A step climber

Abstract

This invention provides a stepping climbing machine, comprising an upper clamp, a lower clamp, an upper clamp locking device, and a lower clamp locking device; a driving device is connected between the upper and lower clamps to drive their up-and-down movement; the upper clamp has a load-bearing platform; the upper clamp locking device can lock or release the upper clamp; the lower clamp locking device can lock or release the lower clamp. The stepping climbing machine of this invention has a compact structure, is safe and reliable, and is suitable for the construction of cap beams for pier-type cylindrical bridge piers. It can reduce the risks of high-altitude operations, ensure the personal safety of construction personnel, and improve construction efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bridge construction technology, and in particular to a stepping climbing machine for the construction of cylindrical pier bridges. Background Technology

[0002] In bridge design, column piers are a commonly used structural type. For simply supported bridges, the cap beam is a crucial component that connects the superstructure and the substructure. The load of the superstructure is transferred to the substructure and foundation through the cap beam, making it one of the main load-bearing structures. In short, the cap beam refers to the horizontal beam installed on top of the pier to support, distribute, and transfer the load of the superstructure; it is also called a cap beam.

[0003] In existing technologies, the most common construction methods for bridge cap beams include the transverse steel bar method, the corbel bracket method, the ground support method, and the traditional clamp method.

[0004] The transverse steel bar method, also known as the pin-support method, requires pre-embedded holes in the pier column. Steel sections or high-strength steel bars are inserted into these holes and locked in place. The steel sections support the weight of the brackets, formwork, and the entire cap beam. Typically, a φ110mm through-hole is pre-drilled in the pier body. During pier body pouring, a through-hole PVC pipe is pre-embedded. After the pier body formwork is removed and the concrete reaches its strength, a φ110mm steel bar (45B steel) is inserted. Steel plates, sandboxes, Bailey trusses (or double-I-beams), distribution beams, and bottom formwork are then installed on the steel bar to form the entire support system.

[0005] With this approach, the weight of the support frame, formwork, and the entire cap beam is transferred to the pier column via the steel profile, and the pier column bears the load. The force transmission path is simple and clear, and there is no issue of support frame sinking. However, the pre-drilled holes embedded in the pier column (pier body) affect the appearance quality of the pier column. This process is not only labor-intensive and time-consuming, but also difficult to achieve a satisfactory result.

[0006] Furthermore, workers need to be transported to the location where the steel bars cross to build steel support frames (or Bailey beams), bottom formwork for cap beams, and work platforms for workers. This involves many dangerous high-altitude operations. In the early stages of high-altitude operations, due to the lack of work platforms and inadequate protective measures for workers, there were high risks to personal safety.

[0007] The corbel bracket method involves pre-embedding steel plates in the pier column, welding steel support corbels onto the pre-embedded steel plates after demolding, erecting formwork supports on the corbels to pour the cap beam, and transferring the weight of the supports, formwork, and the entire cap beam to the pier column through the corbel brackets.

[0008] In the corbel bracket method, the weight of the supports, formwork, and the entire cap beam is transferred to the pier through steel supports and embedded steel plates, where it is borne by the pier. The force transmission path is simple and clear, eliminating the problem of support sinking and avoiding damage to the steel formwork. However, the embedded steel plates consume a large amount of steel, making it uneconomical; moreover, the welding work for the steel supports is quite extensive, requiring high welding quality; and after the cap beam construction is completed, the appearance of the pier needs to be treated, which is not only labor-intensive and time-consuming but also makes it difficult to ensure quality.

[0009] The ground-supported scaffolding method typically uses universal poles or steel pipe scaffolding to erect the support structure. The weight of all temporary facilities and the weight of the cap beam during construction are borne by the scaffolding and directly transferred to the ground.

[0010] The form and height of the scaffolding system in the ground-supported construction method can be varied according to the surrounding terrain and the height of the pier, offering flexibility. This method eliminates the need for embedded parts on the pier, thus preserving its appearance. However, this method places high demands on the bearing capacity of the foundation, generally requiring compaction, and in soft soil foundations, a concrete slab must be poured. Therefore, foundation treatment requires significant manpower and resources. Even slight mishandling of the foundation can cause the entire scaffolding system to sink, severely impacting the construction quality of the cap beam. When the pier is high, pre-stressing of the scaffolding is necessary to eliminate inelastic deformation, consuming substantial manpower and resources. Adjusting the bottom formwork height due to variations in pier height requires even more resources, manpower, and time for structures using steel pipe scaffolding. The ground-supported scaffolding system is massive, requiring substantial investment, and its installation is time-consuming and labor-intensive. In certain challenging environments, due to limited on-site construction conditions, the scaffolding method is rarely applicable. It can be seen that although the scaffolding method is convenient and flexible, it has its own inherent disadvantages, namely, the stability of the scaffolding, inelastic deformation and foundation settlement must be taken into account during construction.

