Automatic connection device for lifeboat and davit sling

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic connection device for a lifeboat and its frame sling, relating to the field of lifeboat technology. The invention includes a lifeboat hull and a frame sling. A connection device body and a locking mechanism are fixed to the top of the hull. The connection device body includes a turntable, an active arm, and a driven arm. The turntable is fixed to the top of the hull, and a top plate is fixed to the rotating end of the turntable. Supports are fixed to both sides of the top plate, and two inner shafts are fixed to the top of the top plate. Outer shafts are fixed to the ends of the support arms. The active arm and driven arm are symmetrically arranged, with one end rotatably connected to the two inner shafts respectively. This invention, through the design of a novel connection device, can automatically move the frame sling to the corresponding position and automatically lock the connection through the locking mechanism, thereby achieving automated connection without manual intervention. It eliminates the need for personnel to leave the lifeboat to connect the two components, greatly improving safety and efficiency and avoiding the safety issues caused by insufficient lifeboat hull stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of lifeboat technology, and in particular relates to an automatic connection device for lifeboats and lifeboat frame slings. Background Technology

[0002] The lifeboats are typically installed on the boat frame around the ship. The lifeboats are usually secured by a sling system. This is especially important for free-fall lifeboats. When the lifeboats need to be returned to their original position after use, they need to be pulled from the water to the boat frame using the sling system. During this process, the connection between the sling system and the lifeboat is required.

[0003] The existing sling system connects the lifeboats to the sling system using a hook assembly. However, since the hook is located outside the hull and the sling end is free, it is difficult to control its position. Staff need to manually position and connect it after leaving the cabin, which is inefficient and affects safety, especially in dangerous sea conditions with wind and waves. In particular, lifeboats are relatively lightweight and prone to instability.

[0004] Therefore, designing a connection device that can automatically connect the lifeboat and the slings of the lifeboat frame is a problem that needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic connection device for lifeboats and slings. By designing a novel connection device, the slings can be automatically moved to the corresponding position and the connection can be automatically locked by a locking mechanism, thereby achieving an automated connection without human intervention. This eliminates the need for staff to leave the lifeboat to connect the two, greatly improving safety and efficiency, and avoiding the problem of poor safety caused by insufficient stability of the lifeboat hull.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] The present invention is an automatic connection device for a lifeboat and a lifeboat frame sling, comprising a lifeboat hull and a lifeboat frame sling, wherein a connection device body and a locking mechanism are fixed to the top of the lifeboat hull, and the connection device body comprises a turntable, an active arm and a driven arm;

[0008] The turntable is fixed to the top of the hull, and a top plate is fixed to the rotating end of the turntable. Supports are fixed to both sides of the top plate, two inner shafts are fixed to the top of the top plate, and outer shafts are fixed to the ends of the support edges.

[0009] The active arm and the driven arm are symmetrically arranged and one end is rotatably connected to the two inner shafts respectively. Multi-stage hydraulic cylinders are provided on the outer side of the active arm and the driven arm and between the two outer shafts.

[0010] Both the active arm and the driven arm are square steel structures with sealed ends. The active arm has a sliding groove on the side near the driven arm. The active arm is equipped with a lead screw mechanism, and a push block is driven and connected to the lead screw mechanism. The push block is located on the outside of the active arm and slides along the sliding groove. A limit block is fixed on the inside of the active arm and near the turntable.

[0011] Lifting mechanisms are fixed at the top of both the active arm and the driven arm, located in front of the limiting block. The lifting mechanism includes an L-shaped base plate and a U-shaped base. The U-shaped base is vertically arranged inside the L-shaped base plate and is slidably connected to the L-shaped base plate through a guide post. An adjusting cylinder connected to the U-shaped base is provided on the L-shaped base plate. A conveyor belt mechanism is provided inside the U-shaped base. The conveyor belt mechanisms on the active arm and the driven arm are arranged opposite to each other. A drive motor is connected to the conveyor belt mechanism of the active arm.

[0012] The locking mechanism includes a base plate fixed to the top of the hull, a set of guide vertical edges fixed to one side of the top of the base plate, and an outer arc guide edge on the outer side of the top of each guide vertical edge. A locking cylinder is fixed to the other side of the top of the base plate, and a locking rod is fixed to the output end of the locking cylinder. The locking rod passes through the two guide vertical edges.

