阅读说明：本技术 用于将塔架紧固至风力发电机塔架的紧固组件 (Fastening assembly for fastening a tower to a wind turbine tower ) 是由 迈克尔·斯特兰德贝里 肯尼斯·伦德贝里 于 2020-05-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于将细长支撑塔架(2)紧固至风力发电机塔架(3)的紧固组件(1)。紧固组件(1)包括基部部分(1a),基部部分包括：塔架保持部分(4)、固定部分(5)、两个臂(6)以及布置在两个臂(6)中的每一个臂的外部部分处的板(6c),板(6c)可以适配于风力发电机塔架(3)的曲率并且每个板(6c)包括至少一个绳索滑动元件(9)。紧固组件(1)包括经由绳索滑动元件(9)布置的绳索(8)以及布置基部部分(1a)上的绳索张紧设备(11)。绳索(8)在张紧时将板(6c)压靠风力发电机塔架(3)。(The invention relates to a fastening assembly (1) for fastening an elongated support tower (2) to a wind turbine tower (3). The fastening assembly (1) comprises a base portion (1a) comprising: a tower holding part (4), a fixed part (5), two arms (6) and a plate (6c) arranged at an outer part of each of the two arms (6), the plate (6c) being adaptable to the curvature of the wind turbine tower (3) and each plate (6c) comprising at least one rope sliding element (9). The fastening assembly (1) comprises a rope (8) arranged via a rope sliding element (9) and a rope tensioning device (11) arranged on the base portion (1 a). The cable (8) presses the plate (6c) against the wind turbine tower (3) when tensioned.)

1. A fastening assembly (1) for fastening an elongated support tower (2) to a wind turbine tower (3), the fastening assembly (1) comprising:

-a base portion (1a) comprising:

a tower holding section (4),

a stationary part (5), the stationary part (5) being fixedly connected to the tower holding part (4),

two arms (6), each arm comprising an inner portion (6a) and an outer portion (6b),

-a rope (8), the rope (8) being attached to the base portion (1a) for at least partially surrounding the wind turbine tower (3),

-a plate (6c), said plate (6c) being arranged at an outer portion (6b) of each of the two arms (6), said plates (6c) being arranged such that they can be adapted to the curvature of the wind turbine tower (3), and each plate comprising at least one rope sliding element (9), said rope sliding element (9) being arranged to slidably hold the rope (8), said rope sliding element being arranged along the plate to guide the rope (8) around the wind turbine tower (3),

-a rope tensioning device (11), which rope tensioning device (11) is arranged on the base part (1a), wherein the rope is attached to the base part (1a) at least one end via the tensioning device (11), and

the cable (8) is arranged via a cable sliding element (9) of the plate (6c) such that when the cable (8) is tensioned using the cable tensioning device (11), the cable (8) presses the plate (6c) against the wind turbine tower (3).

2. The fastening assembly (1) according to claim 1, comprising:

a support beam (15), the support beam (15) being connected to the base portion (1a) for bearing against the wind turbine tower (3).

3. Fastening assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein the support beam (15) is adapted to move linearly such that the support beam (15) presses against the wind turbine tower (3).

4. The fastening assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one arm is movable relative to the other arm and the inner part (6a) of the at least one movable arm is rotatably attached to the tower holding part (4) or the fixed part (5).

5. The fastening assembly (1) according to claim 4, comprising:

-a moving mechanism (7), said moving mechanism (7) being adapted to move said at least one movable arm such that said arm (6) can grip said wind turbine tower (3).

6. Fastening assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein the two arms (6) are each movable relative to each other, each inner part (6a) is rotatably attached to the tower holding part (4) or the fixed part (5), and the moving mechanism (7) is adapted to move each arm.

7. Fastening assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cable sliding element (9) has an opening (9a) for receiving a cable (8).

8. The fastening assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the two arms (6) are telescopic arms (6), the inner portion (6a) is a cover (6a) and the outer portion (6b) is an extension (6b), wherein the extension (6b) is adapted to be at least partially retracted into the cover (6a) to reduce the length of the arms (6).

9. The fastening assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plate (6c) comprises a friction material (10) having a coefficient of friction of more than 0.30 on the side facing the plate (6c) on the other arm.

10. Fastening assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tensioning device (11) comprises a sliding portion (11a) in which one end of the cord (8) is secured, the sliding portion (11a) being slidable to adjust the tension in the cord (8).

11. A fastening assembly (1) according to any of claims 4 to 6 comprising a movement locking mechanism (12) for each arm, each arm being movable relative to the other arm, wherein the arm (6) is prevented from moving when the movement locking mechanism (12) is actuated.

12. Fastening assembly (1) according to claim 8, comprising two mechanical locking mechanisms (13), wherein the extension (6b) is prevented from moving relative to the cover (6a) when the two mechanical locking mechanisms (13) are actuated.

