Pile lifting device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pile lifting device for lifting a foundation object, comprising: a lifting section having a lifting yoke for suspending the pile lifting device from a crane and a lifting gear device for suspending the foundation object; an attachment section movable relative to the lifting section and configured to be attached to the foundation device for suspending the foundation device from the crane; a linear bearing between the lifting section and the attachment section configured to guide linear motion between the lifting section and the attachment section; and a linear actuator device configured to move the attachment section relative to the lifting section between an elevated position in which the attachment section is positioned away from the lifting gear device and a lowered position in which the attachment section is positioned close to the lifting gear device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pile lifting device for lifting foundation objects such as foundation piles or sheet piles. The present invention further relates to a foundation assembly for inserting the foundation object, a method for inserting the foundation object into the ground, a method for extracting the foundation object from the ground, and a method for manufacturing the foundation assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, foundation devices are known, for example through WO 2014 / 054942. These foundation devices are suspended from the winch of a crane or leader and are configured to apply an insertion force to foundation objects, such as steel pipe piles, sheet piles or concrete piles, in order to drive them into the ground.

[0003] The foundation objects are generally elongated objects that reach the building site horizontally. Before inserting them into the ground, the foundation objects must be moved towards the desired insertion position and handled so that they stand upright. This is currently typically done with the foundation device by holding, in particular clamping, and lifting the foundation object with the foundation device.

[0004] This leads to a situation where the entire weight of the base object needs to be suspended from a holding device, e.g., a clamping device, which needs to be sized to be much heavier in order to transfer the insertion force from the base object to the base object compared to if only clamping during insertion was required.

[0005] Additionally, some existing foundation devices are not officially certified as lifting equipment and may be unsafe when used to lift foundation objects. Officially, these foundation devices may not even be used to lift foundation objects, thus requiring a second winch on the crane or even a second crane to position the foundation object below the foundation device prior to insertion.

[0006] Both of the above drawbacks make the current insertion of foundation objects less desirable and require oversized foundation equipment or even multiple cranes.

[0007] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-114941 discloses a crane having two winches, one of which is used to lift a base device and the other of which is used to lift a base object. By selectively operating one of the winches, the base object and the base device can be moved relative to each other. This known system has the disadvantage of requiring two winches, whereas lifting the base object and the base device with a single winch may be preferable. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a more efficient method and apparatus for inserting foundation objects into the ground, or at least to provide an alternative. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention provides a pile lifting device for lifting foundation objects such as foundation piles or sheet piles, a lifting unit including a lifting yoke for suspending the pile lifting device from a crane and a lifting device for suspending the foundation object; a mounting portion movable relative to the suspending portion and configured to be attached to the base device for suspending the base device from the crane; Optionally, a linear bearing between the suspension portion and the mounting portion configured to guide linear motion between the suspension portion and the mounting portion; a raised position in which the attachment portion is positioned away from the lifting device; and a lowered position in which the attachment portion is positioned adjacent to the lifting device; a linear actuator device configured to move the mounting portion relative to the hanging portion to move the foundation device relative to the lifting device between The present invention provides a pile lifting device for lifting foundation objects such as foundation piles or sheet piles, comprising:

[0010] The pile lifting device is an add-on device for the foundation of both existing and new installations. The pile lifting device is thereby configured to be suspended from a crane, and the foundation is in turn suspended from the pile lifting device. Thus, according to the present invention, the foundation is not suspended directly from the crane.

[0011] While in use to place the foundation object, the foundation object is suspended from the pile lifting device and not from the foundation device, which means that the foundation device is bypassed with respect to the weight of the foundation object without this weight being applied. Only when an insertion force needs to be applied to the foundation object can the foundation device be moved towards the foundation object to hold the foundation object and allow the transfer of the insertion force from the foundation device to the foundation object.

[0012] By directing the weight of the foundation object through the pile lifting device, the weight of the foundation object does not need to be supported by the foundation device during lifting and displacement of the foundation object. In fact, the foundation device can be located away from the foundation object during lifting. This provides the advantage that the foundation device, particularly the holding device, e.g., clamping device, does not need to be dimensioned to support the entire foundation object during lifting. Instead, the clamping device of the foundation device only needs to be able to hold the foundation object during insertion, which allows for smaller clamping devices and therefore a reduction in the weight of the foundation device, particularly its dynamic parts, e.g., parts that vibrate during insertion of the foundation object, thereby reducing the amount of power, e.g., hydraulic force, required to insert the foundation object into the ground and generating less energy loss in the foundation device, allowing for more efficient operation.

