Integrated climbing and leaning device for tail end of gangway ladder

Abstract

The utility model provides an integrated climbing and leaning device for the tail end of a gangway ladder, which comprises a linear sliding rail arranged along the axial direction of a gangway ladder main body, a buffer integrated plate capable of sliding along the sliding rail, a hydraulic damping rod connected in parallel between the gangway ladder main body and the buffer integrated plate, and an electric bench clamp clamping mechanism rigidly arranged at the front end of the buffer integrated plate, and the force sensor is connected in series on a force transmission path of the hydraulic damping rod. Through the synergistic effect of horizontal sliding of the buffering integrated plate and damping of the hydraulic damping rods, the impact load generated when the gangway ladder is in butt joint with the platform is effectively absorbed; stable clamping in the vertical direction is achieved through the electric bench clamp clamping mechanism; and the axial load is monitored in real time through the force sensor, and the clamping mechanism is triggered to be quickly released during overload, so that automatic safe decoupling is realized. The device is compact in structure, integrates the functions of buffering, clamping and overload protection, and remarkably improves the safety, reliability and efficiency of offshore embarkation operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to marine engineering equipment, and in particular to an integrated boarding device for the end of a gangway. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of offshore wind power, operation and maintenance work is becoming increasingly frequent, placing higher demands on the performance of maintenance gangways. Traditional gangway end connections are mostly rigid overlaps or simple shock-absorbing structures. Under the action of waves, rigid overlaps can cause violent relative motion and impact loads between the gangway and the wind power platform, which can easily lead to damage to the gangway structure, connecting parts, and even the platform edges, seriously affecting operational safety and equipment lifespan.

[0003] Some improvement solutions attempt to add large shock absorbers or clamping mechanisms to the end of the gangway. However, these additional devices often protrude, increasing the vertical or lateral dimensions of the gangway end. This can not only hinder precise docking of the gangway at low altitudes but also create obstacles for personnel passage, even posing a tripping hazard. Furthermore, traditional clamping structures typically lack a rapid-response overload protection mechanism. In the event of sudden severe sea conditions and unexpected, significant pulling of the gangway by the hull, they cannot be released in time, potentially causing structural damage to the gangway or the hull. Therefore, developing a compact, efficient, and safe gangway-end docking device has become a pressing technical challenge.

[0004] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only for understanding the background of this application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to overcome the deficiencies in the aforementioned background technology and provide an integrated boarding device for the end of a gangway.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An integrated boarding device for the end of a gangway includes:

[0008] The main body of the gangway has a linear slide rail along its axial direction at its bottom;

[0009] A buffer integrated plate is connected to the linear slide rail via a slider and can slide horizontally back and forth along the linear slide rail;

[0010] A horizontal buffer module includes at least one hydraulic shock absorber bar arranged in parallel, one end of which is connected to the fixed support structure of the gangway body, and the other end is connected to the buffer integrated plate;

[0011] An electric bench vise clamping mechanism is rigidly mounted on the front end of the buffer integrated plate and is used to vertically clamp the edge of the target platform.

[0012] A force sensor is installed in series on the force transmission path between the hydraulic shock absorber and the fixed support structure of the gangway body to monitor the axial load of the gangway in real time.

[0013] Furthermore, the linear slide rail is integrated into the U-shaped mounting groove formed by the structure below the main body of the gangway.

[0014] Furthermore, the piston rod end of the hydraulic shock absorber is hinged to the rear end of the buffer integrated plate, and its cylinder end is connected in series with the force sensor and then hinged to the fixed support structure of the gangway body.

[0015] Furthermore, the electric vise clamping mechanism includes an upper jaw plate fixed to the front end of the buffer integrated plate and a movable lower jaw plate driven by an electric drive unit. The movable lower jaw plate is restricted to vertical lifting and lowering movement only by a vertical guide structure.

[0016] Furthermore, the clamping surfaces of the upper jaw plate and the movable lower jaw plate are inlaid with protective pads with a high coefficient of friction.

[0017] Furthermore, the vertical guide structure includes a vertical guide pin.

[0018] Furthermore, the electric drive unit is an electric push rod or a short-stroke electric / hydraulic cylinder with precise position control and torque limiting functions.

