A climbing crane for assembling a tall structure and corresponding climbing methods

Abstract

The invention relates to a crane (1) for climbing a tall structure (2), comprising: - an elongate support structure (3) configured to extend parallel to the tall structure during a climbing operation, and - two trolleys (5, 6, 7, 8) that are moveable up and down along the elongate support structure and are configured to temporarily engage with the tall structure during the climbing operation, wherein the two trolleys are configured to pass each other.

Description

[0001] TITLE OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A climbing crane for assembling a tall structure and corresponding climbing methods

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates to a climbing crane for assembling a tall structure such as a wind turbine or other tower structure.

[0005] With the increased size of tall structures such as tower structures or tall buildings, conventional cranes that are known to assemble / build these tall structures need to increase in size as well.

[0006] However, the use of larger and larger cranes imposes not only challenges on the design of the cranes itself, but also on transport and assembly of the cranes at the assembly site. It has therefore been proposed to use the tall structure itself as crane tower such that the crane can climb along with the tall structures as it is assembled with the aid of the crane. The crane itself can then remain relatively small and is thus easier to transport and assemble.

[0007] A drawback of climbing cranes is that the climbing operation takes a relatively long time, and that this operation needs to be repeated regularly when the tall structure grows in size.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In view of the above it is an object of the invention to provide a climbing crane that is able to efficiently perform a climbing operation and a corresponding efficient climbing method.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a crane for climbing a tall structure, comprising: an elongate support structure configured to extend substantially parallel to the tall structure during a climbing operation, and two trolleys that are moveable up and down along the elongate support structure and are configured to temporarily engage with the tall structure during the climbing operation, wherein the two trolleys are configured to pass each other.

[0011] By providing at least two trolleys that are able to pass each other, the moving range becomes independent from each other and the moving distance a trolley can travel before having to engage with the tall structure again becomes significantly longer thereby being able to reduce the number of engagement / disengagement operations including necessary acceleration and deceleration of the respective trolley per traveling distance of the crane. The result is that climbing is much faster.

[0012] In an embodiment, the elongate support structure has a first side configured to face towards the tall structure during the climbing operation, and a second side opposite the first side facing away from the tall structure during the climbing operation and two sides extending between the first and second side, and wherein one of the two trolleys runs along the first side and the other one of the two trolleys runs along one or more of the other sides.

[0013] In an embodiment, the other one of the two trolleys runs along the second side and extends around the elongate support structure to engage with the tall structure.

[0014] In an embodiment, the two trolleys are moveable between the first and second side of the elongate support structure.

[0015] In an embodiment, the elongate support structure has a portion that can rotate about a longitudinal axis of the elongate support structure to move a trolley that is connected to said portion between the first and second side of the elongate support structure.

[0016] In an embodiment, the elongate support structure is provided with a fixed mount to temporarily engage with the tall structure during the climbing operation. In an embodiment, the fixed mount is arranged at one end of the elongate support structure, and wherein the two trolleys have a moving stroke not allowing the two trolleys to pass the fixed mount.

[0017] In an embodiment, the crane further comprises an additional trolley such that the crane includes three trolleys, which additional trolley is moveable up and down along the elongate support structure and is configured to temporarily engage with the tall structure during the climbing operation, and wherein the three trolleys are configured to pass each other.

[0018] In an embodiment, the crane further comprises two additional trolleys such that the crane includes two pairs of trolleys, which two additional trolleys are moveable up and down along the elongate support structure and are configured to temporarily engage with the tall structure during the climbing operation, and wherein one of the trolleys of one pair of trolleys and one of the trolleys of the other pair of trolleys are able to pass each other.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for climbing a tall structure with a crane according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a. providing an upper one of the two trolleys in engagement with the tall structure while another one of the two trolleys is in disengagement with the tall structure, and b. moving the disengaged trolley upwards thereby passing the engaged trolley.

[0020] In an embodiment, the elongate support structure of the crane is provided with a fixed mount to temporarily engage with the tall structure during the climbing operation, wherein during step a. the fixed mount is in engagement with the tall structure.