[0013] Furthermore, only the pile lifting device is used to lift the foundation object, which means that only the pile lifting device may need to be certified for lifting purposes. This brings about a further advantage, since the pile lifting device can be retrofitted to existing foundations, even foundations that are not themselves certified for lifting. This makes these existing foundations, i.e., existing foundations equipped with this pile lifting device, suitable for lifting. Therefore, there is no longer any need to lift with a potentially unsafe foundation. Therefore, operators of existing foundations do not need to acquire new foundations that can be certified for lifting, but can simply retrofit the pile lifting device, which is obviously much cheaper.

[0014] Compared to the existing situation where two cranes were required to lift and insert the foundation object, the present pile lifting device has the further advantage of requiring the use of only one crane, which significantly reduces costs.

[0015] To achieve these advantages, the pile lifting device is comprised of two main parts, the lifting part and the mounting part, which are movable relative to each other. The lifting part is configured to be suspended from the crane. This may be from the hook of a conventional winch crane or from the leader of a pile driving rig. The mounting to the crane ensures that the lifting part is intended to withstand all the gravitational loads of the foundation object, the foundation device, and the pile lifting device suspended from the crane.

[0016] A lifting yoke for attachment to the crane is typically provided at the upper end of the suspender, but the lifting device may also be provided at the lower end of the suspender. Thus, during use of the pile lifting device, the weight of the foundation object is suspended from the lower end of the suspender, thereby transmitting gravity from the foundation object upward through the suspender toward the crane.

[0017] A second main part of the pile lifting device is the mounting part, which is attached to the hanger part and is movable in a linear direction, e.g., vertically, relative to the hanger part during use of the pile lifting device. The mounting part is configured to be attached to the foundation device during use to support the foundation device relative to the hanger part. The foundation device may be any type of foundation device, such as a vibratory pile driver or an impact hammer.

[0018] The mounting portion is separate from the lifting portion, which allows relative movement between the mounting portion and the lifting portion, and eliminates the need for the base object to be held by the base device during lifting, and therefore the base device is not loaded by the base object during lifting.

[0019] The mounting portion, and therefore the base device, is movable relative to the hanging portion between the raised position and the lowered position, which positions are defined as the positions in which the pile lifting device is in use when suspended from the crane. The linear bearing may be configured to ensure smooth movement of the mounting portion to which the base device is attached relative to the hanging portion.

[0020] In the raised position, the mounting part is moved upward relative to the hanging part, whereby the base device is moved upward and positioned at a distance from the lifting gear device, whereby the base device, in particular its holding device, e.g., clamping device, is moved away from the base object during use. The mounting part and the base device are intended to be held in this raised position during lifting of the base object, so that the base object cannot exert forces on the base device, or vice versa, and the base object can be suspended substantially freely, allowing for its precise positioning.

[0021] The mounting portion can be moved downward from the raised position to the lowered position, resulting in the mounting portion being moved toward the lifting device. Accordingly, the base device attached to the mounting portion can be moved toward the base object suspended from the lifting device. The movement of the mounting portion to the lowered position may occur when the base object is correctly positioned at a desired insertion position. Lowering the mounting portion can move the base device toward the base object, so that holding, e.g., clamping, the base object can be performed to allow an insertion force to be transmitted to the base object.

[0022] The pile lifting device includes a linear actuator device configured to effect relative movement between the mounting portion and the lifting portion. Thus, during use, the linear actuator device is configured to move the foundation device away from the foundation object or toward the foundation object. The linear actuator device may be remotely controlled by an operator who also controls the entire foundation process from the crane. The linear actuator device may be further configured to transmit an upward pulling force from the crane through the pile lifting device and the foundation device toward the foundation object when it is desired to pull the foundation object out of the ground.

[0023] In one embodiment, the suspension part comprises two opposing suspension arms between which the mounting part is positioned to receive the foundation device between the suspension arms.

[0024] The lifting arms are arranged opposite each other and are spaced apart horizontally, i.e., horizontally during use of the pile lifting device for lifting a base object. Preferably, the opposing lifting arms are symmetrical to each other about a vertical mirror plane, whereby each of the lifting arms may extend vertically during use, each comprising a lifting yoke at its upper end by means of which it is suspended from the crane, and each comprising a lifting device at its lower end attached to the base object, e.g., embodied as a lifting shackle.

[0025] The lifting arms themselves do not need to be movable, and may be relatively rigid to withstand loads from the base object. Instead, the lifting arms are configured to be stationary relative to the base object and simply serve to transfer gravity from the base object toward the crane. For example, each of the lifting arms may be attached to the base object via a respective tension element.

[0026] When the lifting arms are spaced apart, a central opening is obtained between the lifting arms. According to this embodiment, the mounting portions are provided such that the foundation device is held within this central opening during use of the pile lifting device. This may further contribute to the symmetry of the foundation assembly thus obtained, with the relatively heavy foundation device being centrally located between the lifting arms and also centrally located below the point where the pile lifting device is suspended from the crane.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the suspension section comprises a central bridge element disposed between and releasably connected to the suspension arms, said central bridge element therefore spanning horizontally between the suspension arms, i.e. during use of the stake suspension device, to define the central opening between the suspension arms and helping to hold the suspension arms apart.

