Stay ring mounting method, and stay ring transportation device

Abstract

To easily mount a stay ring without using a ground crane.SOLUTION: A method for mounting a stay ring 25 includes: a stay ring loading step of loading the stay ring 25 on a stay ring location part 30B positioned on an outer horizontal side of an elevation frame part 30 than a guide tower 21, and on a side opposite to a trestle location part 30A, at which a first trestle 40 is arranged, across a guide tower 21, at a loading operation position; an elevation frame part lifting step of lifting the elevation frame part 30 to an upper side than the stay ring mounting operation position; a stay ring suspension step of moving the first trestle 40 toward a stay ring location part 30B and suspending the stay ring 25 by the first trestle 40; and a stay ring mounting step of mounting the stay ring 25 to a tower 11 and the guide tower 21 by dropping the stay ring 25 to the stay ring mounting operation position, after moving the first trestle 40 immediately above the tower 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for attaching a stay ring and a device for transporting a stay ring. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a construction method for constructing a wind turbine generator using a lift-up device. The lift-up device is used to transport materials to the top of a tower under construction. The lift-up device includes a guide tower installed around the tower and a lifting device supported by the guide tower and configured to be able to rise and fall.

[0003] In the construction method of a wind turbine generator using such a lift-up device, a stay ring is attached between the already constructed tower and the guide tower to support the guide tower. The stay ring transmits horizontal force between the tower and the guide tower to prevent the guide tower from collapsing.

[0004] Conventionally, the stay rings are transported to a stay ring installation location using a ground crane and then installed between the tower and the guide tower. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-192070 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In recent years, wind turbines over 100 meters tall have been developed. However, when installing such large wind turbines, it is difficult to transport the stay rings to the installation location using a ground crane. On the other hand, using a large crane to transport the stay rings creates another problem: a large work yard must be secured around the wind turbine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Various aspects of a method for attaching a stay ring and a device for transporting a stay ring to solve the above problems will be described. [Aspect 1] A method for attaching a stay ring to a tower of a wind power generator to support a guide tower provided around the tower when the wind power generator is installed, comprising the steps of: a lifting frame supported by the guide tower and configured to be able to lift and lower; a platform that is movable horizontally on the lifting frame and that is configured to be able to suspend the stay ring, a stay ring loading step of loading the stay ring onto a stay ring loading section that is located on the outer side of the guide tower in the horizontal direction of the lifting frame section at the loading operation position and that is located on the opposite side of the guide tower from a platform placement section where the platform is placed; a lifting frame unit raising step of raising the lifting frame unit to a position above a stay ring attaching operation position; a stay ring suspending step of moving the base toward the stay ring placement portion and suspending the stay ring from the base; a stay ring attaching step of moving the platform to directly above the tower, and then lowering the stay ring to the stay ring attaching work position to attach the stay ring to the tower and the guide tower, How to install the stay ring.

[0008] According to this method, at the loading position, a stay ring is placed on a stay ring placement section provided on the lifting frame section, and then the lifting frame section is raised, thereby transporting the stay ring to the stay ring installation position. Therefore, even if the stay ring installation position is at a height that cannot be reached by a ground crane, the stay ring can be transported to the stay ring installation position. Furthermore, since the stay ring placement section is located on the opposite side of the guide tower from the platform placement section of the lifting frame section where the platform is placed, the stay ring does not interfere with the platform. Therefore, the stay ring can be easily installed without using a ground crane.

[0009] [Aspect 2] the stay ring attaching step includes lowering the lifting frame unit to lower the stay ring to the stay ring attaching work position. A method for attaching the stay ring according to aspect 1.

[0010] According to this method, the stay ring is lowered to the stay ring attachment position by using the lifting frame portion, so there is no need for a dedicated device for lowering the stay ring to the stay ring attachment position.

[0011] [Aspect 3] The lifting frame portion has horizontal frames extending along a front-rear direction, which is a horizontal direction, and protruding from the guide tower to the front and rear, respectively, The platform is configured to be movable along the front-rear direction on the horizontal frame, the platform arrangement section is provided on the horizontal frame forward of the guide tower, The stay ring mounting portion is provided on the horizontal frame rearward of the guide tower, In the stay ring loading step, the tower upper part to be installed on the upper end of the already installed tower lower part is suspended by the frame, In the lifting frame section lifting step, before the lifting frame section is lifted above the stay ring attaching work position, the lifting frame section is lifted until the tower upper section is positioned above the upper end of the tower lower section, and then the platform is moved rearward until it is positioned directly above the tower lower section, and the tower upper section is installed on the tower lower section. A method for attaching the stay ring according to aspect 1 or aspect 2.

[0012] According to this method, the tower upper part can be transported together with the stay ring during the lifting frame lifting process, thereby improving work efficiency. [Aspect 4] When the direction perpendicular to both the front-to-back direction and the up-to-down direction is defined as the width direction, The frame is a pair of triangular frame portions that have a traveling rail that extends along the front-rear direction and is configured to be movable along the front-rear direction on the horizontal frame, and a pair of hypotenuse frames that are connected to the traveling rail and extend diagonally upward from the traveling rail, and that form an isosceles triangle shape as a whole and are arranged with a gap between them in the width direction; and a beam portion extending along the width direction and connecting the apexes of the triangular frame portions, The stay loading step includes suspending the upper part of the tower by a suspending portion provided on the beam portion. A method for attaching the stay ring according to aspect 3.

[0013] According to this method, both ends of the beam are connected by a pair of triangular frame parts that form an isosceles triangle overall, which makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the frame while reducing its weight. [Aspect 5] When the suspending portion is a first suspending portion, the mounting base includes a jig extending along the width direction behind the beam portion and connecting the oblique side frames to each other, The stay ring hanging step includes hanging the stay ring by a second hanging portion provided on the jig. A method for attaching the stay ring according to aspect 4.

[0014] In the stay ring hanging process, when the stay ring is hung by the first hanging part attached to the beam part of the frame, if the frame is moved rearward until the first hanging part is positioned directly above the stay ring, it becomes necessary to increase the length of the horizontal frame in the front-to-rear direction.

[0015] In this regard, with the above method, the position of the jig to which the second suspending part that suspends the stay ring is attached is set rearward of the beam part. Therefore, the length of the horizontal frame in the front-to-rear direction can be made shorter than when the stay ring is suspended by the first suspending part. Therefore, the lifting frame part can be made smaller and lighter.

[0016] [Aspect 6] the stay ring is attached to the top of the tower; The jig is configured to be detachable from the triangular frame portion, a nacelle suspending step of suspending a nacelle installed on the top of the tower by the first suspending part at the loading operation position after the stay ring attaching step, removing the jig from the triangular frame portion between the stay ring attaching step and the nacelle hanging step; A method for attaching the stay ring according to aspect 5.

[0017] The nacelle is longer horizontally than vertically. Therefore, when the nacelle is suspended by the first suspending part at the loading operation position, the longitudinal direction of the nacelle is aligned with the longitudinal direction. In this case, there is a risk that the jig to which the second suspending part is attached may interfere with the nacelle.

[0018] In this regard, according to the above method, the jig is removed from the triangular frame portion between the stay ring attachment step and the nacelle suspension step, so that it is possible to prevent the jig from interfering with the nacelle. [Aspect 7] A stay ring transport device for supporting a guide tower provided around a tower of a wind power generator when the wind power generator is installed, a lifting frame supported by the guide tower and configured to be able to lift and lower; a platform that is movable horizontally on the lifting frame and that is configured to suspend the stay ring, The lifting frame section has a platform placement section that is located horizontally outward of the guide tower and is configured to be able to place the platform, and a stay ring placement section that is located on the opposite side of the guide tower from the platform placement section and is configured to be able to place the stay ring. Staling conveyor.

