DE102016004348A1 - Mobile crane device and method for temporarily mounting such a crane device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile crane device (10) for temporary installation on an existing tower structure (12) of a wind energy plant, comprising a crane tower (14) having a longitudinal axis (A) which, in an installed state of the crane device (10) on the tower structure (12 ) is inclined to the vertical direction (16) and extends substantially vertically in an operating state of the crane device (10) mounted on the tower structure (12), a jib (18) pivotally mounted on the crane tower (14) and in the assembled state of the crane device (10). folded downwards, a crane running gear (20) which projects in the assembled state of the crane device (10) laterally from the crane tower (14) to the tower structure (12) and contact means (22), with which the crane device (10) at the tower structure ( 12) is supported and along this vertically movable, and a crane tower (14) formed on the crane suspension (26) for attachment of a tower structure (12) to be stored crane rope (28) for vertical n method of the crane device (10), wherein the crane suspension (26) defines a force application point (P) for the crane rope (28) in the assembled state of the crane device (10) in vertical plan view radially between the contact means (22) and the center of gravity (S ) of the crane device (10) is arranged, wherein the crane tower (14) in the assembled state of the crane device (10) via the crane running gear (20) is freely pivotable to the tower structure (12). Moreover, the invention also relates to a method for temporarily mounting such a crane device (10) on an existing tower structure (12) of a wind turbine.

Description

The invention relates to a mobile crane device and a method for temporarily mounting this mobile crane device on an existing tower of a wind turbine.

The crane device according to the invention and the assembly method according to the invention are particularly suitable for wind turbines with a horizontal rotor axis, a tower construction and attached to a top of the tower construction, very heavy large components such as a nacelle, an electric generator, a rotor with at least one rotor blade and possibly a transmission for having the rotor.

In recent years, due to economic considerations, the trend is towards ever larger wind turbines, where the widespread type of plant with a multi-bladed, horizontal-axis rotor on a tower construction still has the greatest market potential. The problem of this type of wind turbine is mainly that its large components grow with increasing hub height and thus the assembly, disassembly and especially the maintenance of such large systems with hub heights from 140 m to develop decisive factors for economic efficiency.

The erection of such wind turbines is carried out using large cranes, with the help of which the major components are raised to hub heights of 140 m and more.

The daily rents of such large cranes are immense, regardless of the fact that only a few of these special equipment are available in the individual countries and that these are heavily booked through dense deployment plans. The construction of a large crawler crane or tower crane alone takes several days.

For the maintenance or repair of wind turbines, especially in case of defects in the large components, the large cranes must be rented at short notice, which is often not possible because of the low number of units. Rents of more than 60,000 euros are not uncommon. In addition, the paths to the wind turbines and the areas around the wind turbines must always be maintained or cleared for these large cranes, in order to allow any short-term repair work with the large cranes.

In order to avoid the use of expensive large cranes, in the past when erecting tower structures for wind turbines also growing tower cranes were used. Theoretically, these cranes can build indefinitely high and are relatively efficient with a maximum load on the cantilever arm of over 1000 metric tons. Since they also provide a very high level of efficiency over the entire construction period, the rental costs incurred are also enormous and the logistics of transport to and from the port are considerable. In case of maintenance, the entire tower crane must be reordered and set up before it can be used.

In order to quickly realize the repair of large components, it has also been proposed to permanently install a crane on the tower crown, with which then the major components can be exchanged. This proposal could not prevail because the cost of such a high-powered and high-performance crane, which remains permanently as 'dead capital' in the nacelle, in relation to the number of its missions are too high.

Furthermore, in DE 197 41 988 A1 already describes a vertically mobile crane for the construction of wind turbines, which goes up along the tower structure, can promote large components of the wind turbine to the top of the tower and then drained back to the ground. Compared with conventionally used, mobile tracked lattice boom cranes or tower cranes with growing tower cranes, the proposed, mobile crane is very compact and can be built up and taken down much faster. Nevertheless, the described crane due to the entrained winches and drive motors for the winches and a complex, the tower structure encompassing hydraulic landing gear on an enormous weight. The crane undercarriage is built like a caterpillar from trailing arms, rollers and treadmills and also includes the tower structure encompassing support roller mounts with corresponding support rollers and a hydraulic system with hydraulic cylinders for pressing the landing gear to the surface of the tower structure. Furthermore, bending moments occurring in particular during the lifting of large components of the wind power plants are introduced into the tower structure comparatively concentrated exclusively via the crane landing gear. The crane chassis must be designed to be robust and solid, which further increases the weight of the crane. In addition, the tower structure for the occurring vertical loads, consisting of the large components of the wind turbine to be lifted and the enormous crane gravity, and the extreme torque stress must be designed by the crane chassis, which should not be the case regularly in existing systems. In new buildings corresponding load cases can of course be taken into account, with necessary Stiffening measures lead to additional costs that are undesirable.

DE000019647515A1 describes a crane that addresses the same issues of DE 197 41 988 A1 raises and further aggravates the problems by the proposed wedging mechanism as a climbing aid in relation to possible damage to the tower. EP000001350953A2 suggests as Mitklettervorrichtung a lever rocker with double arm left u right of the tower, which is both unwieldy and susceptible to wind. Detail problems of ascending remain unanswered. EP000001350953A2 suggests a smaller luffing tip, again leaving the actual ascent on the tower segment unanswered. WO002004088133A1 proposes a folding crane with elaborate climbing aid in which tower segments are placed in the climbing aid. Even this solution could not prevail because of the apparent complexity and vulnerability after a short trial. The in WO002008059118A1 described overhead crane requires vertical rails on the tower, which both increase the cost in height, as well as require with respect to the tower shell an asymmetric mixed structure, which is recognized in the art in terms of highly dynamic loaded WEA towers recognized as extremely disadvantageous. In addition, the invention proposes hoists, which are attached to the crane itself, which increases the weight by about 50%. A comparatively short introduction of the moments occurring in the tower shell generate disproportionate forces at the discharge points. WO002009080047A2 describes in detail a kind umklammerndes 'harness' for a 'crane in the basket'. This solution was rejected by the developer after a short trial. The reason are again high moment loads with short force introduction lines in the tower shell, too high dead weight, too low payload, susceptibility to wind and generally high technical vulnerability due to excessive complexity.

