Towing operation system and method
By combining embedded shark clamps and stern limiting pins with cable guides, height limiters, and anti-sway devices, the problems of steel cable limiting devices protruding from the deck surface and water leakage from the cable outlet hole were solved, enabling safe and reliable towing operations.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA SHIP DEV & DESIGN CENT
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
In existing towing operation systems, the steel cable limiting device protrudes from the deck surface, affecting the hoisting operation; the shark clamp has a large lifting stroke; the cable outlet hole is prone to water leakage; the steel cable is prone to tangling and is easy to get tangled under no-load conditions.
The system employs embedded shark clamps and stern limiting pins, combined with cable guides, height limiting devices, and anti-sway devices. It uses a combination of pulleys and pressure rollers for guidance, anti-loosening devices to maintain cable tension, a protective cover for waterproofing and rainproofing, and height limiting and anti-sway devices to control the position of the cable and prevent excessive use of the shark clamps and blocking pins.
The design requirements for the lifting stroke of the shark clamp have been reduced to prevent water from leaking into the hull, avoid cable tangling, and ensure that the cable does not exceed the limit device in a reasonable position, thus enabling safe replacement of buoys or towed vessels.
Smart Images
Figure CN120681279B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to special operations on ships, specifically to a towing operation system and method. Background Technology
[0002] When a vessel is towed, steel cables are typically secured with bollards at the stern or towed using deck towing winches. The towing cables are usually secured using devices such as gantry railings, roller guides, shark clamps, and stern limit pins mounted on the stern deck.
[0003] If gantry-type guardrails and roller guide limiters are used to limit the towing steel cables, both will protrude from the deck surface, which will affect the operation of hoisting instruments and equipment on the A-frame at the stern (the stern operation area needs to have a flat deck surface and should not have any protruding objects to avoid collisions and interference during hoisting operations).
[0004] If shark clamps and stern limit pins are used to limit the towing cable, both can automatically rise and fall. When not towing, the shark clamps and stern limit pins are embedded and can remain flush with the deck surface, without affecting the hoisting operation of the stern A-frame. However, sufficient safety control measures must be taken to ensure that the rise and fall of the towing cable under the action of the surge does not exceed the effective working height of the shark clamps and stern limit pins. Otherwise, the shark clamp baffle may deform and be damaged due to excessive force. In addition, the hub diameter of the guide pulley is generally large, which will result in a large pulley exit point height and a large working stroke of the shark clamp's stop pin and fork clamp, leading to excessive design and manufacturing costs.
[0005] To achieve multiple operational functions on the deck and obtain a more spacious and flat open deck, some ships need to embed some operational equipment in the cabin as much as possible. If the towing winch is arranged in the cabin, a cable outlet and cable guide facility need to be set on the deck. Therefore, water leakage at the cable outlet is likely to occur during towing. If the cable outlet is far from the towed object at the stern, the steel cable on the towing winch is also prone to tangling and disorder under the condition of long-distance traction steel cable without load at the end of the rope.
[0006] Based on the above, the current towing operations have the following problems: 1) The cable either protrudes from the deck surface, affecting the hoisting operation, or the towing cable rises and falls greatly with the towed object under the action of waves or the cable exit point at the pulley is high, resulting in a large lifting stroke design for the shark clamp; 2) The cable exit hole on the deck cannot be protected from wind and rain during towing operations; 3) The cable arrangement on the towing winch is prone to disorder under the condition of long-distance traction without load. Summary of the Invention
[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a towing operation system and a towing operation method based on the above system. The system adopts a recessed and liftable shark clamp 6 and a stern limiting pin 7, which does not affect the deck hoisting operation, and can reduce the height of the steel cable 2 from the cable exit point, reduce the design requirements for the lifting stroke of the shark clamp 6, prevent water leakage from the upper deck b into the cabin during towing, provide wind and rain protection for the cable exit hole, avoid the steel cable 2 from being disordered, ensure that the position of the steel cable 2 at the shark clamp 6 does not exceed the maximum effective working stroke of the shark clamp 6 blocking pin, and prevent it from rubbing against the two side columns of the stern A-frame a, and can safely replace the buoy or the towed vessel without unloading the steel cable 2.
[0008] The technical solution adopted in this invention is:
[0009] A towing operation system includes a towing winch 1 and an anti-loosening device 3 installed on the lower deck c inside the ship's cabin, and a cable guide device, a shark clamp 6, a stern limiting pin 7, a height limiting device, and an anti-sway device installed on the open upper deck b. The towing winch 1 is equipped with a steel cable 2 and a rope arranger. The anti-loosening device 3 is located directly below the cable outlet on the upper deck b and is used to ensure that the steel cable 2 maintains a certain tension even when there is no load at the cable end. The cable guide device is located near the cable outlet and includes a pulley 5d, a pressure roller 5e, and a protective cover. 5a, the protective cover 5a covers the cable outlet and pulley 5d. The bottom of the protective cover 5a is sealed around the perimeter, and the top and rear sides have hatches that can be opened and sealed. During operation, the steel cable 2 passes upward through the cable outlet, goes around the top of the pulley 5d, goes downward through the rear hatch, and then goes around the bottom of the pressure roller 5e. The top hatch of the protective cover 5a allows the hook to pass through, and the rear hatch does not interfere with the direction of the steel cable 2 from the pulley 5d to the pressure roller 5e. The shark clamp 6 and the stern limiting pin 7 are both embedded in the stern and are both The cable can extend from the upper deck b. Two stern limiting pins 7 are arranged on both sides behind the shark clamp 6. A height limiting device is used to limit the height of the steel cable 2 at the shark clamp 6 so that the height never exceeds the maximum effective working stroke of the shark clamp 6's stop pin. It includes a shackle 13 and a safety cable 11. When limiting the height, the shackle 13 of the height limiting device is fitted onto the steel cable 2 at the shark clamp 6, and several safety cables 11 tension and limit the shackle 13 of the height limiting device. An anti-sway device is used to stop the sway of the steel cable 2 so that the steel cable 2 is along the stern. The lateral swing amplitude will not exceed the inner distance between the two stern limit pins 7, so that the upward amplitude of the steel cable 2 does not exceed the height of the stern limit pin 7. With the help of the height limiting device, the lifting stroke of the shark clamp 6 can safely lock the shackle at the end of the steel cable 2 under the condition that the steel cable 2 is not unloaded. It includes a shackle 13 and an anti-sway chain 10. When anti-swaying, the shackle 13 of the anti-sway device is sleeved on the steel cable 2 and is located behind the shark clamp 6 and in front of the stern limit pin 7. Several anti-sway chains 10 tension and limit the shackle 13 of the anti-sway device.
