Abstract
A clamping device for a vibrating or hammering device for inserting a foundation element having a flange into the ground, a vibrating or hammering device provided with such clamping device and a method for inserting the foundation element. The clamping device includes a frame, a first clamp body and a second clamp body that are configured to enable a relative movement, and wherein the first and second clamp bodies are provided with respective first and second clamping surfaces that are configured for engaging with respective first and second flange surfaces, a positioning drive for moving the first clamp body relative to the second clamp body in a positioning direction, and a clamping drive for moving the first clamp body relative to the second clamp body to and/or from the flange surfaces in a clamping direction.
Claims
1. A clamping device for a vibrating or hammering device for inserting a foundation element having a flange into the ground, the clamping device comprising: a frame; a first clamp body and a second clamp body that are configured to enable a relative movement, and wherein the first and second clamp bodies are provided with respective first and second clamping surfaces that are configured for engaging with respective first and second flange surfaces; a positioning drive for moving the first clamp body relative to the second clamp body in a positioning direction; and a clamping drive for moving the first clamp body relative to the second clamp body to and/or from the flange surfaces in a clamping direction.
2. The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein the positioning drive comprises a sliding cylinder.
3. The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein the clamping drive comprises a two stage drive system, wherein the first stage provides contact between at least one of the clamp bodies and the respective flange surface, and the second stage provides a clamping force on the flange.
4. The clamping device according to claim 3, wherein the two stage drive system comprises a hydraulic cylinder having a first chamber configured for moving the first clamp body relative to the second clamp body in the first stage, and a second chamber configured for clamping the flange of the foundation element between the first and second clamp bodies in the second stage.
5. The clamping device according to claim 4, further comprising a controlled non-return valve to maintain pressure in the first and/or second chamber.
6. The clamping device according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure system configured for increasing the clamping force in response to lifting and/or up-ending forces.
7. The clamping device according to claim 1, further comprising slide elements configured for connecting the clamping device with a sliding connection to a base frame of the vibrating or hammering device.
8. The clamping device according to claim 7, wherein the sliding connection provides some play at a clamping end of one of the clamp bodies to enable the clamp body to make a rotational movement when initiating the clamping.
9. The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the clamp bodies is provided with a wedge lock.
10. The clamping device according to claim 1, further comprising a pile guide configured for guiding the positioning of the clamping device relative to the foundation element.
11. The clamping device according to claim 10, wherein the pile guide is arranged to the frame such that in a clamping state of the clamping device the clamp bodies remain in engagement with the respective flange surfaces.
12. The clamping device according to claim 10, wherein the pile guide comprises a pile guide contact pad.
13. The clamping device according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure relief valve configured to prevent overloading in a driving state wherein the foundation element is inserted into the ground.
14. The clamping device according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor or indicator configured for determining the position of the clamp bodies.
15. The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the clamp bodies comprises a contact pad.
16. A vibrating or hammering device for inserting a foundation element into the ground, comprising the clamping device according to claim 1.
17. The vibrating or hammering device according to claim 16, further comprising two or more clamping devices.
18. A method for inserting a foundation element into the ground, the method comprising the steps of: providing a foundation element with a flange; providing a vibrating or hammering device with a clamping device comprising: a frame; a first clamp body and a second clamp body that are configured to enable a relative movement, and wherein the first and second clamp bodies are provided with respective first and second clamping surfaces that are configured for engaging with respective first and second flange surfaces; a positioning drive for moving the first clamp body relative to the second clamp body in a positioning direction; and a clamping drive for moving the first clamp body relative to the second clamp body to and/or from the flange surfaces in a clamping direction; clamping the flange; and inserting the foundation element into the ground.
19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of up-ending the foundation element.