WO2011134477A1 suggests a crane that can roll up the tower and has a slidable access point. He was also tested and then not pursued. The construction is unstable by the wheel set, center of gravity and access point during acceleration and unsafe. The structure is very susceptible to wind during the ascent, in addition to too weak, too heavy and again complicated. The mere provision of sufficient rope length on the proposed entrained wind drums increases the weight of the crane considerably. Due to its training, the crane is not able to perform blade assembly reliably and can not lift a standard 70 tonne nacelle onto the turret. For service cases only on medium and light components of the drive train, he could not prevail.

Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a compact, mobile crane device for temporary installation on an existing tower of a wind turbine, which is structurally simple, minimizes the stresses of the tower structure during assembly, disassembly and operation of the crane device, and starting of usually in the tower structure - not in the nacelle - permanently or temporarily installed light-weight hoists can be easily and quickly assembled or disassembled and can safely lift, set down and exchange ALL loads to be lifted in a WEA installation.

According to the invention this object is achieved by a mobile crane device for temporary mounting on an existing tower structure of a wind turbine, with a crane tower having a longitudinal axis, which is inclined to the vertical direction in a mounting state of the crane device on the tower structure and in a mounted on the tower structure operating state of the crane device extends substantially vertically, a boom pivotally mounted on the boom, which is folded down in the assembled state of the crane device, a crane landing in the assembled state of the crane device laterally from the crane tower to the tower structure out and contact means, with which the crane device is supported on the tower structure and can be moved vertically therefrom, as well as a crane suspension formed on the crane tower for attaching a crane cable to be stored on the tower structure for vertical movement of the crane device, wherein the crane suspension has a force application point f r defines the crane cable, which is, in the assembled state of the crane device in the vertical plan view radially between the contact means precisely arranged the contact points on the tower, and the center of gravity of the crane apparatus, whereby the crane tower in the assembled state of the crane device via the crane chassis is free to pivot to the tower structure.

Due to the position of the point of force application for the crane rope as well as the crane tower freely pivoting crane tower, the crane device can be moved in the manner of a wheelbarrow along a surface of the tower structure. The weight of the crane device generates a moment which acts on the crane undercarriage against the surface of the tower structure and thereby pivots the crane tower so that the longitudinal axis of the crane tower is inclined to the vertical direction. Only when reaching a final assembly position of the mobile crane device is the crane tower then aligned so that its longitudinal axis extends substantially vertically. Compared to the prior art, the weight of the mobile crane device is significantly reduced due to the significantly simplified chassis design, so that the load on the tower construction is reduced. By virtue of their simplified construction, it is also possible, for example, to reduce the production outlay and thus the production costs for the mobile crane device. A bending moment is not exerted on the tower due to the wheelbarrow principle at startup.

The crane running gear preferably has two contact means spaced apart in the circumferential direction for support on the tower structure, the point of force application of the crane suspension being arranged substantially centrally between the two contact means in the circumferential direction. Such a construction of the crane landing gear stabilizes the crane device tangentially to the surface of the tower structure and ensures a tipping-safe transport of the crane device along the tower structure.

Preferably, the contact means are support wheels which can roll along the surface of the tower structure. Such support wheels have only a minimal rolling resistance during transport of the crane device along the tower structure and leave with a suitable choice of material and cleanliness no or at most minimal traces on the tower surface.

In one embodiment of the crane device, the crane landing gear, in particular in the region of the contact means, has a locking device for fixing the crane device to the tower structure. Since in the assembled state of the crane device radially away from the tower shaft preferably no positive engagement with the tower structure is present, this locking device prevents the crane landing gear in an operating state of the crane device radially away from the tower structure.

In a further embodiment of the crane device, the crane tower in the axial direction only exactly one crane landing gear, which is arranged in the assembled state of the crane device below the center of gravity of the crane device at a lower end of the crane tower. This leads to a particularly simple construction of the crane device and, moreover, ensures a free pivoting of the crane tower with little effort.

In a further embodiment of the crane device, the crane tower in the axial direction on two crane trolleys, which are arranged on the crane tower in the axial direction one above the other, so that they can skip obstacles on the tower by reciprocal folding up and down to the tower surface, while the respective adjacent chassis to continue rolling is being used. The trolleys are preferably attached to the crane tower with subframes and removed during road transport in order not to exceed the maximum widths and heights of the clearance profiles for road transport.

Preferably, all contact means of the crane undercarriage are arranged within a contact region whose axial dimension corresponds to a maximum of 10%, in particular a maximum of 5% of the axial dimension of the crane tower in the assembled state. This in the axial direction very short contact area of the crane landing also has a positive effect on the free pivoting of the crane tower relative to the tower structure and thus contributes to the desired crane transport in the manner of a wheelbarrow.

