Technical field

The present invention relates to a base frame for assembling a vertical tower by bottom feeding tower segments and a method for assembling the vertical tower by the base frame.

Background

There are many different kinds of tower structures, some built to be permanent and others temporary. Tower cranes are used all over the world for construction and maintenance. Radio masts and towers are also a common sight, both permanent towers and temporary ones used for example at events attended by a large number of people.

When assembling towers, especially the temporary ones, it is of course desired that the assembly and disassembly are effective timewise. It is also an advantage if the tower can be assembled without the use of large cranes, specifically cranes that are larger than the tower itself. Such cranes are time consuming to assemble and can also be quite difficult to transport due to rules of maximum axle load for roads.

US6843030B2 shows a self-lifting vertically rising mast. In the document, a tower which is assembled from below is shown. A problem with the solution is that it is very complicated, time consuming and thus not suitable for assembling temporary towers.

KR101248604 describes a way to repair towers by providing a support tower on the inside of the tower to be repaired. The support tower is jacked from below by a base frame where tower segments are fed to the base frame from the side and which are lifted upwards by the base frame such that new tower segments can be inserted. The support tower has support structures to fasten it to the tower to be repaired. A problem with this solution is that it requires many support structures for providing a secure and strong support tower. Also, the speed of assembly is limited by its size; the larger the base frame, the bigger the tower segments can be, and the more height is reached per jacked tower segment. Another aspect is that the support structures ensures that the torque on the base frame due to, for example, wind, is minimized. The base frame is therefore not suitable to use to assemble a tower without the support structures.

There is a need for a solution that is capable of assembling a vertical tower in a fast and non- complicated way.

Summary

It is an aim of the present invention to at least partly overcome the above problems, and to provide a base frame for assembling a vertical tower by bottom feeding tower segments and a method for assembling the vertical tower by the base frame.

This aim is achieved by a device as defined in claim 1 and a method as defined in claim 14. The disclosure provides a base frame for assembling a vertical tower by bottom feeding tower segments. The base frame has four sides arranged in a rectangular shape and defines a space for the tower segments inside the base frame. The base frame has a bottom side which is facing ground when the base frame is in use. The base frame comprises a fixed bottom part arranged on the side of the base frame associated with the bottom side, a moveable rectangular lifting frame having a first opening for feeding tower segments vertically, the lifting frame comprising holding arrangements for holding tower segments in a fixed position relative the lifting frame, a lifting arrangement, arranged to move the lifting frame relative the fixed bottom part between a raised position and a lowered position, a second opening, arranged in one of the four sides, to allow the tower segments to move to and from the space when the lifting frame is in its raised position, at least one guide plate arranged on at least one of the sides of the base frame, the at least one guide plate being fastened in the lifting frame such that it is moved with the lifting frame when the lifting frame is moved by the lifting arrangement, and a fixed slot for each of the at least one guide plate, the at least one slot being arranged on the fixed bottom part 5 and on the same side as its corresponding guide plate and such that the at least one guide plate slides in the slot when the lifting frame is moved. With this base frame, it is possible to assemble a vertical tower in an uncomplicated way. The at least one guide plate ensures that torsion, due to torque from the built tower, is minimized in the base frame and the lifting frame is prevented from rotating around the longitudinal axis of the vertical tower.

According to some aspects, the lifting arrangement comprises hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical pistons arranged in the corners of the four sides, the pistons being attached to the fixed bottom part and to the lifting frame such that it moves the lifting frame by extending and retracting. Thus, there are several ways to perform the jacking. To have pistons arranged in all four corners facilitates lifting the tower segments more evenly.

According to some aspects, the fixed bottom part comprises bottom part holding arrangements for holding tower segments in a fixed position relative to the fixed bottom part. When having bottom part holding arrangements, it is possible to lift the tower segments in two steps because the bottom part holding arrangements can be used to hold the tower segments in place while changing grip on the tower segment with the holding arrangements of the lifting frame. With this, a faster way of assembling a vertical tower is reached because higher tower segments can be used and then the number of tower segments for a full tower is reduced.

According to some aspects, the fixed slots provides a close fit for the respective guide plate. A snug fit helps prevent the smallest of torsions.