13. Fastening assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a cord locking mechanism (11c) for the tensioning device (11), which cord locking mechanism (11c) when actuated locks the tensioning device (11) against movement.

14. Fastening assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tower holding section (4) is adapted to at least partially surround the elongated support tower (2) and the tower holding section (4) has a height of at least 0.5 m.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a fastening assembly for fastening an elongated tower to a wind turbine tower.

Background

Currently, wind generators require regular maintenance of their major components (such as rotor blades, gearbox and generator). However, these components are often large and heavy, which causes problems both during assembly and maintenance of the wind turbine. For example, the gearbox may weigh between 20 tons and 45 tons and the generator may weigh between 15 tons and 30 tons. At present, the most common solution is to use large, heavy cranes that lift the components from the ground with a tall crane boom and long steel wires (wires). One of the problems with these cranes is that they are highly sensitive to wind and cannot be operated when the wind speed exceeds certain limits, because the crane becomes too unstable and the wire may start to swing. This may result in a long production stop, thereby reducing the profitability of the wind turbine. Furthermore, the large size and weight of the cranes most commonly used today cause problems with the transportation and assembly of the cranes. A large number of vehicles are currently required to transport the different parts of the crane and once the transport is completed, the assembly of these parts takes a long time to complete. All the above problems result in the assembly and maintenance of wind turbines becoming expensive and time consuming.

Another field of wind power generators is the construction of new assemblies. This involves lifting tower sections on top of each other and mounting on top of a nacelle weighing about 120 tons.

US 9,266,701B 2 discloses a crane with increased stability, which crane comprises a telescopic main support mast on which the crane base is located. The boom projects upwardly from the crane base, and the boom usually projects upwardly from the boom. The crane is adapted to have a load capacity of at least 160,000 pounds and a maximum jib height of at least 262 feet. The present invention addresses the stability problem by using a clamp assembly located on the main support mast and configured to be attached to an existing structure adjacent the crane. The clamping assembly enhances the stability of the mast. The size and weight of the crane with enhanced stability is also reduced compared to the most common cranes used today.

In NL 1,032,591C 2, another solution for a clamping assembly is shown in fig. 8 and 9. Despite the lack of details, the fixed structure of the document has a support band that travels around the tower for stabilizing the crane. The document does not show how the fixed structure is attached to the crane.

Current wind turbine towers can be made taller than ever before, possibly with heights in excess of 200 meters. There is a continuing need to increase the safety for building new wind turbines and accessing the top of the wind turbine tower with spare parts and performing maintenance on the wind turbine tower.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to at least partly overcome the above problems and to provide an apparatus for fastening an elongated support tower to a wind turbine tower. The elongated support tower is raised to move the sections to and from the top of the wind turbine tower. Since the support tower will be very high, the safety and stability of the support tower is ensured by the fastening assembly for fixing the elongated support tower to the wind turbine tower.

This object is achieved by an apparatus as defined in claim 1.

The present disclosure provides a fastening assembly for fastening an elongated support tower to a wind turbine tower. The fastening assembly includes a base portion, the base portion including: a tower holding part, a fixed part fixedly connected to the tower holding part, and two arms, each arm comprising an inner part and an outer part. The fastening assembly includes: a rope attached to the base portion for at least partially surrounding the wind turbine tower; and a plate disposed at an outer portion of each of the two arms. The plates are arranged such that they can adapt to the curvature of the wind turbine tower and each plate comprises at least one rope sliding element arranged to slidably retain a rope, along which the plates are arranged to guide the rope around the wind turbine tower. The fastening assembly comprises a rope tensioning device arranged on the base portion, wherein the rope is attached at least one end to the base portion via the tensioning device. The cable is arranged via the cable sliding element of the plate such that when the cable is tensioned using the cable tensioning device, the cable presses the plate against the wind turbine tower. The ropes are high contact forces of the plates exerted on the surface of the wind turbine by tensioning the ropes. The plate increases the contact surface between the arm and the wind turbine tower and thus increases the stability of the fastening assembly. The cable is therefore slidably attached to the cable sliding element at the plate. The cable is thus guided in the cable sliding element on the plate. Thus, the cable may be used to help the arm with the plate grip the wind turbine tower. The tensioning device serves to tension the rope around the wind turbine tower and thus to fasten the fastening assembly via the plate more tightly to the wind turbine tower. This fastening arrangement allows fastening the elongated support tower to the wind turbine tower by being attached to the support tower and clamping the wind turbine tower with two arms and holding it by a plate tensioned with a rope. The rope is to be arranged around the wind turbine tower and secured in the fastening assembly. Thus, the fastening assembly secures the elongated support tower to the wind turbine tower through the two arms, plates and the cable. Thus, the elongated support tower is securely attached to the wind turbine tower by the fastening assembly.

According to some aspects, the fastening assembly includes a support beam connected to the base portion for supporting against the wind turbine tower. The support beam gives the fastening assembly additional support by pushing against the wind turbine tower to assist the arm in maintaining the fastening assembly in a desired position relative to the wind turbine tower and the elongated tower.