The crane chassis of the crane device is preferably a single-sided chassis, which rests in the assembled state of the crane device only on a tower periphery half of the tower structure. In particular, the crane chassis is not the tower structure encompassing chassis with rear contact means. The one-sided chassis has a very low weight and can be constructively simple and inexpensive to produce. Furthermore, it has been found that such a crane landing gear is sufficient for a safe and reliable transport of the crane device along the tower structure when the transport of the crane device, as described above, takes place in the manner of a wheelbarrow.

In particular, the crane running gear can be steerable in order to be able to compensate for a lateral, that is to say tangential, drifting of the crane device on the tower structure (for example due to crosswinds) and to achieve a desired final assembly position precisely and reliably in the area of the top of the tower building.

In a further embodiment of the crane device, the crane tower can be telescoped in the direction of its longitudinal axis. In this way, the axial dimension of the crane tower in a transport state of the crane device can be minimized on a special low loader and maximized in an operating state of the crane device with little effort to keep the moment load of the tower structure low.

In a further embodiment of the crane device, a fastening device for fixing the crane device to the tower structure is provided on the crane tower, wherein the fastening device projects laterally from the crane tower. In particular, the fastening device in the assembled state of the crane device is initially spaced from the tower structure and only in the final assembly position or in Operating state of the crane device connected to the tower structure. In order to minimize the stress on the tower structure, an axial distance between the fastening device and a locking device provided on the crane landing gear is selected to be as large as possible and is preferably more than 10 m, in particular more than 15 m. Analogously to the locking device, the crane device is also fixed by the fastening device in the radial and tangential direction on the tower structure. Furthermore, the occurring vertical forces, that is, the weight of the crane device and optionally the weight of a large component of the wind turbine to be lifted, introduced substantially via the fastening device in the tower structure.

In this case, the fastening device preferably has two fastening arms spaced apart in the circumferential direction for fixing the crane device to the tower structure, the point of force application of the crane suspension being arranged substantially centrally between the two fastening arms in the circumferential direction.

Particularly preferably, the crane suspension is arranged in the axial direction closer to the fastening device than at the crane landing gear, wherein the crane suspension can even be integrated into the fastening device. In particular, the crane suspension in the assembled state of the crane device is arranged above the center of gravity of the crane device, so that the crane device is in a stable position during transport along the tower structure. In addition, such a positioning of the crane suspension undesirably high contact forces between the crane landing gear and the surface of the tower structure prevented.

In a further embodiment of the crane device, in the assembled state of the crane device, the crane tower comprises a lower tower section and an upper tower section adjacent thereto, which is rotatable relative to the lower tower section about the longitudinal axis, the lower tower section comprising the landing gear, the crane suspension and a fastening device for fixing the crane Crane device has on tower construction. The mobile crane device is thus designed as a pivoting crane and has a correspondingly large radius of action.

In a further embodiment of the crane device, a load lower bottle is provided, which is arranged in the assembled state of the crane device hanging freely on a load rope. For the preferred case, that the winches for the crane rope and for the load rope each remain on the ground, it is ensured by the freely suspended cargo base, that the load rope is not stretched when moving the crane device by crane rope and crane winch, but not falling limp. Tune tolerances in the speed control of the two winches can be compensated by a relative movement between the load lower bottle and the crane tower, so that an elaborate to be realized, exact tuning of the winch controls is not necessary.

Incidentally, the crane device may be formed with or without a holding device enclosing the tower structure. If the tower construction in the area of the tower crown is made of concrete, for example, then usually no encompassing holding device is necessary, since the crane device can be anchored in the concrete. If, however, the tower construction is designed as a steel mast in the area of the tower crown, then at least in the operating state of the crane device, a holding device embracing the tower shaft of the tower construction is recommended in order not to weaken the steel shell of the tower structure by anchoring openings for the crane device.

• a) Die mobile Kranvorrichtung wird von einem liegenden Transportzustand in einen stehenden Montagezustand am Turmbauwerk überführt;
• b) eine Pilotflasche mit einem Rüstseil wird von der Pilotwinde am Turmbauwerk hochgezogen;
• c) die Pilotflasche wird an einem freien Ende des Hilfskragarms befestigt;
• d) eine Rüstflasche mit einem Kranseil wird von einer am Boden befindlichen Rüstwinde am Turmbauwerk hochgezogen;
• e) die Rüstflasche wird an einem freien Ende des Hauptkragarms befestigt;
• f) die Kranvorrichtung wird von einer Kranwinde am Turmbauwerk hochgezogen, wobei sich die Kranvorrichtung über das Kranfahrwerk am Turmbauwerk abstützt und das Kranfahrwerk axial auf einer Oberfläche des Turmbauwerks entlang rollt;
• g) die Kranvorrichtung wird in einer Endmontageposition an den Kranlagern fixiert und vom Montagezustand in einen Betriebszustand überführt.

Incidentally, the object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a method for temporary installation of a crane device mentioned above on an existing tower construction of a wind energy plant, wherein the tower construction comprises a pilot winch with pilot rope and in the area of a tower crown a radially projecting auxiliary cantilever, a radially projecting main cantilever and several crane bearings comprising the method comprising the steps of:

• a) The mobile crane device is transferred from a horizontal transport state to a stationary state of installation on the tower structure;
• b) a pilot bottle with a set-up rope is pulled up by the pilot winch at the tower;
• c) the pilot bottle is attached to a free end of the Hilfskragarms;
• d) a set-up bottle with a crane rope is pulled up by a scaffolding winch located on the ground at the tower structure;
• e) the set-up bottle is attached to a free end of the Hauptkragarms;
• f) the crane device is pulled up by a crane winch on the tower structure, wherein the crane device is supported by the crane landing gear on the tower structure and rolls the crane landing gear axially on a surface of the tower structure;
• g) the crane device is fixed in a final assembly position on the crane bearings and transferred from the mounting state to an operating state.

