assemblies. Thereafter, the load of the tool can be advantageously distributed uniformly across the assemblies.

[0067] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the assembly is configured to hold a pile in a ship, for example, a pile adapted to support an offshore wind turbine, and is configured to hold the pile during installation at an offshore location adjacent to the ship. Here, the object to be supported by the assembly on one or more rails is a pile holding tool. Pile holding tools are known in the art to include a support structure and a pile holder (mounted on the support structure). The pile holder includes a ring, which is configured to hold the pile in at least a vertical orientation. The ring includes a plurality of pile engaging devices distributed around the periphery of the ring, each pile engaging device adapted to engage with the outside of the pile extending through the ring, for example, each pile engaging device includes one or more pile guide rollers.

[0068] In the combination, the support structure for the pile holding tool is mounted on one or more assemblies.

[0069] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, the combination is a combination of a tool for handling an offshore structure (e.g., a pile-holding tool as described) and a structure as described, wherein the structure further includes a positioning frame, and one or more first rails are mounted on one or more second assemblies via the positioning frame, and a first system, and thereby an object is made movable on one or more second rails by moving the positioning frame on one or more second rails. To move the tool in a second direction, an actuator is engaged with the positioning frame and is configured to move the positioning frame and the associated first system and tool on one or more second rails. To move the tool in a first direction, an actuator is engaged with the tool and is configured to move the tool on one or more first rails.

[0070] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the assembly is configured such that, when the assembly is mounted on a vessel, an actuator moves the pile holder on one or more first rails and one or more second rails, and thereby maintains a predetermined XY position of the pile holder independently of the movement of the vessel, while the vessel is floating. Means for maintaining a predetermined XY position are known in the art as ship-mounted pile-holding tools.

[0071] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, the combination includes an active motion compensation actuation system for moving a support structure on rails and, consequently, relative to a vessel, the active motion compensation actuation system including one or more actuators. The actuators include a first actuator for moving a positioning frame on one or more first rails, e.g., a cam track mountable on the deck of a vessel and a drive mounted on the positioning frame and engaged with the cam track, and a second actuator for moving a support structure on one or more second rails, e.g., a cam track mounted on the support structure and a drive mounted on the positioning frame and engaged with the cam track. The actuation system includes an active wave-induced motion compensation mode, in which the actuation system operates to maintain a predetermined XY position of the pile-holding tool independently of the motion of the vessel.

[0072] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the ring of the pile holder includes a ring base and one or more movable jaws, for example, two semicircular jaws, each jaw being movable between a closed position and an open position, in which the ring forms a closed annular body. Such a pile holder is known, for example, from Patent Document 1.

[0073] Furthermore, the assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, in particular its use in a system or structure according to the first aspect of the present invention, is envisioned to be applied in conjunction with a lifting tool (e.g., a lifting beam), which will be suspended from a lifting device (e.g., a crane) (e.g., from one or more of its lifting cables). The lifting tool (configured to engage with a load to connect with a load) can be connected thereto to the assembly, while the rail is connected (e.g., indirectly) to the lifting device (e.g., its lifting cables). Moving the load along the rail via the assembly (e.g., by an actuator) is intended to move the load relative to the lifting device, allowing for changes in the position and / or orientation of the load relative to the lifting device.

[0074] The assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, in particular its use in a system or structure according to the first aspect of the present invention, is also envisioned for application in the lift-off of an offshore platform (e.g., an upper deck structure supported by a steel jacket with multiple legs) by a decommissioning vessel for that purpose, for example, in a pioneering spirit. The lift-off operation requires that a massive beam be slid longitudinally along a deck connected to a first rail in order to move the outer ends of the beam (further) out of the vessel toward pre-installed bearing brackets mounted on the upper sections of the legs of the steel jacket. Horseshoes mounted on the outer ends of the beam are connected to the bearing brackets, and thereafter the upper section is lifted away from the rest of the jacket, thereby lifting the upper deck structure from there. The vessel and the associated upper deck structure are then moved away from the jacket. The massive beam may also be movable transversely along a second rail. An assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention can be used between a beam and a first rail, and between a first rail and a second rail.

[0075] An assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention is further envisioned to be used in a particular structure according to a first aspect of the present invention between one or more first and second rails extending in their respective directions (e.g., the vertical direction). In this structure, other than the structure described above, both the first and second assemblies are supplied to a superimposed unit at the intersection of the first and second rails. The lower portion of such a unit is configured to engage with one of the second lower rails by one or more of the second assemblies supplied to the lower portion. The upper portion of the unit is configured to engage with one of the first upper rails by one or more of the first assemblies supplied to the upper portion. Essentially, the working portion of the first assembly is oriented toward the first rail for engagement with the first rail, and the working portion of the second assembly is oriented toward the second rail for engagement with the second rail. In one embodiment, the overlapping portions may be pivotable relative to each other (for example, around a vertical swivel axis) to facilitate sliding along rails having various orientations relative to each other along the track. In one embodiment, both the first and second rails are straight and, for example, extend perpendicular to each other. In another embodiment, one or more of the first and / or second rails are curved, for example, to allow rotation of an object supported thereon, and form, for example, circular segments.

[0076] Furthermore, a first aspect of the present invention provides a vessel, for example, a vessel for handling offshore structures (e.g., piles) at an offshore location, for example, a vessel for installing structures at an offshore location. The vessel can be a floating vessel or, for example, a jack-up vessel. In one embodiment, the vessel is provided with one or more systems according to a first aspect of the present invention, wherein one or more rails are mounted on the vessel, for example, deck-mounted rails. In another embodiment, the vessel is provided with one or more structures according to a first aspect of the present invention, wherein one or more second rails are mounted on the vessel, for example, deck-mounted rails, preferably, the first direction is the X direction of the vessel and the second direction is the Y direction of the vessel. In one embodiment, a vessel is provided with one or more combinations according to a first aspect of the present invention, wherein one or more rails (i.e., one or more first rails, if present) are mounted on the vessel, for example, deck-mounted rails, and, if present, preferably one or more first rails extend in the X direction of the vessel and one or more second rails extend in the Y direction of the vessel.

[0077] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, a vessel is provided with a combination of a pile-holding tool and a system or structure according to a first aspect of the present invention, wherein the pile-holding tool is movable along one or more rails between a stowed position and an operational position, in which case the ring of the pile holder extends within the contour of the vessel when viewed in the XY plane of the vessel, and in which case the ring of the pile holder extends outside the vessel when viewed in the XY plane of the vessel. The stowed position allows for a more compact and stable vessel when the pile-holding tool is not in use, and allows access to parts of the tool from the deck, for example, for maintenance.

[0078] Furthermore, a first aspect of the present invention provides a method for handling an object on a floating vessel, wherein a vessel according to the first aspect of the present invention is used.

[0079] Furthermore, a first aspect of the present invention provides a method for handling an object on a floating vessel, the method being: - A step of supporting an object on one or more rails mounted on an offshore vessel via one or more assemblies including an endless chain of linear recirculating cylindrical rollers, - A step of moving an object along and with one or more rails relative to a vessel, the step of moving an object comprising, with respect to one or more assemblies, recirculating an endless chain of linear recirculating cylindrical rollers along a closed path defined by each assembly, wherein the operational set of cylindrical rollers engages with the rails and moves in the opposite direction to the movement of the object, and This includes the following. Here, each assembly can be according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0080] Methods according to a first aspect of the present invention advantageously provide alternatives to the use of wheels, which may prevent the use of wheels and, consequently, reduce or eliminate the advantages associated therewith.

[0081] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, one or more rails include one or more first rails extending in a first direction and one or more second rails extending in a second direction at an angle with respect to the first direction, and one or more assemblies include one or more first assemblies and one or more second assemblies. An object is supported on one or more first rails via one or more first assemblies and moves on one or more first rails, and one or more first rails are supported on one or more second rails via one or more second assemblies and move on one or more second rails, so that the object can move along the rails in both the first and second directions. Preferably, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. One or more first rails and assemblies are mounted along one or more second rails of an object, and the object is moved by moving a positioning frame along one or more second rails, the one or more first rails being mounted on one or more second assemblies via the positioning frame.

[0082] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, the movement of an object is operated such as to compensate for the motion of the ship in the XY plane.

