Knuckle boom crane for offshore applications

Abstract

The invention relates to a knuckle-joint crane for offshore applications, wherein the crane comprises a knuckle-joint (3) carried by a support structure (2) and provided with a handling mechanism (5). The knuckle-joint (3) comprises a main arm (31) and a tip arm (32). The handling mechanism (5) of the knuckle-joint (3) comprises at least one downstream linear actuator (52) arranged between the main arm (31) and the tip arm (32) for a rotational operation of the tip arm (32) about a downstream axis of articulation (36'). And, the at least one downstream linear actuator (52) is fastened to one of the lateral faces (311) of the main arm (31) and to one of the lateral faces (321) of the tip arm (32) to provide an improved lever arm between the main arm (31) and the tip arm (32).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of offshore cranes, and more particularly to the technical field of articulated boom cranes for offshore applications. Background Technology

[0002] In the maritime sector, vessels are typically equipped with folding boom cranes.

[0003] In the maritime sector, the use of these articulated boom cranes is of particular interest, especially their operating range and maximum load.

[0004] Therefore, this type of folding arm typically consists of two consecutive arms: a support arm and an end arm.

[0005] The support arm (usually called the "main arm") is typically hinged to the support structure. The end arm (usually called the "cantilever") is typically hinged to the support arm.

[0006] The operation of these two steering arm components is typically performed using hydraulic jacks:

[0007] - The first jack is positioned between the supporting structure and the supporting arm for operating the supporting arm; and

[0008] - The second jack is placed between the various parts of the folding arm for operation of the end arm.

[0009] Limiting the stroke and connection points of these jacks can optimize the system's working radius and productivity.

[0010] Here, the second jack is usually placed between the opposite sides of the two parts of the folding arm: the upstream end of the cylinder is fixed to the main boom, while the downstream end of the rod is fixed to the folding arm.

[0011] However, the existing structure of the articulated arm has inherent limitations in two aspects:

[0012] - The hinge angles between the various parts of the folding arm are typically approximately 120°; and

[0013] - The ability of the folding arm to support a load in a given position, especially when the jack is fully retracted or fully extended. Summary of the Invention

[0014] To overcome the aforementioned deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention proposes a folding boom crane for marine applications, wherein the crane comprises:

[0015] - Support structure,

[0016] - A folding arm, which is supported by the supporting structure and equipped with an operating mechanism.

[0017] - A winch drum, which is associated with a rotating mechanism and is used to receive slender lifting components (e.g., cables, advantageously metal or synthetic cables).

[0018] The folding arm includes a main arm and an end arm connected in sequence, each of which includes:

[0019] -Two sides,

[0020] -Upstream end, which is located on one side of the supporting structure, and

[0021] - Downstream end, which is far from the supporting structure.

[0022] The support structure and the upstream end of the main arm cooperate through an upstream hinge mechanism that defines the upstream hinge axis.

[0023] The downstream end of the main arm and the upstream end of the end arm cooperate through a downstream hinge mechanism that defines the downstream hinge axis.

[0024] The upstream and downstream hinge axes extend parallel to each other in an advantageous manner.

[0025] The operating mechanism for manipulating the articulated arm includes:

[0026] - At least one upstream linear actuator disposed between the support structure and the main arm for rotational operation of the main arm about the upstream hinge axis, and

[0027] - At least one downstream linear actuator disposed between the main arm and the end arm for rotational operation of the end arm about the downstream hinge axis.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the at least one downstream linear actuator is fixed to one side of the support arm on one side and to one side of the end arm on the other side.

[0029] What is particularly interesting about this configuration is the provision of an improved lever arm between the main arm and the end arm.

[0030] This new design can also increase the hinge angle between the various components of the articulated arm.

[0031] Furthermore, this arrangement of the downstream linear actuator can improve the ability of the folding arm to support the load at a given position, especially when the downstream linear actuator is fully retracted or fully extended.