[0028] The central bridge element may be releasable from the suspension arms, meaning that a first central bridge element having a first horizontal width may be replaced with a second central bridge element having a second width greater than the first width, thereby allowing the width of the central opening of the pile suspension device to be adjusted, i.e., increased, and a larger width may be able to accommodate larger foundation devices.

[0029] Thus, the interchangeable central bridge element may be provided so that a single pile lifting device having only a pair of standard lifting arms can be more widely used for foundation devices of different sizes, e.g. widths, and even a single pile lifting device may be used for several different types of foundation devices, e.g. both a vibratory pile driver and an impact hammer.

[0030] In one embodiment, the mounting portion comprises two opposing mounting posts, each of the mounting posts being linearly movably attached to a respective one of the suspension arms.

[0031] The opposing mounting struts may be provided on each lifting arm. Thus, a single mounting strut may protrude into the central opening between the lifting arms from both sides, whereby the foundation device may be received between the mounting struts and attached to the pile lifting device on both sides using a respective mounting strut. The two mounting struts may contribute to symmetry, as the weight of the foundation device acting on the pile lifting device may be distributed between both lifting arms and positioned below the center of the point at which the pile lifting device is suspended from the crane.

[0032] The linear actuator arrangement may include a linear actuator for each of the suspension arms, each linear actuator operatively disposed between one suspension arm and its respective mounting post such that each mounting post can be moved individually relative to its suspension arm.

[0033] In one embodiment, the pile lifting device further comprises a linear bearing, e.g., a plain bearing, between the lifting portion and the mounting portion configured to guide linear movement between the lifting portion and the mounting portion, the bearing being configured to ensure smooth movement of the mounting portion to which the foundation device is attached relative to the lifting portion.

[0034] Preferably, the pile lifting device comprises a linear bearing on each of its lifting arms, for example both linear bearings being aligned parallel to each other, whereby each bearing may be located between one lifting arm and its mounting post. The linear bearings may be plain bearings, each formed by interlocking surfaces that allow mutual displacement in a single direction, for example the vertical direction, and prevent mutual movement in another direction, for example the horizontal direction.

[0035] In one embodiment, the linear actuator device is a hydraulic actuator device. The use of a hydraulic actuator device may be advantageous because the foundation device may also be hydraulically powered and the pile lifting device may be mounted to an existing foundation device using some of the existing infrastructure.

[0036] Alternatively, however, the linear actuator device may comprise a spindle transmission, a rack and pinion transmission, or a worm transmission. These types of transmissions may typically be capable of converting rotation of a first component about a first axis into a mutual translational motion of a second component relative to the first component. This translational motion may be parallel to the first axis in the case of a spindle or worm transmission, or perpendicular to the first axis in the case of a rack and pinion transmission.

[0037] As a further alternative, the linear actuator may comprise an actuator winch to which a line can be connected to the mounting part. The actuator winch may be provided within the crane, and the pile lifting device may be suspended from the crane using a lifting winch, whereby the lifting winch may be used to lift the pile lifting device and the foundation object during use, while the actuator winch may be configured to lift the mounting part and the foundation device to allow relative movement between the lifting part and the mounting part.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the hydraulic actuator device comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder having a body and a piston rod, the body being connected to the mounting portion and the piston rod being connected to the suspension portion, or vice versa.

[0039] The hydraulic cylinder may be configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid within the barrel on the first or second side of the piston rod in use, the hydraulic fluid causing displacement of the piston rod relative to the barrel, thereby causing relative movement between the suspension portion and the mounting portion.

[0040] In a further embodiment in which the mounting portion comprises two opposing mounting struts, each of the mounting struts being linearly movably mounted to a respective one of the suspension arms, the hydraulic actuator device comprises at least one of the hydraulic cylinders on each of the suspension arms, each configured to move its respective mounting strut relative to its suspension arm.

[0041] Thereby, at least one hydraulic cylinder may be present in each pair of mounting struts associated with a lifting arm for moving the respective mounting strut relative to its lifting arm. The piston rod of the cylinder may be attached to the upper end of the lifting arm and the cylinder body may be attached at its upper end to the mounting strut. The mounting strut may include a vertically aligned throughway, in use, through which the cylinder body can extend along the lifting arm.

