A stern tube alignment device

By designing a stern shaft alignment device, and utilizing a suspension frame, pneumatic hoist, and laser distance adjustment mechanism, the problem of stern shaft alignment was solved, damage to alloy bearings was avoided, concentricity observation was achieved, and ship maintenance efficiency was improved.

CN119611692BActive Publication Date: 2026-01-09CHENGXI SHIPYARD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411782928.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-06
Publication Date
2026-01-09
Estimated Expiration
2044-12-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When a ship is docked for maintenance, the stern shaft is difficult to align effectively, which can damage the alloy bearings and temperature probe circuitry. Furthermore, the concentricity of the shaft and bearings is difficult to observe, affecting maintenance efficiency.

Method used

A stern shaft centering device was designed, including a suspension frame, a pneumatic hoist, a hand-operated hoist, and a laser pointer. Combined with a laser front and rear distance adjustment mechanism and a clamping sliding arm, the stern shaft can be centered and observed.

Benefits of technology

This device successfully completed the stern shaft alignment process, avoiding damage to the alloy bearings and temperature probes, ensuring the concentricity of the shaft and bearings, and improving maintenance efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application discloses a stern shaft centering device and belongs to the technical field of stern shafts, which comprises a suspension frame, the lower end of the suspension frame is provided with a stern tube, the inside of the stern tube is provided with a stern shaft, the lower end of the suspension frame is provided with a pneumatic hoist, the lower end of the suspension frame is provided with a second hand-operated hoist on one side of the pneumatic hoist, the lower end of the suspension frame is provided with a first hand-operated hoist between the pneumatic hoist and the second hand-operated hoist, one end of the stern shaft is provided with a center plug, one end of the center plug is provided with a laser pen, one end of the stern tube is provided with a first section of alloy bearing, and the other end of the stern tube is provided with a third section of alloy bearing; the stern shaft engineering of the ship is smoothly completed by manufacturing and using a series of simple tooling, the problems that the concentricity of the shaft and the bearing cannot be effectively observed after the shaft enters the stern tube and the third section of bearing is difficult to enter the gear are solved, and the line of the alloy bearing and the temperature probe is not damaged.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of plug stern shaft technology, and specifically relates to a plug stern shaft alignment device. Background Technology

[0002] As the stern shaft is a key component of a ship's propulsion system and is crucial for the normal operation of the vessel, both stern shafts need to be reinstalled when the ship enters dry dock. The functions of the stern shaft are: 1. It is an important component connecting the propeller and engine, responsible for transmitting power and propelling the ship forward; 2. To prevent damage: When the ship enters dry dock for maintenance or inspection, the stern shaft needs to be reinstalled to avoid unnecessary damage or corrosion within the dock; 3. To maintain its position: Reinstalling the stern shaft ensures its stable position within the dock, preventing movement or deformation during maintenance; 4. To facilitate maintenance: After reinstalling the stern shaft, it is easier to maintain or inspect other parts of the ship without worrying about stern shaft issues.

[0003] The ship needs to reinstall two stern shafts during its second docking. Since this ship has an oil-lubricated long shafting system with stern shafts nearly 20 meters long, and the stern tube has three sections of Babbitt alloy bearings and the wires for temperature probes, the front end of the shaft will droop uncontrollably when the shaft is plugged. Moreover, it is not possible to clearly observe the condition of the shaft inside the stern tube from inside the shaft tunnel. If not careful, the Babbitt alloy bearings and the temperature probe wiring may be damaged. In order to avoid damaging the stern bearings and probe wiring, we designed and manufactured relevant tooling and formulated usage methods. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a stern shaft alignment device to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a stern shaft alignment device, comprising a suspension frame, a stern tube at the lower end of the suspension frame, a stern shaft passing through the interior of the stern tube, a pneumatic hoist at the lower end of the suspension frame, a second manual hoist at one side of the pneumatic hoist at the lower end of the suspension frame, a first manual hoist at the lower end of the suspension frame between the pneumatic hoist and the second manual hoist, a central end cap at one end of the stern shaft, and a laser pointer at one end of the central end cap.

[0006] It should be noted in the solution that a laser front-to-back distance adjustment mechanism is provided below the suspension frame. The laser front-to-back distance adjustment mechanism includes a distance adjustment slide box, a fixed support column, and a fixed frame. The distance adjustment slide box is located below the suspension frame, the fixed support column is slidably connected to the lower part of the distance adjustment slide box, and the fixed frame is fixed to the lower end of the fixed support column.