[0011] In recent years, the clamping method has been increasingly adopted by construction companies. The existing clamping method utilizes the maximum static friction generated by installing clamps at appropriate locations on the pier and clamping them to the pier to overcome the weight of temporary facilities and the cap beam. The key to the clamping method is ensuring sufficient friction between the clamp and the pier to safely transfer the load. Generally, clamps are manufactured by specialized companies and connected using high-strength bolts. A 5mm thick rubber pad or geotextile is added between the clamps and the pier. The load-bearing crossbeams are double-row Bailey beams or large I-beams, installed on top of the sand cylinders of the load-bearing clamps. To prevent lateral overturning of the double-row Bailey beams, the Bailey beams are connected with tie rods. Then, I16a I-beams are placed at 40cm intervals on the load-bearing crossbeams as distribution beams (square timber is also sometimes used for distribution beams). The length of the distribution beams is 1.6m longer than the width of the cap beam (80cm at each end), serving as a construction work platform.

[0012] The existing clamping method directly transfers temporary loads and the weight of the cap beam to the pier column, without any requirements on the foundation; the installation height of the clamp can vary with the height of the pier column, without the need for additional wooden blocks or distribution beams to adjust the height of the bottom formwork; the clamping method is highly adaptable, and can be used for any circular pier column, whether in water or on land, with or without tie beams; the clamping method does not damage the appearance of the pier column, and the support does not undergo non-elastic deformation during the construction of the clamping method, so pre-stressing is not required.

[0013] Although the clamping method in the existing technology has certain advantages over other cap beam construction methods, it still has the following obvious disadvantages, just like other existing cap beam construction methods:

[0014] First, the construction of the bottom formwork for the cap beam requires professional personnel to work at high altitudes on top of the bridge pier. However, in the current cap beam construction methods, the top of the bridge pier does not have a complete support system at the beginning of construction, especially no working platform. Under such conditions, working at high altitudes poses a huge safety hazard.

[0015] Second, the construction of the bottom formwork for the cap beam at high altitude requires working at the top of the bridge pier. Materials need to be hoisted up one by one, which is cumbersome and slows down the construction progress.

[0016] Third, when dismantling the bottom formwork, operators need to dismantle part of the support and fixing system at the top of the pier, and then use a chain hoist to lift the entire frame to dismantle the bottom formwork. This not only poses a great risk to personal safety when working at height, but also results in extremely low work efficiency.

[0017] If a device could be developed that allows temporary support structures for the cap beam, such as supporting the main beam, distribution beams, cap beam bottom formwork, and cap beam construction platform, to be erected at low altitudes, and then lifted together using a lifting device to reach the construction position at a higher altitude, it would not only overcome the shortcomings of existing cap beam construction methods but also greatly improve construction efficiency, reduce the risks of working at heights, and ensure the personal safety of construction workers. Summary of the Invention

[0018] To address the problems in existing technologies, this invention provides a compact, safe, reliable, and efficient stepping climbing machine. When applied to the cap beam construction of cylindrical bridge piers, this stepping climbing machine can reduce the risks of working at heights, ensure the safety of construction personnel, and improve construction efficiency.

[0019] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a stepping climbing machine includes an upper clamp, a lower clamp, an upper clamp locking device, and a lower clamp locking device; a driving device for driving the upper clamp and the lower clamp to move up and down is connected between the upper clamp and the lower clamp; the upper clamp has a load-bearing platform; the upper clamp locking device can lock or release the upper clamp; the lower clamp locking device can lock or release the lower clamp.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the driving device is a lifting cylinder connected between the upper and lower clamps. Using a hydraulic cylinder as the driving device ensures a smooth and reliable entire movement process.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, multiple lifting cylinders are evenly distributed on the upper and lower clamps. Using multiple lifting cylinders evenly distributed on the upper and lower clamps as a hydraulic power drive device ensures smoother and more reliable movement of the upper and lower clamps during ascent or descent, preventing jamming or other issues.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, a guide device is connected between the upper and lower clamps. This guide device ensures that the upper and lower clamps move in a straight line during their ascent or descent, resulting in a smooth and stable motion.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the guiding device is a guide pin, and both the upper and lower clamps have guide holes, through which the guide pin passes. This structure, using a guide pin and guide holes, provides a simple guiding effect.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the upper clamp includes an annular tensioning inner sleeve and an annular housing outer sleeve. The upper clamp has a load-bearing platform, which is an outwardly folded platform located at the upper end of the annular housing outer sleeve. The outer surface of the annular housing outer sleeve has outwardly protruding ribs on its axial direction, and through slots are opened on both sides of the ribs, penetrating the housing outer sleeve. The annular tensioning inner sleeve is formed by one or more elastic sheets, and the elastic sheets connected to each other have outwardly folded lugs at the joints. The outwardly folded lugs at the joints of the elastic sheets pass through the through slots located on both sides of the ribs of the housing outer sleeve. The lugs of the elastic sheets of the tensioning inner sleeve and the ribs of the housing outer sleeve are each provided with corresponding connecting holes. The upper clamp locking device connects the tensioning inner sleeve and the housing outer sleeve together through the connecting holes of the lugs of the elastic sheets of the tensioning inner sleeve and the ribs of the housing outer sleeve.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the lower clamp includes an annular tensioning inner sleeve and an annular housing outer sleeve. The outer surface of the annular housing outer sleeve has outwardly protruding ribs along its axial direction, and through slots are formed on both sides of the ribs, penetrating the housing outer sleeve. The annular tensioning inner sleeve is formed by one or more elastic sheets, and each connected elastic sheet has outwardly turned-up lugs at its joint. The outwardly turned-up lugs at the joints of the elastic sheets pass through the through slots on both sides of the ribs of the housing outer sleeve. Corresponding connecting holes are formed on the lugs of the elastic sheets of the tensioning inner sleeve and the ribs of the housing outer sleeve. The lower clamp locking device connects the tensioning inner sleeve and the housing outer sleeve together through the connecting holes between the lugs of the elastic sheets of the tensioning inner sleeve and the ribs of the housing outer sleeve.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the inner wall of the tensioning inner sleeve of the upper clamp is embedded with a rubber pad.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the inner wall of the tensioning inner sleeve of the lower clamp is embedded with a rubber pad.