[0013] A locking ring is fixed to the bottom end of the boat frame sling, and a limit ring is fixed to the circumferential side of the bottom end of the boat frame sling. The locking ring is sleeved on the locking rod and located between the two guide vertical sides.

[0014] Furthermore, the top plate is rotatably connected to the turntable via a slewing bearing and a gear ring mechanism, and the turntable is equipped with a driving component that cooperates with the gear ring mechanism.

[0015] Furthermore, both the active arm and the driven arm are fixed with bending seats at their tail ends, and both the active arm and the driven arm are rotatably connected to the inner shaft through the bending seats.

[0016] Furthermore, both the driving arm and the driven arm are fixed with hinge seats on their outer sides, one end of the multi-stage hydraulic cylinder is rotatably connected to the hinge seat, and the other end of the multi-stage hydraulic cylinder is rotatably connected to the outer shaft.

[0017] Furthermore, the lead screw mechanism includes a lead screw motor, which is fixed inside the active beam near one end of the turntable. A screw is fixed to the output end of the lead screw motor, and one end of the screw is rotatably connected inside the active beam away from the turntable. The push block is threadedly connected to the screw.

[0018] Furthermore, each of the guide vertical sides is provided with a reinforcing sleeve, and the locking rod passes through the reinforcing sleeves of both guide vertical sides.

[0019] Furthermore, the conveyor belt mechanism includes a set of end shafts, with two end shafts respectively disposed at both ends of the U-shaped seat, and a belt body disposed between the two end shafts, the outer surface of the belt body being provided with anti-slip texture.

[0020] Furthermore, a support plate is fixed to the front side of the U-shaped seat, and the inner wall of the belt on the U-shaped seat slides along the support plate.

[0021] Furthermore, an extension seat is fixed to the bottom of the base plate, the extension seat penetrates the top of the hull and is fixed with a reinforcing seat, the reinforcing seat is fixed to the inner top surface of the hull and is sealed to the hull.

[0022] Furthermore, the bottom surfaces of the active arm and the driven arm are flush, and the distance between the top surface of the outer arc guide edge and the bottom surface of the active arm is greater than the distance between the bottom point of the locking ring and the top end face of the limiting ring.

[0023] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] 1. This invention, through the design of a novel connecting device, can automatically move the lifeboat frame sling to the corresponding position and automatically lock the connection through a locking mechanism, thereby achieving unmanned automated connection. No staff are required to leave the cabin to connect the two, which greatly improves safety and efficiency and avoids the problem of poor safety caused by insufficient stability of the lifeboat hull.

[0025] 2. The present invention, through the design of the turntable, ensures that the active arm and driven arm can be controlled to clamp the sling regardless of the position of the lifeboat frame cable on the left, right, or front side of the lifeboat, thereby increasing the scope of use. Precise control of the lifeboat's position is not required before connection, further improving the efficiency of connection.

[0026] Of course, any product implementing this invention does not necessarily need to achieve all of the advantages described above at the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic connection device for a lifeboat and a lifeboat frame sling according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the structure at the location of the lifting mechanism of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the active arm.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after locking the boat frame slings according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure before the locking of the boat frame slings in this invention;

[0034] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0035] 1-Hull, 2-Boat frame sling, 3-Locking mechanism, 4-Turntable, 5-Driven boom, 6-Driven boom, 7-Multi-stage hydraulic cylinder, 8-Lifting mechanism, 201-Locking ring, 202-Limiting ring, 301-Bottom plate, 302-Guide vertical edge, 303-Outer arc guide edge, 304-Locking cylinder, 305-Locking rod, 306-Reinforcing sleeve, 307-Extension seat, 308-Reinforcing seat, 401- Top plate, 402-support edge, 403-inner shaft body, 404-outer shaft body, 501-slide groove, 502-screw mechanism, 503-push block, 504-limit block, 505-bending seat, 506-hinge seat, 801-L-shaped seat plate, 802-U-shaped seat, 803-guide post, 804-adjusting cylinder, 805-end shaft, 806-belt body, 807-support plate, 808-drive motor. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] Please see Figure 1-6 As shown, the present invention is an automatic connection device for a lifeboat and a lifeboat frame sling, including a lifeboat hull 1 and a lifeboat frame sling 2. The top of the lifeboat hull 1 is fixed with a connection device body and a locking mechanism 3. The connection device body includes a turntable 4, an active arm 5 and a driven arm 6.

