GB2533141A

GB2533141A - Hydraulic lifting arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2533141A
Application number: GB1422067.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Taylor Mark
Original assignee: Ischebeck Titan Ltd
Current assignee: Ischebeck Titan Ltd
Priority date: 2014-12-11
Filing date: 2014-12-11
Publication date: 2016-06-15
Anticipated expiration: 2034-12-11
Also published as: GB2533141B

Abstract

A hydraulic lifting arrangement for moving a climbing screen, climbing formwork or other structure, vertically along a construction, comprises a hydraulic ram 1 and a mounting arrangement 100 for detachably mounting the ram 1 to a construction, the mounting arrangement 100 comprises a first part 2, which is either fixed to a first end of the ram 1 or mountable to the construction and a second part 3 that is conversely either fixed to the first end of the ram 1 or mountable to the construction, with the second part 3 arranged to receive the first part 2 for holding it captive. The first part 2 may move along a horizontal axis (A-A fig. 3) into engagement with the second part 3. The second part 3 may comprise a straight slot 4, closed at one end, the closed end being semi-circular. The slot 4 may be provided in a planar support member 6. The first part 2 may comprise a neck portion 8 to be received in the slot 4 and a head portion 9 connected to the neck portion 8 and wider than the slot 4 so as to constrain or prevent movement of the ram perpendicular to the horizontal axis (A-A fig. 3). Locking means 18 restrict movement of the first part 2 by blocking the exit of the neck portion 8 from the slot 4. Vertical loads from the ram 1 may be supported by a recess, opening or socket in the second part 3 engaging a conical, frusto-conical or spherical cap element 12 of the first part 2.

Description

Hydraulic lifting arrangement The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic lifting arrangement, in particular to a hydraulic lifting arrangement that allows the rapid attachment/detachment of a hydraulic ram from a construction.

In modern construction, particularly in the construction of high rise buildings it is common to have a central core, which houses lift shafts and stair wells and which provides support to the floors of the construction, wherein the central core and floors are formed by poured concrete. These structures commonly have no external walls.

Generally the central core is built up in a number of steps, with each step corresponding to one or more storeys of the building and comprising a separate pour of concrete. All of the concrete pours need to be contained, in order to hold the concrete in place until it hardens sufficiently to hold its own shape. Such containment is generally effected by use of temporary shuttering, most commonly referred to as formwork.

As the height of the building core increases, the height at which the formwork needs to be provided above ground level increases, wherein each successive pour can only take place after the preceding pour has properly set. For this purpose there exist climbing formwork systems. Climbing formwork systems generally comprise a formwork support assembly, which is supported by climbing rails that are engaged, in use, by fixed supports, which project outwardly from the construction. The fixed supports allow translation of the climbing formwork along the construction. The formwork support assembly generally consists of a platform adapted to extend substantially horizontally and on which is slidably mounted, for horizontal movement, a framework which supports a vertically extending formwork panel. The platform may be located in an initial position and the formwork may be advanced horizontally to a suitable position for the pouring of concrete. After the concrete has been poured and at least partially cured the supporting framework may be moved horizontally to withdraw the formwork from the concrete. The platform, still supporting the framework and the formwork panel may then be translated vertically to a higher position and fixed to the structure that has just been built. The formwork may then be advanced horizontally to the position to a suitable position for a subsequent pouring step.

Moreover, during large periods of construction, the floors supported by the core remain open at their edges. It is only when a façade is introduced that the perimeter of the building is enclosed. Such open floors cause numerous health and safety risks. Workers operating on the exposed floors of the construction are at risk of falling from the construction. Workers or members of the public on the ground are at risk from tools, equipment or debris falling from the exposed floors.

It is therefore known to provide safety screens, which extend around at least a portion of the perimeter of constructions, which effectively provide a temporary façade, and advantageously provide safe working platforms spaced outwardly from the floors. These safety screens are advantageously moveable vertically to protect the perimeter of any required floor as the construction progresses and are commonly referred to, therefore, as climbing screens. They typically comprise a climbing rail and a safety screen. The climbing rail is engaged, in use, by floor guides, which project outwardly from the edges of the floors. The floor guides allow translation of the climbing screen along the construction.