[0019] This configuration can achieve the same effects as the stay ring mounting method described in aspect 1. Furthermore, the above configuration makes it possible to use the stay ring placement section to transport materials and equipment other than stay rings used in the upper part of the tower. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, the stay ring can be easily attached without using a ground crane. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wind power generator according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lift-up device, focusing on the lift-up frame portion in the first state. [Figure 3] FIG. 3(a) is a side view of the lifting frame section in a first state, and FIG. 3(b) is a side view of the lifting frame section in a second state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the lift-up device in a state where the second platform is placed on the lift-up frame section in the second state. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the top tower being re-suspended from the ground crane to the first frame in the stay ring loading process. [Figure 6] 6(a) to 6(d) are side views sequentially showing the operation of transferring the load from the ground crane to the first frame. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lifting frame has been raised until the top tower is positioned higher than the upper end of the middle tower in the lifting frame raising step. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the top tower installed on the middle tower. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the state of the suspending step of the stay ring. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the first frame moved to just above the tower in the stay ring attachment step. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the stay ring lowered together with the lifting frame to the stay ring mounting position in the stay ring mounting step. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the nacelle hanging process. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the state in which the nacelle is installed on the top of the tower. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the nacelle rotated 180 degrees relative to the tower. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the hub hanging step. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hub is attached to the nacelle. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lifting jig supporting the blade is suspended by the second rack at the blade loading operation position. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view mainly showing the lifting frame and the blade in a state where they have been raised to the blade attachment position. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a plan view mainly showing the lifting frame and the blade in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a plan view showing the blade in the center as it moves outward in the width direction along the lateral rails. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the blades attached to the blade attachment holes. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a perspective view mainly showing the hanging jig in an open state. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a plan view showing the second rack in the center in a state where it has moved inward in the width direction along the lateral rails. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a perspective view mainly showing the second stand and the lifting jig in a state where they have been lowered to the loading operation position. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a state in which the bottom stage of the guide tower is retracted onto the retractable rail. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the state immediately after the blade has been turned. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the guide tower in a raised state. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a perspective view mainly showing the lifting frame unit and the crane on the third platform at the removal work position. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing the turning device being removed from its location in the nacelle by a crane. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. <Wind turbine generator 10> As shown in FIG. 1, a wind turbine generator 10 includes a tower 11 installed on a foundation, a nacelle 12 installed on the top of the tower 11, and a rotor 13 attached to the nacelle 12.

[0023] The tower 11 is configured by stacking a plurality of towers 11a to 11e. The tower 11 is configured, in order from the bottom, of a bottom tower 11a, three middle towers 11b to 11d, and a top tower 11e.

[0024] The rotor 13 has a hub 14 and a plurality of blades 15a, 15b, and 15c extending radially from the hub 14. The hub 14 is provided with a plurality of blade attachment openings 14a, 14b, and 14c to which the base ends of the plurality of blades 15a, 15b, and 15c are attached, respectively. The three blades 15a, 15b, and 15c are provided at 120-degree intervals around the circumferential direction of the hub 14.

[0025] <Lift-up device 20> As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the lift-up device 20 is used when installing the wind power generator 10, and comprises a guide tower 21 and a lifting frame section 30 supported by the guide tower 21 and configured to be able to be raised and lowered.

[0026] (Guide Tower 21) As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the guide tower 21 comprises a substantially square frame-shaped base 27 installed on the ground, four pillars 22, 23 provided around the tower 11, and a truss beam 24 connecting the pillars 22, 23 to each other.

[0027] The four pillars 22, 23 are installed on the four corners of the base 27. Each pillar 22, 23 is divided into a plurality of parts in the vertical direction. Each pillar 22, 23 has a truss structure in the shape of a square pillar.

[0028] In the following description, the direction in which two of the four columns 22, 23 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction of the tower 11 are aligned with the remaining two columns 23 is referred to as the front-to-rear direction. The side on which the two columns 22 are located relative to the two columns 23 is referred to as the front side, and the opposite side is referred to as the rear side. The direction perpendicular to both the front-to-rear direction and the up-down direction is referred to as the width direction. The front-to-rear direction and the width direction are horizontal.

[0029] The truss beam 24 extends along the width direction or the front-rear direction and connects the adjacent columns 22 and 23 in the circumferential direction of the tower 11. The guide tower 21 includes two support columns 26 arranged adjacent to each other on the outer sides in the width direction of the lower ends of the two support columns 22. The support columns 26 are installed on a base 27.

[0030] The guide tower 21 includes a pair of lead-in rails 28 that are installed on the ground. The pair of lead-in rails 28 extend in the front-rear direction and are connected to the front end of the base 27. (Staling 25) A plurality of stay rings 25 are provided between each of the support columns 22, 23 and the tower 11. In this embodiment, only the stay rings 25 provided between the guide tower 21 and the top of the tower 11 are shown (see FIGS. 12 and 13).

[0031] 12 and 13, the plurality of stay rings 25 are provided at intervals from one another in the vertical direction. The guide tower 21 is supported by the tower 11 via the stay rings 25.

[0032] The stay ring 25 has a square frame-shaped ring portion 25a attached to the guide tower 21, and a plurality of pressing portions (not shown) attached to the inner peripheral surface of the ring portion 25a and driven hydraulically to press against the outer peripheral surface of the tower 11. Four pressing portions are provided corresponding to the four corners of the ring portion 25a, respectively.

[0033] (Lifting frame part 30) The lifting frame section 30 is configured to be capable of being transformed into a first state shown in FIGS. 2 and 3(a) and a second state shown in FIGS. 3(b) and 4. As shown in FIG.

[0034] 2 and 3(a), the lifting frame section 30 includes a horizontal frame 31 extending in the front-to-rear direction. The horizontal frame 31 includes a pair of front horizontal frames 32 and a pair of rear horizontal frames 33 that protrude forward from the guide tower 21 and sandwich the guide tower 21 in the width direction.

[0035] In the first state, the pair of rear horizontal frames 33 are connected to the rear ends of the pair of front horizontal frames 32, respectively, and protrude rearward from the guide tower 21. Specifically, the rear horizontal frame 33 has an intermediate frame 33a connected to the rear ends of the front horizontal frames 32, and a rear frame 33b connected to the rear end of the intermediate frame 33a. The pair of intermediate frames 33a sandwich the guide tower 21 in the width direction. The pair of rear frames 33b are connected to each other via connecting portions 38a, 38b. The connecting portions 38a, 38b are provided at a distance from each other in the front-to-rear direction.

[0036] The lifting frame section 30 has a pair of vertical frames 34, a pair of lower horizontal frames 35, and a pair of first reinforcing frames 36 that sandwich the guide tower 21 in the width direction. The vertical frame 34 extends in the up-down direction and is supported so as to be movable up and down relative to the guide tower 21. The vertical frame 34 is provided with a lifting mechanism (not shown) that moves the lifting frame portion 30 up and down.

[0037] The lifting mechanism is a well-known structure that includes a jack having a cylinder and a piston housed in the cylinder, and configured to be extendable in the vertical direction by changing the length of the piston protruding from the bottom end of the cylinder using hydraulic pressure (see, for example, JP 2023-172661 A). The lifting frame 30 is configured to rise and fall along the guide tower 21 by repeatedly extending and retracting the jack.

[0038] The front horizontal frame 32, the intermediate frame 33a, the rear frame 33b, the vertical frame 34, and the connecting portions 38a and 38b have a square prism-shaped truss structure. The lower horizontal frame 35 extends in the front-to-rear direction below the front horizontal frame 32 and protrudes rearward from the guide tower 21. A counter device 90 is supported on the upper surface of the lower horizontal frame 35. More specifically, a lower stage 35a is attached between the pair of lower horizontal frames 35. The counter device 90 is supported on the lower stage 35a.

