Method and device for sealing propeller shaft of ship

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method and a device for sealing a propeller shaft (1) of a ship. The propeller shaft (1) is rotatably supported by a bearing arrangement (8) inside a pod (3) which is suspended at a hull (4) of a vessel (2). The bearing arrangement (8) comprises at least two sealing rings (9) axially spaced apart from each other such that at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) is delimited. The device comprises lubrication means (11) for guiding lubricant to and from the bearing means (8). The lubrication device comprises an additional lubrication circulation line (14) for guiding a flow of lubricant to and from the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10). The lubricating device is additionally configured to generate a lubricant flow in the additional lubricant circulation line (14) and in the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of ships, and in particular, to a method for sealing a propeller shaft of a ship and a device for sealing a propeller shaft of a ship. Background Art

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for sealing a propeller shaft of a ship as defined in the preamble of independent claim 1, wherein the propeller shaft is arranged in a pod suspended at the hull of the ship, wherein a propeller is attached to the drive end of the propeller shaft, wherein the drive end extends out of the pod, wherein the propeller shaft is rotatably supported by bearing means inside the pod, wherein at least two sealing rings are arranged axially spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the propeller shaft and engage the outer circumference of the propeller shaft such that at least one lubricant sealing chamber is defined between adjacent sealing rings. And wherein the bearing means includes a lubrication means, the lubrication means including a lubricant circulation line and a lubricant circulator, the lubricant circulation line for guiding lubricant to and from the bearing means, the lubricant circulator being configured to generate a lubricant flow in the lubricant circulation line and in the bearing means.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a device for sealing a propeller shaft of a ship as defined in the preamble of independent claim 9, wherein the propeller shaft is arranged in a pod suspended at the hull of the ship, wherein a propeller is attached to the drive end of the propeller shaft, wherein the drive end extends out of the pod, wherein the propeller shaft is rotatably supported by bearing means inside the pod, wherein at least two sealing rings are arranged axially spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the propeller shaft and engage the outer circumference of the propeller shaft such that at least one lubricant sealing chamber is defined between adjacent sealing rings. And wherein the device includes a lubrication means, the lubrication means including a lubricant circulation line and a lubricant circulator, the lubricant circulation line for guiding lubricant to and from the bearing means, the lubricant circulator being configured to generate a lubricant flow in the lubricant circulation line and in the bearing means.

[0004] The problem with the above method and device is that heating of the sealing rings defining the lubricant sealing chamber results in wear of the sealing rings and a shortened service life. Due to the friction between the propeller shaft and the sealing rings, the sealing rings are heated because the sealing rings engage the outer circumference of the rotating propeller shaft. Summary of the Invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a device for sealing a propeller shaft of a ship to solve the above problems.

[0006] The method is characterized by the limitations of independent claim 1.

[0007] Preferred embodiments of the method are defined in dependent claims 2 to 8.

[0008] The corresponding features of the device are defined in independent claim 9.

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the device are defined in dependent claims 10 to 16. Description of the Drawings

[0010] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the device is shown,

[0012] Figure 2 A second embodiment of the device is shown,

[0013] Figure 3 A third embodiment of the device is shown,

[0014] Figure 4 A fourth embodiment of the device is shown, and

[0015] Figure 5 A fifth embodiment of the device is shown. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0016] First, a method for sealing the propeller shaft 1 of a ship 2 and some embodiments and variations of the method will be described in more detail.

[0017] In this method, the propeller shaft 1 is arranged at the pod 3, and the pod 3 is suspended at the hull 4 of the ship 2.

[0018] The pod 3 can be fixedly suspended at the hull 4 of the ship 2. The pod 3 can also pivot about a pivot axis (not shown) suspended at the hull 4 of the ship 2. An electric motor (not shown) can be provided inside the pod 3 for rotating the propeller shaft 1. It is also possible that the pod includes a mechanical power transmission device for rotating the propeller shaft 1 by a motor arranged to be accommodated by the hull 4 of the ship 1.

[0019] In this method, the propeller 5 is attached to the drive end 6 of the propeller shaft 1, where the drive end 6 extends from the pod 3. The propeller shaft 1 can additionally have a second drive end (not shown) that extends from the opposite end of the pod 3, i.e., such that the propeller extends through the pod and such that a second propeller (not shown) is provided at the second drive end.

