FRAMEWORK AND LOAD-BEARING STRUCTURES CONSTRUCTED FROM IT

Abstract

Framework structure (70) and method for modular construction of an offshore framework structure comprising frameworks (50) with a first bar (51) functioning as a floating body, a second bar (52), with two posts (53) for substantially parallel support of the bars (51, 52) and two bands (54) for tensioning the framework (50). A connection element (55) is arranged at each end of the bars (51, 52), each of which has a single flange (56) for attaching a single bar (51, 52) to the connection element (55). In the connection elements (55), receiving areas (57) are arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction (61) of the bars (51, 52) for attaching the posts (53). Further, the connection elements (55) have securing means (58) for securing bands (54) provided with tensioning devices (60) in such a way that the framework (50) can be held in shape or diagonally tensioned by means of the tensioning devices (60). The connection elements (55) are constructed with respect to the longitudinal direction (61) of the bars (51, 52) in such a way that an extension (62) is configured on one side and a holder (66) can be arranged on the opposite side so that the extension (62) of a connection element (55) of a framework (50) can be joined with the holder (66) of another connection element (55) of a further framework (50).

Claims

1. A framework for a modular construction of an offshore framework structure comprising: a first bar functioning as a floating body, a second bar, two posts for substantially parallel support of the first and second bars and two bands for tensioning the framework, wherein at each end of the first and second bars a connection element is arranged, which exhibits: a single flange for connecting only one of the first and second bars in a longitudinal direction to the connection element; receiving areas for joining the two posts to the first and second bars transversely to the longitudinal direction of the first and second bars; securing means for fastening the two bands provided with tensioning devices so that the framework can be held in shape respectively diagonally tensioned by means of the tensioning devices, wherein the connection elements are constructed with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first and second bars in such a way that an extension is configured on one side of each connection element and a holder is arranged on an opposite side of each connection element so that the extension of a connection element of the framework can be connected by means of the holder of another connection element of a further framework.

2-3. (canceled)

4. The framework according to claim 1, wherein the first bar and/or the second bar and/or the posts have a round cross-section and/or are designed as hollow bodies and/or are provided with buoyancy bodies.

5. The framework according to claim 1, wherein the flange and the ends of the first and second bars are configured such that the flange seals one end of the first bar and/or of the second bar in a fluid-tight manner.

6. The framework according to claim 1, wherein the second bar and/or the posts act as a floating body in addition to the first bar.

7-8. (canceled)

9. The framework according to claim 1, wherein, in extension of at least one of the posts or parallel to the plane of the framework, a floating body, a part of a mounting or a part of a holder for a platform or a lifting device is arranged.

10. The framework according to claim 1, wherein a buoyancy-to-weight ratio of at least the first bar is variable, by flooding means by means of which the first bar can be filled with water or emptied of water, or by weighting means dismountably attachable to the first bar, which increase or decrease the weight and/or buoyancy of the first bar, and wherein the second bar is also buoyant.

11. The framework according to claim 4, wherein the first bar is formed as a hollow body and the first bar or one of the connection elements attached to the first bar has an opening through which at least the first bar can be filled with water or emptied of water and which can be closed in a watertight manner.

12. An offshore load-bearing frame formed of at least two of the frameworks according to claim 4, wherein the frameworks are arranged to float substantially on a water surface and are connected in a chessboard-like manner to form a structure extending along the water surface by means of connection elements arranged in the corners of the frameworks.

13. The offshore load-bearing frame according to claim 12, wherein the bands, which can be fixed to the securing means of the connection elements and are provided with the tensioning devices, can be tensioned in the free spaces of the chessboard-like offshore structure in such a way that the free spaces are held in shape or are tensioned diagonally by means of the tensioning devices.

14. The offshore load-bearing frame according to claim 12, wherein the connection elements, parts of the connection elements or the holders connecting two connection elements to each other are elastically deformable when two adjacent frameworks undergo relative movement with respect to each other.

15. (canceled)

16. A framework structure module formed from three or more of the frameworks according to claim 1, which are joined via the connection elements to form a straight triangular, rectangular, or polygonal prismatic structure, wherein the first bars functioning as floating bodies span a substantially triangular, rectangular, or polygonal base surface, the second bars span a substantially triangular, rectangular, or polygonal top surface congruent with the base surface, and two posts of two adjacent frameworks each form a side edge, the connection elements of the respective frameworks exhibiting securing means to which connectors provided with tensioning devices can be fastened in order to join two frameworks of the framework structure module to one another at non-adjacent ends.

