A passive uplock latching mechanism for a fin stabilizer system and a control method thereof

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of fin stabilizer system, and particularly relates to a passive locking mechanism for a fin stabilizer system and a control method thereof, which comprises a locking pin, a cylinder body, a spring, a cylinder piston rod and a locking mechanism shell, the shell is installed on an actuator, coaxial mounting holes are arranged at two ends of the shell, the cylinder body is arranged axially along the mounting hole, the spring is sleeved at one end of the cylinder body, the other end of the cylinder body is connected with the locking pin, the spring is abutted against a cylinder body step and an inner end surface of the shell at two ends, the piston rod is fixed in the shell, one end of the piston rod is a piston head and is located in the cylinder body, the other end of the piston rod is installed in the mounting hole, a sealing structure is arranged between the piston rod and the cylinder body and an oil cavity is formed, the piston rod is provided with an oil channel, one end of the oil channel is connected with a hydraulic system, and the other end of the oil channel is in communication with the oil cavity, when hydraulic oil is input, the cylinder body is pushed to overcome the spring force to make the locking pin be pulled out of a fin handle insertion slot, and when pressure is released, the spring is reset to push the locking pin to be inserted into the insertion slot. The application realizes automatic unlocking and passive self-locking, and solves the problems of low efficiency, great safety hazards and easy wear of a contact part of manual insertion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of anti-roll fin systems, and more specifically, relates to a passive locking mechanism and its control method for anti-roll fin systems. Background Technology

[0002] To reduce roll and improve stability during ship navigation, anti-roll fins are typically installed. Currently, anti-roll fin devices are mainly divided into two types: non-retractable and retractable. Non-retractable anti-roll fins, when not in operation, require a dedicated locking mechanism to fix them in the zero-position position to ensure stability and prevent the water flow from exerting a rotational torque on the fin surface, which could cause the fin to sway up and down. However, for retractable anti-roll fins, even when retracted and fully retracted into the fin box, gravity can still cause the fin to slide outwards, posing a risk of protrusion. Once protruding, it may exceed the ship's beam laterally or fall below the ship's baseline longitudinally, affecting not only navigation safety but also potentially causing equipment damage. To avoid such accidents, a dedicated locking mechanism is usually installed after the fin is retracted to the zero position to securely lock it inside the fin box and prevent displacement. When the anti-roll fin is in operation, i.e., the fin is extended and moves with the water flow, the water flow applies a rotational resistance torque towards the stern to the actuator, causing the fin to tend to retract. To maintain the fin's working posture, a stop mechanism is also required to limit and lock it in the extended state.

[0003] Existing anti-roll fin devices still generally rely on manual pin mechanisms for locking and unlocking the fins. (See attached instruction manual.) Figure 1 The traditional locking mechanism consists of a latch 3, a hook 4, and a rotating shaft. The push rods of the two rotating fin cylinder assemblies 17 are connected to both ends of the rotating fin handle 2. Each end of the fin handle has a latch 3, and a rotating shaft is positioned below each corresponding position. One end of the hook 4 is hooked to the latch 3, and the other end is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft. A support base is welded to the inner side of the hull hull plating, and an actuator for controlling the swing of the fin 1 is installed inside it. One end of the actuator's rotating shaft extends outward from the outer side of the hull plating and is connected to the fin 1, while the other end is connected to the rotating fin handle 2.

[0004] In the existing design, the engagement and disengagement of the locking hook 4 rely entirely on manual operation: when the anti-roll fin needs to be activated, the crew must manually disengage the locking hook 4 from the locking buckle 3 before the equipment can be operated; conversely, after shutdown, the locking hook 4 must be manually re-engaged into the locking buckle 3. Especially in large ships, there are often two pairs of anti-roll fins at the fore and aft, requiring 2 to 4 crew members to go to different compartments to complete the locking or unlocking operations. This process is inefficient, difficult to coordinate, and prone to starting the equipment without removing the locking hook due to operational delays or forgetfulness, thus causing serious safety hazards.

[0005] Furthermore, the hydraulic system of existing anti-roll fin devices typically has a zero-position accuracy of ±1°. To improve the tolerance of the locking hook 4 engaging the locking buckle 3, the existing structure designs the main body of the locking hook 4 as two threaded connecting rods. After the locking hook 4 engages the locking buckle 3, the two connecting rods are screwed together and tightened to achieve the locking hook 4's tension and locking of the locking buckle 3. However, this structure still has several technical problems in practical use:

[0006] 1. Fin micro-movements due to water flow disturbance: When the ship is stationary or sailing at low speed, the impact of external water flow and waves will cause the fins to oscillate slightly in the vertical direction. Due to the limited zero-position accuracy of the hydraulic system, this oscillation will cause the relative position of the hook and latch to shift, resulting in difficulty in engagement, weak engagement, and even the risk of loosening during operation.

[0007] 2. Insufficient locking reliability: Because the locking hook relies on manual tightening of the connecting rod to achieve pre-tightening force, the tightening torque varies from person to person, making it difficult to ensure consistent locking conditions each time. When the locking force is insufficient, gap impacts may occur at the connection between the lock and the hook under wave impact, accelerating the wear of parts.

[0008] 3. Accumulated clearance and backlash: The locking buckle, locking hook, and rotating shaft all require assembly clearance. This clearance, combined with the clearance of the ball joint at the end of the hydraulic cylinder rod and the fin handle, results in micro-displacement and backlash even after locking. Under wave excitation, this causes impact and chatter on the meshing surface, leading to early wear and noise. In the long term, it may cause ellipticization of the locking buckle's hole diameter and erosion of the mating surface.

[0009] 4. High maintenance frequency: The connecting rod threads are exposed to the wet and salty marine environment for a long time, making them prone to rust and jamming, which makes disassembly and assembly difficult. Frequent application of rust inhibitors or replacement of parts is required, increasing maintenance costs and downtime.

[0010] 5. High operational risks: Manual insertion and removal of pins must be done in a small cabin. When the boat rolls, operators face personal safety risks such as hands getting caught or falling.

[0011] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a locking device that can replace manual operation and achieve automatic locking and unlocking functions, so as to improve the automation level of the anti-shake fin device, reduce the burden of manpower, and improve the contact area and stability between the pin and the hole by optimizing the structural design, thereby enhancing the overall reliability and service life of the device. Summary of the Invention

[0012] To improve the automation level of anti-roll fin devices and meet the urgent need for upgrading existing manual pin structures, this invention proposes a passive locking mechanism and its control method for anti-roll fin systems. This locking mechanism is based on an automatic locking device that coordinates hydraulic system oil supply with internal springs. Hydraulic control enables automatic engagement and disengagement of the locking pin and the fin shank stop block, achieving automatic unlocking and passive self-locking. To improve locking reliability, the locking pin and stop block are designed with a trapezoidal structure, effectively increasing the contact area, reducing unit surface stress, and enhancing load-bearing capacity, thereby improving system stability and durability. Furthermore, by changing the specifications and dimensions of the locking pin and stop block, it can flexibly adapt to the hydrodynamic torque generated by fins of different areas, meeting various operating conditions.

