Joint arrangement structure and method for connecting main beam components

Abstract

A joint arrangement and method for connecting girder members, the joint arrangement comprising: a first plurality of finger elements (11) arranged on a first girder member (2); a second plurality of finger elements (21) arranged on the second girder member (3), each finger element (11, 21) of the first and second plurality of finger elements (11, 21) comprising a top surface (7), a bottom surface (8), a first end (5) and a second end (6), wherein the first plurality of finger elements (11) and the second plurality of finger elements (21) are arranged to be interconnected with each other; and a first fastener (9) arranged to rigidly lock together the first plurality of finger elements (11) and the second plurality of finger elements (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a joint arrangement structure, and more precisely to a joint arrangement structure and method for connecting two main beam components of a crane. Background Art

[0002] For example, a crane used in an industrial hall or for lifting containers at a port typically includes at least one long main beam for supporting a hoist. The main beam is divided into at least two main beam components to be more easily and conveniently transported from the crane manufacturer to the crane user. Then, the main beam components are connected to each other at the crane user's facility.

[0003] The longitudinal main beam components are connected to each other through their ends and both components have a central web, which includes at least one web, a longitudinal upper flange or top plate arranged at the top portion of the central web, and a longitudinal lower flange arranged at the bottom portion of the central web and protruding from the central web to its side.

[0004] Conventionally, joining the main beam components has been achieved by welding the main beam components together at their facing ends or as flange joints or cover plate joints of these ends.

[0005] In a flange joint, a rigid transverse end plate and bolts are used to join the ends of the main beam components. To ensure that the bolts function in such a joint, the thickness of the flange is usually large, and additional welding is required to obtain a firm joint. However, welding a profiled or shell-shaped main beam component can cause a large local heat input, which may lead to deformations that have to be compensated for by machining.

[0006] In a cover plate joint, a connecting plate is fixed on both sides of the central web of the main beam component and is fixed to the lower flange and the upper flange. Bolts are used both in the web for transmitting shear forces and in the flange for transmitting bending moments. This solution has a large number of bolts and holes to be aligned, which is a demanding process.

[0007] In both solutions, the number of joining elements is usually high, which is both time-consuming and material-consuming. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks and to provide a novel joint arrangement structure and method for connecting main beam components.

[0009] This object and other objects are achieved by the joint arrangement structure and method according to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0010] This joint arrangement structure is based on the following idea: A first plurality of finger-like elements are arranged on a first main beam component, and a second plurality of finger-like elements are arranged on a second main beam component, wherein the first plurality of finger-like elements and the second plurality of finger-like elements are arranged to be interconnected with each other, and a first fastener is arranged to rigidly lock the finger-like elements together.

[0011] One of the advantages obtained from the present invention is the use of fewer joining elements while achieving sufficient support and frictional capacity. Due to this, the joint arrangement structure can be placed and hidden inside the main beam, and thus will have no impact or a minimized impact on the external dimensions of the main beam. The joint arrangement structure can also be placed outside the main beam, for example, on the top of the upper flange, which will provide easier inspection and maintenance. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

[0013] Figure 1 a perspective view of a joint arrangement structure according to an embodiment is shown;

[0014] Figure 2 shows Figure 1 an exploded view of the joint arrangement structure of

[0015] Figure 3 a closer view of a finger-like element according to an embodiment is shown;

[0016] Figure 4 a perspective view of a joint arrangement structure according to another embodiment is shown;

[0017] Figure 5 another perspective view of the joint arrangement structure according to the embodiment is shown, wherein the joint arrangement structure is not fully attached to the main beam component;

[0018] Figure 6 a side view of the joint arrangement structure assembled to the main beam component is shown;

[0019] Figure 7 a flowchart of a method for connecting two main beam components is shown. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0020] The present invention relates to a joint arrangement structure 1 for connecting two main beam components 2, 3 of a crane, wherein the two main beam components will be joined together at their ends, which defines a joint 4. Figure 1 A perspective view of a joint arrangement structure 1 according to an embodiment is shown, wherein the joint arrangement structure is attached to the main beam components 2, 3 and fastened together, and Figure 2 shows Figure 1Exploded view of the joint arrangement structure 1.