[0039] The counter device 90 is used to balance the weight of the lifting frame portion 30 in the front-to-rear direction. The counter device 90 includes a hydraulic device that supplies hydraulic pressure to jacks such as the lifting mechanism, and a generator that supplies electricity to the hydraulic device, etc.

[0040] The front horizontal frame 32 and the rear horizontal frame 33 are connected to a vertical frame 34 . The first reinforcing frame 36 extends obliquely downward from the front horizontal frame 32 and is connected to the front horizontal frame 32 and the vertical frame 34.

[0041] 3(a), a support frame 39a extending upward in the up-down direction is connected to the center of the lower horizontal frame 35 in the front-to-rear direction. Support frames 39b and 39c are provided in front and behind the support frame 39a, respectively, and extend diagonally downward from the support frame 39a and connect the support frame 39a to the lower horizontal frame 35.

[0042] A support frame 39d is provided at the upper end of the vertical frame 34, extending obliquely downward from the vertical frame 34 and connecting the vertical frame 34 and the upper end of the support frame 39a.

[0043] Support frames 39e and 39f, which extend rearward and forward in the front-to-rear direction, are connected to the center of the vertical frame 34 in the up-down direction. The rear end of support frame 39e is connected to support frame 39b. The front end of support frame 39f is connected to the first reinforcing frame 36.

[0044] The upper end of the support frame 39a is connected to the rear horizontal frame 33 by a support frame 39g extending in the vertical direction. The upper end of the support frame 39g is connected to the boundary between the middle frame 33a and the rear frame 33b.

[0045] The upper end of the support frame 39a and the rear frame 33b are connected by a support frame 39h that extends obliquely upward. 3(b) and 4, in the second state, the rear horizontal frame 33 is connected to the front end of the front horizontal frame 32. The rear horizontal frame 33 is configured to be interchangeable with the rear end and front end of the front horizontal frame 32. More specifically, the rear frame 33b of the rear horizontal frame 33 is connected to the front end of the front horizontal frame 32.

[0046] The second reinforcing frame 37 extends obliquely downward from the rear frame 33b and is connected to the rear frame 33b and the vertical frame 34. In the second state, the support frames 39g and 39h are removed.

[0047] The first reinforcing frame 36 and the second reinforcing frame 37 are connected by a support frame 39i that extends in the front-rear direction. The support frame 39i is provided at the same position as the support frame 39f in the up-down direction.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, a first frame 40 is disposed on the rear horizontal frame 33 in the first state. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 28, the second frame 50 or the third frame 70 is disposed on the rear horizontal frame 33 in the second state.

[0049] 7, the portion of the horizontal frame 31 in the first state that is in front of the guide tower 21 is a mount mounting section 30A on which the first mount 40 can be placed. Additionally, the portion of the horizontal frame 31 in the first state that is behind the guide tower 21 is a stay ring mounting section 30B on which the stay ring 25 can be placed. The stay ring mounting section 30B is formed by the upper surfaces of the connecting sections 38a and 38b.

[0050] Next, the first frame 40 will be described. <First stand 40> 7 to 9, the first frame 40 is used to transport the top tower 11e, the stay ring 25, the nacelle 12, and the hub 14. The first frame 40 is also used to transport the middle towers 11c and 11d.

[0051] The first frame 40 has a pair of triangular frame portions 41 spaced apart from each other in the width direction, and a beam portion 44 extending along the width direction and connecting the tops of the triangular frame portions 41 to each other.

[0052] The triangular frame portion 41 has a running rail 42 extending in the front-to-rear direction, and a pair of hypotenuse frames 43 connected to the running rail 42 and extending diagonally upward from the running rail 42, and forms an isosceles triangle shape as a whole.

[0053] The traveling rails 42 are configured to be movable in the front-to-rear direction on the horizontal frames 31. The pair of traveling rails 42 are configured to be movable in the front-to-rear direction on the pair of front horizontal frames 32 and the pair of rear horizontal frames 33, respectively.

[0054] The traveling rail 42 is provided with a movement mechanism (not shown) that moves the traveling rail 42 in the front-rear direction relative to the horizontal frame 31. The movement mechanism has a well-known configuration that includes an electric motor.

[0055] A first suspending portion 45 is provided on the beam portion 44. The first suspending portion 45 is configured to be able to suspend the top tower 11e, the nacelle 12, and the hub 14 separately. As shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(d), the first suspending part 45 has a base 45a connected to the beam part 44 and a hook 45b connected to the lower end of the base 45a. The base 45a is provided with a movement mechanism (not shown) that moves the first suspending part 45 in the width direction on the beam part 44. The movement mechanism has a well-known configuration that includes a jack similar to the lifting mechanism of the lifting frame part 30. Also, in Figure 6, the hook 45b is shown in a simplified form.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 6(a), the hook 45b of the first suspending part 45 opens forward (to the left in Fig. 6(a)). A resuspending jig 80 is detachably connected to the hook 45b. 9, the first frame 40 has a jig 48 that extends along the width direction behind the beam portion 44 and connects the oblique side frames 43 together. The jig 48 is configured to be detachable from the triangular frame portion 41.

[0057] The jig 48 is provided with a second suspending portion 49 for suspending the stay ring 25. More specifically, the second suspending portion 49 is composed of four wires connected to holes in the four corners of the ring portion 25a of the stay ring 25. Of the four wires, the upper ends of two wires whose lower ends are connected to corners located on one side in the width direction (the far side in FIG. 10) are connected to a portion of the jig 48 on one side in the width direction. The upper ends of the remaining two wires are connected to a portion of the jig 48 on the other side in the width direction (the near side in FIG. 10).

[0058] (Rehanging jig 80) As shown in FIG. 6( d ), the replacement jig 80 has a pair of jig plates 81 , a first pin 83 , a second pin 84 , and a hook portion 85 .

[0059] The pair of jig plates 81 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. The replacement jig 80 in the state where it is hung from the hook 45b will be described below. The jig plate 81 has a shape that extends in the vertical direction and is bent at the lower end to extend forward.

[0060] The first pin 83 has an axis extending in the width direction, and connects the upper ends of the pair of jig plates 81 together. The second pin 84 has an axis extending in the width direction, and connects the bent portions of the pair of jig plates 81 together.

[0061] A sling pin 82 is provided at the front end portions of the pair of jig plates 81. The sling pin 82 has an axis extending in the width direction and connects the front ends of the pair of jig plates 81. A wire W1 extending from a hook 101 of the ground crane 100 is detachably connected to the sling pin 82.

[0062] The hook portion 85 is connected to the pair of jig plates 81 so as to be able to move preemptively around the axis of the second pin 84 . Next, the second frame 50 will be described.

[0063] <Second stand 50> As shown in FIG. 4, the second rack 50 is used to transport the blade 15a (15b, 15c) and is configured to be able to suspend the blade 15a (15b, 15c).

[0064] The second mount 50 is configured to be movable horizontally on the lifting frame section 30 so as to attach the blades 15a (15b, 15c) to the blade attachment openings 14a (14b, 14c) of the hub 14 provided at the top of the tower 11.

[0065] The second mount 50 is configured to suspend a suspension jig 60 having a plurality of support parts that support the blade 15a (15b, 15c) from above and below at a plurality of points in the longitudinal direction of the blade 15a (15b, 15c).

[0066] The second frame 50 includes a traveling rail 42 , a lateral rail 51 , a frame body 52 , and a hanging portion 53 . The traveling rails 42 are the traveling rails 42 that constitute the above-mentioned first frame 40. The traveling rails 42 are configured to be movable in the front-to-rear direction on the horizontal frame 31. The pair of traveling rails 42 are configured to be movable in the front-to-rear direction on the pair of rear frames 33b and the pair of rear horizontal frames 33, i.e., on the horizontal frame 31 in the second state.

