Removable wing section for ship ramps

Abstract

A wing section for use in a wingplate included in a vessel entry ramp, the wing section comprising a front end region and a rear end region, wherein the height of the rear end region is greater than the height of the front end region, wherein the wing section is flexible, and wherein the wing section is adapted to be removably attached to the wingplate. An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a wing section that reduces noise caused by the wingplate and is easy to replace, meaning that when wingplate repair is required, it is not necessary to remove the vessel from traffic.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a removable flap section for use in a ship access ramp. When the flap section is damaged or worn, it can be replaced in a simple manner. This disclosure also relates to a method for installing the flap section on the ship access ramp. Background Technology

[0002] Ships suitable for carrying certain vehicles are called roll-on / roll-off (Ro-Ro) ships. Ro-Ro ships are designed to carry wheeled cargo such as cars, trucks, semi-trailers, trailers, and trams, which can be loaded onto or unloaded by their own wheels or by using platform vehicles (e.g., self-propelled modular transporters).

[0003] Ro-Ro ships have built-in or shore-based ramps that allow cargo to roll onto and off the vessel efficiently during loading and unloading in port. Most large vessels have built-in ramps that also function as watertight doors, sealing the vessel's interior. Ramps can be located at the stern, bow, or sides, or in more than one location. Various ramps may also be installed within the vessel to allow vehicles to move between different heights.

[0004] There are different types of ramps suitable for use on ships and for different locations. Ramps can be controlled by hydraulic cylinders or by electrical wiring. A common feature of all ramps is that the end area of ​​the ramp (the part that contacts the supporting ground) includes at least one articulated wing, and most commonly, the ramp will include multiple articulated wings arranged side-by-side. The wing is adapted to compensate for different ground heights and uneven ground surfaces. The length (wide) of the wing can be between 1 meter and 3 meters, while the width (width) is typically in the range of 2 meters. For wings internally mounted on ships (where the supporting surface is uniform), the ramp may include a single wing covering the entire width of the ramp. Such wings can be up to 10 meters long. The wing is made of steel and is relatively thin at the outer edge, allowing vehicles to drive over the edge without problems. Therefore, the height of the edge should be less than 2 cm, and preferably less than 2 cm.

[0005] One problem with winglets is that they generate noise when vehicles drive over them. Because the ground isn't perfectly flat, the winglets are only supported at certain points. Therefore, when a vehicle drives over them, the winglets tilt slightly, creating noise. This can be problematic, especially for ships loading and unloading in city centers where noise levels may be regulated by law. Another issue with the noise is the working environment for crew members and vehicle drivers, particularly those driving trailers onto ships. They are constantly passing over the winglets for hours on end.

[0006] Another problem is that the winglet is cracking at the edge. This wear is caused by uneven ground and, in part, by fatigue of the metal material. Therefore, the winglet must be repaired by welding, and a section of the winglet must be cut off and replaced with another section welded in place. This is a laborious and time-consuming task.

[0007] Therefore, there is room for improvement in the wing design. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the object of this disclosure is to provide a removable wingplate segment for use in a wingplate included in a ship entry ramp. Another object of this disclosure is to provide a wingplate for a ship entry ramp. Yet another object of this disclosure is to provide a method for installing a wingplate segment on a ship entry ramp.

[0009] The wing section for use in a wingplate included in a ship entry ramp includes a front end region and a rear end region, wherein the height of the rear end region is greater than the height of the front end region. The object of the invention is achieved by the wing section being flexible and adapted to be removably attached to the wingplate.

[0010] The wing segment is provided with at least one connecting hole extending from the rear end region of the wing segment into the wing segment. The at least one connecting hole extends into the wing segment substantially perpendicular to the rear edge of the rear end region.

[0011] The wing has an upper side and a lower side that connect the rear side at the rear end region with the front side at the front end region, making the wing wedge-shaped.

[0012] At least one connection hole extends substantially perpendicular to the rear side of the airfoil section into the airfoil section.