[0010] Preferably, the anti-loosening device 3 is kept at a certain distance from the towing winch 1, and guardrails 4 are provided on both sides between the anti-loosening device 3 and the towing winch 1.
[0011] Preferably, an eye plate 12 for connecting the end of the steel cable 2 rope is provided near the anti-loosening device 3 on the lower deck c.
[0012] Preferably, the side hatch of the rear hatch of the protective cover 5a adopts an upward-opening structure, the upper edge of the side hatch is hinged to the protective cover 5a, and after opening, it extends outward and is locked by a locking device.
[0013] Preferably, the bottom of the protective cover 5a is detachably mounted on the protective cover mounting plate 5b, and a watertight cover mounting plate is provided at the cable outlet. The watertight cover mounting plate is matched with a watertight cover 5c, and the watertight cover 5c is detachably mounted on the watertight cover mounting plate.
[0014] Preferably, an eye plate 12 for temporarily connecting the end of the steel cable 2 is provided near the pressure roller 5e.
[0015] Preferably, the power source for the towing winch 1, the shark clamp 6, and the stern limit pin 7 is the hydraulic pump station 8 inside the cabin.
[0016] Preferably, when limiting the height, four safety cables 11 are spread out at the four corners to tension and limit the shackles 13 of the height limiting device. The two ends of the safety cables 11 are respectively connected to the shackles 13 of the height limiting device and the corresponding eye plates 12 on the upper deck b.
[0017] Preferably, during anti-swaying, a pair of anti-sway chains 10 tension and limit the shackles 13 of the anti-sway device from both sides, and one anti-sway chain 10 tensions and limits the shackles 13 of the anti-sway device in the middle. The two ends of the anti-sway chains 10 at the two sides are connected to the shackles 13 of the anti-sway device and the corresponding eye plates 12 on the upper deck b, respectively. The two ends of the anti-sway chain 10 at the middle position are connected to the shackles 13 of the anti-sway device and the grounding 9, respectively. The grounding 9 is located on the path of the steel cable 2 on the upper deck b and is installed in the grounding recess f. The grounding recess f is fitted with a recess cover plate that can be opened and closed.
[0018] A towing operation method, based on the above-mentioned towing operation system, includes the following steps:
[0019] S1. The mother ship is anchored on the water, and the buoy or the towed vessel has been secured to the waterfront platform at the stern of the mother ship in advance, ready to be towed back to port.
[0020] S2. Open the top hatch of the protective cover 5a, and the workers lower the crane hook to the lower deck c through the top hatch and the cable outlet.
[0021] S3. Fix the end of steel cable 2 to the hook, and have the operator use the crane to slowly lift part of steel cable 2 out of the cable outlet.
[0022] S4. Temporarily secure steel cable 2 with an auxiliary cable, detach steel cable 2 from the hook, and under the traction of the auxiliary cable, steel cable 2 first comes out from the top of pulley 5d, then goes down through the rear hatch of protective cover 5a, and temporarily fixes the end of steel cable 2 near pressure wheel 5e. Untie the auxiliary cable, then disassemble pressure wheel 5e and lift it away with a crane. Then, steel cable 2 comes out from the bottom channel of pressure wheel 5e, and then pressure wheel 5e is reset and installed with the help of a crane. Then, steel cable 2 continues to move towards the shark claw 6 at the stern under the traction of the crane.
[0023] S5. First, raise the two stop pins of the shark clamp 6 and the two stern limit pins 7, allowing the steel cable 2 to pass between the two stop pins of the shark clamp 6. At the point where the steel cable 2 is located at the shark clamp 6, attach the shackle 13, and have several safety cables 11 tension and limit the height of the shackle 13, thus limiting the height of the steel cable 2 at the shark clamp 6 so that the height never exceeds the maximum effective working stroke of the stop pin of the shark clamp 6. Then, allow the steel cable 2 to continue moving towards the stern, attaching the shackle 13 to the steel cable 2 behind the shark clamp 6 and in front of the stern limit pin 7, and having several anti-sway chains... 10. Tension and limit the shackle 13 of the anti-sway device so that the lateral swing of the steel cable 2 along the stern does not exceed the inner distance between the two stern limit pins 7, the upward movement of the steel cable 2 does not exceed the height of the stern limit pins 7, and the lifting stroke of the shark clamp 6 can safely lock the shackle at the end of the steel cable 2 with the help of the height limiting device. Then let the steel cable 2 continue to move towards the stern, pass between the two stern limit pins 7, until the stern buoy or the towed vessel, and finally connect and fix the end of the steel cable 2 to the short steel cable of the buoy or the towed vessel with a shackle.