[0067] The lateral rail 51 extends horizontally along an oblique direction X that intersects obliquely with the front-rear direction, and is fixed onto the traveling rail 42. The lateral rail 51 is detachably fixed onto the traveling rail 42.

[0068] The lateral rails 51 extend so that the closer to one side in the width direction (the farther side in FIG. 4) the rails are positioned, the further forward they are. The pair of lateral rails 51 are arranged with a gap between them in the front-rear direction. The gantry main body 52 is configured to be movable on the lateral rails 51 in the oblique direction X. The gantry main body 52 has a pair of bases 52a configured to be movable on the pair of lateral rails 51 in the oblique direction X, and a pair of pillars 52b extending upward from the pair of bases 52a. The gantry main body 52 has a plurality of connecting members 52c connecting the pair of pillars 52b together, a pair of arms 52d extending from the upper ends of the pair of pillars 52b to one side in the oblique direction X (the far side in FIG. 4), and a beam member 52e connecting the pair of arms 52d together.

[0069] The base 52a is provided with a movement mechanism (not shown) that moves the base 52a in the oblique direction X relative to the lateral rail 51. The movement mechanism has a well-known configuration that includes an electric motor similar to the movement mechanism of the traveling rail 42.

[0070] The suspending portion 53 is attached to the gantry body 52 and is configured to be able to suspend the blade 15a (15b, 15c). The suspending portion 53 is attached to a beam 52e. The hanging portion 53 is configured to hang the blade 15a (15b, 15c) in a position where the longitudinal direction of the blade 15a (15b, 15c) is horizontal and coincides with the installation direction Y that is perpendicular to the oblique direction X.

[0071] Next, the hanging jig 60 will be described. <Hanging jig 60> As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the lifting jig 60 is a well-known one used in the conventional construction method for wind power generators, that is, when transporting the blades 15a (15b, 15c) by a ground crane.

[0072] The hanging jig 60 has two rectangular support frame portions 61 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (attachment direction Y) of the blade 15a, and a connecting member 62 connecting the support frame portions 61 to each other.

[0073] The support frame portion 61 has a lower horizontal frame 61a, a first vertical frame 61b, a second vertical frame 61c, and an upper horizontal frame 61d. The lower horizontal frame 61a and the upper horizontal frame 61d extend along the oblique direction X and are spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction.

[0074] The first vertical frame 61b extends in the up-down direction and connects one end (the end on the far side in FIG. 18) of the lower horizontal frame 61a and one end (the end on the far side in FIG. 18) of the upper horizontal frame 61d. The second vertical frame 61c extends in the up-down direction and connects the other ends (the ends on the near side in FIG. 18) of the lower horizontal frame 61a and the upper horizontal frame 61d to each other.

[0075] A support portion (not shown) that supports the blade 15a (15b, 15c) from below is attached to the upper surface of the lower horizontal frame 61a. A support portion (not shown) that supports the blade 15a (15b, 15c) from above is provided on the second vertical frame 61c.

[0076] The first vertical frame 61b is configured to be detachable from the lower horizontal frame 61a and the upper horizontal frame 61d. The connecting member 62 has two horizontal frames 62a and a connecting beam 62b that extends in the opposing direction (mounting direction Y) of the two support frame portions 61 and connects the horizontal frames 62a to each other. The horizontal frame 62a extends above the support frame portions 61 in the oblique direction X and suspends the support frame portions 61.

[0077] Three wires W3 are connected to the center of the front horizontal frame 62a and both ends of the rear horizontal frame 62a via shackles (not shown). The upper ends of the three wires W3 are connected to the hanging portion 53 via a jig (not shown) similar to the rehanging jig 80.

[0078] A slash rope 55 for suppressing swinging of the lifting jig 60 is provided between the shackle provided on the lower horizontal frame 61a and the fixed part 54 provided on the traveling rail 42. The fixed part 54 is, for example, a shackle. The fixed part 54 and the slash rope 55 are shown only in Figures 18 and 19 and are not shown in the other drawings.

[0079] Next, the third frame 70 will be described. <Third stand 70> 28 and 29, the third frame 70 has a crane mounting section 71 configured to be able to mount a crane 91, and a turning device mounting section 72 configured to be able to mount a turning device. The third frame 70 is disposed inside the nacelle 12, and functions as a frame for the turning device that is used when removing the turning device that rotates the rotor 13.

[0080] The third frame 70 is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction on the horizontal frame 31. The third frame 70 includes a traveling rail 42 and a stage 73. The traveling rails 42 are the traveling rails 42 that constitute the first frame 40 and the second frame 50 described above. The traveling rails 42 are configured to be movable in the front-to-rear direction on the horizontal frame 31. The pair of traveling rails 42 are configured to be movable in the front-to-rear direction on the pair of rear frames 33b and the pair of rear horizontal frames 33, i.e., on the horizontal frame 31 in the second state.

[0081] The stage 73 is detachably fixed on the traveling rail 42. One side (the far side in FIGS. 28 and 29) and the other side (the near side in FIGS. 28 and 29) of the upper surface of the stage 73 in the oblique direction X are a turning device mounting section 72 and a crane placement section 71, respectively. Restriction walls 74 that restrict movement of the crane 91 are provided on both edges of the stage 73 in the mounting direction Y. The restriction walls 74 are provided over the entire stage 73 in the oblique direction X.

[0082] Next, the installation procedure for the top tower 11e, the stay ring 25, the nacelle 12, the hub 14, and the blades 15a (15b, 15c) will be described. First, a procedure for installing the top tower 11e and the stay ring 25 will be described in a state where the bottom tower 11a, the three middle towers 11b to 11d, and the guide tower 21 have already been installed.

[0083] 5, the lifting frame unit 30 in the first state is attached to the two support columns 22. At this time, the lower ends of the vertical frames 34 of the lifting frame unit 30 are in contact with the upper ends of the two support columns 26. Hereinafter, the position where the lower ends of the vertical frames 34 are in contact with the upper ends of the support columns 26 will be referred to as the loading operation position.

[0084] A first frame 40 is disposed in the frame placement section 30A of the lifting frame section 30. The lifting frame section 30 and the first frame 40 are also used in installing the middle towers 11c and 11d, which are performed prior to installing the top tower 11e.

[0085] Here, at the loading operation position, a stay ring loading step is carried out in which the stay ring 25 is placed on the stay ring placement portion 30B of the lift frame portion 30 using the ground crane 100. In the stay ring loading process, the top tower 11e, which is to be installed on the upper end of the already installed middle tower 11d, is suspended by the first suspension part 45 of the first frame 40. The top tower 11e is then transferred from the ground crane 100 to the first suspension part 45 of the first frame 40.

[0086] Here, with reference to FIG. 6, the procedure for transferring the load L from the ground crane 100 to the first hoisting section 45 will be described. As shown in Figure 6(a), the load L is suspended by the hook 101 of the ground crane 100 via the wire W2, the re-suspending jig 80, and the wire W1. Here, the procedure for re-suspending the top tower 11e as the load L will be described. The procedure for re-suspending the nacelle 12 and the hub 14 is the same as the procedure for re-suspending the top tower 11e.

[0087] Next, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the ground crane 100 is operated to hook the first pin 83 of the changing jig 80 onto the hook 45b of the first suspender 45. Next, as shown in Figure 6(c), the tensile load of the ground crane 100 is reduced, causing the replacement jig 80 to rotate around the first pin 83 due to gravity.

[0088] Then, as shown in FIG. 6(d), the replacement jig 80 rotates until the second pin 84 is positioned directly below the first pin 83. Thereafter, the wire W1 is removed from the sling pin 82, thereby completing the transfer of the load L.

[0089] Next, a lifting frame section raising step is carried out in which the lifting frame section 30 is raised above the stay ring attachment work position. As shown in Figure 7, in the lifting frame section raising process, before the lifting frame section 30 is raised above the stay ring installation work position, the lifting frame section 30 is raised until the top tower 11e is positioned above the upper end of the middle tower 11d.

