Attachment ring, attachment clamp and fastening system for self-climbing devices for vertical bodies

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastening system of the type used in securing systems (1) for securing self-climbing devices for vertical bodies, which comprise at least two climbing structures (2, 2') that move alternately to ascend or descend the vertical body. The fastening system is characterised in that it comprises at least one lower clamp (4'), joined at the attachment point thereof to the climbing structure (2, 2') by means of at least one fixed support (5) at the lower end of the climbing structure (2, 2'), the clamp (4') corresponding to any of claims 6-11 and being designed to support horizontal forces of the system; and at least one attachment ring (3) according to any of claims 1-5, joined at the attachment point thereof to the climbing structure (2, 2'), at the upper end of the climbing structure (2, 2'), by means of at least one ring support (6).

Description

[0001]

[0002] FIXING RING, FIXING CLAMP AND CLAMPING SYSTEM FOR SELF-CLIMBING EQUIPMENT FOR VERTICAL BODIES

[0003] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0004] The present invention relates to the industry dedicated to the construction of large-scale elements at great heights, and more specifically to the industry dedicated to the installation and / or maintenance of wind turbines, in order to raise and lower parts and / or tools more efficiently without the need for additional large lifting equipment. The invention's particular field of application is the wind energy industry, but it can be applied in other industrial sectors where it is useful without limitation. Specifically, it relates to self-climbing equipment that, by means of a tethering system, secures the vertical structure to be climbed with a combination of a clamping jaw and mounting pads, to which pressure is applied by the tension provided by a strap. More specifically, the invention relates to a fastening system that combines a strap fastening and a mounting pad fastening independently.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Currently, self-climbing lifting systems are widely known. These systems comprise two or more lashing systems associated with a corresponding climbing base of a telescopic assembly. While one climbing base is secured to the vertical body by its lashing system, the other climbing base extends to hoist the tooling or parts to be lifted, and then descends in the same manner. This securing system commonly employs a clamp with friction pads that bear against and react with the vertical body through tension applied by straps that ensure adequate pressure on the friction pads.Regarding this mooring system, in the prior art we can find patent document US2020256318, which presents a solution based on a friction collar that uses friction shoes for mooring to the vertical body by means of tension provided by straps that surround the vertical body, but it presents the problem that the shoes are only located in an area of ​​the collar close to the climbing structure, while the rest of the vertical body is embraced only by the straps, so the application of pressure towards the vertical body is not distributed uniformly since the shoes are arranged in an area of ​​the clamp, which can damage the vertical body in the areas of greater pressure.Furthermore, with this configuration, because the external loads from the moment produced by the eccentric load with respect to the tower are combined, as well as those due to wind, or other cases of dynamic load due to the action of the crane, in the same friction collar, there is no guarantee or knowledge of what normal force is present at each instant in the feet, and that is critical to establish the support limit.

[0007] We can also find patent application P202230820, which describes clamping structures attached to a climbing structure where the clamping structure has an opening and closing motion. Each clamping structure comprises an open clamp with pressure-fit shoes for the vertical body, and a pre-adjustment jaw for the shoes to the perimeter of the vertical body, where the strap rests on the shoes to press them against the vertical body. This solution presents the same drawbacks described above, since, due to the geometry of the structure and the shoes, the clamping force to the tower of the structure is highly variable, and it is very difficult to determine the normal force obtained during the climbing operation.

[0008] Given the described disadvantages or limitations of the existing solutions, a solution is needed that allows the climbing structure to be secured, supporting both the vertical forces and the generated moments, and allowing these to be known throughout the entire climbing or descending operation of the structures.

[0009] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In order to achieve this objective and solve the technical problems discussed so far, as well as provide additional advantages that may arise later, the present invention proposes a tethering system for climbing structures of vertical bodies, such as a wind turbine tower, achieving a process that offers improvements in terms of safety and efficiency for the movement and tethering of the entire self-climbing equipment in order to handle large construction pieces that must be assembled at great heights.

[0011] These systems for securing self-climbing equipment to vertical bodies are known, comprising climbing structures that attach to said vertical body. It is these climbing structures and the means for securing them that are the subject of the present invention.