[0032] The following are other non-limiting and advantageous features of the system according to the invention, which are taken individually or in combination of all technically possible features:

[0033] - The at least one downstream linear actuator is inscribed in the cylinder body, and the main arm and the end arm are each inscribed in a transverse body defined by a vertical plane passing through the side, and the cylinder body of the at least one downstream linear actuator extends outside the transverse body of the main arm and the end arm.

[0034] - The control mechanism includes two downstream linear actuators that are identical and coplanar, positioned on either side of the main arm and the end arm, respectively;

[0035] - The at least one downstream linear actuator is fastened to one side of the main arm via an upstream assembly mechanism in the form of a universal joint (also known as a universal joint, Hawk joint, or U-joint) and to one side of the end arm via a downstream assembly mechanism in the form of a ball joint (the "ball joint" function of the universal joint releases rotation and eliminates parasitic moments, particularly parasitic bending moments); preferably, the upstream assembly mechanism comprises: a star joint that carries the at least one downstream linear actuator; and at least one yoke that carries the star joint and is assembled to the side of the main arm;

[0036] - The at least one linear actuator includes a cylinder and a rod, wherein the cylinder has an upstream end away from the rod and a downstream end on one side of the rod, an upstream assembly mechanism is fastened to the cylinder away from the upstream end (preferably at the downstream end), and the downstream assembly mechanism is still preferably fastened to the free end of the rod using a retaining ring of the cylinder of the downstream linear actuator; this mounting of the downstream linear actuator optimizes the bending length, which is limited to the extension length of the rod (and no longer limited to the total length of the downstream linear actuator); the cylinder of the downstream linear actuator extends partially or completely overhanging relative to the upstream assembly mechanism;

[0037] - The at least one linear actuator is composed of a hydraulic jack or an electric jack.

[0038] The present invention also relates to a vessel for marine applications equipped with a folding boom crane according to the present invention.

[0039] Of course, different features, variations and embodiments of the present invention can be associated with each other in various combinations, as long as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Furthermore, various other features of the invention will become apparent from the accompanying description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention, and in which:

[0041] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of a folding boom crane according to the present invention, wherein the folding boom is in a folded state;

[0042] Figure 2It is based on Figure 1 An overall perspective view of a folding boom crane;

[0043] Figure 3 It is based on Figure 1 An overall side view of a folding boom crane;

[0044] Figure 4 It is based on Figure 1 An overall perspective view of a folding boom crane, with its folding boom now operating in a partially extended configuration;

[0045] Figure 5 It is based on Figure 4 An overall side view of a folding boom crane;

[0046] Figure 6 This is an overall perspective view of a knuckle boom crane with its knuckle boom fully extended.

[0047] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A partial enlarged view of detail VII, which shows the downstream linear actuator assembly mechanism in a disassembled configuration;

[0048] Figure 8 It is based on Figure 6 A top view of a folding boom crane in its fully extended configuration;

[0049] It should be noted that in these figures, structural and / or functional elements common to different variations can be represented by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The articulated boom crane 1 (also called "crane 1") according to the present invention is suitable for marine applications.

[0051] Such a folding boom crane 1 is advantageously designed to be equipped on vessels (not shown, also referred to as "marine vessels") for offshore applications. Therefore, the crane 1 is suitable for loading by "marine" vessels.

[0052] The term "ship" specifically includes seagoing vessels, especially ships, floating cranes, offshore barges, and offshore platforms.

[0053] Therefore, the crane 1 can be used for, but is not limited to, the installation or dismantling of transportation infrastructure, shipboard maintenance or operation.

[0054] Especially Figure 1 As shown, crane 1 mainly consists of three components:

[0055] - Support structure 2, which forms the connection structure between crane 1 and the ship.

[0056] - The articulated arm 3, which is supported by the support structure 2 and equipped with the operating mechanism 5, and

[0057] -Windlass drum 7, which is associated with the rotating mechanism 8, and is used to accommodate the elongated lifting member L (in Figure 1 (Illustrated schematically).

[0058] The support structure 2 is advantageously composed of a cylinder or column designed to rotate about a vertical axis 2' by means of an actuating mechanism (not shown, advantageously hydraulic or electric).

