Unloading system for unloading elongated flexible articles and vessel for laying elongated flexible articles

Abstract

The utility model relates to an unloading system used for unloading slender flexible objects and a ship used for laying the slender flexible objects, the slender flexible objects have the minimum bending radius, the unloading system comprises an unloading sliding groove, the unloading sliding groove comprises a sliding surface with the sliding direction, and the unloading system is characterized in that the unloading sliding groove is provided with a sliding surface with the sliding direction. The utility model relates to an unloading system comprising a sliding surface having a through-hole referred to as a wheel groove, the unloading system further comprising a laying wheel system comprising a pulley comprising a pulley axle positioned in a pulley axle direction transverse to the sliding direction, a pulley surface and a pulley direction of rotation, the pulley axle being positioned in a pulley axle direction transverse to the sliding direction, the pulley direction of rotation being consistent with the sliding direction, the pulley is configured to rotationally move about the pulley axle in the pulley rotational direction; a portion of the sheave surface is flush with the sliding surface and partially fills the sheave groove. The utility model further provides a ship which comprises the unloading system and is used for laying the slender flexible objects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an unloading system for overboarding slender, flexible articles. Background Technology

[0002] The deployment of slender, flexible structures in marine environments involves laying submarine cables on the seabed or a base in another body of water. These cables can be long-distance communication cables (e.g., fiber optic cables), power cables, and seismic survey cables. The aforementioned areas also involve deploying umbilical cables, risers, and flowlines onto the seabed or in the water. These types of slender, flexible structures connect subsea wells, production facilities, and other processing equipment to surface facilities or to each other.

[0003] This field plays a vital role in connecting marine resources to onshore facilities and in promoting various industries, including telecommunications, offshore energy production, and the development of other subsea infrastructure.

[0004] These submarine cables are deployed using specialized vessels, such as cable-laying vessels equipped with cable unloading systems (such as chute and laying wheel). These cable unloading systems have devices in place to ensure that these slender, flexible items do not exceed a minimum bending radius during deployment. The minimum bending radius is a bending radius above which the structural integrity of the slender, flexible item is guaranteed.

[0005] These vessels operate in challenging marine environments and are generally better suited for operation in shallow or deep water. In particular, unloading systems optimized for deep-water cable laying have different performance characteristics than those optimized for shallow-water cable laying. For example, patent publication WO2023 / 113592 discloses a cable-laying vessel with an unloading system including unloading chutes.

[0006] The disadvantage of such vessels is that their unloading systems are typically not designed for optimal operation in both shallow and deep waters, nor for operation in wind farms and open sea. When deploying slender, flexible items from vessels into different marine environments, the specific choices in the unloading system affect the alignment and tension control of the items. Alignment and tension control can lead to tangling, twisting, and excessive bending. This can then damage the slender, flexible items, the cable-laying vessel or the unloading system, or cause installation problems.

[0007] Other drawbacks include the possibility that specific design choices may reduce the efficiency of cable unloading operations depending on the marine environment, and that wear may increase due to forces exerted on the unloading system, for example, by slender, flexible objects.

[0008] These challenges can be exacerbated when ships deploy cables in adverse weather conditions. Utility Model Content

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to overcome at least some of the shortcomings of existing solutions.

[0010] Therefore, this invention provides an unloading system for unloading elongated flexible articles having a minimum bending radius. Elongated flexible articles are long-distance communication cables (e.g., fiber optic cables), power cables, and seismic survey cables. Furthermore, elongated flexible articles include umbilical cables, risers, and flow lines. These elongated flexible articles connect subsea wells, production facilities, and other processing equipment to surface facilities or to each other.

[0011] The minimum bending radius is a bending radius above which the structural integrity of the slender, flexible article is guaranteed. If the slender, flexible article bends beyond the minimum bending radius and thus has a smaller bending radius, the performance of the slender, flexible article may be degraded, and the slender, flexible article may be damaged or may break.