According to some aspects, the support beam is adapted to move linearly such that the support beam presses against the wind turbine tower.

According to some aspects, the support beam is moved linearly by at least one telescopic arm, wherein a hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical piston extends and shortens the telescopic arm. Hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical pistons are reliable and powerful devices for moving the support beams.

According to some aspects, at least one arm is movable relative to the other arm, and an inner portion of the at least one movable arm is rotatably attached to the tower holding part or the fixed part.

According to some aspects, the fastening assembly comprises a moving mechanism adapted to move the at least one movable arm such that the arm can grip the wind turbine tower.

According to some aspects, the two arms are each movable relative to each other, each inner part is rotatably attached to the tower holding part or the stationary part, and the moving mechanism is adapted to move each arm. The two arms are thus movable in order to allow greater flexibility in the wind turbine tower with which the fastening assembly may be used.

According to some aspects, the cord sliding element has an opening for receiving a cord. The cable sliding element is thus arranged such that the cable does not fall out of the cable sliding element, since the sides of the opening enclose the cable on all sides.

The cable has a length such that it reaches around the wind turbine tower when the arm of the fastening assembly grips it.

According to some aspects, the tower holding portion comprises an opening for receiving a support tower. The tower holding section thus holds the support tower on at least a part of all sides of the support tower. Thus, the fastening assembly is attached to the support tower by receiving the support tower in the opening.

According to some aspects, the tower holding portion comprises at least one pinion for engaging a corresponding rack on the support tower such that the fastening assembly is adapted to move along the longitudinal axis of the support tower. This allows the fastening assembly to move up and down along the support tower and also allows the support tower to move up and down relative to the fastening assembly as the fastening assembly grips the wind turbine tower.

According to some aspects, the two arms are telescopic arms, the inner portion is a cover, and the outer portion is an extension, wherein the extension is adapted to be at least partially retracted into the cover in order to reduce the length of the arms. Thus, different distances between the elongated support tower and the wind turbine tower can be compensated for by varying the length of the telescopic arms.

According to some aspects, the fastening assembly comprises a hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical piston inside the cover, and wherein the extension moves with the piston relative to the cover. Hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical pistons are reliable and powerful devices for moving the extensions. When the piston is arranged inside the cover, it is also protected from factors such as rain and dust.

According to some aspects, the moving mechanism comprises one hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical piston per movable arm, each moving mechanism being connected to one arm and the fixed part. A hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical piston is a reliable and powerful device for rotating at least the movable arm.

According to some aspects, the cord comprises more than one cord. It may be advantageous to use more than one rope so that redundancy is obtained and there is no problem if one rope breaks. It may also be easier to handle more than one thinner rope than it is to handle one thicker and stronger rope.

According to some aspects, the panels each comprise at least one cable sliding element per cable, and wherein the cable sliding elements are arranged to guide the cables parallel to each other. Thus, the ropes are arranged parallel to each other on the rope sliding elements of the plate. The ropes then do not interfere with each other because they are held apart by the rope slide members.

According to some aspects, the plate comprises a friction material having a coefficient of friction greater than 0.30 on a side of the other arm facing the plate. Thus, the friction material abuts the wind turbine tower on one side of the plate. By arranging the material with a friction force larger than 0.3, the plate of the fastening assembly will be prevented from rotating relative to the wind turbine tower when the plate is pressed against the support tower by clamping the arms of the support tower.

According to some aspects, the tensioning device comprises a sliding portion in which one end of the cord is secured, the sliding portion being slidable so as to adjust the tension in the cord.

According to some aspects, the sliding portion is pushed or pulled by a hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical piston. The sliding part pulled and pushed by the piston is an effective way to tension the rope with a lot of force.

According to some aspects, the fastening assembly includes a movement locking mechanism for each arm, each arm being movable relative to each other, wherein the arms are prevented from moving when the movement locking mechanism is actuated. Thus, the mobile locking mechanism is the mechanism to be in place when the arm is in the desired position. The movement locking mechanism mechanically prevents the arm from moving and thus increases the security of the fastening assembly.

According to some aspects, the fastening assembly comprises two mechanical locking mechanisms, wherein the extension is prevented from moving relative to the cover when the two mechanical locking mechanisms are actuated. Thus, a mechanical locking mechanism is a mechanism to be in place when the arm is in a desired position when the arm is a telescopic arm. The locking mechanism physically prevents the extension and the cover from moving relative to each other.

According to some aspects, the fastening assembly includes a cord locking mechanism for the tensioning device that, when actuated, locks the tensioning device against movement. Thus, when the rope has been placed in a desired position and has a desired tension, the rope may be locked against movement.

