Support structure for crane, crane comprising support structure, ship comprising crane

Abstract

A support structure for a crane, the support structure comprising: a lower end having a circular shape for connection with a pivotal bearing; a support frame having a polygonal upper end for supporting a boom of a crane and / or a crane; an outer side connecting an outer edge of the upper end with an outer edge of the lower end; wherein the upper end is provided with a pair of suspender hinging connecting pieces used for hinging a crane suspender and at least one supporting frame connecting piece used for supporting a supporting frame of the crane; wherein the outer side at least partially comprises a plate member forming a wall section for transitioning from a polygonal shape at an upper end to a circular shape at a lower end, and wherein the plate member comprises a flat plate member and a curved plate member.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a support structure for a crane, in particular for an offshore crane.

[0002] Offshore cranes are well known and are typically mounted on floating structures such as ships or barges or jack-up platforms. Offshore cranes can be used for various purposes, such as for heavy lifting operations at offshore locations, such as installing and removing heavy structures such as wind turbines, wind turbine foundations, platforms, topsides of platforms, etc.

[0003] An offshore crane typically comprises a boom pivotally mounted on a support structure. At the top of the boom, the load can be lifted. The support structure is rotatably mounted on a base structure. The base structure is connected to a floating structure. Between the base structure and the support structure, bearings are provided to allow a rotational movement of the support structure relative to the base structure, also called a slewing movement. The bearings, usually called slewing bearings, accommodate the slewing movement of the support structure relative to the base structure. The support structure, also called a slewing platform, supports at least the crane boom. The support structure may also support an A-frame or other support frame to which a lifting system and / or a luffing system may be provided. In so-called pedestal cranes, the base structure may be called a bed and is fixedly mounted to the floating structure.

[0004] The crane load is transferred to the floating structure via the support structure, slewing bearing and base structure. Offshore cranes are becoming larger and heavier, as are the loads they are lifting and handling. In order to direct these loads to the floating structure via the support structure, bearing and base structure, these structures are becoming larger and therefore heavier. This can have a negative impact on the vessel weight or the vessel payload, etc. Slewing bearings with a diameter greater than 15 meters or up to 30 meters are envisaged. In addition, it is known to have a slewing bearing with a diameter of approximately 1000 metric tons (10 6 kg) and 10,000 metric tons (10 7 kg).

[0005] To accommodate such a large crane and such heavy lift loads, these loads need to be transferred to the base structure and the floating structure in an efficient manner.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a support structure which transfers the crane load to the base structure more efficiently, preferably also more effectively.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention provides a support structure for a crane, comprising: a circular lower end for connection to a slew bearing; a polygonal upper end for supporting a crane boom and / or a crane support frame; and an outer side connecting an outer edge of the upper end to an outer edge of the lower end. The upper end is provided with a pair of boom hinge connectors for articulating the crane boom and at least one support frame connector for supporting the crane support frame. The outer side at least partially comprises a plate member, the plate member forming a wall portion for transitioning from the polygonal shape of the upper end to the circular shape of the lower end. The plate member comprises a flat plate member and a curved plate member. The curved plate member may comprise a single curved plate member and / or a double curved plate member.

[0008] The support structure has a circular lower end that corresponds to the shape of the bearing to be connected. Thus, the load from the support structure can be transferred directly to the bearing. Furthermore, the support structure has a polygonal upper end. The upper end is typically the side on which the boom, support frame and / or other equipment can be mounted. The boom hinge connection and at least one support frame connection are directly or indirectly mounted to the upper end. Typically, the boom hinge connection can be provided by padeye structures that allow the boom to hinge around a horizontal axis. The support frame connection can be a fixed structure or a hinge connection, for example when the support frame needs to be foldable. By providing a polygonal shape, such as a rectangle, hexagon, heptagon or octagon, the connections of the boom and support frame can be positioned in an optimal manner to withstand the large loads of the boom and support frame. By at least partially connecting the upper end to the lower end with a plate member, an effective load transfer from the polygonal upper end to the circular lower end can be achieved, thereby optimally directing the load to the bearing. In this way, stress peaks or stress knots can be reduced.

[0009] It should be understood that as used herein, the term "connector", such as in boom hinge connector and support frame connector, can be understood as a connecting structure or connector, that is arranged and configured to connect to another structure (e.g., a boom or support frame).

[0010] In addition, it should be understood that the polygonal shape used herein only refers to a shape that corresponds to a polygon in an overall or general sense, and therefore the term does not necessarily mean that the shape has any sharp corners or is completely free of any curvature. For example, the polygonal shape used herein may have so-called rounded corners at one or more of its vertices, while a pure polygon will have sharp corners. In addition, it should be understood that polygons can take many different forms, including regular and irregular polygons, and can, for example, have one or more concave sections. Polygons typically have a finite number of edges connected at the vertices, and in this article, a polygonal shape may correspond to a polygon with a maximum of 16 such edges, preferably a maximum of 12 such edges, more preferably a maximum of 10 such edges, for example a polygon with about 5, 6, 7 or 8 such edges.