17. The framework structure module according to claim 16, wherein the connectors extend substantially in the base surface and/or the top surface plane and/or along a space diagonal, and the connectors are receivable in a transverse borehole formed in a connecting pin.

18. (canceled)

19. The framework structure module according to claim 16, wherein the framework structure module is buoyant solely due to a buoyant force of the first bars.

20. The framework structure module according to claim 16, wherein one or more of the group consisting of floating bodies, of mountings, attachment holding devices, platforms, wind turbines, and cranes are attachable to a node formed by the connecting elements and/or to one or more of the first and second bars.

21. The framework structure module according to claim 16, wherein one or more support structures are arranged in a top surface spanned by the second bars and/or in a bottom surface spanned by the first bars and/or in an intermediate plane, wherein the support structures are supported on opposing first bars or second bars and/or on the connectors in such a way that superstructures can be supported on the support structures.

22. The framework structure module according to claim 20, wherein one or more support structures comprise rail-like tracks by means of which carriage-like or basket-like means of transport can be moved between the first bars or the second bars of the framework structure module.

23. The framework structure module according to claim 16, wherein a floating body is movably arranged in the vertical direction at one or more of the side edges between the first bars and the second bars.

24. The framework structure module according to claim 16, comprising a plurality of frameworks, wherein at least some of hollow bodies closed in a fluid-tight manner are connected to form a fluid conduit system via openings provided in the first and second bars or the connection elements.

25. A floating offshore load-bearing frame constructed in a modular manner from a plurality of the framework structure modules according to claim 16 for the buoyant support of holding devices, platforms, superstructures or mountings for solar installations or wind turbines.

26. A wave power plant which is constructed in a modular manner from a plurality of the framework structure modules according to claim 21, wherein the floating bodies arranged between the first bars and the second bars are arranged on movable lifting rods which are parallel to the posts and are operatively connected to drive shafts of linear generators in such a way that oscillating movements of the lifting rods cause the drive shafts of the linear generators to rotate.

27. A method for connecting at least two of the frameworks according to claim 10, comprising the following steps: a) arranging the frameworks on a surface of a body of water, a depth of which corresponds at least to a distance between the first bars and the respective second bars; b) reducing a buoyancy-to-weight ratio of the first bars so that the first bars submerge below a water surface until the frameworks are substantially vertical to the water surface, wherein the second bars continue to float at or on the water surface; c) connecting one connection element of each of two second bars to each other in order to connect two frameworks at a first node; d) attaching at least one stabilizing device to the two frameworks connected in step c) so that the adjacent posts of the two frameworks are held substantially parallel to each other; e) increasing the buoyancy-to-weight ratio of the first bars so that the frameworks rise, maintaining their orientation to each other and being substantially vertical to the water surface until the first bars are floating at or on the water surface; f) connecting connection elements to each other which are respectively arranged on adjacent first bars.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein in order to reduce the buoyancy-to-weight ratio of the first bars, weighting means are dismountably attached to the first bars or a hose is applied by means of which water is introduced into the first bar, and wherein, in order to increase the buoyancy-to-weight ratio of the first bars, either the weighting means are removed and/or the water is removed from the first bar.

29. The method according to claim 27, wherein before steps e) and f) are carried out, further frameworks are connected to previously connected frameworks according to steps c) and d).

30. The method according to claim 27, wherein, after any one of steps b) to f), fixing means are attached between two frameworks such that a predetermined angle between the two frameworks remains fixed.

31. The method according to claim 27, wherein the stabilizing device attached in step d) is attached to the posts of the two frameworks in such a way that the stabilizing device is movable in the longitudinal direction of the posts.

32. (canceled)

33. The method according to claim 27, wherein the frameworks connected to each other after step f) are moved into shallower water prior to the mounting of the attachment holding devices so that the attachment holding devices can be at least partially assembled by one or more assemblers standing on the ground.

34. The method according to claim 28, wherein after step e) the hose is removed and the first bars are closed in a watertight manner.

35. The method according to claim 27, wherein the connected frameworks are connected in a floating manner to the previously connected frameworks, to a floating framework structure module to an offshore load-bearing frame, or to a wave power plant via the connecting elements.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein rod-shaped components for assembly units are moved by one end from below the water surface by means of a lifting or pulling device through an area spanned between the connection elements along the posts of a framework structure module into a substantially vertical position parallel to the posts.