Movement of the climbing screen or climbing formwork up the construction may be effected by hydraulic lifting equipment located on the construction. Such hydraulic lifting equipment generally comprises a hydraulic ram that is removably attached, directly or indirectly, to the construction at a first end and at its opposed end to the climbing screen or climbing formwork, such attachment providing a substantially vertical orientation of the hydraulic ram to provide a vertical lifting force for raising the climbing screen vertically along the construction.

Following each vertical translation of the climbing screen, the hydraulic ram must be detached and moved to a different point further up the construction.

The present invention arose in a bid to provide an improved hydraulic ram attachment means that would allow such detachment and attachment quickly and easily.

According to the present invention in a first aspect, there is provided a hydraulic lifting arrangement for moving a climbing screen, climbing formwork or other structure, vertically along a construction, the hydraulic lifting arrangement comprising a hydraulic ram and a mounting arrangement for detachably mounting the ram to a construction, wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a first part, which is either fixed to a first end of the ram or mountable to the construction, and a second part that is conversly either fixed to the first end of the ram or mountable to the construction, with the second part arranged to receive the first part for holding it captive.

The mounting arrangement is preferably arranged such that, upon engagement of the first and second parts, the first part is movable into a captive position by movement substantially along a single axis. With this movement, the first part is captive at least against substantially all vertical movement. No other movement or action is required, only the movement substantially along the single axis.

The term "upon engagement" signifies that immediately following engagement, the first part is movable into the captive position by movement substantially along a single axis. Movement is preferably along this axis only. By virtue of such an arrangement, mounting (and de-mounting) of the hydraulic ram is greatly simplified over prior art arrangements. The preferred arrangement comprises a straight slot. The first or second part may be provided with the slot, most preferably the second part.

The single axis is preferably substantially horizontal. It may be inclined to the horizontal at an angle of less than 45 degrees, preferably less than 30 degrees, more preferably less than 20 degrees and most preferably less than 10 degrees. With required movement occurring substantially horizontally, including at a small incline to the horizontal, the hydraulic ram may simply be pushed into engagement by a worker.

Preferably, the first part comprises a first support member and the second part comprises a second support member, the first and second support members being arranged such that they may engage one another for supporting a vertical load transmitted through the hydraulic ram, the first support member comprising a conical, frustoconical, spherical or spherical cap element and the second support members defining a corresponding recess, opening or socket for engagement therewith.

By such arrangement, a self-aligning/levelling arrangement may be provided. Again this renders engagement greatly simplified and ensures the hydraulic ram is provided at the correct attitude once engaged. When a slot is provided, which defines the required recess, opening or socket, the hydraulic lifting arrangement is further simplified.

Further preferred features are presented in the dependent claims.

According to the present invention in a further aspect, there is provided a climbing screen system comprising a climbing screen and a hydraulic lifting arrangement as defined above.

According to the present invention in a further aspect, there is provided a climbing formwork system comprising a climbing formwork and a hydraulic lifting arrangement as defined above.

The climbing screen or climbing formwork may comprise a climbing rail, which is adapted to be mountable on and translatable along a construction with a second end of the hydraulic ram being fixable to the climbing rail.

Non-limiting embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a portion of a climbing screen system, which comprises a climbing screen and a hydraulic lifting arrangement in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows a partial sectional side view of a mounting arrangement for the hydraulic lifting arrangement of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a top view of the mounting arrangement of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a front view of the second part of the mounting arrangement of Figure 2; and Figure 5 shows a front view of a locking plate for use in the mounting arrangement.

A hydraulic lifting arrangement for moving a climbing screen, climbing formwork or other structure, vertically along a construction is shown in Figures 1 to 4, the hydraulic lifting arrangement comprising a hydraulic ram land a mounting arrangement 100 for detachably mounting the ram to a construction (not shown), wherein the mounting arrangement 100 comprises a first part 2 that is fixed to a first (lower) end of the ram land a second part 3 that is mountable to the construction and is arranged to receive the first part 2 for holding it captive. It should be appreciated that in alternative arrangements the first and second parts 2, 3 provided with the features defined below may be swapped, wherein the second part 3 may be fixed to the hydraulic ram 1 with the first part 2 mountable to the construction (with these parts each turned upside down from their orientations in the described arrangement here).

In Figure 1 the second part 3 is shown mounted to a hook arrangement 20, which is mounted to a support member 30 that is itself mounted to a floor of the construction (not shown). This is merely one possible mounting arrangement and should not be considered limiting in any way. The second part 3 may be mounted directly or indirectly to a construction in numerous ways, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. Detailed consideration of an exemplary arrangement of the second part 3 is provided below.