[0024] S6. Start towing winch 1, the mother ship sets sail, and tows the buoy or the towed vessel back to port at low speed.
[0025] S7. After returning to port, the mother ship first docks at the pier and uses the towing winch 1 to retrieve the steel cable 2 until the buoy or the towed vessel comes close to the anti-collision facility at the stern. Then, the buoy or the towed vessel is secured to the stern or the mooring bollard on the shore.
[0026] S8. If it is necessary to replace the buoy or towed vessel and resume towing operations, raise the fork of the shark clamp 6, stop the shackle connected to the steel cable 2, and then replace it; if it is not necessary to replace the buoy or towed vessel, after the towing winch 1 stops, disassemble the connection between the buoy or towed vessel and the short steel cable, disassemble the shackle connecting the short steel cable and the steel cable 2, and then disassemble the anti-sway chain 10 and safety rope 11 on the steel cable 2, and retrieve the shark clamp 6 and the stern limit pin 7.
[0027] S9. Start the towing winch 1 to retrieve the steel cable 2, and at the same time start the anti-loosening device 3 until the end of the steel cable 2 is retrieved close to the pressure wheel 5e. Stop the towing winch 1, temporarily fix the end of the steel cable 2 near the pressure wheel 5e, then remove the pressure wheel 5e and lift it with a crane so that the end of the steel cable 2 is separated from the pressure wheel 5e for subsequent retrieval into the cabin.
[0028] S10. With the assistance of the crane, after the steel cable 2 is fully inserted into the cabin, the end of the cable is tied to the anti-loosening device 3 near the lower deck c, and the pressure roller 5e is reset and installed using the crane.
[0029] S11. Close the top hatch and rear hatch of the protective cover 5a, or remove the protective cover 5a and watertighten the cable outlet.
[0030] The beneficial effects of this invention are:
[0031] In this system: the combined use of pulley 5d and pressure roller 5e not only guides the steel cable 2 but also lowers the height of the steel cable 2 from the cable exit point, ensuring that it does not exceed the operating height of the shark clamp 6 and the stern limit pin 7, thus reducing the design requirements for the lifting stroke of the shark clamp 6 and lowering the manufacturing cost of the shark clamp 6; the protective cover 5a prevents water from leaking into the hold from the upper deck b during towing and provides weather protection for the cable exit hole during operation; the anti-loosening device 3 ensures that the steel cable 2 maintains a certain tension even when there is no load at the rope end. This facilitates cable laying and prevents cable 2 from becoming disordered. The height limiting device limits the height of cable 2, ensuring that the position of cable 2 at the shark clamp 6 never exceeds the maximum effective working stroke of the shark clamp 6 stop pin. The anti-sway device prevents cable 2 from swaying, ensuring that the lateral swing of cable 2 along the stern does not exceed the inner distance between the two stern limit pins 7, and that the upward movement of cable 2 does not exceed the height of the stern limit pins 7, preventing it from rubbing against the two side columns of the stern A-frame a. This allows for the safe replacement of buoys or towed vessels without unloading cable 2.
[0032] Since the cable 2 moves back and forth along the width of the cable guide when the towing winch 1 is winding up and down, maintaining a certain distance between the towing winch 1 and the anti-loosening device 3 can prevent the angle of the fan-shaped section of the cable 2 moving from the cable guide of the towing winch 1 to the hub of the anti-loosening device 3 from being too large, thereby reducing the degree of bending and wear of the cable 2. The guardrail 4 can prevent the cable 2 from breaking and scattering and injuring people.
[0033] The rear hatch serves as a rain shield, preventing rainwater from entering the rear hatch.
[0034] When not towing, the protective cover 5a can be removed and the watertight cover 5c can be installed, only the cable outlet can be closed and the pulley 5d can be left uncovered, thereby reducing deck occupancy and making the open upper deck b more spacious. Attached Figure Description
[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0036] Figure 1 This is a front sectional view of the towing operation system in this invention.
[0037] Figure 2 This is a top view of the towing operation system in this invention on the upper deck.
[0038] Figure 3 This is a top view of the towing operation system in this invention on the lower deck.
[0039] Figure 4 This is a front sectional view of the cable guide device in this invention.
[0040] Figure 5 This is a top sectional view of the cable guide device in this invention.
[0041] Figure 6 This is a rear view of the protective cover in this invention.
[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the height limiting device in this invention.
[0043] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the anti-sway device in this invention.
[0044] In the diagram: 1-Towing winch; 2-Steel cable; 3-Anti-loosening device; 4-Guardrail; 5a-Protective cover; 5b-Protective cover mounting plate; 5c-Watertight cover; 5d-Pulley; 5e-Pressure roller; 6-Shark pliers; 7-Stern limit pin; 8-Hydraulic pump station; 9-Ground bolt; 10-Anti-sway chain; 11-Safety rope; 12-Eye plate; 13-Shackle; a-A-frame; b-Upper deck; c-Lower deck; d-Propeller compartment; e-Windlock compartment; f-Ground bolt recess. Detailed Implementation
[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0046] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0047] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.
[0048] The features and performance of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.
[0049] Example 1
[0050] This embodiment discloses a towing operation system, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, it includes a towing winch 1, an anti-loosening device 3, a guardrail 4, a cable guide device, a shark clamp 6, a stern limit pin 7, a hydraulic pump station 8, a height limiting device, and an anti-sway device.