As a result of the gradual increase in load-bearing capacity of the lifting gear, the assembly method described requires no fixed installation in the tower structure, expensive special hoist, but only a pilot winch or a simple and inexpensive light-load hoist, which is usually present anyway in the tower structure. At the same time, the method according to the invention allows a relatively rapid assembly and disassembly of the crane device at or from the tower structure.

In a variant of the method, the crane device is erected in step a) by a erecting cylinder of a crane transporter. Thus, an additional, separate crane for setting up the crane device can be dispensed with.

In a further variant of the method, the crane device is transferred in step a) by the Rüstflaschenzug itself from the horizontal position in the upright position. In the process, the center-pull pulley itself pulls the crane from the crane transporter to the tower and then up.

Furthermore, the crane device can be moved in step a) by means of a mobile transport block to the tower structure.

Furthermore, the transport stand can be secured with connecting means against lifting.

Further, the transport stand may be provided with an adjustable receiving device to apply the crane landing gear after erecting the crane on the tower. The cradle also picks up the crane while laying on the ground again.

The pilot winch with pilot rope can be permanently installed in the area of the tower crown or can be transported to the tower crown by step b) through a light-load hoist permanently installed in the tower structure. Lightweight hoists are, for example, simple chain hoists or goods lifts and are part of the basic equipment of conventional tower structures for wind turbines. Unless a pilot winch with pilot rope is already present in the tower structure, it can easily be transported to the tower crown by the light-load hoist.

The set-up bottle is mounted on a transport unit according to a further variant of the method and is pulled upward in step d) such that the transport unit rolls or slides along a surface of the tower structure. The transport unit is in particular a trolley or carriage and serves as an impact protection, when the set-up bottle, for example, detected by the wind and is acted upon against the tower structure. Damage or visual impairment of the tower structure can be easily and effectively prevented in this way.

According to a further variant of the method, both the crane winch for axially moving the crane device by means of the crane rope and a load winch for axially moving components of the wind turbine by means of a load rope on the ground, wherein a load lower bottle of the crane device in step f) depends freely on the load rope and on the Loading winch is pulled up together with the crane device. This ensures that the load rope is not stretched excessively when moving the crane device by crane rope and crane winch, but also does not fall limp. Voting tolerances in the speed control of the two winches are compensated by a relative movement between the load lower bottle and the crane tower, so that a complex to be realized, exact tuning of the winch controls is not necessary.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. In these show:

1 a schematic side view of the crane device according to the invention in an assembled state;

2 a schematic side view of the crane device according to 1 in an operating condition;

3 a schematic section through the crane device according to 1 ;

4 a schematic section through the crane device according to 2 ;

5 a schematic section through a crane device according to the invention according to an alternative embodiment;

6 two schematic detail views of a crane device according to the invention in the region of an axial end;

7 a schematic detail view of a crane device according to the invention in the assembled state in the region of an axial end;

8th a schematic detail view of a crane device according to the invention in the operating state in the region of an axial end;

9 a schematic detail view of a present in the assembled state, crane device according to the invention in the region of a fastening device;

10 a detailed schematic view of a crane device according to the invention located in the operating state in the region of a fastening device;

11a C shows a schematic process sequence for transferring a crane device according to the invention from a horizontal transport state to a stationary state of installation on the tower structure;

12a D shows a schematic process sequence for the temporary installation of a crane device according to the invention on an existing tower construction of a wind energy plant;

13 a schematic view of a crane device according to the invention in the operating state when lifting a nacelle;

14 a schematic view of a crane device according to the invention in the operating state when lifting a rotor blade;

15 the schematic view of the crane device according to 14 when lifting a rotor blade according to an alternative embodiment; and

16 the schematic view of the crane device according to 14 when lifting a rotor blade according to another alternative embodiment.

17 the alternative variant for erecting the crane by means of the Rüstflaschenzuges.

18 an actuator for the crane suspension in detail.

19 the transport trestle in detail with fasteners against lifting and an adjustable recording device to create the crane undercarriage after erecting the crane on the tower and later remove again.

The 1 to 4 show schematic views and sections of a mobile crane device 10 for temporary installation on an existing tower construction 12 a wind turbine, with a crane tower 14 having a longitudinal axis A, which in an assembled state of the crane device 10 at the tower building 12 to a vertical direction 16 inclined ( 1 ) and in a tower construction 12 mounted operating state of the crane device 10 extends substantially vertically ( 2 ). An inclination angle α between the longitudinal axis A of the crane tower 14 and the vertical direction 16 is in the assembled state of the crane device 10 according to 1 preferably not more than 10 °, in particular not more than 5 °.

At the crane tower 14 is a boom 18 Specifically, a jib of the crane device 10 pivotally mounted, the boom 18 in the assembled state of the crane device 10 worked down.

At the crane tower 14 is also a crane suspension 26 for attachment of a tower construction 12 to be stored crane rope 28 for vertical movement of the crane device 10 formed, with the crane suspension 26 a force application point P for the crane rope 28 Are defined. According to 3 is the force application point P in the mounting state of the crane device 10 in a vertical plan view radially between the contact means 22 , specifically a contact point of the contact means 22 with a surface of the tower structure 12 , and the center of gravity S of the crane device 10 arranged. Below the force application point P is an idealized suspension point of the crane device 10 at the tower building 12 to understand, in the case of a crane suspension in several (possibly spaced) individual points from these individual points, a resulting, "virtual" force application point P is formed. Particular preference is given to all individual points of the crane suspension 26 in that in the assembled state of the crane device 10 in a vertical plan view radially between the contact means 22 and the center of gravity S of the crane device 10 are arranged.

