Mounting structure, mounting device, propulsion unit, floating structure and mounting method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a mounting structure, a mounting device, a propulsion unit, a floating structure and a method of mounting. The mounting structure comprises a first mounting surface and a sealing portion arranged on the first mounting surface for sealing the propulsion unit to the hull. The first mounting surface is further provided with a pivot point arranged at or near an edge of the first mounting surface and outside the sealing portion, and at least two first protrusions are spaced apart from each other on the first mounting surface. Each of the first protrusions comprises a surface at least on a side of the first protrusion facing away from the pivot point, which surface is formed in a manner dependent on a distance between the pivot point and the surface at least in a direction perpendicular to the first mounting surface, such that when the mounting structure is tilted about the pivot point relative to a cylindrical cavity, the first protrusions arranged in the cylindrical cavity formed in a counterpart are configured to guide a mutual tilting movement of the cylindrical cavity and the first protrusions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to floating structures, and more particularly to mounting structures for mounting a propulsion unit to a floating structure. This disclosure also relates to a mounting apparatus, a propulsion unit, and a method for mounting a propulsion unit to a floating structure. Background Technology

[0002] Propulsion equipment consists of many components that may require maintenance and upkeep. Some operations even require docking, installation, removal and / or replacement of the propulsion unit in order to perform the required functions.

[0003] Mooring an entire floating structure (such as a ship-like marine vehicle) to port is a time-consuming and expensive operation, and available docks are very limited. In the case of semi-submersible drilling platforms, mooring to port is virtually impossible. Therefore, underwater removal and installation of the propulsion unit is advantageous. Several solutions exist for performing underwater installation of the propulsion unit.

[0004] Lifting in conventional lifting devices occurs in the vertical direction. However, in some cases, it is advantageous to mount the propulsion components at an angle relative to the vertical. If this involves providing a body with a floating structure having an angled mounting surface, a very careful and highly skilled operator is required because there is a high risk of damaging the seals during installation when heavy metal objects move at an angle toward each other and may cut into them.

[0005] To address this issue, a solution has been developed in which the mounting surfaces of the fuselage and propulsion unit are positioned horizontally, with the propulsion components inclined within the propulsion unit. However, this method has the problem of increasing the number of different types of propulsion units to be manufactured. Furthermore, mounting such propulsion units onto the fuselage is typically very difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a new mounting structure, mounting device, propulsion unit, floating structure, and method for mounting the propulsion unit to the floating structure.

[0007] The objective of this disclosure is achieved by a method, an installation structure, an installation device, a propulsion unit, and a floating structure, characterized by the contents set forth in the independent claims. Several embodiments of this disclosure are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0008] This disclosure is based on the idea of ​​providing a structure for the body of the propulsion unit and / or floating structure to guide their mounting surfaces in the correct position, tilting them about a pivot point until the mounting surfaces reach a position substantially parallel to each other. In such a correct position, possible mounting openings and other features provided in the mounting structure can preferably be aligned with corresponding mounting openings and other features provided in the mating parts (e.g., in the propulsion unit and the body). In this disclosure, these guiding structures are referred to, for example, as protrusions and cylindrical cavities.

[0009] The advantage of the solution disclosed herein is that the propulsion unit can be mounted from below the hull to the floating structure's hull, onto an inclined mounting surface disposed within the hull, without compromising the seals between these components. This simplifies the underwater installation of the propulsion unit onto the floating structure. Furthermore, manufacturing may be easier, fewer propulsion unit variants may be required, and in some embodiments, better hydrodynamic characteristics can be achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0010] In the following, the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and various embodiments, in which...

[0011] Figure 1 The floating structure is schematically illustrated as seen from the side.

[0012] Figure 2 The mounting structure of the propulsion unit of the floating structure is shown in a cross-section viewed from the side, which is used to mount the propulsion unit to the floating structure of the body;

[0013] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a mounting device for attaching the propulsion unit to the body of the floating structure;

[0014] Figure 4 A cross-section, viewed from the side, shows the mounting structure of the propulsion unit of the floating structure according to another embodiment for mounting the propulsion unit to the body of the floating structure;

[0015] Figures 5 to 8 The illustration shows the different stages and positions at which the propulsion unit according to the embodiment is installed into the floating structure, as viewed from the side and partially transparent.

[0016] Figures 9 to 11 The illustration shows details of the mounting device used to install the propulsion unit onto the floating structure body;

[0017] Figure 12 The illustration shows the installation device as seen from perspective;

[0018] Figure 13 The diagram illustrates a method for mounting a propulsion unit onto a floating structure.

[0019] Figure 14 The schematic diagram illustrates a mounting device for installing the propulsion unit onto the body of the floating structure; and

[0020] Figure 15 The illustration shows details of the mounting device in cross-section as viewed from the side according to an embodiment.

[0021] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not presented to scale. For clarity, some irrelevant features may be omitted and reference numerals may be provided only for a portion of similar features. Not all features are numbered in all the drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Figure 1 A floating structure is schematically illustrated as viewed from the side. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the floating structure shown is highly simplified and intended only to illustrate some features and terminology related to floating structures. Floating structures can include marine vehicles (such as ships, especially those difficult to dock) or another type of floating structure, such as semi-submersible drilling rigs or another type of drilling platform. Thus, marine vehicles can include ships or other types of self-propelled vehicles intended for use in or on water. In addition to marine vehicles, floating structures can also include structures designed to float on or on water that can be equipped with propulsion units for long or short distance movement.

[0023] The floating structure 3 may include the body 4 and the propulsion unit 2. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such floating structures typically also include a host of other components not described in more detail herein.

[0024] The propulsion unit 2 may include a propulsion unit used in an azimuth propulsion system. According to an embodiment, such a propulsion unit may be connected to the hull 4 of the floating structure via a slewing bearing. When such a propulsion unit rotates about its vertical axis, the direction of the propulsion force deviates from the longitudinal axis of the ship, and the propulsion unit steers the ship.

[0025] The propulsion unit 2 can be mechanical or electric. In other words, the propulsion unit 2 can be driven mechanically or electrically. If the azimuth propulsion unit is mechanical, the drive unit is typically located inside the body of the floating structure. The drive unit can be an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, such as a diesel engine. In such an embodiment, propulsion power can be transmitted to the propeller via mechanical gears and shafts. If the propulsion unit is electric, propulsion power is directed to the propulsion unit via cables or busbars and to an electric motor located inside the propulsion unit. According to an embodiment, the propulsion unit 2 may include a podded electric actuator in which mechanical gears are not used. In such an embodiment, the propeller can be directly connected to the shaft of the electric motor without gears.

