Abstract:
A platform ( 2 ) in an interior platform for a tubular tower such as a windmill tower ( 24 ) made from steel is disclosed—and more specifically, a platform ( 2 ) adapted to be assembled in situ from construction element members in order to fit the inside wall ( 22 ) of the tower ( 24 ), comprising a basic, preferably circular, centre module ( 4 ), radial, telescoping supporting beam members ( 6 ), wherein the construction element members are modules ( 10, 12  and  14 ) which are independent of the diameter of the platform ( 2 ), and two-piece pivotable modules ( 16 ) which incline for mounting as a periphery ring next to the inside wall ( 22 ) of the tower ( 24 ).

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a platform, in particular an interior platform for a tubular tower, by way of example a windmill tower. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    High towers such as windmill towers are provided with a number of platforms for servicemen and engineers who work inside the tower under the construction period and in connection with the following service operation and maintenance work. 
         [0005]    The platform is used for resting when climbing the latter to the top of the tower. Windmill towers have several inside platforms by way of example eight platforms are very often seen. 
         [0006]    Additionally the platforms also serve as safety partitions between the different levels inside the tower. These partitions ensure that dropped tools etc only fall a relative short distance—which is widely used especially in the windmill industry. 
         [0007]    Platforms of the introductory mentioned type are today made from individual construction element members for each tower in a custom size. The platforms are made from aluminium floor plates that are bent to be self-supporting. Known plates of this type have a width of approximate 500 mm and are bolted together to achieve the desired sizes, as each piece of plate are engineered and manufactured into the specific size and need ( FIGS. 27 and 28 ). 
         [0008]    In other words known methods are expensive because of the required engineering and manufacturing costs. At the same time there are often problems delivering the aluminium floor plates needed for the manufacturing. Also the logistics are a problem, because the aluminium floor plates are only produced in a few locations in the world. Furthermore the engineering is done only in a few locations. The relatively long manufacturing and delivery time often causes expensive delay of the construction work on the windmill. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The invention provides an improved platform of the type discussed above by which a new platform is provided which solves or reduces the need for individual engineering in connection with the assembling of platforms with varying diameters for use as partitions in by way of example inside high windmill towers. 
         [0010]    The platform according to the invention comprises a basic center module, radial telescoping supporting beam members, and wherein the construction element members are modules which are independent of the diameter of the platform. 
         [0011]    By simple provisions a new platform is achieved which solves or reduces the need for individual engineering in connection with the assembling of platforms with varying diameters for use as partitions such by example inside high windmill towers. 
         [0012]    Appropriately the platform according to the invention may be such provided with inner end parts of the radial, telescoping supporting beam members are rigidly connected with the basic center module. 
         [0013]    Furthermore the platform according to the invention may be provided with outer end parts of the radial, telescoping supporting beam members which are adapted to be connected to the inside wall of the tower by mounting members by way of example comprising magnets. 
         [0014]    Preferably the platform according to the invention is manufactured so that the circular center module, the construction element members and at least inner parts of the radial supporting beam members are injection moulded, wherein the plastic moulding material plastic may be reinforced by suitable strength giving additives such as carbon or glass fibers. 
         [0015]    In order to simplify the production and the stocking of construction element members, the platform according to the invention may provide construction element members with at least two types of modules to cover the span between center module and inside wall of the tower, and a two-piece modules which incline to be mounted as a periphery ring next to the inside of the tower wall. 
         [0016]    In order to make it possible to adapt the platform according to the invention to inside tower diameters within a diameter range, each of the two-piece modules comprises a fixed part, which is mounted toward the center of the platform, and a hinged part which pivots to incline from the horizontal position to an inclined position to fit varying diameters of the platform. 
         [0017]    Alternatively, the platform according to the invention includes the fixed part having a connection part of the hinged part which is connectable with an outer end part of one of the modules or may be one of the modules. 
         [0018]    In order to minimize the number of different module sizes, the platform according to the invention may furthermore include at least two types of modules such that a difference between the modules is the angle between the straight sides of the modules and their width, and the modules are assembled by snap-in or spring locks. 
         [0019]    In order to simplify a possible reinforcement of the platform according to the invention it may be advantageous that reinforcing steel bands or plates are fit or placed in between the radial supporting beam members and between end parts of interconnected arched modules. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    In the following the invention is described in more detail with reference to the drawing, in which: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a platform construction according to the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective top view of the platform of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the platform of  FIG. 2  which is seen from the lower side thereof; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective enlarged partial view of the platform of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a center construction element member with radial supporting beam members for a platform according to the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the center construction element member of  FIG. 3  with telescoping extended radial supporting beam members; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  shows an enlarged perspective view of the center construction element member with shortened radial supporting beam members; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of an embodiment for an outer, two-piece construction element member which inclines