According to the 1 and 2 the crane tower has exactly one crane undercarriage in the axial direction 20 on, in the assembled state of the crane device 10 below the center of gravity S of the crane device 10 at a lower end 30 of the crane tower 14 is arranged. Here are all contact means 22 of the crane landing gear 20 within a contact area 32 (see also 7 and 8th ), the axial dimension of a maximum of 10%, in particular a maximum of 5% of the axial dimension of the crane tower 14 equivalent. This axially short contact area 32 contributes to the crane tower 14 in the assembled state of the crane device 10 over the crane landing gear 20 relative to the tower structure 12 can be pivoted essentially freely. By means of this free pivotability, a stable equilibrium state with a (variable) inclination angle α is continuously established, in which the crane device 10 about the crane landing gear 20 radially on the tower structure 12 supported and over the crane suspension 26 pulled up in the axial direction or drained down.

The 3 shows a schematic section through the crane device 10 in the assembled state, consequently the crane landing gear 20 two in the circumferential direction 24 spaced contact means 22 for support at the tower construction 12 has, wherein the Force application point P of the crane suspension 26 in the circumferential direction 24 essentially midway between the two contact means 22 is arranged.

In lateral wind a lateral, that is tangential drifting on the tower structure 12 To prevent and achieve a defined final assembly position accurately and reliably, is the crane chassis 20 to some extent steerable.

The contact means 22 are therefore steerable support wheels, with which a drift caused by crosswind can be compensated. The position monitoring of the crane device 10 in the assembled state, preferably by means of a camera, so that the crane device 10 is unmanned in the assembled state and accordingly lower safety requirements must be met.

The 4 shows a schematic section through the crane device 10 in their operating state according to 2 , being at the crane tower 14 a laterally projecting fastening device 34 for fixing the crane device 10 at the tower building 12 is provided. The fastening device 34 is in the assembled state of the crane device 10 according to 1 first of the tower construction 12 spaced and only in the operating state according to 2 that is in the final assembly position of the crane device 10 , with the tower structure 12 connected. According to 4 has the fastening device 34 two in the circumferential direction 24 spaced mounting arms 36 for fixing the crane device 10 at the tower building 12 on, wherein the force application point P of the crane suspension 26 in the circumferential direction 24 essentially midway between the two attachment arms 36 is arranged.

In the axial direction is the crane suspension 26 closer to the fastening device 34 as at the crane landing gear 20 arranged, with the crane suspension 26 according to the 1 and 2 even especially in the fastening device 34 can be integrated.

The crane landing gear 20 is in the illustrated embodiment, a one-sided chassis, which in the assembled state of the crane device 10 only on one half of the tower 38 of the tower structure 12 is applied. Due to the position of the force application point P for the crane rope 28 as well as the over the crane landing gear 20 freely pivoting crane tower 14 can the crane device 10 in the manner of a wheelbarrow axially along the surface of the tower structure 12 move, the weight of the crane device 10 creates a moment which the crane landing gear 20 reliable against the surface of the tower structure 12 applied. Thus, in particular no encompassing chassis with back, that is on the other half of the tower circumference 39 necessary supporting elements.

In operation, the crane device 10 then with or without a tower shaft of the tower structure 12 encompassing holding device 40 be educated.

Is the tower structure 12 in the area of its tower crown 62 made of concrete, so is according to 4 Usually no encompassing holding device necessary because the crane device 10 can be easily anchored in the concrete.

If the tower construction 12 however according to 5 in the area of the tower crown 62 designed as a steel mast, is recommended at least in the operating state of the crane device 10 one the tower shaft of the tower building 12 encompassing holding device 40 to the steel shell of the tower building 12 not through anchoring openings for the crane device 10 to weaken. Because the tower construction 12 in the operating state of the crane device 10 in the respective anchor points or crane bearings 72 locally stressed is in such a steel version of the tower crown 62 in the area of crane bearings 72 additionally a stiffening construction 42 provided to unwanted radial deformation of the steel sheets of the tower structure 12 easy and reliable to prevent.

The stiffening construction 42 is in the present embodiment, only temporarily, that is, at least during assembly and disassembly and during operation of the crane device 10 , provided in the tower structure and therefore made to simplify assembly in lightweight construction, such as carbon fiber. According to 5 is the stiffening construction 42 designed as a spoked wheel, which is attached to the crane bearings 72 take in introduced radial forces and over the circumference of the tower structure 12 can distribute, so that an undesirable radial deformation of the thin steel shell is prevented.

The 6 shows a detailed view of the crane device 10 in the region of its axially lower end 30 and illustrates that the crane tower 14 in the direction of its longitudinal axis A is telescopic. This allows the axial dimension of the crane tower 14 for example, in a transport state of the crane device 10 Minimize on a special low loader (see also 11a ) and in an operating state of the crane device 10 maximize (see also 13 ), the moment load of the tower structure 12 to reduce.

The 7 and 8th show a detail view of the crane device 10 in the region of the axially lower end 30 in the assembled state or in Operating state of the crane device 10 , It is again clear that the crane tower 14 over the crane landing gear 20 freely swiveling to the tower building 12 is, wherein the longitudinal axis A of the crane tower 14 in the assembled state according to 7 to the vertical direction 16 inclined by α ≈ 5 ° and in the operating state according to 8th essentially vertical.

