Unit for offshore applications comprising deck provided with articulated boom crane

Abstract

The invention relates to a unit (1) for offshore applications, comprising a deck (2) provided with a crane (3) having an articulated boom (4). The crane (3) comprises a support structure (5) fixed to the deck (2), and an articulated boom (4) carried by the support structure (5). The articulated boom (4) comprises a main boom (41) and a terminal boom (42) in series, the terminal boom (42) having a head (422) on opposite sides of the support structure (5). The deck (2) is provided with a bracket (10) at a distance from the support structure (5), the bracket (10) comprising a receiving portion (101) on which the head (422) of the end boom (42) is intended to rest in a rest position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of offshore application units comprising a deck provided with a hinged boom crane. BACKGROUND

[0002] Some offshore units, in particular ships, have a deck provided with a hinged boom crane.

[0003] Such a crane comprises:

[0004] - a support structure fixed to the deck, and

[0005] - a hinged boom carried by the support structure,

[0006] - operating means for operating the hinged boom between a working position (deployed) and a resting position (folded), and

[0007] - control means for commanding the operating means.

[0008] In addition, the hinged boom comprises a main boom and a terminal boom in series.

[0009] Generally, these cranes are in a static state most of the time.

[0010] When the movements of the device and the wind induce forces on the crane, they can withstand the stresses that can occur in a storm.

[0011] To increase this capacity to withstand, the unit generally comprises a solution to support the boom in the resting position.

[0012] The conventional solution consists in using a boom support, generally called "boom cradle", which is erected from the deck and arranged to rest under the main boom, advantageously horizontally.

[0013] The boom support is relatively long, of the order of the length of the support structure.

[0014] However, this method has significant drawbacks.

[0015] In addition to occupying precious space on the deck of the unit, the boom support constitutes a relatively heavy structure.

[0016] Indeed, the dead weight of the boom support, added to the load exerted by the hinged boom in the resting position, requires additional reinforcement of the deck of the unit.

[0017] This overloading of the structure and the need for dedicated space for the boom support represent significant constraints in the design of the crane of the unit, limiting the operating efficiency and the flexibility of use.

[0018] Therefore, there is a clear need for a more effective and more economical solution to ensure the stability of the unit crane in the resting position. SUMMARY

[0019] To overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, the present application proposes a unit for offshore applications, the unit comprising a deck provided with a hinged jib crane.

[0020] The crane comprises:

[0021] - a support structure fixed to the deck, and

[0022] - a hinged jib carried by the support structure,

[0023] - operating means for operating the hinged jib between a working position and a resting position, and

[0024] - control means for controlling the operating means.

[0025] The hinged jib comprises a main jib and a terminal jib in series, the terminal jib having a head on the opposite side of the support structure.

[0026] According to the application, the deck is provided, at a distance from the support structure, with a bracket comprising a receiving portion on which the head of the terminal jib will rest in the resting position.

[0027] This technical solution has several advantages compared to the prior art:

[0028] - it frees up valuable deck space, since the bracket is significantly smaller in volume compared to the traditional solution;

[0029] - it significantly eliminates the self-weight of the bracket;

[0030] - it reduces the need for reinforcement under the deck, since the interface loads are lower.

[0031] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the product according to the application, taken alone or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows:

[0032] - the deck is provided with the bracket and without additional support for the main jib;

[0033] - the bracket is mounted on the deck so that, in the resting position, the angle of the terminal jib with respect to the vertical ranges from 0° to 10°;

[0034] - the bracket consists of a column standing on the deck, the column comprising:

[0035] - a lower end fixed to the deck, and

[0036] - comprises an upper end of the receiving portion;

[0037] - the head of the terminal jib and the receiving portion comprise complementary surfaces (for example cylindrical complementary surfaces) adapted to cooperate by interlocking;

[0038] - the head of the terminal jib comprises two support members located on either side of the head, and the receiving portion comprises two receiving bands located on either side of the head and each receiving one of the support members; each receiving band advantageously comprises at least one inclined flap (possibly two inclined flaps, in V shape) which terminates at the lower end in a recess for receiving the support member; the at least one inclined flap advantageously comprises a coating adapted to limit friction;

[0039] - the crane has a locking device for locking the crane in its resting position.

[0040] The invention also relates to a method of handling the crane on the unit according to the invention between the working position and the resting position.