[0011] The outer side connects the upper end with the lower end, in particular connects the edge of the upper end with the edge of the lower end, and thus, the outer side provides a transition from the polygonal shape of the upper end to the circular shape of the lower end. Thus, a smooth transition and load path can be provided from the polygonal upper end to the circular lower end and to the circular slewing bearing connected to the lower end in use. Thus, the outer side can have a rather complex geometry to provide a transition from the circular lower end to the polygonal upper end. Typically, the diameter of the circular end may be smaller than the maximum diagonal dimension of the polygonal shape, requiring the outer side to flare upwards and outwards. In contrast to conventional support structures consisting of cylindrical parts with additional structures thereon (e.g. rectangular platforms or beam structures), the outer side of the support structure of the present invention has a more complex shape, transitioning from the circular to the polygonal in a smooth and / or continuous manner without discrete or abrupt steps on the outer side.

[0012] The outer side can be at least partially provided with a plate member, optionally allowing a portion of the outer side to remain open rather than enclosed by the plate member. A wall section is formed in the enclosed portion, connecting the lower end with the upper end. In the optional open portion, a truss structure can be provided to connect the upper end with the lower end. The truss members of this truss structure can be cylindrical truss members or, for example, rectangular truss members. Alternatively, the truss members can be beam members.

[0013] The plate member that at least partially forms the outer side includes a flat plate member and a curved plate member, wherein the curved plate member may include a single curved plate member and / or a double curved plate member. Advantageously, the flat plate member and the curved plate member are arranged adjacent to each other. For example, they may be arranged laterally adjacent, such that the flat plate members alternate with the curved plate members along the circumference of the outer side. Alternatively, they may be arranged vertically adjacent, such that the curved plate members are positioned below the flat plate members in an upward direction. This provides a smooth transition between the rounded lower end and the polygonal upper end, without abrupt or stepped transitions between the lower and upper ends.

[0014] Advantageously, the outer portion enclosed by the plate members comprises alternating flat and curved plate members. For example, the plate members may be generally triangular, with the triangular points of subsequent plate members being at the lower and upper ends. In this way, the triangular plate members may alternately point upward and downward. Of course, it should be understood that the flat and curved plate members may be arranged in various alternative configurations. For example, the downward-pointing plate member may be a flat plate member, while the upward-pointing plate member may be a curved plate member. Instead of or in addition to the triangular plate members, trapezoidal and / or kite-shaped plate members may be used. Some or all of the curved plate members may be curved in two dimensions, so-called double-curved or double-arc plate members. Alternatively, a single curved plate member may be used. The flat plate members extend substantially within a plane. The flat plate members are straight or planar, i.e., they are not curved. By alternating flat and curved plate members, manufacturing costs can be limited while accommodating the transition from the rounded lower end to the polygonal upper end.

[0015] Advantageously, the entire outer side can be enclosed with a plate member, thereby forming a single wall segment, thus forming a closed wall. For example, at the vertices or corners of the polygonal shape, flat and curved plate members can alternate, while between the corners, for example, more flat plate members, or larger flat plate members, can be used. It will be appreciated that not all plate members, whether flat or curved, need to be identical. By providing a completely enclosed outer side, the plate member can bear loads and allow forces to be transferred from the upper end to the lower end, and thus to the bearings. Alternatively, not the entire outer side is enclosed; instead, portions of the outer side, particularly between the corners of the polygon, can remain open. There, a truss structure can be provided for load transfer between the upper and lower ends. Advantageously, plate members are provided at the corners of the polygon for transitioning from the polygonal shape to the circular shape and for load transfer. By providing plate members, particularly at the corners of the polygonal shape, where higher forces are expected, the plate members can provide efficient and effective load transfer toward the circular lower end. Additionally, portions of the plate member itself can vary in thickness to allow for the most efficient load path.

[0016] Advantageously, the connections of the crane's boom and / or at least one connection of the crane's support frame are arranged at vertices or corners of the polygonal shape. In this way, the connections can define the polygonal shape. It is understood that a pair of boom hinge connections can be integrated into a pair of support frame connections, for example, into a single pair of eyeplates. Furthermore, it is understood that, for example, a pair of boom hinge connections can be mounted at the corners of the upper end, while the support frame connections can be mounted further inward, or vice versa. This provides an efficient structure because the load is directly transferred to the support structure at the point where it occurs, preferably even in a direction corresponding to the circular lower end of the slew bearing. Thus, force transfer from the point of entry into the support structure to the slew bearing can be efficiently accomplished. This allows for efficient force transfer to the slew bearing, effectively limiting peak loads on the slew bearing. This can also allow for a more efficient and / or compact design of the slew bearing.