[0021] The main beam members 2, 3 can be cross beams or center webs, and the cross beam or center web includes at least one web, a longitudinal upper flange or top plate disposed at the top portion of the center web, and a longitudinal lower flange disposed at the bottom portion of the center web and protruding from the center web to its side. Referring to the accompanying drawings, the main beam members 2, 3 are shown as simplified plates, and the joint arrangement structure 1 is disposed on these simplified plates. These plates can correspond to any one of the upper flange, lower flange, center web, or web of the cross beam.

[0022] The joint arrangement structure 1 is disposed on the joint 4 where the first main beam member 2 and the second main beam member 3 are to be connected. The joint arrangement structure 1 includes a first plurality of finger elements 11 disposed on the first main beam member 2 and a second plurality of finger elements 21 disposed on the second main beam member 3. When joined together, the finger elements 11, 21 are arranged such that the first plurality of finger elements 11 and the second plurality of finger elements 21 are interconnected with each other. In this context, the term "interconnected" means arranging the finger elements such that the finger elements in the first plurality of finger elements 11 and the finger elements in the second plurality of finger elements 21 are alternated, so that every other finger element of the joint arrangement structure 1 is associated with the first plurality of finger elements 11. The finger elements are preferably made of metal, such as structural steel.

[0023] Refer to Figure 3 , which shows a closer view of the finger elements according to an embodiment. Each finger element in the first plurality of finger elements 11 and the second plurality of finger elements 21 includes a top surface 7, a bottom surface 8, a first end 5, and a second end 6. In this context, the bottom surface 8 is the surface that contacts at least one of the first main beam member 2 or the second main beam member 3, and the top surface 7 is the surface that is away from the first main beam member 2 or the second main beam member 3. In this context, the first end 5 is the end that faces away from the joint 4, and the second end 6 is the end opposite to the first end 5.

[0024] At least one finger element in the first plurality of finger elements 11 may include at least one friction surface 22, and the at least one friction surface is arranged to contact the friction surface 23 of an adjacent finger element in the second plurality of finger elements 21. In this context, the friction surfaces 22, 23 can refer to any side surface of the finger element that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the first main beam member 2 or the second main beam member 3, where the joint arrangement structure 1 is arranged to be attached to the surface. A suitable thickness of the finger elements in the first plurality of finger elements 11 or the second plurality of finger elements 21 or both can be, for example, 10 mm to 30 mm, and particularly about 20 mm. However, other thicknesses can be applied, or even the thickness varies between each finger element 11, 21.

[0025] Each of the first plurality of finger elements 11 and the second plurality of finger elements 21 can be longitudinally parallel to each other. When interconnected, the parallelism provides the frictional ability of the frictional surfaces 22, 23 between the finger elements 11, 21. Each of the first plurality of finger elements 11 and the second plurality of finger elements 21 can also at least partially overlap each other.

[0026] In Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the first plurality of finger elements 11 has one more finger element than the second plurality of finger elements 21. This alleviates the lateral bending of the joint arrangement structure 1. In Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the first plurality of finger elements 11 includes eight finger elements, and the second plurality of finger elements 21 includes seven finger elements. Other numbers of finger elements in the first plurality of finger elements 11 can also be used, where the number of finger elements in the second plurality of finger elements 21 is one less.

[0027] Each of the first plurality of finger elements 11 and the second plurality of finger elements 21 can be substantially the same for a simpler mass manufacturing process. However, in some embodiments, the length of the finger elements can vary depending on whether the finger element is an odd-numbered finger element 11a or an even-numbered finger element 11b in the first plurality of finger elements 11, or an odd-numbered finger element 21a or an even-numbered finger element 21b in the second plurality of finger elements 21. The odd-numbered finger elements 11a, 21a can be the same as each other, and the even-numbered finger elements 11b, 21b can be the same as each other, but longer or shorter than the odd-numbered finger elements 11a, 21a.