[0028] Rubber pads can enhance the friction between the clamp and the clamped component. For example, when the climbing machine of this invention is used for the cap beam construction of a pier-type bridge, it can increase the friction between the tensioning inner sleeve and the bridge pier, allowing the clamp to hold the bridge pier more tightly when it clamps the pier.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the upper clamp locking device includes a cam, a locking cylinder that drives the cam to rotate, a top plate, a pull rod, and a spring assembly. One end of the pull rod is movably connected to one side of the upper clamp, and the other end is fixedly connected to the other side of the upper clamp. The top plate is sleeved on one end of the pull rod, and one end of the pull rod is provided with a stop portion to limit the displacement of the top plate. The cam is located between the top plate and one side of the upper clamp and abuts against the top plate. The locking cylinder can drive the cam to rotate, changing the distance between the top plate and one side of the upper clamp, causing one side of the upper clamp to move closer to or further away from the other side of the upper clamp, thus pressing or releasing the spring assembly, thereby locking or releasing the upper clamp. By employing the structure of the upper clamp locking device using the locking cylinder, top plate, pull rod, and spring assembly, the automatic tightening or loosening of the upper clamp can be achieved. When the locking cylinder drives the cam to rotate, increasing the distance between the top plate and one side of the upper clamp, the cam presses against one side of the upper clamp and moves along the pull rod towards the other side of the upper clamp, compressing the spring assembly and tightening the upper clamp. When the locking cylinder drives the cam to rotate, decreasing the distance between the top plate and one side of the upper clamp, the spring assembly relaxes and deforms in the direction of restoring its original shape, releasing the upper clamp.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the lower clamp locking device includes a cam, a locking cylinder that drives the cam to rotate, a top plate, a pull rod, and a spring assembly. One end of the pull rod is movably connected to one side of the lower clamp, and the other end is fixedly connected to the other side of the lower clamp. The top plate is sleeved on one end of the pull rod, and one end of the pull rod is provided with a stop portion to limit the displacement of the top plate. The cam is located between the top plate and one side of the lower clamp and abuts against the top plate. The locking cylinder can drive the cam to rotate, changing the distance between the top plate and one side of the lower clamp, causing one side of the lower clamp to move closer to or further away from the other side of the lower clamp, thus pressing or releasing the spring assembly, thereby locking or releasing the lower clamp. When the locking cylinder drives the cam to rotate, increasing the distance between the top plate and one side of the lower clamp, the cam abuts against one side of the lower clamp and moves along the pull rod towards the other side of the lower clamp, pressing the spring assembly and tightening the lower clamp. When the locking cylinder drives the cam to rotate, the distance between the top plate and the lower clamp decreases, the spring assembly loosens and deforms in the direction of restoring its original shape, and the lower clamp is released.

[0031] The aforementioned spring assembly can be structured as a spring sleeve, a spring, and a spring shaft. The spring can be a compression spring or a similar elastic element. The spring is sleeved on the spring shaft and located inside the spring sleeve.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0033] 1. This stepping climbing machine employs a combination of upper and lower clamps, driven by hydraulic cylinders. Both the upper and lower clamps have independent automatic tightening and loosening functions. For example, the climbing process can be as follows: when the lower clamp tightens, the upper clamp loosens, the lifting cylinder (acting as the drive device) extends, driving the upper clamp to move upward a certain distance with the load. Then, the upper clamp locks, the lower clamp loosens, the lifting cylinder shortens, driving the lower clamp to move upward a certain distance, and then tightens again. This cycle repeats to achieve the purpose of moving the load. The entire movement process is smooth and reliable, and the climbing machine has a compact structure and is safe and reliable.

