A gap transition mechanism for a marine elevator

Abstract

The application discloses a gap transition mechanism for a marine elevator, which comprises a driving device, a transmission mechanism and at least one set of connecting rod mechanisms, wherein the connecting rod mechanisms comprise transition plates, connecting rods and triangular eye plates which are hingedly connected with each other; the driving device is fixedly installed on a ship body structure and connected with the triangular eye plate through the transmission mechanism, so as to drive the triangular eye plate to rotate under the driving of the driving device, and then drive the transition plates to switch between a horizontal working position for filling gaps and a vertical storage position attached to the reverse deck through the connecting rods. The gap transition mechanism for the marine elevator can automatically and reliably fill the gaps between the platform and the deck, facilitate the passing of vehicles and bear the load of the passing vehicles. Meanwhile, the mechanism can be automatically stored when the hatch cover is closed and completely hidden under the deck, so as to not affect the normal closing and sealing of the embedded hatch cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine equipment technology, and more specifically to a transition mechanism for filling the gap between the platform and the deck in a marine elevator with a recessed hatch cover. Background Technology

[0002] In ship design, the surface of an embedded hatch cover is flush with the deck, forming a weathertight structure with the surrounding sills to ensure the airtightness of the hull. When a marine elevator raises the platform to deck level, a certain height gap is created between the platform and the deck due to the presence of the sills. This gap makes it difficult for vehicles (such as forklifts and trucks) on the platform to pass smoothly, affecting the efficiency of loading and unloading operations. Current technology typically uses temporary shims or fixed ramps to compensate for this gap, but these solutions suffer from poor stability, inability to withstand large loads, interference with hatch cover closure, and the need for manual operation.

[0003] Among existing related patent technologies, such as patent (CN103693167B) which discloses an opening and closing device for a hatch cover, this patent focuses on describing the motion logic and spatial layout optimization of the opening and closing device, but does not provide sufficient explanation or technical compensation for engineering details such as the surface flatness, gap control, and vehicle passage adaptability after the hatch cover is closed. When partially opened, the lifting arm mechanism "protrudes into the hatch, located above the hatch coaming and below the cover plate"; if the cargo stacked in the hatch is close to the hatch coaming, it may interfere with the lifting arm mechanism; this patent does not clearly define the avoidance strategy or limiting protection mechanism for the lifting arm mechanism.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a gap transition mechanism that can automatically unfold and retract, has a stable structure, and does not interfere with the operation of the hatch cover. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a gap transition mechanism for marine elevators, which automatically and reliably fills the gap between the platform and the deck, facilitating vehicle passage and withstanding vehicle loads. Simultaneously, this mechanism automatically retracts when the hatch cover is closed, completely concealing itself beneath the deck without affecting the normal closing and sealing of the embedded hatch cover.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is: a gap transition mechanism for a marine elevator, comprising a drive device, a transmission mechanism, and at least one set of linkage mechanisms, wherein the linkage mechanism comprises a transition plate, a connecting rod, and a triangular eye plate hinged to each other; the drive device is fixedly installed on the hull structure and connected to the triangular eye plate through the transmission mechanism, and is used to drive the triangular eye plate to rotate under the drive of the drive device, thereby causing the transition plate to switch between a horizontal working position for filling gaps and a vertical storage position attached to the reverse side of the deck through the connecting rod.

[0007] Furthermore, the transmission mechanism includes a long connecting rod, one end of which is connected to the piston rod of the driving device, and the other end is hinged to the triangular eye plate.

[0008] Furthermore, one end of the transition plate is hinged to the reverse side of the deck, and the other end is hinged to the upper eye plate via a pin. The transition plate hangs down naturally in the vertical direction when not in operation.

[0009] Furthermore, the triangular eyeplate is hinged to the lower eyeplate via a pin, allowing it to rotate freely around the hinge point.

[0010] Furthermore, the two ends of the connecting rod are respectively hinged to the transition plate and the triangular eye plate via pins, thereby forming a four-bar linkage.

[0011] Furthermore, when the transition plate is in the horizontal working position, one end of the triangular eye plate contacts the clamping plate fixed on the sill, so that the transition plate, the connecting rod and the triangular eye plate together form a stable triangular force-bearing structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the driving device is one of a hydraulic cylinder, an electric push rod, or a pneumatic cylinder.

[0013] Furthermore, multiple sets of the linkage mechanisms are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the gap, and the triangular eye plates of all linkage mechanisms are synchronously driven by a common long connecting rod.

[0014] Furthermore, the upper surface of the transition plate is welded with anti-slip strips or covered with wear-resistant materials with a high coefficient of friction to increase the safety of vehicle passage.