[0028] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the first end 5 of the odd-numbered finger elements 11a in the first plurality of finger elements 11 can be longitudinally arranged at a distance D from the first end 5 of the even-numbered finger elements 11b in the first plurality of finger elements 11, or the odd-numbered finger elements 21a in the second plurality of finger elements 21 can be longitudinally arranged at a distance D from the even-numbered finger elements 21b in the second plurality of finger elements 21, or both. In this way, every other first end 5 of the finger elements in the first plurality of finger elements 11 is closer to the joint 4 on the first main beam member 2, and every other first end 5 of the finger elements in the second plurality of finger elements 21 is closer to the joint 4 on the second main beam member 3.

[0029] Alternating the distance of adjacent finger elements in the first plurality of finger elements 11 or the second plurality of finger elements 21 from the joint 4 achieves advantages during the connection of the finger elements to the main beam members 2, 3. For example, during the welding process, at least a portion of the bottom surface 8 of each finger in the first plurality of finger elements 11 and the second plurality of finger elements 21 is arranged to be welded to the corresponding first main beam member 2 and second main beam member 3. To reach the bottom surface 8 or the bottom edge of the finger element with a welding device, the spaced-apart finger elements provide sufficient distance for the welding machine to produce a neat and firm weld joint 81 along at least a portion of the bottom edge of the bottom surface 8. After welding the odd-numbered finger elements 11a or the even-numbered finger elements 11b in the first plurality of finger elements 11, the welding machine can then continue to weld the remaining finger elements in the first plurality of finger elements 11, which are also spaced apart from the first end 5 of the previously welded finger elements and are at a distance D away from the first end, to produce a neat and firm weld joint 81 for the remaining finger elements.

[0030] The first fastener 9 is arranged to rigidly lock all the finger elements 11, 21 of the joint arrangement structure 1 together by tensioning the finger elements 11, 21 towards each other to obtain increased frictional clamping. In the figures, the first fastener 9 is shown as a screw 91 and a nut 92, with washers 93 at each end of the rod 91. However, other fastener solutions, such as clamps or bolts and nuts with washers, can be used to obtain a similar tensioning of the finger elements. The first fastener 9 can be arranged to pass through the first holes 12 of all the finger elements 11, 21 of the joint arrangement structure 1, or it can be arranged to clamp the finger elements 11, 21 of the joint arrangement structure 1 together without holes.

[0031] The second fastener 10 can be a fastener similar to the first fastener 9 and is arranged to pass through the second holes 13 of all the finger elements of the joint arrangement structure 1. Alternatively, the second fastener can be a clamp arranged to press the finger elements of the joint arrangement structure 1 together. The second fastener 10 provides a tighter and more secure fastening with improved frictional capabilities and additionally prevents any finger element of the joint arrangement structure 1 from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the first fastener 9.

[0032] The joint arrangement structure 1 can also include more than two fasteners 9, 10. However, preferably, each finger element in the first plurality of finger elements 11 and the second plurality of finger elements 21 is connected to each fastener, so that any gap between adjacent finger elements in the first plurality of finger elements 11 or the second plurality of finger elements 21 can be avoided. The elongate fasteners 9, 10 that generate frictional force between the finger elements can be arranged mainly transversely to the longitudinal axis of the main beam members 2, 3 to be connected.

[0033] Each of the first plurality of finger elements 11 and the second plurality of finger elements 21 may at least include a first hole 12 and a second hole 13 for receiving the corresponding first fastener 9 and second fastener 10. The distance between the first hole 12 and the second hole 13 may be constant in each of the finger elements 11, 21, thereby allowing the first fastener 12 and the second fastener 13 to be fastened parallel to each other. The first hole 12 and the second hole 13 may be positioned along the longitudinal centerline of each of the finger elements 11, 21.