[0013] Compared to existing technologies, traditional locking devices often require partial or complete disassembly of the entire mechanism during maintenance or replacement. This not only increases the number of operational steps but also easily leads to loss of positional accuracy of related components, thus affecting the operational stability of the anti-roll fin system. In space-constrained environments such as ship cabins, manual pin insertion or disassembly is even more difficult, sometimes requiring specialized tools, resulting in low efficiency and safety hazards. In contrast, the passive locking mechanism described in this invention integrates hydraulic drive and spring return structure into a single design. It utilizes the existing system's oil supply to achieve automatic engagement and disengagement of the locking pin and stop block without altering or disassembling the original structure or installing an additional drive unit. This achieves automatic locking and passive self-locking functions while maintaining the overall layout and strength of the equipment, significantly improving the convenience of installation, maintenance, and operation, and reducing the risk of failure and manual labor intensity. This demonstrates the inventiveness of this application in terms of structural integration and operational automation.

[0014] On one hand, this application provides a passive locking mechanism for a roll-damping fin system. The roll-damping fin system includes an actuator and a locking mechanism. The actuator includes a support base, a fin shaft, a fin shank, a fin-rotating cylinder assembly, and a control valve assembly. The actuator is installed inside the hull plating. One end of the fin shaft passes through the support base, extends to the outside of the hull plating, and connects to the fin. The other end is sleeved with the fin shank. The fin-rotating cylinder assemblies are symmetrically arranged. Each fin-rotating cylinder has a push rod at one end, which is connected to both ends of the fin shank. The other end is equipped with... It has an oil inlet connected to a control valve assembly, which is used to control the alternating extension and retraction of the fin cylinder assembly to drive the fin shank to rotate the fin shaft; the fin shank includes a fin shank pin, a stop block, a cover plate, and a limiting plate; one end of the fin shank has a through pin hole along its thickness direction, the fin shank pin passes through the pin hole from one end of the fin shank and protrudes from the other end, and its exposed end is sequentially fitted with a stop block, a cover plate, and a fastener; the limiting plate is disposed on the fin shank, and one side of its side is fitted and fixed to the edge of the stop block;

[0015] The locking mechanism includes a locking pin, a cylinder body, a spring, a cylinder piston rod, and a locking mechanism housing. The locking mechanism housing is mounted on the support of the actuator, and has a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole on both ends. The cylinder body is axially disposed within the locking mechanism housing along the mounting hole, and the spring is sleeved on its exterior. One end of the spring abuts against a step on the outer surface of the cylinder body, and the other end abuts against the inner end face of the housing with the first mounting hole. One end of the cylinder body faces the second mounting hole and is connected to one end of the locking pin, and the other end is provided with a groove structure that matches the stop block, so as to achieve mechanical locking in the mating state.

[0016] One end of the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder is a piston head located inside the cylinder body, and the other end is a piston rod installed in the first mounting hole. A sealing structure is fitted on the piston rod to seal against the inner wall of the cylinder body. An oil cavity is formed between the bottom end of the piston head and the sealing structure. An oil passage is provided axially on the piston rod. One end of the oil passage is connected to an external hydraulic system, and the other end is connected to the oil cavity. The cylinder body is configured to provide a pushing force to overcome the spring force under the action of hydraulic oil, so that the groove structure of the locking pin moves away from the direction of the stop block and disengages. The spring is configured to recover its deformation and push the cylinder body towards the stop block when the hydraulic oil action is removed, so that the locking pin re-fits and locks the outside of the stop block.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the stop block is further installed on the inner side of the fin shank near the center hole of the fin shaft, and the opposite side is the outer side. The stop block has a trapezoidal structure with its small end facing the outer side of the stop block. The groove structure at the end of the locking pin that mates with the stop block is a trapezoidal opening structure.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism further includes a cylindrical pin, one end of which is inserted axially into the internal cavity of the cylinder body. A through hole is provided on the insertion section, penetrating the opposite wall of the cylinder body and the locking pin, and the cylindrical pin passes through the through hole.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism further includes an unlocking proximity switch and a locking proximity switch, which are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the locking mechanism housing.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the cylinder body is provided with a first boss and a second boss, wherein the first boss is matched with the unlocking proximity switch and the second boss is matched with the locking proximity switch.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism further includes a base, which is formed by welding together a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate, and a third mounting plate.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the first mounting plate further comprises a horizontal plate and two vertical plates symmetrically arranged on both sides of the top surface of the horizontal plate. One side of the bottom of the horizontal plate is mounted on the support of the actuator, and the other side is provided with a boss structure. The second mounting plate is a flat plate structure, disposed below the first mounting plate. The boss at the bottom of the first mounting plate is welded to one side of the top surface of the second mounting plate. The third mounting plate is welded vertically to the other side of the top surface of the second mounting plate, and forms an installation distance between the third mounting plate and the first mounting plate for mounting the locking mechanism housing. The third mounting plate is provided with an oil hole communicating with an oil passage.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the locking pin is further disposed between the two vertical plates of the first mounting plate, with its two sides abutting against the inner wall surfaces of the two vertical plates and its bottom surface abutting against the top surface of the horizontal plate.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the inner surfaces of the horizontal plate and the two vertical plates of the first mounting plate are respectively provided with a first oil groove and a second oil groove, which are used to fill grease to lubricate the reciprocating movement path of the locking pin.

[0025] On the other hand, this application also provides a control method for a passive locking mechanism for a roll stabilizing fin system as described in any of the above claims, the control method comprising:

[0026] Step 1: Start the electronic control equipment of the anti-roll fin system, read the signal status of the unlocking proximity switch and the locking proximity switch to determine whether the current locking mechanism is in the "locked" or "unlocked" state, and use the status as the input basis for the control logic judgment;

[0027] Step 2: When the electronic control equipment determines that the current locking mechanism is in the "locked" state, it further determines whether there is an unlocking requirement. If there is an unlocking requirement, the electronic control equipment starts the external hydraulic system and inputs hydraulic oil at a set pressure into the oil passage in the cylinder piston rod, so that the hydraulic oil enters the oil chamber and generates driving force to drive the locking mechanism to perform the unlocking action. During the unlocking process, the signal status of the unlocking proximity switch is continuously monitored. When the first protrusion moves to the position of the unlocking proximity switch and triggers the proximity switch to be energized, the unlocking proximity switch sends an "unlocked in place" signal. The electronic control equipment receives the signal and confirms that the unlocking is complete.