[0017] Optionally, a flat plate part can be arranged above a single and / or double curved plate part. Thus, the outer lower wall section can be conical and the outer upper wall section can be polygonal. The intersection line between the lower section and the upper section comprises an arc. This is in contrast to conventional support structures, which have a cylindrical lower section and a rectangular upper section superimposed thereon, with a sudden and discrete transition between the cylindrical section and the rectangular section. According to the present invention, the upper section only merges into the lower part, thereby producing an arc of the intersection line. By providing the conical lower wall section with a polygonal upper wall section that is only joined, rather than superimposed, so that the arc forms the intersection line, a smooth transition from the circular lower end to the polygonal upper end is possible. This smooth transition provides a more efficient load transfer from the boom hinge connection and / or the support frame connection to the slew bearing, with fewer stress knots or stress spikes.

[0018] Advantageously, a box structure is provided beneath each connection between the boom or support frame and the supporting structure to enable load transfer from the associated connection to the outer side and / or lower end of the supporting structure. Indeed, a box structure is provided beneath each connection, boom hinge connection, and / or support frame connection. The box structure supports the corresponding connection and provides for load transfer from the connection to the supporting structure, particularly to the outer side of the supporting structure and ultimately to the lower end of the supporting structure. It should be understood that such box structures can be interconnected and / or integrated, as further explained elsewhere herein. In other words, such box structures need not be spaced apart from each other or otherwise structurally separate or distinct. The top side of the box structure can provide a deck area at the upper end of the supporting structure. The boom hinge connection and / or support frame connection can be mounted to the top side of the box structure. The box structure can also be connected to the outer side of the supporting structure on its inner side. In this way, the box structure beneath each connection can form the vertices or corners of a polygon at the upper end of the supporting structure. Advantageously, the box structure is connected to the outer side, thereby reinforcing the outer side and providing an effective load path toward the outer side.

[0019] The box structure can have a greater height at the boom hinge connection than at the support frame connection spaced apart from the boom hinge connection. This can provide greater load transfer capacity and / or higher stiffness in the area where the load from the boom is primarily transferred, while saving weight and material.

[0020] Advantageously, at least two box structures below their associated connectors can be connected to each other, thereby forming an elongated box structure supporting the at least two connectors. Thus, this elongated box structure can form one side of a polygonal shape, for example, extending between two adjacent vertices or corners of the polygonal shape. This provides a rigid structure and also allows for some deck area at the upper end of the support structure between the connectors. Advantageously, all box structures are connected to each other to form a box-shaped frame defining the outer edges of the polygon. The connected box structures thus provide a polygonal overall box structure that defines the polygonal shape of the upper end of the support structure and supports the connectors that form the surrounding box structure. This provides some deck area at the outer edges of the upper end while allowing the center of the upper end inside the polygon to be open, for example, to receive equipment or legs of a jack-up platform. Furthermore, the connected box structures defining this box-shaped frame form a relatively rigid and strong frame at the outer edges of the upper end, thereby allowing for efficient load transfer to the support structure. In one example, there may be a pair of boom hinge connectors and a first pair of support frame connectors. The boom hinge connector can be integrated into the second pair of support frame connectors to form a four-cornered polygon, or quadrilateral. This integration can take various forms, such as by sharing the same eye plate and / or connecting to the same axle. Each connector is supported by a box structure. The box structures can be connected to each other to form a box frame along the outer edges of the quadrilateral. This quadrilateral box frame provides a strong and rigid framework for supporting the connectors and for transferring payload to the support structure. In another example, there can be a pair of boom hinge connectors and two pairs of support frame connectors, providing six corners, forming a hexagonal upper end. When adjacent box structures below the associated connectors are connected to each other, a hexagonal box frame is obtained, providing a strong and rigid edge for the upper end of the support structure. Although in these examples, all vertices or corners of the polygon are associated with at least one connector, it should be understood that one or more additional vertices or corners can be provided without such connectors, for example to achieve a smoother overall transition to a rounded shape.

[0021] In one example, a tapered structure may be provided below the box structure to further facilitate the transfer of load to the outside and further to the lower end. Conversely, such a tapered structure may also be integrated into the box structure.

[0022] At least one circumferential ring structure may also be provided on the inner side of the outer side of the support structure. This circumferential ring structure is advantageously generally parallel to the lower and / or upper end of the support structure and circumferentially surrounds the outer side. This ring structure provides additional rigidity and strength. Alternatively, this ring structure may be provided on the outer side of the outer side. However, providing the ring structure on the inner side may be advantageous as it can provide some additional shielding from environmental influences, which can extend service life.

[0023] Furthermore, the outer side of the support structure may be provided with upwardly extending reinforcements at the inner side or the outer side of the outer side.The reinforcements may pass through the circumferential ring via openings in the ring structure.

[0024] The invention also relates to a crane comprising such a support structure, and a vessel provided with such a crane.