[0034] The finger elements 11, 21 may further include a third hole 14 located at a distance from the first hole 12 or the second hole 13. The distance may have the same length as the distance between the first hole 12 and the second hole 13 and be positioned on the same line, specifically on the centerline. The third hole 14 allows the joint arrangement structure 1 to utilize the same finger elements 11, 21. The positions of the first hole 12, the second hole 13, and the third hole 14 may vary depending on whether the finger element is an odd or even finger element and whether it is a finger element in the first plurality of finger elements 11 or the second plurality of finger elements 21.

[0035] The finger element may include a bevel 15 at the first end 5 and a rounded end at the second end 6, as shown in the drawing, such that the finger element is claw-shaped. The bevel angle α between the bottom surface 8 and the bevel may vary between 15 degrees and 45 degrees, and particularly between 25 degrees and 35 degrees. The bevel 15 is arranged to facilitate the welding process by providing easier access for the welding equipment to its target.

[0036] The rounded second end 6 is arranged to facilitate the rotation of the finger elements 11, 21 about the longitudinal axis of the first fastener 9 or the second fastener 10 through the first hole 12 or the second hole 13. The rounded second end 6 may be semi-circular, and the radius of curvature between the curve and the first fastener 9 or the second fastener 10 may be constant.

[0037] The finger elements 11, 21 may further include a recess 16 at the bottom surface 8, and the recess 16 forms a through-hole with the first main beam member 2 or the second main beam member 3. The recess 16 may be positioned at a distance D from the first end 5, where the first end 5 of the even 11b finger element or odd 11a finger element closer to the joint 4 in the first plurality of finger elements 11 or the even 21b finger element or odd 21a finger element closer to the joint 4 in the second plurality of finger elements 21 may be arranged.

[0038] The finger elements 11, 21 may be attached to the main beam members 2, 3 by welding (e.g., by a fillet weld 81 for a T-joint). As Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, only a portion of the bottom surface 8 of each finger element 11, 21 is welded to the main beam members 2, 3 to provide sufficient connection. The weld 81 can start from the recess 16 and travel towards the first end 5, go around the first end 5 and end near the other side of the recess 16, thereby forming a U-shaped weld 81. However, in some embodiments, the weld 81 can be longer and start closer to the joint 4.

[0039] The recess 16 is arranged to at least partially accommodate the weld 81 of the adjacent finger elements in the first plurality of finger elements 11 or the second plurality of finger elements 21 that are closer to the joint 4. Due to the weld 81 of the adjacent finger elements, the recess 16 prevents uneven contact between the bottom surface 8 of the finger elements 11, 21 and the surface of the main beam members 2, 3.

[0040] Figure 4 A perspective view of a joint arrangement structure 1a according to another embodiment is shown. Figure 4 The embodiment is very similar to the embodiment described in connection with Figure 1 Therefore, the embodiment is mainly explained by pointing out the differences below. Figure 4 of the embodiment.

[0041] In this embodiment, at least one support plate 17, 18 is arranged on the top surface 7 of at least one finger element in the first plurality of finger elements 11 or on the top surface 7 of at least one finger element in the second plurality of finger elements 21 or on both, parallel to the first main beam member 2 and the second main beam member 3. As Figure 4 shown, the first support plate 17 can be arranged on the top of the first plurality of finger elements 11, and the second support plate 18 can be arranged on the top of the second plurality of finger elements 21. The support plates 17, 18 can be made of the same material as the finger elements 11, 21.

[0042] The support plates 17, 18 can be attached to a central web (not shown in the drawings) by welding the edges of the contact central webs of the support plates 17, 18. The support plates 17, 18 can alternatively be attached to the top surface 7 of at least one finger element in the first plurality of finger elements 11 or to the top surface 7 of at least one finger element in the second plurality of finger elements 21 by welding. In some embodiments, the first support plate 17 can be attached to all the finger elements in the first plurality of finger elements 11, and the second support plate 18 can be attached to all the finger elements in the second plurality of finger elements 21. The support plates 17, 18 provide more support and reduce the bending of the bottom flanges of the main beam members 2, 3.

[0043] In Figure 4 , the support plates 17, 18 are shown as rectangular plates. However, other shapes can be implemented to provide sufficient support for the joint arrangement structure 1a.