According to some aspects, the fixed slots comprises at least one adjustment element for adjusting the fit of the slot for the respective guide plate. The adjustment elements may provide an easier assembling of the base frame since the guide plate(s) may be slid into the slots before adjusting the fit of the slots. The adjustment elements may also be used to optimize the fit when it has been affected by temperature differences.

According to some aspects, the at least one guide plate comprise a metal plate or a composite material plate or a combination thereof. The strength required of the guide plates depends on size of the vertical tower. The above may provide a strong guide for assembling the vertical tower.

According to some aspects, the guide plates have a length, and the fixed slots are arranged, so that at least 10 cm of the guide plates length is in the fixed slot in the raised position. In other words, the guide plates have a length such that they are arranged in the fixed slot even in the most raised position of the lifting frame. The guide plates are thus in functional use at all positions of the lifting frame.

According to some aspects, the holding arrangements of the lifting frame comprise four holding arrangements, one in the proximity of each corner of the rectangular lifting frame. The vertical tower is thus lifted in the proximity of the corners of the bottom tower segment.

According to some aspects, the fixed bottom part comprises a sliding arrangement for sliding the tower segments through the second opening. With a sliding arrangement, the tower segments are easily moved into the space of the base frame.

According to some aspects, the sliding arrangement comprises a hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical piston for moving the tower segments. The tower segments are thus easily moved into the base frame even when they are large and heavy.

According to some aspects, the at least one guide plate comprises one guide plate fastened to the lifting frame on the side opposite of the second opening. The at least one guide plate may thus consist of only one guide plate which is arranged on the side opposite of the second opening. Depending on the size of the finished vertical tower, one guide plate may be enough for preventing torsion in the tower at the base frame.

According to some aspects, the at least one guide plate comprises two guide plates fastened to the lifting frame on opposite sides of the base frame.

According to some aspects, the at least one guide plate comprises three guide plates fastened to the lifting frame on all sides of the base frame but the side comprising the second opening.

The disclosure provides a method for assembling a vertical tower by bottom feeding tower segments by a base frame, the base frame having four sides arranged in a rectangular shape and defining a space for the tower segments inside the base frame, the base frame having a bottom side which is facing ground when the base frame is in use, the base frame comprising a fixed bottom part arranged on the side of the base frame associated with the bottom side, a moveable rectangular lifting frame having a first opening for feeding tower segments vertically, the lifting frame and the fixed bottom part both comprising holding arrangements for holding tower segments in a fixed position relative the lifting frame, a lifting arrangement, arranged to move the lifting frame relative to the fixed bottom part between a raised position and a lowered position, a second opening, arranged in one of the four sides, to allow the tower segments to move to and from the space when the lifting frame is in its raised position, wherein the tower segments comprises engagement elements comprising upper engagement elements, middle engagement elements and lower engagement elements arranged at three heights of the tower segment for being engaged by the holding arrangements, wherein the method comprising: arranging the base frame in a desired position of the vertical tower, moving the lifting frame to the raised position, feeding a first tower segment through the second opening, moving the lifting frame to a lowered position, actuating the holding arrangements of the lifting frame to engage the upper engagement elements so that the first tower segment is held in a fixed position relative the lifting frame, moving the lifting frame to the raised position, actuating the holding arrangements of the fixed bottom part to engage the lower engagement elements so that the first tower segment is held in a fixed position relative the fixed bottom part, releasing the holding arrangements of the lifting frame, moving the lifting frame to a lowered position, actuating the holding arrangements of the lifting frame to engage the middle engagement elements so that the first tower segment is held in a fixed position relative the lifting frame, releasing the holding arrangements of the fixed bottom part, moving the lifting frame to the raised position, feeding a second tower segment through the second opening, and moving the lifting frame such that the first tower segment is stacked on top of the second tower segment.

With this method, assembling a vertical tower is fast and non-complicated because tower segments fed to the base frame and jacked in two steps. Individual tower segments can thus be higher and fewer tower segments are needed. Handling fewer tower segments naturally saves time when assembling the vertical tower.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will now be explained more closely by the description of different embodiments of the invention and with reference to the appended figures.