[0025] Further advantageous embodiments are provided by the features of the dependent claims.

[0026] These and other aspects will be further elucidated with reference to the accompanying drawings which include exemplary embodiments. In the drawings there is shown:

[0027] Figure 1 shows the general arrangement of a crane, in particular a pedestal-mounted crane for installation on an offshore structure;

[0028] Figure 2 shows the general arrangement of a crane, in particular an outrigger crane, for installation around an outrigger of an offshore structure;

[0029] Figure 3 A first embodiment of a support structure according to the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 4 A second embodiment of a support structure according to the invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 5 Shown Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 shows a top view of a support structure according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 A third embodiment of a support structure according to the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 8 Shown according to Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 A fourth embodiment of a support structure according to the invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 10 Shows the relative Figure 9 Observed from the opposite side Figure 9 Embodiments of

[0037] Figure 11 Shown as Figure 10 A vertical cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment is shown;

[0038] Figure 12 Shown as Figure 9 A horizontal cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment is shown;

[0039] Figure 13 shows a side view of a fourth embodiment; and

[0040] Figure 14 An offshore crane comprising a support structure according to a fourth embodiment is shown.

[0041] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are provided by way of illustrative example and are not limiting of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings may not be drawn to scale. Corresponding elements are indicated by corresponding reference numerals.

[0042] Figure 1 The general layout of an offshore crane 1 is shown. The crane 1 includes a boom 2 having a boom tip 3 for lifting a load. The crane 1 also includes a support frame 4, here implemented as an A-frame. The support frame 4 is arranged to support hoisting cables and / or lifting cables used to raise the boom 2 and / or lift the load. For simplicity, the hoisting and lifting systems are not shown. The drive system for driving the hoisting and / or lifting systems can be located in a winch chamber 5, which can, for example, enclose a winch for driving the system. The support frame 4 and boom 2 are mounted on a support structure 10. The support structure 10 is rotatably mounted on a base structure 6. The base structure 6 is mounted to an offshore structure, such as the deck of a ship or a jack-up platform. The base structure 6 is also referred to as a foundation. A slew bearing 7 is arranged between the base structure 6 and the support structure 10 to allow the support structure 10 to rotate about a vertical axis relative to the base structure 6. Here, the support frame 4 has four legs, each of which is mounted to the support structure 10 via a support frame connector. The support frame connector is mounted on the support structure 10. It will be appreciated that other support frame configurations may include three legs with three support frame connectors. Here, the boom 2 has two boom legs mounted to the support frame via boom hinge connectors. The boom is hingedly arranged to the boom hinge connector and can be rotated about a horizontal rotation axis via the boom hinge connector. Here, within the support structure 10, an equipment box 9 is shown. Optionally, the support structure 10 can be enclosed, or the equipment can be mounted elsewhere on the offshore structure.

[0043] Figure 2 Another arrangement of an offshore crane 1 is shown. Figure 2 In the figure, the crane 1 is mounted around legs 8 of an offshore structure, a so-called outrigger crane. Offshore structures such as jack-up platforms are provided with three or more outriggers that are adjustable in height relative to the hull of the offshore structure. Around these outriggers, the offshore crane 1 can be mounted. The support frame 4 and the boom hinge connection are then arranged to allow the outriggers to be adjusted upward and downward. Here, the support frame 4 and the outriggers 2 are also mounted to a support structure 10. The support structure 10 is mounted to a base structure 6, which can be mounted on the deck of the offshore structure. A slew bearing is arranged between the base structure 6 and the support structure 10 to allow the support structure 10 to rotate about a vertical axis relative to the base structure.

[0044] The support structure 10 has a lower end 11 arranged for mounting to a slew bearing and an upper end 12 for supporting the support frame 4 and boom 2 of the crane 1, also as shown. Figure 3 The upper end 12 has a polygonal shape to accommodate the positions of the boom hinge connectors 20a, 20b and the support frame connectors 40a, 40b, 41a, 41b. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, the support frame connectors 41a, 41b and the boom hinge connectors 20a, 20b are separate connectors. It will be appreciated that they may also be integrated. For example, the support frame connector 41a and the boom hinge connector 20a may be integrated into a single connector mounted to the support structure 10. Typically, such connectors may be implemented as eyelets, such as Figure 3 As shown. The lower end of the support structure 10 has a circular shape corresponding to the shape and size of the slewing bearing. In this way, the lower end 11 of the support structure 10 corresponds to the slewing bearing and can transfer the load to the slewing bearing in a more efficient manner. The lower end 11 has a circular edge 11a, which includes an inward and / or outward extending flange for mounting to the slewing bearing. The upper end 12 has a polygonal shape. Between the upper end and the lower end, an outer side 30 is provided connecting the circular lower end 11 and the polygonal upper end 12. In particular, the outer side 30 connects the outer edge 120 of the upper end 12 and the outer edge 110 of the lower end 11. The outer side 30 at least partially includes a plate part 300 to form wall sections 31, 32 of the outer side 30 connecting the upper end 12 with the lower end 11 in a smooth and / or continuous manner. The plate part 300 can be a flat plate part 300f and a curved plate part 300c. In Figure 3In the example shown, only two portions of the outer side 30 are provided with plate members, thereby forming two wall sections 31, 32. Between the two wall sections 31, 32, the outer side 30 is open, and a truss structure 33 is provided to connect the lower end 11 with the upper end 12. Preferably, most of the curved plate members are single-curved plate members, that is, having curvature in only one dimension. At the same time, at least some of the curved plate members, particularly those at relatively sharp vertices or corners of the polygonal shape, may be double-curved plate members. By providing such curved plate members, it becomes easier to accommodate the transition from the circular shape of the lower end of the support structure to the polygonal shape of the upper end. It will be understood that the curvature of the curved plate members can vary and can generally be selected to facilitate a gradual transition from the circular shape to the polygonal shape. Since single-curved plate members are generally more economical than double-curved plate members, single-curved plate members are preferred when a single curvature is sufficient.