[0044] Figure 5 shows another perspective view of the joint arrangement structure 1 according to an Figure 1 embodiment, in which the joint arrangement structure 1 is not fully attached to the main beam members 2, 3. This relates to a method of connecting two main beam members 2, 3 and in particular to step 302) described in more detail in the context of Figure 7 .

[0045] In Figure 5 , the odd-numbered fingers 11a of the first plurality of finger elements 11 have rotated about the axis of the first fastener 9 and away from the even-numbered fingers 11b of the first plurality of finger elements 11 and the first main beam member 2. The first end 5 of the odd-numbered fingers 11a is further from the first end 5 of the even-numbered fingers 11b relative to the joint 4 or the first fastener 9.

[0046] This rotation can be similarly performed on the second plurality of finger elements 21 on the second main beam member 3. The odd and even numbers can be interchanged according to which first ends 5 of the finger elements 11, 21 are further from the joint 4. In the drawings, the odd-numbered 11a finger elements and the odd-numbered 21a finger elements are further from the joint 4. However, in some embodiments, they can alternatively be the even-numbered 11b, 21b.

[0047] When every other rotated finger element 11, 21 (whether odd or even) is no longer longitudinally side by side with the remaining finger elements, the rotated finger element and the possible bevel 15 allow sufficient space for the welding device to weld at least a portion of the bottom surface 8 of the finger element to the main beam members 2, 3. After welding the finger elements 11, 21 having the first ends 5 arranged closer to the joint 4, the rotated finger elements 11, 21 can be rotated back to be longitudinally side by side with the remaining finger elements and become welded to the main beam members 2, 3.

[0048] Figure 7 shows a flow chart of a method for connecting two main beam members 2, 3. The method includes:

[0049] 101) providing a first plurality of finger elements 11 and a second plurality of finger elements 21 on a joint 4 where the first main beam member 2 and the second main beam member 3 are to be connected, each finger element 11, 21 of the first plurality of finger elements and the second plurality of finger elements including a top surface 7, a bottom surface 8, a first end 5, and a second end 6; and interconnecting the first plurality of finger elements 11 and the second plurality of finger elements 21 with each other.

[0050] In one embodiment, the method may further include 102) arranging a first end 5 of odd 11a finger elements among the first plurality of finger elements 11 at a distance D away from a first end 5 of even 11b finger elements among the first plurality of finger elements 11, and arranging a first end 5 of odd 21a finger elements among the second plurality of finger elements 21 at the same distance D away from a first end 5 of even 21b finger elements among the second plurality of finger elements 21.

[0051] The method further includes 201) fastening the finger elements among the first plurality of finger elements 11 and the second plurality of finger elements 21 together using a first fastener 9. In one embodiment, this may be achieved, for example, by the following steps 202): fixing all the finger elements 11, 21 together using the first fastener 9 through a first hole 12 of each finger element 11, 21, where the first hole 12 is arranged on the longitudinal center line of the finger element, and in particular, the first hole 12 of the odd 11a finger element or the even 11b finger element among the first plurality of finger elements 11 whose first end 5 is arranged further away from the joint 4 is positioned closest to the second end 6 of the first plurality of finger elements 11.

[0052] The method further includes 301) welding each finger element 11 among the first plurality of finger elements 11 to the first main beam member 2, and welding each finger element 21 among the second plurality of finger elements 21 to the second main beam member 3. In one embodiment, this may be achieved, for example, by the following steps 302): before welding the odd 11a finger element or the even 11b finger element among the first plurality of finger elements 11 whose first end 5 is arranged closest to the joint 4 to the first main beam member 2, rotating the even 11b finger element or the odd 11a finger element among the first plurality of finger elements 11 whose first end 5 is arranged further away from the joint 4, then rotating back the even 11b finger element or the odd 11a finger element among the first plurality of finger elements 11 whose first end 5 is arranged further away from the joint 4 and welding them to the first main beam member 2.