According to some aspects, the fastening assembly includes an opening for receiving a lift that moves up and down along the support tower, the opening being disposed adjacent the stationary portion such that an operator riding the lift may manually access the stationary portion. The operator can thus move along the elongated support tower in the lift without disturbing the fastening assembly. An operator in the elevator may also stop the elevator in the opening and then access many portions of the fastening assembly. For example, an operator may manually tighten the mechanical locking mechanism and/or move the locking mechanism when the arm is in a desired position.

According to some aspects, the tower holding section (4) is adapted to at least partially surround the elongated support tower and has a height of at least 0.5 m. In the case of a fastener assembly having a certain height, the "stick drawer effect" is avoided when moving the fastener assembly up and down. Higher fastening assemblies also distribute forces better over the elongated support tower than lower fastening assemblies.

Drawings

The invention will now be explained in more detail by means of a description of different embodiments of the invention and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary fastening assembly from above.

Fig. 2 shows an exemplary fastening assembly from a perspective view.

Fig. 3 shows an exemplary fastening assembly from a perspective view when the fastening assembly is arranged on a support tower and wherein the arms grip the wind turbine tower.

Fig. 4 shows a close-up view of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 shows a close-up view of an exemplary tensioning device.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary fastening assembly when the exemplary fastening assembly is disposed on a support tower with an arm gripping the wind turbine tower and when the lift is passed through an opening of the lift.

Fig. 7 shows an exemplary fastening assembly from a perspective view.

Fig. 8 shows an exemplary fastening assembly from above.

Fig. 9 shows an exemplary fastening assembly from a perspective view.

Fig. 10 shows an exemplary fastening assembly from the side.

FIG. 11 illustrates, from a perspective view, an exemplary fastening assembly when the exemplary fastening assembly is disposed on a support tower with the arms gripping the wind turbine tower.

Detailed Description

The invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed but may be varied and modified within the scope of the following claims.

Aspects of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The apparatus and methods disclosed herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Like numbers in the drawings indicate like elements throughout.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects of the disclosure only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

The term rope is used herein for all kinds of ropes and arrangements that can be used as ropes, including wire ropes and straps. The rope may be made of a variety of materials, such as manila, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, aramid, jute, Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), and cotton. The cords may be constructed in various ways, such as single braided, twisted, double braided, hollow diamond braided, and the like.

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary fastening assembly 1 from above, and fig. 2 shows the exemplary fastening assembly 1 from a perspective view. Fig. 3 shows an exemplary fastening assembly 1 from a perspective view when the fastening assembly is arranged on a support tower 2 and wherein the arms 6 grip the wind turbine tower 3. Fig. 4 shows a close-up view of fig. 3.

The present disclosure provides a fastening assembly 1 for fastening an elongated support tower 2 to a wind turbine tower 3. The fastening assembly 1 comprises a base portion 1a, which base portion 1a comprises a tower holding portion 4. The tower holding section 4 is a section that holds the fastening assembly 1 to the elongated support tower 2. The tower holding section 4 may be an arrangement for tying the fastening assembly 1 to the support tower 2 on the side of the support tower 2 facing the wind turbine tower 3. In another example, the tower holding portion 4 includes an opening 4a for receiving the support tower 2. Thus, the tower holding part 4 holds the support tower 2 on at least a part of all sides of the support tower 2. The fastening assembly 1 is thus attached to the support tower 2 by receiving the support tower 2 in the opening 4 a. In fig. 1, a tower holding section 4 can be seen, which tower holding section 4 comprises an opening 4a for receiving the elongated support tower 2.

The fastening assembly 1 may be lifted into its position and then secured to the elongate support tower 2, or it may comprise means for climbing the support tower 2. According to some aspects, the tower holding section 4 comprises at least one pinion 4b for engaging a corresponding rack 4c on the support tower 2, such that the fastening assembly 1 is adapted to move along the longitudinal axis of the support tower 2. This allows the fastening assembly 1 to move up and down along the support tower 2 and also allows the support tower 2 to move up and down relative to the fastening assembly 1 when the fastening assembly 1 grips the wind turbine tower 3.

The base part 1a comprises a fixed part 5 fixedly connected to the tower holding part 4. The stationary part 5 is directly or indirectly connected with the tower holding part 4. The stationary part 5 is thus fixed relative to the tower holding part 4. As can be seen in fig. 1, the stationary part 5 is connected to the tower holding part 4 by means of a stationary beam. The beam is used to form an opening 14, which opening 14 can receive a lift, which will be described below in connection with fig. 6.

The base portion 1a comprises two arms 6. Each arm comprises an inner portion 6a and an outer portion 6 b.