20. The clamping device according to claim 2, wherein the clamping drive comprises a two stage drive system, wherein the first stage provides contact between at least one of the clamp bodies and the respective flange surface, and the second stage provides a clamping force on the flange, wherein the two stage drive system comprises a hydraulic cylinder having a first chamber configured for moving the first clamp body relative to the second clamp body in the first stage, and a second chamber configured for clamping the flange of the foundation element between the first and second clamp bodies in the second stage, further comprising a controlled non-return valve to maintain pressure in the first and/or second chamber.
Description
[0060] Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0061] FIG. 1 shows a vibrating device provided with a number of clamping devices in an embodiment of FIG. 7 according to the invention;
[0062] FIG. 2A shows an alternative clamping device according to the present invention;
[0063] FIG. 2B shows the clamping device of FIG. 2A when being prepared for stabbing;
[0064] FIG. 2C shows further details of the clamping device of FIGS. 2A-B;
[0065] FIG. 3 shows a vibrating device provided with a number of alternative clamping devices of FIGS. 2A-C according to the invention;
[0066] FIG. 4A shows details of a further alternative clamping device according to the invention;
[0067] FIG. 4B shows details of the clamping device of FIGS. 2A-C;
[0068] FIG. 5A discloses the two-stage drive system in a presently preferred embodiment of the invention with the clamp in an open state;
[0069] FIG. 5B shows the system of FIG. 5A when the clamp is closed;
[0070] FIG. 5C shows the system of FIG. 5A when pre-tension is applied;
[0071] FIG. 5D shows the system of FIG. 5A with pressure reduction when in operation;
[0072] FIG. 6 shows the clamping device of FIG. 3 and vibrator block in an operational state; and
[0073] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the clamping device with a wedge block.
[0074] Clamping device 2′ (FIG. 1) is used for vibrating or hammering device 4 comprising vibrator block 6 that is connected to base frame 8. In the illustrated embodiment vibrator block 6 is provided with hoist 10 to enable lifting and/or up-ending Clamping device 2′ is provided with frame 12, first clamp body 14 and second clamp body 16.
[0075] In the illustrated embodiment vibrating or hammering device 4 is provided with 16 clamping devices 2′ (FIG. 1). It will be understood that another number of clamping devices 2 can also be envisaged in accordance to the present invention. Top 13 of frame 12 is connected to base frame 8, preferably with a number of bolts.
[0076] Clamping device 2 (FIG. 2A-C) comprises positioning drive 18 with cylinder 20 that is on one end 22 connected to second clamp body 16 with connection 24. Clamping device 2 has similar components as shown in relation to the alternative clamping device 2′ (FIG. 1). Cylinder 20 (FIG. 2B) enables movement in positioning direction A. This enables positioning clamping device 2 around a flange of a foundation element and thereafter (re)positioning second clamp body 16 relative to first clamp body 14 in positioning direction A.
[0077] In an illustrated alternative embodiment clamping device 102 (FIG. 3) is used for vibrating or hammering device 104 comprising vibrator block 106 that is connected to base frame 108. In the illustrated embodiment clamping device 102 preferably corresponds to clamping device 2. Also in this illustrated embodiment vibrator block 106 is provided with hoist 110 to enable lifting and/or up-ending. Clamping device 102 is provided with frame 112, first clamp body 114 and second clamp body 116. In this embodiment clamping device 102 is fitted in recess 111 that is provided in carrier 113 of base frame 108. Recess 111 is provided with maneuvering space A.sub.1 that allows second clamp body 116 to move in direction A relative to first clamp body 114.
[0078] In one of the presently preferred and illustrated embodiments clamping device 102′ is provided with slide elements 109 (FIG. 4A). In the illustrated embodiment slide elements 109 comprise slide recess 109a that is provided in frame 112 of clamping device 102 and sliding guide 109b that is provided in or on carrier 113. It will be understood that other slide elements can also be configured according to the invention. First clamp body 114 is provided with two clamp pads 115. It will be understood that another number of pads could also be envisaged according to the invention, such as one, three, four et cetera.
[0079] Clamping device 102′ (FIG. 4A) is provided with the same or similar components as illustrated in relation to clamping device 2, 2′, 102 in relation to steering and controlling the movement of second clamp body 116 relative to first clamp body 114 in positioning direction A.