[0083] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, the object is a pile-holding tool, and the step of supporting the object includes the step of supporting a support structure for the pile-holding tool on one or more rails (i.e., on a first rail, if present). The support structure is mounted on one or more assemblies (i.e., on one or more first assemblies, if present) and supports a pile holder, the ring of the pile holder extending over the vessel. Herein, the method is - A step of holding a pile, for example, a pile adapted to support a wind turbine, such that the pile extends in a vertical orientation through the ring of the pile holder of the pile holding tool, wherein a pile engaging device distributed around the periphery of the ring engages with the outside of the pile, - The steps of lowering the pile into the water in which the vessel is floating, while it is held and guided by a pile engagement device. It further includes, Motion compensation is performed at least during the steps that reduce the pile.

[0084] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the movement of the pile holding tool is actuated to include, at least before the step of lowering the pile, the step of moving the pile holder from a stowed position to an operational position, wherein in the stowed position, the ring of the pile holder extends within the contour of the vessel as viewed in the XY plane of the vessel, and in the operational position, the ring of the pile holder extends outside the vessel as viewed in the XY plane of the vessel. In a certain embodiment, the movement of the pile holding tool is actuated to include, at least the step of lowering the pile, and the step of releasing the pile from the pile holder, which includes the step of disengaging the pile engaging device from the pile.

[0085] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present invention, moving a tool on one or more rails can be operated to correct (e.g., damping) any displacement of the tool resulting from an accidental collision of the pile with the ring while the pile is inserted into the ring before the pile is lowered. There, cylindrical rollers may or may not roll on the rails, for example, their rotation may be locked so that they slide on the rails. Furthermore, moving the pile while it is held by the pile holder, for example while the pile is being lowered, can be operated to correct any improper tilt or displacement of the monopile (for example, as a result of the effects of sea motion or wind). For example, a forward tipping of the pile can be corrected by moving the pile holder forward.

[0086] In an embodiment according to a second aspect of the present invention, the cooperating, releasable fixing members include a first fixing member (e.g., an eye member) and a second fixing member (e.g., an eye member), the first fixing member being integral with the ring base and positioned in a plurality of distinct angular positions (e.g., three distinct angular positions) as viewed in a plan view, and the second fixing member being integral with the support assembly and positioned in a plurality of distinct angular positions (e.g., two distinct angular positions) as viewed in a plan view, thereby enabling three distinct mounting angular positions of the ring relative to the support assembly.

[0087] In an embodiment according to a second aspect of the present invention, the cooperating releaseable fastener includes a first eye member integral with the ring base and a second eye member integral with the support assembly, wherein the cooperating releaseable fastener includes a pin configured to fit through a matched set of first and second eye members.

[0088] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the support assembly is an XY motion compensation support assembly, which provides compensation for the motion of the vessel in the plane of the ring and is configured to maintain a predetermined XY position of the pile holder independently of the motion of the vessel.

[0089] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the support assembly includes one or more first rails on which to be mounted or mounted on a vessel (for example, on the deck of a vessel); a positioning frame supported on the one or more first rails so as to be movable in a first direction, the positioning frame being provided with one or more second rails extending in a second direction (for example, perpendicular to the first direction); and a support frame supported on the one or more second rails so as to be movable in the second direction, wherein the ring base of the pile holder ring and the support frame are provided with the cooperating releaseable fixing member, the cooperating releaseable fixing member configured to provide a plurality of individual mounting angular positions of the ring relative to the support frame as seen in a plan view.

[0090] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the pile holding system is further embodied comprising one or more bumper devices as disclosed herein with reference to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and / or embodied as described herein comprising a support assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Furthermore, it has been suggested that, for example, on multi-purpose vessels, pile retention systems are often configured to be temporarily mounted on the ship's deck. Therefore, when the ship is to be used for business other than pile installation, for example, when the ship is used for transporting and installing foundations in the form of jackets, the pile retention system can be removed from the ship.

[0092] Providing the pile holding system with individual mounting angle positions for the ring relative to the support assembly allows the pile holding system to be mounted in different positions relative to the crane (i.e., the crane for supporting the pile so that it is guided by the pile holding system), so that the ring is in the optimal entry position (i.e., a position that allows the crane to introduce the pile into the ring by slewing the crane alone, or by tilting the crane boom alone, or by slewing the crane primarily, in combination with minimally tilting the boom or minimally slewing the crane, respectively, or by primarily tilting the crane).

[0093] For example, the present invention enables a pile holding system that can be mounted on the opposite side of a crane, and the ring (more specifically, the opening of the ring when one or more pivotable jaws of the ring are in the open position) can face the pile being moved by the crane from an upright position toward the pile holding system.

[0094] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the ring can be mounted in a support assembly in a central position, in a left-facing (or counterclockwise) position, and in a right-facing (or clockwise) position, wherein in the central position, the opening faces away from the support assembly, and the ring base is positioned between the opening and the support assembly, wherein in the left-facing (or counterclockwise) position, the opening of the ring faces to the left of the central position when viewed in a plan view, and in the right-facing (or clockwise) position, the opening of the ring faces to the right of the central position when viewed in a plan view.

[0095] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the cooperating, releasable fastening members are configured to detach quickly, and thus to separate the ring from the support assembly. For example, in the case of a ship, the pile holding system on the ship is rapidly detached from the pile. In one embodiment, the cooperating, releasable fastening members are explosive bolts.

[0096] In alternative embodiments, the ring and / or support assembly is configured to be quickly detached from a releasable fixing member, and thus configured to be quickly separated from the support assembly. For example, in one embodiment, the releasable fixing member includes an eye mounted on a beam which is part of the support assembly, the beam which can be quickly detached from the support assembly and is mounted to the support assembly, for example, by explosive bolts.

[0097] In a further embodiment according to a second aspect of the present invention, the releasable fixing member and / or support assembly is further configured to push the ring away from the support assembly when the ring is detached from the support assembly, or immediately before the ring is detached from the support assembly, and thus configured to push the ring away from the vessel.

[0098] For example, in one embodiment, the support assembly includes one or more rails, which extend substantially perpendicularly to the edge of the vessel (i.e., the edge of the deck on which the pile retaining system is mounted) when the retaining system is mounted on the vessel, and the upper part of the support assembly (the upper part includes a cooperating, releasable fixing member) is movably supported on the rails. Furthermore, a drive is provided for moving the upper part of the support assembly along the track. Thus, the upper part of the support assembly is capable of moving in a direction perpendicular to the edge of the vessel's deck, and thus moving the ring away from the vessel's deck (i.e., away from the vessel). In addition or alternatively, a pushing means may be provided, in the form of an electric spindle, a hydraulic cylinder, etc., configured to push the ring away from the support assembly.

[0099] According to a second aspect, the present invention further provides a pile holding system, the pile holding system is - A support assembly configured to be mounted on a ship (for example, on the deck of a ship), - A pile holder mounted on a support assembly, configured to hold the pile in a vertical orientation. Includes, The pile holder includes at least one ring, the at least one ring is provided with a plurality of pile engagement devices distributed around the periphery of the ring, each pile engagement device being adapted to engage with the outside of a pile extending through the ring, for example, each pile engagement device includes one or more pile guide rollers. The ring comprises a ring base fixed to a support assembly and one or more pivotable jaws (e.g., two semicircular jaws), each jaw pivotably mounted to the ring base at its inner end and having an outer end, and one or more jaws are movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position each ring forms a closed annular body, and in the open position there is an opening that allows the introduction of pile into the pile holder. The ring base and support assembly of the ring are provided with cooperating, releaseable fasteners configured to be quickly detached, and thus the ring is detached from the support assembly. Preferably, the releasable fixing member and / or support assembly is also configured to generate a pushing force so as to push the ring away from the support assembly, and thus away from the vessel, either when the ring is detached from the support assembly or immediately before the ring is detached from the support assembly.

[0100] A second aspect of the present invention also relates to a ship (e.g., a jack-up ship) that is provided with a pile holding system for installing piles (e.g., monopiles) adapted to support offshore wind turbines.

[0101] A second aspect of the present invention also relates to a method for installing piles of offshore wind turbines, the method being: - A vessel having a hull with a deck and sides (for example, a jacked-up vessel) - A crane, the crane is erected on the deck of a ship and has a boom, the boom being rotatable around a vertical pivot axis by the crane's pivot drive and luffing around the boom axis by the crane's luffing mechanism, the crane is configured to lift and lower piles, and - A pile holding system according to a second aspect of the present invention and Used, The method includes the step of introducing the pile, which is suspended vertically from the crane, laterally into the open annular body of the ring.