[0026] The propulsion unit 2 is attached to the body 4 below the waterline 31 of the floating structure. In other words, when the floating structure 3 is in normal operating conditions, the area where the propulsion unit is attached to the body 4 is underwater. Therefore, the upper part of the propulsion unit 2 is preferably attached to the body 4 in a liquid-tight manner. The propulsion unit 2 may include a slewing bearing 28, such that the lower part of the propulsion unit can rotate about a vertical axis and / or an axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the first mounting surface 5. Such slewing bearings 28 are known in the art and will not be discussed in more detail here.

[0027] Figure 2 The mounting structure 1 for mounting the propulsion unit 2 to the body 4 of the floating structure is shown in a cross-section as viewed from the side. Figure 4 A cross-section viewed from the side shows the mounting structure of the propulsion unit of the floating structure according to another embodiment for mounting the propulsion unit to the body of the floating structure; therefore, the propulsion unit 2 can be the propulsion unit of the floating structure 3.

[0028] Mounting structure 1 includes a first mounting surface 5. According to... Figure 2 The mounting structure 1 also includes a sealing portion 6 disposed on the first mounting surface 5 for sealing the propulsion unit 2 to the body 4. More specifically, the sealing portion 6 is a part of the first mounting surface 5 configured to be closed within a liquid-tight seal when the propulsion unit 2 is mounted to the body 4. According to embodiments, the mounting structure 1 may be configured as part of the propulsion unit 2, part of the body 4, or as a separate structural part mounted to the propulsion unit 2, the body 4, or between the propulsion unit 2 and the body 4.

[0029] Such as according to Figure 2 or Figure 4 The mounting structure 1 has a first mounting surface 5 with a pivot point 10 located at or near the edge 8 of the first mounting surface 5, and outside the sealing portion 6. In other words, the pivot point 10 is located in the region between the sealing portion 6 and the outer edge 8 of the first mounting surface 5. According to an embodiment, the pivot point 10 may include a virtual point or line-like pivot point, in other words, a hinge point or hinge edge around which it tilts, or one or more grooves and / or protrusions formed at the pivot point in the first mounting surface 5. According to an embodiment, the one or more grooves and / or protrusions formed in the first mounting surface 5 may also be at least partially configured to guide and / or limit the mutual tilting of the two components described in this specification and the appended claims, and the direction in which the tilting may occur.

[0030] according to Figure 2The first mounting surface 5 of the mounting structure 1 is also provided with at least two first protrusions 11 spaced apart from each other on the first mounting surface 5. Each of the first protrusions 11 includes a surface 15 on at least the side of the first protrusion 11 opposite to the pivot point 10. The surface 15 is formed, at least in a direction perpendicular to the first mounting surface, in a manner dependent on the distance 16 between the pivot point 10 and the surface 15, such that when the mounting structure 1 and, consequently, the first protrusions 11, are tilted relative to the cylindrical cavity formed in the mating member and, consequently, the mating member, about the pivot point 10, the first protrusions 11 disposed in the cylindrical cavity are configured to guide the mutual tilting movement of the cylindrical cavity and the first protrusions 11. The first protrusions 11 may include features projecting from the first mounting surface 5 toward the mating member. The mating member may include a structural portion of the floating structure relating to mounting the propulsion unit 2 to the floating structure or the remainder of the floating structure (such as mounting to the body 4), the propulsion unit 2, the body 4, or some other structural portion, such as a separate mounting structure.

[0031] According to an embodiment, instead of being configured to guide the mutual tilting movement of the cylindrical cavity and the first protrusion 11, the surface 15 is formed and positioned on the first mounting surface 5 such that when the mounting structure 1 and consequently the first protrusion 11 are tilted relative to the cylindrical cavity about the pivot point 10, the first protrusion 11 disposed in the cylindrical cavity is configured to align the first mounting surface 5 and the second mounting surface 19.

[0032] According to embodiments, such as Figure 2 or Figure 4In some embodiments, surface 15 may more specifically include a curved surface. The curved surface 15 may be curved at least in a direction 17 perpendicular to the first mounting surface such that when the mounting structure, and therefore the first protrusion, is tilted relative to the cylindrical cavity about the pivot point 10, the first protrusion 11 disposed in the cylindrical cavity formed in the mating member is configured to remain in contact with the cylindrical cavity. According to embodiments, the contact may be point contact, preferably line contact, and most preferably surface contact. Herein, line contact means that the points of the first protrusion 11 and the cylindrical cavity, placed abutting each other at a given position during mutual tilting movement, form a linear shape. According to embodiments, the linear shape may be a straight line, a curve, or a combination thereof. Similarly, surface contact means that the points of the first protrusion 11 and the cylindrical cavity, placed abutting each other at a given position during mutual tilting movement, form a surface-like shape. A surface-like shape includes points spaced apart from each other in a manner defining at least two dimensions of the shape. Maintaining such contact means forming point, line, or surface contacts at multiple locations during the mutual tilting movement, preferably during the remainder of the mutual tilting movement from the location where the point, line, or surface contact is first formed, until the end of the tilting movement. According to embodiments, the exact shape of the point, line, or surface contact may remain constant or change at multiple locations during the mutual tilting movement.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the first mounting surface 5 may include a circular shape with a circular outer edge. The circular shape of the first mounting surface 5 may be, for example, a circle or annulus. According to an embodiment, the circular outer edge may have an extension 29 provided on one side of the first mounting surface 5. In other words, the circular shape of the first mounting surface 5 may include an extension 29 extending radially outside the circle (e.g., a circle or annulus), such that the edge 8 is further from the midpoint of the circle in the region of the extension 29 than in the remainder of the first mounting surface 5. In such an embodiment, a pivot point 10 may be located within this extension 29.

[0034] In this disclosure, surface contact refers to contact between surfaces, where the contact takes the form of surfaces rather than points or lines. In other words, in such surface contact, the points of opposing surfaces that are simultaneously in contact with each other at a given inclined location include at least three points spaced apart from each other in at least two dimensions, preferably in three dimensions.

[0035] According to an embodiment, pivot point 10 refers to a point, line, or shape around which the mounting structure 1 is tilted relative to the second mounting surface 19. According to an embodiment, pivot point 10 may or may not include structures disposed on the mounting structure 1.