[0012] Thus, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a fixing ring, of the type used in lashing systems for self-climbing equipment of vertical bodies intended to surround the vertical body to be climbed for the fixing of a climbing structure of the lashing system during climbing, comprising a plurality of shoes distributed uniformly along the ring and fixed to the body of the ring by means of shoe holders, the shoes being intended to come into contact with the vertical body for the fixing of the lashing system.

[0013] Preferably, the ring will fit around the vertical body for attachment, using a rotating mechanism or a transverse approach to the vertical body. This allows the ring to bypass the vertical body being climbed and enables the subsequent bringing together and joining of the arches that make up the ring. For adjusting the fixing ring around the vertical body, the ring body comprises at least two arches designed to encircle the vertical body to be climbed until they join at their respective distal ends for attachment to the vertical body. Each arch comprises a plurality of segments of varying lengths to adjust to the diameter of the vertical body, and these segments also allow the diameter to be increased to overcome small obstacles.This fixation of the two arches is maintained throughout the ascent and descent operation, although it can be opened if necessary to overcome a large obstacle, when the maximum diameter of the ring, with all segments at their maximum extension, is not sufficient.

[0014] The ring's mounting shoes are divided into at least an upper and at least a lower section, both pivotally attached to the mounting shoe holder. These upper and lower sections consist of vertical slats, oriented in the direction of the object being climbed. These slats are independently movable to adapt the mounting shoes to the surface of the vertical object during attachment. Preferably, the slats are connected to each other with a degree of mobility, and each slat is also connected to the mounting shoe holder by ball joints. This provides the mounting shoes, and consequently the entire ring assembly, with the necessary mobility to adapt to the different diameters and tapers of the vertical object being climbed during the climbing operation, as the mounting shoes have the capacity for both vertical and horizontal movement thanks to these movable joints.For greater mobility, the shoe carrier has a plurality of sections joined in an articulated manner, and in turn the shoe carrier is fixed to the ring by means of an articulation, which provides different degrees of freedom for mobility to adapt to the surface of the vertical body.

[0015] According to another feature of the invention, for securing the fixing ring against the vertical body, once the fixing ring has been adjusted to the diameter of the vertical body to be climbed, it comprises at least one pressure cylinder in each shoe that presses the upper and lower portions of the shoes against the vertical body for improved grip. Preferably, these pressure cylinders are in the form of a scissor cylinder or two independent cylinders. The fixing ring, once adjusted, will not be modified; only when there is a change in diameter will the pressure cylinders be activated and deactivated, applying or releasing pressure to the shoes to perform the operation of ascending or descending the vertical body.

[0016] Furthermore, the fixing ring comprises at least one ring support projecting from the ring body, said ring support comprising an articulated joint with the fixing ring so that it is isolated from the force moments produced on the climbing structure when attached to it, thus making the forces it has to withstand mainly the vertical forces of the system.

[0017] According to another feature of the invention, the fixing ring comprises a compensating hydraulic cylinder in relation to at least one shoe holder of each ring arc that forms part of a closed hydraulic circuit, such that by means of the action of each compensating cylinder located in the shoe holder, the vertical forces due to the force of gravity are compensated by the weight with the relative movement between the shoe and the body of the fixing ring, so that the vertical force is distributed by the plurality of compensating hydraulic cylinders that form part of the closed hydraulic circuit.

[0018] In this way, the hydraulic compensating cylinders of the shoe carriers closest to the ring supports that suffer the greatest vertical force will be compensated by the rest of the hydraulic compensating cylinders.

[0019] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a fixing clamp, of the type used in lashing systems for self-climbing equipment of vertical bodies, intended to surround the vertical body to be climbed for fixing the lashing system during climbing, comprising at least two arms fixed to the climbing structure, said arms being intended to surround the vertical body to be climbed until joining in an operational position at their respective distal ends, each arm comprising a plurality of strap holders distributed along the arms configured for support on the vertical body to be climbed and for guiding the accommodation of at least one strap configured to exert force in the direction of the vertical body for fixing the lashing system, such that each arm comprises a second end segment located at the distal end of the arm, a plurality of central segments with a fixed angle between them,and a first extreme segment located at the proximal end of the arm, both first segments comprising an articulated joint for their attachment to the climbing structure, the segments being telescopic, and the arms being configured to establish a pre-adjustment by extending the telescopic segments and rotating the arms around the joint to adapt to the geometry of the vertical body. In addition, the strap holders are pivotally fixed, and the strap is fixed at both ends of the arm, the strap being configured to perform a final fixing adjustment by exerting force against the vertical body until contact with the vertical body once both arms are joined at their distal end.