[0013] This first embodiment of the wing segment according to the invention provides a wing segment that reduces generated noise and is easy to replace. Using this wing segment, noise caused by a vehicle traveling up a ramp is significantly reduced. The width of the wing segment is smaller than the width of the wing, such that, for example, 3 to 5 wing segments constitute the width of the wing. For a ramp with a single wing, up to 10 or more wing segments can be used. This also allows the wing to better adapt to the ground, as each wing segment will be able to support itself on the ground. Because the wing segment is flexible, the entire wing segment will be supported on the ground when a vehicle travels over it. This further reduces the force acting on a vehicle traveling over the edge of the wing segment. With conventional wing segments, because the distance between the wing edge and the ground can be relatively large at certain points on the wing, a vehicle may be damaged when traveling over the edge of the wing.

[0014] If the wing section is damaged, it is also easy to replace. Since the wing section is only the outer part of the wing and its width is reduced compared to the wing, it can be operated by one person. Even though the wing section is relatively large, two people will be able to operate it. This makes replacing the wing section easy and quick, meaning that when wing repairs are needed, the vessel does not have to be removed from traffic. The wing section is made of a flexible material such as rubber or plastic. The wing section is preferably molded. By molding the wing section, an anti-slip pattern can be provided on the upper side of the wing section. The anti-slip pattern can be longitudinal and transverse ribs protruding from the surface. The weight of the wing section is preferably less than 50 kg, and more preferably less than 25 kg. Another advantage of using a wing section made of plastic material is the weight reduction.

[0015] The wing segment is preferably attached to the wing by at least one rod member (e.g., bolt, threaded member, threaded bolt, etc.), which is configured to extend in a direction from the rear end region to the front end region. Corresponding connecting holes are thus provided in the wing segment, into which the rod member can be attached.

[0016] In one example of a wing segment, to enable attachment of the wing segment to the wing using a rod member, the wing segment is provided with at least one connection hole. This connection hole extends from the rear end region 3 into the wing segment 1.

[0017] In one example, the connection hole extends from the rear side of the wing section into the wing section and is located between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing.

[0018] The connecting hole is adapted to receive a rod member for attachment to the wing plate. This connecting hole can be pre-formed during the molding of the wing plate member, or it can be provided through post-processing such as drilling. The connecting hole can be configured to fit snugly to the rod member to be disposed therein, or it can be configured to have a slightly larger circumference than the rod member to be disposed therein.

[0019] In one example of a wing section, multiple connection holes are provided.

[0020] At least one connecting hole extending into the wing section allows for easy installation of the wing section onto the vessel ramp. Rod members can be inserted directly into the wing section from the rear of the wing, minimizing the gap between the wing section and the wing plate during the transition, as no attachment devices are required between the wing section and the wing plate. All bolts or form factors (e.g., attachment rods) can be located inside the wing section and below the wing plate surface, rather than between them.

[0021] Through at least one connecting hole, the wing segment can be mounted to the front side of the wing in any preferred manner by means of a rod member, as the rod member is inserted into the connecting hole. This solution is flexible because different connection devices can be selected according to the application requirements. Various non-limiting attachment methods include screw connections, shape fits, shrink fits, and / or bonding using, for example, two-component adhesives. Some non-limiting attachment methods are presented in more detail below.

[0022] In one example, the flange segment is attached with a threaded component, such as a threaded bolt or threaded rod. The corresponding threaded component can be provided in the flange segment by inserting the threaded component into a hole, or by molding the threaded component into or onto the flange segment.

[0023] In one example, the wing segment has an insertion hole extending from the upper surface toward the lower surface in the rear region of the wing segment. The insertion hole extends at least to a connection hole, which in turn extends from the rear side of the wing segment to the insertion hole.

[0024] The insertion hole allows a threaded metal insert to be positioned within it. The threaded rod can then engage with the threaded metal insert through the connection hole.

[0025] In one example, the wing segment is attached to a shape-fitting rod member. The shape-fitting rod member is provided with grooves and / or protrusions, such that the connecting hole of the wing segment is provided with corresponding protrusions and / or grooves, which are configured to engage with their respective counterparts when the rod member is inserted into the connecting hole.