[0036] In this disclosure, a cylindrical cavity refers to a cavity with a cylindrical shape disposed in a component of a floating structure (such as the body 4 of the floating structure 3 or the propulsion unit 2), the cavity being open at least at one end to a surface of the component. Therefore, these components can form mating pairs in which cylindrical cavities are formed. More specifically, the cylindrical cavity (such as the first cylindrical cavity 12) is open at least toward a surface of the component pointing toward the mounting structure 1. Therefore, according to embodiments, the cylindrical cavity can be, for example, a through hole or a blind hole.

[0037] According to embodiments, such as Figure 2 or Figure 4 In one embodiment, the mounting surface 5 may be provided with at least two first protrusions 11. According to another embodiment, the first mounting surface 5 is provided with at least three, preferably exactly three, first protrusions 11. Two, three, or more first protrusions 11 may be spaced apart along the outer edge region of the first mounting surface 5. The outer edge region of the first mounting surface 5 refers to the area where the first mounting surface is configured to engage and be mounted to the second mounting surface 19. According to an embodiment, the outer edge region is adjacent to the edge 8 of the first mounting surface 5. However, preferably, the first protrusions are not provided in the region of the extension 29. According to an embodiment, the first protrusions 11 may be arranged equidistant from each other or unequally spaced.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the first protrusion 11 is disposed within the sealing portion 6. According to another embodiment, the first protrusion 11 is disposed outside the sealing portion 6. According to yet another embodiment, the first protrusion 11 is disposed outside the sealing portion 6, and each first protrusion 11 is provided with a separate seal for sealing the first protrusion 11 when the propulsion unit 2 is sealed to the body 4.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the mounting structure 1 includes an outer sealing groove 20 for receiving a seal 21. Such seals for this purpose are known in the art and will not be discussed in detail here. The outer sealing groove 20 preferably has a closed shape. In other words, the outer sealing groove 20 preferably forms a continuous path without a beginning or end on the first mounting surface 5. Such a closed or continuous shape of the outer sealing groove 20 can include, for example, annular, rectangular, or irregular shapes defining a region within that shape. Thus, the outer sealing groove 20 can define a region on the first mounting surface 5 that may be a sealing portion 6 extending inwardly from the outer edge of the outer sealing groove 20. According to an embodiment, a pivot point 10 is located at or near the edge 8 of the first mounting surface and outside the sealing portion 6.

[0040] According to another embodiment, in addition to the outer sealing groove 20, another sealing groove 20' may be provided on the first mounting surface 5. According to this embodiment, the additional sealing groove 20' may be provided inside the outer sealing groove 20; in other words, from the outer sealing groove 20 on the first mounting surface 5 inwards, such as... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown in the illustration. According to an embodiment, an additional sealing groove 20' can be configured as a separate sealing groove that defines a region outside the outer sealing groove 20 and does not close the outer sealing groove 20 within that region, for example, surrounding the first protrusion 11 in an embodiment, wherein the first protrusion 11 is disposed outside the sealing portion 6. According to an embodiment, an additional sealing groove 20' can be provided both inside and outside the outer sealing groove 20.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the sealing portion 6 may include at least one outer sealing groove 20 for receiving the seal 21. In such an embodiment, the first protrusion 11 may be disposed near the outer sealing groove 20, preferably inside the outer sealing groove 20, in other words, from the outer sealing groove 20 inward.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the first mounting surface 5 may include two sealing grooves 20, 20' for receiving the seal 21, such as... Figure 11 and Figure 12 In one embodiment, the outer sealing groove 20 may define the sealing portion 6. According to an embodiment, the first mounting surface may include two seals 21, and similar to the sealing grooves 20, 20', the outermost seal of the seals 21 may define the sealing portion 6. According to an embodiment, the first mounting surface 5 may include a seal 21 and / or a sealing groove, an outer sealing groove 20, and the sealing portion 6 may be defined inwardly from the seal 21 or the outer sealing groove 20 (in other words, towards the midpoint of the circle).

[0043] According to an embodiment, the first mounting surface 5 is provided with two seals 21 or sealing grooves 20, 20', and the first protrusion 11 can be provided in the area between the seals 21 and / or the sealing grooves 20, 20'.

[0044] In other words, in some embodiments, the first protrusion 11 may be disposed between the two sealing grooves 20, 20' and / or seals 21, or viewed from one sealing groove 20 and / or seal 21 toward the midpoint of the circle.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the pivot point 10 may be located at or near the edge 8 of the first mounting surface, and outside the sealing portion 6 defined by the two sealing grooves 20.

[0046] According to an embodiment, one or more seals 21 are configured to seal the mounting flange in a liquid-tight manner. This allows for the removal of the lifting member 24 and the assembly pipe 33 from the interior of the floating structure 3. This is particularly advantageous when the installation of the propulsion unit 2 is carried out underwater.

[0047] An embodiment in which the first mounting surface 5 includes at least one sealing groove 20 may be particularly advantageous in embodiments in which the mounting structure 1 is configured to be associated with the propulsion unit 2, either as an integrated part of the propulsion unit 2 or as a separate structural part configured to be attached to the propulsion unit 2 by pointing towards the body 4 via the first mounting surface 5. According to another embodiment, the sealing portion 6 may include a smooth region against which one or more seals 21 are disposed when the propulsion unit 2 is mounted to the body 4. This embodiment may be particularly advantageous in which the mounting structure 1 is configured to be associated with the body 4, either as an integrated part of the body 4 or configured to be attached to the body 4, with the first mounting surface 5 pointing towards the propulsion unit 2.

[0048] When the propulsion unit 2 moves toward the body 4, for example by the mutual tilting of the components, the first protrusion 11 can be arranged to guide the relative position between the mounting structure 1 and the body 4. According to an embodiment, each of the first protrusions 11 includes a curved surface 15 at least on the side of the first protrusion 11 opposite to the pivot point 10. The curved surface 15 can be curved at least in a direction 17 transverse to the first mounting surface 5. In other words, the curved surface 15 can be curved at least relative to a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the point of the outer edge of the first mounting surface 5. The curved surface 15 can also be curved in the plane defined by the point of the outer edge of the first mounting surface 5. According to an embodiment, in the plane defined by the point of the outer edge of the first mounting surface 5, the cross-section of each first protrusion 11 is circular in the region of the curved surface 15. Therefore, in such an embodiment, the curved surface is curved both in the plane defined by the point of the outer edge of the first mounting surface 5 and relative to a direction perpendicular to this plane. However, when discussing the radius of curvature of a curved surface in this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, it refers to the radius of curvature relative to the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the point of the outer edge of the first mounting surface 5.