[0028] Step 3: When the electronic control equipment determines that the current locking mechanism is in the "unlocked" state, it further determines whether there is a locking requirement. If there is a locking requirement, the electronic control equipment controls the external hydraulic system to stop the oil supply and opens the oil return channel of the oil chamber, so that the hydraulic oil in the oil chamber is discharged through the oil passage to release the internal pressure. During the pressure release process, the elastic restoring force is used to drive the locking mechanism to perform the locking action. During the locking process, the signal status of the locking proximity switch is continuously monitored. When the second protrusion moves to the position of the locking proximity switch and triggers the proximity switch to be energized, the locking proximity switch sends a "locked in place" signal. The electronic control equipment receives the signal and confirms that the locking is completed.

[0029] The beneficial effects of this application are:

[0030] First, the passive locking mechanism for the anti-roll fin system of this application utilizes hydraulic drive and spring reset to achieve fully automatic locking and unlocking of the anti-roll fins, avoiding the inefficient and high-risk operation of traditional manual insertion and removal of pins and tightening of connecting rods, thus significantly improving operational efficiency and safety. The groove structure that cooperates with the stop block provides a stable and consistent preload, eliminating the uncertainty caused by differences in manual tightening torque and improving locking reliability. Rigid mechanical locking effectively counteracts the micro-movements of the fins caused by external water flow and wave impact, preventing loosening and operational accidents. The structural design reduces the superposition of multiple clearances, lowers micro-displacement and hysteresis, eliminates meshing impact and chatter, and extends the life of components. The elimination of exposed threaded connecting rods reduces the frequency and cost of rust maintenance in marine wet saline environments. The entire operation can be completed inside the cabin or in the control room, eliminating the need for crew members to work in the confined and swaying cabin, significantly improving operational stability, reliability, and personnel safety.

[0031] Secondly, in the preferred implementation, this application sets an unlocking proximity switch and a locking proximity switch in the locking mechanism, which are respectively matched with the first boss and the second boss on the outer surface of the cylinder body. This enables real-time monitoring and accurate feedback of the locking pin status, thereby determining whether the locking mechanism is in the unlocked or locked position. This structure significantly improves the intelligence and automation level of the system, avoids misoperation or safety risks caused by unclear locking status, helps to realize remote monitoring and linkage control, and improves the reliability and operational safety of the entire anti-roll fin system.

[0032] Third, in the preferred implementation, the trapezoidal block design on the fin handle that mates with the locking pin slot is ingenious. By vertically inserting the fin handle pin into the fin handle and sequentially setting a stop block and a cover plate at its exposed end, and firmly connecting them with fasteners, the position of the fin handle pin is not only effectively limited to ensure that it does not undergo axial displacement under stress, but also the mechanical strength and impact resistance of the overall structure are enhanced by the cooperation of the stop block and the cover plate.

[0033] Fourth, in a preferred implementation, the stop block of the present application is designed with a trapezoidal cross-section structure, with the small end facing outwards, and a corresponding trapezoidal opening structure is provided at the end that mates with the locking pin, which can achieve a wedge-locking self-locking effect between the locking pin and the stop block, effectively enhancing the stability of the locking connection and the anti-impact ability. The limiting plate is installed closely against the inner side of the stop block, which helps to limit and protect the position of the stop block during the movement of the fin stalk, preventing it from loosening or shifting, and enhancing the reliability of the overall structure.

[0034] Fifth, in a preferred implementation, the base structure supporting the locking mechanism of the present application is formed by welding the first, second, and third mounting plates, forming a stable three-dimensional support framework, which has excellent structural strength and installation adaptability. By setting the boss structure and reasonably distributing the positional relationship of each mounting plate, a basis for precise positioning and reliable fixation is provided when installing the locking mechanism housing, avoiding the problem of affecting the locking accuracy due to structural loosening or shifting. At the same time, an oil hole communicating with the oil passage is provided on the third mounting plate, which helps to simplify the hydraulic pipeline layout and improve the hydraulic transmission efficiency.

[0035] Sixth, in a preferred implementation, the present application introduces oil grooves on the inner surfaces of the horizontal and vertical plates of the first mounting plate in the locking pin setting structure and fills them with grease. This not only makes the guiding movement of the locking pin between the two vertical plates smoother, but also reduces the frictional resistance and wear degree during the reciprocating sliding process, effectively extending the service life of the locking pin and its mating structure. At the same time, the guiding support structure where the locking pin fits on three sides ensures its stable posture during movement, avoiding offset and jamming, and improving the reliability of the locking / unlocking operation and the stability of the overall system operation.

[0036] Seventh, in a preferred implementation, the present application sets a through hole penetrating the opposite wall surfaces of the locking pin and the oil cylinder block on the insertion section of the locking pin and inserts a cylindrical pin, achieving a reliable axial connection between the locking pin and the oil cylinder block, effectively preventing the locking pin from loosening or slipping due to force during operation.

[0037] Eighth, the control method of the passive locking and locking mechanism for the fin stabilizer system of the present application has the advantages of automatically identifying and precisely controlling the locking and unlocking states, enhancing the intelligence and safety of the system operation. By using proximity switches to continuously detect the locking state in real time and using it as the control basis for the electric control equipment, a reliable switch between the "locking" and "unlocking" states of the locking mechanism is achieved. This method relies on external hydraulic drive during unlocking and releases hydraulic pressure during the locking process, using the elastic potential energy of the spring to achieve passive reset locking, improving the operation reliability of the fin stabilizer system and the overall safety of ship navigation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a manual plug-in fin stabilizer device in the prior art;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a top view of the passive locking mechanism installed on the anti-roll fin in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the passive locking mechanism in the locked state, shown along line AA in the middle.

[0041] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point I;

[0042] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the passive locking mechanism in the unlocked state, shown along line AA.

[0043] Figure 6 This is an assembly diagram of the fin shank and fin shank pin in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A cross-sectional view along line BB;

[0045] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the locking pin structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the base structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A cross-sectional view along the CC line;

[0048] Figure 11 for Figure 9 A cross-sectional view along line DD.

