Tower Climbing Mechanism

Abstract

The present invention relates to a climbing mechanism for use with a crane. The climbing mechanism can climb along the outer surface of a tower. It reduces installation costs because it is not necessary to use the largest crane used for the installation of the tower. It is provided to allow the installation of towers higher than the height that the largest crane can reach.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a climbing mechanism fitted with a special crane, which is a conical structure that narrows towards the top and can climb the walls of a wind turbine tower or similar tower to assemble the tower, in a modular tower or cylindrical structure made up of stacked polygonal cross-section modules. [Background technology]

[0002] As we know, wind speed increases as it rises above the ground. Higher wind speeds produce more electricity and improve turbine efficiency. Therefore, turbine manufacturers design turbines and towers to operate at higher altitudes. In 2021, tower heights reached 180 meters. In the near future, they will exceed 250 meters. The largest cranes are used to assemble wind turbine towers. These cranes are time-consuming and costly to transport, install, and relocate. Furthermore, as tower heights have increased in recent years and will continue to grow, the capacity of existing cranes may become insufficient. Recently, mechanisms have been developed to climb towers and perform maintenance on tower elements. These mechanisms have side arms that prevent swaying and maintain balance. In some models, these side arms are wrapped around the turret body. Side arms wrapped around the tower body can damage tower elements.

[0003] In other models, the side arms are secured to holes in the tower by pins on the arms, but this procedure can be difficult to perform.

[0004] According to the present invention, some special purpose cranes available on the market can be attached to a climbing mechanism that climbs along the tower wall during the tower assembly phase, and the tower can be assembled. The side arms of the climbing mechanism have U-bearings. Each module in the tower has pins attached to it. The U-bearings on the side arms are fixed to these pins by moving in the Y and Z axes. This feature makes it easier than prior art to fix the side arms to the tower, thereby preventing the climbing mechanism from swinging within the tower. Furthermore, the guide rails attached to the tower allow all forces from the crane to be transmitted seamlessly to the foundation via the guide rails and tower elements.

[0005] The height of a modular tower module is approximately 12-13 meters. This involves the first three modules of the tower, which can be lifted by a mobile crane smaller than the largest available. After this stage, a climbing mechanism is attached to the tower wall. A dedicated crane can be attached to the climbing mechanism, which can then lift subsequent modules and other elements of the wind turbine. The climbing mechanism, operating on the elevator principle, is then raised the height of one module to install the next module. This process is repeated throughout the tower until the tower is fully assembled. Finally, the wind turbine is assembled by installing the turbine elements, such as the nacelle, rotor, and blades.

[0006] The economic lifespan of a wind turbine is approximately 20-25 years. Because breakdowns can occur during this process, the largest cranes must be brought into the power plant area for use. This means huge costs. However, maintenance of the tower elements and equipment assembled using the tower climbing mechanism described in this invention can be performed using the tower climbing mechanism itself. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention is a solution that reduces installation time and costs by allowing tall towers to be erected without the use of large cranes.

[0008] The advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0009] -U-bearings on the side arms

[0010] The climbing mechanism can be easily attached to the tower pins,

[0011] -The guide rails attached to the tower allow

[0012] All forces from the crane are transmitted seamlessly to the foundation via the guide rails and tower elements.

[0013] -Support rods allow

[0014] The force acting on the guide rail is transferred to other tower elements in the module, resulting in a distributed load.

[0015] - Eliminates the need for very large cranes, reducing expensive crane costs

[0016] -It can be used by climbing the tower, so it is possible to build towers that are too tall for very large cranes to reach.

[0017] -Even if a breakdown occurs after the wind turbine is in operation, it can be used again,

[0018] The drawbacks of the present invention are as follows:

[0019] To use the present invention, several parts (guide rails, head pins, support bars, etc.) must be fixed to the tower during its manufacture. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] An overview is provided below. [Figure 2] An overview of the climbing mechanism is shown. [Figure 3] The main components of the climbing mechanism are shown. [Figure 4] The outer skid is shown. [Figure 5] Outer skid attachment is shown. [Figure 6] Shows hanger parts. [Figure 7] 1 shows the side arm assembly. [Figure 8] Indicates a group of U slots. [Figure 9] The inner skid is shown. [Figure 10] Shows a group of wheels. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a top view of a wheel assembly. [Figure 13] The operating principle of the elevator is shown. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a carrier chassis and shell. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a head pin slot. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a wall installation view of the head pin tower element. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a view of a support rod assembly. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is an operational diagram of the climbing mechanism. [Explanation of symbols]

