A shaft locking device and its usage method

Abstract

This invention discloses a shaft locking device and its usage method. By fixing a height-adjustable base to the hull structure, and fixing a first support plate, a second support plate, a first fixed plate, a pin, and a locking shaft transmission mechanism on the height-adjustable base, the locking shaft transmission mechanism is supported and fixed on the first fixed plate and the pin is connected to the locking shaft transmission mechanism. The locking shaft transmission mechanism drives the pin to move, so that the pin inserts into or extends out of the locking shaft disc, thereby locking or unlocking the main engine shaft system and preventing the propeller from spinning idly and causing damage to the shaft system after the main engine is damaged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine technology, and in particular to a shaft locking device and its method of use. Background Technology

[0002] LNG carriers are equipped with two main engines. When one engine fails, the ship continues to sail using the other. However, because the propeller of the failed engine is submerged in the sea, the water flow at the stern will impact the stationary propeller as the ship moves forward, forcibly causing it to rotate. The torque generated by the rotating propeller will be transmitted in reverse through the shaft system to the already shut-down diesel engine. This will create dry friction between the bearings, causing serious damage to the shaft system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above, the present invention provides a shaft locking device and its method of use to solve the problems existing in the background art.

[0004] A shaft locking device includes a height-adjustable base, a first support plate, a second support plate, a first fixed plate, a pin, and a locking transmission mechanism. The height-adjustable base is fixed to the hull structure. A first support plate, a second support plate, and a first fixed plate are all vertically fixed to the height-adjustable base. The first fixed plate is located on one side of the first support plate. The first and second support plates are respectively located on both sides of the lower part of the locking disc. The locking disc is located between the opposing first and second shaft flanges. A pin movably passes through the locking holes of the first support plate, the locking disc, and the second support plate. The pin is connected to one end of the locking disc transmission mechanism, and the other end of the locking disc transmission mechanism is supported and fixed to the first fixed plate. A limit switch is fixed to the first fixed plate. When the locking shaft transmission mechanism moves the pin to trigger the limit switch, the shaft locking device does not work.

[0005] Preferably, the locking shaft transmission mechanism includes a transmission screw, one end of which is fixed with a handwheel, and the other end passes through a connecting plate and is locked and fixed by a locking nut. The connecting plate is fixed to the pin shaft by fasteners. A threaded seat is threaded on the transmission screw, and the support foot at the bottom of the threaded seat is fixed to a third fixing plate by fasteners. The third fixing plate is horizontally fixed on top of the first fixing plate.

[0006] Preferably, the top of the threaded seat is provided with a stop hole, and a stop rod is fixed in the stop hole by a thread, with the end of the stop rod abutting against the transmission screw.

[0007] Preferably, a second fixing plate is provided on the first fixing plate, and the second fixing plate is perpendicular to the upper surface of the first fixing plate and the height-adjustable base.

[0008] Preferably, a bushing is provided in the through hole of the first support plate and the second support plate for the pin to pass through, and the pin passes through the bushing.

[0009] Preferably, the height-adjustable base includes a fixed base fixed to the hull structure and a fixed panel disposed above the fixed base. The fixed base and the fixed panel are connected by connecting bolts and epoxy resin is poured into the gap between them. The fixed panel is provided with an adjusting bolt for adjusting its height. The adjusting bolt passes vertically through the fixed panel and its lower end abuts against the fixed base.

[0010] Preferably, the fixed panel is provided with a plurality of side support blocks around its perimeter to prevent lateral movement, and wedges are inserted into the gaps between the side support blocks and the fixed panel.

[0011] Preferably, the distances from the first support plate and the second support plate to the side of the locking disc are equal, and the distance from the second support plate to the side of the locking disc is less than the distance from the top of the second support plate to the lowest point of the second shaft flange.