[0021] In an embodiment, after step b., the method comprises the step of providing the two trolleys in engagement with the tall structure and moving the elongate support structure upwards relative to the tall structure. In an embodiment, the crane further comprises further comprises an additional trolley such that the crane includes three trolleys, which additional trolley is moveable up and down along the elongate support structure and is configured to temporarily engage with the tall structure during the climbing operation, wherein the three trolleys are configured to pass each other, and wherein in step a. the upper two of the three trolleys are in engagement with the tall structure and the other trolley is in disengagement with the tall structure, and wherein the disengages trolley moves beyond both upper two trolleys during step b.

[0022] In an embodiment, during step b. the elongate support structure is moved upwards along with the disengaged trolley, wherein preferably the moving speed of the disengaged trolley relative to the tall structure is larger than the moving speed of the elongate support structure relative to the tall structure.

[0023] In an embodiment, the crane further comprises two additional trolleys such that the crane includes two pairs of trolleys, which two additional trolleys are moveable up and down along the elongate support structure and are configured to temporarily engage with the tall structure during the climbing operation, and wherein one of the trolleys of one pair of trolleys and one of the trolleys of the other pair of trolleys are able to pass each other, and wherein during step a. the upper pair of trolleys are in engagement with the tall structure and the lower pair of trolleys are in disengagement with the tall structure, and wherein in step b. the lower pair of trolleys are moved upwards such that at least one trolley of the disengaged pair of trolleys passes at least one trolley of the engaged pair of trolleys.

[0024] In an embodiment, during step b. the elongate support structure is moved upwards along with the disengaged pair of trolleys, wherein preferably the moving speed of the disengaged pair of trolleys relative to the tall structure is larger than the moving speed of the elongate support structure relative to the tall structure. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a combination of a tall structure and a crane according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the tall structure includes mounting devices at different height levels to allow the temporarily engagement with a trolley of the crane, and wherein the mounting devices are configured to simultaneously engage with two trolleys or mounts of the crane.

[0025] In an embodiment, the mounting devices and / or the trolleys and / or the mounts of the crane are configured to provide an adjustable distance between the elongate support structure and the tall structure.

[0026] It is envisaged that embodiments and / or features relating to one aspect of the invention may readily be applied as embodiments and / or features in other aspects of the invention as well where appropriate.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The invention will now be described in a non-limiting way by reference to the accompanying drawings in which like parts are indicated by like reference symbols, and in which:

[0029] Fig. 1A schematically depicts a crane for climbing a tall structure according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0030] Fig. IB schematically depicts a tall structure that can be climbed by the crane of

[0031] Fig. 1,

[0032] Fig. 2 schematically depicts a climbing sequence of the crane of Fig. 1,

[0033] Fig. 3 schematically depicts a climbing sequence of an alternative embodiment of the crane of Fig. 1,

[0034] Fig. 4A schematically depicts a first part of a climbing sequence of a crane according to another embodiment of the invention,

[0035] Fig. 4B schematically depicts a second part of the climbing sequence of Fig. 4A,

[0036] Fig. 5A schematically depicts a crane for climbing a tall structure according to a further embodiment of the invention, and

[0037] Figs. 5B-5H schematically depict a climbing sequence of the crane of Fig. 5A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] Fig. 1A schematically depicts a crane 1 according to an embodiment of the invention for climbing a tall structure, e.g. a tall structure 2 as shown in Fig. IB.

[0039] Tall structures, for instance wind turbine support structures, are typically made using different sections arranged on top of each other. Fig. IB depicts an example thereof, wherein the tall structure 2 comprises a foundation section 2a and support sections 2b arranged on top of the foundation section 2a. The foundation section 2a is typically constructed on site with the aid of relatively small cranes. Depending on the height of the foundation section 2a, the support section 2b arranged directly on top of the foundation section 2a may be positioned on top of the foundation section 2a using the same cranes for constructing the foundation section 2b. Positioning subsequent support sections may be more difficult as due to the increasing height, the cranes are no longer suitable. Using a larger crane is cumbersome, takes a lot of time and is expensive.

[0040] A climbing crane 1 shown in Fig. 1A allows to use the already build portion of the tall structure 2 as support to position support sections 2b and subsequently ascend along the support sections 2b to position a next support section 2b. To this end, the tall structure 2 may be provided with fixed or temporary mounting devices 2c allowing the climbing crane to couple to the tall structure and transfer horizontal and / or vertical loads from the crane 1 to the tall structure 2.