[0049] Among them, 1-fin; 2-rotating fin handle; 3-lock; 4-locking hook; 5-actuator; 6-fin handle; 7-locking mechanism; 7.1-locking pin; 7.2-unlocking proximity switch; 7.3-locking proximity switch; 7.4-cylinder body; 7.4.1-first boss; 7.4.2-second boss; 7.5-spring; 7.6-cylinder piston rod; 7.6.1-oil passage; 7.7-cylindrical pin; 7.8- Base; 7.8.1-First mounting plate; 7.8.1.1-First oil groove; 7.8.1.2-Second oil groove; 7.8.2-Second mounting plate; 7.8.3-Third mounting plate; 7.9-Oil cavity; 8-Oil pipe; 9-Cylindrical pin; 10-First bolt; 11-Fin pin; 12-Stop block; 13-Cover plate; 14-Second bolt; 15-Limiting plate; 16-Third bolt; 17-Rotating fin cylinder assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this application, the following will provide a more detailed description of this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0051] The directional terms such as above, below, left, right, front, and back used in this application are based on the positional relationships shown in the attached drawings. Different attached drawings may result in different positional relationships, therefore they should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of protection.

[0052] In this application, the terms "installation," "connection," "interlocking," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between components. They can also refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. They can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0053] Example

[0054] As per the instruction manual Figure 2-3 This embodiment describes a passive locking mechanism for a roll-damping fin system, which includes an actuator 5 and a locking mechanism 7. The actuator 5 includes a support base, a fin shaft, a fin shank 6, a fin-rotating cylinder assembly 17, and a control valve assembly. The actuator 5 is mounted to the inner side of the hull's outer plating via the support base. One end of the fin shaft extends through the support base to the outer side of the hull plating and is mounted to the fin; the other end is sleeved with the fin shank 6. The fin-rotating cylinder assemblies 17 are symmetrically arranged. Each fin-rotating cylinder has a push rod at one end, connected to both ends of the fin shank 6, and an oil inlet at the other end connected to the control valve assembly. By alternately controlling the extension and retraction of the fin-rotating cylinders through the control valve assembly, the fin shank 6 drives the fin shaft to rotate, thereby driving the fin blades to oscillate and achieve roll reduction.

[0055] The locking mechanism 7 includes a locking pin 7.1, a cylinder body 7.4, a spring 7.5, a cylinder piston rod 7.6, and a locking mechanism housing. The locking mechanism housing is mounted on the support of the actuator 5 via a bracket, and has coaxial first and second mounting holes at both ends. The cylinder body 7.4 is axially disposed inside the locking mechanism housing along the first and second mounting holes (e.g., ...). Figure 3As shown, the mounting hole on the right side of the cylinder body 7.4 is the first mounting hole, and the mounting hole on the left side is the second mounting hole. A spring 7.5 is sleeved on the outer side of the end facing the first mounting hole. One end of the spring 7.5 abuts against a step on the outer surface of the cylinder body 7.4, and the other end abuts against the inner end face of the housing. A trapezoidal block structure is provided on the fin 6, which serves as a positioning and load-bearing component for mechanical locking. One end of the locking pin 7.1 is fixedly connected to the end of the cylinder body 7.4 facing the second mounting hole of the locking mechanism housing, and the other end is provided with a groove structure that matches the trapezoidal block on the fin 6.

[0056] In the locked state, the grooved portion of the locking pin 7.1 fits onto the outer side of the trapezoidal block of the fin 6, creating a surface contact fit between the trapezoidal block and the grooved structure. This eliminates gaps, enhances load-bearing capacity, and prevents relative rotation. The hydraulic cylinder drives the locking pin 7.1 to move. In the locked position, the grooved structure and the trapezoidal block are tightly engaged, achieving mechanical locking. In the unlocked position, the locking pin 7.1 disengages from the trapezoidal block, allowing the fin 6 to rotate freely.

[0057] The piston rod 7.6 of the hydraulic cylinder is fixed inside the locking mechanism housing. One end of the piston rod is a piston head, and the other end is the piston rod, which is installed in the first mounting hole. Its outer end face is flush with the outer end face of the locking mechanism housing. The piston head and part of the piston rod are located inside the hydraulic cylinder body 7.4. A sealing structure is provided between the piston rod 7.6 and the hydraulic cylinder body 7.4. The space between the bottom end of the piston head and this sealing structure is the oil chamber 7.9. An oil passage 7.6.1 is provided along the axis of the piston rod. One end of the oil passage 7.6.1 is connected to the external hydraulic system, and the other end passes through and communicates with the oil chamber 7.9. The external hydraulic system is used to input hydraulic oil at a certain pressure into the oil chamber 79 through the oil passage 7.6.1 of the piston rod. This allows the hydraulic oil to push the cylinder body 7.4 to overcome the spring force of the spring 7.5, enabling the groove structure of the locking pin 7.1 to be pulled out from the outside of the trapezoidal block of the fin 6, completing the anti-roll fin unlocking operation. It also controls the return of hydraulic oil from the oil passage 7.6.1 to the oil chamber 7.9, releasing the pressure in the oil chamber 7.9. This causes the spring 7.5 to automatically return and push the cylinder body 7.4 and the locking pin 7.1 to move. The groove structure of the locking pin 7.1 then re-fits onto the outside of the trapezoidal block of the fin 6, completing the locking process.

[0058] As per the instruction manual Figure 3-4 In the implementation of this application, the locking mechanism 7 further includes an unlocking proximity switch 7.2 and a locking proximity switch 7.3, which are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the locking mechanism housing. The outer surface of the cylinder body 7.4 is provided with a first boss 7.4.1 and a second boss 7.4.2 that match the positions of the unlocking proximity switch 7.2 and the locking proximity switch 7.3, wherein the first boss 7.4.1 cooperates with the unlocking proximity switch 7.2, and the second boss 7.4.2 cooperates with the locking proximity switch 7.3. Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 The passive locking mechanism is in the locked state. Figure 4 The passive locking mechanism is in the unlocked state. When locking is required, the external hydraulic system pressure is released, and the spring 7.5 releases pressure, pushing the cylinder body 7.4 to move the locking pin 7.1 forward and onto the outside of the trapezoidal block of the fin 6 for locking. When the second boss 7.4.2 moves to the position of the locking proximity switch 7.3, the locking is complete. The locking proximity switch 7.3 is immediately energized and transmits the locking signal to the electronic control equipment of the anti-roll fin system through the aviation socket. Passive locking is achieved by the spring force of the spring 7.5. When unlocking is required, the external hydraulic system builds pressure, and hydraulic oil enters the oil chamber 7.9 through the inner cavity of the cylinder piston rod 7.6. Under the action of the hydraulic oil, the cylinder body 7.4 moves the locking pin 7.1 backward and disengages from the trapezoidal block of the fin 6 for unlocking. When the first boss 7.4.1 moves to the position of the unlocking proximity switch 7.2, the unlocking is complete. The unlocking proximity switch 7.2 is immediately energized and transmits the unlocking signal to the electronic control equipment of the anti-roll fin system through the aviation socket.

