Transport means
阅读说明:本技术 运输工具 (Transport means ) 是由 D·斯特林费罗 于 2018-06-01 设计创作,主要内容包括:描述了一种用于在船舶的甲板上方传送弗莱特纳转子的运输工具。该运输工具包括台车,用于与轨道滚动接合,该台车包括:底盘,该底盘具有用于接合该轨道的轮;以及负载支承机构,该负载支承机构被配置为接合该弗莱特纳转子的底座以将该弗莱特纳转子的负载转移至该轨道。还描述了一种船舶,一种在船舶的甲板上方传送弗莱特纳转子的方法以及一种在船舶甲板上用于支撑弗莱特纳转子的基座。(A vehicle for transporting a flettner rotor over the deck of a vessel is described. The vehicle includes a trolley for rolling engagement with the track, the trolley comprising: a chassis having wheels for engaging the track; and a load bearing mechanism configured to engage a base of the flettner rotor to transfer a load of the flettner rotor to the track. A vessel, a method of transporting a flettner rotor over the deck of the vessel and a base on the deck of the vessel for supporting the flettner rotor are also described.)
1. A vehicle for transporting a flettner rotor over a deck of a vessel, the vehicle comprising:
a trolley for rolling engagement with a track, the trolley comprising:
a chassis having wheels for engaging the track; and
a load bearing mechanism configured to engage a base of the flettner rotor to transfer a load of the flettner rotor to the rail.
2. The conveyance of claim 1, wherein the load bearing mechanism comprises at least one lifting point, and preferably, three lifting points.
3. A vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the at least one lifting point comprises at least one jack, and preferably wherein the at least one jack comprises a screw jack and a travelling nut.
4. A vehicle according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one lifting point comprises three lifting points, preferably the three lifting points comprise at least three jacks, and more preferably wherein the three jacks are synchronised.
5. The conveyance of claim 4, wherein two of the lifting points are located toward either end of a first side of the chassis and one of the lifting points is centrally located on a second, opposite side of the chassis.
6. A vehicle according to claim 5, wherein two wheels are located on the second opposite side of the chassis, wherein the lifting point located centrally on the second opposite side of the chassis is configured to serve as a point about which the Flettner rotor can pivot when the vehicle supports the Flettner rotor load, such that an even load distribution on the two wheels located on the second opposite side is maintained.
7. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the load support means is electrically powered, preferably by an onboard battery.
8. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one wheel is a double flanged wheel.
9. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one wheel is configured to engage a flat rail.
10. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the trolley further comprises a drive mechanism for driving at least one wheel.
11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the drive mechanism is configured to drive the wheel on only one side of the vehicle.
12. A vehicle according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the drive mechanism is electrically powered, preferably by an onboard battery.
13. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the chassis is flexible for improved wheel engagement as a function of track height, whereby the chassis can twist to maintain wheel engagement with the track.
14. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the chassis has a generally square or rectangular configuration.
15. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the trolley further comprises a lifting subframe, preferably wherein the lifting subframe has a triangular shape.
16. A vehicle according to claim 15, wherein the lifting subframe includes bearing points at each corner of the subframe for supporting the flettner rotor in use.
17. A vehicle according to any one of claims 14 to 16 when dependent on one or more of claims 2 to 6, wherein each lifting point engages the lifting sub-frame and preferably a corner of the lifting sub-frame.
18. A marine vessel, comprising:
a transport vehicle comprising a trolley adapted to convey a flettner rotor over a deck of a vessel; and
a track for guiding movement of the transport over a deck of the vessel.
19. The vessel of claim 19, further comprising a support structure supporting the rail such that the rail is elevated above a deck of the vessel.
20. A vessel according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the vehicle is a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 17.
21. The vessel defined in claim 18 or claim 20 further comprises a base on a deck of the vessel for supporting the flettner rotor.
22. A method of transporting a flettner rotor over the deck of a vessel, the method comprising the steps of:
moving the vehicle along the track to a position below the flettner rotor;
raising a lifting subframe of the transport vehicle into engagement with an underside of the flettner rotor, thereby transferring the weight of the flettner rotor from the base to the trolley; and
the transport vehicle and the flettner rotor are transported along the rail over the deck of the vessel.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the steps of:
transferring the transport vehicle and the flettner rotor to a storage base; and
lowering the lift subframe of the transport vehicle, thereby transferring the weight of the flettner rotor from the trolley to the storage base.
24. A base for supporting a flettner rotor, the base comprising two base supports for contacting the deck of a vessel on either side of a track on the deck of the vessel, such that a cavity is defined by the base supports through which a vehicle can be driven along the track.
25. The susceptor of claim 24, wherein each susceptor support includes at least one bearing point on which a corresponding bearing point receiving location of the flettner rotor rests in use, preferably wherein each bearing point is dome-shaped.