according to the invention to accommodate interior sections of towers of different diameter; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  shows a plane view illustration of different construction element members needed for the construction a platform according to the invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  shows a plane view illustrating different construction element members needed for the construction of a platform with a diameter of 2000 mm according the invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  shows a plane view illustrating the different construction element members needed for the construction of a platform with a diameter of 3000 mm according the invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  shows a plane view illustrating the different construction element members needed for the construction of a platform with a diameter of 4000 mm according the invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  shows a plane view illustrating the different construction element members needed for the construction of a platform with a diameter of 5000 mm according the invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  shows a plane view illustrating the different construction element members needed for the construction of a platform with a diameter of 5900 mm according the invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  shows a combined plane and perspective view illustrating the proper angular position of the outer two-piece construction element member of a platform which inclines according to the invention with a diameter of about 7000 mm; 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  shows a combined plane and perspective view illustrating the proper angular position of the outer, two-piece construction element member which inclines of a platform according to the invention with a diameter between 6500-7000 mm; 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  shows a combined plane and perspective view illustrating the proper angular position of the outer two-piece construction element member of a platform which inclines according to the invention with a diameter between 6500-7000 mm; 
           [0038]      FIG. 18  shows a combined plane and perspective view illustrating the proper angular position of the outer two-piece construction element member of a platform which inclines according to the invention with a diameter close to 6500 mm; 
           [0039]      FIG. 19  show a perspective view illustrating the placement of the basic center construction element member with telescoping extended radial supporting beam members of  FIG. 3  inside a horizontal windmill tower section; 
           [0040]      FIG. 20  shows a perspective view illustrating the mounting of the basic center construction element member of  FIG. 17  according to the invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 21  shows a perspective view illustrating the mounting of an innermost ring of construction element members between the radial supporting beam members of a platform according to the invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 22  shows a perspective view illustrating the mounting of the next ring of construction element members between the radial supporting beam members of a platform according to the invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 23  shows a perspective view illustrating the mounting of the next ring of construction members between the radial supporting beam members of a platform according to the invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 24  shows a perspective view illustrating the mounting of the outermost ring of two-piece construction members of a platform which incline according to the invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 25  shows on computer screen how the calculation takes place for determination of the required number of different constructions element members for a platform having a diameter of 483 mm in the upper line of the screen; 
           [0046]      FIG. 26  shows a perspective view illustrating how steel which inclines is positioned in between the ring-shaped rows of arched construction element members in order to reinforce the platform according the invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 27  shows on a computer screen how the prior art platform construction takes place by creating individually shaped plate items of aluminium floor plate; and 
           [0048]      FIG. 28  shows a perspective view illustrating the prior art of cutting up of the individually shaped aluminium floor plates for a specific windmill platform. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0049]      FIGS. 1-4  show a preferred embodiment of a platform  2  according to the invention for in situ mounting inside a windmill tower. 
         [0050]      FIG. 9  illustrates a view from the managing system where the placement of the cursor on the construction element members shown in the left hand side of  FIG. 9  automatically highlights the following construction element members shown in the right hand side of  FIG. 9 : 
         [0051]    A basic center module  4  comprises twelve radial, telescoping supporting beam members  6 . The outer end part  8  thereof include tubes which by way of example are metal and have a rectangular cross section, twelve inner modules  10 , two rows of further intermediate modules  12 , where the second row also comprises narrow adapting modules  14 , and finally a outermost row of two-piece modules  16  ( FIG. 8 ) comprising a fixed part  18 , which is mounted toward the center of the platform  2 , and a hinged part  20  which pivots from the horizontal position to an inclined position to fit varying diameters of the platform  2 . 
         [0052]    A platform for mounting inside the tower near the top thereof may have a basic module  4  and only twelve inner modules  10 . The outer end surfaces of the modules  10  may be directly connected to the inside wall  22  of the tower  24  possibly by suitable mountings. In other words, the top platform does not require the radial, telescoping supporting beam members  6 .  FIGS. 5-7  show the center module  4  comprising twelve radial supporting beam members  6 .  FIG. 6  furthermore shows the outer end parts  8  of the radial, telescoping supporting beam members  6 . The twelve inner modules  10  are shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . 
         [0053]      FIGS. 10-14  illustrate a system using an interactive computer program for managing the different construction element members in the form of the basic center module  4 , arched modules  10 ,  12  and  14  and possibly two-piece modules  16  required for the assembling of a platform according to the invention by varying the diameter of the platform  2  from 2000 mm to 5900 mm as indicated in the upper left corner of  FIGS. 10-14 . 
         [0054]    By way of example,  FIG. 14  illustrates the following total number of different construction element members required for assembling of a platform  2  having a diameter of 5900 mm: 
         [0000]    Basic centre module  4 : 1
 
