Spherical screen steel structure connecting device

Abstract

The invention discloses a spherical screen steel structure connecting device, and belongs to the technical field of building steel structure and display equipment installation. The device comprises a main structure connecting seat, a universal adjusting mechanism, a screen unit connector and a spherical hinge connecting rod. The universal adjusting mechanism achieves pitching and horizontal rotation adjustment through a two-stage hinge shaft, and the spherical hinge connecting rod achieves space fine adjustment through a spherical hinge joint and is finally fixed to the screen supporting unit through a screen unit connector. Through the multi-stage non-rigid connection design, rapid, accurate and stress-free installation of the dome screen unit is achieved, the problems that a traditional connection mode is poor in adaptability, complex in installation, prone to stress transmission and the like are effectively solved, and the dome screen unit is particularly suitable for occasions such as large-scale dome cinema and astronomical venues which have high requirements for curved surface precision and installation and maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of building steel structures, and more specifically, to a spherical screen steel structure connection device. Background Technology

[0002] Dome theaters, planetariums, and immersive experience centers often use spherical screens (dome screens) as display media. A dome screen is typically composed of multiple curved screen units, requiring an internal or external steel frame for support and fixation. Traditional connection methods often use common steel structure nodes, such as welded flanges and bolted connecting plates, which have the following significant drawbacks:

[0003] Poor adaptability: The complex curvature of the dome screen makes it difficult to achieve precise adjustments at multiple angles and directions using common nodes, resulting in installation stress between the screen units and the steel structure, which affects the flatness of the screen and the final visual effect.

[0004] Low installation efficiency: Each node requires on-site measurement, adjustment and fixing, which is complicated, requires high technical skills from installers and has a long construction period.

[0005] Maintenance difficulties: When screen units or internal devices need to be replaced or maintained, disassembly is difficult, often requiring destructive removal or large-scale disassembly of adjacent structures.

[0006] Stress concentration: Rigid connections can easily transfer stress directly to the brittle screen units when there are temperature changes or slight structural deformations, leading to screen damage.

[0007] Therefore, we have made improvements to this and proposed a spherical screen steel structure connection device. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to address the problem of foreign matter accumulation on the surface of scrapers during the cleaning process and to provide a spherical screen steel structure connection device that addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies. This device has multi-degree-of-freedom adjustment capabilities, is quick to install, has reliable connections, can effectively release stress, and facilitates the independent assembly and disassembly of screen units.

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a spherical screen steel structure connection device to solve the aforementioned problems.

[0010] The present invention is as follows:

[0011] A dome screen steel structure connection device for connecting the main steel frame of the dome screen and the screen support unit, characterized in that it includes:

[0012] Main structural connector: used to fix the member to the main steel frame;

[0013] Universal adjustment mechanism: its first end is connected to the main structure connecting seat through a first hinge shaft, which can realize pitch adjustment around the first axis; the mechanism includes an adjustment part that can rotate around a second axis perpendicular to the first hinge shaft;

[0014] Screen unit connector: used for fixed connection with the screen support unit;

[0015] Ball joint connecting rod: One end is connected to the adjustment part of the universal adjustment mechanism through a ball joint, and the other end is fixedly connected to the screen unit connector; the ball joint can achieve multi-degree-of-freedom deflection within a certain cone angle range;

[0016] Locking mechanism: Located at the universal adjustment mechanism and ball joint, it is used to lock the moving parts after adjustment.

[0017] Furthermore, the universal adjustment mechanism includes a U-shaped hinge seat and a pair of adjusting lugs; the opening of the U-shaped hinge seat is connected to the main structure connecting seat through the first hinge shaft; the pair of adjusting lugs are arranged parallel to the bottom of the U-shaped hinge seat, forming a clamping space between them, and are connected to the adjustment part through the second hinge shaft in the direction of the second axis; the adjustment part is provided with a through hole for the rod body of the ball joint connecting rod to pass through and a bowl-shaped seat for accommodating the ball joint joint.

[0018] Furthermore, the locking mechanism includes: a first locking bolt for locking the first hinge shaft; a second locking bolt for locking the second hinge shaft; and a locking nut and a pressure washer sleeved on the ball joint connecting rod for pressing the ball joint.