Fig. 1 shows an example base frame from a perspective view. Fig. 2 shows an example base fame from the side.

Fig. 3 shows an example base frame from a perspective view from below.

Fig. 4 shows an example base fame from below.

Fig. 5 shows an example base and a tower segment ready to pass through a second opening of the base frame.

Fig. 6 shows the example of figure 5 from the side.

Fig. 7 shows an example base frame and a tower segment in the process of passing through the second opening of the base frame.

Fig. 8 shows the example of figure 7 from the side.

Fig. 9 shows an example base frame where a lifting frame has been lowered to lift a tower segment.

Fig. 10 shows the example of figure 9 from the side.

Fig. 11 shows an example base frame lifting a tower segment from the position of figures 9 and 10.

Fig. 12 shows an example base frame changing grip on a tower segment.

Fig. 13 shows an example base frame lifting a tower segment to its highest position.

Fig. 14 shows the same as figure 13 but with another tower segment arranged under the first. Fig. 15 shows an example part of a base frame.

Detailed description

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

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects of the disclosure only and is not intended to limit 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.

A rectangle is a quadrilateral with four right angles. In other words, an equiangular quadrilateral. The adjacent sides may be of unequal or equal length, i.e. a square.

The term jack up or jacking up here means to use a device, in this disclosure a base frame, for lifting a heavy body, in this disclosure tower segments.

The term stack or stacking here means to arrange the tower segments one on top of another. In other words, the tower segments are stacked, meaning that they are arranged one on top of another to form a vertical tower. To stack from below, accordingly, means to arrange tower segments on top of each other by adding tower segments below the lowest tower segment in the tower.

A base frame for assembling a vertical tower by bottom feeding tower segments and a method for assembling the vertical tower by the base frame is provided. The base frame is arranged to jack tower segments so that more tower segments can be added from below.

The figures illustrate example base frames for assembling the vertical tower. In figure 1, an example base frame is shown from a perspective view. Figure 2 shows an example base fame from the side, figure 3 shows an example base frame from a perspective view from below and figure 4 shows an example base fame from below.

The base frame 1 is for assembling a vertical tower by bottom feeding tower segments 2. In other words, the vertical tower is built from below. When a vertical tower is built by bottom feeding tower segments, the tower segments does not have to be lifted to the top of the tower by a crane. Avoiding these lifts improves the security /safety of the assembling because there is always a risk of dropping parts and damages can occur if the lifted parts get caught in the wind.

The base frame 1 has four sides arranged in a rectangular shape and defines a space 3 for the tower segments 2 inside the base frame. The space 3 is thus a space inside the base frame 1 which can house a tower segment 2.

The base frame 1 has a bottom side 4 which is facing ground when the base frame 1 is in use. The bottom side 4 is thus the side of the base frame that is arranged towards the ground when the base frame is put on the ground.

The base frame 1 comprises a fixed bottom part 5 arranged on the side of the base frame 1 associated with the bottom side 4. The fixed bottom part 5 is fixed relative the ground that the base frame 1 is standing on in use. The fixed bottom part 5 may comprise support legs 15 which are used to stabilize the base frame 1 on the ground it is standing on in use. Support legs 15 may have many different designs and are not part of the disclosure. In the figures, the support legs are foldable using pistons 17 for the folding movement.

The base frame 1 comprises a moveable rectangular lifting frame 6 having a first opening 7 for feeding tower segments 2 vertically. In other words, tower segments can vertically pass through the first opening 7. The vertical tower is thus assembled by feeding tower segments upwards through the first opening 7.

The lifting frame 6 comprises holding arrangements 8 for holding tower segments 2 in a fixed position relative the lifting frame 6. The holding arrangements 8 are arranged on the moveable lifting frame 6 such that tower segments can be held at the lifting frame and be lifted with the lifting frame. The holding arrangements 8 are for example moveable bars that extend to engage in corresponding holes in the tower segments 2 to hold them in a fixed position relative to the lifting frame. The holding arrangement 8 may for example be a cotter which engages a hole in the tower segments. The holding arrangements are moveable such that the tower segments 2 can be held in a fixed position relative the lifting frame 6 and be released from the fixed position. The holding arrangements are thus movable between an engaged position where the holding arrangement holds the holding tower segments 2 in a fixed position relative to the lifting frame 6 and a released position, where the tower segments are moveable relative to the lifting frame 6.