Radial telescoping supporting beam members  6 : 12
 
Inner modules  10 : 12
 
Intermediate modules  12 : 158
 
Two-piece outer hinged modules  16 : 103
 
Narrow adapting modules  14 : 165
 
         [0055]      FIGS. 15-18  illustrate the dynamic pivoting of the hinged part  20  of the two-piece module  16  from a horizontal position to a specific inclined position in relation to the inside wall  22  of the tower  24  by varying the diameter of the platform  2 . 
         [0056]    In the left hand side of  FIGS. 15-18 , the actual inclined position of the hinged part  20  is shown in perspective views, while the actual height position of the platform  2  inside the tower  24  is indicated on the scale in the right hand side thereof. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 19-24  illustrate the mounting and the assembling of the platform  2  inside a horizontal part of a windmill tower  24 . The basic center module  4 , including twelve radial, telescoping supporting beam members  6 , which are not in an extending position, is transported inside the tower  24  on a special vehicle  26 . In the correct position, the basic center module  4  is raised into a vertical position centrally in the tower  24 , before the radial, telescoping supporting beam members  6  are radially extended and the outer parts  8  thereof are connected rigidly to the inside wall  22  of the tower ( FIG. 20 ). 
         [0058]    Then the twelve inner modules  10 , if not already mounted, are mounted by snap-in or spring locks, as indicated in  FIG. 21 . Then, following the mounting of first ring-shaped row of intermediate arched modules  12 , as indicated in  FIG. 22 , the mounting of next ring-shaped row of both intermediate modules  12  mixed with narrow adapting modules  14 , as indicated in  FIG. 23 , and finally the mounting of the outermost ring-shaped row of two-piece pivoting modules  16 , as indicated in  FIG. 24  occurs. 
         [0059]    Regardless the size of the tower  24 , all platforms  2  have a basic center module  4  and twelve inner modules  10  around the basic center module  4 . The modules  10 ,  12  and  14  are provided with a gap/groove between the modules  12  and  14  which serves as guiding channels for the radial, telescoping supporting beam member  6 , which are elongated from the basic center module  4  to the inside wall  22  of the tower  24 . 
         [0060]    The platforms  2  comprise a central, circular removable cover. However, some of the uppermost platforms  2  may often be without such central covers because often the uppermost platforms may require a central passage for possible twisting electrical cables, which from there and down through the tower are mounted on the inside wall by special cable clamps. 
         [0061]    As furthermore indicated in  FIGS. 22-24 , reinforcing arched bands  28  made from steel are fit in between the radial supporting beam members  6  and between end parts of interconnected modules  12 ,  14  and  16  ( FIG. 26 ). 
         [0062]    In order to ensure the necessary carrying ability in the span between the radial, telescopic supporting beam members  6 , all of the modules  10 ,  12  and  14  are snapped together around vertical steel bands  28 , which run from supporting beam member  6  to supporting beam member  6 , where the rings of modules  10 ,  12  and  14  meet. 
         [0063]    The steel bands or plates  28  provide strength in the vertical direction and the plastic modules  10 ,  12  and  14  which are snapped on around the steel bands  28 , support the steel bands  28  from collapsing. In this manner an improved strength and stiffness of the platform  2 , which uses very little steel, is obtained. The steel bands or plates  28  are only mounted where improved strength or stiffness is needed. 
         [0064]      FIG. 25  illustrates the monitoring and the controlling the stock of the necessary construction element members for assembling a platform of a specific size by varying the diameter thereof. 
         [0065]    The computer screen of  FIG. 25  shows the specific numbers of the modules required for assembling of a platform having a diameter of 483 cm, which are indicated in the “need” line of the screen. One basic center module  4 , includes twelve radial, telescoping supporting beam members  6 , twelve arched modules  10 ,  78  intermediate modules  12 ,  86  two-piece pivoting modules  16  and  42  adapting modules  14 . 
         [0066]      FIGS. 27 and 28  illustrate the prior art situation, where the construction of platforms of the actual type of platforms currently are in use made from individually engineered and manufactured construction element members for each tower in a custom size. The platforms are made from aluminium floor plates that are bent to be self-supporting. 
         [0067]    The concept, design and manufacturing of the platform according to the present invention solves or reduces the following issues:
       Design time and costs because the platform is modular and there is no need for engineering.   Customer friendly regarding development, costs and mounting because there are only a few modules and these may form all variants of platforms from 2000 mm to at least 8000 mm in diameter, and the system has standard solutions for all needed variants.   Documentation of only standard modules, that only requires a list with a total number of modules.   Manufacturing is made from standard modules which by way of example may be made from plastics that can be manufactured in large quantities at any location of the world.   Mounting of the modules is by way of example made from plastic wherein the modules which are snapped together. There is a minimum of assembling with screws, bolts etc.   Handling is reduced by manufacturing in large quantities and transportation thereof in large containers. At the same time the weight is minimal, which reduces the handling when mounted by way of example in a windmill tower.   Logistics are improved by the use of standard modules which are manufactured by way of example from plastic that may be produced anywhere in the entire world.       
 
         [0075]    In order to adjust the platform in accordance with special customer requirements, it may be possible to substitute a number of arched modules and even parts of said radial, telescopic supporting beam members with a frame and a possible manhole cover. Such a frame may preferably be adapted so that it may be connected to the platform by snap-in or spring locks eliminating the use of screws, bolts and the like. 
         [0076]    Alternatively, openings of any form may even be made by cutting in the platform and be provided with a similar shaped frame in order to stiffen the platform area around such an opening.