[0059] The winch drum 7 and the rotating mechanism 8 together form a winch, which is advantageously conventional.

[0060] The rotating mechanism 8 is particularly selected from electric or hydraulic motor devices.

[0061] The articulated boom 3 is advantageously equipped with pulleys 9, which are designed in a customized manner in terms of size, distribution and arrangement to guide the slender lifting member L between the winch drum 7 and the load to be lifted (not shown).

[0062] The articulated boom 3 includes two boom components 31 and 32 (also called booms or sections), which are sequentially installed from the support structure 2:

[0063] - Main arm 31, and

[0064] -End arm 32 (also known as "cantilever").

[0065] The main arm 31 and the end arm 32 each include:

[0066] -Two side panels, 311, 321,

[0067] -The upstream ends 312 and 322 located on one side of the support structure 2, and

[0068] - The downstream ends 313 and 323 are far from the support structure 2.

[0069] The main arm 31 and the end arm 32 therefore have an advantageously approximately parallelepiped shape.

[0070] In each arm component 31, 32, the sides 311, 321 advantageously extend parallel (or nearly parallel) to each other, preferably vertically.

[0071] like Figure 8 As shown, the main arm 31 and the end arm 32 are respectively inscribed within the transverse main body:

[0072] - The main arm 31 is inscribed within the transverse body E31 (also known as the maximum horizontal width), which is defined by two vertical planes P311 passing through its two sides 311, and

[0073] - The end arm 32 is inscribed within the transverse body E32 (also known as the maximum horizontal width), which is defined by two vertical planes P321 passing through its two sides 321.

[0074] As described below, the upstream end 312 of the main boom 31 is assembled with the support structure 2. Here, the downstream end 313 of the main boom 31 and the upstream end 322 of the end arm 32 are assembled together. Furthermore, the downstream end 323 of the end arm 32 is free.

[0075] The upstream end 312 of the support structure 2 and the main arm 31 cooperates by an upstream hinge mechanism 35, which defines an advantageously horizontal upstream hinge axis 35'.

[0076] Therefore, the main arm 31 is designed to rotate relative to the support structure 2 about the upstream hinge axis 35' located at its upstream end 312.

[0077] Here, the downstream end 313 of the main arm 31 and the upstream end 322 of the end arm 32 cooperate via a downstream hinge mechanism 36, which defines an advantageously horizontal downstream hinge axis 36'.

[0078] Therefore, the end arm 32 is designed to rotate relative to the main arm 31 about the downstream hinge axis 36' located at its upstream end 322.

[0079] The upstream hinge mechanism 35 and the downstream hinge mechanism 36 are advantageously composed of steering joints, for example, in the form of ball bearings, which are arranged between the ends of the combination (e.g., bearing / stud type).

[0080] The upstream hinge axis 35' and the downstream hinge axis 36' extend parallel to each other, and advantageously horizontally.

[0081] The different rotational movements of the arm components 31 and 32 are advantageously performed by the operating mechanism 5 associated with the control device (not shown).

[0082] The operating mechanism 5 of the articulated arm 3 specifically includes linear actuators 51 and 52, namely:

[0083] - At least one upstream linear actuator 51 is arranged between the support structure 2 and the main arm 31 for rotational operation of the main arm 31 about its upstream hinge axis 35', and

[0084] - At least one downstream linear actuator 52 is arranged between the main arm 31 and the end arm 32 for rotational operation of the end arm 32 about its downstream hinge axis 36'.

[0085] Typically, the linear actuators 51 and 52 are advantageously composed of hydraulic jacks, preferably associated with a hydraulic unit (not shown). The linear actuators 51 and 52 may also be composed of electric jacks.

[0086] Each linear actuator 51, 52 advantageously includes cylinders 511, 521 and rods 512, 522.

[0087] Each cylinder block 511, 521 has two ends:

[0088] -The upstream ends 511a and 521a of rods 512 and 522 are away from each other.