[0041] When moving from the working position to the resting position, the crane is handled so that the head of the terminal jib is handled towards the cradle until it rests on the receiving portion.

[0042] Preferably, in the resting position, the terminal jib has an angle of 0° to 10° with respect to the vertical.

[0043] Of course, the various features, variants and embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other in various combinations, as long as they do not contradict or exclude each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0044] In addition, various other features of the invention emerge from the additional description given with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention, in which:

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic view from the side showing a unit for offshore applications comprising a deck provided with an articulated jib crane and a cradle adapted to receive the head of the articulated jib in a resting position;

[0046] Figure 2 is a partial enlarged view of Figure 1 which shows the head of the articulated jib seen from the side in more detail;

[0047] Figure 3 is a partial enlarged view of Figure 1 which shows the head of the articulated jib seen from the front in more detail;

[0048] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the support structure, showing a more detailed perspective view;

[0049] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of the section, showing the support structure as seen from the side in more detail;

[0050] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A close-up view shows the fit between the head of the articulated boom and the support frame in more detail from the side.

[0051] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of the section shows in more detail the fit between the head of the articulated boom and the support when viewed from the front.

[0052] It should be noted that in these figures, structural and / or functional elements common to different variations may have the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0053] This invention relates to a unit 1 for marine applications (in... Figure 1 (shown in the middle), the unit 1 includes a deck 2, on which a crane 3 with a hinged boom 4 is provided.

[0054] Therefore, the crane 3 is suitable for loading onto the "offshore" unit 1, such as a vessel used for operational services (also known as a "service vessel").

[0055] “Unit” refers to a specific offshore unit, particularly a vessel, such as a vessel that performs operational services in a wind farm (also known as a “wind farm service vessel or wind farm SOV”).

[0056] Therefore, this crane 3 is useful for manipulating tools and spare parts to intervene in offshore wind turbines, but is not limited to this.

[0057] As subsequently developed, the articulated boom 4 was designed to be manipulated between a working position and a resting position.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the invention subsequently developed, the deck 2 is provided with a support 10 to advantageously form a boom support, on which the articulated boom 4 is intended to rest in the resting position.

[0059] Crane

[0060] The crane 3 with the articulated boom 4, also known as a "crane" or "knuckle boom crane", is suitable for offshore applications.

[0061] Such a crane 3 with articulated jib 4 is described, for example, in patent FR 3 117 099, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] As Figure 1 Illustratively, the crane 3 with articulated jib 4 comprises:

[0063] - a support structure 5 (also called "crane house") to form an interface between the crane 3 and the unit 1,

[0064] - an articulated jib 4 (also called "articulated jib") carried by the support structure 5,

[0065] - operating means 6 for operating the articulated jib 4, in particular its downstream end, as described below, and

[0066] - control means 7 for piloting these operating means 6.

[0067] The support structure 5 advantageously consists of a barrel or a mast. This support structure 5 is fixed to the deck 2.

[0068] Preferably, this support structure 5 comprises articulation means 51 (also called "swivel mechanism"), for example a swivel ring with ball bearings, to define a pivoting movement of the articulated jib 4 along a pivoting axis 5' (also called "swivel").

[0069] This pivoting axis 5' thus provides the articulated jib 4 with a rotational degree of freedom, advantageously perpendicular to the deck 2.

[0070] The articulated jib 4 comprises two jib parts 41, 42 (also called arms or portions) assembled in series from the support structure 5:

[0071] - an upstream or proximal main jib 41 (also called "main boom"), and

[0072] - a downstream or distal terminal jib 42 (also called "jib").

[0073] The main jib 41 and the terminal jib 42 each comprise:

[0074] - an upstream end 411, 421 located on the side of the support structure 5, and

[0075] - a downstream end 412, 422 located at a distance from the support structure 5.

[0076] The support structure 5 and the upstream end 411 of the main jib 41 are coordinated by upstream articulation means 45 to define a swinging movement (also called "pitching" or lifting movement) of said main jib 41 along an upstream articulation axis 45', advantageously horizontal and perpendicular to the pivoting axis 5'.

[0077] The main boom 41 is therefore intended to be manoeuvred into rotation about the upstream articulation axis 45', located at its upstream end 411, with respect to the support structure 5.