[0012] The unloading system includes an unloading chute comprising a sliding surface having a sliding direction, characterized in that the sliding surface has a through hole referred to as a wheel groove. The unloading system also includes a laying wheel system comprising a slide wheel, the slide wheel comprising a pulley axle, a pulley surface, and a pulley rotation direction. The pulley axle is positioned along a pulley axle direction transverse to the sliding direction, the pulley rotation direction is consistent with the sliding direction, and the pulley is configured to: move rotatably about the pulley axle along the pulley rotation direction; such that a portion of the pulley surface is flush with the sliding surface and partially fills the wheel groove.

[0013] The advantage of this invention is that when an elongated flexible article is unloaded from the pulley surface, the article extends seamlessly across the unloading chute and the pulley. The article will not bend at the interface between the unloading chute and the pulley surface simply to pass through it. An additional advantage of this invention is that the frictional force exerted on the elongated flexible article by the unloading system is reduced when unloading it (especially when the article extends across the pulley during unloading). Therefore, both the elongated flexible article and the unloading system will experience less wear from the unloading operation. The unloading operation will be more efficient, and the unloading chute will require less maintenance.

[0014] Optionally, the unloading system is characterized in that the wheel groove has a wheel groove shape configured to receive the laying wheel system.

[0015] The advantage of this invention is that the laying wheel system can be installed onto the unloading system via the wheel groove. Therefore, the laying wheel system can be installed or removed without disassembling the unloading chute, thus facilitating the installation, maintenance, and removal of the unloading system.

[0016] Optionally, the unloading system is characterized in that the pulley also has a pulley radius, and the laying wheel system further includes: a first guard wheel with a radius equal to the pulley radius; and a second guard wheel with a radius equal to the pulley radius. Each of the first and second guard wheels includes: a corresponding guard wheel surface; a corresponding guard wheel rotation direction; and a corresponding guard wheel flange extending radially from the corresponding guard wheel surface. The first and second guard wheels are positioned axially adjacent to the pulley, wherein the corresponding guard wheel rotation directions of the first and second guard wheels are consistent with the pulley rotation direction, wherein the first guard wheel is located on the opposite side of the pulley, preferably on the opposite side of the pulley relative to the second guard wheel. The first and second guard wheels are configured to: rotate about the pulley axis along the corresponding guard wheel rotation direction; such that a portion of the guard wheel surface is flush with the sliding surface and partially fills the wheel groove.

[0017] The advantage of this invention is that it guides slender, flexible items onto the pulleys via the guard wheels. Therefore, by increasing the use of pulleys, the efficiency of the unloading system according to this invention is improved. An additional advantage is that the guard wheels are movable, thereby optimizing the guidance of slender, flexible items for the current task.

[0018] Optionally, the unloading system is characterized in that both the first guard flange and the second guard flange are configured to ensure that the bending radius of the slender flexible article is at least equal to the minimum bending radius when the slender flexible article extends along the respective guard flange.

[0019] The advantage of this invention is that, when a slender, flexible article extends along the flange of the guard wheel, the article, having a minimum bending radius, will not be damaged due to excessive bending. Therefore, this unloading system prevents damage to the cable during the unloading operation, thereby improving the efficiency of the cable unloading operation.

[0020] Optionally, the first and second guard flanges each span approximately one-third (about one-third) of the circumference of their respective guard flanges along a guard flange arc, with each guard flange arc having a midpoint. Preferably, the guard flanges are continuous flanges along the guard flange arc. Alternatively, the guard flanges are composed of different guard flange portions, with small openings between the guard flange portions, as if the guard flanges were dashed lines.

[0021] The advantage of this invention is that the support provided by the flange can be adjusted according to operating conditions as the flange guides the elongated flexible article onto the laying wheel system, from support along a first portion of the elongated flexible article to support along a second portion of the elongated flexible article, which is shorter than the first portion. In particular, this invention allows for the use of configurable lateral portions of the unloading chute. An additional advantage is that the flange can be retracted without protruding from the unloading system. Therefore, the flange is not frequently exposed to harsh marine environments, thus extending its lifespan and reducing the need for regular maintenance.

[0022] Optionally, both the first and second fenders are configured to move between at least two of a corresponding fender deep water position, a corresponding fender shallow water position, and a corresponding fender free sliding position. Preferably, both the first and second fenders are configured to move between a corresponding fender deep water position, a corresponding fender shallow water position, and a corresponding fender free sliding position.