[0015] A method of using the gap transition mechanism for a marine elevator, comprising: (1) in the deployed state: when gap filling is required, the hydraulic cylinder of the drive device retracts, pulling the long connecting rod, which drives the triangular eye plate to rotate around the hinge point of the lower eye plate. At the same time, the triangular eye plate pushes the transition plate through the connecting rod, causing it to rotate from the initial vertical retracted state to the horizontal working state around the hinge point of the upper eye plate; (2) in the retracted state: when the hatch cover needs to be closed, the hydraulic cylinder of the drive device extends, pushing the long connecting rod, which drives the triangular eye plate to rotate in the opposite direction, thereby pulling the transition plate through the connecting rod, causing it to rotate from the horizontal working state to the vertical retracted state. In this state, the transition plate is tightly hidden below the deck and will not interfere with the closing and weathertightness of the embedded hatch cover.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0017] (1) Fully automated operation: Driven by hydraulic cylinders, it can be unfolded and retracted with one click, saving time and effort and improving work efficiency.

[0018] (2) Stable structure and strong load-bearing capacity: Utilizing the four-bar linkage and the principle of triangular stability, a self-locking support is formed after unfolding, which can reliably withstand the load of heavy vehicles passing by. The four-bar linkage mechanism realizes the precise movement and reliable positioning of the transition plate in two extreme positions (horizontal and vertical).

[0019] (3) High space utilization and no interference: When retracted, it is completely hidden under the deck, perfectly meeting the strict requirements of embedded hatch covers for no protrusions on the deck surface.

[0020] (4) Good adaptability and reliability: Through the synchronous action of multiple sets of mechanisms, it can adapt to gaps of different widths, and the force is uniform, resulting in a long service life. Through the contact self-locking of the triangular eye plate and the pressure plate, stable support in the working state is achieved without the need for external power, and the mechanical model is reasonable.

[0021] (5) Perfect combination of function and space: The overall design fully considers the special structural requirements of the ship's embedded hatch cover, and achieves a perfect combination of function and space. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transition mechanism of the present invention in the unfolded (working) state ((a) is the front view, (b) is the top view). Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram (side view) of the structure of the transition mechanism of the present invention in the retracted (stored) state. Figure 3 This is a top view of the transition mechanism of the present invention, showing the arrangement of multiple sets of linkage mechanisms along the longitudinal direction of the gap; In the diagram: 1. Upper eyeplate, 2. Lower eyeplate, 3. Transition plate, 4. Connecting rod, 5. Triangular eyeplate, 6. Pin, 7. Long connecting rod, 8. Hydraulic cylinder, 9. Pressure plate, 10. Deck, 11. Balcony, 12. Lifting platform. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention provides a clearance transition mechanism for a marine elevator, comprising: an upper eye plate 1, a lower eye plate 2, a transition plate 3, a connecting rod 4, a triangular eye plate 5, a pin 6, a long connecting rod 7, a hydraulic cylinder 8, a pressing plate 9, a deck 10, a sill 11, and a lifting platform 12.

[0025] The upper eye plate 2 is welded and fixed to the reverse side of the deck 10, and the lower eye plate 2 is welded and fixed to the upper surface of the sill 11; one end of the transition plate 3 is hinged to the reverse side of the deck 10, and the other end is hinged to the upper eye plate 1 via a pin 6; the triangular eye plate 5 is hinged to the lower eye plate 2 via a pin; the triangular eye plate 5 is hinged to the upper surface of the sill 11, and the two ends of the connecting rod 4 are respectively hinged to the transition plate 3 and the triangular eye plate 5 via pins 6, thus forming a four-bar linkage; the long connecting rod 7 is connected to the triangular eye plate 5 via pins 6; the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder 8 is connected to the long connecting rod 7, serving as a drive source to drive the entire mechanism.

[0026] To enhance the stability and load distribution capacity of the structure, the mechanism can be configured with multiple sets of linkage units consisting of triangular eye plates 5 and connecting rods 4 along the longitudinal direction of the gap.

[0027] The upper surface of the transition plate 3 is provided with anti-slip texture or wear-resistant pad.

[0028] Specific implementation process of the present invention: I. Component Installation (1) The upper eye plate 1 is fixed to the reverse side of the deck 10 by welding, located on the side of the gap close to the cabin.

[0029] (2) The lower eye plate 2 is fixed to the upper surface of the sill 11 by welding and is located on the side of the gap near the hatch.

[0030] (3) The transition plate 3 is hinged to the upper eye plate 1 by the pin 6. When not in operation, it hangs down naturally and is in the vertical direction.

[0031] (4) The triangular eye plate 5 is hinged to the lower eye plate 2 by the pin 6, and can rotate freely around the hinge point.

[0032] (5) The two ends of the connecting rod 4 are connected to the lower middle part of the transition plate 3 and one arm of the triangular eye plate 5 through the pin 6, respectively, thereby linking the motion of the two.

[0033] (6) One end of the long connecting rod 7 is connected to the other arm of the triangular eye plate 5 through the pin 6, and the other end is connected to the piston rod of the oil cylinder 8.

[0034] (7) The cylinder body of the hydraulic cylinder 8 is fixed to the deck or hull structure by a bracket, and its movement is controlled by the ship's central hydraulic system or an independent electro-hydraulic unit.