[0021] 1 Climbing mechanism 2 Crane 3 Crane connection platform 4. Tower 5 Remote Control Room 6 Inner Skid 8 outer skid 9 Elevators 17 Carrier Chassis 18 shells 19 Doors 20 Hydraulic Tank 21 Hydraulic valve group 22 Electrical and Electronic Control Panels 23 Platform 24 Side arm assembly 26 Hydraulic cylinder 27 Hydraulic cylinder 29 Guide bearing 30 Reinforcement parts 31 Reinforcement parts 32 Reinforcement parts 33 stairs 34 Reinforcement parts 36 Feda 39 Hanger parts 40 Hanger parts 41 Hydraulic cylinder 42 Skid column 43 Reinforcement parts 44 Reinforcement parts 45 Sidearm 46 Sidearm 47 Sidearm 48 Sidearm 53 Reinforcement parts 54 Reinforcement parts 55 Reinforcement parts 56 Bracket 57 Guide tube 58 Hydraulic Cylinder 59 holes 67 Lock pin 70 Sidearm inner pillar 73 Reinforcement parts 74 Reinforcement parts 75 guide bearing 76 Sidearm inner pillar 77 Hydraulic Cylinder 78 Headpin 79 Skid Bearing 80 Hydraulic Cylinder 81 U-slot group 82 Camera Arm 83 Camera 84 Camera Arm 86 Skid column 88 Skid parts 89 Reinforcement parts 90 U-slot 91 Hanger parts 92 Hanger parts 103 Wheels 104 Wheels 105 Wheel group 106 Bush body 107 Bush body 108 Shaft 109 Shaft 110 pin 113 bolt holes 114 bolt holes 116 Tower Module 117 Tower Elements 118 Guide Rail 119 holes 122 Connecting parts 123 Head Pin Slot 124 Head pin bush 125 Metal plate 126 Support plate 127 angle 128 volts 131 Support bar 132 flange 133 yz cross section DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] (001) The present invention relates to a climbing mechanism (1) that climbs upward along the exterior wall of a tower. A crane (2) attached to it can lift tower elements and other structural elements to the top of the tower. The crane can be purchased off-the-shelf and integrated into the climbing mechanism.

[0023] The components and parts (002...018) of the climbing mechanism (1), the parts that must be present in the tower in sections (019...022), and chapters (023...026) explain how the climbing mechanism (1) works.

[0024] (002) Figure 1 shows an overall view of the crane (2) mounted on the crane connection platform (3) of the climbing mechanism (1), the modular tower (4) and the remote control room (5).

[0025] (003) Figure 2 shows an overall view of the climbing mechanism (1), and Figure 3 shows a perspective view of its main components. The climbing mechanism (1) is mainly composed of the following components:

[0026] The elevator (9) with corresponding X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis includes an outer skid (8), two inner skids (6), and a guide bearing (29) attached to the outer skid (8);

[0027] The right and left side arms (45, 46, 47, 48) move in the X, Y, and Z axes,

[0028] Head pin U slot (90) located on the side arm,

[0029] A carrier chassis (17) and shell (18) are attached to the outer skid (8);

[0030] A crane connection platform (3) is attached to the carrier chassis (17),

[0031] The hydraulic tank (20) and hydraulic valve group (21) are mounted in the carrier frame (17) and operate the hydraulic cylinders and other hydraulic components in the climbing mechanism (1) and crane (2).

[0032] An electrical and electronic control panel (22) is mounted within the carrier cage system;

[0033] A remote control room (5) is located on the ground to remotely control the climbing mechanism (1) and the crane (2);

[0034] (004) Figure 4B shows a perspective view of the outer skid (8), while Figure 4A shows the main components of the outer skid (8). The outer skid (8) is provided with outer skid posts (42) on both sides, with reinforcements (30, 31, 32) at its lower and upper ends. Further reinforcement in the vertical direction by the reinforcement parts (30) forms a durable structure. The outer skid posts (42) can be manufactured from standard NPI or NPU profiles. Alternatively, profiles with different cross sections can be used. For ease of transportation, the outer skid (8) can be single or multi-piece. In Figure 4A, the upper part of the two-piece outer skid (8) is shown assembled, while the lower part is shown separated into its components.

[0035] (005) Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the joint of the skid post (42) of the outer skid, which has two or more components. The outer skid post 42 is shown in a shorter length in the drawing. Figure 5B shows the assembly, and Figure 5A shows a diagram of the main components. The reinforcement component (55) is secured to the outer skid post (42) by welding and bolts. The feder (36) and reinforcement components (53 and 54) are welded and bolted to the outer skid post (42). The skid sections are attached and separated by bolts through holes in the feder and reinforcement components (36, 53 and 54). All components (36, 53, 54, 55) used in the joint are located on the outer surface of the outer skid post (42). There are no additional components on the inner surface of the outer skid post (42), as this is the surface on which the wheels (103 and 104) in the wheel pack (105) operate (Figure 10).

