TÜFEKÇI, Kubilay (D 100 Karayolu Üzeri Uzuntarla, Mevkii Izmit, KOCAELI, TR)
| CLAIMS 1. A carrier head (1) of a climbing system to be fixed to a steel/concrete structure through a wall bracket (6), with completely removable and replaceable guiding jaws (4) for directing and holding the climbing system mast (5) in place, having spring or pressure loaded linearly moving supporting bolt mechanism (2) for supporting the loads and spring or pressure loaded linearly moving snatch head (10) for lifting the climbing system. 2. The blank of claim 1, the blank being the linear movement of the supporting bolt mechanism (2) which is not being restricted by any operational angle. 3. The blank of claim 1 & 2, the bolts are being held under pressure and contained within a solid block (16) and/or casing. The vertical loads from the bolts are transferred to the solid block (16). 4. The blank of claim 3, the bolts having an inclined surface whereas the mast pushes them within the solid block (16) during uplift and pressuring them to be ready to strike into the next opening on the mast (5) 5. The blank of claim 3, the solid block (16) also bearing the lateral loads from the guiding jaws (4), hence all loads are concentrated within the solid block (16) to be transferred to the structure through the carrier head (1) and wall bracket (6). 6. The blank of either preceding claim, the carrier bolt mechanism (2) could either be placed on top, under or within the wall bracket (6). 7. The blank of either preceding claim, the carrier head bearing one or two independently removable guiding jaws (4) and these guiding jaws (4) vertically slide-locking into the carrier head with the trigger locks (8). 8. The snatch head (10) having spring loaded bolt type grabber arms (11) for guiding the ram actuator (18) during lifting process. |
CLIMBING SYSTEMS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] It is a common practice to utilize mast/rail systems to support climbing formwork in order to resist high wind forces at high rise buildings and similar concrete structures. While already having the mast (5) system together with the formwork the next step is the crane independent self climbing systems. Due to tight crane time schedules and fast concreting periods at high-rise concrete structures, the automated self climbing formwork systems are being widely used during the construction of such structures.
[0002] The known application for such climbing systems is climbing/guiding shoes with gravity and/or spring activated pivoting latches, masts with hooks and/or cam blocks, rack and pinion set-ups or etc. for supporting the self climbing formwork, meanwhile having fixed, pivoting and/or telescoped jaws as guiders for the rail/mast of the system. In such systems the applicability and safety is restricted to the systems built-in limits. Even in systems claiming that they have two latches, it is common practice having these two latches interconnected -i.e. welded together etc.- and acting simultaneously as a single unit. Interchangeability and modularity are not considered for the existing systems, as well. The applicability to different mast types and sizes are not possible at all. Such systems could only be used for the type and size of the mast they are designed for and are limited to the initial design loads, any additional loading and/or factor of safety could not be handled if the situation necessitates such changes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Fig (1) Shows the complete climbing actuator with the carrier head (1), guiding jaws
(4), mast (5) and the wall bracket (6), ram actuator (18), catcher mechanism (7) from the side.
Fig (2) Shows the complete climbing actuator with the carrier head (1), guiding jaws
(4), mast (5) and the wall bracket (6), ram actuator (18), catcher mechanism (7) from the wall side.
Fig (3) Shows the carrier head (1) together with the mast (5), guiding jaws (4), ram actuator
(18), snatch head (10) and the wall bracket (6) from the wall (structure) side.
Fig (4) Shows the carrier head (1) together with the mast (5), guiding jaws (4), ram actuator
(18), snatch head (10) and the wall bracket (6) from the platform/formwork side.
Fig (5) The carrier head (1) with the guiding jaws (4), mast (5) and the wall
bracket (6) from the top side attached to a concrete wall.
Fig (6) The 3D cut section from the bolt mechanism (2) together with the mast (5) and wall bracket (6).
Fig. (7) Different carrier heads (1), various sizes for guiding jaws (4) and typical multiple formats for bolt mechanism (2) are illustrated as examples in this figure.
Fig. (8) Exploded view of the assembly items
Fig. (9) The section for the bolt mechanism (2). DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to increase the built-in safety, modularity, functionality and ease of applicability for automated self climbing platform/formwork systems having climbing/guiding shoes for positioning/routing the climbing rails/masts while being attached to a concrete and/or steel structure.
[0005] The purpose has been achieved with independently actuated multiple bolt-type support mechanism (2) providing modularity while enhancing the safety. With the independently and totally removable guiding jaws (4) the invention provides the flexibility to switch to different mast types and sizes while easing the crane handling, increasing the functionality and applicability.
[0006] Having a removable and compact ram actuators (18) -either hydraulically or electro-mechanically actuated- also adds on to this functionality, while the compact and slick design for hydro-mechanical ram actuator (18) together with its snatch head (10) brings the easiness to replace and carry the units to such positions where the lifting stage takes place. Hence, reducing the initial investment on relatively expensive items and lowering the costs in general.