The holding arrangements 8 of the lifting frame 6 comprise, for example, four holding arrangements 8, one in the proximity of each corner of the rectangular lifting frame 6. The vertical tower is thus lifted in the proximity of the corners of the bottom tower segment. Alternatively, one holding arrangement 8 is arranged approximately at the middle of each of the sides of the lifting frame 6. In a case where the holding arrangements are arranged approximately on the middle lifting frame, the at least one guide plate is arranged to allow for the holding arrangement. For example, there may be one guide plate and corresponding slot on each side of the holding arrangement, the slots being explained below. More than one holding arrangement 8 may also be arranged on each side.

The holding arrangement 8 may for example be electromagnets which uses magnetic force to hold the tower segments 2 in a fixed position relative to the lifting frame 6 when activated.

The base frame 1 comprises a lifting arrangement 9, arranged to move the lifting frame 6 relative to the fixed bottom part 5 between a raised position and a lowered position. The lifting arrangement is thus arranged to raise and lower the lifting frame 6. The lifting arrangement 9 comprises, for example, hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical pistons arranged in the corners of the four sides, the pistons being attached to the fixed bottom part 5 and to the lifting frame 6 such that it moves the lifting frame 6 by extending and retracting. A mechanical piston is for example a screw jack. Thus, there are several ways to perform the jacking. To have pistons arranged in all four corners facilitates lifting the tower segments more evenly.

Tower segments are thus jacked, i.e. lifted, to a raised position by fixing a tower segment 2 to the lifting frame 6 with the holding arrangements 8 and then raising the lifting frame 6 using the lifting arrangement 9. In the case where the lifting arrangement 9 comprises pistons, the lifting arrangement 9 pushes the lifting frame 6 upwards to raise it.

The base frame 1 comprises a second opening 10, arranged in one of the four sides, to allow the tower segments 2 to move to and from the space 3 when the lifting frame 6 is in its raised position. Figure 5 shows an example base and a tower segment ready to passthrough a second opening 10 of the base frame 1. Figure 6 shows the example of figure 5 from the side. In the example of figures 5 and 6, the tower segment 2 is standing on the base frame 1 and is ready to pass through the second opening 10. The tower segments 2 can be pushed to the side to enter the second opening 10. The fixed bottom part 5 may also comprise a sliding arrangement 16 for sliding the tower segments through the second opening 10. With a sliding arrangement 16, the tower segments are easily moved into the space 3 of the base frame 1 through the second opening 10. The sliding arrangement 16 comprises for example conveyor rollers, conveyor belts or a sled arrangement. In the case where the sliding arrangement comprises conveyor rollers, at least one roller may be a driving roller for moving the tower segment 2. Alternatively, no roller is driving and the tower segment 2 is pushed by a person to roll into the second opening. If a sled arrangement is used, it may be arranged on wheels or on any kind of sliding arrangement. It may be moved using for example a chain drive or belt drive.

The sliding arrangement may comprise a hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical piston for moving the tower segments. The tower segments are thus easily moved into the base frame even when they are large and heavy. The piston may be used in combination with any of the above solutions of a sliding arrangement.

Figure 7 shows an example base frame 1 and a tower segment 2 in the process of passing through the second opening 10 of the base frame 1. Figure 8 shows the example of figure 7 from the side. Figure 9 shows an example base frame 1 where a lifting frame 6 has been lowered to lift a tower segment 2. Figure 10 shows the example of figure 9 from the side. In figures 1, 2, 34, 9 and 10, the lowered position of the lifting frame 6 can be seen. In the other figures, the lifting frame 6 is in its raised position. As can be seen in the figures, the tower segments 2 can pass through the second opening 10 to the space 3, when the lifting frame 6 is in the raised position. If the lifting frame 6 is not in the raised position, the tower segments 2 are too high for passing in the second opening 10.