[0042] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a foundation assembly for inserting a foundation object, such as a foundation pile or sheet pile, into the ground, comprising: a holding device for holding, e.g. clamping, the foundation object during insertion into the ground; a carter connected to the holding device and configured to apply an insertion force to the holding device and the foundation object; a suppressor housing resiliently connected to the carter for suspending the retaining device and the carter; In the base assembly, the base device comprises: the foundation assembly further comprising the stake hanging device as disclosed herein, the foundation device, e.g., the suppressor housing, being attached to the mounting portion of the stake hanging device, the stake hanging device comprising: the raised position, in use, in which the holding device is positioned away from the base object; the lowered position in which, in use, the holding device contacts the base object to hold, e.g., clamp, the base object; and configured to move the base device relative to the lifting device between A foundation assembly is provided for inserting a foundation object, such as a foundation pile or sheet pile, into the ground.

[0043] The foundation assembly according to the second aspect may include one or more of the features and / or advantages disclosed herein with respect to the pile lifting device according to the invention, in particular as set out in the accompanying claims.

[0044] The foundation assembly comprises a foundation device and the pile lifting device. The foundation device may be any type of foundation device, such as a vibratory pile driver or an impact hammer. The foundation device does not need to be certified for lifting, i.e., it may be an existing foundation device, as only the pile lifting device may need to be certified for lifting.

[0045] Where the foundation device is provided as an impact hammer, the pile lifting device may be attached to the outer housing of the hammer, within which a drop weight is housed as a carter for striking the foundation object in use to provide a downward impact insertion force, whereby the holding device may, for example, comprise a sleeve surrounding the foundation object to ensure a consistent strike by the drop weight on the foundation object.

[0046] When the foundation device is provided as a vibratory pile driver, the holding device may be associated with a clamping device configured to clamp the foundation object during insertion into the ground. The clamping may be beneficial to ensure proper transmission of a vibratory insertion force from the foundation device to the foundation object. The carter is configured to generate this vibratory force during insertion, for example, by a plurality of rotating eccentric masses. The suppressor housing of the foundation device is resiliently attached to the carter, so that vibrations from the carter and the clamping device are not transmitted to the suppressor housing but are instead significantly damped.

[0047] The pile lifting device may be attached to a restrainer housing of the foundation device, such that the foundation device is suspended from the pile lifting device. In contrast to existing foundation devices that are typically suspended directly from a crane, the foundation device in this foundation assembly is only suspended indirectly from the crane via the pile lifting device. Because the pile lifting device itself is configured to support the foundation object, there is no need to lift the foundation object through the foundation device. This means that the foundation device is bypassed with respect to the weight of the foundation object.

[0048] The foundation device is movable relative to the foundation object by the pile lifting device during use. During lifting of the foundation object, the foundation device is held in the raised position by the pile lifting device. This ensures that the foundation device, in particular its clamping device, moves upward and is positioned at a distance from the foundation object. This ensures that the foundation device, in particular its clamping device, is moved away from the foundation object. The attachment and the foundation device are intended to be held in this raised position during lifting of the foundation object, so that the foundation object cannot exert forces on the foundation device, or vice versa, and the foundation object can be suspended substantially freely, allowing for its precise positioning.

[0049] The mounting portion can be moved downward from the raised position to the lowered position, so that the base device, together with its clamping device, is moved toward the base object. The downward movement of the base device can occur when the base object is properly positioned at a desired insertion position. By lowering the base device, the clamping device can clamp the base object and transmit an insertion force to the base object.

[0050] In a further embodiment, the suppressor housing is located centrally in the pile lifting device, for example centrally between the lifting arms, so that the foundation device may be located in the central opening to ensure that the entire foundation assembly, together with the foundation object below it, is relatively symmetrical to allow improved insertion of the foundation object.

[0051] In one embodiment, the foundation assembly further comprises one or more tension elements connected to the lifting gear device and configured to be connected to the foundation object for lifting the foundation object with the pile lifting device, the tension elements may be provided as steel cables, chains or the like connected to the pile lifting device in the lifting gear device and secured to the foundation object in use.

[0052] During lifting of the foundation object, the foundation object may be fully suspended from the pile lifting device through the tensioning element, such that the entire weight of the foundation object is supported by the tensioning element. However, as the foundation object is displaced toward the desired insertion position and the foundation device is lowered to clamp the foundation object, the entire pile lifting device may be lowered by the crane to place the foundation object completely on the ground. This slackens the tensioning element, thereby preventing the vibration insertion force from being transmitted from the foundation object to the pile lifting device through the otherwise tensioned tensioning element.

[0053] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of inserting a foundation object, such as a foundation pile or sheet pile, into the ground by means of a foundation assembly as disclosed herein, comprising: - suspending the foundation object from the lifting device while the pile lifting device is in the raised position; - displacing the foundation object to a desired insertion position using the pile lifting device or the foundation device; - moving the pile lifting device to the lowered position; - holding, e.g. clamping, the base object with the holding device, and - A method of inserting a foundation object, such as a foundation pile or sheet pile, into the ground by means of the foundation assembly disclosed herein is provided, comprising applying an insertion force to the foundation object to insert said foundation object into the ground.