[0089] - Downstream ends 511b and 521b on the side of rods 512 and 522.

[0090] In this regard, rods 512 and 522 have free downstream ends 512b and 522b.

[0091] like Figure 8 As schematically shown, the at least one downstream linear actuator 52 is internally connected in the cylinder body / cylindrical body E52 (also referred to as the maximum horizontal width).

[0092] "Cylinder body" specifically refers to the outer body defined by the at least one downstream linear actuator 52 (particularly its cylinder body 521).

[0093] Furthermore, according to the invention, the at least one downstream linear actuator 52 is fastened to the arm components 51, 52 at two specific points, namely:

[0094] -On the upstream side, fastened to one of the sides 311 of the main boom 31, and

[0095] - On the downstream side, fasten to one of the sides 321 of the end arm 32.

[0096] According to the invention, this arrangement of the at least one downstream linear actuator 52 provides an improved lever arm between the main arm 31 and the end arm 32.

[0097] Thus, as Figure 8 As shown, the cylinder body E52 of the at least one downstream linear actuator 52 advantageously extends beyond the lateral bodies E31, E32 of the main arm 31 and the end arm 32 (more specifically, extends beyond a portion of the lateral bodies E31, E32 of the main arm 31 and the end arm 32 opposite to the at least one downstream linear actuator 52).

[0098] In other words, the at least one downstream linear actuator 52 is laterally biased relative to the arm components 31, 32, thereby extending toward the sides 311, 321 of the arm components 31, 32.

[0099] Therefore, the at least one downstream linear actuator 52 is located outside the central space defined on the one hand between the vertical planes P311 of the main arm 31 and on the other hand between the vertical planes P321 of the end arm 32.

[0100] Still according to the invention, the actuation mechanism 5 includes two downstream linear actuators 52, which are identical and coplanar with each other, and are positioned on either side of the main arm 31 and the end arm 32.

[0101] Each downstream linear actuator 52 is thus fastened to a pair of sides 311, 321 on the same side of the folding arm 3: side 311 of the main arm 31 and side 321 of the end arm 32 on the same side of the folding arm 3.

[0102] The at least one downstream linear actuator 52 is fastened to two sides 311, 321 by assembly mechanisms 10, 11, i.e.:

[0103] - The upstream assembly mechanism 10, located at one of the sides 311 of the main arm 31, advantageously defines at least one rotational degree of freedom parallel to the upstream hinge axis 35' and the downstream hinge axis 36', and

[0104] The downstream assembly mechanism 11, at one of the sides 321 of the end arm 32, advantageously defines at least one rotational degree of freedom parallel to the upstream hinge axis 35' and the downstream hinge axis 36'.

[0105] More precisely, the upstream assembly mechanism 10 is located away from its upstream end 521a and is advantageously fastened to the cylinder 521 of the downstream linear actuator 52 at its downstream end 521b.

[0106] Preferably, the upstream assembly mechanism 10 is here fastened to the retaining ring 521b of the cylinder 521 of the downstream linear actuator 52.

[0107] Then, the downstream linear actuator 52 extends on both sides of the upstream assembly mechanism 10.

[0108] The cylinder 521 of the downstream linear actuator 52 therefore needs to pivot about its downstream end 521b at the downstream assembly mechanism 10.

[0109] The cylinder 521 of the downstream linear actuator 52 extends partially or completely overhanging (or overhanging) relative to the upstream assembly mechanism 10 (upstream side).

[0110] Relative to the downstream assembly mechanism 10, the cylinder 521 extends on the side of the support structure 2, while the rod 522 extends on the side of the end arm 32.

[0111] In other words, the cylinder block 521 extends relative to one of the sides 311 of the main arm 31; while the rod 522 extends relative to one of the sides 321 of the end arm 32 and one of the sides 311 of the main arm 31.

[0112] like Figure 7 As shown, the at least one downstream linear actuator 52 is advantageously fastened to two sides 311, 321 by different assembly mechanisms 10, 11:

[0113] -The upstream assembly mechanism 10 is in the form of a universal joint at one of the sides 311 of the main arm 31, and

[0114] -The downstream assembly mechanism 11 is in the form of a ball joint at one of the sides 321 of the end arm 32.