[0020] In this method, the propeller shaft 1 can have a non-driven portion 7 inside the pod 3.

[0021] In this method, the propeller shaft 1 is rotatably supported by a bearing device 8 inside the nacelle 3.

[0022] In this method, at least two sealing rings 9 are arranged to be axially spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the propeller shaft 1 and engage the outer periphery of the propeller shaft 1, such that at least one lubricant chamber 10 is defined between adjacent sealing rings 9.

[0023] The propeller shaft 1 may include a bushing 20 that at least partially forms the outermost part of the propeller shaft 1. In the figure, the bushing 20 forms the outermost part of the propeller shaft 1 at least in the region of the sealing ring 11.

[0024] In this method, the bearing device includes a lubrication device 11, which includes a lubricant circulation line 12 and a lubricant circulator 13. The lubricant circulation line is used to guide lubricant to the bearing device 8 and to guide lubricant from the bearing device 8. The lubricant circulator is configured to generate a lubricant flow in the lubricant circulation line 12 and in the bearing device 8.

[0025] The method includes providing a lubrication device 11 with an additional lubrication circulation line 14, which includes a first line portion 15 and a second line portion 16. The first line portion 15 is used to guide a portion of the lubricant flow to at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10, and the second line portion 16 is used to guide a portion of the lubricant flow from at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10.

[0026] The method includes generating a lubricant flow in the first line portion 15 and the second line portion 16 of the additional lubrication circulation line 14 and in at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10.

[0027] The method may include generating a lubricant flow in the first line portion 15 and the second line portion 16 of the additional lubrication circulation line 14 and in at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 by means of the lubricant circulator 13.

[0028] Optionally, the first line portion 15 and / or the second line portion 16 of the additional lubrication circulation line includes or is provided with an additional lubricant circulator (not shown in the figure), which is configured to generate a lubricant flow in the first line portion 15 and the second line portion 16 of the additional lubrication circulation line 14 and in at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10.

[0029] The lubricant flow in at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 will reduce the temperature in at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 and thus reduce the temperature of the sealing ring 9 that defines at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10. This reduces wear of the sealing ring 9 and extends the service life of the sealing ring 9. One reason for the lower temperature is that since the temperature of the lubricant circulating in at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 is lower than the temperature generated by the friction between the outer circumference of the rotating propeller shaft 1 and the sealing ring 9, heat energy will conduct from the sealing ring 9 to the lubricant circulating in at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 and in the second pipeline section 16 remote from at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10.

[0030] The method may include fluidly connecting the first pipeline section 15 to 12 at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator 13 and upstream of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10, fluidly connecting the first pipeline section 15 to at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10, and guiding the above-mentioned portion of the lubricant flow in the first pipeline section 15 from the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 to at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10.

[0031] The method may include fluidly connecting the first pipeline section 15 to the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator 13 and upstream of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10, fluidly connecting the first pipeline section 15 to the bottom of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10, and guiding the above-mentioned portion of the lubricant flow in the first pipeline section 15 from the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 into the bottom of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10.

[0032] The method may include fluidly connecting the first pipeline section 15 to the bottom of the bearing device 8, fluidly connecting the first pipeline section 15 to the bottom of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10, and guiding the above-mentioned portion of the lubricant flow in the first pipeline section 15 from the bottom of the bearing device 8 into the bottom of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10.

[0033] The method may include providing a second pipeline section 16 by means of a balance passage between at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 and the bearing device 8, and guiding the above-mentioned portion of the lubricant flow in the second pipeline section 16 from at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 to the bearing device 8.

[0034] The method may include fluidly connecting the second pipeline section 16 to the top of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 and fluidly connecting it to the bearing device 8, and guiding the above-mentioned portion of the lubricant flow in the second pipeline section 16 from the top of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 into the bearing device 8.

[0035] The method can include connecting the second pipeline portion 16 in fluid communication with the bottom of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 and connecting it in fluid communication with the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 at a point downstream of the bearing device 8 and upstream of the lubricant circulator 13, and guiding the above-mentioned portion of the lubricant flow from the bottom of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 into the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 in the second pipeline portion 16.