[0051] Regarding towing winch 1, as follows Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown:
[0052] To minimize the use of the open upper deck b space, the towing winch 1 is located on the lower deck c inside the cabin, positioned towards the rear. The towing winch 1 is bolted to the mounting base on the hull, and after installation, the overall height of the towing winch 1 should not interfere with the cabin roof facilities.
[0053] The power source for the towing winch 1 can be directly provided by the hydraulic pump station 8 on the hull. The safe working load of the towing winch 1 should be selected to ensure safe and smooth towing of large buoys.
[0054] The towing winch 1 has a steel cable 2 wound on its drum as the main towing cable. The front of the winch has a built-in rope arranger to facilitate the arrangement of the steel cable 2. The steel cable 2 is generally made of anti-twist galvanized steel cable, and its end has a sling head or rigging knot, which is used to connect with the short steel cable on the buoy or the towed vessel through a shackle.
[0055] Regarding anti-loosening device 3, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown:
[0056] Since the towing winch 1 is located on the lower deck c inside the hold, a cable outlet must be provided on the upper deck b (the cable outlet must be able to allow the crane hook to pass through in order to hoist the steel cable 2 out of the hold). During operation, the steel cable 2 must extend from the hold through the cable outlet to the stern, which is a long distance. If the anti-loosening device 3 is not installed, the steel cable 2 will encounter a situation of no tension when it is retrieved. The steel cable 2 on the towing winch 1 is prone to tangling and may even jam. Therefore, it is necessary to install the anti-loosening device 3 so that the towing steel cable 2 can always maintain a certain tension when there is no load at the end of the rope, so as to facilitate cable laying.
[0057] The anti-loosening device 3 is located on the lower deck c, arranged forward inside the cabin, directly below the cable outlet; the towing winch 1 is fixedly installed on the mounting base of the hull by bolts.
[0058] The anti-loosening device 3 is equipped with a motor drive to ensure sufficient tension.
[0059] Since the cable 2 moves back and forth along the width of the cable guide when the towing winch 1 is winding up and down, a certain distance should be maintained between the towing winch 1 and the anti-loosening device 3 to ensure that the angle of the fan-shaped section of the cable 2 moving from the cable guide of the towing winch 1 to the hub of the anti-loosening device 3 is not too large, so as to reduce the degree of bending and wear of the cable 2.
[0060] To safely store the steel cable 2 when not in operation, an eye plate 12 can be installed near the anti-loosening device 3 on the lower deck c. When not in operation, the end of the steel cable 2, either the tassel head or the rigging knot, is connected to the eye plate 12 near the anti-loosening device 3 via a shackle. When in operation, the shackle is opened.
[0061] Regarding guardrail 4, as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown:
[0062] To prevent injury from the steel cable 2 breaking and scattering, guardrails 4 can be installed on both sides between the anti-loosening device 3 and the towing winch 1. The length, height and material of the guardrails 4 should be sufficient to provide protection. The guardrails 4 can be made of stainless steel or galvanized steel pipe and welded to the lower deck c.
[0063] Regarding cable guiding devices, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 4 to 6 As shown:
[0064] During operation, steel cable 2 must extend from the hold into the cable outlet and then to the stern. Without a cable guide device, steel cable 2 will be squeezed and rubbed against the opening of the cable outlet, causing significant damage. Therefore, a cable guide device is necessary. By using the cable guide device to guide steel cable 2 from the hold to the upper deck b and towards the stern, the squeezing and friction between steel cable 2 and the opening of the cable outlet can be avoided. However, the hub diameter of the cable guide pulley is generally large (the hub diameter of the cable guide pulley should not be less than 16 times the diameter of steel cable 2 according to the specifications). This results in a large height between the cable outlet point of the pulley and the upper deck b, which in turn leads to a large lifting stroke of the shark clamp's locking pin and fork clamp. Therefore, the cable guide device needs to consider reducing the height of the cable outlet point. At the same time, the cable outlet cannot be sealed during towing operations, which cannot prevent water from the deck from leaking into the hold or prevent rainwater from entering the hold. Therefore, the cable guide device also needs to consider waterproofing.
[0065] The cable guiding device is located near the cable exit hole on the upper deck b, and includes a pulley 5d, a pressure roller 5e, and a protective cover 5a. Both pulley 5d and pressure roller 5e are on the side of the cable exit hole facing the stern, with pulley 5d closer to the cable exit hole and pressure roller 5e further away. The protective cover 5a covers the cable exit hole and pulley 5d. The bottom of the protective cover 5a is sealed around its perimeter, and its top and rear sides have hatches that can be opened and sealed. During operation, the steel cable 2 passes upward through the cable exit hole, around the top of pulley 5d, downward through the rear hatch, and then around the bottom of pressure roller 5e. The combined use of pulley 5d and pressure roller 5e not only guides the steel cable 2 but also lowers the height of the cable exit point using pressure roller 5e, ensuring that it does not exceed the operating height of the shark clamp 6 and the stern limiting pin 7. The protective cover 5a prevents water leakage from the upper deck b into the hold during towing and provides weather protection for the cable exit hole during operation.
[0066] The internal height of the protective cover 5a should ensure that it does not interfere with the pulley 5d, its top hatch should be able to allow the crane hook to pass through, and its rear hatch should ensure that it does not interfere with the direction of the steel cable 2 from the pulley 5d to the pressure roller 5e. Furthermore, the lower edge of the rear hatch should be more than 600 mm away from the upper deck b, which meets the requirements of the specification for weatherproof hatch covers.