[0007] The carrier head (1) and bolt mechanism (2) are designed in such a way that even one supporting bolt (13) would be safely carrying the design system loads. This invention provides a compact and slick supporting bolt mechanism (2) solution so that applying multiple supporting bolts (13) in multiple battery forms—i.e. side to side and/or vertically in-line- is possible without making the complete system bulky and hindering applicability. Having two or more equally capable supporting bolts (13), and considering that they are independently functioning, highly increases the safety factor of the system, since the risk of system failure could be highly avoided. In case, there is one nonfunctional supporting bolt due to debris or any other problem, the following supporting bolt would be there to take all the duty.
[0008] Additionally, the concept of linearly moving spring or pressure loaded bolt mechanisms (2), which is the main idea of the invention, brings the modularity for different applications and/or loading requirements, hence the degree of safety could be provided respectively.
[0009] For ease of explanations, only the two bolt application has been shown in subject figures, but the same idea would be applicable from one to multiple bolt configurations. Different carrier heads (1) with various sizes for guiding jaws (4) and multiple formats for bolt mechanism (2) are illustrated as examples in Fig. (7)
[0010] The independently and completely removable guiding jaws (4) provide a high degree of functionality, in case the climbing systems needs to be removed at any stage of the work. While having the self climbing system supported by means of a crane, joist etc. the guiding jaws (4) could easily be removed from the carrier head (1) letting the rails/masts (5) free for removal without forcing the system to be slid till the uppermost carrier head (1) for freeing the whole system.
[0011] With this built-in feature the carrier head (1) eases up assembly and dismantling at any stage of the work without necessitating any further lifting of the self climbing platform/formwork system. The removable and compact ram actuator (18) also adds on to the functionality and reduces costs while it could be easily replaced to the locations where the climbing action takes place.
[0012] As already been mentioned the self climbing systems utilizes mast/rail systems to support climbing platform/formwork in order to resist high wind forces at high rise buildings and such similar steel and/or concrete structures.
[0013] In such systems, the formwork, working and concreting platforms, all attachments and accessories are fixed around a mast (5)/rail assembly guided by a carrier head (1) which is in meantime securely connected to the structure through a wall bracket (6).
[0014] The wall bracket (6) is fixed to the structure by means of some anchors (21). The anchor type, size and quantity may vary depending on the loading conditions and strength of concrete.
[0015] The bolt mechanism (2), subject to this invention, is positioned within the carrier head (1) and secured by two pins and/or bolts to the wall bracket (6). The wall bracket provides a degree of freedom for slight inclinations while securely holding the carrier head (1) in place.
[0016] The carrier head (1) bears two independently removable guiding jaws (4) which could also be interchangeable for different mast/rail cross sections. These guiding jaws (4) which are securely grabbing and guiding the mast (5) in position have been fixed to the carrier head (1) by means of triggered security lock pins (8).
[0017] The guiding jaws (4) could be easily slid into the casing and secured by the trigger lock mechanism (8) without necessitating additional bolts, pins etc.
[0018] The vertical forces from the mast are supported by the bolts (13) within the bolt mechanism (2) and the lateral forces are supported by the guiding jaws (4), both items together transfer the forces to the solid block (16) within the carrier head (1) and from here through the wall bracket (6) all loads will be transferred to the structure. All items, connections bear a high degree of factor of safety against all possible loading conditions.
[0019] The carrier head (1) itself houses the solid block (16) in which the linearly moving spring (14) or pressure activated bolt(s) (13) are residing. The whole system/mechanism is the subject of this invention. These bolt mechanism(s) (2) are the mains for supporting the weight of the formwork and/or other vertical forces applied to the mast (5) as explained previously. The springs and/or pressure devices (14) are securely contained within this solid block (16) and the retaining lid (17) do not rely on the bolts; instead it is slid into the casing and stays secure even without the bolts. So that keeping the whole mechanism safe even in case there is an un-tightened bolt.
[0020] The bolt mechanism(s) (2) is/are securely contained in the solid block (16) within the carrier head (1) housing keeping all debris etc. outside and are completely re- buildable and capable of resisting all subject forces and thrust. For periodical maintenance and or repair purposes the back retaining lid (17) could be easily unscrewed and slid to open, giving way to the springs (14) and bolts (13).
[0021] The bolt(s) (13) has/have an inclined surface (15) on which the openings (19) on the mast (5) are gliding while the mast (5) have been pushed up by means of hydro- mechanical ram actuators (18).
[0022] Since the mast (5) has been securely hold and guided in place by the guiding jaws (4), the lower part of the opening exerts a lateral force on the linearly movable bolt mechanism (2). With this lateral force the bolt(s) (13) retract into their casing, a.k.a. solid block (16), giving way to the mast (5) to go further up.