[0036] Figure 2 The second embodiment shown includes connecting the first pipeline portion 15 in fluid communication with the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator 13 and upstream of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10, connecting the first pipeline portion 15 in fluid communication with at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10, and guiding the above-mentioned portion of the lubricant flow from the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 to at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 in the first pipeline portion 15, and providing a second pipeline portion 16 by means of a balance passage between at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 and the bearing device 8, and guiding the above-mentioned portion of the lubricant flow from at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 to the bearing device 8 in the second pipeline portion 16.

[0037] Figure 3 The third embodiment shown includes connecting the first pipeline portion 15 in fluid communication with the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator 13 and upstream of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10, connecting the first pipeline portion 15 in fluid communication with the bottom of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10, and guiding the above-mentioned portion of the lubricant flow from the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 into the bottom of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 in the first pipeline portion 15, and connecting the second pipeline portion 16 in fluid communication with the top of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 and in fluid communication with the bearing device 8, and guiding the above-mentioned portion of the lubricant flow from the top of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 to the bearing device 8 in the second pipeline portion 16. By adjusting the height or the second pipeline portion 16, the pressure in at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 can be adjusted. A higher height or second pipeline portion 16 results in a higher lubricant level and higher pressure in at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10, and this better seals the above-mentioned at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 and thus prevents leakage. The higher pressure also extends the service life of the above-mentioned at least two sealing rings 9. Since the above-mentioned at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 will be filled with lubricant, the at least two sealing rings 9 will have a longer service life.

[0038] Figure 4The fourth embodiment shown in FIG. includes fluidly connecting the first pipeline section 15 to the bottom of the bearing device 8, and fluidly connecting the first pipeline section 15 to the bottom of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10, and guiding the above-mentioned part of the lubricant flow in the first pipeline section 15 from the bottom of the bearing device 8 into the bottom of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10, and fluidly connecting the second pipeline section 16 to the bottom of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 and fluidly connecting it to the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 at a point downstream of the bearing device 8 and upstream of the lubricant circulator 13, and guiding the above-mentioned part of the lubricant flow in the second pipeline section 16 from the bottom of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 into the lubricant circulation pipeline 12.

[0039] The method preferably but not necessarily includes using a cooler 17 to conduct thermal energy from the lubricant circulating in the lubricant circulation pipeline 12, and the cooler is arranged in thermal contact with the lubricant circulation pipeline 12. This additionally promotes the cooling of the above-mentioned at least two sealing rings 9. The cooler 17 can be arranged within the pod 3 as shown in Figures 1 to 4 or can be arranged outside the pod and within the hull 4 of the ship 2 as shown in Figure 5 FIG.

[0040] The method preferably but not necessarily includes regulating the lubricant flow in the first pipeline section 15 by means of a throttling device 18 provided in the first pipeline section 15. In addition to the throttling device 18, another type of flow regulating device can be used.

[0041] Some embodiments and variants of the device for sealing the propeller shaft 1 of the ship 2 and the method will be described in more detail hereinafter.

[0042] The propeller shaft 1 is arranged at the pod 3, and the pod 3 is suspended at the hull 4 of the ship 2.

[0043] The pod 3 can be fixedly suspended at the hull 4 of the ship 2. The pod 3 can also pivot about a pivot axis (not shown) suspended at the hull 4 of the ship 2. An electric motor (not shown) can be provided inside the pod 3 for rotating the propeller shaft 1. It is also possible that the pod includes a mechanical power transmission device for rotating the propeller shaft 1 by means of a motor arranged to be accommodated by the hull 4 of the ship 1.

[0044] The propeller 5 is attached to the drive end 6 of the propeller shaft 1, where the drive end 6 extends from the pod 3. The propeller shaft 1 can have a non-driven part 7 inside the pod 3. The propeller shaft 1 can additionally have a second drive end (not shown) that extends from the opposite end of the pod 3, that is, such that the propeller extends through the pod and such that a second propeller (not shown) is provided at the second drive end.

[0045] The propeller shaft 1 is rotatably supported by a bearing device 8 inside the pod 3.

[0046] At least two sealing rings 9 are arranged to be axially spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the propeller shaft 1 and engage with the outer periphery of the propeller shaft 1, such that at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 is defined between the adjacent sealing rings 9.