[0102] In a third embodiment of the present invention, the upright tool is mounted on the deck of the ship on one side of the crane, within the reach of the crane, and the pile holding system is mounted on the deck of the ship on the other side of the crane, within the reach of the crane.

[0103] In a third embodiment of the present invention, the support assembly is provided with a ring positioning system configured to move the ring relative to the ship's crane in a direction parallel to the edge of the ship and perpendicular to the ship, allowing the support assembly to position the ring relative to the crane at a position that matches the slewing movement of the crane originating from the upright device. Thus, the position of the ring can be adjusted to fit the slewing movement of the crane, which moves the pile from the upright device to the pile holding system, originating from an alternative or repositioned upright device. Therefore, there is no need to reposition the support assembly.

[0104] For example, in a third embodiment of the present invention, the pile holding system is set up in front of the crane, i.e., between the crane and the side of the vessel, and the ring is mounted on a support assembly to receive piles from an upright device set up on the left side of the crane. In this embodiment, the ring is mounted on the support assembly in a position where the opening of the ring faces towards the left side of the crane.

[0105] Subsequently, when the upright device set up on the right side of the crane is to be used, the ring of the pile holding system is remounted on the support assembly so that the opening of the ring now faces the right side of the crane. In addition, the ring positioning system allows for adjustment of the ring's position, enabling the pile to be moved from the upright device and introduced into the ring of the pile holding system solely by the slewing movement of the crane.

[0106] In a further embodiment, for use with a floating vessel, the support assembly includes a positioning system configured to position the rings of the pile holding system relative to the vessel while guiding the pile, and to compensate for the movement of the vessel relative to the pile installation site (i.e., to the location where the pile will be driven into the seabed) (i.e., movement of the vessel induced by the sea). Preferably, in such an embodiment, the positioning system is configured to adjust the position of the rings to fit the pile introduction trajectory originating from an alternative or repositioned upright device, and to correct the movement of the vessel relative to the pile installation site, i.e., to include a sufficient range of movement.

[0107] In a further third aspect of the present invention, a pile holding system according to the second aspect of the present invention is used.

[0108] In a further embodiment, the method according to a third aspect of the present invention is - The process includes the steps of mounting the support assembly of the pile holding assembly onto the deck of a ship, and mounting the ring of the pile holding system onto the support assembly in a position for introducing the pile into the ring by rotating a crane.

[0109] In one embodiment, the ring base is provided with two bumper devices, each bumper device including a bumper beam, the bumper beam being pivotably fixed at one end to the end portion of the ring base around a vertical axis, the free ends of the bumper beams being oriented toward each other in a plan view, and an actuator being configured to pivot the bumper beams relative to the ring base.

[0110] In one embodiment, as viewed in a plan view, each bumper beam has a pile-facing front side portion including a first front side portion and a second front side portion that are inclined relative to each other.

[0111] A fourth aspect of the present invention also relates to a ship (e.g., a jack-up ship) that is provided with a pile holding system for installing piles (e.g., monopiles) adapted to support offshore wind turbines.

[0112] A fourth aspect of the present invention also relates to a method for installing piles for offshore wind turbines, - A vessel having a hull with a deck and sides (for example, a jacked-up vessel) - A crane, the crane is erected on the deck of a ship and has a boom, the boom being rotatable around a vertical pivot axis by the crane's pivot drive and luffing around the boom axis by the crane's luffing mechanism, the crane is configured to lift and lower piles, and - A pile holding system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention and Used, The method involves introducing the pile, which is suspended vertically from a crane, laterally into the open annular body of the ring, with one or more bumper devices in their movable positions acting as bumpers for the pile to avoid collisions, for example, between the pile and one or more pile engaging devices mounted on the ring base.

[0113] It has been shown that a bumper according to the fourth aspect of the present invention may also be used in a ring of a pile holding system according to the second or fifth aspect of the present invention, or in a ring used in a method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention.

[0114] In an embodiment of a pile holding system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the ring is provided with a semicircular track having a center coinciding with the central axis of the ring, the semicircular track is received in a guide mounted on a support assembly, and the ring is rotated around the central axis by moving the track through the guide.

[0115] In an embodiment of the pile holding system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the ring can be rotated around the central axis over an angle of at least 40 degrees, preferably over an angle of at least 60 degrees.

[0116] In an embodiment of the pile holding system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the ring is capable of being rotated around its central axis by an angle of at least 20 degrees, preferably at least 30 degrees, for example, at least 40 degrees, toward the left (i.e., counterclockwise when viewed in a plan view) from a central position, and by an angle of at least 20 degrees, preferably at least 30 degrees, for example, at least 40 degrees, toward the right (i.e., clockwise when viewed in a plan view), wherein in the central position, the opening faces away from the support assembly, and the ring base is positioned between the opening and the support assembly.

[0117] In a further embodiment of the pile holding system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the ring can be rotated over an angle of 180 degrees. Such an embodiment allows for the introduction of pile into the ring from the left side of the pile holding system in a direction parallel to the side of the vessel, for example, and allows for the removal of pile from the ring toward the right side of the pile holding assembly in a direction parallel to the side of the vessel.

[0118] In a further embodiment of the pile holding system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the support assembly is mounted on a semicircular track, which is configured to be mounted on the deck of a ship or is mounted on the deck of a ship, and the semicircular track has a center that coincides with the central axis of the ring of the pile holding system.

[0119] In an embodiment of a pile holding system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the pile engagement device of the pile holding system is mounted on a semicircular track provided on a ring. Thus, the pile engagement device is movable relative to the ring around the central axis of the ring. Such embodiments allow the pile engagement device of the ring to be moved counterclockwise relative to the ring while the ring is rotated clockwise, and vice versa. Thus, the opening of the ring is repositionable, for example, by moving it relative to the support system from a left-facing position to a right-facing position while the pile engagement device maintains its position relative to the pile support system. Thus, the ring is repositionable while the pile received within the ring maintains its position (i.e., is not rotated around its vertical axis).

[0120] Hereafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0121] [Figure 1a] This is a side view showing a combination according to the first aspect of the present invention in a storage position. [Figure 1b] This is a side view showing a combination according to the first aspect of the present invention in an operating position. [Figure 1c] This is a top view showing the details of the same combination. [Figure 2a] This is a top view showing a combination according to the first aspect of the present invention in a storage position. [Figure 2b] This is a side view showing a combination according to the first aspect of the present invention in an operating position. [Figure 3a] This is a side view showing a longitudinal cross-section through an assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 3b] This is a side view showing a longitudinal cross-section through an assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 4]This figure shows the same assembly as in Figure 3a, operating on rails. [Figure 5] This is a top view showing the same assembly. [Figure 6] This is a side cross-sectional view showing that two assemblies according to the first aspect of the present invention are used in series in a combination according to the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a front view showing a lateral cross-section of the assembly. [Figure 8] This is a front view showing a lateral cross-section of a system according to a first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a side view showing a longitudinal cross-section through a system according to a first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a bottom view of the same system. [Figure 11] This figure shows a ship according to the present invention and a method according to a first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 12a] This figure schematically illustrates an exemplary structure according to a first aspect of the present invention. It should be noted that the figure is a schematic representation of a first aspect of the present invention and may not, for example, be realistic or to the correct scale. [Figure 12b] This figure schematically illustrates an exemplary structure according to a first aspect of the present invention. It should be noted that the figure is a schematic representation of a first aspect of the present invention and may not, for example, be realistic or to the correct scale. [Figure 13a] This is a plan view showing an example of a pile holder system according to a second aspect of the present invention, in which the ring is in a first individual mounting angular position relative to the support assembly. [Figure 13b] This is a plan view showing an example of a pile holder system according to a second aspect of the present invention, in which the ring is in a second individual mounting angular position relative to the support assembly. [Figure 13c] A plan view is provided showing an example of a pile holder system according to a second aspect of the present invention, where the ring is in a third individual mounting angular position relative to the support assembly. [Figure 14]This figure schematically shows, in plan view, a part of a vessel equipped with a crane and pile holding system configured for a method according to a third aspect of the present invention. [Figure 15a] This is a plan view showing an example of a pile holder system having a bumper device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention. [Figure 15b] This figure shows the operation of the bumper device of the pile holder system in Figure 15a during the lateral introduction of the pile. [Figure 16] This is a different diagram showing the bumper device of the pile holder system in Figure 15a. [Figure 17a] Figure 15a is a plan view showing the operation of the bumper device in the pile holder system. [Figure 17b] Figure 15a is a plan view showing the operation of the bumper device in the pile holder system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0122] Figures 1a, 1b, and 1c illustrate an exemplary combination 1 according to a first aspect of the present invention, namely, a combination of pile holding tools 2, 3 and structures 4, 31, 32, 41, 42 according to a first aspect of the present invention. The tools are suitable for handling piles 6, in particular piles adapted to support offshore wind turbines. Combination 1 will be mounted on a jack-up vessel 5, as shown in Figure 7, which is suitable for handling and installing piles at an offshore location adjacent to the vessel. However, combination 1 may also be mounted on a floating vessel (not shown) suitable for such handling and installation of offshore structures, for example.