[0045] In the wall sections 31 and 32 comprising the plate portions 300f and 300c, flat plate members 300f and curved plate members 300c are arranged adjacent to each other in an alternating manner. When viewed circumferentially, flat plate member 300f is adjacent to curved plate member 300c, which in turn is adjacent to flat plate member 300f, and so on. Laterally, flat plate member 300f and curved plate member 300c are arranged side by side adjacent to each other. By alternating the flat plate members 300f and curved plate members 300c, wall sections 31 and 32 are formed that smoothly connect the circular lower end 11 and the polygonal upper end 12, avoiding any discontinuous or abrupt transitions.

[0046] Advantageously, the plate member 300 is substantially triangular. The flat plate member 300f can be oriented with the apex of its triangular shape downward, while the curved plate member 300c can be oriented with the apex of its substantially triangular shape upward. Thus, the curved plate member 300c can be connected to the circular lower end and extend upward. The flat plate member can be connected to the polygonal upper end and extend downward. Adjacent flat and curved plate members can be connected at the coinciding long sides of their triangles, for example, by welding.

[0047] exist Figure 3 In the example of , two wall sections 31, 32 are provided with an open space in which a truss structure 33 connects the upper end 11 and the lower end 12. Alternatively, the open space can be closed by a plate member, thereby obtaining a completely closed outer side 30, forming a single wall section, such as Figure 4 On the circumference of the outer side 30 , the flat plate parts 300 f and the curved plate parts 300 c alternate with each other, forming a smooth transition from the circular lower end 11 to the polygonal upper end 12 .

[0048] As can be seen, the curved plate member 300c ends at the vertices or corners of the upper end of the polygon, and the flat plate member 300f is advantageously provided between the corners. Thus, the optimal use of flat and curved plate members limits the use of curved plate members, which are more expensive to manufacture than flat plate members.

[0049] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen in the figures, the boom hinge connectors 20a, 20b and the support frame connectors 40a, 40b, 41a, 41b are separate connectors mounted to the upper end 12. Here, the connectors are arranged at the corners of the polygon forming the upper end 12, thereby obtaining a hexagonal shape. In the example where a pair of boom hinge connectors 20a, 20b are integrated with a pair of support frame connectors 41a, 41b, a quadrilateral or heptagonal upper end can be obtained, with connectors mounted at each corner.

[0050] It can be seen that a box structure is provided below each connector 40a, 40b, 41a, 41b, 20a, 20b. The box structure provides support for the connector and allows the force to enter the outer side 30 and be transmitted to the lower end and further to the slewing bearing. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example shown, the individual box structures of the associated connectors 40a, 40b, 41a, 41b, 20a, and 20b are connected to form a connected box structure 50, on which the connectors are arranged. The connected box structure 50 forms a peripheral box frame, whose top side 51 provides the deck area. The peripheral box frame 50 forms the outer edges of the polygonal upper end 12, thereby defining the polygonal shape of the upper end 12 of the support structure. The peripheral box frame 50 allows for an opening 52, into which, for example, equipment can be placed or the legs of a jack-up platform can be accommodated. Providing such a peripheral box frame 50 adds additional strength and rigidity to the support structure, which is beneficial for load transfer. The box structure has a top side 51 that forms the deck area of ​​the support structure 10, a bottom side 54 parallel to the top side 51, an outer side 56 provided by the outer side 30 of the support structure, and an inner side 55. This creates a box shape that optimally supports the associated connectors.