[0019] Furthermore, the hydraulic shock absorber has bidirectional damping characteristics and is provided with pre-compression force in the initial installation state.

[0020] Furthermore, the force sensor is configured to trigger the electric vise clamping mechanism to perform a rapid release action when the detected axial tensile force continuously exceeds a preset safety threshold, thereby achieving automatic decoupling from overload.

[0021] Furthermore, the hydraulic shock absorber consists of two rods, arranged symmetrically at a horizontal or slight angle along the axis of the gangway.

[0022] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] This invention provides an integrated docking device for the end of a gangway, based on sliding buffering and electric vise clamping, for connecting the gangway of an offshore maintenance vessel to a floating or fixed wind power platform. This device integrates three main functions: horizontal buffering and energy absorption, vertical electric clamping for stabilization, and automatic overload decoupling. It effectively solves a series of problems faced by the gangway end when docking with the platform under complex sea conditions, including impact damage, connection stability, structural integration, and operational safety.

[0024] By decoupling the buffering and clamping functions axially and integrating them spatially efficiently, this device boasts an extremely compact structure, successfully overcoming the shortcomings of traditional solutions, such as high impact, bulky structure, and lack of overload protection. This design not only ensures the rational use of the space beneath the gangway and maintains a flat and unobstructed pedestrian passage, but also significantly improves the overall safety and operational efficiency of maintenance work.

[0025] This invention utilizes a buffer integrated plate that slides horizontally along a slide rail, combined with the energy absorption of a hydraulic shock absorber, to effectively absorb and dissipate impact loads between the gangway and the platform. An electric vise mechanism provides stable vertical clamping of the platform's edges. Simultaneously, a series of force sensors monitors axial tension in real time, and the electric vise is instructed to quickly decouple when the load exceeds a preset safety threshold. In summary, this invention, through its highly integrated design, achieves a unified function of buffering, clamping, and safe decoupling, providing a more reliable safety guarantee for offshore operations.

[0026] Other beneficial effects of the embodiments of this utility model will be further described below. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a side view of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0028] Figure 2 This is an overall view of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electric bench vise clamping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. It should be emphasized that the following description is merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope and application of this utility model.

[0031] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component. Furthermore, a connection can be used for fixing, coupling, or communication.

[0032] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" 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 the embodiments of this utility model 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 utility model.

[0033] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0034] See Figures 1 to 2 This utility model provides an integrated boarding device for the end of a gangway, comprising: a gangway body 1 with a linear slide rail 2 arranged axially below it; a buffer integrated plate 3 connected to the linear slide rail 2 via a slider and capable of horizontal reciprocating sliding along the linear slide rail 2; a horizontal buffer module including at least one hydraulic shock absorber 4 arranged in parallel, one end of the hydraulic shock absorber 4 being connected to the fixed support structure of the gangway body 1 and the other end being connected to the buffer integrated plate 3; an electric vise clamping mechanism 5 rigidly mounted on the front end of the buffer integrated plate 3 for vertically clamping the edge of the target platform; and a force sensor 6 connected in series on the force transmission path between the hydraulic shock absorber 4 and the fixed support structure of the gangway body 1 for real-time monitoring of the axial load of the gangway.

[0035] In some embodiments, the linear slide rail 2 is integrated into a U-shaped mounting groove formed in the structure below the gangway body 1.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the piston rod end of the hydraulic shock absorber 4 is hinged to the rear end of the buffer integrated plate 3, and its cylinder end is connected in series with the force sensor 6 and then hinged to the fixed support structure of the gangway body 1.

[0037] like Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the electric vise clamping mechanism 5 includes an upper jaw plate 5a fixed to the front end of the buffer integrated plate 3 and a movable lower jaw plate 5b driven by an electric drive unit 5c. The movable lower jaw plate 5b is restricted to vertical lifting movement only by a vertical guide structure. The clamping surfaces of the upper jaw plate 5a and the movable lower jaw plate 5b are inlaid with high-friction coefficient protective pads. The vertical guide structure includes a vertical guide pin. The electric drive unit 5c is an electric push rod or a short-stroke electric / hydraulic cylinder with precise position control and torque limiting functions.