[0036] (006) The outer skid (8) has two outer skid hanger components (39 and 40) at its bottom and top (Figure 4). These hanger components (39 and 40) have the same structure. Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the hanger components (39, 40). The outer skid (8) is fixed to the tower guide rail (118) by these hanger components (39 and 40) (Figure 6C). At the same time, they transfer all loads from the crane to the tower. A bracket (56) is welded to the reinforcing components (43 and 44), which are welded and bolted to the outer skid column (42). A lock pin (67) moves in the x-axis within the guide tube (57) by a hydraulic cylinder (58). The hydraulic cylinder (58) and the guide tube (57) are concentrically fixed in the hole (59) in the bracket (56). When the outer skid (8) moves up or down, the lock pin (67) is retracted into the guide tube (57) by the hydraulic cylinder (58) (Fig. 6A). When the climbing mechanism (1) is completed raising or lowering, the lock pin (67) is pushed into the hole (119) in the tower guide rail (118) by the hydraulic cylinder (58) (Fig. 6B). Thus, the outer skid (8) is fixed in its new position (Fig. 6C). A camera (83) for monitoring the position of the lock pin is fixed to the lock pin bracket (56) by a camera arm (84).

[0037] (007) Behind the outer skid 8 are four guide bearings 29 (Figs. 2A and 3A), two at the top and two at the bottom. The side arms (45, 46, 47, 48) move in the guide bearings (29) in the X-axis by means of hydraulic cylinders (41) (Fig. 2).

[0038] (008) Figure 7 is a perspective view of the side arm assembly (24). There are four on the top and bottom, left and right sides of the climbing mechanism (1). The same side arm assembly (24) can be used for all four arms by changing the orientation. The side arm part numbers are indicated as (45, 46, 47, 48). In other words, (45, 46, 47, 48) all have the same structure (Figure 3). The side arm inner column (70) of the side arm is moved in the X axis by a hydraulic cylinder (41) in a guide bearing (29) attached to the rear surface of the outer skid (8) and adjusted to the desired position. The other side arm guide bearing (75) is attached to the end of the side arm inner column (70). Corner reinforcements (73, 74) are provided to increase the rigidity of this joint. The side arm inner column (76) is moved in the Z axis by a hydraulic cylinder (77) in the side arm guide bearing (75) and adjusted to the desired position. The ends of the inner side arm posts (76) have U-slots (81) that are secured to head pins (78) in the tower (Figure 17), allowing the climbing mechanism (1) to be balanced on the tower (4). (More details are provided in the How the Climbing Mechanism Works (017) section below.)

[0039] (009) Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the assembly and main components of the U-slot group (81). The inner side edge of the pool of the skid bearing (79) is V-shaped, and the sliding skid part (88) of the same shape functions here. The hydraulic cylinder connection bracket and U-slot (90) are fixed to the sliding skid part (88). The skid bearing (79) is fixed to the end of the inner side arm column 76 via the reinforcing part (89) and rib (Figure 17). The skid bearing (79), reinforcing part (89), and feder are fixed to the end of the inner side arm column (76) (Figure 17). The skid bearing (79) is fixed to the inner side arm column (76) by the reinforcing part (89) (Figure 17). The hydraulic cylinder connection bracket is provided at the top end of the reinforcing part (89). A camera (83) can be used to monitor the position of the U-slot (90) and head pin (78). The camera (83) may be attached to the stiffener (89) by a camera arm (82).

[0040] (010) When the climbing mechanism (1) moves up or down to a new position, the axis of the U-slot group (81) at the end of the side arm inner column (76) is moved along the X-axis by the hydraulic cylinder (41) and along the Z-axis by the hydraulic cylinder (77) to align with the axis of the head pin (78) on the tower (4). The position of the U-slot group (81) on the Y-axis may need to be precisely adjusted. To achieve this, the head pin U-slot group (81) U-slot (90) can be moved in the Y-axis by the hydraulic cylinder (80) in the skid bearing (79) (Figures 8 and 17). The axis of the U-slot (90) is adjusted to align with the axis of the head pin (78) on the tower in the Y-axis, and the hydraulic cylinder (80) and U-slot (90) are attached to the head pin. This is done separately for each of the four side arms (45, 46, 47, 48). In this case, the position of the U-slot (90) and head pin (78) can be tracked from the camera (83).

[0041] (011) Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the inner skid (6) and its main components. The inner skid (6) is provided with skid posts (86) on both sides, with reinforcing parts (34) at its upper and lower ends (Figure 9). The skid posts (86) can be manufactured from standard NPI or NPU profiles. Alternatively, profiles with different cross sections can be used. The inner skid (6) is provided with inner skid hanger parts (91 and 92) at its upper and lower ends. These hanger parts (91 and 92) secure the inner skid (6) to the tower guide rails (118) (Figure 6C), which simultaneously transfer all loads from the crane to the tower. All parts are combined with bolts and welded connections to form a robust and safe structure.