The base frame 1 comprises at least one guide plate 11 arranged on at least one of the sides of the base frame. The guide plate may be arranged on at least one of the sides which is not comprising the second opening 10. In other words, the at least one guide plate 11 is arranged on one of the three remaining sides of the base frame 1 when excluding the side comprising the second opening 10. The at least one guide plate 11 being fastened in the lifting frame 6 such that it is moved with the lifting frame 6 when the lifting frame is moved by the lifting arrangement 9. In other words, the at least one guide plate is fixedly attached to the lifting frame 6 such that the at least one guide plate is moved when the lifting frame moves. In an example case where the guide plate is arranged on at least one of the sides which comprises the second opening 10, the guide plate(s) and corresponding fixed slot(s) 12 according to below, are moveable to allow for tower segments 2 to enter the second opening 10.

The base frame 1 comprises a fixed slot 12 for each of the at least one guide plate 11, the at least one slot 12 being arranged on the fixed bottom part 5 and on the same side as its corresponding guide plate 11 and such that the at least one guide plate 11 slides in the slot 12 when the lifting frame 6 is moved. The at least one slot is thus a slot for receiving the guide plate. The at least one slot is thus fixedly attached to the fixed bottom part 5. Each of the at least one guide plate 11 is thus associated with a respective slot 12. When the lifting frame 6 moves between the raised and lowered position, the guide plate slides in the slot. The guide plate/plates 11 thus has a size such that it fits in the slot/slots 12.

Since the lifting frame 6 is movable between a raised and lowered position, it is movable in a vertical direction, i.e. along the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the vertical tower. Thus, the at least one guide plate and corresponding slot are arranged vertically. As can be seen in the example figures, the guide plates 11 are attached to the lifting frame 6 on its bottom side and extend downwards. The at least one guide plate thus extend in the longitudinal direction of the vertical tower and the at least one slot is arranged to correspond to the at least one guide plate.

In figure 15 shows an example part of a base frame 1. A part of the base frame is illustrated where three slot openings 12a and a slot interior 12b can be seen. The slot openings 12a are where a guide plate 11 enters the fixed slot 12. As can be seen in the figure, the slots 12 may be arranged in a top part of the fixed bottom part 5 and extend downwards. In the bottom part of the figure, the side of the slot foremost in the figure is missing to illustrate the slot interior 12b. It is also clear from the figure that the at least one slot 12 has an extension perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the vertical tower.

The guide plates 11 may have a length, and the fixed slots 12 are arranged, so that at least 10 cm of the guide plates length is in the fixed slot 12 in the raised position. In other words, the guide plates have a length such that they are arranged in the fixed slot even in the most raised position of the lifting frame. Thus, in the raised position, the at least one guide plate and the corresponding slot overlap at least 10 cm. The overlap may be any length between 10 and 150 cm and preferably between 50 and 100 cm. The guide plates are thus in functional use at all positions of the lifting frame.

With the base frame 1 according to above, it is possible to assemble a vertical tower in an uncomplicated way. The at least one guide plate ensures that torsion, due to torque from the built tower, is minimized in the base frame and the lifting frame is prevented from rotating around the longitudinal axis of the vertical tower.

The fixed slots 12 may provide a close fit for the respective guide plate 11. A close fit or, in other words, a snug fit means that the fit is such that there is no play, i.e. leeway, for the guide plate to turn or move. A close/snug fit helps prevent the smallest of torsions.

The fixed slots 12 may comprise at least one adjustment element 18 for adjusting the fit of the slot 12 for the respective guide plate 11. Thus, the adjustment element 18 is arranged to adjust the size of the slot. The adjustment elements 18 may provide an easier assembling of the base frame since the guide plate(s) may be slid into the slots before adjusting the fit of the slots. The guide plates may then be inserted into the slots before they are tightened to provide a closer fit. The adjustment elements 18 may also be used to optimize the fit when it has been affected by temperature differences. The adjustment element 18 comprises for example screws that push the sides of the slot closer together when screwed. The adjustment element 18 may also for example be that the sides of the slots are pushed by a motor driven component or the like.