[0090] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8, the first frame 40 is moved rearward until it is positioned directly above the middle tower 11d, and the top tower 11e is installed on the middle tower 11d. Next, the lifting frame section 30 is raised above the stay ring attachment work position.

[0091] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the first frame 40 is moved rearward toward the stay ring placement portion 30B, and a stay ring hanging step is performed in which the stay ring 25 is hung by the first frame 40.

[0092] In the stay ring hanging process, the first frame 40 is moved rearward in the front-to-rear direction until the jig 48 is positioned directly above the center position of the stay ring 25. Then, the stay ring 25 is hung by a second hanging portion 49 provided on the jig 48. More specifically, the stay ring 25 is hung by connecting shackles (not shown) connected to four wires, which constitute the second hanging portion 49, to holes in the four corners of the ring portion 25a.

[0093] Next, a stay ring mounting step is performed. As shown in FIG. 10, in the stay ring attachment process, first, the first frame 40 is moved to directly above the tower 11.

[0094] 11, the stay ring 25 is lowered to the stay ring attachment position and attached to the tower 11 and the guide tower 21. More specifically, the lifting frame portion 30 is lowered to the stay ring attachment position. Then, the ring portion 25a is attached to the guide tower 21. After that, the pressing portion is hydraulically driven to press the top tower 11e.

[0095] In this way, the stay ring 25 is attached to the tower 11 and the guide tower 21. That is, the lift-up device 20 of this embodiment functions as a transport device for the stay ring 25.

[0096] Next, as shown in Figure 12, the lifting frame unit 30 is lowered to the loading position. Then, at the loading position, a nacelle hanging process is performed in which the nacelle 12 is hung by the first hanging unit 45. The nacelle 12 is transferred from the ground crane 100 to the first hanging unit 45 of the first frame 40. The nacelle 12 is connected to the wire W2 via a nacelle hanging jig 46 that is detachably connected to the top surface of the nacelle 12. Here, the nacelle 12 is hung by the first hanging unit 45 in an orientation in which the back surface 12B, which is opposite to the hub mounting surface 12A where the hub 14 is mounted, faces forward.

[0097] Between the stay ring attachment process and the nacelle hanging process, the jig 48 is removed from the triangular frame portion 41. Next, as shown in Figure 13, the lifting frame section 30 is raised to the nacelle installation work position, and then the first frame 40 is moved rearward until it is positioned directly above the tower 11, and the nacelle 12 is installed on the top of the top tower 11e.

[0098] Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the nacelle 12 is rotated 180 degrees relative to the tower 11 so that the hub mounting surface 12A faces forward. Next, as shown in Figure 15, the lifting frame unit 30 is lowered to the loading position. Then, at the loading position, a hub hanging process is performed in which the hub 14 is hung by the first hanging unit 45. The hub 14 is transferred from the ground crane 100 to the first hanging unit 45 of the first frame 40. The hub 14 is connected to the wire W2 via a hub hanging jig 47 that is detachably connected to the hub 14.

[0099] Next, as shown in FIG. 16, the lifting frame section 30 is raised to the hub attachment position, and then the first frame 40 is moved rearward to attach the hub 14 to the nacelle 12. Next, the lifting frame section 30 is lowered to the loading operation position, after which the first frame 40 is lifted up by the ground crane 100 and moved to the ground, and then the first frame 40 is dismantled.

[0100] Next, the two support columns 26 are removed. Thereafter, the lifting frame unit 30 is lowered until the lower end of the vertical frame 34 comes into contact with the upper surface of the base 27. Hereinafter, the position where the lower end of the vertical frame 34 contacts the upper surface of the base 27 will be referred to as the blade loading operation position.

[0101] Next, the lifting frame section 30 is deformed into the second state as shown in Fig. 4. Thereafter, the second frame 50 is assembled, and the second frame 50 is lifted by the ground crane 100 and placed on the lifting frame section 30.

[0102] Next, as shown in Fig. 17, a blade hanging process is performed in which the blade 15a is hung by the hanging portion 53 of the second frame 50 at the blade loading operation position. The blade 15a is transferred from the ground crane 100 to the hanging portion 53 of the second frame 50. The blade 15a is hung by the hanging portion 53 via the hanging jig 60 while being supported by upper and lower support pads of the hanging jig 60. At this time, the longitudinal direction of the blade 15a coincides with the installation direction Y.

[0103] Furthermore, the nacelle 12 is rotated relative to the tower 11, and the hub 14 is rotated relative to the nacelle 12 by a turning device disposed inside the nacelle 12. This sets the attitude of the hub 14 so that the central axis of the blade attachment opening 14a is aligned with the attachment direction Y (see FIG. 19).

[0104] 18 and 19, the lifting frame unit 30 is raised to the blade attachment position. When transporting the blade 15a (15b, 15c) from the loading position to the blade attachment position, the suspending unit 53 is positioned near the central axis of the tower 11 in the width direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 19).

[0105] Next, as shown in FIG. 20, the second frame 50 is moved along the oblique direction X until the central axis of the blade 15a coincides with the central axis of the blade attachment opening 14a. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 21, the second mount 50 is moved rearward to attach the blade 15a to the blade attachment opening 14a.

[0106] Next, as shown in FIG. 22, the first vertical frame 61b is removed from the lower horizontal frame 61a and the upper horizontal frame 61d of the hanging jig 60, thereby putting the hanging jig 60 into an open state. Next, as shown in FIG. 23, the second frame 50 is moved inward in the oblique direction X to a position where the hanging jig 60 does not overlap with the blade 15a in the vertical direction.

[0107] Next, the lifting frame section 30 is lowered to the loading operation position as shown in Fig. 24. Note that, before the lifting frame section 30 is lowered, the two support columns 26 are installed on the base 27.

[0108] Next, as shown in FIG. 25, the lifting jig 60 is removed from the second frame 50. By releasing the pressing force of the pressing portion of the stay ring 25, the stay ring 25 is put into an open state.

[0109] In addition, the truss beam 24 connecting the two lowest support columns 23 is removed, and the four lowest support columns 22, 23 are retracted onto the retraction rails 28. Next, as shown in FIG. 26, the lifting mechanism of the lifting frame portion 30 is driven to lower the guide tower 21 until it comes into contact with the base 27.

[0110] Thereafter, the hub 14 is rotated by the turning device, whereby the orientation of the hub 14 is set so that the central axis of the blade attachment opening 14b is aligned with the attachment direction Y. Next, as shown in Figure 27, the lifting mechanism of the lifting frame unit 30 is driven to raise the guide tower 21. Then, the four lowest support columns 22, 23 that had been retracted onto the retractable rails 28 are moved between the guide tower 21 and the base 27. In addition, the truss beam 24 that had been removed is reattached to the two lowest support columns 23.

[0111] Next, the pressing portion is hydraulically driven to press the top tower 11e. Next, the blades 15b and 15c are attached to the blade attachment openings 14b and 14c in order by repeating the same attachment operation as that for the blade 15a described with reference to FIGS.

[0112] When the lifting frame section 30 is in the blade installation work position, an open space S is formed above the lower horizontal frame 35 to allow the already installed blades 15a to escape when installing the second or subsequent blades 15b (see Figure 3(b)).

[0113] When the installation work of all the blades 15a to 15c is completed in this way, the lifting frame unit 30 is lowered to the loading work position. Thereafter, the lifting jig 60 is removed from the second frame 50. Then, the second frame 50 is lifted up by the ground crane 100 and moved to the ground, and then the second frame 50 is dismantled.

[0114] Next, at the loading operation position, the third platform 70 is placed on the lifting frame section 30, and a crane placement step is performed in which the crane 91 is placed in the crane placement section 71. Next, as shown in FIG. 28, a lifting frame unit raising step is performed in which the lifting frame unit 30 is raised to a removal position for removing the turning device.