[0053] In one embodiment, the welding may be performed by welding only around the first end 5, and in particular starting from the recess 16 and proceeding towards the first end 5, around the first end 5 and ending near the other side of the recess 16, thereby forming a U-shaped weld 81.

[0054] In one embodiment, the method may further include 401) securing the fingers of the first plurality of fingers 11 and the second plurality of fingers 21 together by using a second fastener 10 through the second holes 13 of each finger element 11, 21, fastening all the finger elements together by using the second fastener 10, wherein at least one of the second holes 13 is positioned closest to the second end 6 of the second plurality of finger elements 21. In particular, the second hole 13 closest to the first end 5 of the plurality of finger elements 21 is arranged to be positioned further away from the second end 6 of the odd-numbered 21a finger elements or the even-numbered 21b finger elements of the joint 4.

[0055] In one embodiment, the method may further include 501) releasing the first fastener 9 from each first hole 12 of the finger elements 11, 21 while fastening the second fastener 10 through each second hole 13 of the finger elements 11, 21.

[0056] In one embodiment, the method may further include 601) rotating the even-numbered 21b finger elements or the odd-numbered 21a finger elements of the second plurality of finger elements 21 that are further away from the joint 4 before welding the odd-numbered 21a finger elements or the even-numbered 21b finger elements of the second plurality of finger elements 21 that are closest to the joint 4 to the second main beam member 3, and then rotating back the even-numbered 21b finger elements or the odd-numbered 21a finger elements of the second plurality of finger elements 21 that are further away from the joint 4 and welding them to the second main beam member 3.

[0057] In one embodiment, the method may further include 701) securing the finger elements 11, 21 of the first plurality of finger elements 11 and the second plurality of finger elements 21 together by using a first fastener 9 through the first holes 12 of each finger element 11, 21, re-fastening the finger elements together by using the first fastener 9, wherein at least one of the second holes 13 is positioned closest to the second end 6 of the second plurality of finger elements 21.

[0058] Re-fastening may also be performed before welding the even-numbered 21b finger elements or the odd-numbered 21a finger elements of the second plurality of finger elements 21 whose first end 5 is arranged to be further away from the joint 4 to the second main beam member 3.

[0059] In one embodiment, the method may further include 801) providing a first support plate 17 on top of the first plurality of finger elements 11, parallel to the first main beam member 2, and welding the first support plate 17 to the top surface 7 of at least one of the first plurality of finger elements 11, or 802) providing a second support plate 18 on top of the second plurality of finger elements 21, parallel to the second main beam member 3, and welding the second support plate 18 to the top surface 7 of at least one of the second plurality of finger elements 21, or both 801) and 802).

[0060] The present invention relates to a novel joint arrangement structure 1 that uses only one or two fasteners and a plurality of finger elements 11, 21 having friction surfaces to connect two main beam members 2, 3 or crossbeams together. The main principle is to utilize the friction surfaces, which are arranged to be fastened together to generate greater frictional capacity and a stronger joint compared to conventional solutions, while using fewer fastening components such as screws, bolts or rods. By using the disclosed joint arrangement structure 1 and method, the number of required components, materials, manufacturing time and installation time can be saved, while still forming a strong and secure connection between the main beam members 2, 3.

[0061] Figure 6 A side view of the joint arrangement structure 1 disposed inside the main beam members 2, 3 according to one embodiment is shown. The finger elements 11, 21 are connected to the bottom surface of the main beam members 2, 3 and preferably inside the main beam members 2, 3 such that they are inside the beam box between the left webs 112a, 113a and the right webs 112b, 113b. The first fastener 9 and the second fastener 10 are not shown in this figure, but they can be fastened to the joint arrangement structure 1 via the first hole 12 and the second hole 13 respectively. The joint arrangement structure 1 will not affect the trolley 19 traveling along the main beam members 2, 3, where the wheels 20 of the trolley 19 are adapted to run on the longitudinal lower flanges of the main beam members 2, 3. By using the present joint 4, the gap of the joint 4 in the lower flange can be reduced to such a small size that the wheels 20 of the trolley 19 can cross over it without the problem of uneven gaps.