[0049] The curved surface 15 can be curved in such a way that when the mounting structure 1 and consequently the first protrusion 11 are tilted relative to the cylindrical cavity about the pivot point 10, the first protrusion 11 disposed in the cylindrical cavity is configured to maintain point contact, preferably line contact, and most preferably surface contact with the cylindrical cavity. In other words, when the first protrusion 11 and the cylindrical cavity are tilted relative to each other, the contact maintained between the first protrusion 11 and the cylindrical cavity can preferably be line contact or surface contact, rather than point contact.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the curved surface 15 is curved toward the pivot point 10 relative to a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the point of the outer edge of the first mounting surface 5, so as to maintain point contact, line contact, or surface contact with the cylindrical cavity. According to one embodiment, the mating element includes a body 4, the cylindrical cavity being a first cylindrical cavity 12 disposed within the body 4, and the mounting structure 1 being associated with the propulsion unit 2. According to another embodiment, the cylindrical cavity is a first cylindrical cavity 12 disposed within the propulsion unit 2, and the mounting structure 1 is associated with the body 4. In any type of embodiment of these embodiments, each first protrusion 11 may be configured to be received in one of the first cylindrical cavities 12 such that when the propulsion unit 2 is tilted relative to the body 4 about the pivot point 10, the first protrusion guides the position of the propulsion unit 2 relative to the body 4.

[0051] According to an embodiment, when the first protrusion 11 is at least partially disposed inside the first cylindrical cavity 12, and when the propulsion unit 2 is tilted relative to the body 4 about the pivot point 10, each first protrusion 11 may also be configured to maintain point contact, line contact or surface contact with the first cylindrical cavity 12.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the first protrusion 11 may be formed of a metallic material.

[0053] According to an embodiment, in addition to guiding the relative positions of the propulsion unit 2 and the body 4, the first protrusion 11 can also be configured to serve as a lifting point. For example, in Figures 5 to 8 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 Such an embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, when the mounting structure is associated with the propulsion unit 2, a lifting device (such as one or more lifting members 24) can then be attached to the first protrusion 11 for lifting the mounting structure 1 toward the body 4.

[0054] According to an embodiment, each lifting member 24 may be provided with a guide member 32, which is configured to move within one of the first cylindrical cavities 12 during lifting and tilting of the propulsion unit 2 toward the body 4, to guide the propulsion unit 2 to a position where a first contact can occur. In other words, the guide member 32 may be configured to guide the first mounting surface 5 and the second mounting surface 19 to such relative positions that the first contact can occur at the pivot point 10. According to an embodiment, the guide member 32 may be configured to surround (in other words, encircle or enclose) the lifting member 24. According to an embodiment, one of the guide members 32, more specifically, the guide member 32 closest to the first protrusion 11, may include a conical shape. Preferably, the wider end of the conical guide member 32 is positioned toward the first protrusion 11, and the guide member also supports guidance of that portion during lifting and tilting. According to an embodiment, the guide member 32 may be made of a polymeric material, preferably a plastic material.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the assembly tube 33 may be associated with and adjacent to each of the first cavities 12 on the second mounting surface 19, and a lifting member 24 (such as a lifting line) may be configured to extend inside the assembly tube 33. In other words, the lifting member 24 may be configured to be guided through the assembly tube and then connected to the first mounting surface 5 via the first protrusion 11 or other connecting means. Thus, the assembly tube 33 may also be configured to guide the mutual tilting of the components (i.e., the first mounting surface 5 and the second mounting surface 19).

[0056] According to an embodiment, the first mounting surface 5 may include a first mounting flange 13, which includes a flat surface 14 configured to engage with the second mounting surface 19. More specifically, the flat surface 14 may extend at least in the region of the sealing portion 6. The first mounting flange 13 may include a flange-like component or structure configured to engage directly or indirectly with the second mounting surface 19. The second mounting surface 19 may include a second mounting flange, which includes a second flat surface 14' that rests against the flat surface 14 in the mounting structure 1 when the propulsion unit 2 is mounted to the body 4. According to an embodiment, the mounting structure is configured to be associated with the propulsion unit 2 and the body 4 includes the second mounting surface 19. According to another embodiment, the mounting structure is configured to be associated with the body 4 and the propulsion unit 2 includes the second mounting surface 19.

[0057] Pivot point 10 refers to an edge around which the propulsion unit 2 is tilted relative to the body 4 of the floating structure 3 when the propulsion unit 2 is mounted to the body 4 as described in this disclosure. According to an embodiment, pivot point 10 may be formed between the edge 8 of the first mounting surface 5 and the sealing portion 6.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the radius of curvature of each of the curved surfaces 15, 15 of the first protrusion 11 depends on the distance 16 of the curved surface 15 from the pivot point 10. Therefore, in such an embodiment, by making the radius of curvature of the curved surface depend on the distance 15 of the curved surface from the pivot point 10, the surface 15 is formed, at least in the direction perpendicular to the first mounting surface, in a manner dependent on the distance 16 from the pivot point 10 to the surface 15. According to an embodiment, the radius of curvature of each of the curved surfaces 15, 15 is substantially equal to the distance of the curved surface 15, 15 from the pivot point 10. "Substantially equal" means that the radius of curvature is within a tolerance range of the distance, where this tolerance includes manufacturing tolerances and assembly precision.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the sealing portion 6 may be provided with a mounting opening 22 for mounting member 23, which is used to mount the propulsion unit 2 to the body 4 via the mounting structure 1. Figure 15 Details of such an embodiment are shown. Mounting the propulsion unit 2 to the body 4 via the mounting structure 1 means that the mounting structure 1 is configured to be associated with the propulsion unit 2 or the body 4 and a first mounting surface 5 forming one of the mounting surfaces of the propulsion unit 2 to the body 4. According to an embodiment, the mounting opening 22 may include holes, such as through holes and / or blind holes. According to an embodiment, the mounting member 23 may include bolts or other known types of mounting members.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the mounting structure 1 is formed as a separate component. Such a mounting structure 1 can be configured to be correspondingly mounted to the propulsion unit 2 or the body 4 by any suitable mounting method (such as by bolts or by welding), thereby being associated with the propulsion unit 2 or the body 4. According to another embodiment, the mounting structure 1 is formed as an integrated part of the propulsion unit 2 or the body 4. In other words, the mounting structure 1 can also be configured to be associated with the propulsion unit 2 or the body 4 by correspondingly forming an integrated part of the propulsion unit 2 or the body.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the mounting structure 1 is configured to be associated with the propulsion unit 2, and the first mounting surface 5 is configured to point towards the body 4 of the floating structure 3 when the propulsion unit 2 is mounted to the body 4 and thus to the floating structure 3. According to another embodiment, the mounting structure 1 is configured to be associated with the body 4, and the first mounting surface 5 is configured to point towards the propulsion unit 2 when the propulsion unit 2 is mounted to the body 4 and thus to the floating structure 3.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the propulsion unit 2 may include a mounting structure 1 according to an embodiment or combination of embodiments described in this disclosure. According to an alternative embodiment, the body 4 may include a mounting structure 1 according to an embodiment or combination of embodiments described in this disclosure.