[0019] Furthermore, the screen unit connector is a connecting plate with multiple strip-shaped mounting holes, which allow the screen support unit to be finely positioned and fixed on the connecting plate.

[0020] Furthermore, the main structure connecting seat is a clamp type or a flange type, which can be adapted to be welded or bolted to steel structure members with different cross sections.

[0021] Furthermore, the range of the movable cone angle of the ball joint is ±15 degrees.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0023] 1. Through a three-level adjustment mechanism of "first hinge axis (tilt) + second hinge axis (horizontal rotation) + ball joint (spatial fine adjustment)," the installation error of the steel structure and the theoretical deviation of the screen surface can be fully compensated, so as to achieve precise alignment of the spatial posture of the screen unit and ensure the smoothness of the overall curved surface of the dome.

[0024] 2. All adjustments and locking are performed using standard tools (such as wrenches), eliminating the need for on-site welding or special machining. The screen unit can be quickly detached by loosening a few locking nuts, greatly improving installation and maintenance efficiency.

[0025] 3. Ball joints and various levels of hinges provide non-rigid connections. When the main structure undergoes slight deformation due to temperature, wind load, etc., the connection device can absorb and release stress through its own slight rotation, avoiding the direct transmission of stress to the screen unit and playing a protective role.

[0026] 4. The device can be produced in a modular manner, making it suitable for dome screen projects with different diameters and curvatures. Different main steel structures can be adapted by replacing or adjusting the main structure connecting seats, which reduces design and manufacturing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a spherical screen steel structure connection device provided by the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an adjustment device for a spherical screen steel structure connection device provided by the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an adjustment device for a spherical screen steel structure connection device provided by the present invention.

[0030] The image shows:

[0031] 1. Main structure connecting seat; 2. U-shaped hinge seat; 3. First hinge shaft; 4. First locking bolt; 5. Adjusting ear plate; 6. Second hinge shaft; 7. Adjusting part; 8. Ball joint; 9. Ball joint connecting rod; 10. Locking nut; 11. Compression washer; 12. Screen unit connector; 13. Strip mounting hole; 14. Steel structure main frame; 15. Screen support unit. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features and technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0035] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0036] A spherical screen steel structure connection device, comprising:

[0037] The main structure connecting seat 1 is configured to be detachably fixed to the members of the main steel frame 14;

[0038] The universal adjustment mechanism has a first end and a second end. Its first end is hinged to the main structure connecting seat 1 through the first hinge shaft 3, so that the universal adjustment mechanism can rotate around the first axis.

[0039] The screen unit connector 12 is configured to connect to the screen support unit 15.

[0040] The ball joint connection assembly includes a ball joint 8 and a connecting rod. The ball joint 8 is rotatably disposed at the second end of the universal adjustment mechanism. One end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the ball joint 8, and the other end is fixedly connected to the screen unit connector 12. The assembly also includes a locking mechanism for selectively locking the rotation of the first hinge shaft 3, the second degree of freedom of motion inside the universal adjustment mechanism, and the rotation of the ball joint 8.

[0041] The universal adjustment mechanism includes a U-shaped base and an adjustment part 7; the U-shaped base is hinged to the main structure connecting seat 1 via a first hinge shaft 3; the U-shaped base is provided with a pair of opposing ear plates, and the adjustment part 7 is connected between the pair of ear plates via a second hinge shaft 6, and can rotate around the axis of the second hinge shaft 6, the axis of the second hinge shaft 6 being spatially perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the axis of the first hinge shaft 3; the adjustment part 7 is provided with a seat for accommodating the ball joint 8.

[0042] The locking mechanism includes a first friction locking member, a second friction locking member, and a ball joint clamping member; the first friction locking member acts on the end of the first hinge shaft 3 to lock the pitch rotation of the U-shaped base; the second friction locking member acts on the end of the second hinge shaft 6 to lock the horizontal rotation of the adjusting part 7; the ball joint clamping member is sleeved on the connecting rod and forces the ball joint 8 and the seat of the adjusting part 7 to generate friction lock through axial clamping force.