[0115] 29, at the removal work position, a turning device lifting process is performed in which the turning device is lifted by a crane 91 from its location inside the nacelle 12 and placed on the turning device mounting section 72. In the turning device lifting process, the turning device is lifted through a nacelle opening 12b that is opened and closed by a nacelle door 12a provided on the top surface of the nacelle 12.

[0116] Next, a lifting frame unit lowering step is performed in which the lifting frame unit 30 is lowered to the loading operation position, and then the crane 91 and the turning device are moved from the third frame 70 to the ground. Finally, the guide tower 21 is dismantled by using the moving mechanism of the lifting frame section 30 to remove the columns 22, 23 and each stage of the truss beam 24 that make up the guide tower 21 in order from the bottom up.

[0117] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1-1) The method for attaching the stay ring 25 uses the lifting frame section 30 and the first frame 40, and includes a stay ring loading step, a lifting frame section raising step, a stay ring hanging step, and a stay ring attaching step.

[0118] According to this method, the stay ring 25 is placed on the stay ring placement portion 30B provided on the lifting frame portion 30 at the loading position, and then the lifting frame portion 30 is raised, thereby transporting the stay ring 25 to the stay ring installation position. Therefore, even if the stay ring installation position is at a height that cannot be reached by the ground crane 100, the stay ring 25 can be transported to the stay ring installation position. Furthermore, since the stay ring placement portion 30B is located on the opposite side of the guide tower 21 from the frame placement portion 30A of the lifting frame portion 30 where the first frame 40 is placed, the stay ring 25 does not get in the way of the first frame 40. Therefore, the stay ring 25 can be easily installed without using the ground crane 100.

[0119] (1-2) The stay ring attaching step includes lowering the lifting frame portion 30 to lower the stay ring 25 to the stay ring attaching work position. According to this method, the stay ring 25 is lowered to the stay ring attachment work position by lowering the lifting frame portion 30, so there is no need for a dedicated device for lowering the stay ring 25 to the stay ring attachment work position.

[0120] (1-3) In the stayring loading step, the top tower 11e is suspended from the upper end of the already installed middle tower 11d by the first frame 40. In the lifting frame section raising step, before raising the lifting frame section 30 above the stayring installation work position, the lifting frame section 30 is raised until the top tower 11e, which is the upper part of the tower, is positioned above the upper end of the middle tower 11d, which is the lower part of the tower. Then, the first frame 40 is moved rearward until it is positioned directly above the middle tower 11d, and the top tower 11e is installed on the middle tower 11d.

[0121] According to this method, in the lifting frame section lifting step, the top tower 11e can be transported together with the stay ring 25. This can improve work efficiency.

[0122] (1-4) The first frame 40 has a pair of triangular frame portions 41 and a beam portion 44 that extends along the width direction and connects the top ends of the triangular frame portions 41. The stay loading step includes suspending the top tower 11e by a first suspender portion 45 provided on the beam portion 44.

[0123] According to this method, both ends of the beam portion 44 are connected by a pair of triangular frame portions 41 that are shaped like an isosceles triangle as a whole. Therefore, the rigidity of the first frame 40 can be increased, and the weight of the first frame 40 can be reduced.

[0124] (1-5) In the stay ring hanging process, when the stay ring 25 is hung by the first hanging part 45 provided on the beam part 44 of the first frame 40, if the first frame 40 is moved rearward until the first hanging part 45 is positioned directly above the stay ring 25, it becomes necessary to increase the length of the horizontal frame 31 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0125] In this regard, according to the above method, the position of the jig 48 to which the second suspending portion 49 that suspends the stay ring 25 is attached is set rearward of the beam portion 44. Therefore, the length of the horizontal frame 31 in the front-to-rear direction can be made shorter than when the stay ring 25 is suspended by the first suspending portion 45. Therefore, the lifting frame portion 30 can be made smaller and lighter.

[0126] (1-6) The nacelle 12 has a shape that is longer in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the nacelle 12 is suspended by the first suspending parts 45 at the loading operation position, the longitudinal direction of the nacelle 12 is aligned with the front-to-rear direction. In this case, there is a risk that the jig 48 to which the second suspending parts 49 are attached may interfere with the nacelle 12.

[0127] In this regard, according to this embodiment, the jig 48 is removed from the triangular frame portion 41 between the stay ring attachment process and the nacelle suspension process, so that the jig 48 can be prevented from interfering with the nacelle 12.

[0128] (1-7) The lift-up device 20 includes a lift-up frame section 30 and a first mount 40. The lift-up frame section 30 has a mount placement section 30A and a stay ring placement section 30B. This configuration can achieve the same effects as those in (1-1) above. In addition, the stay ring placement section 30B can be used to transport materials and equipment other than the stay rings 25 used in the upper part of the tower 11 (for example, a cover for covering the upper opening of the tower 11 for protection, or a lifting tool for lifting the tower 11).

[0129] (2-1) The lift-up device 20 includes a lifting frame section 30, a first frame 40, and a second frame 50. The horizontal frame 31 includes a front horizontal frame 32 and a rear horizontal frame 33. The rear horizontal frame 33 is configured to be switchable between a first state in which it is connected to the rear end of the front horizontal frame 32 and protrudes rearward from the guide tower 21, and a second state in which it is connected to the front end of the front horizontal frame 32. The first frame 40 is disposed on the horizontal frame 31 in the first state, while the second frame 50 is disposed on the horizontal frame 31 in the second state.

[0130] According to this configuration, in the first state, the horizontal frame 31 is made up of a front horizontal frame 32 that protrudes forward from the guide tower 21, and a rear horizontal frame 33 that is connected to the rear end of the front horizontal frame 32 and protrudes rearward from the guide tower 21. In this case, after the nacelle 12 is suspended from the first frame 40 arranged on the front horizontal frame 32 at the loading position, the lifting frame unit 30 is raised to the nacelle installation position. Then, by moving the first frame 40 to the rear side on the horizontal frame 31, i.e., the side closer to the tower 11, the nacelle 12 can be installed on the top of the tower 11. Similarly, after the hub 14 is suspended from the first frame 40 at the loading position, the lifting frame unit 30 is raised to the hub installation position, and the first frame 40 is moved, so that the hub 14 can be installed on the nacelle 12.

[0131] In the second state, the horizontal frame 31 is composed of a front horizontal frame 32 that protrudes forward from the guide tower 21 and a rear horizontal frame 33 that is connected to the front end of the front horizontal frame 32. In this case, after the blade 15a is suspended by the second platform 50 that is disposed on the rear horizontal frame 33 and the front horizontal frame 32 at the blade loading position, the lifting frame unit 30 is raised to the blade attachment position. Then, by moving the second platform 50 rearward on the horizontal frame 31, i.e., toward the hub 14, the blade 15a can be attached to the blade attachment opening 14a of the hub 14.

[0132] Subsequently, prior to attaching the next blade 15a to the blade attachment opening 14a of the hub 14, the hub 14 is rotated by the turning device inside the nacelle 12. At this time, with the horizontal frame 31 in the second state, the rear horizontal frame 33 has been detached from the rear end of the front horizontal frame 32. This prevents the previously attached blade 15a from interfering with the lifting frame section 30 at the blade attachment work position.

[0133] If a front horizontal frame 32 having a large length in the front-to-rear direction is used, it is possible not to connect the rear horizontal frame 33 to the front end of the front horizontal frame 32 prior to placing the second frame 50. However, in this case, even when the second frame 50 is not placed, the lifting frame section 30 becomes unnecessarily large in the front direction, which creates a trade-off in that it increases the weight of the lifting frame section 30.

[0134] In this regard, with the above configuration, the rear horizontal frame 33 can be attached to the front or rear of the front horizontal frame 32 as needed, thereby preventing the lifting frame section 30 from becoming larger and heavier.