[0123] The structure includes first and second systems according to a first aspect of the present invention. The first system includes two parallel first rails 31 extending in a first direction X, and a plurality of assemblies 32 according to a first aspect of the present invention, each engaging with one of the rails 31. The second system includes two parallel second rails 41 extending in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction, and a plurality of assemblies 42, each engaging with one of the second rails 41.

[0124] The structure is configured to support pile-holding tools 2, 3 on one or more first rails 31 via one or more first assemblies 32, one or more first rails 31 supported on one or more second rails 41 via one or more second assemblies 42, and both first rails 31 are mounted on one or more second assemblies 42 via positioning frames 4. Thereafter, the tools 2, 3 are movable along the rails 31, 41 of the structure in both first and second directions X, Y. The combination further includes one or more actuators 43 for moving the tools 2, 3 on one or more rails 31, 41. When mounted on a vessel 5 as shown in Figure 7, the rails 31, 41 can extend, among other things, in the X, Y directions of the vessel 5, respectively, as shown. Thereafter, moving the tools on the rails 31, 41 moves the tools 2, 3 relative to the vessel 5 in these directions.

[0125] The pile-holding tools 2, 3 supported on the structure include a support structure 3 and a pile holder 2, the support structure 3 being mounted on one or more assemblies 31, 41. The pile holder is mounted on the support structure 3 and includes a ring 21. The pile holder 2 is configured to hold piles 6 in at least a vertical orientation by its ring 21, as shown in Figure 7. The ring 21 includes a plurality of pile-engaging devices 22, which are distributed around the periphery of the ring 21. Each pile-engaging device 22 is fitted to engage with the outside of piles 6 extending through the ring 21 and includes one or more pile guide rollers.

[0126] The combination 1 is configured such that, when mounted on a vessel, actuators move the pile holders 2, 3 along one or more first rails 31 and one or more second rails 41, and thus relative to the vessel, thereby maintaining predetermined XY positions of the pile holders 2, 3 independently of the vessel's motion. This is particularly useful when the vessel is floating and subject to oceanic motion (e.g., currents and waves, as well as wind). The combination may include an active motion compensation actuator for moving the support structure 3 along the rails 31, 41, and thus relative to the vessel.

[0127] As shown in Figures 1a and 1b, the pile holding tools 2 and 3 are movable along one or more rails 31 and 41 between a storage position (Figure 1a) and an operating position (Figure 1b). When the assembly 1 is mounted on the vessel 5 in the manner shown, as can be assumed from Figure 7, in the storage position (Figure 1a), the ring 21 of the pile holder 2 extends within the contour of the vessel 5 when viewed in the XY plane of the vessel 5, and in the operating position (Figure 1b), the ring 21 extends outside the vessel 5 when viewed in the XY plane of the vessel 5. In the operating position, the pile 6 can be lowered through the ring 21 while being held by the pile engaging device 22.

[0128] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate a combination 1 according to a first aspect of the present invention, in which similar pile-holding tools 2 and 3, as shown in Figures 1a and 1c, are supported on a first rail 31, which is straight and allows for storage and operating positions similar to those in Figures 1a and 1b. A second rail 41 is curved to allow the pile-holding tools 2 and 3 supported on it to rotate relative to the deck 52, and forms a circular segment. Pile holders supported on such straight rails on curved rails, along with the possibility of movement of the pile holders along these rails, are known from the present applicant's unpublished application NL2028124.

[0129] Figures 3a and 3b show one of the assemblies 32 and 42, on which the pile holding tools 2 and 3 are supported on the rails 31 and 41. Both assemblies 32 on which the support structure 3 for the tools 2 and 3 is mounted, and assemblies 42 on which the positioning frame 4 is mounted, can be embodied as shown. Thus, the indications in the figures refer to both embodiments of assembly 32 and embodiments of assembly 42.

[0130] Assembly 32 or 42 includes a load-bearing housing 32H or 42H and is equipped with a top plate for supporting tools 2, 3 on top of assembly 32 or 42.

[0131] The assemblies 32, 42 include an endless chain of steel cylindrical rollers 32R, 42R, which are arranged to recirculate along closed paths 32P, 42P around the steel track members 32G, 42G and steel central body sections 32B, 42B of the assemblies 32, 42. The steel central body sections 32B, 42B are attached to the load-bearing housings 32H, 42H via a number of elongated mounting elements (i.e., bolts 32M, 42M). The paths 32P, 42P are shown in Figures 3a and 4. The paths 32P, 42P have working sections 32Pw, 42Pw, which are defined by the flat load-bearing surfaces 32L, 42L of the steel track members 32G, 42G of the assemblies 32, 42. The working sections 32Pw, 42Pw are indicated by dashed rectangles in Figure 4. In these working sections 32Pw, 42Pw, an operational set of cylindrical rollers 32R, 42R engages with rails 31, 41. The paths 32P, 42P also have return sections 32Pr, 42Pr, which are defined by the return surfaces 32T, 42T of the steel central body sections 32B, 42B of the assembly. In the return sections, the remaining set of cylindrical rollers 32R, 42R is free from rails 31, 41. The return sections 32Pr, 42Pr have sections parallel to the working sections 32Pw, 42Pw. The parallel sections of the working sections 32Pw, 42Pw and the return sections 32Pr, 42Pr are connected at the front and rear sides of the assemblies 32, 42 by their respective front and rear semicircular sections, forming complete closed paths 32P, 42P.

[0132] The return surfaces 32T and 42T (see Figure 3b) define the return portions 32Pr and 42Pr of the closed paths 32P and 42P. The return surfaces are formed from the same steel on which the central body sections 32B and 42B are manufactured. The load-bearing surfaces 32L and 42L and the return surfaces 32T and 42T define the working portions 32Pw and 42Pw and the return portions 32Pr and 42Pr of the paths 32P and 42P, respectively, on the sides of the cylindrical rollers 32R and 42R. The semicircular sections connecting the parallel sections of paths 32P and 42P are on the opposite side of the paths defined by the front and rear guide walls 32Wg and 42Wg (see Figures 3a, 5, and 9).

[0133] The assemblies 32, 42 include elastic inserts 32I, 42I in the form of elastic plastic plates, which are made from, for example, fiber-reinforced plastic material and are adapted for use in bearings, for example. Through these elastic inserts 32I, 42I and raceway members 32G, 42G, the central body portions 32B, 42B are elastically supported on the operational set of cylindrical rollers 32R, 42R (see Figures 3a, 3b, and 4). Thus, the elastic plates 32I, 42I are sandwiched between the central body portions 32B, 42B and the raceway members 32G, 42G above the working portions 32Pw, 42Pw of the paths 32P, 42P.

[0134] The track members 32G, 42G are in the form of track plates 32G, 42G, similar to the central body parts 32B, 42B which are also made of steel. They guide the operational set of cylindrical rollers 32R, 32R between the load-bearing surfaces 32L, 42L of the track plates 32G, 42G and the upper surfaces 31S, 41S of the rails 31, 41. The track plates 32G, 42G are positioned between the elastic inserts 32I, 42I and the operational set of cylindrical rollers 32R, 42R, defining the working portions 32Pw, 42P of the paths 32P, 42P on the sides of the operational set of cylindrical rollers 32R, 42R. In the shown embodiment, the track plates 32G, 42G and the elastic inserts 32I, 42I have the same dimensions in the axial plane, and are overlapped with each other so that their longitudinal and transverse edges coincide in the axial direction. The thickness of the track members 32G and 42G is smaller than the thickness of the track members 32G and 42G, and is approximately 60% of the thickness of the track members 32G and 42G. The central body sections 32B and 42B include recesses, and inside these recesses are the elastic inserts 32I and 42I and the track plates 32G and 42G, which are enclosed in the axial direction. The track plates 32G and 42G are coplanar with the return surfaces 32T and 42T adjacent to the longitudinal direction of the central body sections 32B and 42B.