[0063] Figure 3 The figure shows a mounting device 18 for mounting the propulsion unit 2 to the body 4 of the floating structure 3.

[0064] Such as Figure 3 The mounting device 18 may include a mounting structure 1 according to the embodiments or combinations of embodiments described in this disclosure.

[0065] The mounting device 18 may further include a second mounting surface 19 and at least one seal 21 disposed in the sealing portion 6 of the mounting structure 1 for sealing the propulsion unit 2 to the body 4. Then, one of the first mounting surface 5 and the second mounting surface 19 may be configured to be associated with the body 4 of the floating structure 3, and the other mounting surface 19 may be configured to be associated with the propulsion unit 2. In other words, the mounting structure 1 including the first mounting surface 5 may be configured to be associated with the propulsion unit 2 or the body 4, and then the second mounting surface 19 is configured to be correspondingly connected to the body 4 or the propulsion unit 2. More specifically, the mounting structure 1 configured to be associated with the propulsion unit 2 or the body 4 refers to a mounting structure or formed as an integrated part or mounted to the propulsion unit 2 or the body 4, as described in more detail in conjunction with the mounting structure embodiments.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the mounting surface (i.e., the first mounting surface 5 or the second mounting surface 19) associated with the body 4 can be arranged at an angle 25 relative to the direction of the acceleration caused by the gravity vector 26 in at least one direction.

[0067] The second mounting surface 19 can be arranged at an angle 25° relative to the direction of acceleration caused by the gravity vector 26 in at least one direction. In other words, the second mounting surface 19 can be arranged at an angle 25°, for example, in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the floating structure 3. The longitudinal direction of the floating structure refers to the direction parallel to the main direction of movement of the maritime vehicle, and in the case of another type of floating structure, when the floating structure 3 is in its typical position of use, it is the direction of the longest horizontal dimension of the floating structure. Similarly, the transverse direction refers to the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the direction of acceleration caused by the gravity vector 26. According to another embodiment, the second mounting surface 19 can be arranged at an angle 25° relative to the direction of acceleration caused by the gravity vector 26 in two directions (the second direction is not shown in the figures). According to an embodiment, one or both of the angles 25 can be in the range of 82 to 89 degrees. According to another embodiment, each angle 25 is in the range of 82 to 89 degrees. However, the mounting structure 1, mounting device 18, propulsion unit 2, and method described in this specification and the appended claims and drawings are not limited to these angles, but are also combined with other values ​​for the angle 25. For example, according to an embodiment, one or both of the angles 25 include acute angles. According to another embodiment, one or both of the angles 25 may be less than or equal to 89 degrees. According to another embodiment, one or both of the angles 25 may be in the range of 75 degrees to 89 degrees.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the mounting structure can be configured to be connected to the propulsion unit 2, and the side of the second mounting surface 19 at the lower position of the body 4 can be configured to contact the pivot point 10 when the mounting structure is tilted relative to the body about the pivot point 10. The position of use of the body 4 refers to the typical position of the body 4 during typical use of the floating structure 3 in water or on water. According to an embodiment, the mounting structure can be configured to be associated with the body, and a first cylindrical cavity 12 for receiving the first protrusion 11 can be provided on one side of the second mounting surface 19 above the raised position of the propulsion unit 2. Here, the raised position refers to the position when the propulsion unit 2 is raised toward the body 4, but there is no contact between the propulsion unit 2 and the body 4, and the tilting of the propulsion unit 2 relative to the body 4 has not yet begun.

[0069] Mounting device 18 may also include body 4 and / or propulsion unit 2. The body 4 or propulsion unit 2 of the floating structure may then include a second mounting surface 19 as described in the above embodiments.

[0070] According to an embodiment, at least one seal 21 is disposed in the sealing portion 6 of the mounting structure 1 for sealing the propulsion unit 2 to the body 4. Different embodiments of sealing the propulsion unit 2 to the body 4 are described in conjunction with the mounting structure embodiment.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the second mounting surface 19 further includes at least two first cylindrical cavities 12 for receiving one of the first protrusions 11, respectively. According to another embodiment, each of the first protrusions 11 is configured to be received in one of the first cylindrical cavities 12 such that when the propulsion unit 2 is tilted relative to the body 4 about the pivot point 10, the first protrusion guides the position of the propulsion unit 2 relative to the body.

[0072] According to another embodiment, each curved surface 15 of the first protrusion 11 has a radius of curvature of the curved surface that depends on the distance of the curved surface 15 from the pivot point 10. Each radius of curvature may be similar to one of those radii of curvature described in conjunction with the mounting structure embodiments or combinations thereof.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the first protrusion 11 can also be configured as a lifting point, and the first cylindrical cavity 12 can be formed as a through hole. This may be particularly useful in embodiments where the mounting structure 1 is configured to be associated with the propulsion unit 2. Thus, in such an embodiment, one or more lifting members 24 can be arranged such that when the mounting structure 1 is lifted from below the body 4 toward the body 4 in a direction opposite to the direction of acceleration caused by the gravity vector 26 of the one or more lifting members 24, it extends through the first cylindrical cavity 12 and connects to the first protrusion 11. When lifted toward the body 4, the first mounting surface 5 can take a substantially horizontal position. The first contact between the mounting structure 1 and the body 4 can occur at a first contact point 27 on the side where the pivot point 10 is provided. The first contact point 27 is preferably located outside the sealing portion 6. The first contact point 27 can include a dotted or linear shape, or some other shape. The direction opposite to the direction of acceleration caused by the gravity vector 26 means a direction parallel but opposite to the direction of acceleration caused by the gravity vector, in other words, an upward vertical direction.