In the figures, the fixed slots 12 are arranged on three sides of the bottom part 5 and correspond to three guide plates 11 arranged on the lifting frame 6. In the figures, the fixed slots comprises plates that make up the sides of the slot and four horizontal bars across the slots are also visible, the bars are an example adjustment element 18 according to above. The example adjustment element 18 adjusts the fit of the slots by tightening the screws holding them to the bottom part such that they push on the slot to adjust the fit.

The at least one guide plate 11 comprises, for example, a metal plate or a composite material plate or a combination thereof. The strength required of the guide plates depends on size of the vertical tower. Metal plates provides a strong guide for assembling the vertical tower. The metal plate is for example a steel plate, a carbon fiber plate, a Kevlar plate, a titanium plate and/or an aluminium plate.

The number of guide plates 11 and corresponding slots 12 may vary depending on the dimensions of the vertical tower. For smaller towers, it may be enough that the at least one guide plate 11 comprises one guide plate fastened to the lifting frame 6 on the side opposite of the second opening 10. The at least one guide plate may thus consist of only one guide plate which is arranged on the side opposite of the second opening. Depending on the size of the finished vertical tower, one guide plate may be enough for preventing torsion in the tower at the base frame. It may also be that the guide plate is made very thick, for example having a thickness of 25 to 40 % of the width of the tower segments. It may also be that two guide plates are used and then the at least one guide plate 11 comprises two guide plates fastened to the lifting frame 6 on opposite sides of the base frame 1. Another alternative is that the at least one guide plate 11 comprises three guide plates fastened to the lifting frame 6 on all sides of the base frame 1 but the side comprising the second opening 10. It should be noted that there also be more than one guide plate arranged on any of the above sides. For example, there may be two guide plates on all sides of the base frame 1 but the side comprising the second opening 10. Narrow guide plates may also be arranged on the side comprising the second opening 10 if the guide plates are not so wide as to cover the second opening 10. The thickness of the at least one guide plate 11 is for example between 2 and 10 cm.

To increase the speed of assembly of the vertical tower, the fixed bottom part 5 may comprise bottom part holding arrangements 13 for holding tower segments 2 in a fixed position relative the fixed bottom part 5. The holding arrangements of the fixed bottom part are arranged in a top part of the bottom part and are for enabling jacking of tower segments in two steps. The bottom part holding arrangements 13 are used for changing grip when lifting the tower segments in two steps. When having bottom part holding arrangements 13, it is possible to lift the tower segments 2 in two steps because the bottom part holding arrangements 13 can be used to hold the tower segments 2 in place while changing grip on the tower segment 2 with the holding arrangements 8 of the lifting frame 6. The way to do this two-step jacking is described in more detail below with regard to the method. With this, a faster way of assembling a vertical tower is reached because higher tower segments 2 can be used and then the number of tower segments for a full tower is reduced. In figure 5, examples of holes in the tower segments 2 which are to be engaged by the holding arrangements 8, 13 can be seen. The holes on the right hand side of the tower segment 2 are to be arranged by the holding arrangements 8 on the lifting frame 6 and the holes on the left hand side are to be engaged by the holding arrangements 13 of the fixed bottom part 5. The holding arrangements 13 on the fixed bottom part may be arranged correspondingly to the holding arrangements 8 of the lifting frame 6. In other words, the holding arrangements 13 of the fixed bottom part 5 may comprise four holding arrangements 8, one in the proximity of each corner of the rectangular bottom part 5. Alternatively, one holding arrangement 13 is arranged is arranged approximately at the middle of each of the sides of the bottom part 5. In a case where the holding arrangements 13 are arranged approximately on the middle lifting frame, the at least one guide plate 11 is arranged to allow for the holding arrangement 13. For example, there may be one guide plate 11 and corresponding slot 12 on each side of the holding arrangement 13. More than one holding arrangement 13 may also be arranged on each side.