[0041] The climbing crane 1 of Fig. 1A comprises an elongate support structure 3 configured to extend substantially parallel to the tall structure 2 during a climbing operation. Substantially parallel means that climbing crane extends more or less parallel to an outer surface of the tall structure, which in most situations extends more or less parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tall structure. However, cone-shaped tall structures or trumpetshaped tall structures may also be climbed using the climbing crane 1 by moving along the outer surface. In all situations, extending parallel to the tall structure also means that one end of the elongate support structure 3 is at a higher level above ground than the other end of the elongate support structure. Preferably, the elongate support structure 3 extends in a substantially vertical plane. The elongate support structure 3 typically supports the lifting device 4 of the crane 1, which lifting device 4 may be of various types as known in the art, for instance including a boom and hoisting means such as a winch, a cable and a load hook. The lifting device 4 or a part thereof may further be rotatable about a vertically extending rotation axis relative to the elongate support structure 3.

[0042] The climbing crane 1 of Fig. 1A comprises a first trolley 5 and a second trolley 6, which trolleys 5, 6 are moveable up and down along the elongate support structure 3 and are configured to temporarily engage / couple with the tall structure 2 during the climbing operation, e.g. using the mounting devices 2c.

[0043] The first trolley 5 and the second trolley 6 are moveably mounted to the elongate support structure 3 in such a way that the first and second trolley 5, 6 are able to pass each other when traveling along the elongate support structure as will be explained below by reference to Fig. 2.

[0044] The elongate support structure 3 is also provided with a fixed mount 10 allowing the elongate support structure 3 itself to temporarily engage with the tall structure 2 during the climbing operation, e.g. using the same mounting devices 2c as the first and second trolley 5, 6.

[0045] It is explicitly noted here that the mounting devices 2c may be configured to allow the temporarily engagement with two trolleys simultaneously or a trolley and the fixed mount simultaneously.

[0046] Fig. 2 schematically depicts an example of a climbing sequence of the crane 1 along a tall structure 2. The horizontal lines indicated using the reference symbols A-G indicate different height levels of mounting devices 2c of the tall structure 2. Not all mounting devices 2c may be present from the start. During the climbing sequence, the tall structure may grow by adding support sections 2b thereby adding the necessary mounting devices 2c to climb further. However, in the description below attention will be mainly given to the climbing sequence itself.

[0047] The climbing sequence is depicted by showing different steps in the climbing sequence, which steps are shown from left to right and indicated using reference numerals 1-13. To distinguish these reference numerals from the other reference numerals in other drawings, the steps 1-13 will be explicitly indicated using the term "step".

[0048] Step 1 in Fig. 2 indicates a possible starting position of the climbing sequence. The crane is not shown to keep the drawing clear. A square is used to indicate the position of the fixed mount 10. The position of the first trolley 5 is indicated using a triangle, and the position of the second trolley 6 is indicated using a circle. As shown in Fig. 1, the starting position in Fig. 1 is the fixed mount at height A, the first trolley at height B, and the second trolley at height C.

[0049] In step 2 of the climbing sequence, the first and second trolley are kept in engagement with the respective mounting devices allowing the elongate support structure including the fixed mount to move upwards relative to the first and second trolley and thus also upwards relative to the tall structure.

[0050] When the fixed mount of the elongate support structure reaches the mounting device at height level B, the fixed mount is coupled to the tall structure allowing to release the first trolley from the tall structure. The first trolley is then moved upwards to height level C in step 3, passes the second trolley and is moved further upwards to height level D as shown in step 4, where the first trolley couples to the respective mounting device on the tall structure. The situation in step 4 is now similar to the situation in step 1 with the difference that the first and second trolley have switched position relative to the elongate support structure.

[0051] The following steps are similar to the ones described above and can be summarized by: coupling the first and second trolleys to the tall structure (step 4), releasing the fixed mount from the tall structure (step 4), moving the elongate support structure upwards relative to the first and second trolleys until the fixed mount reaches the next mounting device on the tall structure (step 5), coupling the fixed mount to the respective mounting device on the tall structure (step 5), releasing the second trolley from the tall structure (step 5), and moving the second trolley upwards to pass the first trolley (step 6) to reach the mounting device above the first trolley (step 7).