At the second (upper) end of the ram 1, there is provided a fixing means 40, which is arranged to detachably engage a climbing rail 50 of a climbing screen, climbing formwork, or other structure. The fixing means does not form part of the present invention and so a detailed explanation thereof is omitted. Moreover, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, fixing means taking numerous forms may be provided at the upper end of the ram 1 for engaging the climbing rail 50 as necessary during operation of the hydraulic lifting arrangement of the present invention.

With extension of the ram 1, the vertical spacing between the first and second ends of the ram 1 is increased, which raises the climbing rail 50 along the construction. The climbing rail 50 will have its horizontal movement constrained by suitable floor guides (not shown) in a manner well known to those skilled in the art.

The mounting arrangement 100 is configured such that, upon engagement of the first and second parts 2, 3, the first part is movable into a captive position by relative movement between the first and second parts 2, 3 substantially along a single axis A-A. The single axis A-A is substantially horizontal in use (it may be inclined to the horizontal at an angle of less than 10 degrees), wherein engagement of the first and second parts may be achieved by translation of the hydraulic ram in a substantially vertical orientation. With the first part suitably aligned with the second part, a simple straight line movement along the single axis A-A results in correct engagement of the lower end of the ram land substantially all vertical movement of the hydraulic cylinder of the hydraulic ram is prevented.

The first part 2 is most clearly seen in Figures land 2. It comprises a support member 5 (first support member), a neck portion 8 and a head portion 9. The second part 3 is most clearly seen in Figures 2,3 and 4. It comprises a support member 6 (second support member), side walls 10 and a base 11. The second support member 6 is provided with a slot 4, which receives the neck portion 8 of the first support members.

The neck portion 8 lies between the first support member Sand the head portion 9. The first support member 5, neck portion 8 and head portion 9 are preferably co-axial with one another and with the longitudinal axis of the ram 1, as shown. They may be formed separately from one another or may be formed unitarily. They are all preferably annular, as shown. They may be fixed to the lower end of the ram using any conventional means, including by welding or bolting.

Although not clearly shown in the figures, the lower face 12 of the first support member 5 is preferably frustoconical, tapering downwards (as viewed in the figures) at a shallow angle between its outer circumferential edge 13 and its inner circumferential edge 14, at which is meets the neck portion 8. The inner circumferential edge 14 is therefore spaced from the outer circumferential edge 13 along the longitudinal axis of the ram. The angle of taper is preferably less than 10 degrees. In alternative arrangements a conical, spherical or spherical cap element may be provided. For example, rather than being frustoconical, the lower face may be a shallow (large radiussed) spherical cap or suitable portion thereof. As discussed below, such a configuration provides a selflevelling/aligning arrangement, as would be achieved with a spherical ball joint. This is also useful, since it allows for a tolerance in two planes.

The neck portion 8 is sized to be received in the slot 4. The diameter of the neck portion 8 is less than the width of the slot. The head portion 9, in contrast, has a greater diameter than the width of the slot 4. Accordingly, when the neck portion 8 is received by the slot 4, vertical travel of the first part 2 is substantially prevented. Engagement of the lower face 12 of the first support members with an upper surface 15 of the second support member prevents travel downwards and engagement of an upper surface 16 of the head portion 9 with a lower surface 17 of the second support member 6 prevents travel upwards. Any vertical play in the mounting arrangement 100 will be limited to any additional length of the neck portion 8 in the axial direction, as compared to the thickness in the axial direction of the second support member 6. A small degree of play may be desirable to allow for easier introduction of the first part into the second part.

The head portion may be dome-shaped, as seen in the figures, which is preferred since it allows the ram 1 to be dragged more easily across the floor when the ram 1 is being moved. Clearly, where the first and second parts are swapped over so that the first part is mountable to the construction, it will not be dragged along the floor and its form may be altered to suit an upwardly directed fixed arrangement.

The second support member 6 is preferably substantially planar, as shown. It may comprise a metal plate. It may take numerous alternative forms, however, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. The upper surface 15 of the second support member 6 is preferably provided at a small incline to the horizontal, which is preferably less 10 degrees or less. In the present arrangement the upper and lower surfaces of the second support member 6 are both substantially planar and are both therefore inclined. The slot 4 is provided square to the parallel upper and lower surfaces. With such an arrangement, the axis of the semi-circular portion of the slot 4 (described below) is provided at an incline to the vertical, preferably of 10 degrees or less, and the longitudinal axis of the ram 1 is provided at an incline to the vertical, which is preferably 10 degrees or less, as shown in Figure 1.