[0047] The propeller shaft 1 may include a bushing 20 that at least partially forms the outermost part of the propeller shaft 1. In the figure, the bushing 20 forms the outermost part of the propeller shaft 1 at least in the region of the sealing ring 11.

[0048] The device includes a lubricating device 11, which includes a lubricant circulation pipeline 12 and a lubricant circulator 13. The lubricant circulation pipeline is used to guide the lubricant to the bearing device 8 and to guide the lubricant from the bearing device 8, and the lubricant circulator is configured to generate a lubricant flow in the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 and in the bearing device 8.

[0049] In this device, the lubricating device includes an additional lubrication circulation pipeline 14, which is used to guide a part of the lubricant flow to at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 and to guide a part of the lubricant flow from at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10, and the lubricating device is additionally configured to generate a lubricant flow in the additional lubrication circulation pipeline 14 and in at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10.

[0050] In this device, the lubricant circulator 13 of the lubricating device is preferably but not necessarily additionally configured to generate a lubricant flow in the additional lubrication circulation pipeline 14 and in at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10.

[0051] In this device, it is also possible that the additional lubrication circulation pipeline 14 is provided with an additional lubricant circulator (not shown in the figure), which is configured to generate a lubricant flow in the additional lubrication circulation pipeline 14 and in at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10.

[0052] The lubricant flow in at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 will reduce the temperature in at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 and thus reduce the temperature of the sealing ring 9 that defines at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10. This reduces the wear of the sealing ring 9 and extends the service life of the sealing ring 9. One reason for the lower temperature is that since the temperature of the lubricant circulating in at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 is lower than the temperature generated by the friction between the outer periphery of the rotating propeller shaft 1 and the sealing ring 9, heat energy will be conducted from the sealing ring 9 to the lubricant circulating in at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 and in a second pipeline portion 16 away from at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10.

[0053] In this device, the first pipeline section 15 can be fluidly connected to the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 and to at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator 13 and upstream of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10, wherein the first pipeline section 15 is configured to direct the above-mentioned portion of the lubricant flow from the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 to at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10.

[0054] In this device, the first pipeline section 15 can be fluidly connected to the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 and to the bottom of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator 13 and upstream of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10, wherein the first pipeline section 15 is configured to direct the above-mentioned portion of the lubricant flow from the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 into the bottom of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10.

[0055] In this device, the first pipeline section 15 can be fluidly connected to the bottom of the bearing device and to the bottom of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10, wherein the first pipeline section 15 is configured to direct the above-mentioned portion of the lubricant flow from the bottom of the bearing device 8 into the bottom of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10.

[0056] In this device, the second pipeline section 16 can be formed by a balance passage between at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 and the bearing device 8, wherein the first pipeline section 15 is configured to direct the above-mentioned portion of the lubricant flow from at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 to the bearing device 8.

[0057] In this device, the second pipeline section 16 can be fluidly connected to the top of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 and to the bearing device 8, wherein the second pipeline section 16 is configured to direct a portion of the lubricant flow from the top of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 into the bearing device 8.

[0058] In this device, the second pipeline section 16 can be fluidly connected to the bottom of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 and to the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 at a point downstream of the bearing device 8 and upstream of the lubricant circulator 13, wherein the second pipeline section 16 is configured to direct a portion of the lubricant flow from the bottom of at least one lubricant sealing chamber 10 into the lubricant circulation pipeline 12.

[0059] In Figure 2In a second embodiment of the device shown, a first pipeline section 15 is fluidly connected to the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 and to at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator 13 and upstream of at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, wherein the first pipeline section 15 is configured to direct a portion of the lubricant flow from the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 to at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, and a second pipeline section 16 is formed by a balance passage between the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 and the bearing device 8, wherein the first pipeline section 15 is configured to direct a portion of the lubricant flow from at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 to the bearing device 8.