37. (canceled)

38. The method according to claim 27, wherein a top surface is spanned by the second bars and the flotation aids, raft devices, attachment holding devices and/or attachments can be lifted from the water surface onto the top surface or into an intermediate plane between the top surface and the water surface by means of a plurality of crane devices attached to or between the connection elements of the top surface.

Description

[0070] FIG. 1: A framework according to the invention;

[0071] FIG. 2: A perspective view of a connection element for the construction of a framework according to the invention;

[0072] FIG. 3: A connection element of a framework according to the invention;

[0073] FIG. 4: An embodiment for joining two connection elements of adjacent frameworks;

[0074] FIG. 5: An alternative embodiment for joining two connection elements of adjacent frameworks;

[0075] FIG. 6: A perspective view of a framework structure module according to the invention;

[0076] FIG. 7: A perspective view of a load-bearing structure consisting of a plurality of framework structure modules;

[0077] FIG. 8: A perspective view of a further embodiment of the modular framework structure according to the invention;

[0078] FIG. 9: A perspective view of an offshore load-bearing structure according to the invention with a plurality of framework structure modules according to the invention according to FIG. 8;

[0079] FIG. 10: A chessboard-like framework structure according to the invention;

[0080] FIG. 11: A second chessboard-like framework structure according to the invention;

[0081] FIG. 12: A framework structure module for a wave power plant;

[0082] FIG. 13: Two frameworks connected by a method according to the invention;

[0083] FIG. 14: A perspective view of a wave power plant composed of a plurality of framework structure modules.

[0084] FIG. 15: An offshore load-bearing frame according to the invention composed of a plurality of framework structure modules according to the invention.

[0085] FIG. 1 shows a buoyant framework 50 according to the invention with a first bar 51 and a second bar 52 parallel to it with their respective longitudinal axes 61. The two bars 51 and 52 are held spaced apart by posts 53, which are mounted in connection elements 55. The longitudinal directions 63 of the posts 53 are vertical to the longitudinal direction 61 of the bars 51 and 52. Connection elements 55 are arranged at each end of the first bar 51 and the second bar 52, whereby the connection elements 55 are tensioned together by means of bands 54 which exhibit tensioning devices 60. This creates a stable framework 50, which is diagonally tensioned by means of the bands 54. The bands 54 are hooked into the connection elements 55, for example in such a way that they are locked in the direction of the centre of the framework. In a further preferred embodiment the bands 54 are mounted in rotatable pins 59 (see FIG. 2) with transverse boreholes in such a way that they are connected to the tensioning devices 60 and can tension the framework 50 diagonally.

[0086] The framework 50 shown in FIG. 1 exhibits approximately the same diameters for the two bars 51, 52, but this is not mandatory, as described above. The lateral posts 53 and the bands 54 can be, for example, tubes or solid bars made of a metallic material. However, if the framework 50 is intended for offshore use in the sea, a salt-water-resistant alloy should be chosen when selecting the material. This of course applies to the connection elements 55, too.

[0087] FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of a connection element 55 of the framework 50 according to the invention; here it can be seen that the posts 53 are mounted in receiving areas 57 of the connection elements 55 and the bars 51 and 52 are joined to the connection element 55 via flanges 56. Furthermore, a pin 59 can be seen which is inserted into a borehole 58 of the connection element 55 and which holds a framework strut 54 in the form of a band. On one side of the connection element 55, extensions 62 are shown with a connecting eye 64 formed inside, into which, for example, a connecting pin 67 (cf. FIG. 4) can be inserted. The connecting pin 67 is lockable by means of holders 66, (cf. FIG. 4) which can be attached to the connection element 55 at screw points 65 on the opposite side of the extensions 62.