The second support member 6 is spaced from the base 11 by the side walls 10, which define a void beneath the slot 4 for receiving the head portion 9 of the first part 2. Numerous alternative arrangements are possible, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. The head portion 9 is spaced from the base 11. The head portion 9 does not support the vertical load transmitted through the ram 1. It is provided for holding the first part 2 captive in the second part 3 and for preventing uplift of the ram 1.

The slot 4 preferably has a mouth 18 that tapers outwards to have an increased width, as shown in Figure 3, which allows for easier insertion of the neck portion 8 into the slot 4. Beyond the mouth portion 18, the slot 4 extends straight along the single axis A-A. The slot 4 is preferably closed at its end opposed to the mouth 15. The closed end of the slot is preferably semi-circular, as again shown in Figure 3.

In dependence on the shape of the lower face 12 of the first support members, or any suitable alternative first support member, the second support member 6 and/or the form of the slot may be varied, for providing a suitable self-aligning/levelling engagement.

A locking means 18 is provided for restricting movement of the first part 2 along the single axis A-A, such that it is retained in the captive position. The locking means 18 in the present arrangement comprises a plate that is arranged to engage slots 19, 21 provided in the plates 10 and base 11, respectively. As seen most clearly in Figures 2 and 4, the locking means 18 is arranged to block the exit of the neck portion 8 from the slot. Numerous alternative locking means are possible, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, which may be separable from the second part 3 or joined thereto.

In use, according to the present arrangement, the second part 3 will be suitably mounted to a construction. When the hydraulic ram 1 is to be mounted to the construction, the hydraulic ram 1 will be moved adjacent to the second part 3. The first part 2 will be aligned with the second part 3 and moved substantially along the single axis A-A. With this operation, the neck 8 will be received within the slot 4 and will be pushed to the second, closed, end of the slot. The locking means will be inserted to lock the first part 2 in the second part 3. The head portion 9 will hold the first part 2 captive in the second part 3.

By virtue of the semi-circular portion of the slot 4 and the frustoconical surface 12, the mounting arrangement is self-aligning/orienting. The frustoconical surface 12 will engage the edge of slot 4 and will centre on the axis of the semicircular portion thereof. The first support member 5 and the second support member 6 engage one another and thereby support any vertical load transmitted through the hydraulic ram 1.