[0020] Each articulated arm allows you to adjust the opening angle of the arms so that the vertical object being lifted can be easily grasped, with the arm opening being adjusted according to the width of the object. The configuration of the clamping jaw in telescopic segments, combined with this articulation, allows the length of each segment to be adjusted according to the cross-sectional dimensions of the object being lifted, adapting it to its shape.

[0021] The strap holders perform the function of guiding the strap, which facilitates its tensioning, narrowing and, as a result, exerting force to attach it to the vertical body through the shoes.

[0022] The strap holders, with the strap tensioned, come into contact with the vertical body to be climbed. This prevents the strap from damaging the vertical body, thanks to the contact surface of the strap holders against the vertical body. The force exerted by the strap presses the fastening element, with its pads, against the vertical body. This tensioning is necessary for the final attachment, as in the pre-adjustment, the strap holders, and consequently the strap itself, are positioned at a distance from the vertical body. When the arms join at the opposite end from the vertical body, where the climbing base is located, the straps of both arms work together as a single strap, exerting the necessary force for attachment via the pads of the fastening element.

[0023] Furthermore, this positioning of the strap between the arm frame and the strap holders ensures that the strap is securely fastened. Additionally, the fact that the strap holders are movable relative to the clamping jaw allows the clamping jaw to be kept at a certain distance from the structure at all times, including during system clamping, so that only the strap holders move towards the vertical body until they make contact. In this way, the vertical body is completely enclosed through a pre-adjustment prior to strap tensioning. This means that most of the elements of the clamping system do not need to move during clamping or release, and only the strap moves the strap holders to exert the clamping force.This speeds up the securing and releasing processes and, at the same time, allows for the removal of elements that may protrude from the vertical body without needing to readjust the enclosure of the securing structure when lifting it for subsequent securing.

[0024] Preferably, the first and / or second end segments are articulated with their adjacent central segment. These ends are adjustable for rotational movement.

[0025] The articulation between the first and / or second end segments and their adjacent central segments allows for rotational movement, facilitating the correct alignment and positioning of the arms, thus making their connection simpler and more secure. Therefore, the combination of the articulation in the end segments and the fact that all segments of the clamping jaw are telescopic allows for good control over the enclosure of the vertical body. This enables precise control of the distance the arms surround it along its cross-section, allowing for optimal pre-adjustment before securing it with the clamping element by tensioning the strap.

[0026] According to another feature of the invention, the second end segments comprise a spring at the joint connecting to their adjacent central segment, which exerts a force contrary to that exerted by the tension of the strap, so that in the absence of tension the second end segments, and consequently the joint between both arms, separate from the vertical body from the final clamping position to the pre-adjustment position.

[0027] Preferably, the strap holders are attached to the clamping jaw by means of an extension articulated at both ends, said extension also comprising a spring that exerts a force opposite to that exerted by the tension of the strap.

[0028] The presence of an articulated extension connecting the strap holders to the clamping jaw allows the strap holders to move closer to and further from the frame, bridging the gap between the frame and the vertical body simply by rotating the extension around the joint. By bridging this gap, the clamping jaw remains stationary while the strap is tensioned, which in turn causes the strap holders to rotate and move until they come into contact with the vertical body.

[0029] The fact that the articulated extension has a second joint connecting it to the strap holder allows the strap holder to rotate relative to the extension when it comes into contact with the vertical body. This rotation, caused by the pressure exerted by the strap, positions the strap holder tangentially to the surface of the vertical body. In this way, maximum contact is achieved, and therefore, maximum clamping force is generated by the fastening element's pads.