[0060] In Figure 3 In a third embodiment of the device shown, a first pipeline section 15 is fluidly connected to the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 and to the bottom of at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator 13 and upstream of at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, wherein the first pipeline section 15 is configured to direct a portion of the lubricant flow from the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 into the bottom of at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, and a second pipeline section 16 is fluidly connected to the top of at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 and to the bearing device 8. Wherein the second pipeline section 16 is configured to direct a portion of the lubricant flow from the top of at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 to the bearing device 8. By adjusting the height or the second pipeline section 16, the pressure in at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 can be adjusted. A higher height or second pipeline section 16 results in a higher lubricant level and higher pressure in at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, and this better seals the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 described above and thus prevents leakage. The higher pressure also extends the service life of the at least two sealing rings 9 described above. Since the at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 described above will be filled with lubricant, the at least two sealing rings 9 will have a longer service life.

[0061] In Figure 4 In a fourth embodiment of the device shown, the first pipeline section 15 is fluidly connected to the bottom of the bearing device and to the bottom of at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, wherein the first pipeline section 15 is configured to direct the above-mentioned portion of the lubricant flow from the bottom of the bearing device 8 into the bottom of at least one lubricant seal chamber 10, and the second pipeline section 16 is fluidly connected to the bottom of at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 and is fluidly connected to the lubricant circulation pipeline 12 at a point downstream of the bearing device 8 and upstream of the lubricant circulator 13. Wherein the second pipeline section 16 is configured to direct the above-mentioned portion of the lubricant flow from the bottom of at least one lubricant seal chamber 10 to the lubricant circulation pipeline 12.

[0062] The device preferably but not necessarily includes a cooler 17 arranged to be in thermal contact with the lubricant circulation line 12, the cooler 17 being configured to conduct heat energy from the lubricant circulating in the lubricant circulation line 12. This additionally facilitates the cooling of at least two of the above-mentioned sealing rings 9. The cooler 17 may be arranged within the nacelle 3 as shown in Figures 1 to 4 or may be arranged outside the nacelle and within the hull 4 of the ship 2 as shown in Figure 5 .

[0063] The device preferably but not necessarily includes a throttling device 18 arranged in the first pipeline section 15, the throttling device 18 being configured to regulate the flow of lubricant in the first pipeline section 15. In addition to the throttling device 18, another type of flow regulating device may be used.

[0064] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, with the progress of technology, the basic idea of the present invention can be implemented in various ways. Therefore, the present invention and its embodiments are not limited to the above examples, but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for sealing a propeller shaft (1) of a ship (2), wherein the propeller shaft (1) is arranged at a pod (3), and the pod (3) is suspended at a hull (4) of the ship (2), wherein a propeller (5) is attached to a drive end (6) of the propeller shaft (1), and the drive end (6) projects out of the pod (3), wherein the propeller shaft (1) can be rotatably supported by bearing means (8) inside the pod (3), wherein at least two sealing rings (9) are provided to be axially spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the propeller shaft (1) and engage the outer periphery of the propeller shaft (1), so that at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) is defined between adjacent sealing rings (9), and wherein the bearing means (8) includes a lubrication means (11), the lubrication means includes a lubricant circulation pipeline (12) and a lubricant circulator (13), the lubricant circulation pipeline is used to guide lubricant to the bearing means (8) and to guide lubricant from the bearing means (8), and the lubricant circulator is configured to generate a lubricant flow in the lubricant circulation pipeline (12) and in the bearing means (8), characterized in that an additional lubrication circulation pipeline (14) is provided for the lubrication means (11), the additional lubrication circulation pipeline includes a first pipeline part (15) and includes a second pipeline part (16), the first pipeline part is used to guide a part of the lubricant flow to the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10), the second pipeline part is used to guide the part of the lubricant flow from the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10), and a lubricant flow is generated in the first pipeline part (15) and the second pipeline part (16) of the additional lubricant circulation pipeline (14) and in the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a lubricant flow is generated in the first pipeline part (15) and the second pipeline part (16) of the additional lubricant circulation pipeline (14) and in the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) by means of the lubricant circulator (13).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first pipeline part (15) is fluidly connected to the lubricant circulation pipeline (12) at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator (13) and upstream of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10), and the first pipeline part (15) is fluidly connected to the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10), and the part of the lubricant flow is guided from the lubricant circulation pipeline (12) to the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) in the first pipeline part (15).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Connect the first pipeline section (15) to the lubricant circulation pipeline (12) in a fluid connection at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator (13) and upstream of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10), and connect the first pipeline section (15) to the bottom of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) in a fluid connection, and In the first pipeline section (15), guide the portion of the lubricant flow from the lubricant circulation pipeline (12) into the bottom of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10).

