Air rudder installation method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of marine engineering, and more particularly to an air rudder installation method, comprising the following steps: determining the rudder shaft centerline; installing an upper rudder bearing base and a lower rudder bearing base on the propeller turret according to the rudder shaft centerline; installing an upper tie rod base on the propeller turret according to the designed position, and installing a lower tie rod base on the superstructure; installing drilling fixtures; connecting the air rudder to the upper rudder bearing base and the lower rudder bearing base; adjusting the rudder blade of the air rudder to the zero-degree position, and installing a thrust mechanism on the propeller turret; adjusting the lengths of the upper tie rod and the lower tie rod, installing the upper tie rod on the upper tie rod base, and installing the lower tie rod on the lower tie rod base. This invention can guide the installation of air rudders, thereby ensuring the quality of installation and ensuring the normal operation of the air rudder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine technology, and in particular to a method for installing an air rudder. Background Technology

[0002] Air rudders play a crucial role in the operation of certain vessels, which primarily rely on them to provide yaw force for steering. In existing technology, air rudders are installed at the stern of the propeller turret, one on each of the port and starboard sides, and one at the hull. The installation of air rudders relies heavily on the experience of the installers, leading to significant errors in the installed air rudders and affecting their proper functioning.

[0003] Therefore, an air rudder installation method is needed to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an air rudder installation method that can guide the installation of the air rudder, thereby ensuring the quality of installation and ensuring that the air rudder can work normally.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] The air rudder installation method includes the following steps:

[0007] S1. Determine the rudder shaft centerline by the first intersection point of the propeller tower centerline and the superstructure and the second intersection point of the propeller tower centerline at a set distance from the superstructure.

[0008] S2. Install the upper rudder bearing base and the lower rudder bearing base on the propeller turret according to the rudder shaft centerline;

[0009] S3. Based on the intersection of the rudder shaft centerline and the superstructure deck as the origin, install the upper tie rod base on the propeller turret according to the design position, and install the lower tie rod base on the superstructure deck.

[0010] S4. Install the drilling fixture and use the drilling fixture to open connection holes in the upper rudder bearing base and the lower rudder bearing base.

[0011] S5. Connect the air rudder to the upper rudder bearing base and the lower rudder bearing base;

[0012] S6. Adjust the rudder blades of the air rudder to the zero-degree position, install the thrust mechanism on the propeller turret, and drive the thrust mechanism to the rudder handle of the air rudder.

[0013] S7. Adjust the length of the upper pull rod and the lower pull rod, install the upper pull rod on the upper pull rod base, install the lower pull rod on the lower pull rod base, the upper pull rod is connected to one end of the air rudder through the first upper rocker arm, and the lower pull rod is connected to the other end of the air rudder through the first lower rocker arm.

[0014] In some embodiments, in step S1, the centerline of the rudder shaft is extended to intersect with the engine nacelle and the upper deck, a wire frame is welded at the intersection, and a steel wire is stretched between the two wire frames.

[0015] In some embodiments, in step S2, the coplanar error between the panel of the upper rudder bearing base and the panel of the lower rudder bearing base is no greater than ±2mm.

[0016] In some embodiments, in step S4, the axis of the rod-shaped shaft hole of the drilling fixture coincides with the center line of the rudder shaft.

[0017] In some embodiments, in step S4, the distance between the upper rudder bearing base and the mounting plate on the propeller turret is measured, and a first adjusting shim is made; the distance between the lower rudder bearing base and the mounting plate on the propeller turret is measured, and a second adjusting shim is made.

[0018] In some embodiments, in step S4, the drilling tool has a drilling template, and the drilling tool drills holes in the upper rudder bearing base and the lower rudder bearing base through the drilling template.

[0019] In some embodiments, in step S5, the fixing fixture is first installed to the rear end of the propeller turret, and the air rudder is hoisted using the fixing fixture. During the hoisting process, the relative position of the air rudder with the propeller turret and the engine nacelle is checked.

[0020] In some embodiments, in step S5, after the air rudder is installed in place, the flexibility and angle of rotation of the air rudder blades are checked.