The fastening assembly includes: a rope 8, which rope 8 is attached to the base part 1a for at least partly surrounding the wind turbine tower 3 and to a plate 6c, which plate 6c is arranged at the outer part 6b of each of the two arms 6. The plates 6c are arranged such that they can adapt to the curvature of the wind turbine tower 3 and each plate comprises at least one rope sliding element 9, which rope sliding element 9 is arranged to slidably hold the rope 8, along which plate it is arranged for guiding the rope 8 around the wind turbine tower 3. The fastening assembly comprises a rope tensioning device 11 arranged on the base portion 1a, wherein the rope is attached to the base portion 1a at least at one end via the tensioning device 11. The cable 8 is arranged via the cable sliding element 9 of the plate 6c such that when the cable 8 is tensioned using the cable tensioning device 11, the cable 8 presses the plate 6c against the wind turbine tower 3. The ropes are used to ensure a high contact force of the plate on the surface of the wind turbine by tensioning the ropes. The plate increases the contact pressure between the arm and the wind turbine tower and thus increases the stability of the fastening assembly. The cable is therefore slidably attached to the plate at the outer portion of the arm. The cable is thus guided in the cable sliding element on the plate. Thus, the cable may be used to help the arm with the plate grip the wind turbine tower. The tensioning device serves to tension the rope around the wind turbine tower and thus to fasten the fastening assembly more tightly to the wind turbine tower via the plate. This fixing arrangement allows fixing the elongated support tower to the wind turbine tower by being attached to the support tower and clamping the wind turbine tower with two arms and holding it by a rope-tensioned plate. The rope is to be arranged around the wind turbine tower and secured in the fastening assembly. Thus, the fastening assembly secures the elongated support tower to the wind turbine tower through the two arms, plates and the cable. Thus, the elongated support tower is securely attached to the wind turbine tower by the fastening assembly.

As can be seen in the figure, the cable 8 may be arranged around the wind turbine tower 3 while also being slidably attached at the arm 6 via the plate 6 c. The rope sliding element 9 thus guides the rope 8 to the outer part 6b of the arm, to the plate 6 c. The cable 8 may thus be used to help clamp the arm 6 and the plate 6c more tightly to the wind turbine tower 3. The cable sliding element 9 is thus an arrangement ensuring that the cable 8 remains in a position connected to the plate 6c when the arm 6 and the cable 8 hold the wind turbine tower 3. The cord 8 slides longitudinally in a cord sliding element 9.

For example, the plate 6c is made of a relatively thin material in order to be able to adapt to the surface of the wind turbine tower and to different tower diameters. The material may be, for example, steel, aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber, or some type of other composite material.

The ropes are thus attached to the tower holding part 4, the fixed part 5 or one or both arms 6 via the plates 6 c. This fastening arrangement allows the elongate support tower 2 to be fastened to the wind turbine tower 3 by being attached to the support tower 2 and clamping the wind turbine tower 3 with the two arms 6. The cable 8 may be arranged around the wind turbine tower 3 and secured in the fastening assembly 1. Thus, the fastening assembly 1 fastens the elongated support tower 2 to the wind turbine tower 3 by means of the arms 6, the plates 6c and by means of the ropes 8 tensioned with the tensioning device. The elongated support tower 2 is thus firmly attached to the wind turbine tower 3 by the fastening assembly 1.

The tensioning device 11 serves to tension the cable 8 around the wind turbine tower 3 and thus to fasten the fastening assembly 1 more tightly to the wind turbine tower 3. The tensioning device 11 can be implemented in many different ways, for example by using a winch or any kind of linear movement mechanism.

The cable sliding element 9 is for example a ring along the plate 6c, which ring holds the cable 8 in its correct position. The ropes are used to apply force between the plate 6c and the wind turbine tower and to generate pressure. This pressure creates friction between the surface of the plates 6c and the wind turbine towers facing each other. This friction is critical to handle the large forces that occur as the wind impacts the entire assembly of the elongate support tower and the fastening assembly.

Due to the friction between the plate 6c and the wind turbine tower, the forces from the wind on the support tower are transferred into the arm 6 and the plate 6c, which resists slipping. In large tower constructions, the forces are too great to be transferred directly from the telescopic arm to the rope.

The plate 6c is also required to protect the surface of the wind turbine tower. It is desirable to distribute the force over a larger area without shearing the coating from the steel surface.

According to some aspects, the rope sliding element 9 has an opening 9a for receiving the rope 8. In other words, the rope sliding element 9 may comprise a loop for slidably receiving the rope 8. The opening 9a (i.e. the loop) is thus some kind of grommet for receiving the cord 8. Since the sides of the opening enclose the cable on all sides, the cable sliding element is thus arranged such that the cable does not fall out of the cable sliding element.

The cable 8 has a length such that it reaches around the wind turbine tower 3 when the arm 6 of the fastening assembly 1 grips it. Depending on where the ropes 8 are tied, the ropes 8 may not be able to encircle the entire circumference of the wind turbine tower 3.

