Follow-up transition springboard structure

Abstract

The invention discloses a follow-up transition gangplank structure which comprises a main gangplank hinged to a hull deck and is characterized in that a containing cavity is formed in the side, close to a hinge shaft, of the main gangplank, and a transition gangplank is arranged in the cavity in a sliding mode; when the amplitude of the main gangplank is changed to a working position, the transition gangplank is driven by a mechanism to slide out and lap the deck to fill a gap; and during recovery, the container automatically slides into the accommodating cavity. By means of the mechanical follow-up principle, complete synchronization of movement of the transition gangplank and the main gangplank is achieved, extra power or manual operation is not needed, the problem of vehicle wheel sinking is fundamentally solved, and the device is safe, reliable and compact in structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine gangway technology, specifically to a follow-up transition gangway structure. Background Technology

[0002] Marine gangplanks are core equipment for roll-on / roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels, enabling rapid loading and unloading of vehicles and equipment between ships or at docks. Typically, one end of the main gangplank is fixed to the edge of the ship's deck via a large hinged shaft. Its robust structure can withstand enormous bending and torque moments. The other free end of the gangplank, controlled by a drive mechanism, allows the entire gangplank to rotate around the hinged shaft, enabling it to be raised or lowered to flexibly adapt to connection facilities at different heights.

[0003] As disclosed in Chinese invention patent CN114104205A, a three-section folding vehicle ramp structure for ships typically employs a complex multi-section hinged structure, such as a first ramp section, a second ramp section, a third ramp section, and a wing plate sequentially hinged together. Its root is fixed to the edge of the roll-on / roll-off deck via a hinge shaft, and it undergoes overall luffing motion under the action of a hydraulic cylinder or other driving mechanism. The wing plate at its end freely overlaps the dock surface, thus forming a passageway extending from the ship's interior to the shore.

[0004] There is often an inherent structural gap between the base of the main gangway and the hull structure due to the hinge point and rotation radius of the gangway. This gap poses a significant safety risk to passing vehicles, especially cars or light vehicles with narrow wheelbases, as their wheels can easily become stuck, leading to serious equipment damage and operational interruptions. To fill this gap, an additional transition gangway is usually installed on the hull deck. The transition gangway is independent of the main gangway system, located immediately adjacent to the base hinge point of the main gangway, with its other end being a free overlapping end. After the main gangway is deployed and positioned, operators need to manually or with simple tools lift the free end of the transition gangway and place it over the gap. During main gangway operations, minor hull movements caused by changes in ship load, tidal fluctuations, or vehicle traffic may necessitate adjustments to the main gangway. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention addresses the technical problem of hook placement for marine cranes by providing a follow-up transition ramp that automatically fits and fills the gaps created by the luffing motion of the main ramp during its operation.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution.

[0007] A follow-up transition ramp structure includes a main ramp hinged to the edge of the ship's deck. The main ramp has at least one receiving cavity extending along its length on the side near the hinge axis connecting it to the ship's deck. A transition ramp is slidably disposed in the receiving cavity along the length of the main ramp. The receiving cavity has an opening at one end near the hinge axis for the transition ramp to slide into or out. When the main ramp is moved to the working position, the transition ramp slides from the receiving cavity toward the hull deck, so that its outer end slides out through the opening and overlaps the hull deck; When the main ramp is moved to the recovery position, the transition ramp slides from the hull deck toward the receiving cavity, so that its outer end slides into and is received in the receiving cavity through the opening; the inner end of the transition ramp always maintains a sliding connection with the main ramp through the receiving opening.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution, a limiting post is fixedly provided inside the receiving cavity, and a sliding groove adapted to the limiting post is provided on the transition board, with the limiting post inserted into the sliding groove; the length direction of the sliding groove is consistent with the sliding direction of the transition board.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution, the cross-sectional structure of the transition plank is a right trapezoid, with the lower and upper bases of the right trapezoid corresponding to the upper and lower sides of the main plank, respectively, and the lower base fitting with the upper surface of the receiving cavity.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution, the opening of the receiving cavity is provided with a limiting surface that matches the hypotenuse of the transition board, which has a right-angled trapezoidal cross-section.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution, the acute angle of the right trapezoidal cross section is between 15° and 30°.