[0023] Preferably, when the midpoint of the corresponding flange arc is located at the deep-water position angle of the wheel, preferably at 45° to the vertical direction in the wheel's rotation direction, and more preferably at 43° to the vertical direction in the wheel's rotation direction, the first and second wheel guards are located at their respective deep-water positions, and a large portion of the corresponding flange of the wheel guard protrudes through the wheel groove along the flange arc. Preferably, when the midpoint of the corresponding flange arc is located at the shallow-water position angle of the wheel, preferably at 60° to the vertical direction opposite to the wheel's rotation direction, and more preferably at 59° to the vertical direction opposite to the wheel's rotation direction, the first and second wheel guards are located at their respective shallow-water positions, and a small portion of the corresponding flange of the wheel guard protrudes through the wheel groove along the flange arc. Preferably, when the midpoint of the corresponding guard wheel flange arc is located at the guard wheel free sliding position angle, preferably at 90° to the vertical direction opposite to the guard wheel rotation direction, the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are located at their respective guard wheel free sliding positions, and all parts of the corresponding guard wheel flange along the guard wheel flange arc do not protrude through the wheel groove.

[0024] An additional advantage of this invention is that the unloading system can be reconfigured to provide optimal support for slender, flexible articles depending on the deployment scenario. For example, the operation of an unloading system deployed on a cable-laying vessel operating in shallow water requires greater lateral flexibility compared to its operation on a cable-laying vessel operating in deep water.

[0025] Optionally, for each guard wheel, the laying wheel system further includes an arc-shaped guard wheel rack with a center of the guard wheel rack, a guard wheel pinion, and a guard wheel motor. The first and second guard wheels each also have a guard wheel center located on the corresponding guard wheel central axis. The guard wheel rack is connected to the corresponding guard wheel on the guard wheel side away from the pulley, and the center of the guard wheel rack is located on the corresponding guard wheel central axis. The guard wheel pinion is driven by the corresponding guard wheel motor and meshes with the corresponding guard wheel rack.

[0026] Optionally, for each guard wheel, the laying wheel system further includes a guard wheel locking pin, and the first and second guard wheels each further include a guard wheel retainer. The guard wheel retainer is a hole configured to receive a portion of the corresponding guard wheel locking pin, and the first and second guard wheels are configured to be secured when the corresponding guard wheel retainer receives the corresponding guard wheel locking pin.

[0027] The advantage of this invention is that the first and second guard wheels can be fixed in a specific position without relying on the guard wheel motor. This allows for the creation of systems with simpler actuators and avoids the intensive use of the guard wheel motor. This extends the service life of the unloading system and reduces the need for regular maintenance.

[0028] Optionally, the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel each further include a plurality of guard wheel retainers configured to secure the respective guard wheel in a plurality of positions.

[0029] Optionally, for each fender, the laying wheel system also includes a fender locking pin actuator configured to move the corresponding fender locking pin into and out of the corresponding fender retainer.

[0030] An additional advantage of this invention is that the laying wheel system or the guard wheel can be remotely reconfigured or repositioned without direct interaction between the operator and the locking pin. This improves system safety, especially when deployed on cable-laying vessels operating in adverse weather conditions.

[0031] Optionally, the first and second guard wheels each further include a guard wheel pulley locking pin, and the pulleys also include pulley retainers, preferably two or more pulley retainers. The pulley retainer is a hole configured to receive a portion of the guard wheel pulley locking pin, and the pulley is configured to be fixed when the pulley retainer receives the guard wheel pulley locking pin, preferably fixed relative to one or more of the guard wheels, more preferably fixed relative to the guard wheels themselves.

[0032] An additional advantage of this invention is that the pulley can be used in multiple modes, such as both fixed and unfixed. The unloading system can be customized according to operating conditions (e.g., deep water operation or shallow water operation, the type of slender and flexible items), thereby ensuring more efficient operation.

[0033] Optionally, the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel each further include a guard wheel pulley locking pin actuator configured to move the corresponding guard wheel pulley locking pin into and out of the pulley retainer.

[0034] An additional advantage of this invention is that the laying wheel system can be remotely reconfigured according to operating conditions without direct interaction between the operator and the guard wheel pulley locking pins. This improves system safety, especially when deployed on cable-laying vessels operating in adverse weather conditions.