[0034] 2. When the stepping climbing machine of this invention is applied to the construction of cap beams for cylindrical bridge piers, it can reduce the risks of working at heights, ensure the personal safety of construction personnel, and improve construction efficiency. The stepping climbing machine is installed at the low position of the pier. The pier cap beam support system, bottom formwork, and cap beam construction work platform are installed on the load-bearing platform of the upper clamp of the stepping climbing machine. The stepping climbing machine climbs upwards along the pier from the low position, driving the pier cap beam support system, bottom formwork, and cap beam construction work platform upwards along the pier until the pier cap beam is to be poured. This greatly reduces the risk of installing the pier cap beam support system and bottom formwork, and improves construction efficiency. After the pier is poured, when dismantling the pier cap beam support system and bottom formwork, the stepping climbing machine moves downwards along the pier from the high position, driving the pier cap beam support system and bottom formwork downwards along the pier until the low position is reached. This greatly reduces the risk of dismantling the pier cap beam support system and bottom formwork, and improves construction efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structural principle of the stepping climbing machine of the present invention when it is installed on a bridge pier.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the clamp of the stepping climbing machine of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the clamp of the stepping climbing machine of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the locking device of the stepping climbing machine of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction principle of the stepping climbing machine of this invention applied to the construction of cap beams.

[0040] The diagram is marked as follows:

[0041] 03-Lower support clamp; 04-100t jack; 05-Upper support clamp; 06-Main beam; 07-Distribution beam; 08-Bottom formwork of cap beam; 09-Cap beam construction work platform; 1-Stepping climbing machine; 11-Lifting cylinder; 2-Pier; 3-Clamp; 31-Upper clamp; 32-Lower clamp; 33-Guide pin; 4-Locking device; 41-Upper clamp locking device; 42-Lower clamp lock 43-Tightening device; 44-Box body; 45-Cam; 46-Locking cylinder; 47-First top plate; 48-Second top plate; 49-Pull rod; 50-Stop part; 51-Tensioning inner sleeve; 52-Elastic plate; 53-Ear plate; 6-Rubber pad; 61-Box outer sleeve; 62-Rib; 63-Through groove; 7-Spring assembly; 71-Spring cylinder; 72-Spring; 73-Spring shaft; 8-Ear plate. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Reference Figures 1 to 5 An embodiment of the stepping climbing machine of the present invention is further described below.

[0043] A stepping climbing machine 1 includes an upper clamp 31, a lower clamp 32, an upper clamp locking device 41, and a lower clamp locking device 42. A drive device is connected between the upper clamp 31 and the lower clamp 32 to drive their vertical movement. This drive device can be a conventional power drive device in the prior art; in this embodiment, a lifting cylinder 11 connected between the upper clamp 31 and the lower clamp 32 is used. Using a hydraulic cylinder as the drive device ensures a smooth and reliable movement throughout the process. Multiple lifting cylinders 11 can be used, generally evenly distributed on the upper clamp 31 and the lower clamp 32. Using multiple lifting cylinders 11 evenly distributed on the upper clamp 31 and the lower clamp 32 as a hydraulic power drive device makes the movement of the upper clamp 31 and the lower clamp 32 more stable and reliable during ascent or descent, preventing jamming or other phenomena. The upper clamp 31 has a load-bearing platform. The upper clamp locking device 41 can lock or release the upper clamp 31; the lower clamp locking device 42 can lock or release the lower clamp 32.

[0044] A guiding device is connected between the upper clamp 31 and the lower clamp 32. This guiding device ensures that the upper clamp 31 and the lower clamp 32 move in a straight line during ascent or descent, making the entire movement smooth and stable. In this embodiment, the guiding device is a guide pin 33. Both the upper clamp 31 and the lower clamp 32 have guide holes, and the guide pin 33 passes through these guide holes. Using a structure with a guide pin 33 and guide holes as the guiding device results in a simple structure and good guiding effect.

[0045] The upper clamp 31 and the lower clamp 32 can be clamps with the same structure or clamps with different structures. In this embodiment, the upper clamp 31 and the lower clamp 32 are clamps with the same structure, and the upper clamp 31 and the lower clamp 32 are assembled vertically in a straight line. The upper clamp 31 includes an annular tensioning inner sleeve 5 and an annular box outer sleeve 6. In this embodiment, the upper clamp 31 has a load-bearing platform, which is an outwardly folded platform 61 set at the upper end of the annular box outer sleeve 6 (when the stepping climbing machine 1 of the present invention is used for cap beam construction, the outwardly folded platform 61 can be used to support the temporary support system of cap beam, such as the lower clamp 03, 100t jack 04, upper clamp 05, main beam 06, distribution beam 07, cap beam bottom formwork 08, and cap beam construction working platform 09, when using the clamp method for cap beam construction in the prior art). The outer surface of the annular outer casing 6 has outwardly protruding ribs 62 on its axial direction, and through slots 63 penetrating the outer casing are opened on both sides of the ribs 62. The annular tensioning inner sleeve 5 is formed by one or more elastic sheets 51, and each elastic sheet 51 connected to the others has outwardly turned-up ear pieces 52 at the joint. The outwardly turned-up ear pieces 52 at the joint of the elastic sheets 51 pass through the through slots 63 on both sides of the ribs 62 of the outer casing 6. The ear pieces 52 of the elastic sheets 51 of the tensioning inner sleeve 5 and the ribs 62 of the outer casing 6 are all provided with corresponding connecting holes. The upper clamp locking device 41 passes through the connecting holes of the ear pieces 52 of the elastic sheets 51 of the tensioning inner sleeve 5 and the ribs 62 of the outer casing 6 to connect the tensioning inner sleeve 5 of the upper clamp 31 to the outer casing 6. There are gaps at the joints between the elastic sheets 51 of the tensioning inner sleeve 5 of the upper clamp 31. To enhance the friction between the upper clamp 31 and the clamped part, the inner wall of the tensioning inner sleeve 5 of the upper clamp 31 may be embedded with a rubber pad 53.