[0052] Step 7 is identical to step 1 with the difference that the crane is at a higher level than in step 1. Steps 7 to 13 are then identical to steps 1-7, so that in step 13 the crane is again in an identical situation as in steps 1 and 7 but now at a height level corresponding to levels E, F and G.

[0053] An advantage of the climbing sequence is that the trolleys when they move, they move over a relatively long stroke spanning two height level changes. This reduces the number of coupling and uncoupling procedures including deceleration and acceleration of the trolleys and makes the climbing sequence faster.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment, the fixed mount 10 of the climbing crane 1 in Fig. 1A is replaced by a third trolley that is moveable up and down along the elongate support structure 3. All three moveable trolleys, i.e. the first, second and third trolleys, are then able to pass each other. This allows an alternative climbing sequence as described below by reference to Fig. 3.

[0055] Fig. 3 depicts the same height levels A-G as in Fig. 2. The position of the first trolley is indicated using a triangle and the position of the second trolley is indicated using a circular, similar to the climbing sequence depicted in Fig. 2. The position of the third trolley is indicated using a rhombus. With all trolleys being moveable, there is no indication where the elongate support structure is. Hence, in line with the fixed mount of Fig. 2, the lower end of the elongate support structure is indicated in Fig. 3 using the square. The climbing sequence of Fig. 3 therefore starts with an initial position in step 1, in which the third trolley and the lower end of the elongate support structure are located at height level A, the first trolley is positioned at height level B, and the second trolley is positioned at height level C.

[0056] The climbing sequence starts with the release of the third trolley from the tall structure, if necessary, allowing the third trolley to move upwards relative to the tall structure. The climbing sequence in Fig. 3 is characterized in that the elongate support structure is moved upwards simultaneously with the third trolley. However, the third trolley moves upwards relative to the tall structure at a higher speed than the elongate support structure allowing the third trolley to move to height level D while the elongate support structure, i.e. the lower end thereof, only moves to the height level B. This situation is shown in step 2.

[0057] Upon reaching height level D, the third trolley is coupled to the tall structure allowing the first trolley at height level B to release from the tall structure in order to move upwards simultaneously with the elongate support structure resulting in the first trolley being positioned at height level E and the lower end of the elongate support structure at height level C as shown in step 3. The first trolley can subsequently be coupled to the tall structure.

[0058] As now the second trolley is at the same height level as the (lower end of the) elongate support structure, and the elongate support structure is now supported using the first and third trolleys, the second trolley is operated to be released from the tall structure in order to be moved upwards simultaneously with the elongate support structure resulting in the second trolley being positioned at height level F and the (lower end of the) elongate support structure being positioned at height level D as shown in step 4.

[0059] The situation in step 4 is now identical to step 1 with the difference that the climbing crane is now at height levels D-F instead of A-C. An advantage of the climbing sequence of Fig. 3 is that the climbing crane is in a substantially continuous motion. When the elongate support structure has a length that is significantly larger than a distance spanning three height levels, the upper end of the elongate support structure will reach the next height level earlier than the lower end, it is preferred that in the remaining time before the lower end of the elongate support structure reaches the next height level, the coupling and uncoupling procedures are carried out having the advantage that the elongate support structure does not have to be stopped for coupling and uncoupling resulting in a relatively fast climbing sequence.

[0060] A further advantage of the use of three moveable trolleys is that it is not necessary to couple two trolleys to the tall structure at the same height level at the same time.

[0061] Figs. 4A and 4B depict a climbing crane 1 according to another embodiment of the invention carrying out a climbing sequence. A first part of the climbing sequence is shown in Fig. 4A and a second part of the climbing sequence is shown in Fig. 4B. However, the fifth step of the climbing sequence, indicated using reference symbol v., is shown in both drawings for clarity reasons.

[0062] The climbing crane 1 is configured to climb along a tall structure 2 comprising a foundation section 2a and support structures 2b arranged on top of the foundation section 2a. The foundation section 2a includes three mounting devices 2c at three different height levels A-C allowing the climbing crane 1 to engage with the tall structure as described below in more detail.