[0012] A method for using a shaft locking device specifically includes the following steps: Before the LNG carrier is put into service, adjust the height-adjustable base so that the center of the through hole of the first support plate and the second support plate, through which the pin passes, is on the same horizontal line as the center of the locking hole of the locking plate. If one of the main engines malfunctions during normal LNG carrier navigation, the transmission screw of the locking shaft transmission mechanism is rotated, causing the transmission screw to move the pin shaft toward the locking shaft disc until the pin shaft passes through the locking shaft hole of the first support plate, the locking shaft hole of the locking shaft disc, and the second support plate, thereby locking the transmission shaft of the main engine. When the main engine corresponding to the shaft lock is to be started, the transmission screw of the shaft lock transmission mechanism is rotated in the opposite direction, causing the transmission screw to move the pin shaft in the opposite direction. When the connecting plate at the end of the pin shaft touches the limit switch, the rotation of the transmission screw of the shaft lock transmission mechanism stops. At the same time, the limit switch sends a signal to the ship control system to indicate that the shaft lock device is not working, and the main engine can be started.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention fixes a height-adjustable base to the hull structure, and fixes a first support plate, a second support plate, a first fixed plate, a pin, and a locking shaft transmission mechanism on the height-adjustable base. By supporting and fixing the locking shaft transmission mechanism on the first fixed plate and connecting the pin to the locking shaft transmission mechanism, the locking shaft transmission mechanism drives the pin to move, so that the pin inserts into or extends from the locking shaft disc, thereby locking or unlocking the main engine shaft system and preventing the propeller from spinning idly and causing damage to the shaft system after the main engine is damaged. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the shaft locking device of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a top view of the first support plate, the second support plate, and the first fixed plate on the height-adjustable base.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a side view of the height-adjustable base.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of the shaft locking device of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the shaft locking device of the present invention in a non-operating state.

[0020] The meanings of the labels in the diagram are as follows: 1 is the handwheel, 2 is the stop rod, 3 is the first bolt, 4 is the lock nut, 5 is the threaded seat, 6 is the transmission screw, 7 is the first fixing plate, 8 is the second fixing plate, 9 is the third fixing plate, 10 is the pin, 11 is the bushing, 13 is the connecting plate, 14 is the second bolt, 15 is the fixing panel, 16 is the first support plate, 17 is the second support plate, 18 is the limit switch, 20 is the fixing base, 21 is the side support block, 22 is the wedge block, 25 is the first shaft flange, 26 is the second shaft flange, 27 is the locking disc, 28 is epoxy resin, 29 is the adjusting bolt, and 30 is the fixing bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention is described below with reference to specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of the invention.

[0022] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0023] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. These terms are used only to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination."

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0025] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise specified and limited, it should be noted that the terms "installation", "connection" and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two components. They can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] To better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] This invention provides a shaft locking device, comprising a height-adjustable base, a first support plate 16, a second support plate 17, a first fixing plate 7, a pin 10, and a locking transmission mechanism. The height-adjustable base is fixed to the hull structure. The first support plate 16, the second support plate 17, and the first fixing plate 7 are all vertically fixed to the height-adjustable base. The first fixing plate 7 is located on one side of the first support plate 16. The first support plate 16 and the second support plate 17 are respectively located on both sides of the lower part of the locking shaft disc 27. The pin 10 moves through the locking shaft holes of the first support plate 16, the locking shaft disc 27, and the second support plate 17. The pin 10 is connected to one end of the locking shaft transmission mechanism, and the other end of the locking shaft transmission mechanism is supported and fixed on the first fixing plate 7. A limit switch is fixed on the first fixing plate 7. When the locking shaft transmission mechanism moves the pin 10 to trigger the limit switch, the shaft locking device does not work; conversely, when the pin 10 disengages from the limit switch and the pin is inserted through the locking hole of the first support plate 16, the locking shaft disk 27, and the second support plate 17, the shaft locking device works.

[0028] The locking disc 27 is located between the first shaft flange 25 and the second shaft flange 26, which are connected to each other. The three are fixed together by bolts and rotate or stop together with the shaft system.