[0088] FIG. 3 shows a connection element 55 as it is used, for example, four times per framework when assembling a single framework according to the invention. On the right-hand side, the flange 56 is shown for the possible fluid-tight attachment of the connection element 55 to one end of a first bar 51 or second bar 52, as well as the receiving area 57 for attaching a post 53, for example by means of insertion or plugging. Above the receiving area 57, a borehole 58 is shown in which the pin 59 for holding the bands 54 can be inserted. Above the borehole 58, two screw points 65 are shown, to which holders 66 (cf. FIG. 4) can be screwed for fixing a connecting pin. Here, the axes 73 of the screw points 65 can serve to guide the holders 66, so that, for example, a connecting pin 67 mounted in the connecting eye 64 of an adjacent connection element 55 of another framework 50 can be received, centred and finally fixed. On the opposite side, an upper extension 62 can be seen with a corresponding connecting eye 64 for inserting a connecting pin 67 (not shown here; cf. FIG. 4).

[0089] FIG. 4 shows two connection elements 55 and an embodiment of how the two connection elements 55 are joined to form a node 80. Such a connection situation arises, for example, when two frameworks 50 according to the invention are to be joined to each other in order to build a framework structure module 70 or an offshore load-bearing structure module 80. In FIG. 4, holders 66 are used which are approximately triangular in shape. A connecting pin 67, which has conical ends 72, can be received and locked via a funnel-shaped opening 71. For this purpose, the holders 66 can, for example, be gradually brought together via screw bolts (not shown) guided along the axes 73 of the screw points 65. In this way, when assembling two frameworks 50 according to the invention, the two holders 66 can be pre-fixed, for example, at a distance greater than the axial length of the connecting pin 67. The connecting pin 67 inserted in the connecting eye 64 is received between the two holders 66 when the holders 66 are brought closer together with their funnel-shaped openings 71 facing each other. When the two holders 66 approach each other, the connecting pin 67 is received in the funnel-shaped receiving areas 71 of the holders 66 and is thereby centred and finally fixed.

[0090] FIG. 4 also shows a transverse borehole 68 in the connecting pin 67, into which a connector 69 can be inserted for tensioning a framework structure module 70. In FIG. 4, this transverse borehole 68 is aligned in the plane spanned by the longitudinal directions 61 of the bars 51, 52, which, as explained above, can also be at an angle to it if tensioning is to be implemented in the direction of the space diagonals of a framework module 70.

[0091] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a node 81 to that shown in FIG. 4. The node 81 has two connection elements 55, each comprising a flange 56, to which bars 51, 52 are joined. The two connection elements 55 are connected to each other by means of the holders 66 and the extensions 62. Here, holders 66 in conjunction with extensions 62 fix connecting pins 67 in both axial and radial directions. These connecting pins 67 can have receiving areas, such as transverse boreholes 68 for further components. In the embodiment shown here, the holders 66 have, for example, an almost square shape when viewed from above. However, as with the other components, the person skilled in the art will generally use their freedom of design in achieving a skilled construction of the holders 66 to adapt the components required according to the invention to the specific requirements, for example on site.

[0092] The connection elements 55 further provide receiving areas 57 for the posts 53 and boreholes 58 into which pins 59 can be inserted. The node 81 also comprises two other connection elements 55, which are characterised by a simplified shape as they do not have flanges 56. These additional connection elements 55 can be used, for example, to receive attachment part holding devices 96. The node 81 is, for example, a corner node 82 of a load-bearing frame 80 according to the invention, in which the unattached connection elements 55, to which no bars 51, 52 are connected, can be made simpler, for example in order to save material and therefore costs in production. However, by means of these additional connection elements 55, additional posts 53 can also be locked parallel to the posts 53 of the frameworks 50 in order to be able to provide the same functionality in the corner points or corner edges with regard to the posts 53 as is possible between nodes 84 arranged internally in the load-bearing frame 80. These additional connection elements 55 can be transferred analogously to the T-nodes 83.

[0093] FIG. 6 shows a framework structure module 70, also known as a framework module 70, which is constructed from four frameworks 50 according to the invention. In this case, the first bars 51 each form a substantially rectangular base area. The top surface, which is substantially rectangularly spanned by the second bars 52, is supported by two posts 53 on each of the respective side edges, spaced parallel to each other. The frameworks 50 according to the invention are tensioned via bands 54, which are supported on the outer surfaces of the respective framework 50. The individual frameworks 50 are held together by connection elements 55, as shown for example in FIG. 4, and tensioned by connectors 69 which run diagonally in the base or top surface. The individual connectors 69 and the bands 54 each have tensioning devices 60, for example for joining and tensioning the connectors 69 and the bands 54.