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Connect the first pipeline section (15) to the bottom of the bearing device (8) in a fluid connection, and connect the first pipeline section (15) to the bottom of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) in a fluid connection, and In the first pipeline section (15), guide the portion of the lubricant flow from the bottom of the bearing device (8) into the bottom of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Provide the second pipeline section (16) by means of a balance passage between the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) and the bearing device (8), and In the second pipeline section (16), guide the portion of the lubricant flow from the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) to the bearing device (8).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Connect the second pipeline section (16) to the top of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) in a fluid connection and to the bearing device (8) in a fluid connection, and In the second pipeline section (16), guide the portion of the lubricant flow from the top of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) into the bearing device (8).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Connect the second pipeline section (16) to the bottom of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) in a fluid connection, and connect it to the lubricant circulation pipeline (12) in a fluid connection at a point downstream of the bearing device (8) and upstream of the lubricant circulator (13), and In the second pipeline section (16), guide the portion of the lubricant flow from the bottom of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) into the lubricant circulation pipeline (12).

9. A device for sealing the propeller shaft (1) of a ship (2), wherein the propeller shaft (1) is arranged at a pod (3), and the pod (3) is suspended at the hull (4) of the ship (2), wherein a propeller (5) is attached to the drive end (6) of the propeller shaft (1), and the drive end (6) extends out of the pod (3), wherein the propeller shaft (1) can be rotatably supported by a bearing device (8) inside the pod (3), At least two sealing rings (9) are arranged to be axially spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the propeller shaft (1) and engage the outer circumference of the propeller shaft (1) such that at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) is defined between adjacent sealing rings (9), and wherein the bearing device (8) includes a lubricating device (11), the lubricating device including a lubricant circulation line (12) and a lubricant circulator (13), the lubricant circulation line being for guiding lubricant to and from the bearing device (8), the lubricant circulator being configured to generate a lubricant flow in the lubricant circulation line (12) and in the bearing device (8), characterized in that the lubricating device includes an additional lubricant circulation line (14) for guiding a portion of the lubricant flow to and from the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10), and the lubricating device is additionally configured to generate a lubricant flow in the additional lubricant circulation line (14) and in the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10).

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the lubricant circulator (13) of the lubricating device is additionally configured to generate a lubricant flow in the additional lubricant circulation line (14) and in the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10).

11. The device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the first pipeline portion (15) is fluidly connected to the lubricant circulation line (12) at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator (13) and upstream of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) and is fluidly connected to the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10), wherein the first pipeline portion (15) is configured to guide the portion of the lubricant flow from the lubricant circulation line (12) to the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10).

12. The device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the first pipeline portion (15) is fluidly connected to the lubricant circulation line (12) at a point downstream of the lubricant circulator (13) and upstream of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) and is fluidly connected to the bottom of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10), wherein the first pipeline portion (15) is configured to guide the portion of the lubricant flow from the lubricant circulation line (12) into the bottom of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10).

13. The device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The first pipeline section (15) is in fluid connection with the bottom of the bearing device and in fluid connection with the bottom of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10), wherein the first pipeline section (15) is configured to guide the portion of the lubricant flow from the bottom of the bearing device (8) into the bottom of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10).

14. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the second pipeline section (16) is formed by a balancing passage between the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) and the bearing device (8), wherein the first pipeline section (15) is configured to guide the portion of the lubricant flow from the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) to the bearing device (8).

15. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the second pipeline section (16) is in fluid connection with the top of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) and in fluid connection with the bearing device (8), wherein the second pipeline section (16) is configured to guide the portion of the lubricant flow from the top of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) into the bearing device (8).

16. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the second pipeline section (16) is in fluid connection with the bottom of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) and in fluid connection with the lubricant circulation pipeline (12) at a point downstream of the bearing device (8) and upstream of the lubricant circulator (13), wherein the second pipeline section (16) is configured to guide the portion of the lubricant flow from the bottom of the at least one lubricant sealing chamber (10) into the lubricant circulation pipeline (12).

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