A method for assembling a vertical tower by bottom feeding tower segments 2 by a base frame 1 is provided. The base frame 1 having four sides arranged in a rectangular shape and defining a space 3 for the tower segments inside the base frame, the base frame having a bottom side 4 which is facing ground when the base frame is in use, the base frame 1 comprising a fixed bottom part 5 arranged on the side of the base frame 1 associated with the bottom side 4, a moveable rectangular lifting frame 6 having a first opening 7 for feeding tower segments 2 vertically, the lifting frame 6 and the fixed bottom part 5 both comprising holding arrangements 8, 13 for holding tower segments 2 in a fixed position relative the lifting frame 6, a lifting arrangement 9, arranged to move the lifting frame 6 relative the fixed bottom part 5 between a raised position and a lowered position, a second opening 10, arranged in one of the four sides, to allow the tower segments 2 to move to and from the space 3 when the lifting frame 6 is in its raised position, wherein the tower segments 2 comprises engagement elements 14 comprising upper engagement elements 14a, middle engagement elements 14b and lower engagement elements 14c arranged at three heights of the tower segment 2 for being engaged by the holding arrangements 8, 13. In the method, the tower segments 2 are raised in two steps and with a change of grip by the lifting frame 6. The engagement elements 14a, 14b, 14c can be seen in figure 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. The engagement elements 14 are for example holes arranged in the tower segments 2 to be engaged by the holding arrangements 8,13 of the base frame 1. In the figures, the holes on the right hand side of the tower segment 2 are the upper and middle engagement elements 14a, 14b and are arranged to be engaged by the holding arrangement 8 of the lifting frame 6. The lower engagement elements 14c are arranged to be engaged by the holding arrangements 13 of the fixed base frame 5.

In figure 7, it can be seen when a tower segment 2 is entering to the space 3 through the second opening 10. In figure 9, the tower segment 6 is in the space 3 and the lifting frame 6 has been lowered such that the holding arrangements 8 of the base frame engage the engagement elements 14a. The lifting frame can then lift the tower segment 2 to a position where the holding arrangements 13 of the fixed bottom part 5 can engage the engagement elements 14c. The holding arrangements 13 can then disengage the engagement elements 14a and the lifting frame 2 can be lowered to engage the holding arrangements in the engagement elements 14b to lift the tower segment as high as possible to allow for another tower segment to be inserted into the space 3 for stacking the tower segments 2 from below. The upper tower segment 2 may then be fixated to the lower tower segment 2 and released by the lifting frame. The fixation of the tower segments 2 is not part of the disclosure.

The method comprises arranging SI the base frame 1 in a desired position of the vertical tower, feeding S2 a first tower segment 2 through the second opening 10, moving S3 the lifting frame 6 to a lowered position, actuating S4 the holding arrangements 8 of the lifting frame 6 to engage the upper engagement elements 14a so that the first tower segment 2 is held in a fixed position relative the lifting frame 6, moving S5 the lifting frame 6 to the raised position, actuating S6 the holding arrangements 13 of the fixed bottom part 5 to engage the lower engagement elements 14c so that the first tower segment 2 is held in a fixed position relative the fixed bottom part 5, releasing S7 the holding arrangements 8 of the lifting frame, moving S8 the lifting frame 6 to a lowered position, actuating S9 the holding arrangements 8 of the lifting frame to engage the middle engagement elements 14b so that the first tower segment 2 is held in a fixed position relative the lifting frame 6, releasing S10 the holding arrangements 13 of the fixed bottom part 5, moving Sll the lifting frame 6 to the raised position, feeding S12 a second tower segment 2 through the second opening 10 and moving S13 the lifting frame 6 such that the first tower segment 2 is stacked on top of the second tower segment 2. With this method, assembling a vertical tower is fast and non-complicated because tower segments fed to the base frame and jacked in two steps. Individual tower segments can thus be higher and fewer tower segments are needed. Handling fewer tower segments naturally saves time when assembling the vertical tower.

The step of arranging SI the base frame 1 in a desired position of the vertical tower comprises for example to move the base frame 1 from a transport to a desired location. The base frame 1 is for example moved using a crane. Depending on the current placement of the lifting frame 6, the method may comprise the step of moving the lifting frame 6 to the raised position if the lifting frame 6 is not already in the raised position. The position where the lifting frame 6 is in its raised position can be seen in figures 5 and 6.

The step of feeding S2 a first tower segment 2 through the second opening 10 comprises to use any of the above described arrangements for moving the tower segment 2 through the second opening 10. The feeding of a tower segment 2 through the second opening 10 can be seen in figures 7 and 8.