[0021] In some embodiments, in step S6, the steering mechanism includes an electro-hydraulic steering cylinder and an adjustable link connected to each other, and the adjustable link is connected to the rudder handle of the air rudder.

[0022] In some embodiments, during step S6, when installing the steering mechanism, the axis of the piston rod of the electro-hydraulic steering cylinder coincides with the axis of the adjustable connecting rod.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0024] This invention provides an air rudder installation method, which determines the rudder shaft centerline by using the first intersection point of the propeller turret centerline and the superdeck, and the second intersection point at a predetermined distance from the superdeck. Based on the rudder shaft centerline, upper and lower rudder bearing bases are installed on the propeller turret. Using the intersection point of the rudder shaft centerline and the superdeck as the origin, an upper tie rod base is installed on the propeller turret at the designed position, and a lower tie rod base is installed on the superdeck. Then, a drilling tool is installed to drill connection holes in the upper and lower rudder bearing bases. The air rudder is connected to the upper and lower rudder bearing bases, and finally, the thrust mechanism, upper tie rod, and lower tie rod are installed to complete the air rudder installation. This method provides guidance for air rudder installation, ensuring installation quality and guaranteeing the normal operation of the air rudder. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of the present invention and these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the upper rudder bearing base and the lower rudder bearing base in an air rudder installation method of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the drilling fixture installation in an air rudder installation method of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the thrust mechanism in an air rudder installation method of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the upper tie rod installation in an air rudder installation method of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the pull rod installation in an air rudder installation method of the present invention.

[0031] In the picture:

[0032] 100. Engine nacelle; 200. Propeller turret; 300. Superdeck; 400. Drilling fixture; 500. Sealing cover; 1. Rudder shaft centerline; 2. Upper rudder bearing base; 3. Lower rudder bearing base; 4. Main rudder blade; 5. Steering mechanism; 51. Electro-hydraulic steering cylinder; 52. Adjustable connecting rod; 6. Upper pull rod base; 61. Upper pull rod; 7. Lower pull rod base; 71. Lower pull rod. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Before explaining any implementation of this application in detail, it should be understood that this application is not limited to its application to the structural details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the above drawings.

[0034] In this application, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0035] In this application, the terms "connection," "combination," "coupling," and "installation" can refer to direct connection, combination, coupling, or installation, or indirect connection, combination, coupling, or installation. For example, a direct connection refers to two parts or components being connected together without the need for an intermediary, while an indirect connection refers to two parts or components each being connected to at least one intermediary, with the connection achieved through the intermediary. Furthermore, "connection" and "coupling" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, but can also include electrical connections or couplings.

[0036] In this application, those skilled in the art will understand that the function performed by a component can be performed by one component, multiple components, one part, or multiple parts. Similarly, the function performed by a part can also be performed by one part, one component, or a combination of multiple parts.

[0037] In this application, the directional terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" are used to describe the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, in the context, it should be understood that when an element is mentioned as being connected "upper" or "lower" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected through an intermediate element. It should also be understood that directional terms such as upper side, lower side, left side, right side, front side, and rear side not only represent positive orientation but can also be understood as lateral orientation. For example, "below" can include directly below, lower left, lower right, lower front, and lower rear.

[0038] To provide guidance on the installation of the air rudder, thereby ensuring installation quality and proper functioning of the air rudder, such as... Figures 1-5 As shown, this invention provides a method for installing an air rudder. The air rudder installation method includes the following steps:

[0039] S1. Determine the rudder shaft centerline 1 by the first intersection point of the centerline of the propeller turret 200 and the superstructure 300 and the second intersection point of the centerline of the propeller turret 200 at a set distance from the superstructure 300.

[0040] S2. Install the upper rudder bearing base 2 and the lower rudder bearing base 3 on the propeller turret 200 according to the rudder shaft centerline 1.

[0041] S3. Based on the intersection of the rudder shaft centerline 1 and the superstructure deck 300 as the origin, install the upper tie rod base 6 on the propeller tower 200 according to the design position, and install the lower tie rod base 7 on the superstructure deck 300.