[0030] By incorporating an elastic element, such as a spring, at the joint between the strap holder arm and the clamping jaw, the extension is kept retracted by default, meaning at a small angle to the clamping jaw. Consequently, the strap holder is also positioned close to the clamp. In this way, the strap holders only separate from the clamping jaw when the strap presses them against the vertical body. Therefore, when the strap tension is released, they automatically separate from the vertical body, which also speeds up the release maneuver and allows for much faster lifting or movement of the overall securing structure. This is because the clamping jaw can be maintained at a certain distance from the body at all times, and only the relative movement of the strap holders with respect to the clamping jaw is required.Therefore, a strap holder with a spring will be the preferred embodiment, but a strap holder without such a spring is also contemplated. According to a feature of the invention, each segment is actuated in telescopic extension and retraction by means of a linear actuator, preferably a hydraulic cylinder.

[0031] Thirdly, a fastening system is presented as an object of invention, of the type used in tie-down systems for self-climbing equipment of vertical bodies, comprising at least two climbing structures that move alternately to raise or lower the vertical body, wherein the fastening system of each climbing structure comprises at least one lower fastening clamp attached by means of at least one fixed support at the respective lower end of the climbing structure, said clamp being in accordance with the above description, being configured to withstand the horizontal forces of the system, and comprising at least one fastening ring in accordance with the above description, said fastening ring being attached by means of at least one ring support to the climbing structure at its upper part.

[0032] In another embodiment of the clamping system invention, it comprises, in addition to the lower clamping jaw, an upper clamping jaw attached by at least one fixed support to the respective upper end of the climbing structure, where the clamping ring is attached superiorly at a predetermined distance from the upper jaw by at least one ring support.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] To aid in a better understanding of the functionality of the invention, illustrative drawings, which are not limiting, are attached to the description.

[0035] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a lashing system according to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a fixing ring that forms part of the lashing system.

[0037] Figure 3 shows in detail a shoe with its shoe carrier.

[0038] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a clamping jaw that forms part of the lashing system. Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the connection of a proximal end segment of the clamping jaw with its adjacent elements.

[0039] Figure 6 shows a detailed view of one of the clamp arms at its maximum extension.

[0040] Figure 7 shows a detailed view of the distal end segments of the clamping jaw.

[0041] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The following section describes the invention, taking as a reference the figures mentioned above and focusing on some details not previously mentioned, which will help to interpret the scope of the claims with reference to the drawings. However, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present teachings can be implemented without such details or with a modification thereof that does not affect the extent defined by the claims.

[0043] Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a tethering system (1) according to the invention, consisting of two climbing structures (2,2') that move alternately to ascend or descend a vertical body, in this practical embodiment being a wind turbine tower. Each climbing structure (2,2') in turn comprises a fixing ring (3) and two fixing jaws (4,4'). The fixing jaws (4,4') are arranged at the distal ends of the climbing structure (2,2'), and the fixing ring (3) is positioned a distance above the upper fixing jaw (4).

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the upper fixing clamp (4) and the lower fixing clamp (4') are attached to the climbing structure by means of a fixed support (5, 5') and pivoting at each diametrically opposite fixing point of the fixing clamp (4, 4'), said fixed support (5, 5') being a rigid element that projects perpendicularly to the climbing structure (2, 2') and in turn pivoting at its end of connection with the climbing structure (2, 2') to allow the opening of said fixed supports (5, 5') so that the fixing clamps (4, 4') can exceed the maximum diameter of the wind turbine tower during the installation process of the mooring system (1).As shown in Figure 4, the clamping jaw (4, 4') is attached to said fixed supports (5, 5') on both sides of the clamping jaw (4, 4') in an articulated manner, preferably by means of a clamping element (41, 41'), so that said jaws (4, 4') are designed to withstand the horizontal forces and moments of force that occur in the system.

[0045] Above the upper clamping jaw (4), a clamping ring (3) is arranged at a predetermined distance, fixed at one end to the upper clamp (4) by means of a ring support (6).

[0046] This ring support (6) projects from the body of the ring (3) in an articulated manner since the connection between the ring (3) and the ring support (6) is made by means of a ball joint so that the fixing ring (6) is isolated from the moments of force that occur on the climbing structure, supporting only the vertical forces.

[0047] In another preferred embodiment, each climbing structure (2,2') forming the attachment system (1) comprises a lower fixing clamp (4') attached to the climbing structure (2,2') as detailed above and a fixing ring (3) attached directly to the climbing structure (2,2') at its upper part by means of the ring support which is fixed directly to the climbing structure (2, 2') in an articulated manner.