[0012] The advantages and beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: A sliding transition ramp is installed inside the main ramp, automatically converting the rotational motion of the main ramp into the linear sliding motion of the transition ramp. When the main ramp is lowered, its rotation around the hinge axis generates an outward thrust through the linkage mechanism, smoothly pushing the transition ramp out of the main ramp, allowing its free end to automatically overlap the deck and fill the gap between the main ramp and the ship's deck. When the main ramp is retracted, the mechanism acts in the opposite direction, pulling the transition ramp back into its built-in receiving cavity for neat storage. The entire process relies entirely on mechanical linkage, requiring no additional power or manual intervention. This invention has a compact structure, does not occupy additional space, and ensures smooth operation through the guidance of the limiting posts and sliding grooves. The overall mechanism is reliable and easy to maintain. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Fig. 1 This is a top view schematic diagram of the follow-up transition board structure shown in this invention.

[0014] Fig. 2 This is a magnified view of part A of the present invention.

[0015] Fig. 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the follow-up transition board structure shown in this invention.

[0016] Figure label: 1-Main scaffold, 2-Hinged shaft, 3-Accommodation cavity, 4-Transition scaffold, 5-Opening, 6-Limiting post, 7-Slide groove, 8-Limiting surface. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to this application are shown in the accompanying drawings, not the entire structure. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0018] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, used in this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0019] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly or implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0020] Please see Figs. 1-3This embodiment provides a follow-up transition ramp structure, including a main ramp 1 hinged to the edge of the hull deck. The main ramp 1 has at least one receiving cavity 3 extending along its length on the side near the hinge shaft 2 connecting it to the hull deck. A transition ramp 4 is slidably disposed in the receiving cavity 3 along the length of the main ramp 1. The receiving cavity 3 has an opening 5 at one end near the hinge shaft 2 for the transition ramp 4 to slide in or out. When the main ramp 1 is moved to the working position, the transition ramp 4 slides from the receiving cavity 3 toward the hull deck, so that its outer end slides out through the opening 5 and overlaps the hull deck. When the main ramp 1 is moved to the retracted position, the transition ramp 4 slides from the hull deck toward the receiving cavity 3, so that its outer end slides in through the opening 5 and is received in the receiving cavity 3. The inner end of the transition ramp 4 is always slidably connected to the main ramp 1 through the opening 5. During the luffing motion of the main gangway 1, the transition gangway 4 automatically extends and retracts through mechanical linkage, seamlessly connecting with the ship's deck, eliminating structural gaps, preventing vehicle wheels from getting stuck when passing through, and improving safety and operational efficiency.

[0021] Specifically, the receiving cavity 3 can be located in the root region of the main scaffold 1, close to the hinge shaft 2, to ensure that the transition scaffold 4 effectively covers the gap when extended. The cross-sectional shape of the receiving cavity 3 can match that of the transition scaffold 4, such as rectangular or trapezoidal, to provide stable sliding guidance. A wear-resistant bushing can be installed at the opening 5 to reduce friction and wear, and extend service life. The sliding surface of the transition scaffold 4 can be coated with a lubricating material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, to reduce sliding resistance.

[0022] To guide the sliding direction of the transition platform 4 and prevent it from detaching, the technical solution provided in this embodiment is to fix a limiting post 6 inside the receiving cavity 3, and to provide a sliding groove 7 on the transition platform 4 that matches the limiting post 6, with the limiting post 6 inserted into the sliding groove 7; the length direction of the sliding groove 7 is consistent with the sliding direction of the transition platform 4. The cooperation between the limiting post 6 and the sliding groove 7 provides precise guidance, restricting the transition platform 4 to slide only in a predetermined direction, preventing lateral displacement or torsion, and ensuring accurate overlap.

[0023] Specifically, multiple limiting posts 6 can be provided, evenly distributed along the receiving cavity 3 to provide multi-point support. The cross-sectional shape of the slide 7 can be rectangular or T-shaped, matching the limiting posts 6. The limiting posts 6 can be fixed to the receiving cavity 3 with bolts for easy replacement and maintenance. The length of the slide 7 should be greater than the sliding stroke of the transition plate 4 to allow for full extension and retraction.

[0024] To improve the load-bearing capacity and adaptability of the structure, the transition ramps 4 and / or receiving cavities 3 are divided into multiple sets along the axial direction of the hinge shaft 2. Each transition ramp 4 is equipped with at least two parallel sliding grooves 7 and corresponding limiting posts 6. By setting multiple sets of transition ramps 4, the load can be distributed to accommodate vehicles of different widths; each transition ramp 4 is guided by multiple limiting posts 6 to enhance stability and prevent jamming.

[0025] Specifically, multiple sets of transition ramps 4 can slide independently or move synchronously through a connecting mechanism. For wide ramps, setting multiple sets can improve overall rigidity. The arrangement of the limit posts 6 should ensure the parallel movement of the transition ramps 4, and the parallelism of the slide grooves 7 needs to be precisely machined. Sealing strips or support plates can be installed between each set.