[0051] exist Figure 5 In the cross section of FIG, the box-shaped construction of the box structure 50 can be seen. The top side 51 of the box structure provides the deck area, and the outer side 56 of the box structure 50 is connected to the outer side 30 to optimize the force transmission. In addition, the box structure is a hollow box, which may have ribs 53 for stiffness and / or strength. In addition, in Figure 5 In the cross section of FIG, a circular edge 11a is shown which is connected to the outer side 30. The edge 11a is mounted on a slew bearing.

[0052] exist Figure 5 In the cross-section of FIG, it can be seen that another tapered structure 60 is provided below the box structure 50 below the connector 20a. This tapered structure 60 is optional, but can provide additional strength and / or rigidity, as well as further transfer forces from the connector to the lower end 11. In this sense, the other structure 60 can be considered a load-assisting transfer structure. Although the other structure 60 has a tapered shape in the illustrated example, it should be understood that different shapes are possible for this structure.

[0053] like Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of Figure 3 or Figure 4 As shown in the perspective view of FIG, the inner side 310 of the outer side 30 is provided with a circumferential ring structure 70. The ring structure 70 is arranged substantially horizontally, or in other words, substantially parallel to the lower end 11 of the support structure 10. The circumferential ring 70 preferably covers the entire circumference of the outer side 30, on its inner side. Although Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG, the ring structure 70 is interrupted between the wall segments 31, 32. However, also in Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 3 , in the case of an open space between the wall sections 31 , 32 , it is preferred that the ring structure 70 is provided over the entire circumference of the outer side 30 so that it can be connected there to the truss structure 33 . At least one ring structure 70 provides additional strength and rigidity to the support structure, in particular also rotational or torsional rigidity. In addition, the outer side 30 can also be provided with at least partially upwardly directed reinforcements 80 , such as Figure 5 , as shown in a cross-sectional view. The reinforcement member 80 passes through an opening in the ring structure 70, thereby allowing the reinforcement member to pass through. The reinforcement member 80 can, for example, additionally reinforce the curved plate member 300c. It should be noted that the ring structure 70 and / or the reinforcement member 80 can also be arranged outside the outer side 30. However, arranging the ring structure 70 and / or the reinforcement member 80 inside can provide greater shielding from environmental influences and easier maintenance and / or repair.

[0054] Figure 6A top view of a hexagonal support structure 10 is shown, with boom hinge connectors 20a, 20b and support frame connectors 40a, 40b, 41a, 41b located at the vertices or corners of the hexagon. A circle is also shown, identifying the circular lower end 11 of the support structure 10. As can be seen, connectors 40a, 40b, 41a, 41b, 20a, 20b are positioned outside the circle of the lower end 11, thereby transmitting forces to the lower end in both radial and axial directions, or in other words, in both horizontal and vertical directions. The support structure 10 according to the present invention, in which the plate member 300 provides a smooth transition from the polygonal upper end 12 to the circular lower end 11, allows for effective and efficient force transmission to the slew bearing while reducing and / or minimizing stress peaks. Providing a support structure 10 according to the present invention allows for efficient and effective force transmission, while utilizing less material than conventional support structures. Less material can result in a lighter support structure, which helps increase the payload of offshore vessels while accommodating such very large cranes.

[0055] Figure 7 An optional embodiment of the support structure 10 is shown. Here, the flat plate part 300f and the curved plate part 300c are stacked on each other in an adjacent manner. The flat plate part 300f is located above the curved plate part 300c. Therefore, the curved plate part 300c can form a conical lower wall section 301 that flares outward from the lower end 11. The flat plate part 300f forms a polygonal upper wall section 30u that extends downward from the upper end 12. An intersection line 34 is formed at the intersection of the upper wall section 30u and the lower wall section 30l, and the upper wall section 30u is connected to the lower wall section 30l at the intersection line 34. Here, the intersection line 34 includes arc portions 35a, 35b, etc. In other examples, see, for example Figure 9 and Figure 10 , such intersection line 34 can be a straight line. Compared with the conventional support structure in which a rectangular upper part is superimposed on a cylindrical lower part, the upper wall section here simply merges into the lower wall section, thereby generating an intersection line that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the upper and lower ends.