[0038] Turntable 4 is fixed to the top of hull 1. A top plate 401 is fixed to the rotating end of turntable 4. Supports 402 are fixed to both sides of top plate 401. Two inner shafts 403 are fixed to the top of top plate 401. Outer shafts 404 are fixed to the ends of support 402.

[0039] The active arm 5 and the driven arm 6 are symmetrically arranged and one end is rotatably connected to the two inner shafts 403 respectively. Multi-stage hydraulic cylinders 7 are provided on the outer side of the active arm 5 and the driven arm 6 and between the two outer shafts 404.

[0040] Both the active arm 5 and the driven arm 6 are square steel structures with sealed ends. The active arm 5 has a sliding groove 501 on the side near the driven arm 6. The active arm 5 has a lead screw mechanism 502 inside. A push block 503 is driven and connected to the lead screw mechanism 502. The push block 503 is located outside the active arm 5 and slides along the sliding groove 501. A limit block 504 is fixed on the inner side of the active arm 5 and near the turntable 4.

[0041] Lifting mechanisms 8 are fixed at the top of the active arm 5 and the driven arm 6, in front of the limiting block 504. The lifting mechanism 8 includes an L-shaped seat plate 801 and a U-shaped seat 802. The U-shaped seat 802 is vertically arranged inside the L-shaped seat plate 801 and is slidably connected to the L-shaped seat plate 801 through a guide post 803. An adjusting cylinder 804 connected to the U-shaped seat 802 is provided on the L-shaped seat plate 801. A conveyor belt mechanism is provided inside the U-shaped seat 802. The conveyor belt mechanisms on the active arm 5 and the driven arm 6 are arranged opposite to each other. A drive motor 808 is connected to the conveyor belt mechanism of the active arm 5.

[0042] The locking mechanism 3 includes a base plate 301 fixed to the top of the hull 1. A set of guide vertical edges 302 are fixed on one side of the top of the base plate 301. The outer side of the top of the guide vertical edges 302 is provided with an outer arc guide edge 303. A locking cylinder 304 is fixed on the other side of the top of the base plate 301. A locking rod 305 is fixed at the output end of the locking cylinder 304. The locking rod 305 passes through the two guide vertical edges 302.

[0043] A locking ring 201 is fixed at the bottom end of the boat frame sling 2, and a limit ring 202 is fixed on the circumferential side of the bottom end of the boat frame sling 2. The locking ring 201 is sleeved on the locking rod 305 and located between the two guide vertical sides 302.

[0044] The top plate 401 is rotatably connected to the turntable 4 via a slewing bearing and a gear ring mechanism. The turntable 4 is equipped with a drive component that cooperates with the gear ring mechanism.

[0045] Among them, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5-6 As shown, both the driving arm 5 and the driven arm 6 have a bending seat 505 fixed at their tail ends, and both the driving arm 5 and the driven arm 6 are rotatably connected to the inner shaft 403 through the bending seat 505.

[0046] Among them, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, hinge seats 506 are fixed on the outer sides of both the driving arm 5 and the driven arm 6. One end of the multi-stage cylinder 7 is rotatably connected to the hinge seat 506, and the other end of the multi-stage cylinder 7 is rotatably connected to the outer shaft body 404.

[0047] Among them, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, the lead screw mechanism 502 includes a lead screw motor, which is fixed in the active beam near one end of the turntable 4. A screw is fixed to the output end of the lead screw motor, and one end of the screw is rotatably connected in the active beam away from the turntable 4. The push block 503 is threadedly connected to the screw.

[0048] Among them, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, each of the guide vertical sides 302 is provided with a reinforcing sleeve 306, and the locking rod 305 passes through the reinforcing sleeves 306 of both guide vertical sides 302.

[0049] Among them, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, the conveyor belt mechanism includes a set of end shafts 805. The two end shafts 805 are respectively set at both ends of the U-shaped seat 802. A belt body 806 is provided between the two end shafts 805. The outer surface of the belt body 806 is provided with anti-slip texture.

[0050] Among them, such as Figure 2 As shown, a support plate 807 is fixed to the front side of the U-shaped seat 802, and the inner wall of the belt 806 on the U-shaped seat 802 slides along the support plate 807.