[0026] To optimize the structure of the transition plank 4 and facilitate sliding and overlapping, the technical solution provided in this embodiment is that the cross-section of the transition plank 4 is a right-angled trapezoid. The lower and upper bases of the right-angled trapezoid are parallel to the upper and lower sides of the main plank 1, respectively, and the lower base is in clearance fit with the upper surface of the receiving cavity 3. The right-angled trapezoidal cross-section ensures that the lower base of the transition plank 4 is in clearance fit with the receiving cavity 3 when sliding, reducing friction; the upper base is flush with the lower surface of the main plank 1 to ensure smooth passage; the inclined side design facilitates guiding the transition plank 4 into and out of the opening 5.

[0027] Specifically, the acute angle of the right-angled trapezoidal cross-section is between 15° and 30°, preferably 20°. This angle range ensures that the effective length of the transition ramp 4 is sufficient to cover the gap, and that during sliding, the inclined side can push debris to the opening to prevent jamming. When the main ramp 1 is retracted, the transition ramp 4 is at least partially contained within the cavity. In the working state, the inclined side cooperates with the opening 5 to form a seal, preventing foreign objects from entering.

[0028] To provide limiting and sealing during the sliding of the transition ramp 4, the technical solution provided in this embodiment is to provide a limiting surface 8 at the opening 5 of the receiving cavity 3, which is adapted to the hypotenuse of the transition ramp 4, which has a right-angled trapezoidal cross-section. The limiting surface 8 matches the hypotenuse of the transition ramp 4, and plays a guiding and limiting role when the transition ramp 4 extends or retracts; when the transition ramp 4 is fully retracted, the limiting surface 8 fits against the hypotenuse to form a seal, preventing water and dust from entering the receiving cavity 3.

[0029] Specifically, the limiting surface 8 can be made of a wear-resistant material, such as high manganese steel, to withstand frequent sliding. The angle of the limiting surface 8 should be consistent with the hypotenuse of the transition board 4 to ensure a tight fit. Rubber can be installed on the limiting surface 8. The working principle of this invention is as follows: When the main ramp 1 is driven by a drive device (such as a hydraulic cylinder or winch) to move downwards around the hinge shaft 2 to the working position, the transition ramp 4 slides from the receiving cavity 3 towards the ship's deck. The outer end of the transition ramp 4 slides out through the opening 5 and overlaps the ship's deck, filling the gap between the base of the main ramp 1 and the deck, ensuring safe vehicle passage. When the main ramp 1 is retracted, the process is reversed: the main ramp 1 rotates upwards, driving the connecting rod 7 to move in the opposite direction, pulling the transition ramp 4 back into the receiving cavity 3 through the telescopic rod 8. The outer end of the transition ramp 4 slides in through the opening 5, completely retracting and avoiding interference. This mechanism is entirely mechanically driven, requires no external power, is reliable, and is easy to maintain.

[0030] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A follow-up transition ramp structure, comprising a main ramp (1) hinged to the edge of the ship's deck, characterized in that: The main ramp (1) has at least one receiving cavity (3) extending along its length on the side near the hinge shaft (2) connecting it to the hull deck; a transition ramp (4) is slidably disposed in the receiving cavity (3) along the length of the main ramp (1); the receiving cavity (3) has an opening (5) at one end near the hinge shaft (2) for the transition ramp (4) to slide into or out; When the main ramp (1) is moved to the working position, the transition ramp (4) slides from the receiving cavity (3) toward the hull deck, so that its outer end slides out through the opening (5) and overlaps the hull deck; When the main ramp (1) is moved to the recovery position, the transition ramp (4) slides from the hull deck to the receiving cavity (3), so that its outer end slides into and is received in the receiving cavity (3) through the opening (5); the inner end of the transition ramp (4) is always slidably connected to the main ramp (1) through the opening (5).

2. The follow-up transition board structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A limiting post (6) is fixedly installed in the receiving cavity (3), and a sliding groove (7) adapted to the limiting post (6) is provided on the transition plate (4). The limiting post (6) is inserted into the sliding groove (7); the length direction of the sliding groove (7) is consistent with the sliding direction of the transition plate (4).

3. The follow-up transition board structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cross-section of the transition board (4) is a right trapezoid. The lower and upper bases of the right trapezoid are parallel to the upper and lower sides of the main board (1), respectively, and the lower base is in clearance fit with the upper surface of the receiving cavity (3).

4. The follow-up transition board structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The opening (5) of the receiving cavity (3) is provided with a limiting surface (8) that matches the hypotenuse of the transition board (4) whose cross-sectional structure is a right trapezoid.

5. The follow-up transition board structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The acute angle of the right trapezoidal cross section is between 15° and 30°.

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