[0043] The ball joint clamping component includes a locking nut 10 screwed onto the threaded section of the connecting rod, and a clamping washer 11 sleeved on the connecting rod and located between the locking nut 10 and the adjusting part 7 seat.

[0044] The screen unit connector 12 is a connecting plate with at least one strip-shaped mounting hole 13. The length directions of the strip-shaped mounting holes 13 are staggered to provide linear adjustment margin for the screen support unit 15 in two vertical directions within the plane of the connecting plate.

[0045] The main structure connecting seat 1 is a split clamp structure, including two half clamps and fastening bolts connecting the two half clamps. Its inner wall is provided with textured or toothed structures to increase friction.

[0046] The main structural connecting seat 1 is a welded flange or a bolted connecting plate.

[0047] The theoretical range of the active cone angle of the ball joint 8 is not less than ±10 degrees and not more than ±20 degrees, preferably ±15 degrees.

[0048] At the hinge between the U-shaped base and the main structure connecting seat 1, and / or at the hinge between the adjusting part 7 and a pair of ear plates, there are scale marks for indicating the rotation angle.

[0049] The screen unit connector 12 and the connecting rod are connected by a thread, which allows the screen unit connector 12 to be adjusted along the axial direction of the connecting rod, and an elastic buffer element is provided between the screen unit connector 12 and the screen support unit 15.

[0050] Example 1: The present invention provides a spherical screen steel structure connection device, the core design concept of which lies in "three-level adjustment, two-level decoupling, and rapid locking". The device is organically composed from top to bottom of a main structure connection module, a universal adjustment module, a screen interface module, and a through force transmission and fine adjustment module.

[0051] The core of this module is the main structural connector 1, whose core function is to firmly anchor the device to the pre-built steel main frame 14. In this embodiment, the main structural connector 1 is designed as a double semi-circular clamp made of high-strength aluminum alloy. The two semi-clamps are connected by four high-strength bearing bolts on both sides. The inner wall of the clamp has annularly distributed anti-slip teeth that match the outer diameter of the steel main frame 14. This clamp design has excellent versatility, eliminating the need for pre-embedded parts welded to the main structure, avoiding the heat-affected zone of welding, and allowing the installation position to be arbitrarily adjusted along the length of the member, greatly improving construction flexibility. As an alternative, for applications requiring higher connection strength or specific design requirements, the main structural connector 1 can also be designed as a welded flange or bolted connection plate.

[0052] Universal adjustment module

[0053] First-stage hinge: A first hinge lug is integrally cast or bolted to one side of the clamp. The open end of a U-shaped hinge seat 2 is connected to this lug via a first hinge shaft 3. This allows the entire U-shaped hinge seat 2 and all subsequent components to be adjusted in a wide range of pitch angles around the axis of the first hinge shaft 3. After adjustment, a reliable lock is achieved by tightening the first locking bolt 4 that passes through the end of the first hinge shaft 3, utilizing the friction between the bolt head and the side of the lug.

[0054] Second-stage hinge: A pair of adjusting ears 5 extend parallel upwards from the closed bottom of the U-shaped hinge base 2. A second hinge shaft 6 passes through this pair of adjusting ears 5 and an adjusting part 7 located between them. The adjusting part 7 can therefore be rotated horizontally about the axis of the second hinge shaft 6. It is also locked by a second locking bolt. This stage of adjustment primarily addresses the installation position deviation of the screen unit in the horizontal ring direction.

[0055] Force transmission and fine-tuning module

[0056] This module is a "flexible joint" that connects macroscopic adjustment and final positioning. Its core components are the ball joint connecting rod 9 and the ball joint connector 8.

[0057] The lower end of the adjusting part 7 is designed as a bowl-shaped seat with a precision-machined spherical inner surface. The ball joint 8 is located inside the bowl-shaped seat. The upper end of the ball joint connecting rod 9 is fixed to the ball joint 8 and extends vertically downward through the bowl-shaped seat.