[0042] (012) The construction and mode of operation of the inner skid hanger sections (91 and 92) at the lower and upper ends of the inner skid (6) are the same as the construction and mode of operation of the outer skid hanger components (39 and 40) described in section (006) above.

[0043] (013) According to the present invention, wheel groups (105) are provided at the left and right corners of the lower and upper edges of the inner skid (6) (Figs. 9 and 10). Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the wheel group (105) and its main components. The upper wheel (103) is attached to the bushing body (106) by a shaft (108) and a pin (110). Its role is to ensure that the inner skid (6) can move up and down in the Y axis by forming a clearance-free and friction-free structure on the X axis inside the outer skid post (42) (Fig. 4). The lower wheel (104) is attached to the bushing body (107) via a shaft (109). Its role is to ensure that the inner skid (6) can move up and down in the Y axis by forming a clearance-free and friction-free structure on the Z axis inside the outer skid post (42). The wheel groups (105) are attached to the left and right corners of the lower and upper ends of the inner skid (6) by bolts passing through bolt holes (113 and 114). The wheel groups (105) are symmetrical to each other about the X and Y axes of the inner skid (6). The position of the wheel groups (105) within the outer skid post (42) (Figure 4) is shown in Figure 11, a top view of the outer skid chassis. This design creates a frictionless structure within the inner skid (6) and outer skid post (42) with no clearances on the X and Z axes, allowing for up and down movement on the Y axis.

[0044] (014) After each tower module (116) is attached to the tower (4), the climbing mechanism (1) must be moved upward by the module's height (H). The height of a modular tower module is usually approximately 12 meters. To allow the elevator (9) to move to height H, the length of the outer skid (8) must be at least twice the height of the tower module (H). This distance refers to the effective distance that the inner skid (6) can move inside the outer skid (8). When the inner skid is used, the elevator (9) moves by H for each movement. In this case, the height of the inner skid (6) must be at least H. For the elevator (9), movement between the inner skid (6) and the outer skid (8) is provided by hydraulic cylinders, with two hydraulic cylinders used for each inner skid (6). When the inner skid (6) is used, the stroke of the hydraulic cylinder must be H, i.e., H = 12 meters. In reality, operating a hydraulic cylinder with such a long stroke (H = 12 m) poses a risk of bending or twisting the shaft. To avoid these problems, two or more inner skids (6) can be used. In this case, the stroke of the hydraulic cylinders that move the skids (H / number of skids) is measured in meters. If H = 12 m and the number of inner skids (6) is two, the stroke of the hydraulic cylinders is (12 / 2 = 6 m), so a total of four hydraulic cylinders are used. To move the climbing mechanism (1) up and down H meters, the elevator (9) is used twice in succession. If H = 12 m and the number of inner skids (6) is three, the stroke of the hydraulic cylinders is (12 / 3 = 4 m), so six hydraulic cylinders are used. To move the climbing mechanism (1) up and down H meters, the elevator (9) is used three times in succession.

[0045] This document describes a climbing mechanism using two inner skids (6) and four hydraulic cylinders (26 and 27). This means that for each movement (i.e., each cycle) of the skids (6 and 8), the elevator (9) moves H / 2 (m). To move the climbing mechanism (1) up or down by H meters, the elevator (9) is used twice in succession.

[0046] (015) According to the present invention, the elevator (9) is composed of two inner skids (6) that move on the Y axis within the outer skid (8). The distance between the axes of the holes (59) of the hanger parts (91, 92) of the inner skids (6) can be a maximum of H / 2 (meters) (Fig. 13). The distance between the axes of the holes (59) of the hanger parts (39, 40) of the outer skid (8) must also be at least 2H (meters). The outer skid (8) is manufactured so that the effective distance over which the inner skids (6) can move is at least 2H (m). That is, the total height of the outer skids (8) is at least 2H (meters).

[0047] (016) Two hydraulic cylinders (26) are fixed to the top of the outer skid (8) and two hydraulic cylinders (27) are fixed to the bottom (Figures 13A and 13C). The stroke of the hydraulic cylinders (26 and 27) is approximately H / 2 meters, and they move the inner skid (6) along the Y axis. One end of the upper hydraulic cylinder (26) is connected to the outer skid (8) and the other end is connected to the top inner skid (6). One end of the lower hydraulic cylinder (27) is connected to the outer skid (8) and the other end is connected to the bottom inner skid (6). The inner skid (6) moves up and down by the hydraulic cylinders (26 and 27) in the outer skid column (42). This allows the climbing mechanism (1) to move up and down along the Y axis. The climbing mechanism (1) is secured to the tower guide rails (118) by hanger assemblies (39 and 40) on the outer skid (8) and hanger assemblies (91 and 92) on the inner skid (6) (Figure 6C). Details of the hanger assemblies are described in section (006) above. (See also Figure 4). The steps of the method for operating the elevator (9) are described in section (017) below.