[0007] It is worth noting that a drive motor is fixed to one end of the adjustable sliding box, a rotating bearing is fixed to the other end of the adjustable sliding box, and an adjustable slider is slidably connected inside the adjustable sliding box.

[0008] Furthermore, it should be noted that the bottom of the adjustable slider is fixed at the upper end of the fixed support, and the adjustable slider has an adjustable screw hole inside, and the adjustable screw is threadedly connected to the adjustable screw hole of the adjustable slider.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, one end of the adjusting screw extends into the rotating bearing, the other end of the adjusting screw is fixed to the output end of the drive motor, and the fixing frame is fixed to the lower end of the fixing support.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, a fixed box is fixed above the adjustable sliding box, and an adjusting sliding opening is provided on the upper end face of the fixed box. Two clamping sliding arms are slidably connected inside the fixed box, and a horizontal crossbar is fixed between the inner end walls of the fixed box. A return spring is sleeved on the surface of the horizontal crossbar.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, one end of the return spring is fixed to the slider of the clamping slide arm, and the other end of the return spring is fixed to the inner wall of the fixing box. The lower end face of the suspension bracket is provided with an installation port that is compatible with the clamping slide arm.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, a positioning port is provided on one end face of the stern shaft, and a positioning stud is provided at the end of the central end cap, the positioning stud being threadedly connected to the positioning port of the stern shaft.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, a first alloy bearing is provided at one end of the stern tube, a third alloy bearing is provided at the other end of the stern tube, a second alloy bearing is provided between the first alloy bearing and the third alloy bearing, and a suspension operation port is provided on the upper end face of the second alloy bearing.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the pneumatic hoist includes a mounting base, an aerodynamic mechanism, a suspended gantry motor, and a suspension point. The mounting base is fixed to the lower end of the suspension frame. The aerodynamic mechanism is mounted on the mounting base. The suspended gantry motor is located at the output end of the aerodynamic mechanism. The suspension point is located at the end of the chain of the suspended gantry motor. Both the first and second manual hoists include a hoist housing, a suspension chain, and a hand chain. The hoist housing is fixed to the lower end of the suspension frame. The suspension chain is located inside the hoist housing and also passes through the inside of the hoist housing.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the plug stern shaft alignment device provided by the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0016] The ship's shaft insertion project was successfully completed by manufacturing and using a series of simple tooling tools. This solved the problems of not being able to effectively observe the concentricity of the shaft and bearing after the shaft enters the stern tube and the difficulty in advancing the third bearing. At the same time, the alloy bearing and the circuit of the temperature probe were not damaged.

[0017] The laser beam is adjustable in front and behind and the clamping slide arm is designed with a spring clamping mechanism that facilitates quick removal of the laser pointer. The adjustable screw and adjustable slider can move left and right, allowing the stern shaft to move further away from the first, second, and third alloy bearings as it passes through them, giving way to personnel for observation and the smooth operation of the central bearing. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the stern tube structure of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the stern shaft structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the adjustable sliding box structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the cross-sectional structure of the adjustable sliding box of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the cross-sectional structure of the fixing box of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the laser pointer structure of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the pneumatic hoist structure of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional view of the first hand chain hoist structure of the present invention.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Suspension frame; 2. Pneumatic hoist; 3. First manual chain hoist; 4. Second manual chain hoist; 5. Stern tube; 6. First alloy bearing section; 7. Second alloy bearing section; 8. Third alloy bearing section; 9. Erecting support rod; 10. Suspension operating port; 11. Stern shaft; 12. Suspension end; 13. Center end cap; 14. Positioning port; 15. Positioning stud; 16. Adjustable distance slide box; 17. Adjustable distance slider; 18. Fixed support. 19. Column; 20. Fixed frame; 21. Laser pointer; 22. Adjusting screw; 23. Drive motor; 24. Rotary bearing; 25. Fixed box; 26. Clamping slide arm; 27. Adjusting slide; 28. Horizontal bar; 29. ​​Return spring; 30. Adjusting screw hole; 31. Mounting base; 32. Pneumatic mechanism; 33. Suspended gantry motor; 34. First suspension chain; 35. Hoist housing; 36. Second suspension chain; 37. Hand chain. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Specific Implementation Example 1

[0030] Please see Figure 1-10 The present invention provides a stern shaft alignment device, including a suspension frame 1, a stern tube 5 at the lower end of the suspension frame 1, a stern shaft 11 passing through the interior of the stern tube 5, a pneumatic hoist 2 at the lower end of the suspension frame 1, a second manual hoist 4 at one side of the pneumatic hoist 2 at the lower end of the suspension frame 1, a first manual hoist 3 at the lower end of the suspension frame 1 between the pneumatic hoist 2 and the second manual hoist 4, a central end cap 13 at one end of the stern shaft 11, and a laser pointer 20 at one end of the central end cap 13.