[0063] In Figs. 4A and 4B, three support sections 2b are shown on top of foundation section 2a, each support section 2b including a respective mounting device 2c at height levels D-F.

[0064] The climbing crane 1 comprises a lifting device 4 supported, e.g. rotatably, supported by an elongate support structure 3. Moveably arranged on the elongate support structure are a first trolley 5, a second trolley 6, a third trolley 7, and a fourth trolley 8. The first to fourth trolleys 5-8 are configured to temporarily engage with the tall structure 2 during the climbing operation, wherein engagement takes place at the mounting devices 2c. The elongate support structure 3 has a first side facing towards the tall structure 2 during the climbing operation, a second side facing away from the tall structure 2 and two opposite third and fourth sides extending between the first and second sides. The first and second trolley 5, 6 are arranged at the first side of the elongate support structure while the third and fourth trolleys 7, 8 are arranged at the second side of the elongate support structure and extending around the elongate support structure to engage with the mounting devices 2c on the tall structure 2. Due to this configuration, the first and second trolleys 5, 6 can move independently from the third and fourth trolleys 7, 8 up and down along the elongate support structure 3. The first and second trolleys 5, 6 cannot pass each other, but can thus pass the third and fourth trolleys 7, 8. Similarly, the third and fourth trolleys 7, 8 cannot pass each other, but can pass the first and second trolleys 5, 6.

[0065] The mounting devices 2c also allow the simultaneous engagement of one of the first and second trolleys 5, 6 and one of the third and fourth trolleys 7, 8.

[0066] Although not necessary, the first and second trolley 5, 6 are operated as a first pair of trolleys 5, 6 having a substantially fixed distance in between the first and second trolley 5, 6 during the climbing sequence. Similarly, the third and fourth trolley 7, 8 are operated as a second pair of trolleys 7, 8 having a substantially fixed distance in between the third and fourth trolley 7, 8 during the climbing sequence.

[0067] The climbing sequence starts in Fig. 4A in step i. with the first trolley 5 at height level A on the foundation section, with the second and third trolley 6, 7 at height level B on the foundation section, and with the fourth trolley 8 at height level C on the foundation section 2a.

[0068] The climbing sequence starts with the second pair of trolleys 7, 8 remaining engaged with the tall structure 2 and the first pair of trolleys 5, 6 being released or disengaged from the tall structure 2. The first pair of trolleys 5, 6 is now able to move upwards relative to the tall structure 2.

[0069] In step ii., the first trolley 5 and the second trolley 6 have moved over a distance upwards such that the second trolley 6 is in between the third and fourth trolleys 7, 8, and the first trolley 5 is approaching the third trolley 7.

[0070] In step iii., the first trolley 5 is about to pass the third trolley 7 and the second trolley 6 is about to pass the fourth trolley 8, which is happening substantially simultaneously due to the distance between the first and second trolleys 5, 6 being identical to the distance between the third and fourth trolleys 7, 8, which is not necessarily always the case or required.

[0071] In step iv., the second trolley 6 has moved to above the fourth trolley 8 and the first trolley 5 has moved in between the third and fourth trolleys 7, 8.

[0072] In step v., the first trolley 5 has reached the height level C and the second trolley 6 has reached height level D. Support of the crane 1 can now be handed over from the second pair of trolleys 7, 8 to the first pair of trolleys 5, 6. In the meantime, the elongate support structure has also moved relative to the tall structure 2, so that a lower end of the elongate structure that was initially at height level A in step i. has now reached height level B in step v.

[0073] While the first pair of trolleys 5, 6 is supporting the crane 1, the second pair of trolleys 7, 8 are moved upwards simultaneously with the elongate support structure although at a different speed.

[0074] In step vi., the third trolley 7 is approaching the first trolley 5 at height level C while the fourth trolley 8 is in between the first and second trolleys 5, 6 approaching the second trolley 6. In step vii., the third trolley 7 is about to pass the first trolley 5 and the fourth trolley 8 is about to pass the second trolley 6.

[0075] In step viii the fourth trolley 8 has moved to above the second trolley 6 and the third trolley 7 has moved in between the first and second trolleys 5, 6.