[0067] To facilitate the opening of the rear hatch and provide rain protection after opening, the side hatch cover of the rear hatch can adopt an upward-opening structure. The upper part of the side hatch cover is hinged to the protective cover 5a via a hinge. After opening, it extends outward and is locked by a locking device. In this way, the side hatch cover can provide rain protection and prevent rainwater from entering the side hatch. The locking device can be a strut or a gas strut. An eye plate is provided on the side hatch cover. When locked, one end of the strut or gas strut is hung on the eye plate of the side hatch cover, and the other end is supported on the support point of the protective cover 5a.
[0068] The bottom of the protective cover 5a is detachably bolted to the protective cover mounting plate 5b. A watertight cover mounting plate is provided at the cable outlet, and a watertight cover 5c is matched to the watertight cover mounting plate. The watertight cover 5c is detachably bolted to the watertight cover mounting plate. When towing operations are performed, the watertight cover 5c is removed and the protective cover 5a is installed. When towing operations are not performed, the watertight cover 5c can be installed and the protective cover 5a can be removed, only closing the cable outlet and not covering the pulley 5d, thereby reducing deck space occupation. Both the protective cover mounting plate 5b and the watertight cover mounting plate can be made of metal frames and welded normally to the upper deck b.
[0069] Because the channel below the bottom of the pressure roller 5e is narrow, the end of the cable 2 or the rigging knot cannot pass through the channel below the bottom of the pressure roller 5e. Therefore, when the cable 2 is threaded around the bottom of the pressure roller 5e, the pressure roller 5e needs to be lifted away by a crane first, and then the pressure roller 5e needs to be reinstalled by a crane after threading. In order to prevent the cable 2 from being placed randomly during the lifting of the pressure roller 5e and possibly slipping back into the cabin due to its own weight, an eye plate 12 can be set near the pressure roller 5e. During the lifting of the pressure roller 5e, the end of the cable or the rigging knot is temporarily connected to the eye plate 12 near the pressure roller 5e through a shackle. When the pressure roller 5e needs to be reinstalled, the shackle is first released, and then the cable 2 is threaded through the mounting seat of the pressure roller 5e. After threading, the pressure roller 5e is reinstalled by a crane.
[0070] The protective cover 5a can be made of steel or aluminum alloy metal mast structure, and the pulleys 5d and pressure rollers 5e are all accessories.
[0071] Regarding Shark Claw 6, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown:
[0072] The shark clamp 6 is a common limiting and stopping device for the steel cable 2. It is embedded in the stern of the ship and includes two limiting pins and one stopping fork clamp. The clear width between the two pins is greater than the width of the steel cable 2 and the rigging and shackles installed on it. The two pins and the fork clamp are driven to rise and fall by telescopic cylinders. When not in use, the two pins and the fork clamp are flush with the upper deck b. When in use, the two pins extend out of the upper deck b and the steel cable 2 passes between the two pins. When stopping is required, the fork clamp extends out of the upper deck b to stop the shackles connected to the steel cable 2.
[0073] The lifting power source for the shark clamp 6 can be directly provided by the hydraulic pump station 8 on the hull, and its working load should be able to meet the requirements for limiting and stopping the steel cable 2.
[0074] The top of the stop pin has a horizontally extending baffle in an L-shape. When the two stop pins rotate in opposite directions, they form a gantry frame to limit the steel cable 2 and prevent it from jumping out. The lifting stroke heights of the stop pin and the fork clamp are slightly different to avoid interference between the stop pin and the fork clamp when the stop pin rotates.
[0075] Regarding the stern limit pin 7, as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown:
[0076] The stern limit pin 7 is a common limiting device for the steel cable 2. It is embedded in the stern of the ship. The two stern limit pins 7 are symmetrically arranged on both sides behind the shark clamp 6. The two stern limit pins 7 are driven to rise and fall by telescopic cylinders. When not in use, the two stern limit pins 7 are flush with the upper deck b. When in use, the two stern limit pins 7 extend out of the upper deck b, and the steel cable 2 is located between the two stern limit pins 7.
[0077] The lifting power source for the stern limit pin 7 can be directly provided by the hydraulic pump station 8 on the hull, and its working load should be able to meet the requirements for limiting the steel cable 2.
[0078] Regarding hydraulic pump station 8, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown:
[0079] The hydraulic pump station 8 is an equipment inside the cabin. The hydraulic pump station 8 is bolted to the hull base on the lower deck c. It can serve as the power source for the towing winch 1, the shark clamp 6, and the stern limit pin 7.
[0080] The hydraulic pump station 8 can drive the two stop pins and one fork pin of the shark clamp 6 and the two stern limit pins 7 to rise one by one. If a high-power motor is selected, they can also be raised simultaneously.
[0081] Regarding height restriction devices, such as Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown:
[0082] The height limiting device is used to limit the height of the steel cable 2 at the shark clamp 6 so that the height never exceeds the maximum effective working stroke of the shark clamp 6 stop pin. It includes a shackle 13, a safety cable 11, and an eye plate 12. The safety cable 11 has a pipa head at both ends. When limiting the height, the shackle 13 of the height limiting device is put on the steel cable 2 at the shark clamp 6. Several safety cables 11 tension and limit the shackle 13 of the height limiting device from all sides. The two ends of the safety cable 11 are connected to the shackle 13 of the height limiting device and the corresponding eye plate 12 on the upper deck b with shackles.
[0083] Four safety cables 11 and corresponding eye plates 12 can be used. During operation, the four safety cables 11 are spread out at the four corners.
[0084] Safety cable 11 can be made of fiber cable.
