Crane with pinned connection system for crane column segments

摘要

A crane (10) has an upper works rotatably mounted on a lower works (12). The crane includes at least one column member (50). The column member includes at least a first and a second column segment (51-56) each with a longitudinal axis and a first and a second end, the second end of the first segment being coupled to the first end of the second segment. At least a first, a third and a fifth connector (70) are located on the second end of the first segment, respectively mating with at least a second, a fourth and a sixth connector (80) on the first end of the second segment. Each of the connectors includes at least a first extension (71a,81a) having a through-hole there through, the through-hole having an axis perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and positioned in the extension such that the through-holes of mating connectors are aligned when the column segments are align ed. Each of the connectors also includes a compressive load bearing surface (78,88), the compressive load bearing surfaces being positioned to carry compressive loads between the first and second column segments when the column segments are aligned. A first pin fits tightly through the through-hole of the first extension on the first connector and the through-hole of the first extension on the second connector to hold the first and second connectors together. A second pin fits loosely through the through-hole of the first extension on the third connector and the through-hole of the first extension on the fourth connector on the first end of the second segment to hold the second and fourth connectors together.