[0076] In step ix., the fourth trolley 8 has reached the height level E and the third trolley 7 has reached height level D. Support of the crane 1 can now be handed over from the first pair of trolleys 5, 6 to the second pair of trolleys 7, 8, to start the sequence again as step ix. is a situation similar to step i. with the difference that the crane 1 is now connected to the tall structure at height levels C-E instead of height levels A-C.

[0077] Fig. 5A schematically depicts a crane 1 for climbing a tall structure according to a further embodiment of the invention. A possible climbing sequence of the crane 1 is depicted in Figs. 5B to 5H. The tall structure, which is not depicted in its entirety, comprises a plurality of temporary or fixed mounting devices 2c allowing the climbing the crane 1 to couple to the tall structure and transfer horizontal and / or vertical loads from the crane 1 to the tall structure 2. The mounting devices 2c are distributed over the entire length of the tall structure and may be provided as the tall structure grows. Corresponding to Figs. 2 - 4B, the different height levels of the mounting devices are depicted using letters A-D.

[0078] Crane 1 comprises an elongate support structure 3 configured to extend substantially parallel to the tall structure during a climbing operation, e.g. substantially parallel to an outer contour of the tall structure. The support structure 3 includes a plurality of segments 3a-3g arranged on top of each other. The segment 3a-3g may have the size of a standard container allowing easy transportation.

[0079] When assembled to form the support structure 3, the support structure 3 has a first side 3.1 facing towards the tall structure and a second side 3.2 opposite the first side 3.1.

[0080] The segment 3g forms the most upper segment of the support structure 3, and is in this embodiment configured to support a lifting device 4 of the crane 1, which lifting device 4 may be of various types as known in the art. The lifting device may for instance include a boom 4a, a winch 4b, a cable 4c, and a load hook 4d. The winch 4b is configured to haul in or pay out the cable 4c thereby allowing to lift or lower the load hook 4d. The lifting device 4 or a part thereof is preferably rotatable about a rotation axis RA relative to the elongate support structure 3, which rotation axis RA may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support structure 3. However, when the support structure 3 during a climbing operation is used for e.g. a cone-shaped tall structure, the rotation axis RA may be tilted relative to the longitudinal axis of the support structure 3 such that the rotation axis RA is substantially vertical during the climbing operation.

[0081] The segments 3a and 3f may have a different construction or configuration compared to the segments 3b, 3c, 3d and 3e as will be explained below in more detail when describing a possible climbing sequence.

[0082] The crane 1 in this embodiment comprises three trolleys, namely a first trolley 5, a second trolley 6, and a third trolley 7, which trolleys 5-7 are moveable up and down along the elongate support structure 3. The first trolley 5 includes two coupling arms 5a with couplers 5b. The second trolley 6 comprises two coupling arms 6a with couplers 6b, and the third trolley 7 includes two coupling arms 7a with couplers 7b. The coupling arms and corresponding couplers allow the respective trolley to temporarily engage or couple with the mounting devices 2c of the tall structure.

[0083] A possible climbing sequence will be described by reference to the Figs. 5A to 5H, where Fig. 5A depicts a starting situation of the climbing sequence in which the first trolley 5 is coupled to a mounting device 2c at height level A, the second trolley 6 is coupled to a mounting device 2c at height level B, and the third trolley 7 is coupled to a mounting device 2c at height level C.

[0084] Figs. 5B to 5H depict subsequent steps in the climbing sequence by only showing a portion of the crane 1, namely the support structure 3 and the three trolleys 5 to 7, thereby omitting the lifting device 4 to keep the drawings clear and concise. Coupling between a trolley and a mounting device 2c is in this embodiment carried out using a mounting device 2c with two holes 2co (only indicated in Fig. 5B for mounting device 2c at height level A) that are configured to receive a corresponding pin (not shown) of a corresponding coupler. Each coupling arm of the trolleys is moveable between an extended position, in which the couplers are able to engage with the mounting devices 2c as shown in Fig. 5B for coupling arms 6a of trolley 6 and coupling arms 7a of trolley 7, and a retracted position in which the couplers are closer to the support structure 3 than in the extended position. The coupling arms 5a of trolley 5 in Fig. 5B are in the retracted position. In the retracted position, the coupling arms of a trolley extend next to the support structure 3.