[0085] Regarding anti-sway devices, such as Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown:
[0086] The anti-sway device is used to prevent the steel cable 2 from swaying, ensuring that the lateral swing of the steel cable 2 along the stern does not exceed the inner distance between the two stern limit pins 7, and that the upward movement of the steel cable 2 does not exceed the height of the stern limit pins 7 (so as not to rub against the two side columns of the stern A-frame a). In conjunction with the height limiting device, it ensures that the lifting stroke of the shark clamp 6 can safely lock the shackle at the end of the steel cable 2 without unloading the cable 2. It includes a shackle 13, an anti-sway chain 10, eye plates 12, and a grounding bolt 9. The anti-sway chain 10 has shackles at both ends, the eye plates 12 are distributed on both sides of the path of the steel cable 2 on the upper deck b, and the grounding bolt 9 is located on the path of the steel cable 2 on the upper deck b and is embedded in the ground. The device is installed in the grounding recess f, which is fitted with a recess cover. Before the anti-sway operation, the cover is opened. During anti-sway operation, the shackle 13 of the anti-sway device is fitted onto the steel cable 2 and is located behind the shark clamp 6 and in front of the stern limiting pin 7. A pair of anti-sway chains 10 pull and limit the shackle 13 of the anti-sway device from both sides, and one anti-sway chain 10 pulls and limits the shackle 13 of the anti-sway device in the middle. The two ends of the anti-sway chains 10 on both sides are connected to the shackle 13 of the anti-sway device and the corresponding eye plate 12 on the upper deck b with shackles, respectively. The two ends of the anti-sway chain 10 in the middle position are connected to the shackle 13 of the anti-sway device and the grounding 9 with shackles, respectively.
[0087] The anti-sway chain 10 can be made of either a staggerless welded anchor chain or a staggered welded anchor chain.
[0088] In the above scheme, each shackle can be a high-strength and lightweight alloy shackle, and each eye plate 12 can be made of steel or alloy material, which can be welded and fixed.
[0089] Example 2
[0090] This embodiment discloses the working method of the above-mentioned towing operation system. Taking a large buoy as an example, its operation process includes the following steps:
[0091] S1. The mother ship is anchored on the water. Large buoys have been secured to the waterfront platform at the stern of the mother ship in advance, ready to be towed back to port. The pit cover on the pit has also been opened.
[0092] S2. Open the top hatch of the protective cover 5a, and the workers lower the crane hook to the lower deck c through the top hatch and the cable outlet.
[0093] S3. Open the shackle connecting the end of the steel cable 2 (or the rigging knot) to the eye plate 12 near the anti-loosening device 3 on the lower deck c, fix the end of the cable (or the rigging knot) to the hook, and have the operator operate the crane to slowly lift part of the steel cable 2 out of the cable outlet.
[0094] S4. Temporarily secure steel cable 2 with an auxiliary cable, and remove steel cable 2 from the hook to prevent it from slipping and falling into the cable outlet. Under the traction of the auxiliary cable, steel cable 2 first comes out from the top of pulley 5d, then goes down through the rear hatch of protective cover 5a, and uses a shackle to temporarily fix the end of steel cable 2 (or rigging knot) to the eye plate 12 near pressure wheel 5e. Untie the auxiliary cable, then disassemble pressure wheel 5e, lift it away with a crane, untie the shackle, and then bring steel cable 2 out from the bottom channel of pressure wheel 5e. Then, with the help of the crane, reset and install pressure wheel 5e. Then, under the traction of the crane, steel cable 2 continues to move towards the shark claw 6 at the stern.
[0095] S5. First, operate the hydraulic pump station 8 to raise the two stop pins of the shark clamp 6 and the two stern limit pins 7 one by one, allowing the steel cable 2 to pass between the two stop pins of the shark clamp 6. At the point where the steel cable 2 is located at the shark clamp 6, attach the shackle 13 and spread the four safety cables 11 at four corners to tension and limit the shackle 13 of the height-limiting device. Connect the two ends of the safety cables 11 to the shackle 13 of the height-limiting device and the corresponding eyeplate 12 on the upper deck b, thereby limiting the height of the steel cable 2 at the point of the shark clamp 6 so that the point never exceeds the maximum effective working stroke of the stop pin of the shark clamp 6. Then, let the steel cable 2 continue to move towards the stern. When passing the ground 9, attach the shackle 13 in front of the stern limit pin 7 behind the shark clamp 6 on the steel cable 2. Let a pair of anti-sway chains 10 tension and limit the shackle 13 of the anti-sway device from both sides, with one anti-sway chain 10 in the middle to limit the anti-sway device. The shackle 13 is tensioned and limited. The two ends of the anti-sway chain 10 on both sides are connected to the shackle 13 of the anti-sway device and the corresponding eye plate 12 on the upper deck b, respectively. The two ends of the anti-sway chain 10 in the middle are connected to the shackle 13 of the anti-sway device and the grounding 9, respectively. This ensures that the lateral swing of the steel cable 2 along the stern does not exceed the inner distance between the two stern limit pins 7, and that the upward movement of the steel cable 2 does not exceed the height of the stern limit pins 7 (so as not to rub against the two side columns of the stern A-frame a). With the help of the height limiting device, the lifting stroke of the shark clamp 6 can safely lock the shackle at the end of the steel cable 2 without unloading the steel cable 2. Then, the steel cable 2 continues to move towards the stern, passing between the two stern limit pins 7, until it reaches the large buoy at the stern. Finally, the rope end of the steel cable 2 (or the rigging knot) is connected and fixed to a short section of steel cable connected to the large buoy with a shackle.
[0096] S6. Start towing winch 1, the mother ship sets sail, and tows the large buoy back to port at low speed.