[0048] (017) When you want to move the climbing mechanism (1) upwards (Fig. 13),

[0049] 170-) Never load a crane.

[0050] 171-) The locking pins (67) of the hanger parts (91 and 92) of the upper inner skid (6) are pulled back by the hydraulic cylinder (58) and removed from the holes (119) of the guide rail (118) (Figs. 6 and 13A),

[0051] 172-) The upper inner skid (6) is moved upward by a hydraulic cylinder (26) (Figure 13B),

[0052] 173-) The lock pin (67) of the hanger parts (91, 92) of the upper inner skid (6) is pushed forward by the hydraulic cylinder (58) and attached to the hole (119) of the guide rail (118) (Figs. 6 and 13B),

[0053] 174-) The locking pins (67) of the hanger parts (91 and 92) of the lower inner skid (6) are pulled back by the hydraulic cylinder (58) and removed from the holes (119) of the guide rail (118) (FIGS. 6 and 13BA),

[0054] 175-) The bottom inner skid (6) is moved upward by a hydraulic cylinder (27) (Fig. 13C),

[0055] 176-) The lock pins (67) of the hanger parts (91, 92) of the lower inner skid (6) are pushed forward by the hydraulic cylinder (58) and attached to the holes (119) of the guide rail (118) (Figs. 6 and 13C),

[0056] Note 1: When carrying out transactions numbered (171-176), the tower connection of the climbing mechanism (1) is provided by locking pins (67) on the hanger parts (39 and 40) of the outer skid (8).

[0057] 177-) The U-slots (90) of the side arms (45, 46, 47 and 48) are first pulled outward by hydraulic cylinder (80) moving them upward in the Y-axis, and then by hydraulic cylinder (41) moving them in the X-axis (Figs. 2 and 17).

[0058] 178-) The locking pins (67) of the hanger parts (39 and 40) of the outer skid (8) are withdrawn by the hydraulic cylinder (58) and removed from the guide rails (Figs. 6 and 13C).

[0059] 179-) The outer skid (8) is moved upward by hydraulic cylinders (26 and 27) (Fig. 1). In this case, the climbing mechanism (1) is fixed to the tower (4) only by the locking pins (67) of the hanger parts (91, 92) of the inner skid (6). (Total of four)

[0060] 180-) The locking pins of the hanger parts (39 and 40) of the outer skid (8) are pushed forward by the hydraulic cylinder (58) and inserted into the holes in the guide rail;

[0061] Note 2: When carrying out transactions numbered (177-180), the connection between the climbing mechanism (1) and the tower (4) is made by the locking pins (67) of the hanger parts (91 and 92) of the inner skid (6).

[0062] Note 3: Steps 171-172...179 and 180 are the first climbing cycle. At the end of the first cycle, the climbing mechanism (1) rises to half the height of the tower module (116).

[0063] 181-) The above steps 171-172...180 are repeated in the same order (Fig. 13E-F and G). This completes the second climbing cycle. The climbing mechanism (1) moves upward by the height of the tower module (116),

[0064] 182-) The position of the U-slots (90) on the side arms (45, 46, 47, 48) is monitored by a camera (83) and adjusted in the x, y and z axes by hydraulic cylinders (41, 77, 80) and fixed to the head pins (78) on the tower (4) (Fig. 17). See also Figs. 2, 8 and 17. The crane is now ready for use.

[0065] Therefore, the climbing mechanism (1) moves upwards by twice the stroke of the hydraulic cylinders (26, 27), i.e., H (m). Here, the movement of the inner skid (6) can be done simultaneously or separately. If you want to move the climbing mechanism (1) downwards, you follow the same process from the end to the beginning.

[0066] (018) Figure 14 is a perspective view of the carrier chassis (17) and shell (18) assembled separately. The carrier chassis (17) and shell (18) can be manufactured in two or more modules for easy transportation. The carrier chassis (17) is manufactured from pipes and profiles and is fixed to the outer skid columns (42) with bolts. A crane connection platform (3) is mounted on the carrier chassis (17). The load from the crane (2) attached to the crane connection platform (3) is transferred to the elevator (9) via the carrier chassis (17) and then transferred as a distributed load to the tower (4) via hanger components (39, 40, 91, 92). A door (19) is provided on the side of the carrier chassis (17). A platform (23) and stairs (33) are provided inside (Figures 2 and 3). A hydraulic tank (20), a hydraulic valve group (21), and an electrical and electronic control panel (22) are mounted on these platforms. A control panel allows electricity to be transmitted to the devices in the climbing mechanism.An electrical and electronic control panel (22) allows electricity to be transmitted to the devices in the climbing mechanism.

[0067] (019) In order for the climbing mechanism (1) to be used to assemble a structure (e.g., a wind turbine tower), several special parts must be present in the tower (4). These parts are planned during the tower's design and are manufactured together with the tower. These are elements such as guide rails (118), head pin slots (123), and support rods (131).