As can be seen in the exemplary fastening assembly 1 illustrated in the figures, the fastening assembly 1 may comprise a support beam 15, which support beam 15 is connected to the base portion 1a for bearing against the wind turbine tower 3. The support beam 15 is for example a rod which is arranged on at least one telescopic arm such that it can be pressed against the wind turbine tower 3. The rod may be circular for increased contact area with the wind turbine tower 3. For increased stability, the contact area of the rod with the wind turbine tower 3 may be arranged with a material having a coefficient of friction of more than 0.30. The material may also be a soft material for preventing scraping of the wind turbine tower 3. The material is for example rubber. The support beam 15 gives additional support to the fastening assembly 1 by pushing against the wind turbine tower 3 in order to assist the arm 6 in holding the fastening assembly 1 in a desired position relative to the wind turbine tower 3 and the elongate support tower 2. According to some aspects, the support beam 15 is adapted to move linearly such that it presses against the wind turbine tower 3. The support beam 15 is linearly moved by at least one telescopic arm, for example, by extending and retracting the telescopic arm using a hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical piston. The support beam may be moved linearly by other means, such as a rack and pinion arrangement or any kind of mechanism providing a linear guide system. Hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical pistons are reliable and powerful devices for moving the support beams. The support beam 15 may also be fixed.

According to some aspects, at least one arm is movable relative to the other arm, and the inner part 6a of at least one movable arm is rotatably attached to the tower holding part 4 or the fixed part 5. The at least one movable arm is movable in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support tower 2. In other words, one or both arms 6 may be movable relative to the other arm. Substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support tower 2 means that this plane may deviate from the vertical plane by ± 15 ° and preferably by ± 5 °. Thus, at least one arm is movable relative to the other arm in a horizontal plane or in a plane deviating ± 15 ° and preferably ± 5 ° from the horizontal plane. The at least one movable arm makes it easier to use wind turbine towers having different diameters with the fastening assembly. It is also easier to move the fastening assembly up and down the elongate tower if the arms can be moved such that they do not abut the wind turbine tower. The rotatable attachment can be seen in fig. 1 and is for example a hinged bracket.

According to some aspects, the fastening assembly comprises a moving mechanism 7, which moving mechanism 7 is adapted to move at least one movable arm so that the arm 6 can grip the wind turbine tower 3. According to some aspects, the two arms 6 are each movable relative to each other, each inner part 6a is rotatably attached to the tower holding part 4 or the fixed part 5, and the moving mechanism 7 is adapted to move each arm. The two arms 6 may thus be movable in order to allow greater flexibility with which the fastening assembly 1 may be used with the wind turbine tower 3.

The moving mechanisms 7 comprise, for example, one hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical piston per movable arm, each moving mechanism 7 being connected to one arm and to the fixed part 5. A hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical piston is a reliable and powerful device for rotating at least one movable arm. An alternative to the piston is to use a wire system for moving the arm 6. The moving mechanism 7 is connected to the covering portion 6a of the arm, for example. The moving mechanism may also be that the arms are attached to respective springs, which push the arms out of each other. The steel wire can then be used to pull the arm towards the wind turbine tower.

When the fastening assembly 1 is used to fasten an elongated support tower 2 to a wind turbine, different towers may have different distances between them. According to some aspects, the two arms 6 are telescopic arms 6, the inner portion 6a is a cover 6a, and the outer portion 6b is an extension 6b, the extension 6b being adapted to be at least partially retracted into the cover 6a in order to reduce the length of the arms 6. It is thus possible to compensate for different distances between the elongated support tower 2 and the wind turbine tower 3 by varying the length of the telescopic arms 6.

According to some aspects, the fastening assembly 1 comprises a hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical piston inside the cover 6a, and wherein the extension 6b moves with the piston relative to the cover 6 a. A hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical piston is a reliable and powerful device for moving the extension 6 b. When the piston is arranged inside the cover 6a, it is also protected from factors such as rain and dust. The extension 6b may also be movable relative to the cover 6a by other means, such as a rack and pinion arrangement or any kind of mechanism providing a linear guiding system.

In the exemplary fastening assembly 1 shown in the figures, and as mentioned above, the two arms 6 each comprise a plate 6c at the outer portion 6b, which is arranged such that it can be adapted to the curvature of the wind turbine tower 3. The plates 6c may be pre-curved so that they substantially match the curvature of the wind turbine tower 3. The plate 6c increases the contact surface between the arm 6 and the wind turbine tower 3 and thus the stability of the fastening assembly 1. The plate 6c may comprise steel, plastic, composite material, any kind of metal that allows the plate 6c to be flexible.

The plates 6c each comprise at least one rope sliding element 9, the at least one rope sliding element 9 being arranged along the plates for guiding the rope 8 around the wind turbine tower 3. Whereby the cable 8 is guided in the cable sliding element 9 on the plate 6 c. Each plate 6c may have two or more rope sliding elements 9 arranged along the plate 6 c. The rope sliding element may also be a groove in the plate 6c or a combination of a groove and a ring, for example. In case each plate 6c has two or more rope sliding elements 9 arranged along the plate 6c, the rope sliding elements 9 are aligned along the plate 6 c.