[0051] Among them, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the bottom of the base plate 301 is fixed with an extension seat 307, which penetrates the top of the hull 1 and is fixed with a reinforcing seat 308. The reinforcing seat 308 is fixed to the inner top surface of the hull 1 and is sealed with the hull 1.

[0052] Among them, such as Figure 2 As shown, the bottom surfaces of the active arm 5 and the driven arm 6 are flush, and the distance between the top surface of the outer arc guide edge 303 and the bottom surface of the active arm 5 is greater than the distance between the bottom point of the locking ring 201 and the top end face of the limiting ring 202.

[0053] The circuits of the lead screw motor on the active boom 5, the oil circuit of the adjusting cylinder 804, and the circuit of the drive motor 808 are all extended into the turntable 4. They can be powered by the slip rings and supplied with oil by the rotating head. The oil circuit of the adjusting cylinder 804 on the driven boom 6 is similar.

[0054] Sensors are installed at positions opposite to the bottom of the active arm 5 and the lifting mechanism 8 to detect the arrival of the upper limit ring 202 of the boat frame sling 2.

[0055] The working principle of this invention is as follows:

[0056] Step 1: Move the lifeboat to the vicinity of the lifeboat frame cable 2. The orientation of the active boom 5 and the driven boom 6 can be adjusted through the turntable 4. If the lifeboat frame cable 2 is located on the left, right or front side of the hull 1, adjust the active boom 5 and the driven boom 6 to face the left, right or front side of the hull 1 respectively.

[0057] Step 2: Control the opening of the driving boom 5 and driven boom 6 via the multi-stage hydraulic cylinder 7, such as... Figure 6 As shown, at this time, the boat frame sling 2 is located between the active arm 5 and the driven arm 6. Then, control the active arm 5 and the driven arm 6 to retract, and set the boat frame sling 2 between the active arm 5 and the driven arm 6.

[0058] Step 3: Control the push block 503 through the lead screw mechanism 502 to move the boat frame sling 2 to the position of the limit block 504. At this time, the boat frame sling 2 is located between the lifting mechanism 8 on the active arm 5 and the driven arm 6.

[0059] Step 4: By adjusting the hydraulic cylinder 804, the relative movement of the conveyor belt mechanism of the lifting mechanism 8 on the active arm 5 and the driven arm 6 is controlled, clamping the boat frame sling 2. The drive motor 808 controls the belt 806 transmission, thereby lifting the boat frame sling 2. When the limiting ring 202 is in contact with the bottom surface of the active arm 5 and the driven arm 6, as... Figure 2 As shown, this indicates that the upgrade is complete;

[0060] Step 5: Control the turntable 4 to reset. At this time, the locking ring 201 is directly above the locking mechanism 3, as shown. Figure 2 As shown;

[0061] Step 6: Control the drive motor 808 on the lifting mechanism 8 to reverse, control the locking ring 201 to descend, and set it vertically between the two guide vertical sides 302 by the guide of the outer arc guide edge 303;

[0062] Step 7: Control the locking cylinder 304 to drive the locking rod 305 to pass through the reinforcing sleeve 306 and locking ring 201 on the two guide vertical sides 302 in sequence to connect the two;

[0063] Step 8: After the connection is completed, control the multi-stage hydraulic cylinder 7 to slightly retract, releasing the clamping of the active boom 5 and driven boom 6 on the boat frame sling 2.