[0074] In such an embodiment, as lifting continues after the first contact, the first protrusions 11 are each inclined around the pivot point 10 within the respective first cylindrical cavity 12. Thus, the mounting structure 1 is guided by the first protrusions 11 and inclined toward the second mounting surface 19 until the first mounting surface 5 and the second mounting surface 19 reach a position parallel to each other and are sealed to each other by at least one seal 21.

[0075] Although the accompanying drawings show the mounting structure 1 and the first mounting surface 5 arranged in association with the propulsion unit 2, in embodiments where the mounting structure 1 is configured to be associated with the body 4, the tilting of the propulsion unit 2 relative to the body 4 can occur in a similar manner, but with the first cylindrical cavity 12 disposed within the propulsion unit 2. In other words, the guiding structures, namely the first protrusion 11 and the first cylindrical cavity 12, change the sides, but the lifting, tilting, and guiding principles remain the same in other respects.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the floating structure 3 may include at least one of the following: an installation structure 1 according to an embodiment or combination of embodiments described in this disclosure, a propulsion unit 2 according to this disclosure, or an installation device 18 according to an embodiment or combination of embodiments described in this disclosure.

[0077] Figure 13 The illustration shows a method for mounting the propulsion unit 2 to the floating structure 3. In such a floating structure 3, a second mounting surface 19 may be provided in the body 4 or the propulsion unit 2 of the floating structure 3, as described in this disclosure. Figures 5 to 8 The illustration shows the different stages and positions at which the propulsion unit 2 is installed onto the floating structure 3 according to an embodiment, as viewed from the side and partially transparent. Figures 9 to 11 The illustration shows details of the mounting device 18 used to mount the propulsion unit 2 onto the body 4 of the floating structure 3. Figure 5 In the attached drawing, reference numeral D indicates a part of the mounting device 18. Figure 2 and Figure 4 An embodiment of the mounting device 18 is shown in more detail below.

[0078] according to Figure 13 The method of one embodiment includes 132 providing the mounting device 18 described in this disclosure, wherein the mounting surfaces 5, 19 disposed in the body 4 of the floating structure 3 are configured to be at an angle 25 relative to the direction of acceleration caused by the gravity vector 26 in at least one direction.

[0079] The method also includes providing a first mounting surface 5 134 toward the second mounting surface 19, wherein the first protrusion 11 points toward the first cylindrical cavity 12; and lifting the propulsion unit 2 toward the body 4 of the floating structure 3 136 in an upward movement in a direction opposite to the direction of acceleration caused by the gravity vector. In other words, the propulsion unit 2 is positioned below the body 4 and lifted upward toward the body 4. Therefore, according to the embodiments or combinations of embodiments described in this disclosure, the first mounting surface 5 of the mounting structure 1 points toward either the propulsion unit 2 or the body 4 provided with the first cylindrical cavity 12, depending on whether the mounting structure 1 is associated with the body 4 or with the propulsion unit 2.

[0080] The upward movement occurs such that the first contact between the propulsion unit 2 and the body 4 occurs on the side of the mounting structure 1 where the pivot point 10 is located. In other words, if the mounting structure 1 is associated with the propulsion unit 2, the first contact between the propulsion unit 2 and the body 4 occurs between the first mounting surface 5 and the bottom surface of the body 4 on the pivot point 10 side. Similarly, if the mounting structure 1 is configured to be connected to the body 4, the first contact between the propulsion unit 2 and the body 4 occurs between the first mounting surface 5 and the upper surface of the propulsion unit 2 on the pivot point 10 side.

[0081] The method further includes, when the propulsion unit 2 is raised after the first contact, guiding and aligning the position and movement of the propulsion unit 2 by tilting (one or more) first protrusions 11 within respective first cylindrical cavities 12 in such a way that the curved surfaces 15 of (one or more) first protrusions remain in contact with the surfaces of the respective first cylindrical cavities 12 until the first mounting surfaces 5 and 19 reach a position substantially parallel to each other. In other words, when the propulsion unit 2 is simultaneously tilted relative to the body 4 about the pivot point 10, (one or more) first protrusions 11 and the first cylindrical cavities serve as guiding structures for the propulsion unit 2 and the body 4 to reach the desired position relative to each other.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the first mounting surface 5 may include at least two first protrusions 11, and the second mounting surface 19 may include at least two first cylindrical cavities 12 for receiving one of the first protrusions 11, respectively. Each of the first protrusions 11 may then be configured to be received in one of the first cylindrical cavities 12 such that when the propulsion unit is tilted relative to the body about the pivot point 10, the first protrusion guides the position of the propulsion unit relative to the body. More specifically, the first protrusions 11 are tilted within the respective first cylindrical cavities 12 such that the curved surface 15 of each first protrusion 11 remains in contact with the surface of the respective first cylindrical cavity 12 until the first mounting surface 5 and the second mounting surface 19 reach a position substantially parallel to each other. Thus, in such an embodiment, when the propulsion unit 2 is lifted toward the body 4, one or more of the first protrusions 11 and the first cylindrical cavities 12 serve as guiding structures for guiding the propulsion unit 2 relative to the body 4.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the radius of curvature of each of the curved surfaces 15, 15 of the first protrusion 11 depends on the distance of the curved surface 15, 15 from the pivot point 10. This improves the surface contact between the corresponding protrusion and the cavity when the propulsion unit 2 is raised toward and tilted relative to the body 4, and thus improves the guidance of the relative position between the propulsion unit 2 and the body 4. According to an embodiment, such a radius of curvature may be similar to those described in conjunction with the mounting structure embodiment.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the first mounting surface 5 may be arranged to be associated with (or connected to) the propulsion unit 2, and the second mounting surface 19 may be arranged to be associated with the body 4. In such an embodiment, the first protrusion 11 may also be configured to serve as a lifting point. The first cylindrical cavity 12 may then be formed as a through hole. Therefore, the method may further include the steps of: arranging one or more lifting members 24 to extend through the first cylindrical cavity 12; connecting one or more lifting members 24 to the first protrusion 11; and guiding the position and movement of the mounting structure 1 by tilting the first protrusion 11 about the pivot point 10 within the respective first cylindrical cavity 12, respectively, as lifting continues after the first contact and the first protrusion 11 is received in the second cavity 12. Such guidance may be performed such that the curved surface 15 of each first protrusion remains in contact with the surface of the respective first cylindrical cavity 12 until the first mounting surface 5 and the second mounting surface 19 reach a position substantially parallel to each other.