[0056] Here, a box structure 50 is provided below each connector 20a, 20b, 40a, 40b, 41a, 41b, which in the example described is connected to a single connected box structure 50, which forms a peripheral box frame 50, which forms the upper end 12 of the support structure. Therefore, as previously mentioned, although each connector can be considered to be provided with a corresponding box structure, such box structures do not actually need to be separate or different, but can form part of a larger combined structure, such as a peripheral box frame 50, in which the various connectors can actually all be arranged on the same frame. Here, a pair of support frame connectors 41, 41b are integrated into the boom hinge connectors 20a, 20b in a single connector. Such integrated connectors are located at one corner of the polygonal upper end 12. Another pair of support frame connectors 40a, 40b are located at the other two corners of the polygonal upper end 12. In one example, the polygon can be transformed into a quadrilateral. However, in Figure 7 In the example shown, the segments are arranged between the integrated connectors 41a, 20a, 41b, 20b in a polygonal shape with more than four vertices or corners, for example to suit jack-up platform leg mounting. It will be appreciated that the boom hinge connectors and support frame connectors can also be mounted separately to the support structure. The top side 51 of the support structure 50 provides a deck area. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the example of FIG, support frame connectors 40a, 40b are arranged slightly higher than connectors 41a, 20a, 41b, 20b, respectively, so that the top side 51 slopes upward from connectors 41a, 20a, 41b, 20b to connectors 40a, 40b, respectively. Alternatively, all connectors may be mounted on the same horizontal plane. Figure 8 In the cross-sectional view, corresponding to Figure 7 In the same example, it can be seen that the box structure 50 is Figure 3 、 4 In a similar manner, the box shape is provided. Here, the box structure 50 has a top side 51 forming the deck area, an inner side 55, an underside 54, and an outer side 56 formed by the outer side 30. The circumferential ring structure 70 is not shown here, but it can be provided to increase the rigidity. The circular edge 11a extends downwardly and is configured for mounting to the slewing bearing. In addition, as in Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example of FIG, an upwardly directed reinforcement 80 may be provided. The peripheral box frame 50 defines the polygonal shape of the upper end 12 and allows the central opening 52 to accommodate equipment or jack-up platform legs. Figure 3 or Figure 4 As shown, the lower end 11 can be closed with a bottom, or as shown Figure 7 or Figure 8As shown, the lower end 11 can be opened.

[0057] Figures 9 to 14 A particularly advantageous fourth embodiment of the support structure 10 is shown. Except where the drawings and / or the description indicate or imply otherwise, the fourth embodiment generally corresponds to the other embodiments disclosed herein, as can be understood in particular from the corresponding reference numerals in the drawings.

[0058] In the fourth embodiment, as in Figure 13 Best seen in Figure 11 As shown in FIG, the height of the box frame 50 varies between a first, smaller height h1 located at the support frame connections 40a, 40b and a larger height h2 located at the support frame connections 41a, 41b and the boom hinge connections 20a, 20b. Thus, the strength of the box frame 50 can be greater on one side of the boom 2 where a greater load can be expected, while weight can be minimized elsewhere by reducing the height of the box frame. Here, the variable height is essentially achieved by the lower side 54 of the box frame 50 (at Figure 13 The box frame 50 is realized by a variable level (indicated by the dashed line 54 in FIG), where the top side 51 of the box frame 50 is horizontal, thus forming a horizontal deck area. The gradual change in the box frame height between the first height h1 and the second height h2 avoids high stress areas and promotes a gradual force distribution through the support structure 10.

[0059] In the fourth embodiment, it can be seen that the polygonal shape of the upper end 12 is a heptagon, i.e., having seven sides. It has been found that this number of sides generally contributes to a favorable load transfer efficiency between the discrete locations of the connection at the upper end 12 and the circular slewing bearing 7 at the lower end 11. However, it should be understood that the number of sides could also vary, such as six or eight, with substantially the same advantageous effects.

[0060] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the outer side 30 is formed to be particularly smooth, corresponding to a particularly gentle transition between the polygonal shape of the upper end 12 and the rounded shape of the lower end 11, compared to the other embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 12 It can be seen particularly clearly that Figure 12A horizontal cross-section is shown, in which the box frame 50 is not shown. As a result, the effective load distribution through the support structure 10 is further optimized, in particular the efficiency relative to the weight of the support structure 10. As part of the enhanced smoothness, in the embodiment, the upper end 12 has rounded corners at the vertices of its polygonal shape, in particular at those vertices where the connectors 20a, 20b, 40a, 40b, 41a, 41b are arranged. In particular, the rounded corners at some or all of the vertices may be arc-shaped. The degree of rounding is such that the overall polygonal shape is maintained. At the rounded corners of the connectors, the curved plate parts 300c may be doubly curved to accommodate the rounding and flaring, while the curved plate parts 300c away from the rounded corners may be single curved. Thus, in the fourth embodiment ( Figures 9 to 14 ), the relatively complex three-dimensional shape of the outer side 30 can generally be achieved by a flat plate part 300f and a single curved plate part 300c, except for the vertices near the connectors 20a, 20b, 40a, 40b, 41a, 41b, where one or some double curved plate parts may be required at each vertex.