[0059] The locking mechanism 7 further includes a cylindrical pin 7.7 for reliable positioning and mechanical connection between the locking pin 7.1 and the cylinder body 7.4. Specifically, one end of the locking pin 7.1 is axially inserted into the internal cavity of the cylinder body 7.4. The inserted section has a through hole that matches the cylinder body 7.4, penetrating the opposing walls of the locking pin 7.1 and the cylinder body 7.4. The through hole is radially arranged, with its central axis perpendicular to the central axis of the cylinder body 7.4's internal cavity, forming a cross structure that facilitates multi-axial positioning and restraint. The cylindrical pin 7.7 passes through this through hole, allowing the locking pin 7.1 to be laterally locked in the axially inserted state, thus preventing axial movement or loosening due to force or vibration.

[0060] The cylindrical pin 7.7 can be reliably held in the pin hole through interference fit, snap ring limit, screw sealing, etc., to ensure the stability and maintainability of the locking connection.

[0061] After the fin shank 6 is zeroed and engaged with the locking pin 7.1, the locking pin 7.1 will bear the lateral force from the fin shank during the ship's navigation. This lateral force mainly comes from the inertial force caused by the hull's roll or pitch, the hydrodynamic disturbance of the fins by the waves, and the reaction force at the engagement point between the fin shank and the stop block. Although the anti-roll fin is now locked and no longer swinging, external disturbances will still attempt to deflect the fin shank, thus transferring the lateral load to the locking pin 7.1. If the locking pin is directly and rigidly connected to the cylinder body, this load will act directly on the cylinder body 7.4, which can easily lead to wear of the cylinder's inner bore, deformation of the connection parts, or even structural damage. This application establishes a pin-type hinged positioning structure by setting a cylindrical pin 7.7 between the locking pin 7.1 and the cylinder body 7.4. The cylindrical pin 7.7 can bear and share the lateral load generated by the fin 6 in the radial direction, converting it into pin shear force (i.e., the shear stress generated on its cross-section by lateral force when the pin bears external load) for transmission, rather than being directly borne by the cylinder body 7.4. At the same time, the outer circle of the locking pin 7.1 maintains a precise fit with the inner hole of the cylinder body 7.4, so that the lateral force is first reduced and limited by the cylindrical pin 7.7 in the transmission path, thereby effectively avoiding the cylinder body 7.4 bearing direct impact and improving the overall resistance to lateral loads and durability.

[0062] As per the instruction manual Figure 5-8 In the implementation of this application, the passive locking mechanism further includes a fin pin 11, a stop block 12, a cover plate 13, a second bolt 14, a limiting plate 15, and a third bolt 16. The stop block 12 is a trapezoidal block on the fin 6. One end of the fin 6 has a through-hole along its thickness direction for the fin pin 11 to pass through. The fin pin 11 passes vertically through the hole from the top surface of the fin 6 and protrudes from the bottom. The exposed end of the fin pin 11 is fitted with the stop block 12 and the cover plate 13 in sequence, and is threadedly connected to the bottom end of the fin pin 11 by the second bolt 14, thereby completing the axial locking and fixation of the stop block 12 and the cover plate 13. This structure can effectively suppress the axial movement of the stop block 12 on the fin pin 11, improving installation stability. The cover plate 13, through its pressing action with the second bolt 14, positions and limits the stop block 12 in the axial direction.

[0063] This application modifies the locking mechanism by extending the fin handle pin 11 and adding a stop block 12 and a cover plate 13 to its exposed end. This avoids processing or replacing core components such as the original fin handle 6, the push rod end of the rotating fin cylinder assembly 17, and the rotating fin cylinder assembly itself. The construction is simple, the cycle is short, and it is suitable for rapid upgrades while the equipment is in service. This solution fully utilizes the original fin handle pin hole to achieve "one hole, two uses": it can be used to connect the cylinder for driving function and simultaneously perform locking function, reducing modifications to the equipment structure. The stop block, cover plate, and bolts are all conventional mechanical parts, with simple manufacturing processes, easy processing and replacement, and low maintenance costs. This modification solution can be widely applied to locking modifications of similar fin handle pin structures, is not limited by installation space, and adapts to the needs of different equipment models.

[0064] The stop block 12 is installed on the inner side of the fin shank 6 near the center hole of the fin shaft, and the opposite side is defined as the outer side. The limiting plate 15 is fixedly installed on the fin shank 6, and the installation position is close to the inner side of the stop block 12. It is used to limit the rotational freedom of the stop block 12 relative to the fin shank pin 11. The limiting plate 15 is connected to the fin shank 6 by the third bolt 16 to achieve the torsional stability of the overall structure.

[0065] To achieve precise matching and rapid assembly / disassembly between the stop block 12 and the locking pin 7.1, the stop block 12 is designed with a trapezoidal cross-section. The smaller end of the stop block 12 faces outwards towards the fin 6, forming an angle of α°. The locking pin 7.1 has a corresponding trapezoidal opening groove at its mating end with the stop block 12. The larger end of the trapezoidal opening of the locking pin 7.1 has an angle of β°, which matches the trapezoidal structure at the smaller end of the stop block 12. This structural design facilitates the automatic guiding and insertion of the locking pin 7.1 and the stop block 12 during assembly, and also facilitates smooth disassembly. Increasing the thickness of the locking pin 7.1 increases the contact area with the stop block 12 on the fin 6, reducing the contact stress between the locking pin and the stop block, resulting in a stronger load-bearing capacity and significantly improving the reliability of the device.

[0066] As per the instruction manual Figure 2 , Figure 9-11 In the implementation of this application, the locking mechanism 7 further includes a base 7.8. The base 7.8 is constructed by welding together a first mounting plate 7.8.1, a second mounting plate 7.8.2, and a third mounting plate 7.8.3 to form an integral structure. All three mounting plates are made of standard steel, requiring no special mold processing, thus ensuring structural strength and effectively reducing manufacturing costs.

[0067] The first mounting plate 7.8.1 includes a horizontal plate and two vertical plates symmetrically arranged on both sides of its top surface. A boss structure is provided on one side of the bottom of the horizontal plate for welding to the second mounting plate. Multiple pin holes and mounting holes are symmetrically opened on its horizontal plate, which can be positioned and fastened to the matching pin holes and threaded holes on the support of the actuator 5 through the cylindrical pin 9 and the first bolt 10, so as to achieve a reliable connection between the first mounting plate 7.8.1 and the actuator 5.

[0068] The second mounting plate 7.8.2 is a flat plate structure, located below the first mounting plate 7.8.1. The boss at the bottom of the first mounting plate 7.8.1 is welded to one side of the top surface of the second mounting plate 7.8.2. Through this connection, a height difference is formed between the top surfaces of the first mounting plate 7.8.1 and the second mounting plate 7.8.2, forming a stepped structure, which reserves space for the arrangement of the locking mechanism housing.