[0135] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 7, embodiments of assemblies 32, 42 according to a first aspect of the present invention may further include a second endless chain of linear recirculating cylindrical rollers 32R, 42R, which are arranged to recirculate along a second closed path 32P, 42P defined by the assemblies 32, 42. The two paths 32P, 42P are juxtaposed laterally and parallel to each other. The second path 32P, 42P also includes working portions 32Pw, 42Pw and return portions 32Pr, 42Pr, where in the working portions 32Pw, 42Pw, an operational set of cylindrical rollers 32R, 42R are engaged with rails 31, 41, and in the return portions 32Pr, 42Pr, the return portions of the cylindrical rollers 32R, 42R are free from rails 31, 41. The working portions 32Pw, 42Pw of the second closed paths 32P, 42P are defined by the second load-bearing surfaces of the second track members. The return portions of the second paths 32P, 42P are defined by the second return surfaces of the central body portions 32B, 42B. Thus, in this embodiment, the central body portions 32B, 42B have two load-bearing surfaces 32L, 42L and two return surfaces 32T, 42T that define the respective working portions 32Pw, 42Pw and return portions 32Pr, 42Pr, and are integral for association with both endless chains. The central body portions are elastically supported here over the respective working portions of the cylindrical rollers of both endless chains via the respective track members, and a second elastic insert containing plastic material is sandwiched between the central body portions (32B, 42B) and the second track members.

[0136] The housings 32H, 42H of assemblies 32, 42 include front and rear vertical end walls 32We, 42We that extend laterally on the front and rear sides of the assembly, respectively, and front and rear guide walls 32Wg, 42Wg that are attached to the front and rear end walls 32We, 42We, respectively. The front guide walls 32Wg, 42Wg define the front sections of the return portions 32Pr, 42Pr of the closing paths 32P, 42P on the opposite side of the return surfaces 32T, 42T, and the rear guide walls 32Wg, 42Wg define the rear sections of the return portions of the closing paths 32P, 42P. Mounting is done via a plurality of bolts, which extend vertically through the end walls and penetrate longitudinally into the guide walls.

[0137] In embodiments with two endless chains (see Figures 5, 7, and 8), the housings 32H, 42H include a second front guide wall and a second rear guide wall, which are attached to the front and rear end walls 32We, 42We, respectively, and define the front and rear sections of the return portion of the second closing path 32P, 42P, respectively, opposite the second return surfaces 32T, 42T.

[0138] With respect to an embodiment having two endless chains of cylindrical rollers 32R, 42R, as best shown in Figure 7, the cylindrical rollers 32R, 42R of the assemblies 32, 42 rotate around their respective roller shafts 32A, 42A, and the head ends 32E, 42E of the roller shafts 32A, 42A run on their respective treads 32D, 42D, which are formed by vertical projections from central body portions 32B, 42B that extend longitudinally along the closure paths 32P, 42P at their respective lateral sides.

[0139] Figure 7 also shows that assemblies 32, 42 include upper left and lower left, and upper right and lower right longitudinal wall parts 32Wl, 42Wl, which form upper and lower vertical projections from the central body parts 32B, 42B at the left and right ends of the central body parts 32B, 42B, and extend longitudinally over at least the length of the closing paths 32P, 42P. The upper left and lower left wall parts 32Wl, 42Wl are interconnected via a number of bolts 32M, 42M (see also Figure 5), and the upper right and lower right longitudinal wall parts 32Wl, 42Wl are similarly interconnected via a number of bolts. These bolts 32M, 42M extend vertically inside the respective upper and lower longitudinal wall parts 32Wl, 42Wl and run through the respective lateral ends of the central body parts 32B, 42B. Figure 5 shows that bolts 32M and 42M are distributed longitudinally along wall parts 32Wl and 42Wl.

[0140] As shown in the side and bottom views of assemblies 32, 42 in Figures 9 and 10, and as can also be seen in Figure 4, the housings 32H, 42H of assemblies 32, 42 can provide seals 32S, 42S between the end wall portions 32We, 42We and longitudinal wall portions 32Wl, 42Wl and the upper surfaces 31S, 41S of rails 31, 41, at least around the working portion of the recirculating cylindrical rollers 32R, 42R. The wall portions 32We, 32Wl, 42We, 42Wl and the seals 32S, 42S define grease chambers 32H, 42H for the operational set of the recirculating cylindrical rollers 32R, 42R between the load-bearing surfaces 32L, 42L and the upper surfaces of rails 31, 41. The seals 32S, 42S can be substantially V-shaped in cross-section (see Figure 4).

[0141] The assemblies 32, 42, each comprising two endless chains, further include intermediate upper and intermediate lower longitudinal wall parts 32Wi, 42Wi (see Figures 5 and 7), which form upper and lower vertical projections from the central body parts 32B, 42B between the two closing paths 32P, 42P, and extend longitudinally over at least the length of the closing paths 32P, 42P. The intermediate upper and intermediate lower longitudinal wall parts 32Wi, 42Wi are interconnected by a number of bolts 32M, 42M, which extend vertically inside the respective upper and lower longitudinal wall parts 32Wl, 42Wl, and through the central portion of the central body parts 32B, 42B. Figure 5 shows that these bolts 32M, 42M are distributed longitudinally along the wall parts 32Wi, 42Wi.

[0142] The longitudinal wall parts 32Wl, 32Wi, 42Wl, and 42Wi are connected to the end wall parts 32We and 42We, respectively, via bolts. The bolts extend vertically through the end wall parts 32We and 42We and penetrate longitudinally into the longitudinal wall parts 32Wl, 32Wi, 42Wl, and 42Wi. This can be seen in Figure 5.

[0143] As can be verified in Figures 3a and 3b, the return surfaces run directly upward from the load-bearing surfaces 32L and 42L on the front and rear sides of the load-bearing surfaces 32L and 42L. Furthermore, the foremost and / or rearmost sections of the track members 32G and 42G are slightly inclined upward toward the return surfaces. Note that this upward inclination is very slight.

[0144] As shown in Figure 9 (side view) and Figure 10 (bottom view), assemblies 32, 42 according to a first aspect of the present invention are capable of providing scrapers 32C, 42C on the front and rear sides, facing the longitudinal direction of the rails 31, 41, the scrapers 32C, 42C engaging with the upper surfaces 31S, 41S of the rails 31, 41 for cleaning the rails 31, 41. The housings 32H, 42H further include front and rear frames, which project forward and rearward from front and rear end walls 32We, 42We, respectively. The front and rear scrapers 32C, 42C are mounted beneath their respective frames at their longitudinal ends.

[0145] Figures 4, 6, and 8 illustrate a rail and assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention, and a system according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0146] Figure 8 schematically illustrates that, in addition to the upper surfaces 31S and 41S of the rails, the side surfaces of the rails (for example, both side surfaces) can also be engaged by corresponding lateral guides of the assemblies to restrict the lateral movement of the rails 31 and 41 in the lateral direction and the resulting lateral movement of objects 2 and 3. For example, as shown, the lateral guides include, for example, sliding bearings and / or roller components depending on the load requirements.

[0147] Figure 6 shows the use of two assemblies 32, 42 in series, which engage with rails 31, 41 mounted on the vessel 5 to support objects 2, 3. The objects are in the direction M shown. 2、3 The moving parts of the cylindrical rollers 32R and 42R move along rails 31 and 41, and in the working sections 32Pw and 42Pw of the closed paths 32P and 42P of the cylindrical rollers, in the opposite direction M 32R、42RThe elastic inserts 32I and 42I facilitate the elastic support of objects 2 and 3 on the cylindrical rollers 32R and 42R (and thus on the rails 31 and 41) as objects 2 and 3 move along the rails 31 and 41.