Claims

Claims 1. A hydraulic lifting arrangement for moving a climbing screen, climbing formwork or other structure, vertically along a construction, the hydraulic lifting arrangement comprising a hydraulic ram and a mounting arrangement for detachably mounting the ram to a construction, wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a first part, which is either fixed to a first end of the ram or mountable to the construction, and a second part that is conversly either fixed to the first end of the ram or mountable to the construction, with the second part arranged to receive the first part for holding it captive.
2. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the mounting arrangement is arranged such that, upon engagement of the first and second parts, the first part is movable into a captive position by movement substantially along a single axis.
3. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the single axis is substantially horizontal or is inclined to the horizontal by less than 10 degrees.
4. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second part comprises a slot, which is arranged to receive a portion of the first part.
5. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the slot is straight.
6. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in Claim 4 or 5, wherein the slot is closed at one end.
7. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the closed end is semicircular.
8. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 7, wherein the slot is provided in a substantially planer member.
9. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 8, wherein the first part comprises a neck portion and a head portion that is connected to the neck portion, wherein the neck portion is arranged to be received by the slot and the head has a greater width than the slot, such that movement of the ram in an axis perpendicular to the single axis is constrained or substantially prevented.
10. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a locking means is provided that is arranged to restrict movement of the first part along the single axis, such that it is retained in its captive position.
11. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in Claim 10, when dependent on Claim 9, wherein the locking means is arranged to block the exit of the neck portion from the slot.
12. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first part comprises a first support member and the second part comprises a second support member, the first and second support members being arranged such that they may engage one another for supporting a vertical load transmitted through the hydraulic ram, the first support member comprising a conical, frustoconical, spherical or spherical cap element and the second support member defining a recess, opening or socket for engaging therewith.
13. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the first support member comprises a first surface, which is conical, frustoconical, spherical or a spherical cap and the second support member comprises a second support surface, which comprises a recess, opening or socket that is engageable by the lower surface of the first support member.
14. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in Claim 12 or 13, wherein the recess, opening or socket is at least partially circular.
15. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 14, when dependent on any of Claims 4 to 9, wherein the slot extends through the second support member and defines the recess, opening or socket.
16. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 15, wherein the first support member is tapered at an angle of less than 10 degrees.
17. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 16, wherein the upper support surface is substantially planar.
18. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 17, wherein the upper support surface substantially horizontal or is inclined to the horizontal at an angle of less than 10 degrees.
19. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, in use, a longitudinal axis of the hydraulic ram extends substantially vertically or is inclined at an angle of less than 10 degrees to the vertical.
20. A climbing screen system comprising a climbing screen and a hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim.
21. A climbing formwork system comprising a climbing formwork and a hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 19.
22. A climbing screen system as claimed in Claim 20, or a climbing formwork system as claimed in Claim 21, comprising a climbing rail, which is adapted to be mountable on and translatable along a construction and a second end of the hydraulic ram is fixable to the climbing rail.
23. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
24. A climbing screen system as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
25. A climbing formwork system as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: Claims 1. A hydraulic lifting arrangement for moving a climbing screen, climbing formwork or other structure, vertically along a construction, the hydraulic lifting arrangement comprising a hydraulic ram and a mounting arrangement for detachably mounting the ram to a construction, wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a first part, which is either fixed to a first end of the ram or mountable to the construction, and a second part that is conversly either fixed to the first end of the ram or mountable to the construction, with the second part arranged to receive the first part for holding it captive, wherein the second part comprises an opening, which is arranged to receive a portion of the first part that is substantially co-axial with a longitudinal axis of the hydraulic ram when held captive.2. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the mounting arrangement is arranged such that, upon engagement of the first and second parts, the first part is movable into a captive position by movement substantially along a single axis.3. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in Claim 2, wherein, in use, the single axis is substantially horizontal or is inclined to the horizontal by less than 10 degrees.CD 4. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the opening comprises a slot.S. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the slot is straight.6. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in Claim 4 or 5, wherein the slot is closed at one end.7. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the closed end is semi-circular.8. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 7, wherein the slot is provided in a substantially planar member.9. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 8, wherein the first part comprises a neck portion and a head portion that is connected to the neck portion, wherein the neck portion is arranged to be received by the slot and the head has a greater width than the slot, such that movement of the ram in an axis perpendicular to the single axis is constrained or substantially prevented.10. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a locking means is provided that is arranged to restrict movement of the first part along the single axis, such that it is retained in its captive position.11. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in Claim 10, when dependent on Claim 9, wherein the locking means is arranged to block the exit of the neck portion from the slot.12. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first part comprises a first support member and the second part comprises a second support member, the (r) first and second support members being arranged such that, in use, they may engage one another for supporting a vertical load transmitted through the hydraulic ram, the first support member in comprising a conical, frustoconical, spherical or spherical cap element and the second supportCDmember defining a recess or socket for engaging therewith. In13. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the first support member comprises a first surface, which is conical, frustoconical, spherical or a spherical cap and the second support member comprises a second support surface, which comprises a recess or socket that is engageable by the lower surface of the first support member.14. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in Claim 12 or 13, wherein the recess or socket is at least partially circular.15. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 14, when dependent on any of Claims 4 to 9, wherein the slot extends through the second support member and defines the recess or socket.16. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 15, wherein the first support member is tapered at an angle of less than 10 degrees.17. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 16, wherein the upper support surface is substantially planar.18. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 17, wherein the upper support surface substantially horizontal or is inclined to the horizontal at an angle of less than 10 degrees.19. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, in use, a longitudinal axis of the hydraulic ram extends substantially vertically or is inclined at an angle of less than 10 degrees to the vertical.20. A climbing screen system comprising a climbing screen and a hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim.(r) 21. A climbing formwork system comprising a climbing formwork and a hydraulic lifting arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 21. In22. A climbing screen system as claimed in Claim 21, or a climbing formwork system as claimed in in Claim 22, comprising a climbing rail, which is adapted to be mountable on and translatable along aCDconstruction and a second end of the hydraulic ram is fixable to the climbing rail.23. A hydraulic lifting arrangement as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.24. A climbing screen system as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.25. A climbing formwork system as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.