[0042] S4. Install drilling fixture 400 and use drilling fixture 400 to open connection holes in upper rudder bearing base 2 and lower rudder bearing base 3.

[0043] S5. Connect the air rudder to the upper rudder bearing base 2 and the lower rudder bearing base 3;

[0044] S6. Adjust the air rudder blades to the zero-degree position, and install the pusher mechanism 5 on the propeller turret 200. The pusher mechanism 5 is connected to the air rudder handle.

[0045] S7. Adjust the length of the upper pull rod 61 and the lower pull rod 71. Install the upper pull rod 61 on the upper pull rod base 6 and the lower pull rod 71 on the lower pull rod base 7. The upper pull rod 61 is connected to one end of the air rudder through the first upper rocker arm, and the lower pull rod 71 is connected to the other end of the air rudder through the first lower rocker arm to complete the installation of the air rudder.

[0046] The above methods can provide guidance for the installation of the air rudder, thereby ensuring the quality of the installation and the normal operation of the air rudder.

[0047] In some embodiments, in step S1, the rudder shaft centerline 1 is extended to intersect with the engine nacelle 100 and the upper deck. A cable tie is welded at the intersection, and a steel wire is stretched between the two cable tie frames. This method facilitates the installation of the cable tie frames and displays the rudder shaft centerline 1 via the steel wire, providing guidance for subsequent installation. In other embodiments, a laser device can be installed to display the rudder shaft centerline using laser light; further limitations are not specified here.

[0048] In some embodiments, in step S2, the coplanar error of the panel of the upper rudder bearing base 2 and the panel of the lower rudder bearing base 3 is no greater than ±2mm. This setting ensures the accuracy of subsequent installation of the air rudder on the upper rudder bearing base 2 and the lower rudder bearing base 3. When installing the upper rudder bearing base 2 and the lower rudder bearing base 3, the vertical distance deviation between the panel of the upper rudder bearing base 2 and the panel of the lower rudder bearing base 3 and the rudder shaft centerline 1 is no greater than 165±3mm. The installation deviation along the axial direction of the rudder shaft centerline 1 is no greater than ±3mm.

[0049] In some embodiments, in step S4, the axis of the rod-shaped shaft hole of the drilling fixture 400 coincides with the rudder shaft centerline 1. This limitation ensures that the connecting hole drilled using the drilling fixture 400 meets the relative positional requirements with respect to the rudder shaft centerline 1. However, during actual installation of the drilling fixture 400, a certain error will inevitably occur in the relative position between the axis of the rod-shaped shaft hole of the drilling fixture 400 and the rudder shaft centerline 1. In this embodiment, the error between the axis of the rod-shaped shaft hole of the drilling fixture 400 and the rudder shaft centerline 1 is ±0.5 mm.

[0050] In some embodiments, in step S4, the distance between the upper rudder bearing base 2 and the mounting plate on the propeller turret 200 is measured, and a first adjusting shim is fabricated; the distance between the lower rudder bearing base 3 and the mounting plate on the propeller turret 200 is measured, and a second adjusting shim is fabricated. By fabricating the first and second adjusting shims, the installation positions of the upper rudder bearing base 2 and the lower rudder bearing base 3 on the propeller turret 200 can be adjusted, thereby ensuring the installation accuracy of the upper rudder bearing base 2 and the lower rudder bearing base 3.

[0051] In some embodiments, in step S4, the drilling fixture 400 has a drilling template, and the drilling fixture 400 drills holes in the upper rudder bearing base 2 and the lower rudder bearing base 3 through the drilling template. By using the drilling template, it is easy to quickly position the connecting holes, so that the relative positions between the drilled connecting holes meet the design requirements.