[0046] The lower clamp 32 also includes an annular tensioning inner sleeve 5 and an annular housing outer sleeve 6; the outer surface of the annular housing outer sleeve 6 is provided with outwardly protruding ribs 62 in the axial direction, and through grooves 63 are opened on both sides of the ribs 62 to penetrate the housing outer sleeve; the annular tensioning inner sleeve 5 is formed by one or more elastic sheets 51, and the elastic sheets 51 connected to each other are provided with outwardly turned ears 52 at the joints; the outwardly turned ears 52 at the joints of the elastic sheets 51 pass through the through grooves 63 on both sides of the ribs 62 of the housing outer sleeve 6; the ears 52 of the elastic sheets 51 of the tensioning inner sleeve 5 and the ribs 62 of the housing outer sleeve 6 are provided with corresponding connecting holes, and the lower clamp locking device 42 passes through the connecting holes of the ears 52 of the elastic sheets 51 of the tensioning inner sleeve 5 and the ribs 62 of the housing outer sleeve 6 to connect the tensioning inner sleeve 5 of the lower clamp 32 to the housing outer sleeve 6. There is also a gap at the connection between the elastic plate 51 of the tension inner sleeve 5 of the lower clamp 32 and the elastic plate 51.

[0047] Similarly, in order to enhance the friction between the lower clamp 32 and the clamped part, the inner wall of the tensioning inner sleeve 5 of the lower clamp 32 can also be embedded with a rubber pad 53.

[0048] In this embodiment, the upper clamp locking device 41 and the lower clamp locking device 42 of the stepper climbing machine 1 of the present invention adopt the same locking device structure. Therefore, in this embodiment, we can collectively refer to the upper clamp locking device 41 and the lower clamp locking device 42 as locking device 4, that is, as follows Figure 4 As shown, the locking device 4 includes a cam 44, a locking cylinder 45 that drives the cam 44 to rotate, a top plate (which can be two top plates, namely a first top plate 46 and a second top plate 47; or it can be only one top plate, namely only the first top plate 46), a pull rod 48, and a spring assembly 7. The spring assembly 7 can have a structure of a spring cylinder 71, a spring 72, and a spring shaft 73. The spring 72 can be a compression spring or a similar elastic element. The spring 72 is sleeved on the spring shaft 73 and located inside the spring cylinder 71. One end of the pull rod 48 is movably connected to one side of the upper clamp 31, and the other end of the pull rod 48 is fixedly connected to the other side of the upper clamp 31; the top plate is sleeved on one end of the pull rod 48, and one end of the pull rod 48 is provided with a stop part 49 to limit the displacement of the top plate; the cam 44 is located between the top plate and one side of the upper clamp 31, and abuts against the top plate; the locking cylinder 45 can drive the cam 44 to rotate, and by changing the distance between the top plate and one side of the upper clamp 31, the one side of the upper clamp 31 moves closer to or further away from the other side of the upper clamp 31, pressing or releasing the spring assembly 7, so that the upper clamp 31 is locked or released. By employing a locking cylinder 45, a top plate (which can be a single top plate, i.e., only the first top plate 46, with the other side of the cam 44 directly abutting against the ear piece 52 of the tensioning inner sleeve), a pull rod 48, and a spring assembly 7 in conjunction with the upper clamp locking device 41, the upper clamp 31 can be automatically tightened or loosened. When the locking cylinder 45 drives the cam 44 to rotate, the distance between the top plate (which can be a single top plate, i.e., only the first top plate 46, with the other side of the cam 44 directly abutting against the ear piece 52 of the tensioning inner sleeve) and one side of the upper clamp 31 increases. The cam 44 abuts against one side of the upper clamp 31 and moves along the pull rod 48 towards the other side of the upper clamp 31, the spring assembly 7 is pressed, and the upper clamp 31 is tightened. When the locking cylinder 45 drives the cam 44 to rotate, the distance between the top plate (which can be just one top plate, i.e., only the first top plate 46, with the other side of the cam 44 directly abutting against the ear piece 52 of the tensioning inner sleeve) and one side of the upper clamp 31 decreases, the spring assembly 7 loosens and deforms in the direction of restoring its original shape, and the upper clamp 31 is released.