[0029] Specifically, the height-adjustable base includes a fixed base 20 fixed to the hull structure and a fixed panel 15 disposed above the fixed base 20. The fixed base 20 and the fixed panel 15 are connected by connecting bolts 30 and epoxy resin 28 is poured into the gap between them. The fixed panel 15 is provided with an adjusting bolt 29 for adjusting its height. The adjusting bolt 29 passes vertically through the fixed panel 15 and its lower end abuts against the fixed base 20.

[0030] Preferably, the fixed panel 15 is provided with a plurality of side support blocks 21 around its perimeter to prevent lateral movement, and wedge blocks 22 are inserted into the gap between the side support blocks 21 and the fixed panel 15.

[0031] When installing the height-adjustable base, first fix the fixed base 20 to the hull structure, then place the fixed panel 15 on the fixed base 20, and then install the connecting bolt 30 and adjusting bolt 29 on the fixed panel 15 and the fixed base 20, without tightening the connecting bolt 30 and adjusting bolt 29; then, tighten the adjusting bolt 29 to adjust the height of the fixed panel 15, thereby adjusting the height of all components located on the fixed panel 15, so that the pins 10 on the first support plate 16 and the second support plate 17 can pass through. The center of the through hole and the center of the locking hole of the locking disc 27 are on the same horizontal line to ensure that the pin 10 can be inserted into the first support plate 16, the second support plate 17 and the pin 10 when the device is in normal use. After adjustment, epoxy resin 28 is poured into the gap between the fixed base 20 and the fixed panel 15. Then, the connecting bolts 30 are tightened. Finally, multiple side support blocks 21 are installed around the fixed panel 15, and wedges 22 are inserted into the gap between the side support blocks 21 and the fixed panel 15 to prevent the device from moving laterally.

[0032] The first support plate 16, the second support plate 17, and the first fixing plate 7 are all vertically fixed to the fixing panel 15. The first fixing plate 7 is located on one side of the first support plate 16, and the first support plate 16 and the second support plate 17 are respectively located on both sides of the lower part of the locking shaft disc 27. Figure 1 As shown, the first support plate 16 and the second support plate 17 are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the lower part of the locking disc 27, and the first fixing plate 7 is located on the left side of the first support plate 16.

[0033] Preferably, a bushing 11 is provided in the through hole of the first support plate 16 and the second support plate 17 for the pin 10 to pass through, and the pin 10 passes through the bushing 11. In this embodiment, the diameter of the through hole of the first support plate 16 and the second support plate 17 for the pin 10 to pass through is 0.1 mm smaller than the outer diameter of the bushing 11. The bushing 11 is interference-fitted with the first support plate 16 and the second support plate 17, and the bushing 11 is installed in the first support plate 16 and the second support plate 17 by freezing. The inner diameter of the bushing 11 is 2 mm larger than the outer diameter of the pin 10. The bushing 11 can effectively reduce the friction between the two when the pin 10 rotates.

[0034] The distances from the first support plate 16 and the second support plate 17 to the side of the locking disc 27 are equal, while the distance from the second support plate 17 to the side of the locking disc 27 is less than the distance from the top of the second support plate 17 to the lowest point of the second shaft flange 26. Maintaining a certain distance between the first support plate 16, the second support plate 17, and the side of the locking disc 27 allows the two support plates to withstand the torque transmitted from the pin 10 to the maximum extent, thereby preventing deformation of the locking shaft transmission mechanism. In this embodiment, the distance B from the second support plate 17 to the side of the locking disc 27 is 15mm, and the distance A from the top of the second support plate 17 to the lowest point of the second shaft flange 26 is 20mm.