[0052] In some embodiments, in step S5, the fixing fixture is first installed to the rear end of the propeller tower 200, and the air rudder is hoisted using the fixing fixture. During the hoisting process, the relative positions of the air rudder, propeller tower 200, and engine nacelle 100 are checked. Specifically, the clearance between the main rudder blade 4 and the engine nacelle 100 should be 20mm, with a deviation of 0-10mm; the clearance between the main rudder blade 4 and the arc surface of the propeller tower 200 should be 15mm, with a deviation of 0-5mm; the centerline of the main rudder blade 4 and the centerline of the propeller tower 200 should be on the same plane, with a deviation of no more than ±2mm; the minimum distance between the lower end face of the main rudder blade 4 and the deck surface should be 120mm. These limitations ensure that the air rudder installation position meets the requirements.

[0053] In some embodiments, in step S5, after the air rudder is installed in place, the flexibility and angle of rotation of the air rudder blades are checked. Specifically, after adjusting the position of the air rudder blades using a fixing fixture, the first and second adjusting shims for installation are placed in the installation position. The connection holes can be secured with temporary bolts or clamps. The upper rudder bearing base 2 and the lower rudder bearing base 3 are installed on the propeller turret 200. Adhesive is injected into the gap between the bolts and the adjusting shim holes and onto the upper and lower surfaces of the adjusting shims through the injection holes on the sides of the first and second adjusting shims. The nuts on the fastening bolts connecting the upper rudder bearing base 2 and the lower rudder bearing base 3 are tightened to the specified torque. After assembly, the fastening bolts, nuts, and outer edges are sealed with HM108B sealant. This installation method ensures stability and sealing after installation.

[0054] In some embodiments, in step S6, the steering mechanism 5 includes an electro-hydraulic steering cylinder 51 and an adjustable link 52 connected to each other. The adjustable link 52 is connected to the rudder handle of the air rudder. The piston extension and retraction of the electro-hydraulic steering cylinder 51 drives the adjustable link 52, thereby rotating the air rudder. Using this method, the air rudder can be effectively driven to rotate, thus smoothly changing the ship's course.

[0055] In some embodiments, during step S6, when installing the steering mechanism 5, the axis of the piston rod of the electro-hydraulic steering gear cylinder 51 coincides with the axis of the adjustable connecting rod 52. Specifically, during installation, the main rudder blade 4 is adjusted to the zero-degree position. At this time, the piston of the electro-hydraulic steering gear cylinder 51 is in the middle position, and the angle between the rudder shaft centerline 1 and the hull cross section is 3±0.5°. The sealing cover 500 is inserted from the small end of the adjustable connecting rod 52, and the small end of the adjustable connecting rod 52 is rotated into the interior of the propeller turret 200 from the opening on the rear wall of the propeller turret 200, connecting the rudder handle to the adjustable connecting rod 52. The sealing cover 500 provides a sealing effect. The mechanical limiting device, the adjustable connecting rod 52, and the electro-hydraulic steering gear cylinder 51 are assembled. When the main rudder blade 4 is in the zero position, the mechanical limit indication of the hydraulic rudder angle indicator is in the zero-degree position. The requirement during installation is that the centerline of the adjustable connecting rod 52 coincides with the centerline of the electro-hydraulic steering gear hydraulic piston rod. When the main rudder blade 4 is at the zero-degree position, the piston should also be at the middle zero-degree position.

[0056] In some embodiments, during the installation of the steering mechanism 5, a third adjusting shim is fabricated as needed. This shim is placed between the electro-hydraulic steering cylinder 51 and the mounting base. A bushing is installed on the hull structure, fitted with four bolt holes, and the electro-hydraulic steering cylinder 51 and the mounting base are securely connected using four bolts with reamed holes. The positions of the mechanical limit device and the mechanical rudder angle indicator are adjusted according to the installed electro-hydraulic steering cylinder 51 and then tightened with bolts. This ensures that the adjustable linkage 52 with both maximum and minimum working strokes can slide normally during steering, and that full left and full right rudder can be achieved when the limit device is installed.