[0054] The method according to the third aspect may include one or more of the features and / or advantages disclosed herein with respect to the pile lifting device or the foundation assembly according to the invention, in particular as set out in the accompanying claims.

[0055] The foundation assembly, comprising a foundation device and a pile lifting device according to the present invention, is used to insert the foundation object into ground on land, offshore, or below sea level. The foundation assembly may be suspended from the hook of a crane, for example a conventional winch crane, or from the leader of a piling rig. The foundation object may typically be fed horizontally, so that the positioning step may include both erecting the foundation object and displacing it to the desired insertion position.

[0056] The foundation object is first attached to the lifting arm of the lifting part by, for example, a tension element and suspended from the lifting device of the pile lifting device. Once the foundation object is suspended, the mounting part to which the foundation device is attached is in the raised position, so that the holding device, for example, a clamping device, moves away from the foundation object and the foundation object can be freely suspended from the pile lifting device without being suspended by the foundation device.

[0057] When the foundation object reaches the desired insertion position, the foundation object can be placed on the ground so that the entire weight of the foundation object is no longer suspended from the pile lifting device and the foundation object is at least partially resting on the ground, and the pile lifting device is then moved toward the lowered position, thereby moving the foundation device toward the foundation object and bringing the upper end of the foundation object into contact with the retaining device of the foundation device.

[0058] The foundation object is then held by the holding device. If the holding device is provided with a sleeve, the sleeve can be moved over the upper end of the foundation object to trap the foundation object laterally inside the sleeve. To insert the foundation object, a downward impact insertion force can then be applied to the foundation object to drive the foundation object into the ground.

[0059] If the holding device is provided as a clamping device, the clamping device may clamp the foundation object to hold it in place, and the foundation device may then apply a vibration insertion force to the foundation object to vibrate it in order to drive the foundation object into the ground.

[0060] In one embodiment, the insertion method includes, after the holding step and before the applying step, - moving the pile lifting device to the raised position; and - Further comprising lowering the pile lifting device relative to the foundation object.

[0061] According to this embodiment, when the foundation object is placed at the desired insertion position and the foundation device is lowered to clamp the foundation object, the entire pile lifting device may be lowered by the crane to completely place the foundation object on the ground. This loosens the tension element between the pile lifting device and the foundation object, preventing the vibration insertion force from being transmitted from the foundation object to the pile lifting device through the tension element.

[0062] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method for extracting a foundation object, such as a foundation pile or sheet pile, from the ground by means of the foundation assembly disclosed herein, comprising the steps of: connecting the foundation object to the lifting device; clamping the foundation object with a clamping device while the stake lifting device is in the lowered position; applying a pull-out force to the foundation body to pull the foundation body out of the ground; Pulling the pile lifting device upward to pull the foundation object out of the ground; moving the stake lifting device to the raised position; suspending the foundation object from the lifting device while the pile lifting device is in the raised position; and A method for extracting a foundation object, such as a foundation pile or sheet pile, from the ground using the foundation assembly disclosed herein is provided, which includes displacing the foundation object to a desired storage location using the pile lifting device or the foundation device.

[0063] The method according to the fourth aspect may include one or more of the features and / or advantages disclosed herein relative to the pile lifting device or the foundation assembly according to the invention, in particular as set out in the accompanying claims. For extracting the foundation object, the method may comprise the steps of the insertion method according to the invention substantially in reverse order.

[0064] Finally, according to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a cellular membrane comprising: Providing basic equipment; providing the stake lifting device disclosed herein; and Attaching the staked device to the foundation device using the attachment portion thereof, for example, to a suppressor housing of the foundation device; A method for manufacturing a base assembly including:

[0065] The method according to the fifth aspect may include one or more of the features and / or advantages disclosed herein relative to the pile lifting device or the foundation assembly according to the invention, in particular as set out in the accompanying claims.

[0066] The method is configured to result in a foundation assembly consisting of a foundation device and the pile lifting device. The foundation device may be any type of foundation device, such as a vibratory pile driver or impact hammer. The foundation device does not need to be certified for lifting, i.e., it may be an existing foundation device, even a foundation device that is not itself certified for lifting. This may allow only the pile lifting device to be certified for lifting purposes.

[0067] Where the foundation device is provided as an impact hammer, the pile lifting device may be mounted to the outer housing of the hammer, within which a drop weight is housed as a carter for striking the foundation object in use to provide a downward impact insertion force.