[0115] This combination of the upstream assembly mechanism 10 and the downstream assembly mechanism 11, especially the "ball joint" function of the upstream assembly mechanism 10, provides an optimal bending length for the at least one downstream linear actuator 52, releases rotation and eliminates parasitic torque, particularly parasitic bending moment.

[0116] The upstream assembly unit 10 here includes:

[0117] - A star-shaped connector 101, which carries the at least one downstream linear actuator 52 with a first rotational degree of freedom R1, and

[0118] - At least one yoke 102, which is fastened to one of the sides 311 of the main arm 31 and carries the star joint 101 with a second rotational degree of freedom R2.

[0119] The star joint 101 thus defines two rotational degrees of freedom R1 and R2 that are perpendicular to each other (advantageously, the vertical axis of rotation R1 and the horizontal axis of rotation R2).

[0120] These rotation axes R1, R2 advantageously intersect each other at the longitudinal axis 52' of the downstream linear actuator 52.

[0121] For this purpose, the star connector 101 is advantageously constructed of an annular element into which the downstream end 521b of the cylinder 521 of the downstream linear actuator 52 is inserted.

[0122] The annular component 101 includes two pairs of concentric holes 1011 and 1012, each pair of concentric holes defining one of two rotational degrees of freedom R1 and R2.

[0123] Two first concentric holes 1011 accommodate double-ended studs 1013 that mate with complementary concentric blind holes 1014, which are carried by the downstream end 521b of the cylinder 521 of the downstream linear actuator 52 (advantageously arranged on a retaining ring 521b on the rod side, denoted by the same reference numeral 521b for simplicity), thereby defining the vertical axis of rotation R1.

[0124] Two second concentric holes 1012 accommodate double-ended studs 1015 (additional and fixed) carried by the yoke 102 to define the horizontal axis of rotation R2.

[0125] Here, the downstream assembly mechanism 11 is fastened to the free end 522b of the rod 522.

[0126] Typically, the at least one downstream linear actuator 52 is advantageously secured to one of the sides 321 of the end arm 32, away from the downstream hinge mechanism 36.

[0127] In addition, the at least one upstream linear actuator 51 is fastened to the support structure 2 on one hand and to the main arm 31 on the other.

[0128] The at least one upstream linear actuator 51 is fixed at two points:

[0129] - Secured to the support structure 2 via the upstream assembly mechanism 15, which is in the form of a steering joint; and

[0130] - Secured to the main boom 31 via a downstream assembly mechanism 16 in the form of a steering joint.

[0131] Here, the upstream linear actuator 51 is fastened to the upstream assembly mechanism 15 at the upstream end 511a of its cylinder 51, and to the downstream assembly mechanism 16 at the free end 512b of its rod 512.

[0132] There are also two upstream linear actuators 51, which are identical and coplanar, and are placed on either side of the main arm 31.

[0133] In fact, the articulated arm 3 can be operated by the control mechanism 5 based on two movements:

[0134] - By controlling the rotational operation of the main arm 31 of the at least one upstream linear actuator 51 about its upstream hinge axis 35', and

[0135] - By controlling the rotation of the end arm 32 of the at least one downstream linear actuator 52 about its downstream hinge axis 36'.

[0136] In particular, the at least one downstream linear actuator 52 according to the invention provides an improved lever arm between the main arm 31 and the end arm 32.

[0137] During the deployment of the end arm 32, the downstream linear actuator 52 is designed to oscillate about the first rotational degree of freedom R1 (horizontal) defined by the upstream assembly mechanism 10.

[0138] With the upstream assembly mechanism 10, the cylinder 521 of the downstream linear actuator 52 is mounted at its downstream end 521b, further optimizing the bending length limited to the extension length of the rod 522 (and no longer limiting the total length of the downstream linear actuator 52).