[0085] When coupling a coupler to a mounting device 2c, the coupling arms first have to be brought into the extended position with the pin of the corresponding coupler being positioned over a hole 2co of the mounting device 2c. The pin can then be lowered into the hole 2co until the coupler engages with the mounting device 2c. In this way, the mounting device 2c is able to at least partially carry a weight from the crane 1 and transfer these vertical loads to the tall structure. As the pin is received in the hole 2co, also horizontal forces can be transferred between trolley and tall structure.

[0086] Lowering the pin into the hole 2co can be done by lowering the entire trolley, but it is also envisaged that the pin is moveable in the coupler between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the retracted position allows to move the coupler over the mounting device, and wherein lowering the pin to the extended position locks the horizontal position of the coupler relative to the mounting device 2c. In such an embodiment, the coupler comprises an actuator to move the pin between the retracted and extended positions.

[0087] In Fig. 5B, the couplers 5b have uncoupled from the mounting devices 2c, and the coupling arms 5a have moved to the retracted position. The trolley 5 in Fig. 5B is positioned halfway the segment 3a. A central portion 3a' of the segment 3a is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the segment 3a, which in this embodiment coincides with a longitudinal axis of the entire support structure 3. Fig. 5C depicts the situation after rotating the central portion 3a' along with the trolley 5 about 30 degrees (compared to Fig. 5B).

[0088] Fig. 5D depicts the situation after rotating the central portion 3a' along with the trolley 5 about 180 degrees (compared to Fig. 5B).

[0089] Hence, by rotating the central portion 3a', the trolley 5 has moved from the first side 3.1 to the second side 3.2 of the support structure 3. This allows the trolley 5 to move upwards relative to the support structure thereby being able to pass the second and third trolleys 6, 7 as will be explained in more detail below.

[0090] In Fig. 5E, while the second trolley 6 and the third trolley 7 remain coupled to the tall structure, the support structure 3 is moved upwards at a first speed relative to the tall structure and the trolleys 6 and 7, and the first trolley 5 is moved upwards at a second speed relative to the support structure 3. To avoid any interference between the coupling arms 5a of the first trolley and the second and third trolleys 6 and 7, the coupling arms may be moved to the extended position as shown in Fig. 5E.

[0091] After moving upwards, the end situation is depicted in Fig. 5F. This situation is characterized in that the segment 3a and the central portion 3a' thereof are at the height level of the second trolley 6 and that the first trolley 5 is at the height level of the segment 3f, which is then at the height level D and the corresponding mounting device 2c. This means that the support structure 3 has moved upwards over a distance similar to the length of about 2.5 segments, and that the first trolley 5 has moved upwards relative to the support structure 3 over a distance similar to the length of about 5 segments.

[0092] Hence, it may be preferred that the second speed is at least about twice the first speed. A larger speed may have the advantage that there is additional time to carry out other steps with the first trolley 5.

[0093] Upon reaching the segment 3f, or at least after passing the upper trolley, Le. the third trolley 7, the coupling arms 5a are moved to the retracted position. The segment 3f has a similar construction as segment 3a with a central portion 3f' that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the segment 3f, which in this embodiment coincides with the longitudinal axis of the entire support structure 3 and is thus also aligned with the longitudinal axis of the segment 3a.

[0094] In Fig. 5G, the central portion 3f' has rotated over about 150 degrees (compared to Fig. 5F), thereby moving the first trolley 5 back towards the first side 3.1 of the support structure 3.

[0095] In Fig. 5H, the central portion 3f' has rotated over 180 degrees (compared to Fig. 5F). Subsequently, the coupling arms 5a are moved to the extended position allowing the couplers 5b to engage / couple with the mounting device 2c at height level D.

[0096] Fig. 5H now resembles the same situation as depicted in Fig. 5A, but with the difference that the entire crane 1 has moved upwards one height level and the first trolley 5 being the lower trolley in Fig. 5A being the upper trolley in Fig. 5H.

[0097] The sequence described above can now be repeated by uncoupling the second trolley 6 from the tall structure, rotating the second trolley 6 to the second side 3.2 of the support structure 3, moving the support structure 3 and the second trolley 6 upwards to pass the other two trolleys 5 and 7, rotating the second trolley 6 back to the first side 3.1 of the support structure 3, and coupling the second trolley 6 to mounting device 2c at height level E (visible in Figs. 5F-5H).