[0031] Further as Figure 4 As shown, it is worth noting that a positioning port 14 is provided on one end face of the stern shaft 11, and a positioning stud 15 is provided at the end of the central end cap 13. The positioning stud 15 is threadedly connected to the positioning port 14 of the stern shaft 11.

[0032] Further as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, it is worth noting that a first alloy bearing 6 is provided at one end of the stern tube 5, a third alloy bearing 8 is provided at the other end of the stern tube 5, a second alloy bearing 7 is provided between the first alloy bearing 6 and the third alloy bearing 8, and a suspension operation port 10 is provided on the upper end face of the second alloy bearing 7.

[0033] Further as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, it is worth noting that the pneumatic hoist 2 includes a mounting base 30, an aerodynamic mechanism 31, a suspended gantry motor 32, and a suspension point 33. The mounting base 30 is fixed to the lower end of the suspension frame 1. The aerodynamic mechanism 31 is mounted on the mounting base 30. The suspended gantry motor 32 is located at the output end of the aerodynamic mechanism 31. The suspension point 33 is located at the end of the chain of the suspended gantry motor 32. The first manual hoist 3 and the second manual hoist 4 both include a hoist housing 34, a suspension chain 35, and a hand chain 36. The hoist housing 34 is fixed to the lower end of the suspension frame 1. The suspension chain 35 is located inside the hoist housing 34 and also passes through the inside of the hoist housing 34.

[0034] The solution has the following working process: Install the relevant tooling in place: the center plug 13 is installed on the oil pipe of the stern shaft 11, the laser pointer 20 with bracket is installed on the intermediate shaft, and then the stern shaft 11 is inserted into the first section of alloy bearing 6 by hoisting the relevant equipment of the pneumatic hoist 2.

[0035] When the stern shaft is inserted to the second lifting point where the second section of alloy bearing 7 is located, adjust and turn on the laser pointer 20 on the intermediate shaft. The laser is the center of the intermediate shaft by default. Use the first hand chain hoist 3 and the sling at the second lifting point to adjust the stern shaft 11 so that the laser point falls on the center point of the center end cap 13. After adjusting the center, continue to insert the stern shaft 11 inward until it passes the second section of alloy bearing 7.

[0036] When the stern shaft 11 is almost inserted into the third alloy bearing 8, insert the lifting sleeve into the inner hole of the stern shaft, and use the second hand chain hoist 4 in the shaft tunnel to adjust the stern shaft 11 into the third alloy bearing 8. You can directly observe the situation of the stern shaft 11 and the third alloy bearing 8. When the end face of the stern shaft 11 is flush with the third alloy bearing 8, remove all the tooling. Install the other stern shaft 11 in the same way.

[0037] The working principle of the pneumatic hoist 2 is to use air as a power source to drive the motor, which in turn drives the internal mechanical parts to achieve the working requirements of lifting heavy objects. Specifically, the pneumatic hoist 2 uses clean compressed air as a power source to drive the air motor, which in turn drives the internal mechanical parts to work and achieve the purpose of lifting heavy objects. In addition, the pneumatic hoist also has the advantages of being environmentally friendly, having adjustable speed, and having no temperature limit, making it more advantageous than electric hoists in specific environments such as mines.

[0038] A hand chain hoist lifts and lowers heavy objects by pulling a manual chain. The specific working principle is as follows: Lifting the heavy object: Pulling the manual chain clockwise rotates the chain wheel, pressing the friction plate ratchet and brake seat together to rotate. This causes the long toothed shaft to rotate the plate gear, short toothed shaft, and splined gear. The lifting sprocket mounted on the splined gear drives the lifting chain to smoothly lift the heavy object. Lowering the heavy object: Pulling the chain counterclockwise separates the brake seat from the brake pads. The ratchet stops under the action of the pawl, and the five-toothed long shaft drives the lifting sprocket in the opposite direction, smoothly lowering the heavy object. Braking mechanism: A ratchet friction plate type one-way brake is used, which can automatically brake under load. The pawl engages with the ratchet under the action of a spring, ensuring safe operation of the brake. The hand chain hoist has a compact structure, is easy to operate, and is suitable for short-distance lifting of small equipment and goods.