[0139] In the case of bending, the downstream linear actuator 52 also has a rotational clearance based on the first rotational degree of freedom R1 (horizontal) and the second rotational degree of freedom R2 (vertical), which is also defined by the upstream assembly mechanism 10.

[0140] The "ball joint" function of assembly mechanisms 10 and 11 releases rotation and eliminates parasitic torque, especially parasitic bending moment.

[0141] Of course, various other modifications can be made to the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A folding boom crane for offshore applications, wherein, The crane includes: - Support structure (2); - A folding arm (3), which is supported by the support structure (2) and equipped with an operating mechanism (5); - A winch drum (7), associated with a rotating mechanism (8) and used to receive an elongated lifting member (L), The folding arm (3) includes a main arm (31) and an end arm (32) connected in series, each of the main arm and the end arm comprising: - Two sides (311, 321); - Upstream end (312, 322), the upstream end being located on one side of the support structure (2); and - Downstream end (313, 323), the downstream end being away from the support structure (2), The support structure (2) and the upstream end (312) of the main arm (31) cooperate through an upstream hinge mechanism (35) that defines the upstream hinge axis (35'). The downstream end (313) of the main arm (31) and the upstream end (322) of the end arm (32) cooperate through a downstream hinge mechanism (36) that defines the downstream hinge axis (36'). The operating mechanism (5) of the articulated arm (3) includes: - At least one upstream linear actuator (51) disposed between the support structure (2) and the main arm (31) for rotational operation of the main arm (31) about the upstream hinge axis (35'); and - At least one downstream linear actuator (52) disposed between the main arm (31) and the end arm (32) for rotational operation of the end arm (32) about the downstream hinge axis (36'), The feature is that the at least one downstream linear actuator (52): - Secured to one of the sides (311) of the main arm (31) via an upstream assembly mechanism (10) in the form of a universal joint, and - Secured to one of the sides (321) of the end arm (32) by a downstream assembly mechanism (11) in the form of a ball joint; The upstream assembly mechanism (10) includes: - A star-shaped connector (101) carrying the at least one downstream linear actuator (52); and - At least one yoke (102) that carries the star joint (101) and is assembled to the side (311) of the main arm (31); The at least one linear actuator (51, 52) includes a cylinder (511, 521) and a rod (512, 522), the cylinder (511, 521) including an upstream end (511a, 521a) away from the rod (512, 522) and a downstream end (511b, 521b) located on one side of the rod (512, 522). The at least one downstream linear actuator (52) mentioned above: - Secured to one of the sides (311) of the main arm (31) by the upstream assembly mechanism (10), and - Secured to one of the sides (321) of the end arm (32) via the downstream assembly mechanism (11), The upstream assembly mechanism (10) is fastened to the cylinder (521) away from the upstream end (521a). The upstream assembly mechanism (10) is fastened to the cylinder (521) at the downstream end (521b) away from the upstream end (521a). The downstream assembly mechanism (11) is fixed to the free end (522b) of the rod (522).

2. The articulated boom crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one downstream linear actuator (52) is internally connected to the cylinder body (E52). The main arm (31) and the end arm (32) are respectively inlaid in the transverse body (E31, E32) defined by the vertical plane (P311, P321) passing through the sides (311, 321). The cylinder body (E52) of the at least one downstream linear actuator (52) extends outside the transverse bodies (E31, E32) of the main arm (31) and the end arm (32).

3. The articulated boom crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuation mechanism (5) includes two downstream linear actuators (52), which are identical and coplanar, and are positioned on either side of the main arm (31) and the end arm (32).

4. The articulated boom crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upstream assembly mechanism (10) is fastened to the retaining ring of the cylinder (521) of the downstream linear actuator (52).

5. The articulated boom crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylinder (521) of the downstream linear actuator (52) extends fully protruding relative to the upstream assembly mechanism (10).

6. The articulated boom crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one linear actuator (51, 52) is composed of a hydraulic jack or an electric jack.

7. A vessel for marine applications, equipped with a folding boom crane (1) according to claim 1.

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