[0064] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," "specific example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0065] The preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the invention. These preferred embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to the specific implementations described. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the invention. The invention is limited only by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. An automatic connection device for lifeboat and davit halyards, comprising a boat hull (1) and a davit halyard (2), characterized in that: The top of the hull (1) is fixed with a connecting device body and a locking mechanism (3). The connecting device body includes a turntable (4), an active arm (5), and a driven arm (6). The turntable (4) is fixed to the top of the hull (1). A top plate (401) is fixed to the rotating end of the turntable (4). Supports (402) are fixed on both sides of the top plate (401). Two inner shafts (403) are fixed to the top of the top plate (401). An outer shaft (404) is fixed to the end of the support (402). The active arm (5) and the driven arm (6) are symmetrically arranged and one end is rotatably connected to the two inner shafts (403) respectively. Multi-stage hydraulic cylinders (7) are provided on the outer side of the active arm (5) and the driven arm (6) and between the two outer shafts (404). Both the active arm (5) and the driven arm (6) are square steel structures with sealed ends. The active arm (5) has a sliding groove (501) on the side near the driven arm (6). The active arm (5) is equipped with a lead screw mechanism (502). A push block (503) is connected to the lead screw mechanism (502). The push block (503) is located on the outside of the active arm (5) and slides along the sliding groove (501). A limit block (504) is fixed on the inside of the active arm (5) and near the turntable (4). Lifting mechanisms (8) are fixed at the top of the active arm (5) and the driven arm (6) and at the position in front of the limiting block (504). The lifting mechanism (8) includes an L-shaped seat plate (801) and a U-shaped seat (802). The U-shaped seat (802) is vertically arranged inside the L-shaped seat plate (801) and is slidably connected to the L-shaped seat plate (801) through a guide post (803). The L-shaped seat plate (801) is provided with an adjusting cylinder (804) connected to the U-shaped seat (802). The U-shaped seat (802) is provided with a conveyor belt mechanism. The conveyor belt mechanisms on the active arm (5) and the driven arm (6) are arranged opposite to each other. A drive motor (808) is connected to the conveyor belt mechanism of the active arm (5). The locking mechanism (3) includes a base plate (301) fixed to the top of the hull (1). A set of guide vertical edges (302) is fixed on one side of the top of the base plate (301). The outer side of the top of the guide vertical edges (302) is provided with an outer arc guide edge (303). A locking cylinder (304) is fixed on the other side of the top of the base plate (301). A locking rod (305) is fixed at the output end of the locking cylinder (304). The locking rod (305) passes through the two guide vertical edges (302). A locking ring (201) is fixed at the bottom end of the boat frame sling (2), and a limiting ring (202) is fixed on the circumferential side of the bottom end of the boat frame sling (2). The locking ring (201) is sleeved on the locking rod (305) and located between the two guide vertical sides (302).

2. The automatic connection device for a lifeboat and its frame sling according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top plate (401) is rotatably connected to the turntable (4) through a slewing bearing and a gear ring mechanism. The turntable (4) is provided with a drive component that cooperates with the gear ring mechanism.

3. An automatic connection device for a lifeboat and its frame sling according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the active arm (5) and the driven arm (6) are fixed with bending seats (505) at their tail ends. Both the active arm (5) and the driven arm (6) are rotatably connected to the inner shaft (403) through the bending seats (505).

4. An automatic connection device for a lifeboat and its frame sling according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive arm (5) and driven arm (6) are both fixed with hinge seats (506) on their outer sides. One end of the multi-stage cylinder (7) is rotatably connected to the hinge seat (506), and the other end of the multi-stage cylinder (7) is rotatably connected to the outer shaft body (404).

5. An automatic connection device for a lifeboat and its frame sling according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lead screw mechanism (502) includes a lead screw motor, which is fixed in the active beam at one end near the turntable (4). A screw is fixed at the output end of the lead screw motor, and one end of the screw is rotatably connected in the active beam at the end away from the turntable (4). The push block (503) is threadedly connected to the screw.

6. An automatic connection device for a lifeboat and its frame sling according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the guide vertical edges (302) is provided with a reinforcing sleeve (306), and the locking rod (305) passes through the reinforcing sleeves (306) of both guide vertical edges (302).

7. An automatic connection device for a lifeboat and its frame sling according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveyor belt mechanism includes a set of end shafts (805), with the two end shafts (805) respectively disposed at both ends of the U-shaped seat (802), and a belt body (806) provided between the two end shafts (805), the outer surface of the belt body (806) being provided with anti-slip texture.

8. An automatic connection device for a lifeboat and a lifeboat frame sling according to claim 7, characterized in that, A support plate (807) is fixed to the front side of the U-shaped seat (802), and the inner wall of the belt (806) on the U-shaped seat (802) slides along the support plate (807).

9. An automatic connection device for a lifeboat and a lifeboat frame sling according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the base plate (301) is fixed with an extension seat (307), the extension seat (307) penetrates the top of the hull (1) and is fixed with a reinforcing seat (308), the reinforcing seat (308) is fixed to the inner top surface of the hull (1) and is sealed with the hull (1).

10. An automatic connection device for a lifeboat and a lifeboat frame sling according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom surfaces of the active arm (5) and the driven arm (6) are flush, and the distance between the top surface of the outer arc guide edge (303) and the bottom surface of the active arm (5) is greater than the distance between the bottom point of the locking ring (201) and the top end face of the limiting ring (202).

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