[0023] During the climbing action, since the bolts (13) are retracted, the vertical loads are supported by the ram actuator (18) and by the attached snatch head (10). The snatch head (10) has the grabber arms (11) moving linearly with the catcher mechanism (7). These arms pull the snatch head (10) onto the mast (5) while gliding on it and causing the tongue blocks (12) which are part of the snatch head (10) slid into the openings (19) whenever they hit an opening.
[0024] This snatch head (10) together with its linearly moving grabber arms (11) and tongue blocks (12) is also a part of the subject of invention.
[0025] With the push by the hydro-mechanical ram setup the mast (5) proceeds until the next opening (19) hits the bolt(s) (13) within the carrier head (1). The bolt mechanism (2) immediately strikes into the next opening (19) within the mast (5) flange, providing the required support for all vertical forces of the climbing platform/formwork.
[0026] The hydro-mechanical ram actuator (18) could be used as a push ram -i.e. on top of the carrier head- or as a pull rod - i.e. under the carrier head- depending on the design requirements. The illustrations show only the push ram action where the ram actuator (18) is hanging under the carrier head (1).
[0027] This operation continues with the hydro-mechanical systems stroke and cycles until the mast (5) reaches the desired elevation. Once the mast (5) together with the platforms and formwork are at the desired level, then the system resides securely on the bolt(s) mechanisms (2). The stroke for the ram actuator (18) and the openings (19) within the mast are simple design considerations and could be dialed in according to the requirements of the system design in general.
[0028] The minimum length of the mast (5) should be at least slightly over than two storey heights. During concreting the whole system resides on three carrier heads (1). At any case, either standing still or moving, the mast (5) should have been secured at least at two levels by the two carrier heads (1) vertically in line.
[0029] For every single mast (5), there should at least be three carrier heads (1) available. While the two of them should always be engaged during operation, the lowest - i.e. third- one could be removed and replaced to the next storey level where the whole systems is climbing to.
[0030] Having the third carrier head (1) positioned at the new upper location, ready to take the mast (5), it is safe to proceed the mast (5) and the platform/formwork further up to the next working and/or concreting level. This sequence continues with the lower carrier head being moved to the uppermost position until the work has been completely accomplished.
[0031] When the work has been completed, the whole platform/formwork system could be easily lifted up until the masts (5) could be freed from all the carrier heads (1). The other option could be removing the guiding jaws (4) as explained below for the intermediate termination of the job.
[0032] In case the whole sequence should be stopped and the formwork and platforms need to be removed at an intermediate level, the removable guiding jaws (4) eases up this procedure and eliminates the need for totally pulling up the whole system to be freed up from the guiding jaws (4) and hence the carrier head (1) and bolt mechanism (2) as well. The Fig. (7) shows one of the guiding jaws (4) which are subject to this invention as removed.
[0033] The guiding jaws (4) have practical "grab handles" (9) equipped with trigger lock (8) for easily unlocking the jaws and vertically sliding them up for freeing the mast (5). The triggers (8) need to be hold tight either on assembling the guiding jaws (4) or for dismantling them. The jaws would be retained safely in place when the triggers have been released and the mechanism is self locked. In practice the trigger lock (8) mechanism does not bear any load and keeps only the guiding jaws (4) in place.
[0034] While the guiding jaws (4) could be completely removed the mast (5) would be totally free for crane handling without any obstructions. But, care should be taken so that the whole system is securely held by a crane etc. and wind loads are at a reasonable level during such operations.
[0035] Another benefit of having completely removable guiding jaws (4) is the option of being able to replace them whenever a different mast (5) cross section -i.e. larger size for heavier applications etc.- would have been used. Different guiding jaw (4) sizes are shown in Fig. (7).
[0036] The carrier head (1) consists of four main items. The two of them are the described left and right guiding jaws (4) which are subject matter of this invention with their ability to being completely removable and replaceable. The supporting bolt mechanism body or the solid block (16) as previously referred for, is another main part of the carrier head (1), holding the single or multiple linearly moving, spring or pressure loaded bolts (13). The last item is the wall bracket (6) where the carrier head (1) is securely connected to via two pins. The wall bracket (6) exerts all vertical and horizontal forces to the concrete and/or steel structure.
NOMENCLATURE
The carrier head (1),
The bolt mechanism (2),
The carrier bolt housing (3)
The guiding jaws (4),
The mast (5),
The wall bracket (6),
The catcher mechanism (7)
The trigger locks (8),
Grab handles (9)
The snatch head (10),
The grabber arms (11),
The tongues (12),
The bolt(s) (13),
Spring and/or pressure devices (14),
The inclination on the bolt surface (15),
The solid block (16),
The retaining lid (17),
The ram actuator (18),
The mast openings (19),
Structural wall (20),
Wall anchor (21).