[0097] S7. After returning to port, the mother ship first docks at the pier and uses towing winch 1 to retrieve steel cable 2 until the large buoy comes close to the anti-collision facilities at the stern. Then, the large buoy is secured to the stern or to the mooring bollard on the shore.
[0098] S8. If it is necessary to replace the large buoy and resume towing operations, use the hydraulic pump station 8 to raise the fork of the shark clamp 6, stop the shackle connected to the harness head (or rigging joint) of the steel cable 2, and then safely replace the towed buoy. If it is not necessary to replace the buoy, after the towing winch 1 stops, disassemble the connector between the large buoy and the short steel cable, disassemble the shackle connecting the short steel cable and the steel cable 2, and then disassemble the anti-sway chain 10, safety rope 11 and other facilities on the steel cable 2. Use the hydraulic pump station 8 to release and retrieve the shark clamp 6 and the stern limit pin 7 one by one, and close the pit cover of the grounding pit f.
[0099] S9. Start the towing winch 1 to retrieve the steel cable 2, and simultaneously activate the anti-loosening device 3 until the end of the steel cable 2 (or the rigging joint) is retrieved close to the pressure wheel 5e. Stop the towing winch 1, connect and fix the end of the steel cable 2 (or the rigging joint) to the eye plate 12 near the pressure wheel 5e with a shackle, then disassemble the pressure wheel 5e and lift it with a crane so that the end of the steel cable 2 (or the rigging joint) is detached from the pressure wheel 5e for subsequent retrieval into the cabin.
[0100] S10. With the assistance of the crane, after the steel cable 2 is fully inserted into the cabin, the end of the cable (or the rigging knot) is secured to the eye plate 12 near the anti-loosening device 3 on the lower deck c, and the pressure roller 5e is reset and installed using the crane.
[0101] S11. Close the top hatch and rear hatch of the protective cover 5a. Alternatively, the protective cover 5a can be removed from the protective cover mounting plate, lifted away by a crane, and replaced with a watertight cover 5c to watertighten the cable outlet.
[0102] In addition to towing large buoys, the towing operation system can also tow medium and small buoys and vessels that need to be towed.
[0103] The embodiments described above are some, but not all, of the embodiments of this application. The detailed description of the embodiments of this application is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A towing operation system, characterized in that: Includes a towing winch (1) and anti-loosening device (3) located on the lower deck (c) inside the cabin, and a cable guide, shark clamp (6), stern limit pin (7), height limit device, and anti-sway device located on the open upper deck (b); the towing winch (1) is equipped with a steel cable (2) and a rope arranger; the anti-loosening device (3) is located directly below the cable outlet on the upper deck (b) and is used to ensure that the steel cable (2) always maintains a certain tension when there is no load at the cable end; the cable guide is located near the cable outlet and includes a pulley (5d), a pressure roller (5e), and a protective cover (5a). (5a) Covers the cable outlet and pulley (5d). The bottom of the protective cover (5a) is sealed around the perimeter, and the top and rear sides are provided with hatches that can be opened and sealed. During operation, the steel cable (2) passes upward through the cable outlet, goes around the top of the pulley (5d), goes downward through the side hatch, and then goes around the bottom of the pressure roller (5e). The top hatch of the protective cover (5a) allows the hook to pass through, and the rear hatch does not interfere with the direction of the steel cable (2) from the pulley (5d) to the pressure roller (5e). The shark clamp (6) and the stern limiting pin (7) are both embedded in the stern and can both extend out of the upper deck (b). Two stern limiting pins (7) are arranged on both sides behind the shark clamp (6); the height limiting device is used to limit the height of the steel cable (2) at the shark clamp (6) so that the height does not exceed the maximum effective working stroke of the stop pin of the shark clamp (6). It includes a shackle (13) and a safety rope (11). When limiting the height, the shackle (13) of the height limiting device is put on the steel cable (2) at the shark clamp (6), and several safety ropes (11) tension the shackle (13) of the height limiting device to limit the height; the anti-sway device is used to anti-sway the steel cable (2) so that the steel cable (2) swings laterally at the stern. The amplitude will not exceed the inner distance between the two stern limit pins (7), so that the upward amplitude of the steel cable (2) does not exceed the height of the stern limit pin (7), and the height limit device is used to ensure that the lifting stroke of the shark clamp (6) can safely lock the shackle at the end of the steel cable (2) under the condition that the steel cable (2) is not unloaded. It includes a shackle (13) and a sway-stopping chain (10). When swaying, the shackle (13) of the sway-stopping device is sleeved on the steel cable (2) and is located behind the shark clamp (6) and in front of the stern limit pin (7). Several sway-stopping chains (10) tension and limit the shackle (13) of the sway-stopping device.
2. The towing operation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The anti-loosening device (3) is kept at a certain distance from the towing winch (1), and guardrails (4) are installed on both sides between the anti-loosening device (3) and the towing winch (1).
3. The towing operation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Near the anti-loosening device (3) on the lower deck (c), there is an eye plate (12) for connecting the end of the steel cable (2) when storing.
4. The towing operation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The side hatch of the rear hatch of the protective cover (5a) adopts an upward opening structure. The upper edge of the side hatch is hinged to the protective cover (5a). After opening, it extends outward and is locked by a locking device.
5. The towing operation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the protective cover (5a) is detachably mounted on the protective cover mounting plate (5b). A watertight cover mounting plate is provided at the cable outlet. A watertight cover (5c) is matched with the watertight cover mounting plate. The watertight cover (5c) is detachably mounted on the watertight cover mounting plate.