26. A base as claimed in any one of claims 24 and 25, in which the base further comprises at least one fixing point which can be used, in use, to fix the flettner rotor to the base.
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a transport vehicle for transporting a Flettner rotor (Flettner rotor) over the deck of a ship, and more particularly, to a transport vehicle including a trolley (trolly) in rolling engagement with a rail for transporting a Flettner rotor over the deck of a ship.
Background
Flettner rotors, also known as magnus rotors, can be used on water-borne vessels for propulsion. Such rotors utilize the magnus effect for propulsion of the vessel.
The term "flettner rotor" as used in this application refers to the entire machine, not just the rotor body.
In use, the flettner rotor is typically placed upright on the deck of a water-borne vessel. Typically, a flettner rotor includes an outer rotor body in the form of a cylindrical tube disposed about the stator, which is coupled to the stator via a rotatable coupling, which typically includes an upper bearing toward the top end of the stator and a lower bearing further down the stator, typically at about the midpoint of the stator. The stator is usually connected to a base, which in turn is connected to the deck of the vessel. The rotor body may be longer than the stator and protrude above the stator so that the upper bearing may be approximately at the midpoint of the rotor body height.
In the case of assembling a flettner rotor to a water craft, the rotor body is caused to rotate about its vertical axis, and when the ambient airflow moves over the rotating rotor body, the relative movement between the rotating body of the rotor body and the air creates a pressure difference in the air. Due to the resistance caused by the surface of the rotor body, the side of the rotor body that rotates to the air flow locally blocks the air flow, while the side of the rotor body that rotates away from the air flow locally accelerates the air flow. Then, the side of the rotor body that rotates to the air flow forms a high pressure region, and the side of the rotor body that rotates away from the air flow forms a low pressure region. In this way, a force in the direction of the low pressure area of the rotor body is generated and transferred to the vessel, which force may contribute to the propulsion of the vessel. Multiple flettner rotors may be used in combination on a single vessel.
Today, flettner rotors are used on large vessels, such as cargo ships. The flettner rotor is used in conjunction with the main propulsion system of the vessel during transport, thereby reducing the burden on the main propulsion system. This can result in significant fuel savings, especially when long trips are made under appropriate wind conditions. The flettner rotor may exhibit a more efficient ship propulsion compared to the main drive system, and therefore the environmental impact of a ship equipped with a flettner rotor may be substantially reduced compared to a ship not equipped with a flettner rotor.
When the vessel is at port when it has been equipped with one or more flettner rotors, problems may arise due to the size of the rotor body and its position on the deck of the vessel. Flettner rotors can obstruct the access of cranes and loading, unloading and other machinery to the deck of the vessel. This may result in delays in loading and unloading of the vessel and may also be dangerous.
It is therefore desirable to provide a device by which a flettner rotor can be used on the deck of a vessel to provide the above-mentioned fuel saving benefits without the disadvantages of impeding access to the vessel.
Disclosure of Invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a conveyance for transporting a flettner rotor over the deck of a vessel, the conveyance comprising: a trolley for rolling engagement with a track, the trolley comprising: a chassis having wheels for engaging the track; and a load bearing mechanism configured to engage a base of the flettner rotor to transfer a load of the flettner rotor to the track.
The transport means may be used to move the flettner rotors over the deck of the vessel in an efficient and direct manner so that they do not obstruct the access of cranes and loading, unloading and other machinery to the deck of the vessel.
Preferably, the load bearing mechanism comprises at least one lifting point, and preferably, three lifting points.
Preferably, the at least one lifting point comprises at least one jack, and preferably wherein the at least one jack further comprises a screw jack and a traveling nut.
Preferably, the at least one lifting point comprises three lifting points, preferably the three lifting points comprise at least three jacks, and more preferably wherein the three jacks are synchronised.
In the case of synchronization of the three jacks, they advance at the same rate, which provides reliable movement and better control and stability during the operation of lifting the flettner rotor.
Preferably two of said lifting points are located towards either end of a first side of the chassis and one of said lifting points is centrally located on a second opposite side of the chassis.
Preferably, two wheels are located on the second opposite side of the chassis, wherein the lifting point located centrally on the second opposite side of the chassis is configured to serve as a point about which the flettner rotor can pivot when the vehicle is supporting the flettner rotor load, such that an even load distribution on the two wheels located on the second opposite side is maintained.
Advantageously, this feature ensures that good traction of the two wheels with the track is maintained, thereby reducing the likelihood of any wheel slip.
Preferably, the load support mechanism is electrically powered, preferably by a battery onboard the vessel.
Preferably, at least one wheel is a double flanged wheel.
This prevents lateral movement of the wheels relative to the rail with which the wheels are engaged.