[0035] The locking shaft transmission mechanism includes a transmission screw 6. One end of the transmission screw 6 is fixed with a handwheel 1, and the other end passes through a connecting plate 13 and is locked and fixed by a locking nut 4. The connecting plate 13 is fixed to one end of the pin 10 by a fastener (second bolt 14), and the connecting plate 13 is attached to one side of the first support plate 16. The transmission screw 6 is threadedly fixed with a threaded seat 5. The support foot at the bottom of the threaded seat 5 is fixed to the third fixing plate 9 by a fastener (first bolt 3). The third fixing plate 9 is horizontally fixed to the top of the first fixing plate 7.

[0036] Preferably, a stop hole is provided at the top of the threaded seat 5, and a stop rod 2 is fixed in the stop hole by a thread, with the end of the stop rod 2 abutting against the transmission screw 6.

[0037] When the handwheel 1 is turned, the handwheel 1 drives the transmission screw 6 to rotate, and the transmission screw 6 drives the pin 10 to move toward the locking disc 27 until the pin 10 passes through the locking hole of the first support plate 16, the locking disc 27 and the second support plate 17. The shaft locking device works and the shaft system cannot rotate. When the handwheel 1 is turned in the opposite direction, the transmission screw 6 moves the pin 10 in the opposite direction. When the connecting plate 13 at the end of the pin 10 touches the limit switch, the transmission screw 6 of the locking shaft transmission mechanism stops rotating. At this time, the pin 10 disengages from the first support plate 16, the locking shaft disc 27 and the second support plate 17. The shaft locking device does not work, and the shaft system can rotate. At the same time, the limit switch will send a signal to the ship control system to indicate that the shaft locking device is not working.

[0038] In this embodiment, two limit switches are fixed on the first fixed plate 7. The mechanical contacts of the two limit switches should be located within the circumferential coverage area of ​​the connecting plate 13 to ensure that the connecting plate 13 can make contact with the limit switches. The top of the connecting plate 13 should be flush with the top of the first support plate 16. In this way, when the pin 10 moves to the right, the connecting plate 13 can make contact with the first support plate 16 to limit the rightward movement distance of the pin 10 and play a limiting role.

[0039] Preferably, a second fixing plate 8 is provided on the first fixing plate 7. The second fixing plate is perpendicular to the upper surface of the first fixing plate 7 and the height-adjustable base, respectively. The second fixing plate 8 is located between the two limit switches. The right side of the second fixing plate 8 is flush with the contact end of the limit switch when it is not activated. In this way, when the pin 10 moves to the left and the connecting plate 13 touches the limit switch, the second fixing plate 8 will contact the connecting plate 13, thereby preventing the connecting plate 13 from moving further to the left. This not only serves as a limit switch but also prevents the connecting plate 13 from moving further to the left and damaging the limit switch.

[0040] The present invention also provides a method for using a shaft locking device, which specifically includes the following steps: Before the LNG ship is put into service, adjust the height-adjustable base so that the center of the through hole of the first support plate 16 and the second support plate 17 through which the pin 10 passes is on the same horizontal line as the center of the locking hole of the locking plate 27. If one of the main engines malfunctions during normal LNG ship navigation, the transmission screw 6 of the locking shaft transmission mechanism is rotated, causing the transmission screw 6 to move the pin 10 toward the locking shaft disc 27 until the pin 10 passes through the locking shaft hole of the first support plate 16, the locking shaft disc 27 and the second support plate 17, thereby locking the transmission shaft of the main engine. When the main engine corresponding to the shaft lock is to be started, the transmission screw 6 of the shaft lock transmission mechanism is rotated in the opposite direction, causing the transmission screw 6 to move the pin 10 in the opposite direction. When the connecting plate 13 at the end of the pin 10 touches the limit switch, the rotation of the transmission screw 6 of the shaft lock transmission mechanism stops. At the same time, the limit switch sends a signal to the ship control system to indicate that the shaft lock device is not working, and the main engine can be started.