[0069] The third mounting plate 7.8.3 is welded vertically to the other side of the top surface of the second mounting plate 7.8.2, forming an installation distance with the first mounting plate 7.8.1, and is used to install the locking mechanism housing. The third mounting plate 7.8.3 is provided with an oil hole, which is connected to the end of the oil passage 7.6.1 of the piston rod 7.6 of the hydraulic cylinder, realizing the internal oil circuit guidance of the hydraulic system.

[0070] Furthermore, the locking pin 7.1 is located between the two vertical plates of the first mounting plate 7.8.1, and its width matches the distance between the two vertical plates. Its two sides are in close contact with the inner wall of the vertical plate, thereby maintaining good guidance and stability during sliding.

[0071] To reduce the frictional resistance of the locking pin during its reciprocating motion and prevent malfunctions such as jamming or seizing due to poor lubrication, a first oil groove 7.8.1.1 and a second oil groove 7.8.1.2 are respectively provided on the inner surfaces of the horizontal plate and the two vertical plates of the first mounting plate 7.8.1, i.e. the surfaces that contact the locking pin 7.1. The oil grooves are filled with grease, which can continuously lubricate the movement path of the locking pin and improve the reliability and service life of the device.

[0072] The locking mechanism 7 also includes an oil pipe 8. The oil pipe 8 is located on the outside of the third mounting plate 7.8.3, and connects to the oil port to enable the input and output of hydraulic fluid, forming a guide and interface channel with the external hydraulic system. A sealing component (such as an O-ring or conical seal structure) is provided at the connection between the oil pipe 8 and the third mounting plate 7.8.3 to ensure the airtightness of the hydraulic system, prevent hydraulic oil leakage, and improve the overall sealing performance and safety of the system.

[0073] With the above structure, the passive locking mechanism for the anti-roll fin system of the present invention has the following advantages compared with the existing manual pin mechanism: In terms of function, the mechanism utilizes the cooperation of an external hydraulic system and a built-in spring to realize the automatic insertion and withdrawal of the locking pin, completing the unlocking and passive locking actions, thereby improving the system's automation level and unmanned management capability; the locking and unlocking proximity switches can provide real-time feedback on the current status, preventing equipment failure caused by operating the rotating fin before unlocking; the locking pin and the stop block adopt a trapezoidal fit structure, increasing the contact area, reducing local stress, and improving the structural load-bearing capacity and overall reliability; in addition, by adjusting the size of the locking pin and the stop block, it can flexibly adapt to the hydrodynamic changes brought about by different fin areas, enhancing the system's adaptability and application breadth. In terms of structure, there is no need to disassemble the original anti-roll fin device. The locking function can be achieved simply by lengthening the fin handle pin and installing a stop block. The base of the locking mechanism adopts a welded structure of ordinary steel plate, which not only improves the overall strength but also effectively controls the manufacturing cost. At the same time, by designing oil grooves and filling them with grease in key parts of the base, the frictional resistance when the locking pin slides can be effectively reduced, preventing jamming and seizing, and improving operational reliability.

[0074] The following is a detailed comparative analysis of the passive locking mechanism for anti-roll fin systems of the present invention and the locking mechanism of existing anti-roll fin systems. The advantages of the present invention are explained from the perspectives of structural reliability, locking accuracy and stability, adaptability and ease of modification, maintenance cost and operational safety.

[0075]

[0076]

[0077] This invention also discloses a control method for a passive locking mechanism in a fin stabilizer system, enabling automatic detection and control of the locking state, thereby ensuring the safe and stable operation of the fin stabilizer system under different operating modes. The method includes:

[0078] Step 1: Start the electronic control equipment of the anti-roll fin system, read the signal status of the unlocking proximity switch and the locking proximity switch to determine whether the current locking mechanism is in the "locked" or "unlocked" state, and use this state as the input basis for the control logic judgment.

[0079] The purpose of step 1 is to automatically identify the current state of the locking mechanism and provide accurate state input for subsequent action decisions.

[0080] Specifically, the electrical control equipment (such as a PLC or embedded controller) of the anti-roll fin system is activated, the initialization program is executed, the I / O ports are configured for port mapping, and the system enters the status recognition mode. The electrical control equipment periodically (e.g., every 100ms) or via interrupt reads digital signals (generally switch signals, 0 for power off and 1 for power on) from the unlocking and locking proximity switches.

[0081] The following judgment conditions are embedded in the control logic: if "lock proximity switch = 1" and "unlock proximity switch = 0" are read, the current locking mechanism is determined to be in the "locked" state; if "unlock proximity switch = 1" and "lock proximity switch = 0" are read, the current locking mechanism is determined to be in the "unlocked" state; if both "lock proximity switch = 1" and "unlock proximity switch = 1" are read simultaneously, or both are 0, an abnormal state is determined, and the following operations are performed: the electrical control equipment issues an alarm signal; a "state conflict or signal missing" prompt is displayed on the human-machine interface (HMI); subsequent control logic is suspended, and an abnormal handling process is entered to prevent malfunction.

[0082] The electrical control equipment writes the above judgment result into the system control register as a status variable, and uses this variable as the basis for the logical branches in step 2 (unlock control) and step 3 (lock control).

[0083] Step 2: When the electronic control device determines that the current locking mechanism is in the "locked" state, it further determines whether there is an unlocking requirement. If there is an unlocking requirement, the electronic control device starts the external hydraulic system and inputs hydraulic oil at a set pressure into the oil passage in the cylinder piston rod, so that the hydraulic oil enters the oil chamber and generates driving force to drive the locking mechanism to perform the unlocking action. During the unlocking process, the signal status of the unlocking proximity switch is continuously monitored. When the first protrusion moves to the position of the unlocking proximity switch and triggers the proximity switch to be energized, the unlocking proximity switch sends an "unlocked in place" signal. The electronic control device receives the signal and confirms that the unlocking is complete.

[0084] The purpose of step 2 is to ensure that the locking mechanism smoothly transitions from the locked state to the unlocked state when there is an unlocking requirement, so as to release the degree of freedom of motion of the anti-roll fin actuator.

[0085] Specifically, after the electronic control equipment identifies that the locking mechanism is currently in a "locked" state, it does not immediately issue an unlocking command, but instead further determines whether the hydraulic system has been reset to zero.

[0086] The determination of the zero-reset state includes, but is not limited to, any or a combination of the following conditions: the piston position sensor of the anti-roll fin cylinder detects the initial position (e.g., displacement encoder = 0); the hydraulic system pressure sensor reads a value lower than a set threshold (e.g., <0.5MPa), indicating no driving force; the controller receives a feedback signal indicating that the anti-roll fin has not run or has completed reset; the human-machine interface or host computer sends an "unlock allowed" signal. Only when the locking mechanism is in the locked state and the hydraulic system is in the zero-reset state is it determined that "unlocking is required".