[0048] Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of a fixing ring (3) used in the practical embodiment of the lashing system of Figure 1, formed by two ring arcs (31, 31') intended to surround the vertical body to be climbed until they join at both distal ends in a rotational movement united with the movement of the upper fixing clamp (4) to which the fixing ring (3) is attached for fixing to the vertical body.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, each arc (31, 3T) is joined to the other at its distal ends once it has passed over and surrounded the tower of the wind turbine to be climbed by means of an actuator (391) that activates a twist lock (392) in order to block that joining of each arc (31, 31') during the climbing operation.

[0050] Each arc in turn comprises a plurality of variable-length segments (32) to adjust to the diameter of the vertical body. The fixing ring (3) has a plurality of shoes (33) distributed uniformly around the circumference of the ring (3), each shoe (33) coinciding with the ends of the segments (32) that form each ring arc (31, 3T), at the junction (34) between them. Preferably at the center of said junction (34).

[0051] As can be seen in Figure 2, the segments (32) are variable in length since their geometry consists of an extensible inner tube (321) between two larger diameter tubes (322, 322') at the ends that house said inner tube.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, each shoe (33) is formed by an upper part (331) and a lower part (331'), and in turn this upper part (331) and lower part (331') are made up of a plurality of slats (332).

[0053] Each shoe (33) is attached to the body of the fixing ring (3) by means of shoe holders (35) that are articulated to the fixing ring (3).

[0054] In turn, the shoe carrier (35) is formed by several sections (351, 352, 353, 354) joined in an articulated manner between them, which provide the shoes (33) with different degrees of freedom for their adaptation to the surface of the vertical body.

[0055] Furthermore, each slat (332) that forms the upper (331) and lower (331') parts of the footing is articulated to each other and, in turn, connected to the footing carrier (35) by means of ball joints (355) so that each slat (332) has the capacity for vertical and horizontal movement with respect to the surface of the wind turbine tower with which it comes into contact. This preferred embodiment is necessary to provide the footings (33) with the mobility required to adapt to the different diameters along the wind turbine tower to be climbed and to the truncated conical shape of each section where the footings (33) rest.

[0056] To ensure the fastening ring (3) can be held with the necessary force against the vertical body, each shoe, in a preferred embodiment, has a pressure cylinder (38) at the top (331) and a pressure cylinder (38') at the bottom (33T). In another preferred embodiment, this effect is achieved with a scissor-shaped pressure cylinder that presses the top (331) and bottom (33T) of the shoe (33) against the wind turbine tower.

[0057] Finally, the fixing ring (3) comprises a compensating hydraulic cylinder (37) in relation to each shoe holder (35) that vertically connects each shoe (33) to the structure of the fixing ring (3), which is part of a closed hydraulic circuit so that the vertical forces due to the self-weight of the lashing system (1) plus the load that is lifted with said lashing system (1) are counteracted by the vertical forces generated in each shoe (33).

[0058] Each fixing point (36, 36') is located 180° apart on the fixing ring (3); therefore, it is necessary to compensate for the vertical forces and the deflection generated in the structure. In a preferred embodiment, this is achieved, with the foot fixed to the tower wall by means of the pressure cylinders (38, 38'), through relative movement between the foot (33) and the body of the fixing ring (3). This is because the foot carrier (35) comprises wheels (333, 333') that allow the structure of the fixing ring (3) to move relative to the foot carrier (35). This movement is regulated by the compensating hydraulic cylinder (37) so that each foot has an equal vertical load regardless of its relative position with respect to each fixing point.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the closed hydraulic circuit is connected to the pressure cylinders (38, 38') as a safety system for the locking ring (3). Thus, in the event of a pressure loss in the clamping circuit that actuates the pressure cylinders (38, 38'), the closed hydraulic circuit will continue to operate the clamping system, as this circuit is always pressurized due to vertical forces, such as gravity, acting upon it. In this way, the clamping cylinders maintain sufficient pressure for an extended period to ensure the support of the clamping system (1).