[0085] According to an embodiment, in a method according to an embodiment or combination of embodiments described in this disclosure, the body 4 is positioned in water during the installation of the propulsion unit 2 to the body 4, and the installation of the propulsion unit 2 to the body 4 occurs underwater.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the second mounting surface 19 is provided with a mounting opening 22' corresponding to the mounting opening 22 in the first mounting surface 5. Therefore, when the first mounting surface 5 and the second mounting surface 19 reach a position that is substantially parallel to each other, the propulsion unit 2 can be installed into the body 4 of the floating structure 3 by providing mounting members 23 (such as bolts) through the mounting openings 22, 22' and fastening the mounting members 23 to their positions. Figure 15 Details of such an embodiment are shown in the figure.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the mounting opening 22 of the first mounting surface 5 can be disposed in the sealing portion 6. According to an embodiment, the first mounting surface 5 can be provided with at least two sealing grooves 20, 20' and / or seals 21, and the mounting opening 22 can be disposed between two adjacent sealing grooves 20, 20' and / or seals 21, such as... Figure 11 and12 In this embodiment, an installation opening 22 is provided inside the sealing portion 6; in other words, from the outer sealing groove 20 and / or the outermost seal 21 inward, it is possible to install the propulsion unit 2 onto the body 4 via the installation member 23 inside the sealing space. Furthermore, this allows the installation member 23 to be installed from inside the floating structure 3. Figure 15 Details of an example of such an embodiment are shown. Figure 15 In this embodiment, the mounting opening 22' of the second mounting surface 19 can be a regular through hole, and the mounting opening 22 of the first mounting surface 5 can be threaded at least at the end opposite to the second mounting surface 19. Similarly, the mounting member 23 configured to pass through the mounting openings 22, 22' can be provided with corresponding threads at least at the end pointing towards the first mounting surface 5. These threads also facilitate the installation of the mounting member 23 from inside the floating structure 3. Figure 15 In some embodiments, the mounting member 23 associated with each mounting opening 22 may include a pin, washer, sleeve, and nut.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the first protrusion 11 and the cylindrical cavity 12 are respectively positioned on the first mounting surface 5 and the second mounting surface 19, and the surface 15 of each first protrusion 11 is formed to guide the mutual tilting movement and / or alignment of the cylindrical cavity 12 and the first protrusion 11 with the first mounting surface 5 and the second mounting surface 19 when the mounting structure 1 and therefore the first protrusion 11 are tilted relative to the cylindrical cavity 12 about the pivot point 10. More specifically, the first protrusion 11 and the cylindrical cavity 12 can be configured in the described manner to align at least some of the mounting openings 22 in the first mounting surface 5 with at least some of the mounting openings 21' in the second mounting surface 19.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the propulsion unit 2 and the body 4 are also sealed to each other by at least one seal 21. According to an embodiment, the seal 21 may be disposed in at least one sealing groove (such as an outer sealing groove 20 or another sealing groove 20' disposed in the mounting structure 1, the propulsion unit 2, or the body 4). More specifically, the at least one sealing groove 20, 20' may be disposed on the first mounting surface 5 or the second mounting surface 19. Preferably, at least one seal 21 is disposed on the propulsion unit 2 side; in other words, it is disposed on the upper surface of the propulsion unit 2 or on the first mounting surface 5 of the mounting structure 1 associated with the propulsion unit 2.

[0090] The advantage of the embodiment described above is that the first contact between the seal 21 and the mounting surfaces 5, 19 disposed in the body 4 can be configured to occur at the last point before the first mounting surface 5 and the second mounting surface 19 reach their final, mutually parallel positions. Therefore, during the lifting and installation of the propulsion unit 2, neither the first mounting surface 5 nor the second mounting surface 19 will cut into the seal. This minimizes the risk of damaging the seal 21 during installation.

[0091] Figure label:

[0092] 1 Installation Structure

[0093] 2 propulsion units

[0094] 3 Floating Structure

[0095] 4 bodies

[0096] 5 First mounting surface

[0097] 6 Sealing parts

[0098] 8. Edge of the first mounting surface

[0099] 10 pivot points

[0100] 11 First protrusion

[0101] 12 First cylindrical cavity

[0102] 13 First mounting flange

[0103] 14 Flat surfaces

[0104] 15 Surface of the first protrusion

[0105] 16. Distance between pivot point and surface: 15

[0106] 17. Direction perpendicular to the first mounting surface

[0107] 18 Installation Device

[0108] 19 Second mounting surface

[0109] 20 External sealing groove

[0110] 20' additional sealing groove

[0111] 21 Seals

[0112] 22, 22' mounting opening

[0113] 23 Installation components

[0114] 24 lifting components

[0115] 25. Angle between the second mounting surface and the direction of acceleration caused by the gravity vector

[0116] 26. Acceleration caused by the gravitational vector

[0117] 27 First contact point

[0118] 28 slewing bearing

[0119] 29 Extension

[0120] 31 waterline

[0121] 32 guiding elements

[0122] 33 Assembly pipe.

Claims

1. An installation structure (1) for mounting a propulsion unit (2) to a body (4) of a floating structure (3). The mounting structure (1) includes a first mounting surface (5) and a sealing portion (6) disposed on the first mounting surface, the sealing portion being used to seal the propulsion unit (2) to the body (4), characterized in that, The first mounting surface (5) is also provided with: The pivot point (10) is located at or near the edge (8) of the first mounting surface and outside the sealing portion (6); as well as At least two first protrusions (11) are spaced apart from each other on the first mounting surface (5), wherein each of the first protrusions (11) includes a surface (15) on at least one side of the first protrusion (11) away from the pivot point (10), the surface (15) being formed, at least in a direction (17) perpendicular to the first mounting surface, in a manner dependent on the distance (16) between the pivot point (10) and the surface (15), such that the first protrusions (11) disposed in a cylindrical cavity formed in the mating member are configured to guide the mutual tilting movement of the cylindrical cavity and the first protrusions (11) when the mounting structure (1) and thus the first protrusions (11) are tilted relative to the cylindrical cavity about the pivot point (10).