[0135] Therefore, the blades 15a to 15c can be installed without having to secure a large work yard around the wind power generator 10. (2-2) When the entire rear horizontal frame 33 is connected to the front end of the front horizontal frame 32 in the second state of the lifting frame section 30, the length of the horizontal frame 31 in the front-to-rear direction increases. Therefore, a separate measure is required to prevent the weight balance of the lifting frame section 30 in the front-to-rear direction from being biased to the front. As a result, there is still room for improvement in preventing the lifting frame section 30 from becoming larger and heavier.

[0136] In this regard, according to this embodiment, in the second state of the lifting frame section 30, of the intermediate frame 33a and the rear frame 33b, only the rear frame 33b is connected to the front end of the front horizontal frame 32. This makes it possible to reduce the length of the horizontal frame 31 in the front-to-rear direction compared to when the intermediate frame 33a and the rear frame 33b are connected as a single unit to the front end of the front horizontal frame 32. This makes it possible to suitably prevent the lifting frame section 30 from becoming larger and heavier.

[0137] (2-3) In the first and second states of the lifting frame section 30, by placing the first mount 40 and the second mount 50, respectively, on the front horizontal frame 32, the weight balance of the lifting frame section 30 in the fore-and-aft direction is biased toward the front.

[0138] In this regard, according to this embodiment, the counter device 90 is supported on the lower horizontal frame 35 of the lifting frame section 30, so that imbalance in the weight balance in the front-to-rear direction of the lifting frame section 30 can be reduced.

[0139] Moreover, the lower horizontal frame 35 that supports the counter device 90 is provided below the front horizontal frame 32. When the lifting frame section 30 is in the second state, an open space S that allows the blade 15b to escape at the blade attachment position is formed above the lower horizontal frame 35. This prevents the previously attached blade 15a from interfering with the lower horizontal frame 35 at the blade attachment position.

[0140] (2-4) In the second state, the lift-up frame section 30 includes a second reinforcing frame 37 that is connected to the rear frame 33b and the vertical frame 34 and extends obliquely downward from the rear frame 33b.

[0141] With this configuration, in the second state of the lift-up frame section 30, the rear frame 33b is supported by the vertical frame 34 via the second reinforcing frame 37. As a result, by connecting the rear frame 33b to the front end of the front horizontal frame 32, the horizontal frame 31, which protrudes significantly forward, can be stably supported.

[0142] (3-1) The lift-up device 20 includes a lift-up frame unit 30 and a second base 50. With this configuration, the blade 15a can be suspended from the second platform 50 on the lifting frame 30 at the blade loading position, and then the blade 15a can be transported to the blade attachment position by the lifting frame 30. Then, by moving the second platform 50 horizontally, the blade 15a can be attached to the blade attachment port 14a of the hub 14 provided at the top of the tower 11.

[0143] Furthermore, with the above configuration, blade 15a is transported while always suspended from second frame 50, which can prevent blade 15a from being distorted by its own weight. This makes it easier to stabilize the posture of blade 15a.

[0144] Therefore, the blade 15 a can be suitably attached without using the ground crane 100 . (3-2) The second mount 50 is configured to suspend a suspension jig 60 having a plurality of support portions that support the blade 15a from above and below at a plurality of points in the longitudinal direction of the blade 15a.

[0145] With this configuration, the long blade 15a can be suspended in a stable position by the suspension jig 60. This makes it easy to adjust the position of the blade 15a when attaching the blade 15a to the blade attachment opening 14a of the hub 14.

[0146] (3-3) In the conventional method of installing the blade 15a using the ground crane 100, the following problem may occur when the blade 15a's escalator rope is fixed to the ground. That is, as the distance from the ground to the blade 15a increases, the escalator rope becomes longer. This may make it difficult to obtain the effect of the escalator rope, i.e., the effect of suppressing blade sway.

[0147] In this regard, with the above-described configuration, the severing rope 55 of the lifting jig 60 can be fixed to the fixed portion 54 of the second frame 50. Therefore, the severing rope 55 is shorter than when the blade 15a is attached using the ground crane 100. This makes it easier to obtain the effect of the severing rope, that is, the effect of suppressing the swaying of the blade 15a.

[0148] (3-4) When attaching the blade 15a to the blade attachment opening 14a, if the orientation of the hub 14 is set so that the central axis of the blade attachment opening 14a is aligned with the front-to-rear direction, the following problem may occur. That is, when the blade 15a is moved toward the blade attachment opening 14a, the entire blade 15a is suspended at a position away from the central axis of the tower 11 in the width direction. Therefore, the width dimension of the lifting frame unit 30 must be increased in order to stably support the second frame 50 that suspends the blade 15a, which may result in an increase in the size and, ultimately, the weight of the lifting frame unit 30.

[0149] In this regard, according to this embodiment, the platform body 52 is configured to be movable on the lateral rails 51 along the oblique direction X. Therefore, when transporting the blade 15a from the blade loading position to the blade installation position, the suspending part 53 can be positioned in the width direction close to the central axis of the tower 11.

[0150] Furthermore, when attaching the blade 15a to the blade attachment opening 14a, the orientation of the hub 14 is set so that the central axis of the blade attachment opening 14a is aligned with the attachment direction Y. Then, the second mount 50 is moved along the oblique direction X until the central axis of the blade 15a coincides with the central axis of the blade attachment opening 14a, and then the second mount 50 is moved rearward along the front-to-rear direction. This prevents the entire blade 15a from being suspended at a position away from the central axis of the tower 11 in the width direction. This prevents the width dimension of the lifting frame unit 30 from increasing in order to stably support the second mount 50 that suspends the blade 15a. This prevents an increase in the size of the lifting frame unit 30 and, ultimately, its weight.

[0151] (4-1) The method for removing the turning device uses the lifting frame unit 30 and the third frame 70. The method for removing the turning device comprises a crane positioning step of positioning a crane 91 on the crane positioning unit 71 at the loading work position, and a lifting frame unit raising step of raising the lifting frame unit 30 to the removal work position. The method for removing the turning device comprises a turning device lifting step of using the crane 91 to lift the turning device from its location in the nacelle 12 at the removal work position and placing it on the turning device mounting unit 72. The method for removing the turning device also comprises a lifting frame unit lowering step of lowering the lifting frame unit 30 to the loading work position.

[0152] This method allows the turning device to be removed without the use of a large crane on the ground. (4-2) The turning device removal device includes a lifting frame unit 30 and a third stand 70.

[0153] With this configuration, the turning device can be removed without using a large crane on the ground. (4-3) The third frame 70 is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction on the horizontal frame 31.

[0154] With this configuration, after the lifting frame section 30 is raised to the removal work position, the third frame 70 can be moved in the forward and backward directions, allowing the crane 91 to be moved to a position suitable for removing the turning device.

[0155] (4-4) The third frame 70 includes a traveling rail 42 and a stage 73 having a crane placement section 71 and a turning device mounting section 72. The second frame 50 includes the traveling rail 42 with the stage 73 removed, a traverse rail 51, a frame body 52, and a suspender section 53.

[0156] According to this configuration, the traveling rail 42 can be used by both the third frame 70, which is a frame for the turning device, and the second frame 50, which is a frame for the blade. <Example of change> This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0157] For example, a generator or the like that constitutes the counter device 90 may be placed on the rear horizontal frame 33. In this case, a stay ring placement section 30B may be provided on top of the generator or the like.

[0158] If the jig 48 does not interfere with the nacelle 12, it is not necessary to remove the jig 48 from the triangular frame portion 41 between the stay ring attachment process and the nacelle suspension process. The stay ring 25 may be suspended by the first suspension portion 45 instead of the second suspension portion 49.