[0148] Figure 12a schematically illustrates an embodiment of a structure comprising a first rail 31 and a second rail 41, or schematically illustrates a pair of parallel rails 31, 41 as illustrated in Figure 12b. Here, the first rail 31 is perpendicular to the second rail 41. The first rail 31 also crosses over the second rail 41. At the intersection, there is a vertical gap between each of the second rails 41 and the first rail 31. For example, the second rail 41 is stationary and mounted on the hull of a ship (e.g., on the deck of the ship). For example, the first rail 31 forms part of a ship's tool (e.g., a pile holder tool).

[0149] Except as shown in Figures 1a-1c and 2a-2b, at the intersection of the first and second rails 31 and 41, the first and second assemblies 32 and 42 are combined within a superimposed unit 3242 provided between the first and second rails 31 and 41.

[0150] The lower assembly 42 of unit 3242 is configured to engage with the second lower rail 41. The upper assembly 32 of unit 3242 is configured to engage with the first upper rail 31. Essentially, the working portion 32Pw of the first assembly 32 is oriented toward (i.e., upward) the first rail 31, and the working portion 42Pw of the second assembly 42 is oriented toward (i.e., downward) the second rail 41, so that these working portions 32Pw and 42Pw engage with the bottom surface 31S of the first rail 31 and the top surface 41S of the second rail 41, respectively. Thus, the working portions 32Pw and 42Pw form the upper and bottom portions of the respective closing paths 32P and 42P. This is shown in the schematic diagram of the lower unit 3242 of the structure, which shows the closed pathways 32P, 42P of assemblies 32, 42 by dashed lines.

[0151] In the embodiment shown in Figure 12a, the first and second rails 31 and 41 are both straight and extend perpendicularly to each other. When the second rail 41 is fixed to the deck 52, an object connected to the upper rail 31 can be moved in the direction of the first rail 31 because the first rail 31 is movable, and can also be moved in the direction of the second rail 41 because the second rail 41 is movable. Therefore, the unit 3242 and its associated rails 31 and object can slide along the second rail 41.

[0152] In the schematic Figure 12b, the same principle is applied to a structure of two parallel first rails 31 and two parallel second rails 41, with the same unit 3242 provided between the rails at each intersection, and thus applied four times.

[0153] The figures (in particular, Figures 1a, 1b, 6, and 11) illustrate a method for handling objects on a ship, the method of which includes the step of supporting objects 2, 3 (i.e., pile-holding tools 2, 3) on a first rail 31 of a structure shown in Figures 1a, 1b, and 1c, which is mounted on the ship via assemblies 32, 42 of the combined body. The support structure 3 for the pile-holding tools 2, 3 is mounted on the first assembly 32 and supports the pile holder 2, the ring 21 of the pile holder 2 extends out of the ship 5.

[0154] The method includes the step of moving objects 2, 3 (here, pile holding tools 2, 3) along and with one or more rails 31, 41 relative to a vessel. This moving step includes, with respect to assemblies 32, 42, the step of recirculating an endless chain of linear recirculating cylindrical rollers 32R, 42R along the closed paths 32P, 42P defined by each of the assemblies 32, 42, the operational set of cylindrical rollers 32R, 42R engaged with the rails and moving in the opposite direction to the movement of the pile holding tools 2, 3.

[0155] This method, - A step of holding a pile (here, a pile 6 adapted to support a wind turbine, i.e., a monopile) such that the pile extends in a vertical orientation through the ring 21 of the pile holder 2 of the pile holding tools 2, 3, wherein a pile engaging device 22 distributed around the periphery of the ring 21 engages with the outside of the pile, - With the pile being held and guided by the pile engagement device 22, the ship 5 lowers the pile into the floating water. It also includes.

[0156] In Figure 11, the vessel 5 is a jacked-up vessel, but the method is also envisioned to be performed on a floating vessel 5. In that case, the method preferably includes motion compensation, which will be performed at least during the step of lowering the pile 6.

[0157] Furthermore, the movement of pile holding tools 2 and 3 is - A step of moving the pile holders 2 and 3 from a stowed position (see Figure 1a) to an operating position (see Figure 1b) at least before the step of lowering the pile 6, wherein in the stowed position, the ring 21 of the pile holder 2 extends within the contour of the vessel when viewed in the XY plane of the vessel, and in the operating position, the ring 21 of the pile holder extends outside the vessel when viewed in the XY plane of the vessel, and / or - A step of moving the pile holders 2 and 3 from the operating position (Figure 1b) to the storage position (Figure 1a), after at least the step of lowering the pile and the step of releasing the pile from the pile holder 2 (including the step of disengaging the pile engagement device 22 from the pile). It is possible to operate it in a way that includes this.

[0158] Figures 13a to 13c illustrate a second aspect of the present invention in plan view.

[0159] The pile holding system 200 is configured to be mounted on a ship for, for example, the installation of piles (e.g., monopiles) adapted to support offshore wind turbines, and the pile holding system is - A support assembly 201 configured to be mounted on a ship (for example, on the deck of a ship), - A pile holder 202 mounted on a support assembly 201, the pile holder being configured to hold a pile (not shown) in a vertical orientation, for example, while lowering it onto the seabed and while driving the pile into the seabed. Includes.

[0160] The pile holder includes at least one ring 205, the at least one ring 205 is provided with a plurality of pile engagement devices 206 distributed around the periphery of the ring, each pile engagement device being adapted to engage with the outside of a pile extending through the ring, for example, each pile engagement device includes one or more pile guide rollers. The ring comprises a ring base 208 fixed to a support assembly 201 and one or more pivot jaws 209, 210 (e.g., two semicircular jaws), each jaw pivotably mounted to the ring base at its inner end and having an outer end, and one or more jaws are movable between a closed position and an open position, in which case each ring forms a closed annular body, and in which case there is an opening that allows the introduction of pile into the pile holder.

[0161] The ring base 208 and the support assembly 201 are provided with cooperating, releasable fasteners configured to offer a number of individual mounting angular positions for the ring relative to the support assembly as seen in plan view (see Figures 13a, 13b, and 13c).

[0162] Here, the cooperating, releasable fixing members include a first fixing member (e.g., eye members 215, 216, 217) and a second fixing member 220, 221 (e.g., eye members), the first fixing member being integral with the ring base 208 and positioned in a plurality of distinct angular positions (e.g., three distinct angular positions) as seen in the plan view, and the second fixing members 220, 221 being integral with the support assembly and positioned in a plurality of distinct angular positions (e.g., two distinct angular positions) as seen in the plan view, thereby enabling three distinct mounting angular positions of the ring 205 relative to the support assembly.

[0163] In one embodiment, the cooperating releaseable fastener includes a first eye member integrated with the ring base and a second eye member integrated with the support assembly, and the cooperating releaseable fastener includes a pin configured to fit through a matched set of first and second eye members.

[0164] In one embodiment, the support assembly 201 is an XY motion compensation support assembly, which provides compensation for the motion of the vessel in the plane of the ring and is configured to maintain a predetermined XY position of the pile holder independently of the motion of the vessel.

[0165] In one embodiment, the support assembly 201 includes one or more first rails to be mounted on or mounted on a ship (for example, on the deck of a ship), a positioning frame supported movably in a first direction on the one or more first rails, the positioning frame being provided with one or more second rails extending in a second direction (for example, perpendicular to the first direction), and a support frame supported movably in the second direction on the one or more second rails, wherein the ring base of the pile holder ring and the support frame are provided with the cooperating releaseable fixing member, the cooperating releaseable fixing member configured to provide a plurality of individual mounting angular positions of the ring relative to the support frame as seen in plan view.

[0166] A third aspect of the present invention is shown in Figure 14.

[0167] In the plan view, Figure 14 shows a portion of the hull 300 of a vessel (for example, a jacked-up vessel) having a deck 301 and a side 302. The deck 301 of the vessel is on one side of the side 302 of the vessel, while the opposite side of the vessel is shown to be the sea.

[0168] A crane 310 is erected on the deck of a ship and has a boom 311 which is rotatable around a vertical pivot axis 312 by the crane's pivot drive and luffing around the boom axis by the crane's luffing mechanism, and the crane is configured to lift and lower a pile 303.

[0169] The upright tool 315 is mounted on the deck of the ship within the reach of the crane.

