HELICAL TOWER AND WINDING MODULE THEREFOR

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a helical tower comprising a plurality of helical tower windings which are helically connected to each other for travel by a vehicle, each of the tower windings being formed from a plurality of winding modules which are connected with each other, which also connect adjacent tower windings to one another, and wherein a respective upper one of the tower windings can be mounted from a respective lower one of the tower windings by connecting further winding modules.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a helical tower, a use, a winding module (coil module) and a method.

BACKGROUND

It is difficult to build a structure work in a terrain where helicopters and large cranes cannot be used.

SUMMARY

There may be a need to build a structure work in a terrain where helicopters and large cranes cannot be used.

This need may be met by a helical tower, by a winding module, by a method and by a use with the features according to the independent protective claims.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a helical tower is provided, comprising a plurality (for example at least three or at least five) of helical tower windings (tower coils) helically connected to each other for travel by a vehicle, wherein each of the tower windings is formed of (from) a plurality (for example at least three or at least five) of interconnected winding modules which also interconnect adjacent tower windings, and wherein a respective upper one of the tower windings is mountable (can be mounted) from a respective lower one of the tower windings by connecting (compounding) further winding modules.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a winding module for forming a helical tower is provided with the features described above, wherein the winding module comprises a surface element (in particular arranged horizontally or inclined) for contributing to trafficability of the helical tower and a connecting element (in particular arranged vertically) for connecting with another winding module of the helical tower (and optionally a stairway element).

According to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a helical tower having the features described above is used for travel (driving on) by a vehicle and/or for walking on by a user in rough terrain.

According to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of mounting a helical tower is provided, the method comprising helically connecting a plurality of helical tower windings together to form a vehicle accessible (drivable) and/or user accessible helical tower, forming each of the tower windings by connecting a plurality of winding modules together such that they also connect adjacent tower windings together, and mounting a respective upper one of the tower windings from a respective lower one of the tower windings by connecting respective winding modules.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a helical and preferably wheelchair-accessible tower is created, which can be built modularly and without a crane or helicopter or other temporary attachment point to be constructed above a construction site. This makes it possible to build high helical towers, with a spiral-shaped barrier-free path serving as an access ramp (for example for wheelchairs, building materials and/or construction equipment).

Within the spiral construction, a next level or winding can be pulled up from a level or winding below. It is particularly preferred to build a helical tower according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in a no-fly zone, a forest, an island or in an area without available cranes, helicopters and heavy construction equipment.

Additional exemplary embodiments of the helical tower, the winding module, the use and the method are described below.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the helical tower may be continuously drivable from the ground to a platform at the top. The entire path from the ground to the platform can be barrier-free for a vehicle or wheelchair.

According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the helical tower may have a plurality of stairway elements that are connected with each other so that they are accessible (can be walked on) by a user. The helical tower can therefore be driven on and walked on at the same time.

According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the stairway elements may be continuously accessible from the ground to the platform at the top. The entire path from the ground to the platform can be barrier-free for a pedestrian and can only require the use of steps.

According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the stairway elements may be helically connected with each other. The helical construction of the access ramp can also be realized by the stairway elements.

According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the stairway elements, which are connected so that they can be walked on, may extend (run) in the opposite spiral direction to the drivable tower windings. A vehicle or wheelchair that unintentionally rolls downhill can thus be protected from falling through the stairway elements.

According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the tower windings may be designed as a drive-on ramp, in particular a wheelchair ramp. A wheelchair can thus be used to cover the entire distance from the ground to a platform at the top of the helical tower.

According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the helical tower may comprise construction equipment, in particular a mini crane, which is attached to the helical tower. Such lightweight construction equipment may be firmly anchored to the helical tower, which improves operational safety.

According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the helical tower may comprise at least one of a group consisting of a railing (in particular for protection against falling), a slide (in particular for sliding between different tower windings), a net (in particular for protection against falling and as a recreational activity), a work safety device and ropes course elements (in particular for climbing park applications). Other equipment may also be attached to the helical tower to further increase its functionality.

According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, each winding module may have a surface element (in particular arranged horizontally or inclined) for contributing to trafficability and a connecting element (in particular arranged vertically) for connecting with another winding module, and optionally a stairway element. The connecting element(s) may connect winding modules arranged one above the other, whereas the surface element may be adjacent to a surface element of an adjacent winding module. Preferably, a winding module has three connecting elements, which preferably run parallel to each other and mechanically connect winding modules arranged vertically one above the other in a particularly reliable manner. The at least one connecting element may have mechanical connecting elements (for example latching elements) at one or two free ends for mechanical connection with connecting elements of winding modules arranged above and/or below. With such a modular design, the helical tower may be constructed in a simple manner by mechanically connecting the connecting elements (for example by plugging them together) and may be scaled as required. If the winding modules also have a stairway element, a driveway for vehicles and a stairway for pedestrians may be formed simultaneously by simply connecting the winding modules.