[0041] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A shaft locking device, characterized in that, It includes a height-adjustable base, a first support plate (16), a second support plate (17), a first fixing plate (7), a pin (10), and a locking shaft transmission mechanism. The height-adjustable base is fixed to the hull structure. The first support plate (16), the second support plate (17), and the first fixed plate (7) are all vertically fixed to the height-adjustable base. The first fixed plate (7) is located on one side of the first support plate (16). The first support plate (16) and the second support plate (17) are respectively located on both sides of the lower part of the locking disc (27). The locking disc (27) is located between the first shaft flange (25) and the second shaft flange (26) that are connected to each other. The pin (10) moves through the locking holes of the first support plate (16), the locking disc (27), and the second support plate (17). The pin (10) is connected to one end of the locking shaft transmission mechanism. The other end of the locking shaft transmission mechanism is supported and fixed on the first fixed plate (7). A limit switch is fixed on the first fixed plate (7). When the locking shaft transmission mechanism moves the pin (10) to trigger the limit switch (18), the shaft locking device does not work.

2. The shaft locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking shaft transmission mechanism includes a transmission screw (6), one end of which is fixed with a handwheel (1), and the other end passes through a connecting plate (13) and is locked by a locking nut (4). The connecting plate (13) is fixed to the pin (10) by fasteners. The transmission screw (6) is threaded with a threaded seat (5). The support foot at the bottom of the threaded seat (5) is fixed to the third fixing plate (9) by fasteners. The third fixing plate (9) is horizontally fixed to the top of the first fixing plate (7).

3. The shaft locking device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top of the threaded seat (5) is provided with a stop hole, and a stop rod (2) is fixed in the threaded stop hole. The end of the stop rod (2) abuts against the transmission screw (6).

4. The shaft locking device according to claim 3, characterized in that, A second fixing plate (8) is provided on the first fixing plate (7), and the second fixing plate (8) is perpendicular to the upper surface of the first fixing plate (7) and the height-adjustable base respectively.

5. The shaft locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A bushing (11) is provided in the through hole of the first support plate (16) and the second support plate (17) for the pin (10) to pass through, and the pin (10) passes through the bushing (11).

6. The shaft locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height-adjustable base includes a fixed base (20) fixed to the hull structure and a fixed panel (15) set above the fixed base (20). The fixed base (20) and the fixed panel (15) are connected by connecting bolts (30) and epoxy resin (28) is poured into the gap between them. An adjusting bolt (29) for adjusting its height is provided on the fixed panel (15). The adjusting bolt (29) passes vertically through the fixed panel (15) and its lower end abuts against the fixed base (20).

7. The shaft locking device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fixed panel (15) is equipped with a number of side support blocks (21) to prevent it from moving laterally, and wedges (22) are inserted in the gap between the side support blocks (21) and the fixed panel (15).

8. The shaft locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distances from the first support plate (16) and the second support plate (17) to the side of the locking disc (27) are equal. The distance from the second support plate (17) to the side of the locking disc (27) is less than the distance from the top of the second support plate (17) to the lowest point of the second shaft flange (26).

9. A method of using the shaft locking device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Specifically, the following steps are included: Before the LNG ship is put into service, adjust the height-adjustable base so that the center of the through hole of the first support plate (16) and the second support plate (17) through which the pin (10) passes is on the same horizontal line as the center of the locking hole of the locking plate (27); If one of the main engines malfunctions during normal LNG ship navigation, the transmission screw (6) of the locking shaft transmission mechanism is rotated, causing the transmission screw (6) to move the pin (10) toward the locking shaft disc (27) until the pin (10) passes through the locking shaft hole of the first support plate (16), the locking shaft disc (27), and the second support plate (17), thereby locking the transmission shaft of the main engine. When the main engine corresponding to the shaft lock is to be started, the transmission screw (6) of the shaft lock transmission mechanism is rotated in the opposite direction, so that the transmission screw (6) moves the pin (10) in the opposite direction. When the connecting plate (13) at the end of the pin (10) touches the limit switch, the transmission screw (6) of the shaft lock transmission mechanism stops rotating. At the same time, the limit switch sends a signal to the ship control system to indicate that the shaft lock device is not working, and the main engine can be started.

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