[0078] The downstream end 412 of the main boom 41 and the upstream end 421 of the terminal boom 42 are fitted by means of a downstream articulation device 46 to define a folding movement of the terminal boom 42 along a downstream articulation axis 46', referred to as a "folding" axis, which is advantageously horizontal and perpendicular to the pivoting axis 5'.

[0079] The terminal boom 42 is therefore intended to be manoeuvred into rotation about the downstream articulation axis 46', located at its upstream end 421, with respect to the main boom 41.

[0080] The upstream articulation device 45 and the downstream articulation device 46 advantageously comprise articulations, for example in the form of rolling bearings, arranged between the assembled ends (for example, of the bearing / pin type).

[0081] The upstream articulation axis 45' and the downstream articulation axis 46' extend parallel to one another, advantageously horizontally.

[0082] And the terminal boom 42 has a head opposite the support structure 5, here corresponding to the downstream end 422 of the terminal boom 42, Figure 2 And Figure 3 ).

[0083] Preferably, the head 422, represented for simplicity with the same reference as the downstream end 422 of the terminal boom 42, also designates the downstream end 422 of the articulated boom 4 from which at least one cable 8 and at least one fixing interface 9, for example a hook or another device for fixing a load, extend.

[0084] According to a preferred embodiment, the head 422 of the terminal boom 42 comprises at least one support member 4221 intended to cooperate with a complementary surface of the aforementioned bracket 10.

[0085] The head 422 of the terminal boom 42 and the bracket 10 therefore advantageously comprise complementary surfaces, for example cylindrical complementary surfaces, adapted to cooperate by interlocking.

[0086] In this respect, the at least one support member 4221 advantageously comprises a cylindrical support member, advantageously projecting transversely.

[0087] More preferably, the head 422 comprises two support members 4221 arranged on either side of the head 422.

[0088] These support members 4221 advantageously extend coaxially and perpendicularly with respect to the general plane of the head 422.

[0089] In other words, the support member 4221 extends parallel to the upstream articulation axis 45' and to the downstream articulation axis 46'.

[0090] Furthermore, generally speaking, the downstream end 422 of the terminal boom 42 is moved in space by the operating device 6 controlled by the control device 7.

[0091] In particular, the downstream end 422 is movable in three axes (also called dimensions or directions), advantageously according to positions defined in a Cartesian coordinate system, i.e. advantageously:

[0092] - the width (left / right) of the x-axis or abscissa, horizontal,

[0093] - the depth (front / back) of the y-axis or ordinate, horizontal, and

[0094] - the height (up / down) of the z-axis, or vertical dimension.

[0095] To this end, the operating device 6 comprises:

[0096] - at least one pivoting actuator 61 for generating a pivoting movement of the articulated boom 4,

[0097] - at least one first linear actuator 62 (also called "luffing cylinder"), for example one linear actuator or two parallel linear actuators, to generate a swinging movement of the main boom 41 about its upstream articulation axis 45' (luffing), and

[0098] - at least one second linear actuator 63 (also called "folding cylinder"), for example one linear actuator or two parallel linear actuators, to generate a folding movement of the terminal boom 42 about its downstream articulation axis 46'.

[0099] The operating device 6 is adapted to operate the articulated boom 4 between a work position and a rest position.

[0100] Generally speaking, the work position advantageously corresponds to a state in which the articulated boom 4 is unfolded and ready to perform a lifting operation.

[0101] On the contrary, the rest position advantageously corresponds to a position when the crane 3 is not in use. The articulated boom 4 is folded or partially folded; the crane 3 is in particular ready to withstand bad weather completely safely.

[0102] Preferably, in the work position, the control device 7 is designed to control the operating device 6 so as to stabilize (in space, advantageously along the three axes) the downstream end 422 of the terminal boom 42.

[0103] To this end, the control device 7 advantageously comprises an active compensation module (also called "active 3D compensation") designed to control the operating device 6 taking into account data from a motion acquisition module (also called "motion reference unit, MRU") in order to stabilize the downstream end 422 of the terminal boom 42.

[0104] The active compensation module is thus configured to control the operating device 6 in order to compensate for the movements of the crane 3 (and in particular of the downstream end 422 of the terminal boom 42) induced by the waves.

[0105] This active compensation module thus provides a precise positioning of the downstream end 422 of the terminal boom 42, making it possible to maintain the downstream end 422 of the terminal boom 42 in a constant position.