[0035] II. Work Process (1) Deployment process: When the lifting platform 12 rises to be flush with the deck 10, the control system commands the hydraulic cylinder 8 to retract. The hydraulic cylinder pulls the long connecting rod 7, which drives the triangular eye plate 5 to rotate counterclockwise around the hinge point of the lower eye plate 2. The triangular eye plate 5 applies a thrust to the transition plate 3 through the connecting rod 4, forcing the transition plate 3 to rotate clockwise around the hinge point of the upper eye plate 1, and finally smoothly lay between the deck 10 and the lifting platform 12, forming a bridge. At this time, the tip of the triangular eye plate 5 firmly presses against the clamping plate 9 pre-welded to the sill 11, and the entire mechanism enters a stable load-bearing state.

[0036] (2) Retraction process: When the operation is completed and the hatch cover needs to be closed, the hydraulic cylinder 8 receives the command and pushes out, pushing the long connecting rod 7. The long connecting rod drives the triangular eye plate 5 to rotate clockwise, so that it is out of contact with the clamping plate 9, and at the same time, it pulls the transition plate 3 counterclockwise through the connecting rod 4 until it is completely upright and tightly attached to the lower surface of the deck 10. At this time, the embedded hatch cover can be closed without obstruction and pressed against the cofferdam 11 to form a weathertight seal.

[0037] III. Optimized Design To cover a wider gap, multiple identical mechanisms can be set up in parallel (for example, one set every 600mm) and connected by a long connecting rod 7 or a synchronous shaft to ensure that all transition plates 3 move synchronously.

[0038] The upper surface of the transition plate 3 can be welded with anti-slip strips or covered with wear-resistant materials with a high coefficient of friction to increase the safety of vehicle passage.

[0039] Depending on the actual power configuration, cylinder 8 can be replaced with an electric push rod or a pneumatic actuator.

[0040] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the concept and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all technical solutions obtained by equivalent substitution or equivalent transformation fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A clearance transition mechanism for a marine elevator, characterized in that: It includes a drive device, a transmission mechanism, and at least one set of linkage mechanisms. The linkage mechanism includes a transition plate, a connecting rod, and a triangular eye plate that are hinged to each other. The drive device is fixedly installed on the hull structure and connected to the triangular eye plate through the transmission mechanism. It is used to drive the triangular eye plate to rotate under the drive of the drive device, and then switch the transition plate between a horizontal working position for filling gaps and a vertical storage position attached to the reverse side of the deck through the connecting rod.

2. The clearance transition mechanism for a marine elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism includes a long connecting rod, one end of which is connected to the piston rod of the driving device, and the other end is hinged to the triangular eye plate.

3. The clearance transition mechanism for a marine elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the transition plate is hinged to the reverse side of the deck, and the other end is hinged to the upper eye plate via a pin. The transition plate hangs down naturally in the vertical direction when not in use.

4. The clearance transition mechanism for a marine elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The triangular eyeplate is hinged to the lower eyeplate via a pin and can rotate freely around the hinge point.

5. The clearance transition mechanism for a marine elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two ends of the connecting rod are respectively hinged to the transition plate and the triangular eye plate by pins, thus forming a four-bar linkage.

6. The clearance transition mechanism for a marine elevator according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the transition plate is in the horizontal working position, one end of the triangular eye plate contacts the clamping plate fixed on the sill, so that the transition plate, connecting rod and triangular eye plate together form a stable triangular force-bearing structure.

7. The clearance transition mechanism for a marine elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving device is one of a hydraulic cylinder, an electric push rod, or a pneumatic cylinder.

8. The clearance transition mechanism for a marine elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple sets of the linkage mechanisms are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the gap, and the triangular eye plates of all linkage mechanisms are synchronously driven by a common long connecting rod.

9. The clearance transition mechanism for a marine elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surface of the transition plate is welded with anti-slip strips or covered with wear-resistant materials with a high coefficient of friction to increase the safety of vehicle passage.

10. A method of using the clearance transition mechanism for a marine elevator according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, include: (1) Deployed state: When it is necessary to fill the gap, the hydraulic cylinder of the drive device retracts and pulls the long connecting rod. The long connecting rod drives the triangular eye plate to rotate around the hinge point of the lower eye plate. At the same time, the triangular eye plate pushes the transition plate through the connecting rod, so that it rotates around the hinge point of the upper eye plate from the initial vertical retracted state to the horizontal working state. (2) Retracted state: When the hatch cover needs to be closed, the hydraulic cylinder of the drive device extends and pushes the long connecting rod. The long connecting rod drives the triangular eye plate to rotate in the opposite direction, so that it pulls the transition plate through the connecting rod, so that it rotates from the horizontal working state to the vertical retracted state. In this state, the transition plate is tightly hidden below the deck and will not interfere with the closing and weathertightness of the embedded hatch cover.

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