[0068] When the foundation device is provided as a vibratory pile driver, it typically includes a clamping device configured to clamp the foundation object during insertion into the ground. The clamping can be beneficial for ensuring proper transmission of the vibratory insertion force from the foundation device to the foundation object. The foundation device may then further include a carter configured to generate a vibratory force during insertion, for example, by a plurality of rotating eccentric masses. The suppressor housing of the foundation device is resiliently attached to the carter, so that vibrations from the carter and the clamping device are not transmitted to the suppressor housing but are instead significantly damped. The pile lifting device may be attached to the suppressor housing of the vibratory foundation device, such that the foundation device is suspended from the pile lifting device. In contrast to existing foundation devices that are typically suspended directly from a crane, the foundation device in this foundation assembly is only indirectly suspended from the crane via the pile lifting device. Because the pile lifting device itself is configured to support the foundation object, there is no need to lift the foundation object through the foundation device. This means that the foundation device is bypassed with respect to the weight of the foundation object.

[0069] Further features of the present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0070] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a pile lifting device according to the present invention shown in a raised position; [Figure 2] 1 shows the pile lifting device in the lowered position. [Figure 3A] 1 shows an embodiment of a base assembly according to the invention at various stages of the insertion method; [Figure 3B] 1 shows an embodiment of a base assembly according to the invention at various stages of the insertion method; [Figure 3C] 1 shows an embodiment of a base assembly according to the invention at various stages of the insertion method; [Figure 3D] 1 shows an embodiment of a base assembly according to the invention at various stages of the insertion method; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0071] Throughout the figures, the same reference numbers are used to refer to corresponding components or components with corresponding functionality.

[0072] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a pile lifting device according to the invention, referenced by the reference number 1. The pile lifting device 1 is for lifting a foundation object, which in this figure is embodied as a tubular foundation pile 100.

[0073] The pile lifting device 1 comprises a lifting unit 10 having a lifting yoke for suspending the pile lifting device 1 from a crane. In this embodiment, the lifting yoke comprises two lifting shackles 11 facing each other at the upper end of the lifting unit 10. The pile lifting device 1 is configured to be suspended from the crane by the lifting shackles 11 so that the entire weight of the pile lifting device 1, as well as the weight of the pile 100 and foundation device 51, is guided through the lifting unit 10 towards the crane.

[0074] The lifting unit 10 comprises two opposing lifting arms 12 arranged opposite each other and spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction H. The opposing lifting arms 12 are symmetrical to each other and define a central opening therebetween. In use, the lifting arms 12 extend in a vertical direction V, as shown in Figures 3A-3D. A lifting shackle 11 is provided at the upper end of each of the lifting arms 12. Furthermore, the lifting arms 12 each comprise a lifting device at their lower end, which is embodied as a lifting shackle 13. The lifting shackle 13 is intended to be connected to a pile 100 by a tension element 2, as shown in Figures 3A-3D. Thus, during use of the pile lifting device 1, the weight of the pile 100 is suspended from the lifting unit 10, and all gravity from the pile 100 is transferred upwards through the lifting unit 10 towards the crane.

[0075] The hoisting unit 10 further comprises a central bridge element 14 arranged between the hoisting arms 12 so as to span between the hoisting arms 12 in the horizontal direction H during use of the pile hoisting device 1. The central bridge element 14 is releasably connected to the hoisting arms 12. Thus, a first central bridge element having a first horizontal width can be exchanged for a second central bridge element having a second horizontal width. This allows the width of the central opening in the pile hoisting device 1 to be adjusted, and may allow different foundation devices of different widths to be accommodated.

[0076] The pile lifting device 1 further comprises a mounting section 20 having two mounting columns 21. The mounting columns 21 are movable relative to the hoisting section 10 and are configured to be attached to the foundation device 51 for indirectly suspending the foundation device 51 from the crane. The mounting columns 21 of the mounting section 20 are movable relative to the hoisting section 10 in a linear direction parallel to the vertical direction V during use. The mounting columns 21 are configured to be attached to the foundation device 51 during use, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D , for supporting the foundation device 51 relative to the hoisting section 10. The mounting columns 21 protrude into the central opening between the hoisting arms 12, thereby enabling the foundation device 51 to be centered between the hoisting arms 12.

[0077] The pile lifting device 1 includes a plain bearing 15 on each of its lifting arms 12, and each plain bearing is disposed between the lifting arm 12 and the mounting support 21 of that lifting arm 12. The plain bearing 15 is configured to guide linear movement between the lifting part 10 and the mounting part 20.

[0078] The mounting portion 20 of the pile lifting device 1 is movable relative to the lifting portion 10 between a raised position shown in Figure 1 and a lowered position shown in Figure 2. In the raised position, the mounting support 21 of the mounting portion 20 is positioned away from the hanging shackle 13 so that the foundation device 51 can be positioned away from the pile 100. In the lowered position, the mounting support 21 of the mounting portion 20 is positioned close to the hanging shackle 13 so that the foundation device 51 can be positioned closer to the pile 100.