[0058] On the ball joint connecting rod 9, below the adjusting part 7, a clamping washer 11 and a locking nut 10 are sequentially fitted. When the locking nut 10 is tightened, the clamping washer 11 pushes the ball of the ball joint 8 upward, making it fit tightly against the spherical surface of the cup-shaped seat, generating a huge static friction force, thereby achieving locking. When unlocking, the ball joint 8 can achieve a slight deflection in any direction within the cup-shaped seat, with its movable cone angle designed to be ±15 degrees. This design is the core of the invention for releasing local installation stress, allowing the screen unit to be finely adjusted up and down, left and right, and tilted before final fixing to perfectly fit the theoretical curved surface, and can absorb deformation energy through the slight rotation of the ball joint when the structure is subjected to load deformation, thus protecting the screen itself.

[0059] This module serves as the physical interface between the device and the screen unit, namely the screen unit connector 12. In this embodiment, it is a rectangular anodized aluminum plate, welded to or threaded to the lower end of the ball joint connecting rod 9. Multiple sets of strip-shaped mounting holes 13 are formed on this connector plate. The screen's support frame typically has connecting brackets, which are connected to the brackets using stainless steel bolts passing through these strip-shaped holes. The strip-shaped holes provide linear fine-tuning capability for the screen unit in the final stage within the plane of the connector plate, ensuring perfect alignment of the mounting holes.

[0060] Workflow:

[0061] Based on the design coordinates, hundreds of connecting devices are quickly installed on the main steel structure using clamps. At this time, all locking mechanisms are in a semi-relaxed state, and the devices are in a floating state.

[0062] One screen unit is hoisted into place. The installer first operates on 4-6 connection points around the screen unit, adjusting the first and second hinge shafts 6 to ensure that the screen unit connectors 12 at each connection point are roughly aligned with the corresponding connection positions on the screen frame. This process only requires a regular wrench, and the adjustment is intuitive.

[0063] Initially attach the screen frame to the connector head, inserting bolts but not tightening them. At this point, observe the fit between the screen surface and the theoretical model. By fine-tuning the ball joints 8 at each node, local warping or unevenness caused by accumulated errors in steel structure installation or manufacturing tolerances of the screen frame can be eliminated. Due to the multi-degree-of-freedom nature of the ball joints, this adjustment process is smooth and without forced constraints.

[0064] After confirming the screen unit's curvature is perfect, tighten all the first locking bolts 4, second locking bolts, locking nuts 10, and screen frame connecting bolts in sequence. At this point, the device transforms from an adjustable mechanism into a rigid node, firmly locking the screen unit in its calibrated optimal position.

[0065] Ease of maintenance: When a single screen needs repair or replacement, only the locking nuts 10 and screen connection bolts on the corresponding connecting devices of the unit need to be removed to remove the entire unit. The entire process does not involve the main steel structure or other screen units, achieving true modular maintenance.

[0066] Example 2: Precision Implementation with Angle Scale

[0067] To facilitate rapid and accurate positioning during large-scale installations, optimizations can be made based on the above embodiments:

[0068] Angle scales are laser-etched on the sides of the hinge lugs of the U-shaped hinge seat 2 and the main structure connecting seat 1, as well as on the sides of the adjusting part 7 and the adjusting lug 5.

[0069] Before installation, the theoretical pitch and horizontal rotation angles required for each connection node are calculated based on the BIM model. During installation, workers can first adjust each level of hinge to the theoretical angle and temporarily lock it before hanging the screen units. This improves installation accuracy from "experience-based adjustment" to "digital preset," significantly reducing the amount of fine-tuning work later and increasing installation efficiency by at least 30%.

[0070] Example 3: Buffer Implementation Method Applicable to Flexible Screens

[0071] For flexible screens that require tension during installation, the screen support unit 15 may be a frame that provides tension. Therefore, the screen interface module can be improved:

[0072] The screen unit connector 12 is designed as a sleeve with internal threads.

[0073] Accordingly, the lower end of the ball joint connecting rod 9 is machined with external threads and screwed into the sleeve.

[0074] Add a high-damping rubber buffer washer or a disc spring assembly between the bottom of the sleeve and the screen tension frame.