[0049] The lower clamp 32 locking device also includes a cam 44, a locking cylinder 45 that drives the cam to rotate, a top plate (this top plate can be only one top plate, i.e., only a first top plate 46, with the other side of the cam 44 directly abutting against the lug 52 of the tensioning inner sleeve), a pull rod 48, and a spring assembly 7. The spring assembly 7 can also be a structure of a spring cylinder 71, a spring 72 (a compression spring in this embodiment, but other similar conventional elastic elements can also be used), and a spring shaft 73. The spring 72 can be a compression spring or a similar elastic element. The spring 72 is sleeved on the spring shaft 73 and located inside the spring cylinder 73. One end of the pull rod 48 is movably connected to one side of the lower clamp 32, and the other end of the pull rod 48 is fixedly connected to the other side of the lower clamp 32; the top plate (which may be only one top plate, i.e. only the first top plate 46, with the other side of the cam 44 directly abutting against the ear piece 52 of the tensioning inner sleeve) is sleeved on one end of the pull rod 48, and one end of the pull rod 48 is provided with a stop part 49 to limit the displacement of the top plate (which may be only one top plate, i.e. only the first top plate 46, with the other side of the cam 44 directly abutting against the ear piece 52 of the tensioning inner sleeve); The cam 44 is located between the top plate and one side of the lower clamp 32, and abuts against the top plate (which is only one top plate, i.e., only the first top plate 46, and the other side of the cam 44 directly abuts against the lug 52 of the tensioning inner sleeve). The locking cylinder 45 can drive the cam 44 to rotate, changing the distance between the top plate and one side of the lower clamp 32, so that one side of the lower clamp 32 moves closer to or further away from the other side of the lower clamp 32, pressing or releasing the spring assembly 7, thus locking or releasing the lower clamp 32. When the locking cylinder 45 drives the cam 44 to rotate, the distance between the top plate and one side of the lower clamp 32 increases, and the cam 44 abuts against one side of the lower clamp 32 and moves along the pull rod 48 towards the other side of the lower clamp 32, the spring assembly 7 is pressed, and the lower clamp 32 is tightened. When the locking cylinder 45 drives the cam 44 to rotate, the distance between the top plate and one side of the lower clamp 32 decreases, the spring assembly 7 loosens and deforms in the direction of restoring its original shape, and the lower clamp 32 is released.

[0050] Since the upper clamp 31 and lower clamp 32 in this embodiment adopt the same clamp structure, the upper clamp locking device 41 and lower clamp locking device 42 also adopt the same locking device structure. To further illustrate their installation and mating structure, please refer to the following... Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the upper clamp 31 and the lower clamp 32 are collectively referred to as clamp 3, and the upper clamp locking device 41 and the lower clamp locking device 42 are collectively referred to as locking device 4, which are further explained below:

[0051] The clamp 3 (upper clamp or lower clamp) includes an annular tensioning inner sleeve 5 and an annular box outer sleeve 6. In order to enhance the friction between the clamp 3 and the clamped part (in this embodiment, the clamped part is the bridge pier 2), the inner wall of the tensioning inner sleeve 5 of the clamp 3 is also provided with a rubber pad 53.

[0052] The upper end of the annular outer casing 6 is provided with an outward-folding platform 61 for bearing loads (when the stepping climbing machine 1 of the present invention is used for cap beam construction, this outward-folding platform 61 can be used to support the temporary support system of cap beams such as the lower support clamp 03, 110t jack 04 or 100-ton jack, upper support clamp 05, main beam 06, distribution beam 07, cap beam bottom formwork 08, and cap beam construction work platform 09 used in the prior art for cap beam construction using the clamp method). The outer surface of the annular outer casing 6 is provided with outwardly protruding ribs 62 in the axial direction, and through slots 63 penetrating the outer casing are opened on both sides of the ribs 62. The annular tensioning inner sleeve 5 is formed by two elastic metal sheets 51 that can produce elastic deformation. The two elastic sheets 51 are provided with outwardly folded lugs 52 at the joints. The outwardly folded lugs 52 at the joint of the elastic sheet extend out of the outer casing 6 through the through slots 63 on both sides of the ribs 62 of the outer casing 6. The lugs 52 of the elastic sheet of the tensioning inner sleeve and the ribs 62 of the outer casing are both provided with corresponding connecting holes.