Preferably, the at least one wheel is configured to engage a flat rail.
Advantageously, lateral movement of the wheels engaging the flat rail is allowed relative to the flat rail. The unrestricted lateral movement of the wheel means that the wheel is not subjected to lateral loads.
Preferably, the trolley further comprises a drive mechanism for driving the at least one wheel.
Preferably, the drive mechanism is configured to drive the wheel on only one side of the vehicle.
In this way, the longitudinal load generated by the drive mechanism acts on a line, which reduces the likelihood of yaw occurring and enables simpler control of the vehicle.
Preferably, the drive mechanism is electrically powered, preferably by an onboard battery.
Preferably, the chassis is flexible for improved wheel engagement as a function of track height, whereby the chassis can twist to maintain wheel engagement with the track.
The likelihood of wheel slip is reduced as good traction is maintained. It also removes the need for trucks and suspensions.
Preferably, the chassis has a generally square or rectangular configuration.
Preferably, the trolley further comprises a lifting subframe, preferably wherein the lifting subframe has a triangular shape.
Preferably, the lifting subframe comprises bearing points at each corner of the subframe for supporting the flettner rotor in use.
Preferably, each lifting point engages the lifting subframe and preferably a corner of the lifting subframe.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vessel comprising: a transport vehicle comprising a trolley adapted to convey a flettner rotor over a deck of a vessel; and a track for guiding movement of the transport over the deck of the vessel.
The transport means may be used to move the flettner rotors over the deck of the vessel in an efficient and direct manner so that they do not obstruct the access of cranes and loading, unloading and other machinery to the deck of the vessel.
Preferably, the vessel further comprises a support structure supporting the track such that the track is raised above the deck of the vessel.
Preferably, the vehicle is a vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention.
Preferably, the vessel further comprises a base on the deck of the vessel for supporting the flettner rotor.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of transporting a flettner rotor over the deck of a vessel, the method comprising the steps of: moving the vehicle along the track to a position below the flettner rotor; raising a lifting subframe of the transport vehicle into engagement with an underside of the flettner rotor, thereby transferring the weight of the flettner rotor from the base to the trolley; and transporting the transport vehicle and the flettner rotor along the rail over the deck of the vessel.
Preferably, the method further comprises the steps of: transferring the transport vehicle and the flettner rotor to a storage base; and lowering a lifting subframe of the transport vehicle, thereby transferring the weight of the flettner rotor from the trolley to the storage base.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a base for supporting a flettner rotor, the base comprising two base supports for contacting the deck of a vessel on either side of a track on the deck of the vessel, such that a cavity is defined by the base supports along which track a vehicle can be driven through the cavity.
Preferably, each base support comprises at least one bearing point on which, in use, the corresponding bearing point receiving location of the flettner rotor rests, preferably wherein each bearing point is dome-shaped.
Preferably, the base further comprises at least one fixing point which may be used, in use, to fix the flettner rotor to the base.
Drawings
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1a depicts a plan view of a vessel including a transport vehicle and a flettner rotor on a rail, wherein the rail extends longitudinally above a deck of the vessel;
FIG. 1b depicts a plan view of a vessel including a transport vehicle and a Flettner rotor on rails extending laterally over a deck of the vessel;
FIG. 1c depicts a plan view of a vessel including a transport vehicle and a flettner rotor on rails extending longitudinally and laterally over a deck of the vessel;
FIG. 2 depicts the vehicle depicted in FIG. 1 in more detail;
FIG. 3a depicts the Flettner rotor depicted in FIG. 1 in more detail;
FIG. 3b depicts a base support of the base;
FIG. 4 independently depicts the integrated lift mechanism of the conveyance of FIGS. 1 and 3;
FIG. 5a depicts, independently, the integrated drive mechanism of the vehicle of FIGS. 1 and 3; and
fig. 5b depicts an alternative integrated drive mechanism.
Detailed Description
The present invention is directed to a transport vehicle that transports flettner rotors along rails on the deck of a vessel.
The term "track" as used in this application refers to a pair of parallel tracks or rails along which a vehicle may travel.
In one embodiment, the track extends longitudinally above the deck of the vessel. Where the terms "inboard" and "outboard" are used herein, it will be understood that inboard components are those components which are relatively closer to the longitudinal centerline of the vessel in which they are located than the corresponding outboard components, and that outboard components are those components which are relatively further from the longitudinal centerline of the vessel than the corresponding inboard components.
In another embodiment, the rails extend laterally above the deck of the vessel. The inboard or outboard members described herein can also easily be stern members (i.e., members relatively closer to the stern of the vessel), while the inboard or outboard members described herein can also easily be bow members (i.e., members relatively closer to the front of the vessel).
In another embodiment, the rails extend laterally and longitudinally above the deck of the vessel.