[0079] The pile lifting device 1 further comprises a hydraulic linear actuator device configured to effect relative movement between the mounting part 20 and the lifting part 10. The hydraulic actuator device comprises a hydraulic cylinder 30 on each lifting arm 12, each operatively disposed between the lifting arm 12 and its respective mounting column 21 such that each mounting column 21 can be moved individually relative to its lifting arm 12. Each hydraulic cylinder 30 comprises a body 31 connected to the respective mounting column 21 and a piston rod 32 connected to the respective lifting arm 12.

[0080] The hydraulic cylinder 30 is configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid in the body 31 on a first side or a second side of the piston rod 32, during use. The hydraulic fluid may effect displacement of the piston rod 32 relative to the body 31, thereby effecting relative movement between the hanging portion 10 and the mounting portion 20, to carry the foundation device 51 away from or towards the pile 100.

[0081] 3A-3D, the pile lifting device 1 is shown with a foundation device 51 attached to form one embodiment of a foundation assembly 50 in accordance with the present invention. The foundation device 51 is a vibratory pile driver including a clamping device 52 configured to clamp the pile 100 during insertion into the ground. The clamp is defined to ensure proper transmission of the vibratory insertion force from the foundation device 51 to the pile 100. The foundation device 51 includes a carter 53 configured to generate a vibratory force during insertion via a plurality of rotating eccentric masses. Finally, the foundation device 51 includes a suppressor housing 54 resiliently mounted to the carter 53, such that vibrations from the carter 53 and the clamping device 52 are not transmitted to the suppressor housing 54 and the pile lifting device 1 but are instead significantly damped.

[0082] The pile lifting device 1 is attached to the suppressor housing 54 of the foundation device 51, so that the foundation device 51 is not suspended directly from the crane, but rather suspended from the pile lifting device 1. This means that the foundation device 51 does not have to lift the pile 100, and the foundation device 51 is bypassed with respect to the weight of the pile 100. This allows the suppressor housing 54 to be centrally located between the lifting arms 12, greatly improving the symmetry of the assembly 50.

[0083] In use, the foundation device 51 is movable relative to the pile 100 by the pile lifting device 1. During lifting of the pile 100, the foundation device 51 is held in the raised position by the pile lifting device 1 in order to move the clamping device 52 away from the pile 100. The mounting portion 20 can be moved further downward from the raised position to the lowered position, so that the foundation device 51, together with its clamping device 52, is moved towards the pile 100.

[0084] 3A shows the assembly 50 at the start of the insertion method, with the pile 100 positioned horizontally and requiring pre-erection and displacement of the pile 100 toward the desired insertion location. To effect the erection and placement, the foundation assembly 50 is suspended from the hook of a conventional winch crane, but may alternatively be suspended from the leader of a piling rig or the like.

[0085] The pile 100 is then suspended from the suspension shackle 13 of the lifting arm 12 by a tensioning element 2. The tensioning element 2 is provided as a steel cable and extends through an opening cut in the pile 100 at the end opposite the suspension shackle 13.

[0086] During lifting of the pile 100, i.e., during displacement towards the upright position shown in Figure 3A and the desired insertion position in Figure 3B, the pile 100 becomes fully suspended from the pile lifting device 1 through the tensioning element 2, and the entire weight of the pile 100 is supported by the tensioning element 2. The mounting part 20 of the pile lifting device 1, to which the foundation device 51 is attached, is thereby held in said raised position so that the clamping device 52 moves away from the pile 100 and the pile 100 hangs freely from the pile lifting device 1 without being suspended by the foundation device 51.

[0087] After the pile 100 is placed in the desired insertion position, the pile 100 is placed in the ground so that the entire weight of the pile 100 is no longer suspended from the pile lifting device 1 and the pile 100 is at least partially resting on the ground. The mounting portion 20 of the pile lifting device 1 is then brought to the lowered position, and the foundation device 51 is lowered toward the pile 100. This causes the clamping device 52 of the foundation device 51 to clamp the pile 100 to hold it in place, as shown in FIG. 3C.

[0088] After the foundation device 51 is lowered relative to the hanging part 10 of the pile lifting device 1, the foundation device 51 is placed on the pile 100. The pile lifting device 1 is then lowered in its entirety by the crane, as shown in Figure 3D, and the mounting part 20 is returned to the raised position, so that the pile 100 remains completely placed on the ground, while the tension element 2 between the pile lifting device 1 and the pile 100 is released.

[0089] Finally, the foundation device 51 is operated to apply a vibration insertion force to the pile 100 to vibrate it, causing the rotation of an eccentric mass in the carter 53 to generate vibration, and finally driving the pile 100 into the ground. Following the lowering of the pile lifting device 1, the tension element 2 is released, thereby preventing the vibration insertion force from being transmitted from the pile 100 towards the pile lifting device 1 and the crane.