[0094] FIG. 7 shows an offshore load-bearing frame 80 constructed in a planar manner which is made up of several framework structure modules 70, with the framework 50 according to the invention forming the basic unit. The person skilled in the art will recognise that in the embodiment of FIG. 7, 17 individual frameworks according to the invention are joined to each other, whereby diagonal struts 69 are arranged for further tensioning of the load-bearing frame 80 in each of the six top surfaces and six base surfaces which are formed.

[0095] FIG. 8 shows an example of a framework module 70 on which floating bodies 100 are arranged on the first bars 51 or in extension of the posts 53. These floating bodies 100 which are arranged at the respective connection points of the first bars 51 of adjacent frameworks 50 consist of individual torus-segment-like pontoons 1, each of which is buoyant itself. This type of construction of the floating bodies 100 is preferred, firstly in order to reduce the transport volume of the floating bodies and secondly in order to ensure a lower probability of failure of the floating bodies 100. Should one of the torus-segment-like pontoons leak during operation, it can be replaced individually; it is not necessary to replace the floating body 100 in its entirety. Another advantage of this segment-like construction is that the weight and the volume of the individual segments is much less than the total weight or total volume of the floating bodies 100, thereby facilitating assembly.

[0096] FIG. 9 shows an offshore load-bearing frame structure 80 which is made up of six framework structure modules 70 according to FIG. 8. Here it can also be seen that each module 70 is formed from four frameworks 50 according to the invention, with adjacent modules exhibiting a common framework 50. The double posts 53 on the outer side edges of the load-bearing frame structure modules 70 are characteristic of this. The two inner nodes exhibit four vertical posts 53 accordingly. The connections forming T-nodes on the side surfaces accordingly have three vertical posts 53.

[0097] FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of an offshore load-bearing frame 80 according to the invention, which shows a chessboard-like structure extending in a substantially planar manner over a water surface. Such a chessboard-like load-bearing frame 80 is also constructed from frameworks 50 according to the invention, which are used as basic building blocks. In these frameworks 50, both the first bars 51 and the second bars 52 as well as the posts 53 can be designed as hollow bodies, each of which is closed in a fluid-tight manner by the connection elements 55. In this way, a single framework 50 can be positioned lying or floating on a water surface, with the bars 51, 52 and possibly the posts 53 providing more buoyancy than is required by the weight force of the framework 50 according to the invention. A framework 50 according to the invention is extended here, for example, by three further frameworks 50, to which it is connected via the connection elements 55, more precisely via the holders 66 and the extensions 62 of the connection elements 55, in such a way that a chessboard-like pattern is created, in which frameworks 50 and empty spaces are arranged alternately. Two of the frameworks 50 shown additionally have support structures 90 which are supported on the posts 53 or, in other embodiments, additionally or alternatively on the bars 51, 52. The support structures 90 can serve, for example, as mountings for solar modules, containers, floor panels or other add-on components 95 and/or enable movement over the framework structure according to the invention. The support structures 90 shown here are specially adapted to the loads caused, for example, by attachments 95, such as solar panels, or the wind load on them, etc. This means that the structure of the support structures 90 is designed in such a way that it is most resistant where the component loads caused by the solar modules are greatest. Depending on the application, another design of the support structures 90 is also conceivable. The support structures 90 can either be supported directly on the bars 51, 52 and/or on the posts 53, or they can be held in place by attachment holding devices 96.

[0098] In order to stabilize the position of the four frameworks 50 according to the invention shown in FIG. 10 in relation to each other, either fixing means 92 (not shown here) can be used or some of the free connection elements 55 can be connected to further bars 510, 520 or further posts 530, so that a substantially rectangular overall structure is created which is torsionally rigid in itself. FIG. 11 shows such a load-bearing frame 80 in a square embodiment based on two frameworks 50 according to the invention, which are extended with further bars 510, 520 or posts 530 provided with connection elements 55 according to the invention. In this embodiment, both the first and second bars 510, 520 and the posts 530 may be identical parts, making them interchangeable as desired. In other embodiments, only the additional first and second bars 510 and 520 are identical in construction to each other and identical in construction to the first and second bars 51 and 52. The posts 53 and 530 can also be identical in construction, but differ from the first and second bars 51, 52, 510 and 520 in length, diameter or buoyancy, for example. The buoyancy of such a chessboard-like structure 80 with extension can be additionally increased as shown in FIG. 11 by floating bodies 100.