2. The mounting structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the surface (15) includes a curved surface, and wherein the curved surface is curved at least in a direction (17) perpendicular to the first mounting surface such that the first protrusion (11) disposed in the cylindrical cavity formed in the mating member is configured to remain in contact with the cylindrical cavity when the mounting structure and therefore the first protrusion is tilted relative to the cylindrical cavity about the pivot point (10).

3. The mounting structure (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first mounting surface (5) is provided with at least three first protrusions (11).

4. The mounting structure (1) according to claim 2, wherein each of the curved surfaces of the first protrusion (11) has a radius of curvature of the curved surface depending on the distance of the curved surface from the pivot point (10).

5. The mounting structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the mounting structure includes an outer sealing groove (20) for receiving a seal (21), the outer sealing groove (20) having a closed shape and defining an area extending inwardly from the outer sealing groove (20), i.e., the sealing portion (6), on a first mounting surface (5), and wherein the pivot point (10) is located at or near the edge (8) of the first mounting surface and outside the sealing portion (6).

6. The mounting structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the mounting structure is formed as an integrated part of the body (4), as an integrated part of the propulsion unit (2), or as a separate structural part.

7. The mounting structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first protrusion (11) is further configured to serve as a lifting point.

8. A propulsion unit (2), characterized in that, The propulsion unit (2) includes the mounting structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A mounting device (18) for mounting a propulsion unit (2) to a body (4) of a floating structure (3), characterized in that, The mounting device (18) includes The mounting structure (1) is claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7. Second mounting surface (19); And at least one seal (21) is provided in the sealing portion (6) of the mounting structure (1) for sealing the propulsion unit (2) to the body (4). One of the first mounting surface (5) and the second mounting surface (19) is configured to be arranged in association with the body (4) of the floating structure (3), and the other of the first mounting surface (5) and the second mounting surface (19) is configured to be arranged in association with the propulsion unit (2).

10. The mounting device (18) according to claim 9. The first mounting surface (5) or the second mounting surface (19) associated with the body (4) is arranged at an angle (25) relative to the direction of acceleration caused by the gravity vector (26) in at least one direction.

11. The mounting device according to claim 10, wherein the second mounting surface (19) further comprises at least two first cylindrical cavities (12) for receiving one of the first protrusions (11) respectively.

12. The mounting device (18) according to claim 11, wherein each of the first protrusions (11) is configured to be received in one of the first cylindrical cavities (12) such that when the propulsion unit (2) is tilted relative to the body about the pivot point (10), the first protrusion guides the position of the propulsion unit (2) relative to the body (4).

13. The mounting device (18) according to claim 11, wherein The first mounting surface (5) is configured to be associated with the propulsion unit (2) and the second mounting surface (19) is configured to be associated with the body (4).

14. The mounting device (18) according to claim 13, wherein The lower side of the second mounting surface (19) in the use position of the body (4) is configured to contact the pivot point (10) when the mounting structure is tilted relative to the body about the pivot point (10).

15. The mounting device according to claim 13 or 14, The first protrusion (11) is also configured to serve as a lifting point, and the first cylindrical cavity (12) is formed as a through hole. The lifting member (24) is arranged to extend through the first cylindrical cavity (12) and connected to the first protrusion (11) in such a way that when the mounting structure (1) is lifted from below the body (4) toward the body (4) by the lifting member (24) in a direction opposite to the direction of the acceleration caused by the gravity vector (26), the first mounting surface (5) is in a substantially horizontal position when lifted toward the body (4). The first contact between the mounting structure (1) and the body (4) occurs at the first contact point (27) on the side where the pivot point (10) is located, and As the lifting continues after the first contact, the first protrusion (11) tilts around the pivot point (10) inside the respective first cylindrical cavity (12), such that the mounting structure (1) is guided by the first protrusion (11) and tilts toward the second mounting surface (19) until the first mounting surface (5) and the second mounting surface (19) reach a position parallel to each other and are sealed to each other by the at least one seal (21).

16. The installation apparatus according to claim 15, wherein each lifting member (24) is provided with a guide member (32) configured to move within one of the first cylindrical cavities (12) during the lifting and tilting of the propulsion unit (2) toward the body (4) to guide the propulsion unit (2) to a position where the first contact can occur.

17. A floating structure (3), characterized in that, The floating structure (3) includes at least one of the following: the mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the propulsion unit according to claim 8, or the mounting device according to any one of claims 9 to 16.

18. A method for mounting a propulsion unit to a floating structure, the method comprising the steps of: An installation device (18) according to any one of claims 9 to 16 is provided, wherein a first mounting surface (5) or a second mounting surface (19) disposed in the body (4) of the floating structure (3) is configured to be angled (25) relative to the direction of acceleration caused by the gravity vector (26) in at least one direction. The first mounting surface (5) is provided toward the second mounting surface (19), wherein the first protrusion (11) points toward the first cylindrical cavity (12); In the upward movement in the direction opposite to the direction of the acceleration caused by the gravity vector, the propulsion unit (2) is lifted toward the body (4) of the floating structure (3) in such a way that the first contact between the propulsion unit (2) and the body (4) occurs on the side of the mounting structure (1) where the pivot point (10) is provided; As the propulsion unit (2) continues to be lifted after the first contact occurs, the position and movement of the propulsion unit (2) are guided and aligned in such a way that the surface (15) of the first protrusion remains in contact with the surface of the corresponding first cylindrical cavity (12) until the first mounting surface (5) and the second mounting surface (19) reach a position that is substantially parallel to each other.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein The first mounting surface (5) is arranged to be associated with the propulsion unit (2) and the second mounting surface (19) is arranged to be associated with the body (4), and wherein The first protrusion (11) is also configured to serve as a lifting point, and wherein the first cylindrical cavity (12) is formed as a through hole, and The method further includes the following steps: Arrange lifting components (24) to extend through the first cylindrical cavity (12); The lifting member (24) is connected to the first protrusion (11); as well as As the lifting continues after the first contact and the first protrusion (11) is received in the first cylindrical cavity (12), the position and movement of the mounting structure (1) are guided by tilting the first protrusion (11) about the pivot point (10) inside the respective first cylindrical cavity (12) such that the surface (15) of each first protrusion remains in contact with the respective first cylindrical cavity (12) until the first mounting surface (5) and the second mounting surface (19) reach a position that is substantially parallel to each other.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the body (4) is positioned in water during the installation of the propulsion unit (2) onto the body (4), and wherein the method includes installing the propulsion unit (2) onto the body (4) in the water.

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