[0068] (020) A guide rail (118) is fixed to the tower element (117), allowing the climbing mechanism (1) to hold the tower (4) and transfer the load from the crane (2) along with the tower elements (15 and 18) to the tower base. The guide rail (118) is bolted to the flange (132) of the tower element (117). The climbing mechanism (1) is secured to the hole (119) in the guide rail (118) by the locking pin (67) in the hanger parts (39, 40, 91, 92) at the bottom and top of the outer skid (6) and inner skid (8). The locking pin (67) is moved in the X-axis by the hydraulic cylinder (58) and inserted into and removed from the hole (119) in the guide rail (118). Details are explained in section (006) above.

[0069] (021) In sections (008...010) above, it was explained that there are side arms (45, 46, 47, 48) that balance the climbing mechanism (1) while the crane (2) is lifting a load. There are head pins (78) with U-slots (90) that allow the side arms (45, 46, 47, 48) to be secured to the tower. The head pin slots (123) are secured to the tower elements (117) by bolts (128) (Figures 16 and 17). The head pin slots (123) are attached to two opposite tower elements (117) on each tower module (116) of the tower (4). The head pin bushings (124) are secured to metal plates (125) by welding, and are surrounded by support plates (126). Figure 16B is a perspective view of the head pin slot (123), the components of which are shown in Figure 16A. The planes passing through the cylindrical surface of the head pin bushing (124) are not parallel to each other. There is an angle (127) between them, which is half the angle of the top of the tower. The feature shown in Figure 16C ensures that the axis of the head pin (78) and the axis of the U-slot (90) in the side arm are coincident. (See also Figures 15, 16, and 17.)

[0070] (022) The load from the crane (2) is transferred to the foundation via the guide rails (118) and tower elements (117). Figure 18 shows the yz cross section (133) of the tower module (116) along the yz plane. Support rods (131) can be used to balance the x-, y-, and z-axis forces on the guide rails (118) and distribute the load. The support rods (131) are fixed to flanges (132) on the tower members (117) with connecting pieces (122) and bolts. The support rods (131) can be positioned along the axis of a polygonal or circular tower cross section.

[0071] (023) A remote control room (5) is provided on the floor to operate the climbing mechanism (1) (Fig. 1). A remote control system is installed in the remote control room (5). The hydraulic valves and crane (2) are operated by commands from this remote control room (5). Communication between the remote control room (5) and the climbing mechanism is carried out by cables and signals from the remote control device. The climbing mechanism (1) is controlled from this room while viewing images from a camera (83).

[0072] (024) Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the climbing mechanism (1).

[0073] (025) Figure 15E shows the initial state in which the climbing mechanism (1) is attached to the tower (4). The crane (2) is attached to the crane connection platform (3) and is ready for use.

[0074] (026) The way the climbing mechanism works is as follows.

[0075] 201-) The first three modules (4) of the tower are installed with a smaller crane rather than a large crane (Figures 20 and 21A).

[0076] 202-) Next, the climbing mechanism (1) is attached to the tower (4) (Figs. 15E and 21B).

[0077] 203-) The crane (2) is attached to the crane connection platform (3) (Figs. 1 and 21B),

[0078] 204-) A cable is connected to send electricity to the climbing mechanism,

[0079] 205-) The electrical and electronic communication systems of the remote control room (5) and the climbing mechanism (1) are operated (Figure 1),

[0080] 206-) The position of the U-slots (90) on the side arms (45, 46, 47, 48) is monitored by a camera (83) and adjusted in the x, y and z axes by hydraulic cylinders (41, 77, 80) and fixed to the head pins (78) on the tower (4) (Fig. 17). See also Figs. 8 and 17. In this case, the crane is ready for use.

[0081] 207-) The fourth module (4) of the tower is lifted by a crane (2) (Fig. 21C) and attached to the third module (Figs. 21D and 21E),

[0082] 208-) The climbing mechanism (1) moves upwards by applying the method described in section (017) above (Fig. 21F).

[0083] 209-) The procedures numbered (207 and 208) are applied to each of the following modules to complete the assembly of the tower (4),

[0084] 210-)The other elements of the wind turbine, such as the nacelle, rotor, and blades, are then lifted by crane and fitted into place.

[0085] 211-) Finally, the climbing mechanism (1) descends to the ground and is removed from the tower. [Industrial Applicability]

[0086] The invention can be used to assemble wind turbines and similar structures by purchasing and installing specialized cranes after they have been manufactured in a factory.