[0170] The pile holding system 330 is mounted separately from the upright tool 320 on the deck of the ship between the crane 310 and the side of the ship 302, within the reach of the crane.

[0171] The pile holding system 330 is - A support assembly 321 configured to be mounted on a ship (for example, on the deck of a ship), - A pile holder 322 mounted on a support assembly, configured to hold the pile in a vertical orientation, and Includes.

[0172] The pile holder 322 includes at least one ring 323, the at least one ring 323 is provided with a plurality of pile engaging devices distributed around the periphery of the ring, each pile engaging device being adapted to engage with the outside of a pile extending through the ring, for example, each pile engaging device includes one or more pile guide rollers, the ring includes a ring base 324 fixed to a support assembly and one or more pivot jaws 325, 326 (e.g., two semicircular jaws), each jaw being pivotably mounted to the ring base at its inner end and having an outer end, one or more jaws being movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position each ring forming a closed annular body, and in the open position there is an opening that allows the introduction of a pile into the pile holder.

[0173] The pile holding system 330 enables a method according to a third aspect of the present invention, which is: - A step of erecting a pile 303 using an uprighting tool 315 for tiltably supporting the lower section of the pile 303, and a crane 310 for engaging a lift with the upper section of the pile, wherein the pile is brought into a vertical orientation at a vertical position A relative to the hull and is suspended from the crane, - The steps include positioning the ring 323 of the pile holding system so that the vertically suspended pile 303 can be laterally introduced into the open annular body of the ring, - The step of closing one or more jaws of the ring, - With the pile holder holding the pile in a vertical orientation, the pile is lowered onto the seabed and driven into the seabed. Includes.

[0174] According to a third aspect of the present invention, for the lateral introduction of the pile 303 into the open annular body of the ring (to position B), the upright tool 315 and the ring 323 of the pile holding system are arranged such that the vertically suspended pile 303 is transferred by the crane 310 from the upright position to the open annular body of the ring, with only the operation of the slewing drive of the crane 310, and the pile passes along a curved trajectory C having a radius around the slewing axis 312 of the crane, as seen in a plan view.

[0175] This significantly reduces the complexity of the transfer, for example, by avoiding the need to luff the boom during the transfer.

[0176] Figures 15a to 17b illustrate the pile holding system 400, and the pile holding system 400 is, - A support assembly 401 configured to be mounted on a ship (for example, on the deck of a ship) (for example, as disclosed herein with reference to one or more other aspects of the present invention), - A pile holder 402 mounted on a support assembly, configured to hold the pile 403 in a vertical orientation, and Includes, The pile holder includes at least one ring, and at least one ring is provided with a plurality of pile engagement devices 406, 407 distributed around the periphery of the ring, each pile engagement device being adapted to engage with the outside of the pile extending through the ring during the installation of the pile into the seabed, for example, each pile engagement device includes one or more pile guide rollers, The ring comprises a ring base 408 fixed to a support assembly and one or more pivot jaws 409, 410 (e.g., two semicircular jaws), each jaw pivotably mounted to the ring base at its inner end and having an outer end, and one or more jaws are movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position each ring forms a closed annular body, and in the open position there is an opening that allows the lateral introduction of a vertically suspended pile into the open annular body of the ring. The ring base 408 is provided with one or more of the plurality of pile engagement devices 406, 407, in addition to one or more separate bumper devices 420, 421, which are configured to act as bumpers for the piles 403 when introduced laterally into the open annular body of the ring. One or more bumper devices 420, 421 are each embodied by a movable bumper member 420a, 421a and associated bumper actuators 420b, 421b, each bumper device configured to move the bumper member to an operational position, the operational position facing inward to one or more pile engagement devices on a ring base, such that the pile remains in the deer of the one or more pile engagement devices during the lateral introduction; each bumper device is configured to move the bumper member to a non-operational position, the non-operational position facing outward to one or more pile engagement devices on a ring base, such that the pile can be positioned by the pile engagement devices.

[0177] Each movable bumper member includes bumper beams 420a and 421a, which are pivotably fixed at one end to a ring base around vertical axes 420c and 421c, and actuators 420b and 421b are configured to pivot the bumper beams relative to the ring base.

[0178] The ring base is provided with two bumper devices 420, 421, each of which includes a bumper beam, the bumper beam being pivotably fixed at one end to the end portion of the ring base around a vertical axis, the free ends of the bumper beam being oriented toward each other in a plan view, and an actuator is configured to pivot the bumper beam relative to the ring base. In a plan view, Figure 17a shows the bumper in the operating position, while Figure 17b shows the bumper in the non-operating position.

[0179] In plan view (see Figures 17a and 17b), each bumper beam 420a, 421a has a front side facing the pile, including a first front side portion and a second front side portion that are inclined relative to each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0180] 1 Combination 2 Pile holding tools, pile holders, objects 3 Pile holding tool, object 4 Positioning frame 5 Ships 6 pile 21 rings 22 Pile Engagement Devices 31 First Rail 31S upper surface, upper surface 32 First Assembly 3242 units 32A, 42A roller shaft 32B, 42B Central body part 32C, 42C Scraper 32D, 42D tread 32E, 42E head end 32G, 42G orbital plates 32H, 42H Load-bearing housing 32I, 42I elastic inserts 32L, 42L load bearing surface 32M, 42M elongated mounting elements, bolts 32P, 42P closed routes 32Pr, 42Pr return section 32Pw, 42Pw work area 32R, 42R cylindrical rollers 32S, 42S seals 32T, 42T return surface 32We, 42We Vertical end wall 32Wg, 42Wg guide wall section 32Wi, 42Wi: Intermediate upper and intermediate lower longitudinal wall parts 32Wl, 42Wl Longitudinal Wall Parts 41 The second rail 41S Upper surface, top surface, bottom surface 42 Second Assembly 43 Actuators 52 decks 201 Support Assembly 202 Pile Holder 205 Ring 206 Pile Engagement Devices 208 Ring Base 209, 210 Pivot Joe 215, 216, 217 First fixing member, eye member 220, 221 Second fixing member, eye member 300 hull 301 Deck 302 Side of a ship 303 Pile 310 Crane 311 Boom 312 Swivel axis 315 Upright Tool 320 Upright Tool 321 Support Assembly 322 Pile Holder 323 Ring 324 Ring Base 325, 326 Pivot Joe 330 Pile Retention System 401 Support Assembly 402 Pile Holder 403 Pile 406, 407 Pile Engagement Devices 408 Ring Base 409, 410 Pivot Joe 420, 421 Bumper devices 420a, 421a Movable bumper component 420b, 421b Bumper Actuator 420c, 421c vertical axis A Upright position C trajectory M 2、3 direction M 32R、42R Opposite direction X First direction Y Second direction

Claims

1. an assembly (32, 42) for supporting an object (2, 3) on a rail (31, 41) while said object (2, 3) moves along said rail (31, 41), said assembly (32, 42) including a load-bearing housing (32H, 42H) for carrying said object (2, 3); The assembly (32, 42) includes an endless chain of steel cylindrical rollers (32R, 42R) arranged to recirculate along a closed path (32P, 42P) around the steel tracks (32G, 42G) and steel central body portion (32B, 42B) of the assembly (32, 42), the central body portion being attached to or integral with the load bearing housing (32H, 42H), the path (32P, 42P) being a working portion (32Pw, 42Pw) defined by the flat load-bearing surfaces (32L, 42L) of the steel track members (32G, 42G) of the assembly (32, 42), in which an operative set of cylindrical rollers (32R, 42R) engages the rail (31, 41); a return portion (32Pr, 42Pr) defined by the return surface (32T, 42T) of the central steel body (32B, 42B) of the assembly (32, 42), in which the remaining set of cylindrical rollers (32R, 42R) is free from the rail (31, 41); Including, The assembly (32, 42) includes an elastically compressible elastic insert (32I, 42I) sandwiched between the steel central body portion (32B, 42B) and the steel track member (32G, 42G) above the working portion (32Pw, 42Pw), such that the central body portion (32B, 42B) is elastically supported on the operative set of cylindrical rollers (32R, 42R) via the insert (32I, 42I) and the steel track member (32G, 42G).

2. The assembly (32, 42) of claim 1, wherein the elastic insert (32I, 42I) is made from a composite material.

3. 2. The assembly (32, 42) according to claim 1, wherein the track member (32G, 42G) and / or the elastic insert (32I, 42I) are each embodied in the form of a plate.