[0053] The locking device 4 (either the upper clamp locking device 41 or the lower clamp locking device 42, which are similar in structure, can be collectively referred to as locking device 4) includes a housing 43, a cam 44, a locking cylinder 45 that drives the cam 44 to rotate, a first top plate 46, a second top plate 47, a pull rod 48, and a spring assembly 7. The top plate consists of two parts: the first top plate 46 and the second top plate 47. The housing 43 is fixed to the housing outer sleeve 6 of the clamp 3. The cylinder end of the locking cylinder 45 is connected to the housing 43 via an ear plate 8, and the piston end of the locking cylinder 45 is connected to the cam 44. The spring assembly 7 and the pull rod 48 pass through the connecting holes of the ear plates 52 of the two elastic plates at the joint of the tensioning inner sleeve 5 and the ribs 62 of the housing outer sleeve, respectively, connecting the tensioning inner sleeve 5 of the clamp 3 to the housing outer sleeve 6. Both the first top plate 46 and the second top plate 47 are fitted onto the pull rod 48. One side of the first top plate 46 abuts against the stop part 49 provided on the pull rod 48, and the other side of the first top plate 46 abuts against the cam 44. One side of the second top plate 47 abuts against the cam 44, and the other side of the second top plate 47 abuts against the lug 52 of one of the two elastic plates 51 at the tensioning inner sleeve connection, and this elastic plate 51 is movably fitted onto the pull rod 48.

[0054] The working principle of the locking device 4 for locking or releasing the clamp 3 is as follows: When the locking cylinder 45 drives the cam 44 to rotate, increasing the distance between the first top plate 46 and the second top plate 47, the first top plate 46 cannot move towards the stop 49 because one side of the first top plate 46 abuts against the stop 49 on the pull rod 48. Under the reaction force, the second top plate 47 is pushed, causing the elastic piece 51 of the tensioning inner sleeve 5 that abuts against the second top plate 47 to move closer to the other elastic piece 51. This reduces the gap between the elastic pieces 51 of the tensioning inner sleeve 5 of the clamp 3, thereby tightening the tensioning inner sleeve 5 of the clamp 3. At the same time, the clamping force of the tensioning inner sleeve 5 is transmitted to the outer casing 6 through the spring assembly 7, the pull rod 48, and the ribs 62 of the outer casing 6, so that the clamp 3 composed of the tensioning inner sleeve 5 and the outer casing 6 forms a clamping whole.

[0055] When the locking cylinder 45 drives the cam 44 to rotate, causing the distance between the first top plate 46 and the second top plate 47 to decrease, the second top plate 47 no longer applies a pushing force to the elastic piece 51 of the tensioning inner sleeve 5 that abuts against the second top plate 47. Under the action of the spring assembly 7 and its own restoring elastic deformation restoring force, the elastic piece 51 of the tensioning inner sleeve 5 of the clamp 3 increases the gap between the elastic pieces 51 and the elastic piece 51, thereby causing the tensioning inner sleeve 5 of the clamp 3 to loosen, and thus causing the clamp 3 composed of the tensioning inner sleeve 5 and the outer sleeve 6 of the housing to loosen.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the construction principle of using the stepping climbing machine of this invention for the construction of pier-type cylindrical bridge cap beams is as follows:

[0057] The stepping climbing machine 1 of this invention is installed at a low position on the bridge pier 2 (not for high-altitude operations). Then, at this low position, the lower support clamp 03, the 100t jack 04, and the upper support clamp 05 (the lower support clamp 03, the 100t jack 04, and the upper support clamp 05 are all devices used in the prior art for cap beam construction using the clamp method) are installed on the bridge pier 2, above the stepping climbing machine 1 of this invention (the lower support clamp 03 is loaded on the upper clamp 31 of the stepping climbing machine 1 of this invention). At a low position on the ground, the temporary support system for the cap beam (including the main beam 06, the distribution beam 07, the cap beam bottom formwork 08, the cap beam construction work platform 09, etc., measures used in the prior art for cap beam construction using the clamp method) is erected and installed onto the upper support clamp 05. At a low ground position, the bottom formwork 08 of the cap beam is erected on the distribution beam 07, and the cap beam construction work platform 09 is erected around the bottom formwork 08. Generally, the cap beam construction work platform 09 and the bottom formwork 08 are erected on the same horizontal plane.

[0058] Using hydraulic control, the lifting cylinder 11 of the stepping climbing machine 1 of this invention lifts the temporary support system for the cap beam (lower support clamp 03, 100t jack 04, upper support clamp 05, main beam 06, distribution beam 07), the cap beam bottom formwork 08, and the cap beam construction work platform 09 together along the bridge pier to the cap beam pouring position. The stepping climbing machine 1, upper support clamp 03, 100t jack 04, and lower support clamp 05 are then locked. The next construction procedure is then carried out on the cap beam construction work platform 09. Other construction processes or details not disclosed in this embodiment are implemented according to relevant national standards or industry regulations or common bridge construction methods or standards in the prior art.