According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the helical tower may be designed with a polygonal outline, in particular an octagonal outline. An octagonal outline is preferred, as the helical tower can then be constructed with particularly simple and few modules.

According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the rough terrain may comprise at least one of a group consisting of a mountain terrain (in particular a mountain top), a no-fly zone, a forest (in particular without drivable access), an island, and an area without available cranes, helicopters and heavy construction equipment.

Other applications are possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the following figures.

FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a helical tower according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the helical tower according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the helical tower according to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a spatial view of an upper region of the helical tower according to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a spatial view of a winding module of the helical tower according to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the winding module according to FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Identical or similar components in different figures are marked with the same reference numbers.

FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a helical tower 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure during the construction phase. FIG. 2 shows a side view of the helical tower 10 according to FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a top view of the helical tower 10 during the construction phase according to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows a spatial view of an upper region of the helical tower 10 according to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3. FIG. 5 shows a spatial view of a winding module 13 of the helical tower 10 during the construction phase according to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4. FIG. 6 shows a side view of the winding module 13 according to FIG. 5.

The helical tower 10 shown has a plurality of helical tower windings 11, which are connected with one another in a helical manner for continuous travel by a vehicle 12. Each of the tower windings 11 is formed from a plurality of interconnected winding modules 13. Adjacent tower windings 11 are also connected to each other by interconnected winding modules 13. A respective upper one of the tower windings 11 can be mounted from a respective adjacent lower one of the tower windings 11 by connecting further winding modules 13.

Thanks to the modular design described above, it is possible for the helical tower 10 to be continuously drivable from the ground 14 up to a platform 15 on the top.

Furthermore, the helical tower 10 has a plurality (for example at least three or at least five) of stairway elements 16 which are connected to each other so as to be accessible by a user. Said stairway elements 16 extend from the ground 14 to a platform 15 at the top and allow continuous accessibility. Advantageously, the stairway elements 16 are helically connected with one another.

Preferably, the accessible connected stairway elements 16 are arranged to run in the opposite spiral direction to the drivable tower windings 11. This prevents a vehicle, such as a wheelchair, from falling over the stairway elements 16. The vehicle therefore remains reliably on the drivable ramp. The tower windings 11 are in fact designed as a drive-on ramp, more precisely as a wheelchair ramp.

The figures also show that construction equipment 2-5, comprising a mini crane, is attached to the helical tower 10. In addition, further equipment is mounted on the helical tower 10, for example a railing 6, a slide 7, a net and/or ropes course elements.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show that winding modules 13 of the helical tower 10 comprise a surface element 17 for contributing to trafficability and connecting elements 18 for connecting with another winding module 13, as well as a stairway element 16. Winding modules 13 other than the winding module 13 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 may also be installed in the helical tower 10. In particular, a type of winding module 13 can be installed which has a surface element 17 for contributing to the trafficability and connecting elements 18 for connecting with another winding module 13, but no stairway element 16. To form the helical tower 10, connecting elements 18 of winding modules 13 arranged one above the other can be coupled together using mechanical connecting elements (such as plug-in and/or latching elements) and surface elements 17 can be fitted to one another in a substantially horizontal direction. The provision of winding modules 13 with three vertical connecting elements 18, which are arranged in a triangular shape (preferably along an isosceles or equilateral triangle), is particularly advantageous with regard to a stable construction. This configuration creates a prism-shaped connecting structure that promotes a particularly reliable connection of winding modules 13 arranged one above the other. This modular design of the helical tower 10 combines low assembly and disassembly effort with moderate manufacturing effort. The construction of the helical tower 10 from only a few types of different modules, including the winding module 13 as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, allows simple manufacture and assembly. For example, the helical tower 10 can be designed with an octagonal or hexagonal outline. Such a geometry promotes the modular design of the helical tower 10.

Preferably, the helical tower 10 shown is used to be driven on by a vehicle 12 and walked on by a user in rough terrain. The rough terrain can be, for example, a mountain terrain (such as a mountain top), a no-fly zone, a forest, an island or an area without available cranes, helicopters and heavy construction equipment. According to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6, a helical tower 10 suitable for wheelchairs is created, which can be built without a crane, helicopter or other temporary attachment points above it.