[0087] The electrical control equipment sends a pump start signal to the hydraulic pump, driving the hydraulic system to supply oil. It also opens the solenoid directional valve's passage to the piston rod's inner cavity, allowing hydraulic oil at a set pressure to enter the oil chamber. The oil pressure pushes the piston rod, causing the first boss of the locking mechanism to move the locking pin or block in the unlocking direction. During the piston's movement, the electrical control equipment continuously reads the status of the unlocking proximity switch to detect whether the unlocking displacement is complete. When the unlocking proximity switch is triggered (i.e., the first boss reaches its working position) and remains stably energized for more than a set time (e.g., 200ms), it is determined that "unlocking is complete."

[0088] After unlocking is completed, the controller can execute the following processing logic: stop the hydraulic pump oil supply; set the unlock status flag; send a "unlocked in place" signal to the upper system; and prepare to enter the motion control process of the anti-roll fin actuator.

[0089] Step 3: When the electronic control equipment determines that the current locking mechanism is in the "unlocked" state, it further determines whether there is a locking requirement. If there is a locking requirement, the electronic control equipment controls the external hydraulic system to stop the oil supply and opens the oil return channel of the oil chamber, so that the hydraulic oil in the oil chamber is discharged through the oil passage to release the internal pressure. During the pressure release process, the elastic restoring force is used to drive the locking mechanism to perform the locking action. During the locking process, the signal status of the locking proximity switch is continuously monitored. When the second protrusion moves to the position of the locking proximity switch and triggers the proximity switch to be energized, the locking proximity switch sends a "locked in place" signal. The electronic control equipment receives the signal and confirms that the locking is completed.

[0090] The purpose of step 3 is to ensure that, in the unlocked state, when the anti-roll fin has completed its operation, the hydraulic system has completed depressurization (i.e., the oil chamber has released pressure), and there is a need for locking, the locking mechanism is driven to safely perform the locking action, ensuring the structure is locked and preventing the moving parts from shifting, vibrating, or being damaged when not in operation.

[0091] Specifically, when the electronic control equipment identifies that the current locking mechanism is in the "unlocked" state, it does not immediately execute the locking action, but further determines whether the "locking conditions" are met. Locking conditions include two core aspects: logical trigger conditions and hydraulic depressurization conditions. Logical trigger conditions require the existence of a lock-up command or automatic triggering request, including at least: the vessel is in a stopped / low-speed cruising state; the anti-roll fin is in retracted or non-operational mode; the operator issues a "lock" command through the human-machine interface; and the host computer control system sends a "lock request" signal. Hydraulic depressurization conditions require that the hydraulic system has completed depressurization, and the determination methods include at least: the pressure sensor detects that the oil chamber pressure is lower than the set safety value (e.g., <0.3MPa); the fin cylinder stroke position detection sensor shows that the piston has reached the reset end; the return oil solenoid valve feedback signal confirms that the return oil channel has been successfully opened; and the external hydraulic system's hydraulic pump has stopped running for more than the set safety time (e.g., 3 seconds). Only when both of the above conditions are met is it determined that "a lock-up request exists."

[0092] When the "locking conditions" are met, the electrical control equipment issues a command to close the oil supply solenoid valve and open the oil chamber return solenoid valve, allowing the hydraulic oil in the oil chamber to flow back to the oil tank and releasing internal pressure. As the internal pressure gradually decreases, the elastic element (such as a compression spring) inside the locking mechanism begins to recover its original deformation, generating an upward mechanical driving force. This restoring force pushes the second boss of the locking mechanism to move along the locking direction, and the locking pin or locking block gradually enters the locking position. During the locking process, the electrical control equipment continuously monitors the signal changes of the locking proximity switch. When the second boss reaches the proximity switch's sensing position and its energized state remains stable (e.g., for more than 200ms), the locking is considered complete.

[0093] After confirming that the "lock is in place", the electrical control equipment performs the following operations: sets the lock completion flag; sends a "lock completion" signal to the upper system; prohibits the hydraulic actuator from continuing to operate (locks up); if there is an abnormality (such as the boss not moving or the switch not being powered on), it enters the abnormal alarm handling process.

[0094] The control method for the passive locking mechanism of the anti-roll fin system of the present invention achieves precise switching between the "locked" and "unlocked" states of the locking mechanism by combining proximity switch signal recognition, hydraulic system status detection and electronic control logic judgment. It can intelligently determine the timing of operation based on the zeroing or depressurization state of the anti-roll fin hydraulic system. The locking process is driven entirely by the restoring force provided by the elastic element built into the locking mechanism, without the need for external power source intervention, effectively reducing system energy consumption, simplifying the hydraulic control structure, and improving reliability and response speed, ensuring safe execution of actions. The entire control process has real-time monitoring, automatic response and status closed-loop confirmation functions, improving the intelligence level and fault resistance of the anti-roll fin system, and is suitable for the high-efficiency anti-roll control needs under various ship navigation conditions.