[0062] The main beam members 2, 3 may include openings 21 for allowing workers to inspect or loosen or tighten the fasteners 9, 10 of the joint arrangement structure 1. The openings 21 can be large enough to allow a socket wrench, a spray gun or a mirror inside the main beam members 2, 3. When access to the inside of the main beam or the main beam members 2, 3 is not required, the openings 21 can generally be covered with a lid.

[0063] One embodiment uses a plurality of finger elements 11, 21 which are welded at their first ends 5 to the main beam members 2, 3 and are then fastened together with fasteners 9, 10. When the fasteners 9, 10 are tightened, the finger elements are compressed together, thereby creating a number of friction surfaces.

[0064] Another advantage obtained by the present invention is that the joint can be located inside the main beam, so it does not affect the external dimensions. Conventional joints used in crane structures are partially outside the cross-section of the main beam. This may result in the need for a special or non-optimal cross-section for the main beam with an extended joint for the hoist to pass through the joint.

[0065] The joint arrangement structure according to the present invention is preferably used in the lower flange of the main beam. The main part of the tension is transmitted via the lower flange, and the joint arrangement structure needs to be strong enough to safely transmit these forces. It is also advantageous that the joint arrangement structure is located inside the housing of the main beam and does not restrict the movement of the hoist. However, when transmitting compression, the same principle can also be used for the upper flange. In a conventional joint, there may be hundreds of screws. Assembling these types of joints is time-consuming and requires more material. The present invention can also be more easily extended to larger and wider main beams or crossbeams by adding more finger elements. Avoiding welding during on-site assembly of the beam provides the advantage of not requiring special tools or experts to weld or inspect the welded joints.

[0066] The ultimate strength of this joint arrangement structure is high. If the frictional capacity is exceeded, the joint arrangement structure will open but will not completely fail because the shear capacity of the bolts is approximately three times the frictional capacity achieved by pre-tensioning. For the same reason, a broken screw will not cause the complete failure of the joint. Fatigue damage in one finger element will not result in the failure of the entire joint arrangement structure.

[0067] It should be understood that the above description and the drawings are only intended to illustrate the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A joint arrangement structure for connecting main beam components, characterized in that The joint arrangement structure includes a first plurality of finger-like elements (11) arranged on a first main beam member (2), a second plurality of finger-like elements (21) arranged on a second main beam member (3), each finger-like element (11, 21) of the first plurality of finger-like elements and the second plurality of finger-like elements includes a top surface (7), a bottom surface (8), a first end (5) and a second end (6), wherein the first plurality of finger-like elements (11) and the second plurality of finger-like elements (21) are arranged to be interconnected with each other, and a first fastener (9) arranged to rigidly lock the first plurality of finger-like elements (11) and the second plurality of finger-like elements (21) together.

2. The joint arrangement structure according to claim 1, wherein each finger-like element (11, 21) of the first plurality of finger-like elements and the second plurality of finger-like elements is longitudinally parallel to each other.

3. The joint arrangement structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one finger-like element (11) of the first plurality of finger-like elements includes at least one friction surface (22) arranged to contact a friction surface (23) of an adjacent finger-like element (21) of the second plurality of finger-like elements.

4. The joint arrangement structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one finger-like element (11, 21) of the first plurality of finger-like elements and the second plurality of finger-like elements includes an inclined surface (15) at the first end (5) and a rounded end at the second end (6).

5. The joint arrangement structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one finger-like element (11, 21) of the first plurality of finger-like elements and the second plurality of finger-like elements includes a recess (16) at the bottom surface (8), and the recess (16) forms a through hole with the first main beam member (2) or the second main beam member (3).

6. The joint arrangement structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each finger-like element (11, 21) of the first plurality of finger-like elements and the second plurality of finger-like elements includes a first hole (12) for receiving the first fastener (9).