[0057] In some embodiments, during the installation of the upper tie rod 61 and lower tie rod 71, the clearance values ​​between the upper tie rod base 6, the lower tie rod base 7, and the hull base structure are measured, and a fourth adjusting shim and a fifth adjusting shim are machined according to the clearance values. Epoxy is applied to the upper and lower surfaces of the fourth and fifth adjusting shims. The fourth adjusting shim is inserted between the upper tie rod base 6 and the hull base, and the fifth adjusting shim is inserted between the lower tie rod base 7 and the hull base. The shims are clamped with screw clamps, and the bolt holes are drilled diagonally. During assembly, the bolts, nuts, and bolt hole surfaces are wet-assembled using HM108A polysulfide sealing material. After assembly, the bolts, nuts, and outer edges are sealed with HM108B. Through the above methods, the stability and sealing of the upper tie rod 61 and lower tie rod 71 installation can be guaranteed.

[0058] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air rudder installation method, characterized in that, The steps include: S1. Determine the rudder shaft centerline (1) by the first intersection point of the centerline of the propeller tower (200) and the superstructure (300) and the second intersection point of the centerline of the propeller tower (200) at a set distance from the superstructure (300); S2. Install the upper rudder bearing base (2) and the lower rudder bearing base (3) on the propeller turret (200) according to the rudder shaft centerline (1); S3. Based on the intersection of the rudder shaft centerline (1) and the upper deck (300) as the origin, install the upper tie rod base (6) on the propeller tower (200) according to the design position, and install the lower tie rod base (7) on the upper deck (300); S4. Install the drilling fixture (400) and use the drilling fixture (400) to open connection holes in the upper rudder bearing base (2) and the lower rudder bearing base (3); S5. Connect the air rudder to the upper rudder bearing base (2) and the lower rudder bearing base (3); S6. Adjust the rudder blade of the air rudder to the zero-degree position, and install the pusher mechanism (5) on the propeller turret (200). The pusher mechanism (5) is connected to the rudder handle of the air rudder. S7. Adjust the length of the upper pull rod (61) and the lower pull rod (71), install the upper pull rod (61) on the upper pull rod base (6), install the lower pull rod (71) on the lower pull rod base (7), the upper pull rod (61) is connected to one end of the air rudder through the first upper rocker arm, and the lower pull rod (71) is connected to the other end of the air rudder through the first lower rocker arm.

2. The air rudder installation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the center line (1) of the rudder shaft is extended to intersect with the engine nacelle (100) and the upper deck. A wire frame is welded at the intersection and a steel wire is laid between the two wire frames.

3. The air rudder installation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, the coplanar error between the panel of the upper rudder bearing base (2) and the panel of the lower rudder bearing base (3) is no greater than ±2mm.

4. The air rudder installation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S4, the axis of the rod-shaped shaft hole of the drilling tool (400) coincides with the center line (1) of the rudder shaft.

5. The air rudder installation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S4, the distance between the upper rudder bearing base (2) and the mounting plate on the propeller turret (200) is measured, and a first adjusting shim is made. The distance between the lower rudder bearing base (3) and the mounting plate on the propeller turret (200) is measured, and a second adjusting shim is made.

6. The air rudder installation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S4, the drilling fixture (400) has a drilling template, and the drilling fixture (400) drills holes in the upper rudder bearing base (2) and the lower rudder bearing base (3) through the drilling template.

7. The air rudder installation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S5, the fixing fixture is first installed at the rear end of the propeller tower (200), and the air rudder is hoisted using the fixing fixture. During the hoisting process, the relative positions of the air rudder, the propeller tower (200), and the engine nacelle (100) are checked.

8. The air rudder installation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S5, after the air rudder is installed in place, the flexibility and angle of the air rudder blade rotation are checked.

9. The air rudder installation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S6, the steering mechanism (5) includes an electro-hydraulic steering cylinder (51) and an adjustable link (52) connected to each other, and the adjustable link (52) is connected to the rudder handle of the air rudder.

10. The air rudder installation method according to claim 9, characterized in that, In step S6, during the installation of the steering mechanism (5), the axis of the piston rod of the electro-hydraulic steering cylinder (51) coincides with the axis of the adjustable connecting rod (52).

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