In addition, the crane landing gear 20 according to the 7 and 8th in the field of contact agents 22 a locking device 44 for fixing the crane device 10 at the tower building 12 on. This locking device 44 connects the crane device 10 positive fit with the tower structure 12 and in particular prevents the crane landing gear 20 (and thus the crane tower 14 ) in the operating state of the crane device 10 radially from the tower 12 away. By contrast, in the assembled state of the crane device 10 radially from the tower 12 away prefers no positive connection with the tower structure 12 available.

The 9 and 10 show detail of the crane device 10 in the field of fastening device 34 in the assembly or operating state. The crane tower 14 here has a lower tower section 50 and an upper tower portion axially adjacent thereto 52 on, the opposite of the lower tower section 50 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis A, wherein the lower tower section 50 the crane landing gear 20 , the crane suspension 26 and the fastening device 34 for fixing the crane device 10 at the tower building 12 having. The boom 18 is on the other hand at the upper tower section 52 pivotally mounted, with the boom 18 in the assembled state of the crane device 10 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the crane tower 14 extends downwards ( 1 ), so a cargo bottom 46 the crane device 10 axially in the region of the lower tower section 50 , in particular in the region of the lower end 30 of the crane tower 14 is arranged. The crane device 10 is in the illustrated embodiment, therefore, a mobile free-pivoting crane.

According to 1 is the load bottom bottle 46 in the assembled state of the crane device 10 free hanging on a load rope 48 the crane device 10 arranged. For the preferred case that both a crane winch 82 for the crane rope 28 as well as a load winch 88 for the load rope 48 remain on the ground (see 12d ), is through the freely suspended load bottom bottle 46 ensured that when moving the crane device 10 by means of the crane winch 82 the load rope 48 is neither overly tense nor slack falls. Voting tolerances in the speed control of the two winches 82 . 88 can thereby by a relative movement between the lower cargo bottle 46 and the crane tower 14 be compensated. A complex, exact tuning of the winch controls is therefore not necessary.

According to the 9 and 10 is the fastening device 34 in the assembled state of the crane device 10 first of the tower construction 12 spaced and only in the operating state, that is in the final assembly position of the crane device 10 at the tower building 12 , with the tower structure 12 positively connected.

In particular, the attachment arms 36 the fastening device 34 Engagement bolt, which in the operating state of the crane device 10 according to 10 in corresponding anchoring recesses of the tower structure 12 engage and both vertical and horizontal forces of the crane device 10 in the tower building 12 can initiate.

Based on 11 and 12 Hereinafter, the method for temporarily mounting the above-described mobile crane device will be described 10 on an existing tower construction 12 a wind turbine.

The weight and dimensions of the mobile crane device 10 are preferably designed so that substantially the entire crane device 10 on a single crane transporter 54 to various tower structures 12 can be transported. According to 11a is the crane device 10 exemplified in a lying transport state on a special low loader.

For mounting on an existing tower construction 12 becomes the crane device 10 through a positioning cylinder 56 the crane transporter 54 erect, that is, from their lying transport state according to 11a in a standing mounting condition according to 11b transferred.

Preference is given by the crane transporter 54 or a support vehicle, a transport trestle 58 carried along, on which the crane device 10 after standing up from the transport state ( 11b ).

The transport truck 58 is in accordance with the 11a to 11c Mobile trained to the crane device 10 by means of the transport trestle 58 from the crane transporter 54 to the tower building 12 to drive, where it is at the with the Transportbock 58 the distance to be traveled is a maximum of a few meters. Thus the stability of the crane device 10 on the mobile trolley 58 is ensured, the transport is preferably on rails 60 that have as exact as possible a horizontal orientation. Incidentally, the crane device 10 after erecting by a safety rope with the tower structure 12 be connected to the crane device 10 while moving on the trestle 58 secure against tipping.

Further, the crane device 10 on the conveyor 58 pivotally mounted and can accordingly be rotated about the longitudinal axis A. Thus, the crane device can be 10 by means of the adjusting cylinder 56 and the trolley 58 from the lying transport state to the stationary mounting state at the tower construction 12 convict.

Usually the tower structure points 12 for reasons of economy no permanently installed heavy-duty hoist, which is the crane device 10 to the tower crown 62 of the tower structure 12 could lift. However, it is assumed that at the tower construction 12 a pilot winch 64 with pilot rope 66 as well as in the area of the tower crown 62 a radially projecting Hilfskragarm 68 , a radially projecting main cantilever 70 as well as several crane bearings 72 are provided.

For temporary installation of the crane device 10 at the tower building 12 the following procedure is therefore proposed:
First, according to 12a a pilot bottle 74 with a set-up rope 76 from the pilot winch 64 at the tower building 12 to the tower crown 62 Pulled up and at a free end of the Hilfskragarms 68 attached.

According to 12b then becomes a preparation bottle 78 with the crane rope 28 from a scaffolding winch located on the ground 80 at the tower building 12 pulled up and according to 12c at a free end of the main cantilever 70 attached.

Subsequently, the crane device 10 from a crane winch, preferably located on the ground 82 at the tower building 12 pulled up, with the crane device 10 over the crane landing gear 20 at the tower building 12 supports and the crane landing gear 20 axially on a surface of the tower structure 12 rolls along ( 12d ).

Finally, the crane device 10 in a final assembly position on the crane bearings 72 fixed and from the mounting state to the operating state ( 2 ).

Depending on the equipment and construction of the tower structure 12 are various process variants conceivable or certain adjustments to the process necessary. For example, it is conceivable that the tower construction 12 has only a single cantilever, where both the pilot bottle 74 as well as the preparation bottle 78 can be hung. In other words, in this case, the auxiliary cantilever would be 68 with the main cantilever 70 identical or in one piece.