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18. A climbing mechanism (1) that climbs upward on the outer surface of a tower (4), It comprises a steel structure carrier chassis (17) manufactured by welding and bolting together a number of pipes and profiles, said steel structure carrier chassis (17) having at least one elevator (9), a platform (23) and stairs (33) fixed inside by welding and bolts, and at least one crane connection platform (3) fixed on top by welding and bolts, said carrier chassis (17) being made so as to be separable into at least two parts for ease of transportation and assembly; It comprises at least one shell (18) having an inner and an outer surface, made of steel or composite material, fixed to said carrier chassis (17) by bolts and welds, and protecting it from external factors; The carrier includes at least two inner skids (6) that move in a Y-axis inside at least one outer skid (8), and hydraulic cylinders (26 and 27) that allow the skids (6 and 8) to move in the Y-axis, the carrier including at least one elevator (9) fixed to the carrier chassis (17) by bolts and welding, one end of the hydraulic cylinders (26, 27) being fixed to the outer skid (8) and the other end being fixed to the inner skid (6); the outer skid (8) comprises U-shaped or I-shaped skid posts (42) on both sides, at least one reinforcing element (36, 53, 54, 55) with bolt holes that allow the skid posts (42) to be attached or detached longitudinally, at least four guide bearings (29) made of rectangular cross section and attached to the outer skid (8) by welding and bolts, at least one reinforcing element (30 and 31) fixed to the lower and upper edges, hanger elements (39 and 40) and locking pins (67), the reinforcing elements (30 and 31) and the hanger elements (39 and 40) being welded and bolted to the skid posts (42), the hanger elements (39 and 40) fixing the outer skid (8) to the guide rail (118), and all the elements are made of steel; the inner skid (6) includes skid posts (86) on both sides, at least one reinforcing part (34) and hanger parts (91 and 92) at its lower and upper edges, and further includes a wheel group (105), the wheel group (105) being bolted to the reinforcing parts (34) at the four corners of the inner skid (6), the reinforcing parts (34) and the hanger parts (91 and 92) being bolted to the skid post (86) by welding, the wheel group (105) being arranged symmetrically with respect to the x-axis and y-axis passing through the midpoint of the x-y plane of the inner skid (6), the hanger parts (91 and 92) enabling the inner skid (6) to be fixed to the guide rail (118), and the material of all of the parts is steel; the wheel group (105) includes at least one wheel (103 and 104) and a bushing body (106 and 107), the wheel (103 and 104) being attached to the bushing body (106 and 107) by a shaft (108 and 109), the bushing body (106 and 107) being rectangular parallelepiped in shape and having bolt holes (113 and 114) so ​​that the bushing bodies are fixed to each other and to the inner skid (6), and the wheel group (105) ensures that the wheel group (105) moves within the skid post (42) of the outer skid (8) with minimal clearance and friction in the X and Z axes when the inner skid (6) moves in the Y axis; The hanger components (39, 40, 91, 92) include at least two brackets (56) welded to the reinforcing components (43 and 44), at least one lock pin (67), a guide tube (57), a hydraulic cylinder (58), and a camera (83), the brackets (56) including holes (59) for attachment to guide rails (118), the guide tube (57) being a tube piece fixed to one butt bracket (56), the other butt bracket (56) being fixed to the hydraulic cylinder (58), the lock pin (67) being moved in the X-axis by the hydraulic cylinder (58) within the guide tube (57), thereby allowing the inner skid (6) and the outer skid (8) to be attached to the guide rails (118), and the camera (83) monitoring the position of the lock pin (67) and the position of the hole (119) in the guide rail (118). at least one guide rail (118) at the same height as the tower element (117) and having a plurality of holes (119) for engaging with locking pins (67), said guide rail (118) being bolted to a flange (132) of said tower element (117), said guide rail (118) securing said climbing mechanism (1) to said tower (4) and transmitting all loads from said climbing mechanism (1) through said tower (4) to the tower foundation, said guide rail (118) being made of steel; It comprises at least four side arms (45, 46, 47, 48) which move in the X-axis by means of the hydraulic cylinders (41) in the guide bearings (29) of the outer skid (8), the side arms (45, 46, 47, 48) fixing the climbing mechanism (1) to the tower (4) and preventing it from swinging, the side arms (45, 46, 47, 48) comprising at least one side arm inner pillar (70), at least one guide bearing (75) welded to one end of the side arm inner pillar (70), at least one side arm inner pillar (76) which moves in the Z-axis by means of the at least one hydraulic cylinder (77) in the guide bearing (75), and at least one U-slot group (81) welded and bolted to the end of the side arm inner pillar (76), the side arm inner pillar (70), the guide bearing (75) and the side arm inner pillar (76) being made of rectangular steel profile, the U-slot group (81) includes a skid bearing (79) bolted to at least one reinforcing element (89), at least one hydraulic cylinder (80), at least one skid element (88) moved in the Y-axis within the skid bearing (79) by the hydraulic cylinder (80), a U-slot (90), and a camera (83), the skid bearing (79) is welded and bolted to the reinforcing element (89), the U-slot (90) is fixed to the skid element (88) by welding and bolts, the U-slot (90) moves in the Y-axis by the hydraulic cylinder (80) and is attached to a head pin (78) on a tower element (117), and the camera (83) is for monitoring the positions of the U-slot (90) and the head pin (78); The head pin slot (123) includes a head pin bushing (124) welded to a metal plate (125) having a bolt hole and a flat surface, and a head pin (78) bolted to the head pin bushing (124), and an angle (127) that is half the angle of the top of the tower is formed between the plane passing through the tip of the head pin bushing (124), thereby ensuring that the central axes of the head pin (78) and the U-slot (90) are aligned, and the head pin slot (123) and the head pin (78) are bolted to two opposing tower elements (117) of all tower modules (116, 120), It comprises a number of support bars (131) consisting of connecting pieces (122) fixed by welding and screws to both ends of the pipe, said support bars (131) being bolted to said guide rails (118) and to flanges (132) of the diametrically opposed tower elements (117) through holes in the connecting pieces (122), said axes of said support bars (131) passing through a plane passing through the center of the tower (4) section, said support bars (131) distributing loads on the forces acting on said guide rails (118); It comprises at least one crane connection platform (3) having bolt holes for attaching the crane (2) to the climbing mechanism (1) and fixed to the carrier chassis (17) by welding and bolts; It comprises at least one hydraulic tank (20), a hydraulic valve group (21) and an electric / electronic control panel (22) mounted inside the carrier chassis (17) and allowing remote operation of the climbing mechanism (1) and the crane (2); A climbing mechanism (1) that climbs up the exterior of a tower (4), characterized in that it is located on the ground and includes at least one remote control room (5) that allows remote operation of the climbing mechanism (1) and the crane (2).