[0038] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the force sensor 6 is configured to trigger the electric vise clamping mechanism 5 to perform a rapid release action when the detected axial tensile force continuously exceeds a preset safety threshold, thereby achieving automatic decoupling from overload. The electric drive unit 5c of the electric vise clamping mechanism 5 has a rapid release mechanism for releasing the clamping action within a very short time after receiving the decoupling command.

[0039] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the hydraulic shock absorber 4 has bidirectional damping characteristics and is pre-compressed in the initial installation state. Preferably, there are two hydraulic shock absorbers 4, arranged symmetrically at a horizontal or slight angle along the axial direction of the gangway.

[0040] This invention proposes an integrated boarding device for the end of a gangway, which integrates three major functions—horizontal impact buffering, vertical stabilizing clamping, and active safety protection—within a limited space. The device is compact and functionally synergistic, effectively solving the problems of large impacts, bulky structures, and lack of rapid overload release capability in traditional gangway end docking methods, significantly improving the safety, reliability, and operational efficiency of maritime boarding operations.

[0041] The following further describes the implementation method and working principle of specific embodiments of this utility model.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a side view of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present utility model, showing the overall axial structure of the integrated boarding device under the gangway. It clearly shows the relative positions and axial arrangement of the gangway body 1, linear slide rail 2, buffer integrated plate 3, hydraulic shock absorber 4 and electric bench clamping mechanism 5, and indicates the integrated installation position of force sensor 6. Figure 2 The diagram shows the overall composition of this utility model embodiment, illustrating the integration relationship and spatial structure of the boarding device and the gangway body 1 from a three-dimensional perspective; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electric bench vise clamping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present utility model. It specifically shows the independent structure of the electric bench vise clamping mechanism 5, including its fixed part (upper jaw plate 5a), movable part (movable lower jaw plate 5b) and internal electric drive unit 5c.

[0043] This device, through optimized structural design, systematically achieves three core functions: horizontal buffering, vertical clamping, and automatic overload decoupling. Its main components include: a linear guide rail 2 integrated beneath the gangway body 1; a buffer integrated plate 3 that slides horizontally along the gangway axis via a slider engaging with the linear guide rail 2; two horizontal hydraulic damping rods 4 arranged in parallel between the gangway body 1 and the buffer integrated plate 3; an electric vise clamping mechanism 5 rigidly fixed to the front end of the buffer integrated plate 3; and a force sensor 6 connected in series along the connection path of the hydraulic damping rods 4. During operation, the device effectively counteracts the impact load generated when the gangway docks with the target platform by using the horizontal sliding of the buffer integrated plate 3 along the linear guide rail 2 in conjunction with the damping energy absorption of the hydraulic damping rods 4; the vertical clamping action of the electric vise clamping mechanism 5 securely clamps and fixes the platform edge; and the force sensor 6 monitors the axial tensile force in real time. When the detected load exceeds a preset safety threshold, the electric vise clamping mechanism 5 is immediately commanded to release quickly, completing the automatic overload decoupling.

[0044] To ensure stable installation and precise guidance of the boarding device, the gangway body 1 of this device, which is a slender platform extending from the maintenance vessel to the wind power platform, is specially designed to form a high-rigidity U-shaped mounting groove underneath. This mounting groove not only serves as the load-bearing frame of the boarding device but also provides integrated space for various components. The end structure of the gangway body 1 is welded from high-strength marine-grade steel such as marine-grade Q345D, which can reliably withstand horizontal impacts and vertical clamping loads. At the same time, a fixed support plate for connecting the hydraulic shock absorber 4 is rigidly installed inside the U-shaped groove of the gangway body 1. This fixed support plate is both the final force-bearing end of the entire buffer system and the final installation interface of the force sensor 6. As a key structure limiting axial movement, the guide rail of the linear slide rail 2 is rigidly fixed to the inner walls of the U-shaped groove below the gangway body 1 on both sides, extending along the gangway axis. This integrated installation method effectively avoids the linear slide rail 2 from being subjected to lateral impact and direct corrosion from the marine environment. The linear slide rail 2 is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant heavy-duty linear guide rail. The length of the guide rail is designed according to the required buffer stroke, with a typical stroke of 200mm to 300mm. It precisely limits the degree of freedom of movement of the buffer integrated plate 3 through the matching slider, ensuring that the buffer integrated plate 3 can only perform horizontal linear reciprocating movement along the gangway axis, while bearing the vertical and lateral loads generated by the electric vise clamping mechanism 5, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the movement process.