[0075] The relative length between the screen unit connector 12 and the ball joint connecting rod 9 can be adjusted by rotating the entire screen unit connector 12, thereby achieving precise stepless adjustment of the screen tension. The buffer element can further absorb vibration and instantaneous impact loads, providing a softer support environment for the flexible screen.

[0076] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances. Obviously, the embodiments described above are only some embodiments of this invention, not all embodiments. The accompanying drawings show preferred embodiments of this invention, but do not limit the patent scope of this invention. This invention can be implemented in many different forms; on the contrary, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to make the disclosure of this invention more thorough and complete. Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing specific embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any equivalent structures made using the content of this specification and drawings, directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields, are similarly within the patent protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A steel structure connecting device for a dome screen, used to connect the main steel frame (14) of the dome screen to the screen support unit (15), characterized in that, include: The main structure connecting seat (1) is configured to be detachably fixed to the rod of the main steel frame (14); The universal adjustment mechanism has a first end and a second end. Its first end is hinged to the main structure connecting seat (1) through a first hinge shaft (3), so that the universal adjustment mechanism can rotate around the first axis. The screen unit connector (12) is configured to connect to the screen support unit (15); The ball joint assembly includes a ball joint (8) and a connecting rod, wherein the ball joint (8) is rotatably disposed at the second end of the universal adjustment mechanism, one end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the ball joint (8), and the other end is fixedly connected to the screen unit connector (12); and a locking mechanism for selectively locking the rotation of the first hinge shaft (3), the second degree of freedom of motion inside the universal adjustment mechanism, and the rotation of the ball joint (8).

2. The spherical screen steel structure connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The universal adjustment mechanism includes a U-shaped base and an adjustment part (7); the U-shaped base is hinged to the main structure connecting seat (1) via the first hinge shaft (3); the U-shaped base is provided with a pair of opposing ear plates, and the adjustment part (7) is connected between the pair of ear plates via a second hinge shaft (6) and can rotate around the axis of the second hinge shaft (6). The axis of the second hinge shaft (6) is spatially perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the axis of the first hinge shaft (3); the adjustment part (7) is provided with a seat for accommodating the ball joint (8).

3. The spherical screen steel structure connection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locking mechanism includes a first friction locking member, a second friction locking member, and a ball joint clamping member; the first friction locking member acts on the end of the first hinge shaft (3) to lock the pitch rotation of the U-shaped base; the second friction locking member acts on the end of the second hinge shaft (6) to lock the horizontal rotation of the adjusting part (7); the ball joint clamping member is sleeved on the connecting rod and forces the ball joint (8) and the seat of the adjusting part (7) to generate friction lock through axial clamping force.

4. The spherical screen steel structure connection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ball joint clamping component includes a locking nut (10) screwed onto the threaded section of the connecting rod, and a clamping washer (11) sleeved on the connecting rod and located between the locking nut (10) and the seat of the adjusting part (7).

5. The spherical screen steel structure connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The screen unit connector (12) is a connecting plate with at least one strip-shaped mounting hole (13). The length directions of the strip-shaped mounting holes (13) are staggered to provide linear adjustment margin for the screen support unit (15) in two vertical directions within the plane of the connecting plate.

6. The spherical screen steel structure connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main structure connecting seat (1) is a split clamp structure, including two half clamps and fastening bolts connecting the two half clamps. Its inner wall is provided with textured or toothed structures to increase friction.

7. The spherical screen steel structure connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main structural connecting seat (1) is a welded flange or a bolted connecting plate.

8. The spherical screen steel structure connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The theoretical active cone angle range of the ball joint (8) is not less than ±10 degrees and not greater than ±20 degrees, preferably ±15 degrees.

9. The spherical screen steel structure connection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: At the hinge of the U-shaped base and the main structure connecting seat (1), and / or at the hinge of the adjusting part (7) and the pair of ear plates, there are scale marks for indicating the rotation angle.

10. The spherical screen steel structure connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The screen unit connector (12) is threadedly connected to the connecting rod, so that the screen unit connector (12) can adjust its position along the axial direction of the connecting rod, and an elastic buffer element is provided between the screen unit connector (12) and the screen support unit (15).

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