[0026] In one example, the wing segment is provided with a rod member molded into the wing segment. The rod member extends from the rear side of the wing segment in a direction toward the front side and projects from the rear side of the wing segment to provide an attachment means between the wing segment and the wing.

[0027] The wing section preferably has a lateral upper recess and a lateral lower recess in its rear end region. The upper recess is adapted to mate with the upper flange of the wing section, while the lower recess is adapted to mate with the lower flange of the wing section. This provides secure retention of the wing section and reduces the forces exerted on the threaded mounting members by vehicles traveling on the wing section. The rear side is arranged between the lateral upper and lower recesses. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein...

[0029] Figure 1 A top view of a wing section according to the invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 A side view of a wing section according to the invention is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 A top view of a wing section with mounting holes according to the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of another example of a wing segment according to the invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a wing section mounted to a wing according to the present invention is shown, and

[0034] Figure 6 A wing with multiple wing segments according to the invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Embodiments of the invention that have been further developed as described below should be considered as examples only and in no way limited to the scope of protection provided by the patent claims.

[0036] Figure 1 A top view of wing section 1 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A side view of the wing segment is shown. In the example shown, wing segment 1 is molded from a plastic material, but wing segments can also be produced using rubber, or a two-component production method where the inner material is harder and the outer material is softer. Wing segments can also be produced by extruding plastic profiles and cutting them into parts of the desired length.

[0037] The wing section 1 has an upper surface 4 and a lower surface 5. The upper surface has an anti-slip pattern suitable for both vehicles and pedestrians, consisting of laterally projecting ribs 19. Other patterns, such as V-shaped patterns or circular studs, may also be used. The lower surface is preferably flat, but it may also have some surface pattern. Gaps may be provided to the lower surface to save weight. However, it is important that the gaps do not reduce the stability of the wing section.

[0038] The wing section also includes a front end region 2 and a rear end region 3. The front end region forms the exterior of the wing and is the first area encountered by the vehicle traveling on it. Therefore, the height h of the front end region is the lowest part of the wing section. The rear end region is the end of the wing section, adapted for mounting to the wing of the ramp. Therefore, the height H of the rear end region is the highest part of the wing section. The rear end region 3 has a lateral upper recess 8 and a lateral lower recess 9. The upper recess 8 is adapted to mate with the upper flange of the wing, while the lower recess 9 is adapted to mate with the lower flange of the wing. This provides a secure hold to the wing section and reduces the force exerted on the threaded mounting members by a vehicle traveling on the wing section. The length l of the wing section can vary and is adapted to the size of the wing to which it will be mounted. A suitable length can be between 0.4 m and 0.9 m. The angle between the upper and lower surfaces also depends on the wing to which the wing section will be mounted, but an angle less than 10 degrees is suitable. For a longer wing section, there may be two different angles divided by the diagonal line 22, where the forward tilt angle is, for example, 7 degrees, and the aft tilt angle is, for example, 4 degrees. The aft tilt angle can correspond to the wing section's tilt angle.

[0039] The attachment of the wing section to the wing is achieved, for example, through a threaded member. Figure 3 In the example shown, the wing section 1 is provided with an insertion hole and a connecting hole 7. An insertion hole 6 is drilled through the rear end region of the wing section, extending from the upper surface towards the lower surface. The insertion hole 6 can be configured as a through hole or as deep as possible, provided it extends downwards to the connecting hole. The connecting hole 7 is then drilled from the rear side 21 of the wing section to the insertion hole 6. Alternatively, the holes can be drilled in the reverse order. The holes can also be molded simultaneously with the wing section. However, since different wing sections may require different hole patterns, it is advantageous to drill the holes subsequently. This allows for only one type of wing section spare on the vessel, with holes drilled as needed. A threaded insert 13 is adapted to be inserted into the insertion hole 6. Figure 4 An example of a wing segment is shown, in which a metal component 23, including threaded holes 24, is integrated into the wing segment during molding. This metal component 23 can be a single nut or a longitudinal bar with multiple threaded holes 24 and a fixed hole pattern. With this solution, the wing segment is attached to the wing using bolts 25.