[0095] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of this application, and common knowledge regarding specific structures and characteristics in the solutions is not described in detail here. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that this application can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this application. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this application is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Therefore, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this application. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A passive uplock latching mechanism for a fin stabilizer system, the fin stabilizer system comprising an actuator (5) and a latching mechanism (7), wherein, The executing mechanism (5) includes a support seat, a fin shaft, a fin handle (6), a turning fin oil cylinder group (17) and a control valve group, the executing mechanism (5) is installed inside the hull outer plate, the fin shaft extends to the outside of the hull outer plate through the support seat and is connected with the fin, the other end is sleeved with the fin handle (6), the turning fin oil cylinder group (17) is symmetrically arranged, each turning fin oil cylinder has a push rod at one end and is connected with the two ends of the fin handle (6) respectively, the other end is provided with an oil inlet connected with the control valve group, the control valve group is used for controlling the turning fin oil cylinder group (17) to alternately stretch and shrink, so as to drive the fin handle (6) to drive the fin shaft to rotate, characterized in that the fin handle (6) includes a fin handle pin (11), a stop block (12), a cover plate (13) and a limiting plate (15), one end of the fin handle (6) is provided with a through pin hole in the thickness direction, the fin handle pin (11) penetrates the pin hole from one end of the fin handle (6) and exposes from the other end, the exposed end is sequentially sleeved with the stop block (12), the cover plate (13) and the fastener, the limiting plate (15) is arranged on the fin handle (6), and one side edge is fixedly connected with the edge of the stop block (12). The locking mechanism (7) includes a locking pin (7.1), an oil cylinder body (7.4), a spring (7.5), an oil cylinder piston rod (7.6) and a locking mechanism shell, the locking mechanism shell is installed on the support seat of the executing mechanism (5), both ends are provided with coaxial first and second mounting holes, the oil cylinder body (7.4) is arranged in the locking mechanism shell in the axial direction of the mounting hole, the outside is sleeved with the spring (7.5), one end of the spring (7.5) abuts against the step on the outer surface of the oil cylinder body (7.4), the other end abuts against the inner end face of the shell provided with the first mounting hole, one end of the oil cylinder body (7.4) faces the second mounting hole and is connected with one end of the locking pin (7.1), the other end is provided with a groove structure matched with the stop block (12), so as to realize mechanical locking in the matched state; One end of the oil cylinder piston rod (7.6) is a piston head and is located in the oil cylinder body (7.4), the other end is a piston rod and is installed in the first mounting hole, the sealing structure is sleeved on the piston rod and sealed between the oil cylinder body (7.4) and the inner wall, the oil cavity (7.9) is formed between the bottom end of the piston head and the sealing structure, the oil channel (7.6.1) is arranged on the piston rod in the axial direction, one end of the oil channel (7.6.1) is connected with the external hydraulic system, the other end is communicated with the oil cavity (7.9), the oil cylinder body (7.4) is configured to provide a pushing force overcoming the elastic force of the spring (7.5) under the action of hydraulic oil, so that the groove structure of the locking pin (7.1) moves away from the direction of the stop block (12) and is disengaged; the spring (7.5) is configured to recover the deformation and push the oil cylinder body (7.4) to move in the direction of the stop block (12) in the state that the action of the hydraulic oil is eliminated, so that the locking pin (7.1) is sleeved and clamped on the outside of the stop block (12) again.

2. The passive latching locking mechanism for a fin stabilizer according to claim 1, wherein, The stop block (12) is installed on the fin handle (6) near the fin shaft center hole on the inner side, and the opposite side is the outer side. The stop block (12) is a trapezoidal structure, and the small end is directed to the outer side of the stop block (12). The locking pin (7.1) and the groove structure of one end of the stop block (12) are trapezoidal opening structures.

3. The passive latching locking mechanism for a fin stabilizer according to claim 1, wherein, The locking mechanism (7) further comprises a cylindrical pin (7.7), one end of the locking pin (7.1) is inserted into the internal cavity of the oil cylinder body (7.4) in an axial manner, and a through hole penetrating the locking pin (7.1) and the opposite wall surface of the oil cylinder body (7.4) is arranged on the inserted section. The cylindrical pin (7.7) is arranged in the through hole.

4. The passive latching locking mechanism for a fin stabilizer according to claim 1, wherein, The locking mechanism (7) further comprises an unlocking proximity switch (7.2) and a locking proximity switch (7.3), which are arranged in sequence along the axial direction of the locking mechanism shell.

5. The passive latching locking mechanism for a fin stabilizer according to claim 4, wherein, The outer surface of the oil cylinder body (7.4) is provided with a first boss (7.4.1) and a second boss (7.4.2), wherein the first boss (7.4.1) is matched with the unlocking proximity switch (7.2), and the second boss (7.4.2) is matched with the locking proximity switch (7.3).

6. The passive latching locking mechanism for a fin stabilizer according to claim 1, wherein, The locking mechanism (7) further comprises a base (7.8), which is composed of a first mounting plate (7.8.1), a second mounting plate (7.8.2) and a third mounting plate (7.8.3) by welding.

7. The passive latching locking mechanism for a fin stabilizer according to claim 6, wherein, The first mounting plate (7.8.1) comprises a horizontal plate and two vertical plates symmetrically arranged on both sides of the top surface of the horizontal plate. One side of the bottom of the horizontal plate is mounted on the support seat of the actuator (5), and the other side is provided with a boss structure. The second mounting plate (7.8.2) is a flat plate structure arranged below the first mounting plate (7.8.1). The boss at the bottom of the first mounting plate (7.8.1) is welded to one side of the top surface of the second mounting plate (7.8.2). The third mounting plate (7.8.3) is welded to the other side of the top surface of the second mounting plate (7.8.2) in the vertical direction, and forms an installation distance with the first mounting plate (7.8.1) for installing the locking mechanism shell. The third mounting plate (7.8.3) is provided with an oil hole communicating with the oil channel (7.6.1).

8. The passive latching locking mechanism for a fin stabilizer according to claim 7, wherein, The locking pin (7.1) is arranged between the two vertical plates of the first mounting plate (7.8.1), and the two side surfaces are attached to the inner wall surfaces of the two vertical plates, and the bottom surface is attached to the top surface of the horizontal plate.

9. The passive latching locking mechanism for a fin stabilizer according to claim 8, wherein, The inner surfaces of the horizontal plate and the two vertical plates of the first mounting plate (7.8.1) are respectively provided with a first oil groove (7.8.1.1) and a second oil groove (7.8.1.2) for filling grease to lubricate the reciprocating movement path of the locking pin (7.1).

10. A method of controlling a passive uplock locking mechanism for a fin stabilizer system according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The control method comprises: Step 1: Start the electric control device of the fin stabilizer system, read the signal state of the unlocking proximity switch and the locking proximity switch, judge whether the current locking mechanism is in "locked" state or "unlocked" state, and take the state as the input basis of the control logic judgment; Step 2: When the electric control device determines that the current locking mechanism is in the "locked" state, it further determines whether there is a need to unlock. If there is a need to unlock, the electric control device starts the external hydraulic system, inputs hydraulic oil of a set pressure into the oil channel in the oil cylinder piston rod, makes the hydraulic oil enter the oil chamber and generate driving force, to drive the locking mechanism to perform the unlocking action. In the unlocking process, the signal state of the unlocking proximity switch is continuously detected. When the first boss moves to the position of the unlocking proximity switch and triggers the proximity switch to be powered on, the unlocking proximity switch sends a "unlocking in place" signal. The electric control device receives the signal and confirms that the unlocking is completed. Step 3: When the electric control device determines that the current locking mechanism is in the "unlocked" state, it further determines whether there is a need to lock. If there is a need to lock, the electric control device controls the external hydraulic system to stop oil supply, and opens the oil return channel, so that the hydraulic oil in the oil chamber is discharged through the oil channel to release the internal pressure. In the process of pressure release, the elastic restoring force is used to drive the locking mechanism to perform the locking action. In the locking process, the signal state of the locking proximity switch is continuously detected. When the second boss moves to the position of the locking proximity switch and triggers the proximity switch to be powered on, the locking proximity switch sends a "locking in place" signal. The electric control device receives the signal and confirms that the locking is completed.

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