According to some aspects, the plate is arranged on the outer portion 6b of the arm 6, on the side of the outer portion 6b facing the other outer portion 6 b. The plate 6c is then arranged to have a first side facing the respective outer portion 6b and a second side facing the other plate 6 c. The rope sliding element is for example arranged on a first side of the plate 6 c. Alternatively the cable sliding element is arranged in a channel inside the plate 6 c.

If the plate 6c is pre-bent, at least one rope sliding element 9 is arranged on the convex side of the pre-bent steel plate 6 c. The cable 8 is thus used to tension the plate 6c and the arm 6 around the wind turbine tower 3 for increasing the stability of the grip of the fastening assembly 1.

As can be seen in the figures, the cord 8 may be arranged between the plate 6c of the arm 6 and the rest of the arm 6. In this case, a cable sliding element 9 may be present between the arm and the plate 6c of the arm. Alternatively, welding or other tying of the plate 6c to the arm is performed so that there is a gap through which the rope 8 passes.

According to some aspects, the cord 8 comprises more than one cord 8. It may be advantageous to use more than one rope 8 so that redundancy is obtained and there is no problem if one rope 8 breaks. It may also be easier to handle one thinner rope 8 than more than one thicker rope 8. According to some aspects, the plates 6c each comprise at least one rope sliding element 9 per rope 8, and wherein the rope sliding elements 9 are arranged to guide the ropes 8 parallel to each other. The ropes 8 are thus arranged parallel to each other on the rope sliding elements 9 of the plate 6 c. In other words, if there is more than one cord 8, the cord sliding elements 9 may be used to arrange the cords 8 adjacent to each other across the width of the plate 6c such that they run parallel along the length of the plate 6 c. The ropes 8 then do not interfere with each other because they are held apart by the rope sliding member 9.

The interior of the plate 6c is covered, for example, by a polymer material which can conform to the surface of the wind turbine tower and create friction which helps to secure the plate 6c against the wind turbine tower.

According to some aspects, the plate 6c includes a friction material 10, the friction material 10 having a coefficient of friction greater than 0.30 on a side of the other arm facing the plate 6 c. The material is thus on one side of the plate 6c to abut the wind turbine tower 3. By arranging a material with a friction larger than 0.3, the plate 6c of the fastening assembly 1 will be prevented from rotating relative to the wind turbine tower 3 when the plate 6c is pressed against the wind turbine tower 3 by the arm 6 gripping the wind turbine tower 3. The material is for example rubber.

Fig. 5 shows a close-up view of an exemplary tensioning device 11. According to some aspects, the tensioning device 11 comprises a sliding portion 11a, in which one end of the rope 8 is tied, which is slidable to adjust the tension in the rope (8). According to some aspects, the sliding portion 11a is pushed or pulled by a hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical piston 11 b. The sliding portion 11a pulled and pushed by the piston 11b is an effective way to tension the rope 8 with a lot of force. In the exemplary tensioning device 11 of fig. 5, the rope 8 also passes through the rollers used to align the rope 8 to the slider. The roller may not be necessary depending on where the rope 8 is tied. If the line 8 is tied to the arm 6 or one of the arms 6, a tensioning device 11 is arranged at the tie of one end of the line 8.

When the fastening assembly 1 has been arranged in its desired position, the fastening assembly 1 is not moved until the elongated support tower 2 is removed. Thus, for redundancy and additional security, a mechanical lock for locking the arm 6 in place may be used. According to some aspects, the fastening assembly 1 comprises a movement locking mechanism 12 for each arm, each arm being movable relative to each other, wherein the arms 6 are prevented from moving when the movement locking mechanism 12 is actuated. Thus, the motion locking mechanism 12 is the mechanism to be in place when the arm 6 is in the desired position. The movement locking mechanism 12 mechanically prevents the arm 6 from moving and thus increases the safety of the fastening assembly 1. Exemplary locking mechanisms are visible in the figures. The illustrated embodiment is put in place by the operator when the fastening assembly 1 is in its desired position. The motion locking mechanism 12 may also be a mechanism that, when the arm 6 is in place, locks the arm 6 in place without requiring the operator to use, for example, a pin that extends into an associated hole.

A mechanism for locking the tension of the rope may also be provided. According to some aspects, the fastening assembly includes a cord locking mechanism 11c for the tensioning device 11, the cord locking mechanism 11c locking the tensioning device 11 against movement when actuated. Thus, when the rope has been placed in a desired position and has a desired tension, the rope can be locked against movement.

A locking mechanism for locking the telescopic arm 6 in position may also be provided. According to some aspects, the fastening assembly 1 comprises two mechanical locking mechanisms 13, wherein the extension 6b is prevented from moving relative to the cover 6a when the two mechanical locking mechanisms 13 are actuated. Thus, the mechanical locking mechanism is the mechanism to be put in place when the arm 6 is a telescopic arm 6, the arm 6 being in the desired position. The locking mechanism physically prevents the extension portion 6b and the cover portion 6a from moving relative to each other. The locking mechanism is for example a pin which is actuated into an associated hole for mechanical locking. The actuation may be motor driven or accomplished by an operator.