[0106] Preferably, the maneuvering towards the rest position is ensured by the control device 7 designed to control the operating device 6 in order to position the downstream end 422 of the terminal boom 42 at the support 10.

[0107] Generally, the crane 3 can optionally comprise locking means for locking the crane 3 in its rest position (for example, mechanical locking means at the joints and / or the operating device 6, in particular a set of pins).

[0108] Support

[0109] According to the application, the deck 2 is provided with a support 10 located at a distance from the support structure 5.

[0110] This support 10 is designed to receive the head 422 of the terminal boom 42 when the articulated boom 4 is in the rest position.

[0111] Preferably, the deck 2 is provided with a boom support consisting of this support 10 arranged at a distance from the support structure 5 without additional support of the main boom.

[0112] In other words, the boom support is made entirely in the form of the support 10 without including other support elements (in particular of the main boom).

[0113] In other words, the deck 2 lacks additional support of the main boom 41.

[0114] This design allows a significant reduction in the deck space requirement, while ensuring effective support of the articulated boom in its folded configuration, without intermediate support under the main boom.

[0115] This structure simplifies the structure of the unit and optimizes the available space on the deck, in particular by eliminating the constraints related to the integration of the main boom support.

[0116] Furthermore, it relieves the structural load applied on the deck, reducing the need for additional reinforcement.

[0117] By concentrating the boom support only at the terminal boom, the invention advantageously provides a more compact, lighter solution, which is more suitable for the operating constraints of offshore units.

[0118] Preferably, as shown in Figure 1 the bracket 10 is mounted on the deck 2 so that, in the resting position, the terminal boom 42 has an angle N of 0° to 10° with respect to the vertical direction V.

[0119] This angle N advantageously corresponds to the angle formed between:

[0120] - the longitudinal axis 42' passing through the terminal boom 42, and

[0121] - the vertical direction V, preferably perpendicular to the deck 2.

[0122] More preferably, in the resting position, the terminal boom 42 diverges in the direction of the deck 2 with respect to the support structure 5.

[0123] To this end, as shown in Figure 4 and in the subsequent figures, the bracket 10 comprises a receiving portion 101 on which the head 422 of the terminal boom 42 will rest.

[0124] Preferably, Figure 4 the bracket 10 shown in the middle part is fixed to the deck 2 by an interface or base.

[0125] According to a preferred embodiment, the bracket 10 consists of a column (or post or pillar) which stands on the deck 2.

[0126] This bracket 10 comprises:

[0127] - a lower end 102 fixed to the deck 2, and

[0128] - an upper end 103 comprising the receiving portion 101.

[0129] As mentioned above, the head 422 of the terminal boom 42 and the receiving portion 101 of the bracket 10 comprise complementary surfaces (for example, cylindrical complementary surfaces) which are adapted to fit by interlocking.

[0130] In this case, the receiving portion 101 advantageously comprises two receiving bands 1011 intended to be located on either side of the head 422 and each of which receives one of the support members 4221.

[0131] The two receiving bands 1011 are advantageously distanced from each other and extend parallel to each other (advantageously symmetric to each other).

[0132] The distance between the two receiving bands 1011 is adapted to the head 422 of the terminal boom 42 in the rest position to pass through.

[0133] More preferably, each receiving band 1011 comprises at least one inclined flap 1011a which terminates at a lower end 1011a1 in a recess 1011b for receiving a support member 4221.

[0134] The recess 1011b here consists of a substantially U-shaped recess (advantageously open upwards) and comprises two side walls 1011b1 (advantageously parallel) connected by a circular-arc-shaped bottom wall 1011b2 (see Figure 5 ).

[0135] The distance between the side walls 1011b1 advantageously corresponds to the gap and to the diameter of one of the support members 4221. And the radius of the bottom wall 1011b2 advantageously corresponds to the gap and to the radius of the support members 4221.

[0136] The through axis 1011b’ of the recess 1011b (as shown in Figure 5 ) advantageously extends perpendicular to the pivot axis 5’ of the articulated boom 4.

[0137] More preferably, each receiving band 1011 comprises two inclined flaps 1011a in the shape of a V which meet at the recess 1011b to guide the assembly of the support members 4221.

[0138] Preferably, the first inclined flap 1011a has a greater length than the second inclined flap 1011a in order to serve as a guide slope.