[0099] Furthermore, the additional individually inserted posts 530 and bars 510 and 520 provided with connection elements 55 are connected to the frameworks 50 according to the invention by means of bands 54 so as to further increase the rigidity of the load-bearing frame 80. The fastening of floats 100 under the load-bearing frame 80 or between the load-bearing frame 80 and the water surface increases the distance of attachments 95 arranged on the load-bearing frame 80 from the water surface, thereby reducing the risk of the attachments 95 being wetted with water, or even being flooded in the event of swell and/or strong gusts of wind. Additional buoyancy aids 99 are attached to some posts 53 or bars 51, 52 to further increase the buoyancy of the offshore load-bearing frame 80. These flotation aids 99 can, for example, be designed to be mountable or dismountable.

[0100] FIG. 12 shows a cuboid framework structure module 70 which forms part of a wave power plant. In this exemplary module 70 shown, floating bodies 100 are arranged between the first bars 51 and the second bars 52 of the respective frameworks 50 according to the invention. The segmented construction of the floating body 100 makes it possible to assemble the floating body from individual floating body segments and integrate them in the framework structure module 70, even if the framework structure module 70 has already been assembled. Equally, however, the floating bodies 100 can also be attached to the framework structure module 70 at the start of the assembly process if, for example, it is necessary to generate additional buoyancy during the assembly process. The floating bodies 100 can thereby oscillate along the posts 53 and move lifting rods 25 in linear fashion up and down along a longitudinal axis 27 of the lifting rods. These lifting rods 25 are joined to linear generators 110 in such a way that the linear lifting movement of the lifting rods 25 is converted into rotational movements of drive shafts of the linear generators 90 so that wave energy can be converted into electrical energy according to the dynamo principle.

[0101] FIG. 13 shows two frameworks 50 which are connected to each other by means of holders 66 and extensions 62 of the connection elements 55 arranged on the bars 51, 52. The method according to the invention was used to connect the frameworks 50. For this purpose, the two frameworks 50 are initially arranged lying on the water surface. After the weight of the first bars 51 has been increased, or the buoyancy of the first bars 51 has been reduced, the frameworks 50 float in the water aligned vertically to the water surface. Here, the buoyant second bars 52 and the connection elements arranged thereon are still at or above the water surface and are therefore easily accessible. By connecting the two connection elements 55, which are arranged at the two second bars 52, to an upper node 81, an angular structure is created from the top view.

[0102] In order to ensure that the two posts 53 mounted below the upper node 81 maintain their relative position to each other, including during offshore installation and in swell, at least one stabilizing device 91 is attached to the frameworks 50, preferably directly to the posts 53 to be stabilized. Preferably, these stabilizing devices 91 can slide along the posts 53 so that they are mountable on the surface of the water, but then sink towards the bottom of the water so that the lever arm of the stabilizing holding torques is increased as the stabilizing device approaches the lower node 81.

[0103] In a further embodiment of the invention, fixing means 92 may be provided for temporarily locking the angle between the planes of the frameworks 50 as viewed from above. These fixing means 92 are preferably mounted between the second bars 52, which are easily accessible from the water surface. This is a simple way of preventing any change in the angle between the two frameworks 50 as viewed from above. This significantly facilitates the positioning of a unit consisting of two frameworks 50 according to the invention as compared to other framework structure modules or offshore load-bearing frames and therefore also facilitates the assembly of extended framework structures.

[0104] According to the invention, the ratio between buoyancy and weight of the first bars 51 is subsequently increased again, so that the two frameworks 50 connected at the top retain their orientation and rise towards the water surfacei.e. approximately vertically until the first bars 51 are floating on the water surface. Since the connection elements 55 of the first bars 51 are now also easily accessible for assembly purposes, the two frameworks can be connected in a simple manner by means of the connection elements 55 arranged on the first bars 51 at a second, lower node 81. Due to the stabilizing devices 91, the position of the posts 53 in relation to each other is already relatively precisely determined, i.e. the posts 53 are already aligned parallel to each other. This eliminates the need for time-consuming positioning of the connection elements 55 arranged on the first bars 51 over long distances. In this method step, therefore, only finetuning is required.