[0060] In addition to the described safety system, in case the equipment is left hanging for a long time without hydraulic supply, to avoid losing support, two bars (334, 334') are placed in the shoe holder (35), which are adjusted until they come into contact with the upper (331) and lower (33T) parts of the shoe (33), thus achieving the necessary pressure of the shoe against the tower to maintain the support of the mooring system (1).

[0061] According to the preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the clamping jaw (4) comprises two arms (40a and 40b) articulated from the same point of attachment to the climbing structure (2, 2'), and two other arms (40'a and 40'b) symmetrical to the former (40a and 40b). Therefore, the entire configuration detailed for one set of arms (40a, 40b) applies to the other set of arms (40'a and 40'b).

[0062] Each pair of arms is articulated to the support structure (5) that projects from each side of the climbing structure (2,2'), preferably the articulated connection between the support structure (5) and the attachment point of the arms is made by means of the support element (41, 41').

[0063] Each arm (40a and 40b) is articulated to said fastening element (41, 41') by means of respective joints (41a and 41b). The arms (40a and 40b) each comprise two straps (42a and 42b) and a plurality of strap holders (43a and 43b) located along the arms (40a and 40b). Figure 1 shows how the arms (40a and 40b), together with the fastening element (41a, 41b), surround a space in front of the climbing structure (2) in which, during its operation in the fastening position, a vertical body to be climbed is located.

[0064] The strap holders (43a and 43b) are associated with their respective straps (42a and 42b), guiding each strap (42a and 42b) under tension, which causes the strap holders (43a and 43b) to move towards the vertical body. These strap holders (43a and 43b) are articulated to the fixing clamp (4) for their movement towards the vertical body.

[0065] Each arm (40a and 40b) comprises central segments (140a and 140b) and end segments (141a, 141b, 143a and 143b). The first end segments (141a and 141b) are connected to a fastening element (41, 41') by means of joints (41a and 41b). The second end segments (143a and 143b) are located at the opposite end of said fastening element (41, 41') and comprise a locking mechanism (45), thus achieving the physical connection between both arms (40a and 40'a, 40b and 40'b), so that the straps (42a, 42b and 42'a, 42'b) work together as a single unit.

[0066] Additionally, in Figure 5, it can be observed how each central segment (140a and 140b) and end segments (141a, 141b, 143a and 143b) are telescopic, so that they allow the variation of their lengths, and comprise hydraulic cylinders (144) that exert the force necessary for said variation of length.

[0067] Figure 5 shows in greater detail the connections between the first end segment (141b) and the adjacent central segment (140b). As previously observed, at one end, the first end segment (141b) is joined to the fastening element (41) by means of the joint (41b). However, this detailed view also shows that, at its opposite end, segment (141b) is joined to its adjacent central segment (140b) by another joint (145b), which allows rotational movement between both end segments (141b) and the central segment (140b). Furthermore, for the control of said rotational movement, a pair of hydraulic cylinders (150) is also seen, which are fixed to each of the upper and lower segments (141b), so that by reducing or increasing their length, they cause the central segment (140b) adjacent to the first extreme segment (141 b) to rotate with respect to said extreme segment (141 b).

[0068] The arm (40b) is opened and closed by means of the joint (41b) and / or the joint (145b), creating sufficient distance between the distal ends of both arms (40a and 40b) to allow it to overcome the cross-section of the vertical body to be climbed (not shown). Once the maximum cross-section has been passed, the arm closes with its symmetrical arms (40'a and 40'b) to encircle the vertical body (not shown) during the grasping maneuver. The hydraulic cylinder (149a, 149b) controls the proximity of the arm (40b) to the vertical body at the end closest to the fastening element (41), allowing for optimal pre-adjustment so that the distance can be overcome by the movement of the strap holders (43a and 43b) during the grasping maneuver. Clearly, the same operation and relationship between the elements described here is applicable to each arm (40a, 40'a, 40'b).

[0069] Thus, in a practical embodiment shown in the figures for the procedure of maintenance or installation of components of a wind turbine, initially a mooring system (1) composed of two climbing structures (2, 2') is moved to the site of the wind turbine, which, due to its dimensions and to facilitate transport, is arranged in a horizontal position.

[0070] Once the tethering system (1) has been brought close to the wind turbine, the climbing structures (2, 2') are arranged according to Figure 5, where both the ring (3) and the clamps (4 and 4') of each climbing structure are in an open position so that the tethering system (1) is arranged in a vertical position.