[0061] Furthermore, compared to the third embodiment, the three full-height wall portions 30k are provided at circumferentially intermediate positions of the respective three upper wall portions 30u in the upper wall portion 30u, so that the upper wall portion 30u can be considered to be divided into two halves compared to the third embodiment. The full-height wall portion 30k here includes a curved plate member 300c, which in this case is singly curved so as to substantially follow the arc curvature of the lower end 11 all the way to the upper end 12. Figure 9 、 10 As shown in Figures 1 and 12, these full-height wall portions 30k are provided with checkerboard cross-hatching on their outer sides, which is simply to distinguish them more clearly from the adjacent half of the upper wall portion 30u. The position of the full-height wall portion 30k along the polygonal shape of the upper end 12 corresponds here to three relatively blunt vertices, at least compared to the four more pointed vertices where the connector is arranged. When viewed from above, these blunt vertices of the upper end 12 can be consistent with the rounded shape of the lower end 11, so that the full-height wall portion 30k does not need to flare outwards like the lower wall portion 30l. In addition, the bluntness of these vertices means that they can be rounded so that the arc curvature of the lower end 11 is locally followed at the upper end 12, without losing the overall polygonal shape of the upper end.

[0062] Figure 14The fourth embodiment of a support structure 10 is shown as being implemented in an offshore crane 1, with a boom 2 and a support frame 4 shown mounted to the support structure 10 via a connection at an upper end 12. It will be appreciated that the boom 2 and support frame 4 can each have a different design and are therefore shown schematically here. A base structure 6 is located below the support structure 10, with a slew bearing 7 providing rotatability of the support structure 10 relative to the base structure 6.

[0063] For the purpose of clarity and concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it should be understood that the scope of the claims and disclosure may include embodiments having a combination of all or some of the described features. It will be understood that the illustrated embodiments have the same or similar components except where they are described as different.

[0064] In the claims, any reference signs placed between brackets shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words "a" and "an" shall not be interpreted as being limited to "only one", but are used to mean "at least one", and do not exclude a plurality. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Many variations will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, provided that they are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A support structure for a crane, the support structure comprising: - a lower end having a circular shape for connection with a slewing bearing; - an upper end having a polygonal shape for supporting a boom of said crane and / or a supporting frame of said crane; - an outer side connecting the outer edge of the upper end to the outer edge of the lower end; - wherein the upper end is provided with a pair of boom hinge connectors for articulating the crane boom, and at least one support frame connector for supporting a support frame of the crane; - wherein the outer side at least partially comprises a plate part which forms a wall section for transitioning from a polygonal shape of the upper end to a circular shape of the lower end, wherein the plate part comprises a flat plate part and a curved plate part.

2. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein: A box structure is provided below each of the boom hinge connections and / or the support frame connections to enable loads to be transferred from the associated connections to the outer side and / or the lower end.

3. The support structure according to claim 2, wherein: The box structures of at least one pair of boom hinge connectors are connected to each other to form a connected box structure, and / or the box structures of a pair of support frame connectors are connected to each other to form a connected box structure.

4. The support structure according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The box structures of the boom hinge connector and the support frame connector are connected to each other to form a connected box structure.

5. The support structure according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The connected box structure defines at least a portion of the polygonal shape of the upper end of the support structure.

6. A support structure according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: When the box structures of the boom hinge connection and the support frame connection are connected to each other, the connected box structures provide a polygonal box structure defining a polygonal shape of an upper end of the support structure.

7. The support structure according to claim 6, wherein: The connected box structure forms the outer edge structure of the upper end.

8. The support structure according to claim 7, wherein: The connected box structure forming the outer edge structure of the upper end is a circumferential outer edge structure having, for example, a central opening for receiving a device.

9. A support structure according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein: The upper side of the box structure provides a deck surface for mounting the boom hinge connector and / or the support frame connector to the box structure deck surface.

10. A support structure according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein: The box structure has a greater box structure height at the boom hinge connection than at a support frame connection spaced apart from the boom hinge connection.

11. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The entire outer side is closed by a plate member forming a wall connecting the circular lower end and the polygonal upper end.

12. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one boom hinge connection and / or at least one support frame connection is arranged at a corner of the polygonal shape.

13. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one circumferential ring structure is disposed on the inner side of the outer side.

14. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A plurality of reinforcement members extending in an upward direction are disposed on the inner side of the outer side.

15. A support structure according to claims 13 and 14, wherein: The ring structure is provided with an opening to allow the reinforcement member to pass therethrough.

16. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The polygonal shape of the upper end is a hexagon, a heptagon or an octagon.

17. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The upper end has a central opening to receive other objects, such as equipment.

18. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The pair of boom hinge connections and the at least one pair of support frame hinge connections are mounted directly to the upper end, in particular to a deck surface of the upper end.

19. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The polygonal shape has rounded corners at at least some of its vertices, preferably at all of its vertices, in particular at the vertices where the boom hinge connections and / or the supporting frame connections are arranged.

20. A support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The flat plate member and the curved plate member are arranged adjacent to each other.

21. The support structure of claim 20, wherein: When viewed in the circumferential direction, flat plate parts and adjacent curved plate parts alternate with each other.

22. A crane comprising a base structure for mounting to a ship or a barge or a jack-up platform, and a support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein a slew bearing is provided between the base structure and the support structure.

23. A ship, barge or jack-up platform provided with a crane according to claim 22.

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