[0040] Figure 5An example of a wing section 1 mounted to a wing 10 is shown. The wing 10 includes an upper flange 11 and a lower flange 12. The upper flange may be part of the upper surface of the wing. The wing section 1 has an insert 13 disposed in an insertion hole 6. A threaded rod 14 is attached to the insert 13. The threaded rod 14 passes through a hole in the front portion of the wing, which is arranged between the upper and lower flanges. A flat washer 15, a concave washer 16, a convex washer 17, and a nut 18 are then arranged on the threaded rod. The nut is properly tightened so that the rear side 21 of the wing section is supported on the wing, but without deforming the insertion hole 6. The use of the concave and convex washers allows the wing section to tilt slightly without damaging the threaded rod. The upper surface of the wing will coincide with the upper surface of the wing section.

[0041] The lower flange 12 is preferably provided with an L-shaped first section and a second section. Thus, the lower flange 12 can be attached to the wing plate 10, with the first section protruding vertically from the bottom side of the wing plate 10 and the second section extending parallel to the front end of the wing plate 10 to form a receiving chamber between the upper flange 11 and the lower flange 12. Figure 6 A wing 10 with multiple wing segments 1 is shown; in this example, there are three wing segments. A wing is a portion of a ship's entry ramp that includes several wing sections. Each wing segment is attached to the wing using four threaded members (three inserts and three threaded rods in this case). Depending on the size of the wing segment and the wing, two to five threaded members can be used to attach the wing segment to the wing. In the example shown, there is a small sideway clearance between the individual wing segments. This allows the individual wing segments to move freely, enabling them to reliably adjust to the ground.

[0042] One advantage of the wing segment of the present invention is that existing winglets can be easily modified for use with the wing segment. The wing segment can be attached to the winglet by removing the outer portion of the existing winglet and welding the second flange to it. In this way, it is not necessary to replace the ramp or the winglet. For damaged winglets, modifying the winglet for use with the wing segment is easier than repairing it.

[0043] In the example method of installing wing section 1 to wing 10, the following steps are included:

[0044] - Attach wing segment 1 to the front region of wing 10 using the following steps:

[0045] - Attach at least one rod member 14 to the wing plate 10 and the wing plate segment 1.

[0046] The rod member 14 is arranged to extend from the wing plate 10 and into the wing plate segment 1 between the upper surface 11 and the lower surface 12 of the wing plate segment 1.

[0047] In one example, the method also includes at least one of the following steps:

[0048] - An insertion hole 6 is provided in the wing plate, and

[0049] - Connecting holes 7 are provided in the wing plate.

[0050] Holes 6 and 7 are provided (by drilling, milling, or other suitable methods), and their positions can be adjusted to the flange to which the flange segment will be attached when needed.

[0051] In one example, the method also includes at least one of the following steps:

[0052] -Remove the front part of wing plate 1

[0053] - Attach the lower flange 12 to the front end of the wing plate.

[0054] By using the above method, a wing section 1 can be modified onto the existing rigid wing plate 10 on the ship to enhance the overall performance of the wing plate by utilizing the mass of the wing section 1.

[0055] When removing the leading edge of wingplate 1, any suitable cutting method can be used to cut off the leading edge; however, it is preferred to choose a method that leaves a relatively clean cut edge to minimize post-processing. The removed leading edge of wingplate 1 corresponds to the wingplate segment 1 to be attached to the wingplate, rather than the removed leading edge of wingplate 1.

[0056] The lower flange 12 can be attached to the front end of the wing plate using bolts, screws or other detachable attachment devices, or welded to the wing plate 10.

[0057] The wing section 10 can be attached to the wing 1 and the first section of the lower flange using any of the attachment devices described previously.