[0139] The at least one inclined flap 1011a advantageously comprises a coating (for example a plastic sheet with a thickness in the range of 5 to 15 mm) adapted to limit friction during the movement of the support members 4221.

[0140] Manipulation process

[0141] The crane 3 is therefore intended to be manoeuvred between the work position and the rest position during the manoeuvre.

[0142] When manoeuvred from the work position to the rest position, the crane 3 is manoeuvred so that the head 422 of the terminal boom 42 is manoeuvred towards the support 10 until it rests on the receiving portion 101 (see Figure 6 and Figure 7 ).

[0143] In this case, preferably, the head 422 is manipulated so that:

[0144] - the support members 4221 rest on the inclined flaps 1011a, then

[0145] - the support members 4221 travel along the length of the inclined flaps 1011a until they are housed in the respective notches 1011b.

[0146] In the resting position, the terminal boom 42 has an angle N of 0° to 10° with respect to the vertical direction V. Figure 1 ) with respect to the vertical direction V.

[0147] In this resting position, the head 422 is mechanically locked with the support 10 to ensure optimal safety.

[0148] When manipulated from the resting position to the working position, the crane 3 is manipulated so that the head 422 of the terminal boom 42 moves away from the support 10.

[0149] In this case, preferably, the head 422 is manipulated so that the support members 4221 are extracted vertically with respect to the respective notches 1011b.

[0150] Of course, various other modifications can be made to the application within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

1. A unit (1) for marine applications, comprising a deck (2) equipped with a crane (3) having an articulated boom (4), in, The crane (3) includes: - Support structure (5), said support structure (5) is fixed to said deck (2), and - Hinged boom (4), which is supported by the support structure (5), - Operating device (6), said operating device (6) for operating the articulated boom (4) between the working position and the resting position, and - Control device (7), the control device (7) is used to operate the operating device (6), The articulated boom (4) includes a main boom (41) and a terminal boom (42) connected in series. The terminal boom (42) includes a head (422) opposite to the support structure (5). The feature is that the deck (2) is provided with a bracket (10) at a certain distance from the support structure (5), the bracket (10) includes a receiving part (101), and the head (422) of the terminal boom (42) can rest on the receiving part (101) at the resting position.

2. The unit (1) for marine applications according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deck (2) is provided with the support (10) and there is no additional support for the main boom (41).

3. The unit (1) for marine applications according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket (10) is mounted on the deck (2) such that, at the resting position, the terminal boom (42) has an angle N of 0° to 10° relative to the vertical direction (V).

4. The unit (1) for marine applications according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support (10) consists of columns erected on the deck (2), the columns comprising: - Fixed to the lower end (102) of the deck (2), and - Including the upper end (103) of the receiving portion (101).

5. The unit (1) for marine applications according to claim 1, characterized in that, The head (422) of the terminal boom (42) and the receiving portion (101) include complementary surfaces, such as cylindrical complementary surfaces, which are adapted to engage by interlocking.

6. The unit (1) for marine applications according to claim 1, characterized in that, The head (422) of the terminal boom (42) includes two support members (4221), which are located on both sides of the head (422). Furthermore, the receiving portion (101) includes two receiving strips (1011) that can be located on both sides of the head (422), and each receiving strip (1011) receives one of the support members (4221).

7. The unit (1) for marine applications according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each receiving strip (1011) includes at least one inclined blade (1011a), which terminates at its lower end (1011a1) in a notch (1011b) for receiving the support member (4221).

8. The unit (1) for marine applications according to claim 7, characterized in that, The at least one tilting blade (1011a) includes a coating suitable for limiting friction.

9. The unit (1) for marine applications according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The crane (3) includes a locking device for locking the crane (3) in its resting position.

10. The unit (1) for marine applications according to claim 5, characterized in that, The head (422) of the terminal boom (42) and the receiving portion (101) include cylindrical complementary surfaces adapted to engage by interlocking.

11. A method for operating a crane (3) on a unit (1) according to claim 1 between the working position and the resting position, Its features are, When the crane (3) is manipulated from the working position to the resting position, the crane (3) is manipulated such that the head (422) of the terminal boom (42) is manipulated toward the bracket (10) until the head (422) rests on the receiving part (101).

12. The method of operating the crane (3) according to claim 11, characterized in that, At the resting position, the terminal boom (42) has an angle N ranging from 0° to 10° relative to the vertical direction (V).

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