[0045] The buffer integrated plate 3 is the core body that moves on the linear slide rail 2. It also plays a key role in connecting the electric bench vise clamping mechanism 5 and the hydraulic shock absorber 4. The side of the plate is equipped with a slider that matches the guide rail of the linear slide rail 2, so that the buffer integrated plate 3 can slide with low friction on the linear slide rail 2. The front end is provided with the fixed jaw part of the electric bench vise clamping mechanism 5, namely the upper jaw plate 5a, through rigid connection or integral molding. The rear end is also provided with two symmetrically arranged hinge seats, which are specifically used to connect the movable ends of the two hydraulic shock absorber 4. This device employs two hydraulic damping rods 4 arranged in parallel, specifically designed to absorb and mitigate horizontal axial impact loads. The selected components are high-pressure hydraulic damping rods with bidirectional damping characteristics, capable of providing stable damping force under both impact (compression) and pulling (extension) conditions. The two hydraulic damping rods 4 are arranged horizontally or at a slight angle along the gangway axis, maximizing the use of the flat space beneath the gangway and ensuring force balance through symmetrical distribution along the axis. In terms of connection, the piston rod ends of the two hydraulic damping rods 4 are connected to two hinge seats at the rear end of the buffer integrated plate 3 via hinge pins, while the cylinder end is connected to the movable end of the force sensor 6 via hinge seats. The other end of the force sensor 6 is then connected to the fixed support structure of the gangway body 1 via hinge pins. During installation, a certain pre-compression force can be applied to the two hydraulic damping rods 4, allowing the buffer integrated plate 3 to maintain its initial position on the linear slide rail 2 when stationary, while also being able to respond to minor impacts immediately.

[0046] As the core component for achieving a vertical rigid connection, the main structure of the electric vise clamping mechanism 5 is firmly installed at the front end of the buffer integrated plate 3, forming an integral, sliding module. This mechanism uses a small electric push rod or a short-stroke electric / hydraulic cylinder as the electric drive unit 5c. The drive unit is installed vertically inside the vise body, with its fixed end connected to the vise body and its telescopic end connected to the movable lower jaw plate 5b. The electric drive unit 5c possesses precise position control and torque limiting functions, ensuring uniform clamping force. The upper jaw plate 5a of the electric vise clamping mechanism 5 is the fixed jaw of the vise. It is rigidly connected to the front end of the buffer integrated plate 3 or integrally formed. Its clamping surface is inlaid with a layer of high friction coefficient polyurethane or composite rubber pad with a thickness of about 10-20mm, which can increase the friction during clamping and protect the surface of the target platform from damage. The movable lower jaw plate 5b has a high-strength structural design. Its clamping surface is also inlaid with a high friction coefficient protective pad. During its lifting and lowering movement, it is precisely guided by vertical guide pins and guide sleeves to ensure that it can only perform pure vertical lifting and lowering movements. The vertical stroke of the electric drive unit 5c is designed to be about 100mm, which can fully cover the common thickness range of the wind power platform edge and achieve a fast and accurate vertical clamping effect.

[0047] The key safety feature of this device lies in the precise installation position of the force sensor 6 and its linkage structure with the electric vise clamping mechanism 5. The force sensor 6 (e.g., an S-type tension / compression sensor) is installed in series on the connection path between the fixed ends of the two hydraulic damping rods 4 and the fixed support plate below the gangway body 1. Specifically, it can be directly embedded or connected in series between the cylinder end hinge seat of the hydraulic damping rod 4 and the fixed support plate using an intermediate connecting block. This installation method ensures that all axial thrust or tension transmitted to the buffer system (hydraulic damping rod 4) by the electric vise clamping mechanism 5 and the buffer integrated plate 3 can be transmitted to the force sensor 6 for accurate measurement without loss. In terms of the overload automatic decoupling structure, the force sensor 6 transmits the axial tension signal monitored in real time to a control unit (not shown) with a preset safety threshold. Once the control unit determines that the axial tension monitored by the force sensor 6 continuously exceeds the preset safety threshold (e.g., 80kN) and reaches the set duration (e.g., 200ms), it will immediately activate the emergency procedure. Emergency commands directly drive the electric drive unit 5c of the electric vise clamping mechanism 5 to perform a rapid retraction action. This electric drive unit 5c has a dedicated rapid release mechanism that ensures the movable lower jaw plate 5b descends rapidly within a very short time (e.g., less than 100ms), completely releasing the clamp on the platform. Through this linkage of the force sensor 6, control unit, and rapid release structure of the electric vise clamping mechanism 5, structural-level active safety decoupling under extreme loads is achieved, effectively protecting the gangway, ship, and wind power platform from structural damage.