Furthermore, the pilot winch 64 with the pilot rope 66 firmly in the area of the tower crown 62 be installed or alternatively at the beginning of the assembly process by a light-load hoist 84 to the tower crown 62 be transported. Such a light-weight hoist 84 For example, a simple chain hoist or goods lift is usually used to transport small parts in each tower structure 12 present and can at a load of about 300-500 kg the pilot winch 64 with pilot rope 66 to the tower crown 62 transport.

The pilot winch 64 with the pilot rope 66 is then designed for a payload of about 3-5 t and can therefore be the set-up bottle 78 with the crane rope 28 to lift.

As in 12b indicated, is the preparation bottle 78 preferably on a transport unit 86 , For example, a trolley or carriage mounted and is pulled up so that the transport unit 86 on the surface of the tower structure 12 rolls along or slides. This will easily damage the tower structure 12 through the heavy preparation bottle 78 reliably prevented.

Both the crane winch 82 for axially moving the crane device 10 by means of the crane rope 28 as well as a load winch 88 for axially moving components of the wind turbine by means of the load rope 48 are according to 12d on the ground, with the bottom load bottle 46 the crane device 10 when pulling up the crane device 10 according to 12d free on the load rope 48 hangs and over the load winds 88 together with the crane device 10 to the tower crown 62 is pulled up.

Through the freely suspended load bottom bottle 46 It is ensured that when moving the crane device 10 by means of the crane winch 82 the load rope 48 is neither overly tense nor limp falls. Voting tolerances in the speed control of the crane winch 82 and the load winds 88 are thereby by a relative movement between the load bottom bottle 46 and the crane tower 14 compensated. A complex, exact tuning of the winch control is therefore not necessary.

The 13 shows the crane device 10 in their operating state when lifting a so-called gondola 90 the wind turbine on the tower crown 62 , To an undesirable swinging of the gondola 90 to prevent for example due to crosswind are according to 13 guide ropes 92 provided a controlled transport of the gondola 90 to ensure.

The cantilever jib 18 the crane device 10 is in a pivot bearing 94 to the crane tower 14 hinged, with a vertical distance between this pivot bearing 94 and the tower crown 62 at least one vertical one Dimension of the gondola 90 matches, so the boom 18 the crane device designed as a tower crane 10 the gondola 90 even after their installation can easily run over (see 14 ).

The 14 shows the at the tower building 12 mounted crane device 10 in its operating state when mounting a rotor blade 96 the wind turbine.

In the installation variant according to 14 the rotor blade extends 96 essentially vertical and becomes a hub from below 98 the gondola 90 stated. To enable such mounting, the rotor blade is 96 by means of a special mounting device 99 to the load bottom bottle 46 the crane device 10 attached.

In the process variant according to 15 the rotor blade extends 96 essentially horizontal, is raised in its center of gravity SR and substantially horizontally to the. hub 98 the gondola 90 stated. Depending on the size of the rotor blade 96 must be the crane device 10 have a relatively large boom length l in this assembly variant.

By a corresponding adjustment of the mounting device 99 according to 16 lets the rotor blade 96 also diagonally from below to the hub 98 the gondola 90 attach, whereby the boom length l reduced, or even rotor blades can be mounted, the center of gravity is outside the maximum gripping length of the boom.

17 shows a variant of the method of erecting, in which the crane 10 by means of the already established in the area of the spire towing pulley 28 is raised from its lying position. This variant of the method is particularly suitable when the crane transporter 54 backwards to the tower 12 drives up.

18 schematically shows a device 106 to which the crane attack point P is attached and which is relative to the tower sections 50 and 52 in the transverse direction 102 be moved way or away. The figure shows that the device 106 also in the longitudinal direction 100 can be moved. Furthermore, a rotatability in a joint 104 possible. Furthermore, hybrid forms are possible in order to displace the crane application point P in relation to the crane device 10 to move. In this way, the crane device can be 10 by moving the crane application point P, in particular along the axis 102 swing back and forth and the inclination of the crane device by moving the crane application point, in particular along the axis 100 influence.

19 shows the carrier 58 in detail. He may in one embodiment with fasteners 120 and 122 be provided that secure him against taking off. The fasteners 120 can be attached to the transport stand, in the vicinity of the transport stand 122 or combined. It is also a ballast (not shown) of the Transportbockes or a version with a corresponding weight conceivable. The winds 88 and 82 be with a drive 140 driven, in which case preferably hydraulic or electric drives come into question. The crane device is preferably with its own drive 142 provided, which preferably goes with the tower top. To the crane landing gear 22 to the tower structure 12 can set the Transportbock with a device 126 equipped, which can move back and forth so that the crane device can be applied after erecting the tower structure. This movement can be achieved by an actuator 125 and bearings 124 respectively.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 19741988 A1 [0009, 0010]
• DE 000019647515 A1 [0010]
• EP 000001350953 A2 [0010, 0010]
• WO 002004088133 A1 [0010]
• WO 002008059118 A1 [0010]
• WO 002009080047 A2 [0010]
• WO 2011134477 A1 [0011]

Claims (16)