Claims

1. A pile lifting device for lifting foundation objects such as foundation piles or sheet piles, a lifting unit including a lifting yoke for suspending the pile lifting device from a crane and a lifting device for suspending the foundation object; a mounting portion movable relative to the suspending portion and configured to be attached to the base device for suspending the base device from the crane; a linear bearing between the suspension portion and the mounting portion configured to guide linear motion between the suspension portion and the mounting portion; a raised position in which the attachment portion is positioned away from the lifting device; and a lowered position in which the attachment portion is positioned adjacent to the lifting device; a linear actuator device configured to move the mounting portion relative to the hanging portion to move the foundation device relative to the lifting device between A pile lifting device for lifting foundation objects such as foundation piles or sheet piles, comprising:

2. 2. The pile lifting device of claim 1, wherein the lifting portion comprises two opposing lifting arms between which the mounting portion is positioned to receive the foundation device between the lifting arms.

3. 3. The pile lifting device of claim 2, wherein the lifting section comprises a central bridge element disposed between and releasably connected to the lifting arms.

4. the mounting portion comprises two opposing mounting posts; 4. A pile lifting device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein each of said mounting posts is linearly movably mounted to a respective one of said lifting arms.

5. The pile lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the linear bearing is a sliding bearing.

6. The pile lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the linear actuator device is a hydraulic actuator device.

7. the hydraulic actuator device comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder having a body and a piston rod; The pile lifting device of claim 6 , wherein the body is connected to the mounting portion and the piston rod is connected to the lifting portion, or vice versa.

8. 8. A pile lifting apparatus as claimed in claim 4 or claim 7, wherein the hydraulic actuator arrangement comprises at least one of the hydraulic cylinders on each of the lifting arms, each configured to move the respective mounting column relative to its lifting arm.

9. 1. A foundation assembly for inserting a foundation object, such as a foundation pile or sheet pile, into the ground, comprising: a holding device for holding, e.g. clamping, the foundation object during insertion into the ground; a carter connected to the holding device and configured to apply an insertion or withdrawal force to the holding device and the foundation object; a suppressor housing resiliently connected to the carter for suspending the retaining device and the carter; In the base assembly, the base device comprises: The foundation assembly further comprises the pile lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the foundation device, e.g. the suppressor housing, is attached to the mounting portion of the pile lifting device, and the pile lifting device comprises: the raised position, in use, in which the holding device is positioned away from the base object; the lowered position in which, in use, the holding device contacts the base object to hold, e.g. clamp, the base object; and configured to move the base device relative to the lifting device between A foundation assembly for inserting foundation objects such as foundation piles or sheet piles into the ground.

10. The base assembly of claim 9 , wherein the suppressor housing is centrally located on the stake lifting device, e.g., centrally located between the lifting arms.

11. 11. The foundation assembly of claim 9 or claim 10, further comprising one or more tension elements connected to the lifting device and configured to be connected to the foundation object for lifting the foundation object with the pile lifting device.

12. A method for inserting a foundation object, such as a foundation pile or a sheet pile, into the ground by means of the foundation assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising the steps of: - suspending the foundation object from the lifting device while the pile lifting device is in the raised position; - displacing the foundation object to a desired insertion position using the pile lifting device or the foundation device; - moving the pile lifting device to the lowered position; - holding, e.g. clamping, said base object with said holding device, and A method of inserting a foundation object, such as a foundation pile or sheet pile, into the ground by means of the foundation assembly of any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising applying an insertion force to the foundation object to insert the foundation object into the ground.

13. After the holding step and before the applying step, - moving the pile lifting device to the raised position, and The method of claim 12, further comprising lowering the pile lifting device relative to the foundation object.

14. A method for extracting a foundation object, such as a foundation pile or a sheet pile, from the ground by means of the foundation assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising the steps of: connecting the foundation object to the lifting device; clamping the foundation object with a clamping device while the stake lifting device is in the lowered position; applying a pull-out force to the foundation body to pull the foundation body out of the ground; Pulling the pile lifting device upward to pull the foundation object out of the ground; moving the pile lifting device to the raised position; suspending the foundation object from the lifting device while the pile lifting device is in the raised position; and A method for extracting a foundation object, such as a foundation pile or sheet pile, from the ground using the foundation assembly of any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising displacing the foundation object to a desired storage location using the pile lifting device or the foundation device.

15. Providing basic equipment; Providing the pile lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and Attaching the staked device to the foundation device using the attachment portion thereof, for example, to a suppressor housing of the foundation device; A method for manufacturing a base assembly comprising:

Images