[0105] It goes without saying that further floating bodies 100 can be arranged at the lower ends of the offshore framework structure module 70 according to FIG. 12 below the first bars 51, as shown for example in FIG. 14. FIG. 14 shows a wave power plant 200 constructed from six framework structure modules 70 according to FIG. 12. Here, the frameworks 50 of the framework structure module 70, which is buoyant in itself according to the invention, are provided with additional floating bodies 100 at the individual nodes 81 to 84 in order to give the wave power plant greater buoyancy.

[0106] The floating bodies 100 arranged between the first bars 51 and the second bars 52 can move in an oscillating manner along the side bars 53 following the passage of a wave. This raises and lowers the lifting rods 25 and drives the shafts of the linear generators 110 to convert wave energy into electrical energy. It is readily comprehensible for a person skilled in the art that such a wave power plant 200 can also be designed in much larger dimensions with multiple movable floating bodies 100, whereby the self-stabilization of the offshore framework structure 70 or load-bearing frame 80 increases with the increase in the planar expansion of the wave power plant 20, so that a wave can pass through the wave power plant 200 or through the load-bearing frame 80, whereby the overall structure does not follow the wave movement.

[0107] FIG. 15 shows a floating offshore load-bearing frame structure 80 constructed from a plurality of offshore load-bearing frame structure modules 70. The load-bearing frame 80 consists of four framework structure modules 70 which have been joined together by means of the connection elements 55 to form a load-bearing frame composite 80. At some corner points 82 of the framework modules 70, floating bodies 100 are arranged movably for example according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 or also in a stationary manner with the load-bearing structure 80, depending on whether wave energy is to be tapped by means of the movement of the floating bodies or the floating bodies are only intended to increase the buoyancy of the load-bearing structure 80. The offshore load-bearing frame 80 according to FIG. 15 has a number of regenerative energy generators, for example photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and also point absorbers for converting wave energy, some of which are movably attached to the offshore load-bearing frame 80 as attachments 95. In addition, a carriage 97 is shown which serves as a means of transport for tools, components or persons, etc. on the framework structure. Here, the carriage-like transport means 97 can slide on rails provided by the support structures 90, whereby the carriage 97 slides over the photovoltaic modules, for example. A hanging, basket-like arrangement, e.g. on the support structures 90, is also a conceivable embodiment. Such an offshore load-bearing frame structure 80 can be attached to the bottom of the water by means of a mooring system 93 and in this way can be used as a kind of floating island for energy generation, storage and distribution.

[0108] By means of the openings 75 in the first bars 51 and by means of pipes which can be connected to the openings 75, a fluid connection can be established between the cavities of the first and/or second bars 51, 52 which are closed by the connection elements 55. This forms a fluid conduit system in which, for example, cooling fluid can be circulated. By means of such an installation, the waste heat from attachments 95 requiring cooling, which are arranged in or on the offshore load-bearing frame 80, can be efficiently dissipated to the body of water on which the load-bearing frame 80 according to the invention is floating.

[0109] All in all, the buoyant framework 50 according to the invention can provide a variety of possible load-bearing structures 70 or load-bearing frames 80 for a very diverse range of offshore applications, of which the application shown for a wave power plant 200 is only one example among many. For the purpose of the invention, all of the load-bearing structures 80 according to the invention can be expanded in a modular manner with the basic unit of the framework 50 according to the invention and be enlarged in this way. Furthermore, the simple design of the frameworks 50 and the load-bearing structure modules 70 and the modular construction of the floating bodies 100 allows easy assembly according to the invention, which later also provides for reduced maintenance, since damaged units can easily be replaced in a modular manner.

TABLE-US-00001 List of reference numerals 25 Lifting rod 27 Lifting rod - longitudinal axis 50 Framework 51, 510 First bar 52, 520 Second bar 53, 530 Post 54 Bands 55 Connection element 56 Flange 57 Receiving areas 58 Borehole 59 Pin 60 Tensioning device 61 Bar - longitudinal direction 62 Extensions 63 Post - longitudinal direction 64 Connecting eye 65 Screw point 66 Holder 67 Connecting pin 68 Transverse borehole 69 Connector 70 Framework structure module 71 Funnel-shaped receiving area 72 Conical end 73 Axis - screw points 75 Opening 80 Load-bearing frame 81 Node 82 Corner node 83 T-node 84 Inner node 90 Support structures 91 Stabilizing device 92 Fixing means 93 Mooring 95 Attachments 96 Attachment holding device 97 Means of transport 99 Flotation aids 100 Floating bodies 110 Linear generator 200 Wave power plant