[0039] Based on the above work process, it can be seen that the shaft insertion project of the ship was successfully completed by making and using a series of simple toolings. This solved the problems of not being able to effectively observe the concentricity of the shaft and bearing after the shaft enters the stern tube and the difficulty of advancing the third bearing. At the same time, the alloy bearing and the circuit of the temperature probe were not damaged. Specific Implementation Example 2

[0040] Please see Figure 1-10 The present invention provides a stern shaft alignment device, including a suspension frame 1, a stern tube 5 at the lower end of the suspension frame 1, a stern shaft 11 passing through the interior of the stern tube 5, a pneumatic hoist 2 at the lower end of the suspension frame 1, a second manual hoist 4 at one side of the pneumatic hoist 2 at the lower end of the suspension frame 1, a first manual hoist 3 at the lower end of the suspension frame 1 between the pneumatic hoist 2 and the second manual hoist 4, a central end cap 13 at one end of the stern shaft 11, and a laser pointer 20 at one end of the central end cap 13.

[0041] Further as Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, it is worth noting that a laser front-to-back adjustment mechanism is provided below the suspension frame 1. The laser front-to-back adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment slide box 16, a fixed support column 18, and a fixed frame 19. The adjustment slide box 16 is located below the suspension frame 1, the fixed support column 18 is slidably connected to the lower part of the adjustment slide box 16, and the fixed frame 19 is fixed to the lower end of the fixed support column 18.

[0042] Further as Figure 5 As shown, it is worth noting that a drive motor 22 is fixed to one end of the adjustable sliding box 16, a rotating bearing 23 is fixed to the other end of the adjustable sliding box 16, and an adjustable slider 17 is slidably connected inside the adjustable sliding box 16.

[0043] Further as Figure 6As shown, it is worth noting that the bottom of the adjustable slider 17 is fixed at the upper end of the fixed support 18, and the adjustable slider 17 has an adjustable screw hole 29 inside, and the adjustable screw 21 is threadedly connected to the adjustable screw hole 29 of the adjustable slider 17.

[0044] Further as Figure 6 As shown, it is worth noting that one end of the adjusting screw 21 extends into the rotating bearing 23, and the other end of the adjusting screw 21 is fixed to the output end of the drive motor 22. The fixing frame 19 is fixed to the lower end of the fixing support 18.

[0045] Further as Figure 7 As shown, it is worth noting that a fixed box 24 is fixed above the adjustable sliding box 16. An adjusting sliding port 26 is opened on the upper end face of the fixed box 24. Two clamping sliding arms 25 are slidably connected inside the fixed box 24. A horizontal crossbar 27 is fixed between the inner end walls of the fixed box 24. A return spring 28 is sleeved on the surface of the horizontal crossbar 27.

[0046] Further as Figure 7 As shown, it is worth noting that one end of the return spring 28 is fixed to the slider of the clamping slide arm 25, and the other end of the return spring 28 is fixed to the inner wall of the fixing box 24. The lower end face of the suspension bracket 1 is provided with an installation port that is compatible with the clamping slide arm 25.

[0047] This solution has the following working process: When the laser pointer 20 is installed, it is spring-loaded into the mounting opening at the bottom of the suspension bracket 1 by the clamping sliding arm 25 at the upper end of the fixing box 24. This allows the laser pointer 20 to be suspended in the direction of the central axis. At the same time, the spring-loaded clamping method of the clamping sliding arm 25 facilitates the quick removal of the laser pointer 20. In addition, during the operation of the stern shaft 11, the laser pointer 20 can move left and right by the cooperation of the adjusting screw 21 and the adjusting slider 17. This allows the stern shaft 11 to move away from the first alloy bearing 6, the second alloy bearing 7 and the third alloy bearing 8, making way for personnel observation and the operation of the central bearing head 13.