6. The towing operation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: An eye plate (12) is set near the pressure roller (5e) for temporary connection of the end of the steel cable (2).
7. The towing operation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The power source for the towing winch (1), shark clamp (6) and stern limit pin (7) is the hydraulic pump station (8) inside the cabin.
8. The towing operation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: When the height is restricted, four safety ropes (11) are spread out at the four corners to tension and limit the shackle (13) of the height restriction device. The two ends of the safety ropes (11) are connected to the shackle (13) of the height restriction device and the corresponding eye plate (12) on the upper deck (b), respectively.
9. The towing operation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: When the sway is stopped, a pair of sway-stopping chains (10) tension and limit the shackles (13) of the sway-stopping device from both sides, and a sway-stopping chain (10) tensions and limits the shackles (13) of the sway-stopping device in the middle. The two ends of the sway-stopping chains (10) at the two sides are connected to the shackles (13) of the sway-stopping device and the corresponding eye plates (12) on the upper deck (b), respectively. The two ends of the sway-stopping chain (10) at the middle position are connected to the shackles (13) of the sway-stopping device and the grounding ring (9), respectively. The grounding ring (9) is located on the path of the steel cable (2) on the upper deck (b) and is installed in the grounding ring recess (f). The grounding ring recess (f) is fitted with a recess cover plate that can be opened and closed.
10. A towing operation method, characterized in that, Based on the towing operation system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, the system includes the following steps: S1. The mother ship is anchored on the water, and the buoy or the towed vessel has been secured to the waterfront platform at the stern of the mother ship in advance, ready to be towed back to port. S2. Open the top hatch of the protective cover (5a), and the workers lower the crane hook to the lower deck (c) through the top hatch and cable outlet. S3. Fix the end of the steel cable (2) to the hook, and have the operator operate the crane to slowly lift part of the steel cable (2) out of the cable outlet. S4. Use an auxiliary cable to temporarily secure the steel cable (2), untie the steel cable (2) from the hook, and under the traction of the auxiliary cable, the steel cable (2) first comes out from the top of the pulley (5d), then goes down through the rear hatch of the protective cover (5a), and temporarily fixes the end of the steel cable (2) near the pressure wheel (5e), untie the auxiliary cable, then disassemble the pressure wheel (5e), lift it away with a crane, then the steel cable (2) comes out from the bottom channel of the pressure wheel (5e), and then the pressure wheel (5e) is reset and installed with the help of the crane. Then the steel cable (2) continues to move towards the shark claw (6) at the stern under the traction of the crane. S5. First, raise the two stop pins of the shark clamp (6) and the two stern limit pins (7), allowing the steel cable (2) to pass between the two stop pins of the shark clamp (6). At the point where the steel cable (2) is located in the shark clamp (6), attach a shackle (13), and have several safety ropes (11) tension and limit the shackle (13) of the height-limiting device, thereby limiting the height of the steel cable (2) at the point in the shark clamp (6) so that the point never exceeds the maximum effective working stroke of the stop pin of the shark clamp (6). Then, let the steel cable (2) continue to move towards the stern, attaching a shackle (13) in front of the stern limit pin (7) behind the shark clamp (6) on the steel cable (2), and then... Several anti-sway chains (10) tension and limit the shackles (13) of the anti-sway device, so that the lateral swing of the steel cable (2) at the stern will not exceed the inner distance between the two stern limit pins (7), the upward movement of the steel cable (2) will not exceed the height of the stern limit pins (7), and the height limit device will work together to ensure that the lifting stroke of the fork clamp of the shark clamp (6) can safely lock the shackle at the end of the steel cable (2) under the condition that the steel cable (2) is not unloaded; then let the steel cable (2) continue to move towards the stern, pass between the two stern limit pins (7), until the stern buoy or the towed vessel, and finally connect and fix the end of the steel cable (2) to the short steel cable of the buoy or the towed vessel with a shackle; S6. Start the towing winch (1), the mother ship sets sail, and tows the buoy or the towed vessel back to port at low speed. S7. After returning to port, the mother ship first docks at the pier and uses a towing winch (1) to retrieve the steel cable (2) until the buoy or the towed vessel comes close to the anti-collision facilities at the stern. Then the buoy or the towed vessel is secured to the stern or the mooring bollard on the shore. S8. If it is necessary to replace the buoy or towed vessel to resume towing operations, raise the fork of the shark clamp (6), stop the shackle connected to the steel cable (2), and then replace it; if it is not necessary to replace the buoy or towed vessel, after the towing winch (1) stops, disassemble the connection between the buoy or towed vessel and the short steel cable, disassemble the shackle connecting the short steel cable and the steel cable (2), and then disassemble the anti-sway chain (10) and safety rope (11) on the steel cable (2), and retrieve the shark clamp (6) and stern limit pin (7). S9. Start the towing winch (1) to retrieve the steel cable (2) and simultaneously activate the anti-loosening device (3) until the end of the steel cable (2) is retrieved close to the pressure wheel (5e). Stop the towing winch (1), temporarily fix the end of the steel cable (2) near the pressure wheel (5e), then disassemble the pressure wheel (5e) and lift it with a crane so that the end of the steel cable (2) is detached from the pressure wheel (5e) for subsequent retrieval into the cabin. S10. With the assistance of the crane, after the steel cable (2) is fully inserted into the cabin, the end of the cable is tied to the anti-loosening device (3) near the lower deck (c), and the pressure roller (5e) is reset and installed using the crane. S11. Close the top hatch and rear hatch of the protective cover (5a), or remove the protective cover (5a) and watertighten the cable outlet.