[0059] The process by which the stepping climbing machine 1 of this invention drives the temporary support system for the cap beam, the bottom formwork 08 of the cap beam, and the construction platform 09 of the cap beam is as follows:

[0060] For low-altitude ground operations, the upper clamp 31 and lower clamp 32 of the stepping climbing machine of this invention are connected by the lifting cylinder 11, and both the upper clamp 31 and lower clamp 32 are fitted onto the bridge pier 2. The lower clamp locking device 42 locks the lower clamp 32 to grip the bridge pier 2; the lifting cylinder 11 extends to lift the upper clamp 31 of this invention and the load on the upper clamp 31 of this invention together upward to the preset position of the bridge pier (the upper clamp 31 is in a loose state during the lifting process). The upper clamp locking device 41 locks the upper clamp 31 to grip the pier 2; the lower clamp locking device 42 releases the lower clamp 32 from the pier 2, and the lifting cylinder 11 retracts, causing the lower clamp 32 to move upward to the preset position. The lower clamp locking device 42 then locks the lower clamp 32 to grip the pier again; the upper clamp locking device 41 releases the upper clamp 31 from the pier 2, and the lifting cylinder 11 lifts the upper clamp 31 and its load upward together. This cycle is repeated until the pier 2 reaches the predetermined position, then the upper clamp 31 is locked to grip the pier 2, the lower clamp 32 is locked to grip the pier 2, and the lifting cylinder 11 is locked.

[0061] The above describes the upward working process. Similarly, the downward working process can be derived, which will not be elaborated here.

[0062] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should be noted that any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A stepping climbing machine, characterized in that: It includes an upper clamp, a lower clamp, an upper clamp locking device, and a lower clamp locking device; a drive device is connected between the upper clamp and the lower clamp to drive the upper clamp and the lower clamp to move up and down; the upper clamp has a load-bearing platform; the upper clamp locking device can lock or release the upper clamp; the lower clamp locking device can lock or release the lower clamp. The upper clamp includes an annular tensioning inner sleeve and an annular housing outer sleeve. The upper clamp has a load-bearing platform, which is an outwardly folded platform located at the upper end of the annular housing outer sleeve. The outer surface of the annular housing outer sleeve has outwardly protruding ribs on its axial direction, and through slots are opened on both sides of the ribs to penetrate the housing outer sleeve. The annular tensioning inner sleeve is formed by one or more elastic sheets, and the elastic sheets connected to each other have outwardly folded lugs at the joints. The outwardly folded lugs at the joints of the elastic sheets pass through the through slots located on both sides of the ribs of the housing outer sleeve. The lugs of the elastic sheets of the tensioning inner sleeve and the ribs of the housing outer sleeve are all provided with corresponding connecting holes. The upper clamp locking device passes through the connecting holes of the lugs of the elastic sheets of the tensioning inner sleeve and the ribs of the housing outer sleeve to connect the tensioning inner sleeve and the housing outer sleeve together. The upper clamp locking device includes a cam, a locking cylinder that drives the cam to rotate, a top plate, a pull rod, and a spring assembly. One end of the pull rod is movably connected to one side of the upper clamp, and the other end of the pull rod is fixedly connected to the other side of the upper clamp. The top plate is sleeved on one end of the pull rod, and one end of the pull rod is provided with a stop part that limits the displacement of the top plate. The cam is located between the top plate and one side of the upper clamp and abuts against the top plate. The locking cylinder can drive the cam to rotate, and by changing the distance between the top plate and one side of the upper clamp, the one side of the upper clamp moves closer to or away from the other side of the upper clamp, pressing or releasing the spring assembly, thereby locking or releasing the upper clamp.

2. The stepping climbing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving device is a lifting hydraulic cylinder connected between the upper clamp and the lower clamp.

3. A stepping climbing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lifting cylinders are multiple and are evenly distributed on the upper and lower clamps.

4. A stepping climbing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A guide device is connected between the upper clamp and the lower clamp.

5. A stepping climbing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The guiding device is a guide pin, and both the upper and lower clamps are provided with guide holes. The guide pin passes through the guide holes of the upper and lower clamps.

6. A stepping climbing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower clamp includes an annular tensioning inner sleeve and an annular housing outer sleeve. The outer surface of the annular housing outer sleeve has outwardly protruding ribs along its axial direction, and through slots are formed on both sides of the ribs, penetrating the housing outer sleeve. The annular tensioning inner sleeve is formed by one or more elastic sheets, and each connected elastic sheet has outwardly turned-up lugs at its joint. The outwardly turned-up lugs at the joints of the elastic sheets pass through the through slots on both sides of the ribs of the housing outer sleeve. Corresponding connecting holes are formed on the lugs of the elastic sheets of the tensioning inner sleeve and the ribs of the housing outer sleeve. The lower clamp locking device connects the tensioning inner sleeve and the housing outer sleeve together through the connecting holes between the lugs of the elastic sheets of the tensioning inner sleeve and the ribs of the housing outer sleeve.

7. A stepping climbing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the tensioning inner sleeve of the upper clamp is embedded with a rubber pad.

8. A stepping climbing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner wall of the tensioning inner sleeve of the lower clamp is embedded with a rubber pad.

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