[0035] Optionally, the laying wheel system further includes a friction brake comprising a brake shoe. Preferably, the friction brake is positioned adjacent to the pulley surface and configured to move between a braking position and a non-braking position. The brake shoe is configured to interact with the pulley surface by applying a radial force when the brake shoe is in the braking position.

[0036] The advantage of this invention is that the pulley can be held in the correct position when fixed relative to the guard wheel. This makes the fixing of the pulley more predictable and therefore more efficient.

[0037] Preferably, the laying wheel system further includes a friction brake actuator configured to move the brake shoes between a braking position and a non-braking position.

[0038] Preferably, the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are adjacent to the pulley, and each of the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel further includes: an inner sliding bearing, which is respectively installed on the guard wheel rim side adjacent to the pulley (preferably completely along the circumference of the corresponding guard wheel rim side); and an outer sliding bearing, which is respectively installed on the guard wheel rim side away from the pulley.

[0039] An additional advantage of this invention is that the lateral forces applied to the laying wheel system by the elongated, flexible article are transmitted between the guard wheel and the pulley, and between the guard wheel and the chute. Therefore, each individual wheel can be made lighter and constructed from less rigid and / or stronger materials, facilitating the production and installation of the laying wheel system.

[0040] Optionally, the unloading chute also includes a chute flange projecting from the sliding surface, the chute flange being configured to ensure that the bending radius of the elongated flexible article is at least equal to the minimum bending radius when the elongated flexible article extends along the chute flange.

[0041] Preferably, the groove flange and the guard flange are configured together to ensure that the bending radius of the slender flexible article is at least equal to the minimum bending radius when the slender flexible article extends along the groove flange and along the guard flange (preferably when the guard is in its respective shallow water position).

[0042] An additional advantage of this invention is that the slender, flexible article will never bend beyond its minimum bending radius, resulting in more reliable cable loading operations, thus requiring fewer restarts and less work on the slender, flexible article.

[0043] This invention also provides a vessel for laying elongated flexible articles, the vessel including an unloading system according to this invention, characterized in that the vessel includes a stern and is configured to unload elongated flexible articles at the stern, with an unloading chute partially located on the outboard of the stern. Alternatively, the vessel is configured to unload elongated flexible articles onto a starboard or port beam, wherein the unloading chute is partially located on the outboard of the respective beam.

[0044] This invention also provides a method for using an unloading system and / or vessel according to this invention. Optionally, the method is characterized in that a first fender is located in a deep-water position, a second fender is located in a deep-water position, and an elongated flexible article is located between the flanges of the first and second fenders. Preferably, the elongated flexible article causes the pulley to rotate in the pulley's rotation direction.

[0045] The advantage of this invention is that it unloads slender, flexible items with less friction when operating in deep water. This reduces wear on both the cables and the unloading system during the unloading operation. The unloading operation will be more efficient, and the unloading chute will require less maintenance.

[0046] Optionally, the method is characterized in that the first guard wheel is located in the shallow water position, the second guard wheel is located in the shallow water position, and the elongated flexible article is located between the flanges of the first and second guard wheels. Preferably, the pulleys are fixed.

[0047] The advantages of this invention are that a larger portion of the unloading chute can be used for slender, flexible articles, especially during shallow water operations. An additional advantage is that the friction experienced by the sliding surface of the slender, flexible article is similar to that of a pulley surface. Alignment and tension can be better controlled, which helps in unloading operations with less tangling, twisting, and excessive bending.

[0048] Optionally, the method is characterized in that the first guard wheel is located in the first guard wheel free sliding position, the second guard wheel is located in the second guard wheel free sliding position, and the slender flexible article is located in the unloading quadrant, which slides on the unloading chute and pulley.

[0049] The advantage of this invention is that it has multiple operating modes, including an operating mode in which a fan-shaped body can be deployed, for example, when the guard wheel is in its corresponding free sliding position.

[0050] Optionally, the method is characterized in that the brake shoe is in the braking position, the first guard wheel rotates to align the first guard wheel pulley locking pin with the pulley retainer, and / or the second guard wheel rotates to align the second guard wheel pulley locking pin with the pulley retainer. If both guard wheels rotate, the order in which the guard wheels are moved is not important.