[0080] Clamping device 102′ (FIG. 4A) enables movement of clamp body 116 in direction A, A.sub.1. In the illustrated embodiment the interaction between clamp body 116 and slide elements 109, 109a is configured to enable clamp body 116 to move towards clamp body 114 when initiating/starting the clamping action. In this illustrated embodiment the interaction is such that clamp body 116 makes a rotational movement X towards clamp body 114. In this illustrated embodiment this is enabled by the interaction allowing no or minimal movement C.sub.1 in direction Y (transversal to the plane of carrier 113 of base frame 108) at or near end 116b of the moving clamp body 116, while providing some play C.sub.2 such that clamp body at clamping end 116a enables the aforementioned rotational movement in direction X. So, clamp body 116 is capable of translating in direction A for positioning and rotating in direction X for clamping a flange in direction Y. It will be understood that other configurations can also be envisaged in accordance with the invention.
[0081] Foundation element 26 (FIGS. 4B, 6) is provided with flange 28. Clamping device 2, 2′, 102, 102′ is configured for clamping around flange 28 using first clamp body 14, 114 and second clamp body 16, 116. In the illustrated embodiment clamping device 2, 2′, 102, 102′ is brought in opening 30 (see also FIGS. 4C, 6) at one end of foundation element 26. Pile guide 32 (see also FIGS. 3, 4C, 6) is provided to guide the positioning of clamping device 2, 2′, 102, 102′ relative to foundation element 26. Pile guide 32 is optionally provided with one or more pile guide contact pads 34 to minimize the risk of damaging flange 28 and/or foundation element 26.
[0082] In operation, pile guide 32 is arranged to frame 8, 108 such that in a clamping state of clamping device 2, 2′, 102, 102′ clamp bodies 14, 16, 114, 116 remain in engagement with respect of the flange surfaces. This provides additional safety. Optionally, pile guides 32 are part of pile guide web structure 33 (FIG. 3) that adds to the overall stability and strength of frame 8, 108.
[0083] After being positioned inside opening 30 of foundation element 26 second clamp body 16, 116 is moved in direction A relative to first clamping body 14, 114 (FIGS. 4A-B, 2C). In the illustrated embodiment this movement is achieved with cylinder 20. Clamp bodies 14, 16, 114, 116 are preferably provided with separate contact pads 36 (e.g. see FIG. 5A) that provide a contact surface between clamp bodies 14, 16, 114, 116 and flange 28 of foundation element 26. After the sliding movement in direction A, a clamping movement in clamping direction B with clamping drive 38 is provided. In the illustrated embodiment clamping direction B is substantially transversal to positioning direction A. In the illustrated embodiments clamping direction B corresponds to direction Y (FIG. 4A).
[0084] Clamping drive 38 is illustrated as a two-stage system (FIGS. 5A-D). It will be understood that another configuration for clamping drive 38 can also be envisaged in accordance to the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment system 38 comprises first block 40, second block 42, clamp element 44 and optionally a number of contact pads 36. Clamp element 44 is connected with bolts 46 to second block 42. Guide block 48 is connected with bolts 50 to frame 12, 112. Clamping drive 38 with the two-stage system further comprises first chamber 52, second chamber 54 and third chamber 56.
[0085] In an open position of clamping device 2 (FIG. 5A) first element 40 and second element 42 move in opening direction C substantially parallel to clamping direction B. First and second chambers 52, 54 are brought at a low pressure, and third chamber 56 is provided with a higher pressure to enable movement in direction C. In the illustrated embodiment the pressure in third chamber 56 can be about 320 bar in this stage of the operation.
[0086] In a closing position (FIG. 5B) first chamber 52 is brought at pressure, for example about 320 bar. Second and third chambers 54, 56 are provided at low or zero pressure to enable movement of first element 40 and second element 42 in closing direction D. In the illustrated embodiment movement in direction D continues until first element 14, 114 engages contact surface 58 of guiding element 48. In this position clamping device 2, 102 is closed.