19. The lock pins (67) on the hanger parts (91, 92) of the upper inner skid (6) are used to move the elevator (9) upward, and are pulled back by the hydraulic cylinder (58) and removed from the holes (119) of the guide rail (118). The upper inner skid (6) moves upward by the stroke of the hydraulic cylinder (26), and the lock pins (67) are pushed forward by the hydraulic cylinder (58) and inserted into the holes (119) of the guide rail (118). The hanger parts (91, 92) of the lower inner skid (6) are removed. The lock pin (67) on the tower part (91, 92) is pulled back by the hydraulic cylinder (58) and removed from the hole (119) of the guide rail (118), and moves upward by the stroke of the hydraulic cylinder (27), and the lock pin (67) is pushed forward by the hydraulic cylinder (58) and inserted into the hole (119) of the guide rail (118), and the U-slot (90) on the side arm (45, 46, 47, 48) moves in the X-axis and Y-axis by the hydraulic cylinder (41, 80), and the tower ( The locking pins (67) of the hanger parts (39, 40) of the outer skid (8) are pulled back by the hydraulic cylinders (58) and removed from the holes (119) of the guide rails (118), the outer skid (8) is moved upward by the hydraulic cylinders (26, 27), the locking pins (67) are pushed forward by the hydraulic cylinders (58) and inserted into the holes (119) of the guide rails (118), and the camera (83) is removed from the side arms (45, 46, 47, 48).

19. The climbing mechanism (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the same movement is again performed in the X-axis by the hydraulic cylinder (41) and in the Z-axis by the hydraulic cylinder (77) by monitoring the position of the U-slot (90) on the tower (4), which is adjusted in the Y-axis by the hydraulic cylinder (80) and fixed to the head pin (78) in the tower (4), which allows the climbing mechanism (1) to climb to the height of the module and includes an elevator (9) which can perform the same movement from end to start for downward movement.

20. After the first three modules (4) of the tower are installed by a small crane, the climbing mechanism (1) is attached to the holes (119) of the guide rails (118) of the tower (4) by the locking pins (67) on the hanger parts (39, 40, 91, 92) of the outer skid (8) and the inner skid (6), and an electric and electronic cable connection is made between the remote control room (5) and the climbing mechanism (1), and an electronic communication system is activated by monitoring the position of the U-slots (90) on the side arms (45, 46, 47, 48) from the camera (83), which is adjusted by the hydraulic cylinder (41) in the X-axis, adjusted by the hydraulic cylinder (77) in the Z-axis, and adjusted by the hydraulic cylinder (80) in the Y-axis, 20. The climbing mechanism (1) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the climbing mechanism (1) is fixed to a head pin (78) on the tower (4), so that the climbing mechanism (1) and the crane (2) are ready for use, the fourth module of the tower is lifted by the crane (2) and attached to the third module, the elevator (9) of the climbing mechanism (1) is activated, the tower module (116) moves upward by its height, the same procedure is repeated for each next module, the assembly of the tower (4) is completed, and finally, other elements of the wind turbine are lifted by the crane, the assembly is completed, and it is the climbing mechanism (1) that is lowered to the ground and removed from the tower by applying the whole process from the end to the beginning of the upward movement.

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