[0048] As can be seen from the above working process, the elastic clamping method of the clamping slide arm 25 facilitates the quick removal of the laser pointer 20. It can move left and right through the cooperation of the adjusting screw 21 and the adjusting slider 17. This allows the stern shaft 11 to move away from the first alloy bearing 6, the second alloy bearing 7 and the third alloy bearing 8, giving way to personnel observation and the operation of the central head 13.

[0049] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, this does not limit the scope of the patent. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the description and drawings of this invention, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the scope of patent protection of this invention. Regarding the embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A stern tube alignment device comprising a suspension bracket (1), characterized in that: The lower end of the suspension frame (1) is provided with a stern tube (5), the inside of the stern tube (5) is provided with a stern shaft (11), the lower end of the suspension frame (1) is provided with a wind hoist (2), one side of the lower end of the suspension frame (1) between the wind hoist (2) and the second hand-operated hoist (4) is provided with a first hand-operated hoist (3), one end of the stern shaft (11) is provided with a center nipple (13), one end of the center nipple (13) is provided with a laser pen (20). The lower side of the suspension frame (1) is provided with a laser front and rear distance adjusting mechanism, the laser front and rear distance adjusting mechanism comprises a distance adjusting sliding box (16), a fixed support column (18) and a fixed frame (19), the distance adjusting sliding box (16) is arranged below the suspension frame (1), the fixed support column (18) is slidably connected below the distance adjusting sliding box (16), and the fixed frame (19) is fixed to the lower end of the fixed support column (18). The upper side of the distance adjusting sliding box (16) is fixedly connected with a fixed box (24), the upper end surface of the fixed box (24) is provided with an adjusting sliding opening (26), the inside of the fixed box (24) is slidably connected with two clamping sliding arms (25), and the inner end walls of the fixed box (24) are fixedly connected with a horizontal cross rod (27). One end of the reset spring (28) is fixed to the sliding block portion of the clamping sliding arm (25), the other end of the reset spring (28) is fixed to the inner wall of the fixed box (24), and the lower end surface of the suspension frame (1) is provided with a mounting opening matched with the clamping sliding arm (25). The end surface of the stern shaft (11) is provided with a positioning opening (14), the end of the center nipple (13) is provided with a positioning stud (15), and the positioning stud (15) is in threaded connection with the positioning opening (14) of the stern shaft (11).

2. A stern tube alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that One end of the distance adjusting sliding box (16) is fixedly connected with a driving motor (22), the other end of the distance adjusting sliding box (16) is fixedly connected with a rotating bearing (23), and the inside of the distance adjusting sliding box (16) is slidably connected with a distance adjusting sliding block (17).

3. A stern tube alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper end of the fixed support column (18) is fixed to the bottom of the distance adjusting sliding block (17), the inside of the distance adjusting sliding block (17) is provided with a distance adjusting screw hole (29), and a distance adjusting lead screw (21) is in threaded connection with the distance adjusting screw hole (29) of the distance adjusting sliding block (17).

4. A stern tube alignment device according to claim 3, characterized in that: One end of the distance adjusting lead screw (21) extends into the rotating bearing (23), the other end of the distance adjusting lead screw (21) is fixed to the output end of the driving motor (22), and the fixed frame (19) is fixed to the lower end of the fixed support column (18).

5. A stern tube alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the stern tube (5) is provided with a first segment of alloy bearing (6), the other end of the stern tube (5) is provided with a third segment of alloy bearing (8), the second segment of alloy bearing (7) is arranged between the first segment of alloy bearing (6) and the third segment of alloy bearing (8), and the upper end surface of the second segment of alloy bearing (7) is provided with a suspension operation opening (10).

6. A stern tube alignment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wind hoist (2) comprises a mounting seat (30), an air power mechanism (31), a suspension door machine (32) and a suspension point (33), the mounting seat (30) is fixed at the lower end of the suspension frame (1), the air power mechanism (31) is arranged on the mounting seat (30), the suspension door machine (32) is arranged at the output end of the air power mechanism (31), the suspension point (33) is arranged at the chain end of the suspension door machine (32), the first hand chain hoist (3) and the second hand chain hoist (4) both comprise a hoist shell (34), a suspension chain (35) and a hand chain (36), the hoist shell (34) is fixed at the lower end of the suspension frame (1), the suspension chain (35) is arranged in the hoist shell (34), and the suspension chain (35) is also arranged in the hoist shell (34).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    CN116215797A

  • Large LNG transport ship double-shafting stay wire irradiation process

    CN117922781A