4. 2. The assembly (32, 42) of claim 1, wherein, on the forward and aft sides of said load bearing surface (32L, 42L), said return surfaces run directly upwardly from said load bearing surface (32L, 42L).

5. The assembly (32, 42) further includes a second endless chain of linear recirculating cylindrical rollers (32R, 42R), the recirculating cylindrical rollers (32R, 42R) being arranged to recirculate along a second closed path (32P, 42P) defined by the assembly (32, 42), the two paths (32P, 42P) being laterally juxtaposed and parallel to one another, the second path (32P, 42P) including a working portion (32Pw, 42Pw) and a return portion (32Pr, 42Pr), the working portion (32Pw, 42Pw) being defined by a second load bearing surface of a second track member, and the cylindrical rollers (32R, 42R) are arranged to recirculate along a second closed path (32P, 42P) defined by a second load bearing surface of a second track member, the cylindrical rollers (32R, 42R) being ...

2. The assembly (32, 42) according to claim 1, wherein an operative set of cylindrical rollers (32R, 42R) engages with the rail (31, 41), the return portion (32Pr, 42Pr) is defined by a second return surface of the central body portion (32B, 42B), in which the remaining set of cylindrical rollers (32R, 42R) are free from the rail (31, 41), the central body portion is elastically supported on respective operative portions of the cylindrical rollers of both endless chains via respective track members, and a second elastically compressible elastic insert is sandwiched between the central body portion (32B, 42B) and the second track member.

6. A system of one or more rails (31, 41) suitable or configured to be mounted on a ship (5) and one or more assemblies (32, 42) according to claim 1 for supporting an object (2, 3) on said rails (31, 41) while said object (2, 3) moves along said rails (31, 41), comprising In the working portion (32Pw, 42Pw), the operative set of cylindrical rollers (32R, 42R) engages with the rail (31, 41); In the return section (32Pr, 42Pr), the remaining set of cylindrical rollers (32R, 42R) is free from the rails (31, 41).

7. A structure for supporting objects (2, 3) on a vessel (5), said structure comprising: A first system according to claim 6, in which the rail or rails of said first system are one or more first rails (31) extending in a first direction (X) and the assembly or assemblies are one or more first assemblies (32), A second system according to claim 6, in which the rail or rails of said second system are one or more second rails (41) extending in a second direction (Y) at an angle to said first direction (X) and the assembly or assemblies are one or more second assemblies (42); Including, The construction is configured to support the object (2, 3) on the one or more first rails (31) via the one or more first assemblies (32), the one or more first rails (31) being supported on the one or more second rails (41) via the one or more second assemblies (42), such that the object (2, 3) is movable along the rails (31, 41) in both the first and second directions (X, Y).

8. A structure for supporting objects (2, 3) on a vessel (5), said structure comprising: A first system according to claim 6, in which the rail or rails of said first system are one or more first rails (31) extending in a first direction (X) and the assembly or assemblies are one or more first assemblies (32), A second system according to claim 6, in which the rail or rails of said second system are one or more second rails (41) extending in a second direction (Y) at an angle to said first direction (X) and the assembly or assemblies are one or more second assemblies (42); Including, the one or more first rails cross over the one or more second rails at one or more intersections; The one or more first rails (31) are supported on the one or more second rails (41) at their respective intersections via units (3242), the units (3242) including a first assembly (32) in an upper portion of the unit and a second assembly (42) in a lower portion of the unit, a working portion (32Pw) of the first assembly (32) engaging with the first rail (31) and a working portion (42Pw) of the second assembly (42) engaging with the second rail (41); A construction in which the objects (2, 3) connected to the one or more first rails (31) are movable along the rails (31, 41) in both the first and second directions (X, Y).

9. A combination (1) of an object (2, 3) and a system as described in claim 6, wherein the object (2, 3) is a tool for handling offshore structures, the combination further comprising one or more actuators (43) for moving the tool (2, 3) on one or more rails (31, 41) and thus relative to the ship (5) when mounted on the ship.

10. The combination (1) is adapted to hold a pile (6) on a ship (5), the object being a pile holding tool (2, 3), the pile holding tool (2, 3) being a support structure (3) mounted on said assembly or assemblies (32, 42); - a pile holder (2) mounted on said support structure (3), said pile holder (2) comprising a ring (21) configured to hold a pile in at least a vertical orientation by means of said ring (21), said ring (21) comprising a plurality of pile engagement devices (22) distributed around a periphery of said ring (21), each pile engagement device (22) being adapted to engage an exterior of a pile (6) extending through said ring (21); 10. The combination (1) according to claim 9, comprising:

11. The combination (1) is a combination of a tool for handling offshore structures and a construction according to claim 21, the construction further comprising a positioning frame (4), the one or more first rails (31) being mounted on the one or more second assemblies (42) via the positioning frame (4), a first system and thereby the tools (2, 3) being movable on the one or more second rails (41) by moving the positioning frame (4) on the one or more second rails, To move the tools (2, 3) in the second direction, one or more actuators (43) of the combination (1) are engaged with the positioning frame (4) and are adapted to move the positioning frame (4) and therewith the first system and the tools (2, 3) on the one or more second rails (41), and to move the tools (2, 3) in the first direction, the actuators are engaged with the tools (2, 3) and are adapted to move the tools (2, 3) on the one or more first rails (31), The combination (1) according to claim 9, wherein the combination (1) is configured such that, when the combination (1) is mounted on the vessel, the actuators maintain a predetermined X-Y location of the pile holding tools (2, 3) independent of movements of the vessel by moving the pile holding tools (2, 3) on the one or more first rails (31) and the one or more second rails (41), and thus relative to the vessel.

12. said combination (1) comprising an active motion compensation actuation system for moving said support structure (3) on said rails (31, 41) and thus relative to said vessel, said active motion compensation actuation system comprising said one or more actuators; the actuators include a first actuator for moving the positioning frame (4) on the one or more first rails and a second actuator for moving the support structure (3) on the one or more second rails; The combination (1) according to claim 11, wherein the actuation system includes an active wave induced motion compensation mode, in which the actuation system is operated to maintain a predetermined XY location of the pile holding tool (2, 3) independent of the movements of the vessel.

13. A ship (5), said ship (5) being provided with at least one system according to claim 6, wherein one or more rails (31, 41) are mounted on said ship.

14. A ship (5), the ship (5) being provided with at least one structure as described in claim 7, wherein the one or more second rails (41) are mounted on the ship.

15. A marine vessel (5), the marine vessel (5) being provided with at least one combination (1) as described in claim 9, wherein the one or more rails (31), i.e. the one or more first rails (31), when present, are mounted on the marine vessel.

16. A method for handling objects (2, 3) on a marine vessel, said method comprising the steps of: - supporting an object (2, 3) on one or more rails (31, 41) mounted on the ship via one or more assemblies (32, 42), each of which is an assembly according to claim 1; - moving said object (2, 3) along said rail(s) (31, 41) and therewith, relative to said ship, said moving comprising, for one or more of said assemblies (32, 42), recirculating said endless chain of linear recirculating cylindrical rollers (32R, 42R) along a closed path (32P, 42P) defined by the respective assembly (32, 42), an operative set of said cylindrical rollers (32R, 42R) engaging said rail and moving in a direction opposite to the movement of said object (2, 3); A method comprising:

17. said rail or rails (31, 41) comprise one or more first rails (31) extending in a first direction (X) and one or more second rails (41) extending in a second direction (Y) at an angle to said first direction (X); said one or more assemblies include one or more first assemblies (32) and one or more second assemblies (42); the objects (2, 3) are supported on the one or more first rails (31) via the one or more first assemblies (32) and move on the one or more first rails (31), the one or more first rails (31) are supported on the one or more second rails (41) via the one or more second assemblies (42) and move on the one or more second rails (41), such that the objects (2, 3) are movable along the rails (31, 41) in both the first and second directions (X, Y); the one or more first rails and assemblies, and thereby the object (2, 3), are moved along the one or more second rails (41) by moving a positioning frame (4) along the one or more second rails (41), the one or more first rails (31) being mounted on the one or more second assemblies (42) via the positioning frame (4); The method of claim 16, wherein the movements of the objects (2, 3) are actuated to compensate for the motion of the vessel in the vessel's XY plane.

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