The step of moving S3 the lifting frame 6 to a lowered position comprises activating the lifting arrangement 9 to move the lifting frame 6 to the lowered position. The lowered position of the base frame 6 when a tower segment 2 is in the space 3 can be seen in figures 9 and 10.

The step of actuating S4 the holding arrangements 8 of the lifting frame 6 to engage the upper engagement elements 14a so that the first tower segment 2 is held in a fixed position relative the lifting frame 6 means that the holding arrangements 8 are activated so that they engage the upper engagement elements 14a. As previously described, the holding arrangements 8, 13 are for example bars that are moveable to engage the engagement elements which may be holes in the tower segment 2. This step can be seen in figures 9 and 10.

The step of moving S5 the lifting frame 6 to the raised position is to lift the tower segment 2 to a position where the lifting frame is in the raised position and the tower segment 2 is at a height where the holding arrangements 13 of the fixed bottom part 5 can engage the lower engagement elements 14c. A position where the lifting frame 6 is raised with the tower segments 2 lifted in the the upper engagement elements 14a and where the holding arrangements 13 of the fixed bottom part 5 can engage the lower engagement elements 14c can be seen in figure 11.

The step of actuating S6 the holding arrangements 13 of the fixed bottom part 5 to engage the lower engagement elements 14c so that the first tower segment 2 is held in a fixed position relative the fixed bottom part 5 is to activate the holding arrangements 13 of the fixed bottom part 5.

The step of releasing S7 the holding arrangements 8 of the lifting frame 6 is to release the hold on the tower segment 2 of the lifting frame 6 such that it is only the holding arrangement 13 of the fixed base frame 5 that holds the tower segment 2.

The step of moving S8 the lifting frame 6 to a lowered position is done when the holding arrangements 13 are holding the tower segment 2 fixed relative the fixed bottom part 5. The holding arrangements 8 of the lifting frame 6 have thus been released and the lifting frame 6 lowered to the lowered position which can be seen in figure 12. The holding arrangements 13 of the fixed bottom part 5 are holding the tower segment 2 in place. The step of actuating S9 the holding arrangements 8 of the lifting frame to engage the middle engagement elements 14b so that the first tower segment 2 is held in a fixed position relative the lifting frame 6 is so that the lifting frame 6 again takes a grip on the tower segment 2, but this time at a lower part of the tower segment 2.

The step of releasing S10 the holding arrangements 13 of the fixed bottom part 5 is so that the lifting frame 6 is the only part holding the tower segments 2.

The step of moving Sll the lifting frame 6 to the raised position is so that the tower segment 2 is lifted to its highest position where another tower segment 2 can be added under the first. The grip of the holding arrangements 8 of the lifting frame 6 have thus been changed from the upper engagement elements 14a to the middle engagement elements 14b with the help of the holding arrangements 13 of the fixed bottom part 5 and the lower engagement elements 14c. The position can be seen in figure 13.

The step of feeding S12 a second tower segment 2 through the second opening 10 is to add the next tower segment 2 of the stack of tower segments 2. The step can be seen in figure 14.

The step of moving S13 the lifting frame 6 such that the first tower segment 2 is stacked on top of the second tower segment 2 is to put the two tower segments together. After arranging the two tower segments on top of each other, the holding arrangements 8 of the lifting frame 6 may be released S14 from the middle engagement elements 14b.

Steps S3 to S14 of the method may be performed repeatedly to stack more tower segments 2 on top of each other.

It should be noted that to disassemble a vertical tower which has been assembled according to above, the same system and method can be used but just in a reversed order.

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

Reference list:

1. Base frame

2. Tower segment

3. Space

4. Bottom side

5. Fixed bottom part

6. Lifting frame

7. First opening

8. Lifting frame holding arrangements

9. Lifting arrangement

10. Second opening

11. At least one guide plate 12. Fixed slots a. Slot opening b. Slot interior

IS. Fixed bottom part holding arrangements 14. Engagement element a. Upper engagement arrangement b. Middle engagement arrangement c. Lower engagement arrangement 15. Support legs 16. Sliding arrangement

17. Support leg piston

18. Adjustment element