Fig. 6 shows an exemplary fastening assembly 1 when it is arranged on the support tower 2 and wherein the arm 6 grips the wind turbine tower 3 and when the lift passes through the opening 14 of the lift. According to some aspects, the fastening assembly 1 comprises an opening 14 for receiving a lift, which moves up and down along the support tower 2, the opening 14 being arranged adjacent to the fixed part 5 such that an operator riding the lift can manually access the fixed part 5. In this case, adjacent (adjacent) means so close that an operator located in the elevator touches the fixed part 5. The operator can thus move along the elongated support tower 2 in the lift without disturbing the fastening assembly 1. An operator in the elevator can also stop the elevator in the opening 14 and then access many parts of the fastening assembly 1. For example, when the mechanical locking mechanism 13 and/or the moving locking mechanism 12 is arranged on the fixed part 5 or on the inner part 6a, the operator may fasten the mechanical locking mechanism 13 and/or the moving locking mechanism 12 with hand.

The box attached to the tower holding part 4 represents the drive mechanism 16 and/or the movement locking mechanism for the tensioning device. In the case of a hydraulic piston, the drive mechanism is, for example, a pump. The drive mechanism may also be a generator if a pinion and a rack or a combination of both are used. The drive mechanism may be arranged anywhere on the fastening assembly as long as it does not interfere with its function. The drive mechanism may be arranged on the stationary part such that an operator standing in the elevator can access the stationary part.

Fig. 7-11 illustrate an exemplary fastener assembly, wherein the fastener assembly is taller than previously illustrated fastener assemblies. In other words, the fastening assembly 1 has a vertical height. Fig. 7 shows an example from a perspective view, and fig. 8 shows an exemplary fastening assembly from above. Fig. 9 shows an exemplary fastening assembly from a different perspective view, and fig. 10 shows the exemplary fastening assembly from the side.

In fig. 10 the height h of the tower holding section 4 is shown. According to some aspects, the tower holding section 4 is adapted to at least partially surround the elongated support tower 2 and the tower holding section 4 has a height of at least 0.5 m. The height is such that the tower holding section 4 at least partially surrounds the elongated support tower 2 along the length of the elongated support tower 2. With a fastening assembly having a height h, the "sticky drawer effect" is avoided or at least reduced when moving the fastening assembly up and down. Higher fastening assemblies also distribute forces better over the elongated support tower than lower fastening assemblies.

In this example, the fastening assembly 1 further comprises a base plate 17 for an operator. The base plate may be retractable such that it is retractable when not in use. In the illustrated example of fig. 7-11, the bottom plate 17 is attached to the support beam 5 such that it is extracted and retracted as the support beam moves. The floor may also be provided with a guard rail 18 for operator safety.

Fig. 11 shows an exemplary fastening assembly from a perspective view when it is arranged on a support tower and with the arms gripping the wind turbine tower.

In the example shown in fig. 7-11, the support beams 15 comprise an upper support beam and a lower support beam, both of which rest against the wind turbine tower. In case the support beam 15 is adapted to move linearly such that it presses against the wind turbine tower 3, then both support beams are moved so as to press against the wind turbine tower.

In the illustrated example, the rope is attached and tensioned at the upper support beam, but it is also possible that the arm 6 and the rope are arranged on the lower part of the fastening assembly, so that the arm 6 and the rope are arranged in the height of the lower support beam 15 or anywhere in between.

In the example shown in fig. 7-11, the plate 6c is attached at the outer portion 6b by a plate holder 19. In this case, plate holder 19 allows passage of cord 8 between outer portion 6b and plate 6c, and binds plate 6c to outer portion 6 b. The wind force on the tower assembly is then transferred to the plate 6c via the plate holder 19. The plate holder 19 is for example rotatably attached to the outer part 6b and fixedly attached to the plate 6 c. The plate may also be attached directly to the outer portion 6b, for example by welding.

It should be noted that when fixing the elongated support tower 2 to the wind turbine tower 3, one or more fastening assemblies may be used at different heights of the elongated support tower 2.

List of references:

1. fastening assembly

a) Base part

2. Slender support tower

3. Wind power generator tower

4. Tower holding part

a) Opening of the container

b) Pinion gear

c) Rack bar

5. Fixed part

6. Arm(s)

a) Inner part, cover

b) Outer part, extension

c) Board

7. Moving mechanism

8. Rope

9. Rope sliding element

a) Opening of the container

10. Friction material

11. Tensioning device

a) Sliding part

b) Piston

c) Rope locking mechanism

12. Mobile locking mechanism

13. Mechanical locking mechanism

14. Opening for an elevator

15. Supporting beam

16. Driving mechanism

17. Base plate for an operator

18. Guard bar

19. Plate holder