Fig. 1a depicts a plan view of a
Also depicted in fig. 1a is a transport for transporting the flettner rotors over the deck of the
Fig. 1b depicts a plan view of a vessel 100b according to an alternative embodiment. The track 103b is located on the deck of the vessel 100b, the track extending laterally above the deck of the vessel 100 b. The depicted track 103b includes three pairs of laterally extending rails that extend along the width of the deck of the vessel 100 b. Other numbers of pairs of laterally extending rails are contemplated.
Also depicted in fig. 1b is a transport for transporting the flettner rotors over the deck of the vessel 100b and the
Fig. 1c depicts a plan view of a vessel 100c according to another alternative embodiment. The track 103c is located on the deck of the vessel 100c, the track extending laterally and longitudinally above the deck of the vessel 100 c. The track 103c comprises a network of laterally and longitudinally extending rails extending along the width of the deck of the vessel 100 c.
Also depicted in fig. 1c is a transport for transporting the flettner rotors over the deck of the vessel 100c and the
In an alternative embodiment, the track may be provided on a support structure supporting the track, such that the track is elevated above the deck of the vessel. Advantageously, this provides clearance above the deck fittings on the deck of the vessel.
Fig. 2 depicts in more detail the vehicle sitting on the
The vehicle comprises a
All mechanical components required for the movement of the flettner rotor are mounted on the
The
As depicted in fig. 2, the
The
Preferably, the length of the trolley is about 5000mm and the width is about 3600mm, although these dimensions may vary depending on the particular application. For example, as the skilled person will appreciate, the dimensions may vary depending on the dimensions of the
Whenever possible, the components fitted to the trolley will be accessible for ease of maintenance.
The lifting
The lifting
The vehicle may further include a storm brake that acts as a failsafe locking mechanism to hold the
The vehicle may further include a sensor to detect: obstacles in the path of the vehicle, derailment of the vehicle, any inclined vehicle/track/vessel, the relative positions of the lifting
For example, if an object is detected in the path of the vehicle, if the vehicle's pitch or roll exceeds a predetermined threshold level (e.g., more than 3 °), if the vehicle derails, if the vehicle is in an incorrect position along the track if a user attempts to perform a lifting operation, an audible alarm may be sounded, a visual signal may be provided, and/or an automatic stop feature may be engaged.
The transport vehicle may also include a control panel, control unit, remote control, stand-offs at fixed locations on the deck, or other suitable controls to allow deck personnel to operate the transport vehicle. The speed of the vehicle may be configured to be set at a slow walking speed so that the operator may control the vehicle while walking alongside the vehicle.
The transport means may also comprise a buffer, for example a crane buffer, in order to bring the
The equipment fitted to the outboard stringers of the
All power supply components of the vehicle may be battery powered, primarily the drive and lift mechanisms. A battery pack may be provided on the vehicle to provide power to these components. They may alternatively be powered by a power source located on the
The
In the transverse tracks 103b depicted in fig. 1b, both guide rails may be in the form of flat guide rails, since there is no need to counteract the camber angle of the deck of the vessel 10 b.
The
In one embodiment, two
FIG. 3a depicts the
Fig. 3b depicts the
In its operating position, the
The bearing points 312 are configured to engage corresponding bearing point receiving locations on the underside of the
By virtue of this design, misalignment between the
As mentioned above, the
With the
Fig. 4 independently depicts the aforementioned integrated lifting mechanism of the vehicle. The
Each
Each
The jack screws 208 are mechanical rather than hydraulic. Thus, they can also be wound by hand. This is useful because it means that the hoist system can still be operated even if a power failure occurs.
Note that any form of jack may be used in order to provide the lifting function of the transport vehicle, and the illustrated arrangement is only preferred.
The base of the screw jacks is coupled to the
The relative positions of the single
Fig. 5a independently depicts the aforementioned integrated drive mechanism of the vehicle as depicted in fig. 2. Each
In the case where a track is provided which extends laterally over the deck of the vessel, the stern wheels are preferably those which are each driven by a respective
Fig. 5b independently depicts an alternative embodiment of the aforementioned integrated drive mechanism of the vehicle. In this embodiment of the integrated drive mechanism, the two
In both arrangements, the driven
The two
In alternative embodiments, the vehicle may not include an integrated drive mechanism. Instead, all wheels of the vehicle are free to rotate and the vehicle may be moved manually or may be moved by a winch system.
The mode of operation of the vehicle will now be described in more detail. To move the
At this point, the vehicle is able to move the
Alternatively, the
Once the storage period is over, the
It will be understood that a single transport vehicle may be used to move
Alternatively, a plurality of transport vehicles may be provided, for example one for each
The foregoing operations are preferably performed in closed waters, typically when the
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