[0098] Although the above examples and description all talk about climbing a tall structure by ascending the tall structure, the same principles (but then in reverse) can be used to descend the tall structure.

[0099] Although not necessary, the described mounting devices and / or the trolleys and / or the mounts of the crane may be configured to provide an adjustable distance between the elongate support structure and the tall structure, e.g. using moveable coupling arms as shown in Figs. 5A-5H. This provides an advantage when climbing for instance along a foundation section as shown in the drawings having an inclined sidewall and subsequently transitioning to the support sections with a vertical sidewall. The distance between the elongate support structure and the tall structure may then vary and this can be compensated for.

Claims

C L A I M S1. A crane for climbing a tall structure, comprising: an elongate support structure configured to extend substantially parallel to the tall structure during a climbing operation, and two trolleys that are moveable up and down along the elongate support structure and are configured to temporarily engage with the tall structure during the climbing operation, characterized in that, the two trolleys are configured to pass each other.

2. A crane according to claim 1, wherein the elongate support structure has a first side configured to face towards the tall structure during the climbing operation, and a second side opposite the first side facing away from the tall structure during the climbing operation and two sides extending between the first and second side, and wherein one of the two trolleys runs along the first side and the other one of the two trolleys runs along one or more of the other sides.

3. A crane according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elongate support structure is provided with a fixed mount to temporarily engage with the tall structure during the climbing operation.

4. A crane according to claim 3, wherein the fixed mount is arranged at one end of the elongate support structure, and wherein the two trolleys have a moving stroke not allowing the two trolleys to pass the fixed mount.

5. A crane according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an additional trolley such that the crane includes three trolleys, which additional trolley is moveable up and down along the elongate support structure and is configured to temporarily engage with the tall structure during the climbing operation, and wherein the three trolleys are configured to pass each other.

6. A crane according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising two additional trolleys such that the crane includes two pairs of trolleys, which two additional trolleys are moveable up and down along the elongate support structure and are configured to temporarily engage with the tall structure during the climbing operation, andwherein one of the trolleys of one pair of trolleys and one of the trolleys of the other pair of trolleys are able to pass each other.

7. A method for climbing a tall structure with a crane according to any of claims 1-6, said method comprising the following steps: a. providing an upper one of the two trolleys in engagement with the tall structure while another one of the two trolleys is in disengagement with the tall structure, and b. moving the disengaged trolley upwards thereby passing the engaged trolley.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the crane is a crane according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein during step a. the fixed mount is in engagement with the tall structure.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein after step b., the method comprises the step of providing the two trolleys in engagement with the tall structure and moving the elongate support structure upwards relative to the tall structure.

10. A method according to claim 7, wherein the crane is a crane according to claim 5, wherein in step a. the upper two of the three trolleys are in engagement with the tall structure and the other trolley is in disengagement with the tall structure, and wherein the disengages trolley moves beyond both upper two trolleys during step b.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein during step b. the elongate support structure is moved upwards along with the disengaged trolley, wherein preferably the moving speed of the disengaged trolley relative to the tall structure is larger than the moving speed of the elongate support structure relative to the tall structure.

12. A method according to claim 7, wherein the crane is a crane according to claim 6, wherein during step a. the upper pair of trolleys are in engagement with the tall structure and the lower pair of trolleys are in disengagement with the tall structure, and wherein in step b. the lower pair of trolleys are moved upwards such that at least one trolley of the disengaged pair of trolleys passes at least one trolley of the engaged pair of trolleys.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein during step b. the elongate support structure is moved upwards along with the disengaged pair of trolleys, wherein preferably the moving speed of the disengaged pair of trolleys relative to the tall structure is larger than the moving speed of the elongate support structure relative to the tall structure.

14. A combination of a tall structure and a crane according to any of the claims 1-6, wherein the tall structure includes mounting devices at different height levels to allow the temporarily engagement with a trolley of the crane, and wherein the mounting devices are configured to simultaneously engage with two trolleys or mounts of the crane.

15. A combination according to claim 14, wherein the mounting devices and / or the trolleys and / or the mounts of the crane are configured to provide an adjustable distance between the elongate support structure and the tall structure.

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