[0087] To provide a clamping force on flange 28, second chamber 54 is put under pressure, for example the same pressure of 320 bar. Pressurizing second chamber 54 enables movement of second element 42 in direction D parallel to clamping direction B.
[0088] It is noted that in the illustrated embodiment pressure is maintained in chambers 52, 54, 56 by providing a controlled return valve 60 controlled by control 62 (schematically illustrated in FIG. 5C). In this pre-tensioning stage foundation element 26 can be lifted and/or up-ended.
[0089] It will be understood that other working pressures can also be envisaged in accordance to the present invention, optionally including different pressures in different stages in the chambers of clamping device 2, 102.
[0090] Optionally, when in operation (e.g. see FIG. 6), clamping forces can be reduced to improve the lifespan of flange 28 and/or foundation element 26. This can be achieved by reducing pressure in second chamber 54, for example to about 50 bar. It will be understood that another pressure can also be envisaged in accordance to the present invention. In this situation first chamber 52 is maintained at a relatively high pressure, for example 320 bar and third chamber 54 is maintained at a low pressure. Due to the external load when inserting foundation element 26 into the ground the actual operational pressure in second chamber 54 will vary in time, typically between 50 bar and 400 bar.
[0091] Optionally, inductive sensor 64 (FIG. 2B, 2C) is provided for positive confirmation of a retracted position of clamp bodies 14, 16, 114, 116. It will be understood that another sensor or combination of different sensors can also be envisaged in accordance to the present invention to the different embodiments of clamping device 2, 102.
[0092] A further optional feature is visual indicator 66 and/or another inductive sensor 68 (FIG. 2C) that are configured for confirmation that the sidewall of foundation element 26 is engaged. Optionally, clamping drive 38 is activated after positive feedback from one or more of the sensors (FIG. 2C). It will be understood that another sensor or combination of different sensors can also be envisaged in combination with drive 18, 38 in accordance to the present invention in relation to the different embodiments of clamping device 2, 2′, 102, 102′.
[0093] Also, base frame 8, 108 is optionally provided with safeguarding elements 70 that maintain clamp bodies 14, 16, 114, 116 in place in case of pressure loss (FIG. 3). No pre-tension force for clamping force is lost.
[0094] Manifold 72 (FIG. 2C) is provided with balancing valves for positioning cylinder 20 to prevent overloading by any up-ending force and to hold clamp bodies 14, 16, 114, 116 in the relative position even also in case of a pressure loss. Optionally, return valve 60 can be provided in manifold 72. Also optionally, additional strain gauges and/or pressure sensors can be provided to monitor the clamping force, for example during operation such that controller 62 may adjust pressures in any of the chambers 52, 54, 56 and/or valves, such as return valve 60. In the illustrated embodiments manifold 72 is also provided so-called flush valves to remove pressure and/or forces. It will be understood that manifold 72 can be applied to the different embodiments of clamping device 2, 102.
[0095] In one of the embodiments clamping device 2′ (FIG. 7) is provided with additional wedge 74. In this embodiment first chamber 52′ is put at the operating pressure. Wedge 74 is moved in direction E above cylinder with a slightly higher pressure such that wedge 74 transfers a relatively small force. During vibrating/hammering the pressures can be reduced as the pre-tension remains due to the mechanical securement of the wedge. When releasing clamp bodies 14′, 16′ from the flange first chamber 52′ and the pressure of wedge 74 are reduced such that the pre-tension on wedge 74 is reduced, thereby enabling a relatively easy removal of wedge 74. Unlocking chamber 76 is put at pressure to enable retraction of the cylinder and opening of the clamping device 2′.
[0096] The invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged. For example, features of the different illustrated embodiments can be applied to the other embodiments, such as the wedge, two-stage system, enabling a rotational movement for one the clamp bodies when initiating the clamping et cetera.