[0048] In summary, the integrated boarding device for the end of a gangway according to this embodiment of the invention features a linear slide rail 2 axially positioned below the gangway. An electric vise clamping mechanism 5 is fixedly mounted on the front end of a buffer integrated plate 3 that slides along the linear slide rail 2. Two hydraulic shock absorbers 4 are connected in parallel between the buffer integrated plate 3 and the gangway body 1. Force sensors 6 are connected in series within the hydraulic shock absorbers 4. When the gangway contacts the platform, the electric vise clamping mechanism 5 drives the buffer integrated plate 3 to slide backward along the linear slide rail 2, compressing the hydraulic shock absorbers 4 to absorb impact energy. During clamping, the electric vise clamping mechanism 5 engages with the platform edge. When an overload force is detected, the force sensor 6 triggers the electric vise clamping mechanism 5 to automatically release. This structural design achieves axial decoupling and efficient spatial integration of buffering and clamping functions, ensuring the rational utilization of the space below the gangway and the flatness of the pedestrian passage, significantly improving the safety and efficiency of maintenance operations. This invention has a compact structure and integrates buffering, clamping, and safety decoupling functions, significantly enhancing the safety of offshore maintenance operations.

[0049] The above description, in conjunction with specific / preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of the present invention to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various substitutions or modifications can be made to these described embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such substitutions or modifications should be considered within the protection scope of the present invention. In the description of this specification, the reference to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "preferred embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicates that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples. Although embodiments of the present invention and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may be made herein without departing from the scope of protection of the patent application.

Claims

1. An integrated boarding device for the end of a gangway, characterized in that, include: The main body of the gangway has a linear slide rail along its axial direction at its bottom; A buffer integrated plate is connected to the linear slide rail via a slider and can slide horizontally back and forth along the linear slide rail; A horizontal buffer module includes at least one hydraulic shock absorber rod arranged in parallel, one end of which is connected to the fixed support structure of the gangway body, and the other end is connected to the buffer integrated plate; An electric bench vise clamping mechanism is rigidly mounted on the front end of the buffer integrated plate and is used to vertically clamp the edge of the target platform. A force sensor is installed in series on the force transmission path between the hydraulic shock absorber and the fixed support structure of the gangway body to monitor the axial load of the gangway in real time.

2. The integrated boarding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The linear slide rail is integrated into the U-shaped mounting groove formed by the structure below the main body of the gangway.

3. The integrated boarding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The piston rod end of the hydraulic shock absorber is hinged to the rear end of the buffer integrated plate, and its cylinder end is connected in series with the force sensor and then hinged to the fixed support structure of the gangway body.

4. The integrated boarding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electric vise clamping mechanism includes an upper jaw plate fixed to the front end of the buffer integrated plate and a movable lower jaw plate driven by an electric drive unit. The movable lower jaw plate is restricted to vertical lifting and lowering movement only by a vertical guide structure.

5. The integrated boarding device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The clamping surfaces of the upper jaw plate and the movable lower jaw plate are inlaid with protective pads with a high coefficient of friction.

6. The integrated boarding device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The vertical guide structure includes a vertical guide pin.

7. The integrated boarding device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The electric drive unit is an electric push rod or a short-stroke electric / hydraulic cylinder with precise position control and torque limiting functions.

8. The integrated boarding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hydraulic shock absorber has bidirectional damping characteristics and is pre-compressed in the initial installation state.

9. The integrated boarding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The force sensor is configured to trigger the electric vise clamping mechanism to perform a rapid release action when the detected axial tensile force continuously exceeds a preset safety threshold, thereby achieving automatic decoupling from overload.

10. The integrated boarding device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hydraulic shock absorber consists of two rods, arranged symmetrically at a horizontal or slight angle along the axis of the gangway.

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