[0159] The first frame 40 is not limited to having a pair of triangular frame portions 41, but may have a pair of square frame portions and a beam portion connecting the square frame portions. In the above embodiment, in the stay ring loading step, the top tower 11e is suspended from the first frame 40 in addition to the stay ring 25, and the top tower 11e is transported together with the stay ring 25, but this is not limitative. The stay ring 25 and the top tower 11e may be transported separately.

[0160] In the stay ring attachment step, the stay ring 25 is lowered to the stay ring attachment position by lowering the lifting frame unit 30, but this is not limited to this. Alternatively, for example, the second suspending unit 49 itself may be provided with a mechanism for lowering the stay ring 25 to the stay ring attachment position.

[0161] If the weight balance of the lifting frame unit 30 in the front-to-rear direction can be prevented from being biased to the front by other means, the counter device 90 can be omitted. In this case, the lower horizontal frame 35 can also be omitted.

[0162] The rear horizontal frame 33 is not limited to being divided into two, the middle frame 33a and the rear frame 33b. For example, the middle frame 33a may be divided into a plurality of parts in the front-rear direction.

[0163] In the second state, the intermediate frame 33a may be connected to the front end of the front horizontal frame 32 instead of the rear frame 33b. Also, in the second state, the entire rear horizontal frame 33, in which the intermediate frame 33a and the rear frame 33b are integrated, may be connected to the front end of the front horizontal frame 32.

[0164] In the above embodiment, the lateral rails 51 extend along the oblique direction X, but this is not limited to this. For example, if the orientation of the hub 14 is set so that the central axis of the blade attachment opening 14a is aligned with the front-rear direction, the lateral rails 51 may extend along the width direction.

[0165] The execution rope 55 can also be fixed to the blade 15a instead of the hanging jig 60. The configuration of the hanging jig 60 may be changed as appropriate as long as the long blade 15a can be hung in a stable position.

[0166] The blade 15a may be directly suspended by the suspension part 53 of the second frame 50. In other words, the suspension jig 60 may be omitted. In this case, the escaping rope 55 may be fixed to the blade 15a.

[0167] In the above embodiment, the third frame 70 is provided with the traveling rails 42, but this is not limitative. For example, the third frame 70 may be fixed to the front horizontal frame 32 and unable to move in the front-rear direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 10...wind turbine generator, 11...tower, 11a...bottom tower, 11b to 11d...middle tower, 11e...top tower, 12...nacelle, 12A...hub mounting surface, 12B...back side, 12a...nacelle door, 12b...nacelle opening, 13...rotor, 14...hub, 14a to 14c...blade mounting opening, 15a to 15c...blade, 20...lift-up device, 21...guide tower, 22, 23...support, 24...truss beam, 25...staying, 25a...ring portion, 26...support Pillar, 27...base, 28...pull-in rail, 30...lifting frame section, 30A...mounting arrangement section, 30B...staying placement section, 31...horizontal frame, 32...front horizontal frame, 33...rear horizontal frame, 33a...middle frame, 33b...rear frame, 34...vertical frame, 35...lower horizontal frame, 35a...lower stage, 36...first reinforcing frame, 37...second reinforcing frame, 38a, 38b...connecting frames, 39a to 39i...support frame, 40...first mount , 41...triangular frame portion, 42...running rail, 43...hypothetical frame, 44...beam portion, 45...first lifting portion, 45a...base portion, 45b...hook, 46...nacelle lifting jig, 47...hub lifting jig, 48...jig, 49...second lifting portion, 50...second frame, 51...traverse rail, 52...frame body, 52a...base, 52b...column material, 52c...connecting material, 52d...arm portion, 52e...beam material, 53...lifting portion, 54...fixing portion, 55...assistance rope, 60...lifting jig, 61...support frame portion, 61a...lower horizontal Frame, 61b...first vertical frame, 61c...second vertical frame, 61d...upper horizontal frame, 62...connecting member, 62a...horizontal frame, 62b...connecting beam material, 70...third frame, 71...crane placement section, 72...turning device mounting section, 73...stage, 74...regulating wall, 80...re-hanging jig, 81...jig plate, 82...sling pin, 83...first pin, 84...second pin, 85...hook section, 90...counter device, 91...crane, 100...ground crane, 101...hook

Claims

1. A method for attaching a stay ring to a tower of a wind power generator to support a guide tower provided around the tower when the wind power generator is installed, comprising the steps of: a lifting frame supported by the guide tower and configured to be able to lift and lower; a platform that is movable horizontally on the lifting frame and that is configured to be able to suspend the stay ring, a stay ring loading step of loading the stay ring onto a stay ring loading section that is located on the outer side of the guide tower in the horizontal direction of the lifting frame section at the loading operation position and that is located on the opposite side of the guide tower from a platform placement section where the platform is placed; a lifting frame unit raising step of raising the lifting frame unit to a position above a stay ring attaching operation position; a stay ring suspending step of moving the base toward the stay ring placement portion and suspending the stay ring from the base; a stay ring attaching step of moving the platform to directly above the tower, and then lowering the stay ring to the stay ring attaching work position to attach the stay ring to the tower and the guide tower, How to install the stay ring.

2. the stay ring attaching step includes lowering the lifting frame unit to lower the stay ring to the stay ring attaching work position. The method for attaching a stay ring according to claim 1.

3. The lifting frame portion has horizontal frames extending along a front-rear direction, which is a horizontal direction, and protruding from the guide tower to the front and rear, respectively, The platform is configured to be movable along the front-rear direction on the horizontal frame, the platform arrangement section is provided on the horizontal frame forward of the guide tower, The stay ring mounting portion is provided on the horizontal frame rearward of the guide tower, In the stay ring loading step, the tower upper part to be installed on the upper end of the already installed tower lower part is suspended by the frame, In the lifting frame section lifting step, before the lifting frame section is lifted above the stay ring attaching work position, the lifting frame section is lifted until the tower upper section is positioned above the upper end of the tower lower section, and then the platform is moved rearward until it is positioned directly above the tower lower section, and the tower upper section is installed on the tower lower section.

3. A method for attaching a stay ring according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the direction perpendicular to both the front-to-back direction and the up-to-down direction is defined as the width direction, The frame is a pair of triangular frame portions that have a traveling rail that extends along the front-rear direction and is configured to be movable along the front-rear direction on the horizontal frame, and a pair of hypotenuse frames that are connected to the traveling rail and extend diagonally upward from the traveling rail, and that form an isosceles triangle shape as a whole and are arranged with a gap between them in the width direction; and a beam portion extending along the width direction and connecting the apexes of the triangular frame portions, The stay loading step includes suspending the upper part of the tower by a suspending portion provided on the beam portion. The method for attaching a stay ring according to claim 3.

5. When the suspending portion is a first suspending portion, the mounting base includes a jig extending along the width direction behind the beam portion and connecting the oblique side frames to each other, The stay ring hanging step includes hanging the stay ring by a second hanging portion provided on the jig. The method for attaching a stay ring according to claim 4.

6. the stay ring is attached to the top of the tower; The jig is configured to be detachable from the triangular frame portion, a nacelle suspending step of suspending a nacelle installed on the top of the tower by the first suspending part at the loading operation position after the stay ring attaching step, removing the jig from the triangular frame portion between the stay ring attaching step and the nacelle hanging step; The method for attaching a stay ring according to claim 5.

7. A stay ring transport device for supporting a guide tower provided around a tower of a wind power generator when the wind power generator is installed, a lifting frame supported by the guide tower and configured to be able to lift and lower; a platform that is movable horizontally on the lifting frame and that is configured to suspend the stay ring, The lifting frame section has a platform placement section that is located horizontally outward of the guide tower and is configured to be able to place the platform, and a stay ring placement section that is located on the opposite side of the guide tower from the platform placement section and is configured to be able to place the stay ring. Staling conveyor.

Images