This design makes it possible to build high wheelchair-accessible helical towers 10 in places where neither cranes, helicopters, temporary cableways or other temporary lifting points located or flying above the construction site are possible, affordable or permitted. The helical later wheelchair ramp 1 serves as an access ramp for materials and light construction equipment, such as a mobile mini crane 2, a pallet truck, a forklift 3 or an ATW 4. The next level is raised within the spiral from the level below. Furthermore, transportable mini cranes 5 may be temporarily bolted onto the previously completed construction.

The design is therefore particularly suitable for the following areas and conditions:

• • Mountain peaks and similar impassable areas
  • No-fly zones
  • Forests without good access roads
  • Islands without connection for heavy construction equipment, without shipping port or airport
  • Areas where cranes, helicopters or heavy construction equipment are not available, cannot access or fly in, this would not be economical or human labor is significantly cheaper.

One or more staircases 6 may also be added as part of this self-supporting design. The staircases preferably run in a spiral in the opposite direction to the wheelchair ramp. This may reliably prevent an out-of-control wheelchair from falling down the stairs or steps. Other constructions such as railings, slides, nets, ropes course elements and the like may also be easily guided up the ramp. This means that heavy cranes or helicopters etc. may also be dispensed with for these additional constructions. In order to keep the modules transportable and lightweight, but still maintain a diameter that allows wheelchair accessibility within a 360º turn, the wheelchair should overcome one level. An octagonal design is recommended, although all other polygons are also possible. The design is suitable for temporary or stationary towers. The tower is built in modular construction 8 and preferably in steel, aluminum, wood or concrete.

The helical tower 10 shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 may, for example, be built on a small island next to a military airport where neither flying nor heavy equipment (such as crane trucks) can be brought onto the island.

In addition, it should be noted that “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps and “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be regarded as a limitation.

Claims

1. A helical tower, comprising: a plurality of helical tower windings, which are helically connected to each other for travel by a vehicle;wherein each of the tower windings is formed of a plurality of interconnected winding modules which also interconnect adjacent tower windings; andwherein a respective upper one of the tower windings is mountable from a respective lower one of the tower windings by connecting further winding modules.

2. The helical tower according to claim 1, wherein the helical tower is continuously drivable from the ground to a platform at the top.

3. The helical tower according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of stairway elements which are connected with each other so that they are accessible by a user.

4. The helical tower according to claim 3, wherein the stairway elements are continuously accessible from the ground up to a platform at the top.

5. The helical tower according to claim 3, wherein the stairway elements are helically connected with one another.

6. The helical tower according to claim 1, wherein the stairway elements, which are connected so as to be accessible, extend in the opposite spiral direction to the drivable tower windings.

7. The helical tower according to claim 1, wherein the tower windings are designed as a drive-on ramp, in particular as a wheelchair ramp.

8. The helical tower according to claim 1, comprising construction equipment, in particular a mini crane, which is attached to the helical tower.

9. The helical tower according to claim 1, comprising at least one of a group consisting of a railing, a slide, a net and ropes course elements.

10. The helical tower according to claim 1, wherein each winding module comprises a surface element for contributing to the trafficability and a connecting element for connecting with another winding module, and optionally a stairway element.

11. The helical tower according to claim 1, formed with a polygonal outline.

12. A method of using helical tower according to claim 1 travel by a vehicle and/or for walking on by a user in rough terrain.

13. The method of using according to claim 12, wherein the rough terrain comprises at least one of a group consisting of a mountain terrain, a no-fly zone, a forest, an island, and an area without available cranes, helicopters and heavy construction equipment.

14. A winding module for forming a helical tower according to claim 1, wherein the winding module comprises a surface element for contributing to the trafficability of the helical tower and a connecting element for connecting with another winding module of the helical tower.

15. The winding module according to claim 14, wherein the surface element for contributing to the trafficability of the helical tower is arranged horizontally or inclined and the connecting element for connecting with another winding module of the helical tower is arranged vertically.

16. The winding module according to claim 14, further comprising a stairway element.

17. The helical tower according to claim 1, wherein the tower windings are designed as a wheelchair ramp; and/orwherein the construction equipment comprises a mini crane.

18. The helical tower according to claim 10, wherein the surface element for contributing to the trafficability is arranged horizontally or inclined and the connecting element for connecting with another winding module is arranged vertically.

19. The helical tower according to claim 10, wherein each winding module further comprises a stairway element.

20. The helical tower according to claim 11, formed with an octagonal outline.