[0051] The advantage of this invention is that the pulley can be held in the correct position when fixed relative to the guard wheel. This makes the fixing of the pulley more predictable and therefore more efficient.

[0052] Optionally, the method is characterized in that the locking pin of the first guard wheel pulley moves into the pulley retainer, and / or the locking pin of the second guard wheel pulley moves into the pulley retainer, the first guard wheel moves to any one of the first guard wheel deep water position, the first guard wheel shallow water position, and the first guard wheel free sliding position, and / or the second guard wheel moves to any one of the second guard wheel deep water position, the second guard wheel shallow water position, and the second guard wheel free sliding position. Preferably, the locking pins of the first guard wheel pulley and / or the second guard wheel pulley pulley move into the pulley retainer before the respective guard wheels move to their respective guard wheel positions. The first guard wheel and the second guard wheel can move simultaneously; when moving simultaneously, both the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel can move to their respective corresponding guard wheel positions, for example, both the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel move to their respective guard wheel deep water position, guard wheel shallow water position, or guard wheel free sliding position. Attached Figure Description

[0053] The present invention will be further illustrated by the following description and accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figure 1 An isometric projection of the laying wheel system of the unloading system according to the present invention is shown.

[0055] Figure 2A A top view of an unloading system configured to operate in deep water according to the present invention is shown.

[0056] Figure 2B A top view of an unloading system configured to operate in shallow water according to the present invention is shown.

[0057] Figure 2C A top view of an unloading system according to the present invention, configured to unload slender, flexible articles using a fan-shaped body, is shown.

[0058] Figure 3A A side view of an unloading system configured to operate in deep water according to the present invention is shown.

[0059] Figure 3B A side view of an unloading system configured to operate in shallow water according to the present invention is shown.

[0060] Figure 3C A side view of an unloading system according to the present invention, configured to unload an elongated flexible article using a fan-shaped body, is shown.

[0061] Figure 4 A side view of a vessel according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0062] This invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments and certain accompanying drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto, but only to the claims. The described drawings are illustrative only and not restrictive. In the drawings, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may not be drawn to scale. Dimensions and relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual reductions in practice of this invention.

[0063] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in the specification and claims are used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe an order or sequence. These terms are interchangeable where appropriate, and embodiments of the present invention may operate in any order other than that described or shown herein.

[0064] Furthermore, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc., used in the specification and claims are for descriptive purposes and are not necessarily used to describe relative positions. Such terms are interchangeable where appropriate, and the embodiments of the present invention described herein can operate in orientations other than those described or shown herein.

[0065] The term "comprising" as used in the claims should not be construed as limited to the components listed thereafter; the term does not exclude other elements or steps. The term should be interpreted as specifying the presence of the mentioned feature, integer, step, or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, or components, or groups thereof. Therefore, the scope of the expression "device comprising components A and B" should not be limited to a device consisting solely of components A and B. This expression means that, for the purposes of this invention, A and B are merely the relevant components of the device.

[0066] Figure 1An isometric projection view of the laying wheel system of the unloading system according to the present invention is shown. The laying wheel system 101 includes a pulley 102, which includes a pulley axle 103 and a pulley surface 104, and the pulley has a pulley rotation direction r and a pulley radius s. The pulley axle 103 is positioned along the pulley axle direction a. The pulley 102 is configured to rotate about the pulley axle 103 along the pulley rotation direction r.

[0067] The laying wheel system 101 also includes a first guard wheel 105 with a radius equal to the pulley radius s and a second guard wheel 106 with a radius equal to the pulley radius s. Each of the first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 includes a guard wheel surface 107 and a guard wheel flange 108 extending radially from the guard wheel surface 107. Each of the first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 has a guard wheel rotation direction r. g The directions of rotation of the first guard wheel are r, respectively. g1 Second guard wheel rotation direction r g2 The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 are positioned axially adjacent to the pulley 102, wherein the corresponding rotation directions of the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are r. g The first guard wheel 105 is located on the opposite side of the pulley 102 relative to the second guard wheel 106, aligned with the pulley's rotation direction r. The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 are configured to rotate along their respective guard wheel directions r. g It moves rotatably around the pulley axle 103 and makes a portion of the guard wheel surface 107 flush with the sliding surface.