[0058] This invention should not be considered limited to the embodiments described above; many other variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the following claims. The wing segment can be of any size and can be made of any suitable material. Other types of attachment devices are also possible.

[0059] Figure Labels

[0060] 1: Wing section

[0061] 2: Front end area

[0062] 3: Backend area

[0063] 4: Upper surface

[0064] 5: Lower surface

[0065] 6: Insertion hole

[0066] 7: Connecting hole

[0067] 8: Upper concave part

[0068] 9: concave part

[0069] 10: Wing plate

[0070] 11: Upper flange

[0071] 12: Lower flange

[0072] 13: Insert

[0073] 14: Threaded rod

[0074] 15: Flat Washer

[0075] 16: Concave washer

[0076] 17: Convex Washer

[0077] 18: Nut

[0078] 19: Ribs

[0079] 21: Rear side

[0080] 22: Diagonal line

[0081] 23: Pole

[0082] 24: Threaded hole

[0083] 25: Bolt

Claims

1. A wing section (1) for use in a wing section (10) included in a ship entry ramp, said wing section (1) comprising a front end region (2) and a rear end region (3), wherein, The height of the rear end region (3) is greater than the height of the front end region (2), the wing segment (1) is flexible, and the wing segment (1) is adapted to be removably attached to the wing (10), characterized in that the wing segment (1) is provided with at least one connecting hole (7) extending from the rear end region (3) of the wing segment (1) into the wing segment (1) in a direction from the rear end region (3) toward the front end region (2), wherein the wing segment (1) includes a plurality of insertion holes (6) arranged at the rear end region (3), and wherein each insertion hole (6) is connected to the connecting hole (7), wherein the insertion hole (6) is provided with an insert (13), and each insert (13) is provided with a threaded rod extending through the connecting hole (7).

2. The wing section according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one connection hole (7) extends from the rear side (21) of the wing section (1).

3. The wing section according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The wing section (1) is adapted to be attached to the wing (10) by means of a plurality of threaded members.

4. The wing segment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rear end region (3) includes a lateral upper recess (8) and a lateral lower recess (9).

5. The wing section according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lateral upper recess (8) is adapted to engage with the upper flange (11) of the wing plate (10), and the lateral lower recess (9) is adapted to engage with the lower flange (12) of the wing plate (10).

6. The wing section according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The upper surface (4) of the wing section (1) includes a plurality of protruding transverse ribs (19).

7. The wing section according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The wing segment includes a rod (23) having at least one threaded hole (24), wherein the rod (23) is molded into the wing segment (1).

8. The wing section according to claim 7, characterized in that, The rod (23) extends over the width of the wing section (1), and the rod (23) includes a plurality of threaded holes (24).

9. A wing plate (10) for a vessel entry ramp, the wing plate (10) comprising a plurality of wing plate segments (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The wing plate according to claim 9, characterized in that, The wing section (1) is attached to the wing (10) by using a concave washer (16) and a convex washer (17).

11. A vessel entry ramp, characterized in that, The ramp includes a plurality of wing plates (10) as described in claim 9 or 10.

12. A method for installing a wing section (1) to a wing (10) of a ship's entry ramp, wherein, The wing segment (1) includes a front end region (2) and a rear end region (3), the height of the rear end region (3) being greater than the height of the front end region (2). The wing segment (1) is flexible and adapted to be removably attached to the wing plate (10). The wing segment (1) is provided with at least one connecting hole (7) extending from the rear end region (3) of the wing segment (1) into the wing segment (1) in a direction from the rear end region (3) toward the front end region (2). The method includes the following steps: - The wing segment (1) is attached to the front region of the wing (10) by the following steps: - Attach at least one rod member (14) to the wing plate (10) and the wing plate segment (1), The rod member (14) is arranged between the upper surface (4) and the lower surface (5) of the wing section (1) and extends from the wing plate (10) into the wing section (1) in a direction from the rear end region (3) toward the front end region (2).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The method further includes at least one of the following steps: -Remove the front end of the wing plate (10), and - Attach the lower flange (12) to the front end of the wing plate (10).

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