Mobile crane device for temporary installation on an existing tower construction ( 12 ) of a wind turbine, with a crane tower ( 14 ) having a longitudinal axis (A), which in a mounting state of the crane device ( 10 ) at the tower ( 12 ) to the vertical direction ( 16 ) and is located in one of the towers ( 12 ) mounted operating state of the crane device ( 10 ) extends substantially vertically, one at the crane tower ( 14 ) pivotally mounted boom ( 18 ), which in the assembled state of the crane device ( 10 ) is folded down, a crane landing gear ( 20 ), which in the assembled state of the crane device ( 10 ) at the side of the crane tower ( 14 ) to the tower building ( 12 ) and contact means ( 22 ), with which the crane device ( 10 ) at the tower ( 12 ) is supported and along this vertically movable, and one at the crane tower ( 14 ) trained crane suspension ( 26 ) for attachment of a tower construction ( 12 ) to be stored crane rope ( 28 ) for the vertical movement of the crane device ( 10 ), the crane suspension ( 26 ) a force application point (P) for the crane rope ( 28 ) defined in the assembled state of the crane device ( 10 ) in a vertical plan view radially between the contact means ( 22 ) and the center of gravity (S) of the crane device ( 10 ), wherein the crane tower ( 14 ) in the assembled state of the crane device ( 10 ) via the crane landing gear ( 20 ) freely pivotable to the tower structure ( 12 ). Crane device according to claim 1, characterized in that the crane landing gear ( 20 ) two in the circumferential direction ( 24 ) spaced contact means ( 22 ) for support on the tower structure ( 12 ), wherein the force application point (P) of the crane suspension ( 26 ) in the circumferential direction ( 24 ) substantially centrally between the two contact means ( 22 ) is arranged. Crane device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the crane landing gear ( 20 ), in particular in the field of contact 22 ), a locking device ( 44 ) for fixing the crane device ( 10 ) at the tower ( 12 ) having. Crane device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the crane tower ( 14 ) in the axial direction exactly one crane landing gear ( 20 ), which in the assembled state of the crane device ( 10 ) below the center of gravity (S) of the crane device ( 10 ) at a lower end ( 30 ) of the crane tower ( 14 ) is arranged. Crane device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all contact means ( 22 ) of the crane chassis ( 20 ) within a contact area ( 32 ) whose axial dimension is at most 10%, in particular at most 5% of the axial dimension of the crane tower ( 14 ) corresponds. Crane device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the crane landing gear ( 20 ) is steerable. Crane device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the crane tower ( 14 ) a fastening device ( 34 ) for fixing the crane device ( 10 ) at the tower ( 12 ) is provided, wherein the fastening device ( 34 ) at the side of the crane tower ( 14 ) protrudes. Crane device according to claim 7, characterized in that the fastening device ( 34 ) two in the circumferential direction ( 24 ) spaced mounting arms ( 36 ) for fixing the crane device ( 10 ) at the tower ( 12 ), wherein the force application point (P) of the crane suspension ( 26 ) in the circumferential direction ( 24 ) substantially centrally between the two mounting arms ( 36 ) is arranged. Crane device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the crane suspension ( 26 ) in the axial direction closer to the fastening device ( 34 ) than at the crane landing gear ( 20 ) is arranged. Crane device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the crane tower ( 14 ) in the assembled state of the crane device ( 10 ) a lower tower section ( 50 ) and an adjacent, upper tower section ( 52 ), which is opposite the lower tower section ( 50 ) about the longitudinal axis (A) is rotatable, wherein the lower tower section ( 52 ) the crane landing gear ( 20 ), the crane suspension ( 26 ) and a fastening device ( 34 ) for fixing the crane device ( 10 ) at the tower ( 12 ) having. Crane device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a load lower bottle ( 46 ) is provided, which in the assembled state of the crane device ( 10 ) hanging freely on a load rope ( 48 ) is arranged. Method for temporarily mounting a mobile crane device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims on an existing tower construction ( 12 ) of a wind turbine, the tower ( 12 ) a pilot winch ( 64 ) with pilot rope ( 66 ) as well as in the area of a tower crown ( 62 ) a radially projecting auxiliary cantilever ( 68 ), a radially projecting main cantilever ( 70 ) and several crane bearings ( 72 ), the method comprising the steps of: a) The mobile crane device ( 10 ) is moved from a horizontal transport state to a stationary state of installation on the tower structure ( 12 ) transferred; b) a pilot bottle ( 74 ) with a set-up rope ( 76 ) is driven by the pilot winch ( 64 ) at the tower ( 12 ) pulled up; c) the pilot bottle ( 74 ) is at a free end of the Hilfskragarms ( 68 ) attached; d) a set-up bottle ( 78 ) with a crane rope ( 28 ) is caused by a grounding winch ( 80 ) at the tower ( 12 ) pulled up; e) the preparation bottle ( 78 ) is at a free end of the Hauptkragarms ( 70 ) attached; f) the crane device ( 10 ) is driven by a crane winch ( 82 ) at the tower ( 12 ), wherein the crane device ( 10 ) via the crane landing gear ( 20 ) at the tower ( 12 ) and the crane landing gear ( 20 ) axially on a surface of the tower structure ( 12 ) rolls along; and g) the crane device ( 10 ) is in a final assembly position on the crane bearings ( 72 ) and transferred from the mounting state to an operating state. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the crane device ( 10 ) in step a) by means of the setup winch ( 80 ) through the preparation bottle ( 78 ) is erected. Method according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the pilot winch ( 64 ) with pilot rope ( 66 ) fixed in the area of the tower crown ( 62 ) or before step b) by a light-weight hoist ( 84 ) to the tower crown ( 62 ) is transported. Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that both the crane winch ( 82 ) for axially moving the crane device ( 10 ) by means of the crane cable ( 28 ) as well as a load winch ( 88 ) for axially moving components of the wind turbine by means of a load rope ( 48 ) are located on the ground, with a load lower bottle ( 46 ) of the crane device ( 10 ) in step f) free on the load rope ( 48 ) and about the load winds ( 88 ) together with the crane device ( 10 ) is pulled up. Crane device according to claim 9, characterized in that the force application point (P) of the crane suspension ( 26 ) can be moved and swiveled in both the vertical and in the horizontal direction.

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