7. The joint arrangement structure according to claim 6, wherein each finger-like element (11, 21) of the first plurality of finger-like elements and the second plurality of finger-like elements includes a second hole (13) for receiving a second fastener (10).

8. The joint arrangement structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first end (5) of the odd-numbered (11a) finger-like elements of the first plurality of finger-like elements (11) is longitudinally arranged at a distance (D) away from the first end (5) of the even-numbered (11b) finger-like elements of the first plurality of finger-like elements (11), or The first end (5) of the odd (21a) finger elements among the second plurality of finger elements (21) is longitudinally located at a distance (D) away from the first end (5) of the even (21b) finger elements among the second plurality of finger elements (21), or both cases exist.

9. The joint arrangement structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each finger element (11, 21) among the first plurality of finger elements and the second plurality of finger elements is substantially the same.

10. The joint arrangement structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least a part of the bottom surface (8) of each finger element (11, 21) among the first plurality of finger elements and the second plurality of finger elements is arranged to be welded to the corresponding first main beam member (2) and the second main beam member (3).

11. The joint arrangement structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one support plate (17) is arranged on the top surface (7) of the first plurality of finger elements (11) and the second plurality of finger elements (21), parallel to the first main beam member (2) and the second main beam member (3).

12. A method for connecting main beam members, the method comprising: 101) Providing a first plurality of finger elements (11) and a second plurality of finger elements (21) on a joint (4) where a first main beam member (2) and a second main beam member (3) are to be connected, each finger element (11, 21) among the first plurality of finger elements and the second plurality of finger elements including a top surface (7), a bottom surface (8), a first end (5), and a second end (6); and interconnecting the first plurality of finger elements (11) and the second plurality of finger elements (21) with each other; 201) Fastening the finger elements (11, 21) among the first plurality of finger elements and the second plurality of finger elements together with a first fastener (9); And 301) Welding the finger elements (11) among the first plurality of finger elements to the first main beam member (2), and welding the finger elements (21) among the second plurality of finger elements to the second main beam member (3).

13. The method according to claim 12, the method further comprising after step 101): 102) Arranging the first end (5) of the odd (11a) finger elements (11) among the first plurality of finger elements at a distance (D) away from the first end (5) of the even (11b) finger elements (11) among the first plurality of finger elements, and arranging the first end (5) of the odd (21a) finger elements (21) among the second plurality of finger elements at the same distance (D) away from the first end (5) of the even (21b) finger elements (21) among the second plurality of finger elements.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, the method further comprising in step 201): By 202), fixing the finger elements (11, 21) together by means of the first fastener (9) through the first holes (12) of each finger element (11, 21), wherein the first holes (12) are arranged on the longitudinal centerlines of the finger elements (11, 21), and in particular the first holes (12) of the even (11b) or odd (11a) finger elements (11) among the first plurality of finger elements that are further away from the joint (4) are positioned closest to the second end (6) of the first plurality of finger elements (11).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the method further comprises, in step 301): By 302), rotating the even (11b) or odd (11a) finger elements (11) among the first plurality of finger elements that are further away from the joint (4) before welding the odd (11a) or even (11b) finger element (11) among the first plurality of finger elements that is closest to the joint (4) to the first main beam member (2), then rotating back the even (11b) or odd (11a) finger elements (11) among the first plurality of finger elements that are further away from the joint (4), and welding them to the first main beam member (2).

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, the method further comprising the step 401) fastening the finger elements together by means of a second fastener (10) through the second holes (13) of each finger element (11, 21) to fix the finger elements together, wherein at least one of the second holes (13) is positioned closest to the second end (6) of the second plurality of finger elements (21).

17. The method according to claim 16, the method further comprising: 501) releasing the first fastener (9) from each first hole (12) of the finger elements (11, 21) while fastening the second fastener (10) through each second hole (13) of the finger elements (11, 21).

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, the method further comprising: 801) providing a first support plate (17) on top of the first plurality of finger elements (11), parallel to the first main beam member (2), and welding the first support plate (17) to the top surface (7) of at least one of the first plurality of finger elements (11).

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