[0071] Next, with the climbing structure already positioned vertically, the arms (40a, 40b, 40'a, 40'b) are rotated, and together with the extension of the telescopic segments (140a, 140b, 141a, 141b, 143a, 143b), both arms (40a, 40b, 40'a, 40'b) are joined by the connecting joints (41a, 41b) and / or the joints (145a, 145b) and locked by a closing mechanism (45), shown in Figure 7. The joints (145a, 145b) have springs (148a, 148b) so that the end segments (143a, 143b) adjust to the structure, actuated by the tension exerted by the straps (42a, 42b), modifying the angle. between the extreme segments and their contiguous ones, and thus allow the arm joint protectors (452) that are part of the closing mechanism (45) to contact the tower.

[0072] As shown in Figure 7, the locking mechanism consists of a clamp located at the end of one of the arms (40a, 40b, 40'a, 40'b) and surrounding the end of the arm (40a, 40b, 40'a, 40'b) to which it is to be joined. This connection is guided by ramp-shaped guides (453). This allows for a pre-adjustment position prior to the final clamping adjustment. The closure is secured by a locking cylinder (451) that inserts a pin into a housing located behind the guard, thus ensuring the connection of the arms (40a, 40b, 40'a, 40'b).

[0073] Once the arms (40a, 40b) are locked in the preset position, a tensioning system (44, 44') tensions the strap (42a, 42b) of each arm (40a, 40b, 40'a, 40'b) by means of rollers that move towards the ends. This causes the strap holders (43a, 43b), thanks to their articulated extension (132), to rotate until they contact the vertical body. The connecting end between the arms (40a, 40b, 40'a, 40'b) rests against the tension of the strap (42a, 42b), which overcomes the force of the extension spring located at the joint (146a, 146b). This achieves the final adjustment, pushing the clamp (4) against the vertical body.

[0074] Thus, for the maneuvers of ascending or descending the climbing structure, and / or if during the climb it is necessary to overcome any obstacle placed on the vertical body, the strap (42a, 42b) is loosened so that the extension spring placed in the joint (146a, 146b) causes the joining end of both arms (40a, 40b, 40'a, 40'b) to separate in order to overcome said obstacle more easily and quickly than in known restraint systems.

[0075] The figures correspond to a non-limiting example of practical realization, and variations in the formation of the complement may occur as long as the essence of the same is not altered.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Fixing ring (3), of the type used in lashing systems (1) of self-climbing equipment for vertical bodies, intended to surround the vertical body to be climbed for fixing a climbing structure (2,2') of the lashing system during climbing, comprising a plurality of shoes (33) distributed along the ring (3) and fixed to the body of the ring by means of shoe holders (35), the shoes (33) being intended to come into contact with the vertical body for fixing the lashing system (1), characterized in that the body of the ring (3) comprises at least two arcs (31,31') intended to surround the vertical body to be climbed until joining together at their respective distal ends for fixing to the vertical body, each arc (31, 3T) comprising a plurality of segments (32) variable in length to adjust to the diameter of the vertical body. 2.- Fixing ring (3), according to claim 1, characterized in that the shoes (33) are divided into at least an upper part (331) and at least a lower part (33T), both parts (331, 331') being pivotally fixed to the shoe holder (35), and said upper (331) and lower (33T) parts consisting of independent vertical slats (332) for adapting the shoes (33) to the surface of the vertical body during fixing. 3.- Fixing ring (3), according to the previous claim, wherein each slat (332) is fixed to the shoe holder (35) by means of a ball joint (355) with vertical and horizontal movement capability, and the shoe holder (35) with a plurality of sections (351, 352, 353, 354) joined in an articulated manner, the shoe holder (35) being fixed to the ring (3) by means of an articulation. 4.- Fixing ring (3), according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one pressure cylinder (38, 38') in each shoe (33) that presses the upper part (331) and the lower part (33T) of the shoes (33) against the vertical body once the fixing adjustment of the ring (3) to the vertical body has been made. 5.- Fixing ring (3), according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a compensating hydraulic cylinder (37) in relation to at least one shoe holder (35) of each ring arc (31, 3T) forming part of a closed hydraulic circuit which, by means of the action of the compensating cylinder (37) of the shoe holder (35), compensates the vertical forces due to the force of gravity by the weight with the relative movement between shoe (33) and body of the fixing ring (3) so that the force The vertical is distributed by the plurality of compensating hydraulic cylinders (37) that are part of the closed hydraulic circuit. 6.- Fixing ring (3), according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one ring support (6) projecting from the ring body (3), said ring support (6) comprising an articulated joint with the fixing ring (3) so as to isolate it from the force moments produced on the climbing structure (2,2'). 7.- Fixing clamp (4, 4'), of the type used in lashing systems (1) of self-climbing equipment for vertical bodies, intended to surround the vertical body to be climbed for fixing the lashing system (1) during climbing, comprising at least two arms (40a, 40b) attachable to the climbing structure (2, 2'), said arms (40a, 40b) being intended to surround the vertical body to be climbed until they join in an operational position at their respective distal ends, each arm (40a, 40b) comprising a plurality of strap holders (43a, 43b) distributed along the arms (40a, 40b) configured for support on the vertical body to be climbed and for guiding the housing of at least one strap (42a, 42b) configured to exert force in the direction of the vertical body for fixing the lashing system (1), characterized in that each arm (40a, 40b) comprises a second end segment (143a, 143b) located at the distal end of the arm (40a, 40b),a plurality of central segments (140a, 140b) with a fixed angle between them, and a first end segment (141a, 141b) located at the proximal end of the arm (40a, 40b), both first segments (141a, 141b) comprising an articulated joint (41a, 41b) for attachment to the climbing structure (2, 2'), the segments (140a, 140b, 141a, 141b, 143a, 143b) being telescopic, and the arms (40a, 40b) being configured to establish a pre-adjustment by extending the telescopic segments (140a, 140b, 141a, 141b, 143a, 143b), and rotating the arms (40, a, 40b) around the joint (41 a, 41 b) to adapt to the geometry of the vertical body, and because the strap holders (43a, 43b) are pivotally fixed, and the strap (42a, 42b) is fixed at both ends of the arm (40a, 40b), the strap (42a, 42b) being configured to make a final fixing adjustment by exerting force against the vertical body until contact with the vertical body once both arms (40a, 40b) are joined at their distal end. 8.- Fixing clamp (4,4'), according to claim 6, wherein the first segments (141a, 141b) and / or the second end segments (143a, 143b) are joined by means of a joint (145a, 145b) with their adjacent central segment (140a, 140b). 9.- Fixing clamp, according to the previous claim, wherein the second end segments (143a, 143b) comprise a spring (148a, 148b) at the joint (145a, 145b) connecting with its adjacent central segment (140, 140b), which exerts a force contrary to that exerted by the tension of the strap (42a, 42b). 10.- Fixing clamp (4,4'), according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the strap holders (43a, 43b) are attached to the arm (40a, 40b) by means of an extension (132) articulated at its two ends, said extension further comprising a spring (146a, 146b) that exerts a force contrary to that exerted by the tension of the strap (42a, 42b). 11.- Jaw, according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein each segment (140a, 140b, 141a, 141b, 143a, 143b) is actuatable in telescopic extension and retraction by means of at least one linear actuator (144). 12.- Fastening system, of the type used in tethering systems (1) of self-climbing equipment for vertical bodies comprising at least two climbing structures (2, 2') that move alternately to raise or lower the vertical body, characterized in that it comprises; - at least one lower clamp (4') attached at its fixing point to the climbing structure (2,2') by means of at least one fixed support (5) at the lower end of the climbing structure (2,2'), said clamp (4') being in accordance with any one of claims 6 to 11, being configured to withstand the horizontal forces of the system; and - at least one fixing ring (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, attached at its fixing point to the climbing structure (2,2') at the upper end of the climbing structure (2,2') by means of at least one ring support (6). 13.- Fastening system, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises; - at least one upper fixing clamp (4) attached to the climbing structure (2,2') by means of at least one fixed support (5) at the upper end of the climbing structure (2,2'); and - at least one fixing ring (3) attached at the top at a predetermined distance from the upper jaw (4) by means of at least one ring support (6).

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