[0068] Both the first and second guard flanges 108 are configured to ensure that, when an elongated flexible article extends along its respective guard flange 108, the bending radius of the elongated flexible article is at least equal to the minimum bending radius. Each of the first and second guard flanges 108 spans approximately one-third of the circumference of its respective guard flange arc 109, and each of the respective guard flange arcs 109 has a midpoint 110.

[0069] For each guard wheel, the laying wheel system 101 further includes an arc-shaped guard wheel rack 111 with a center of the guard wheel rack, a guard wheel pinion 112, and a guard wheel motor 113. The guard wheel rack 111 is connected to the corresponding guard wheel on the guard wheel side away from the pulley 102. The guard wheel pinion 112 is driven by the corresponding guard wheel motor 113, and the guard wheel pinion 112 meshes with the corresponding guard wheel rack 111. The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 each also have a guard wheel center located on the corresponding guard wheel central axis. The guard wheel rack center is located on the corresponding guard wheel central axis.

[0070] For each guard wheel, the laying wheel system 101 also includes a guard wheel locking pin, and the first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 each also include guard wheel retainers 114 (in particular, a plurality of guard wheel retainers). The guard wheel retainer 114 is a hole configured to receive a portion of the corresponding guard wheel locking pin. The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 are configured to be secured when the corresponding guard wheel retainer 114 receives the corresponding guard wheel locking pin. For each guard wheel, the laying wheel system 101 also includes a guard wheel locking pin actuator 115, which is configured to move the corresponding guard wheel locking pin into and out of the corresponding guard wheel retainer 114.

[0071] The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 each further include a guard wheel pulley locking pin, and the pulley 102 further includes a pulley retainer, which is a hole configured to receive a portion of the guard wheel pulley locking pin. The pulley 102 is configured to be fixed when the pulley retainer receives the guard wheel pulley locking pin. The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 each also include a guard wheel pulley locking pin actuator 116, which is configured to move the corresponding guard wheel pulley locking pin into and out of the pulley retainer.

[0072] The laying wheel system 101 also includes a friction brake 117, which includes a brake shoe 118. The friction brake 117 is positioned adjacent to the pulley surface 104, and the brake shoe 118 is configured to move between a braking position and a non-braking position. When the brake shoe 118 is in the braking position, it interacts with the pulley surface 104 by applying a radial force to the pulley surface 104. The laying wheel system 101 also includes a friction brake actuator 119, which is configured to move the brake shoe 118 between the braking and non-braking positions.

[0073] The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 are adjacent to the pulley 102, and each of the first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 further includes: an inner sliding bearing, which is installed on the circumference of the respective guard wheel rim side adjacent to the pulley 102; and an outer sliding bearing 120, which is installed on the guard wheel rim side away from the pulley 102.

[0074] Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C An unloading system for unloading elongated flexible articles according to the present invention is shown. The unloading system 201 includes an unloading chute 202, which includes a sliding surface 203 having a sliding direction d. The sliding surface 203 includes a through hole referred to as a wheel groove 204. The unloading system 201 also includes, for example... Figure 1 The laying wheel system 101 is shown. For more information, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 1 The description. For clarity, in Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C Some corresponding reference numerals are repeated above. The pulley axle direction a is transverse to the sliding direction d, and the pulley rotation direction r is consistent with the sliding direction d. Pulley 102 is configured such that a portion of the pulley surface 104 is flush with the sliding surface 203 and partially fills the groove 204. The first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 are configured such that a portion of the guard wheel surface 107 is flush with the sliding surface 203 and partially fills the groove 204.

[0075] The first and second guard wheels 105 and 106 are both configured to move between a corresponding deep-water position, a corresponding shallow-water position, and a corresponding free-sliding position, respectively. When the midpoint 110 of the corresponding guard wheel flange arc is located at the deep-water position angle α (preferably, in the guard wheel rotation direction r...), the movement is regulated by the guard wheel's rotation direction r. g When the first and second guard wheels 105 and 106 are at their respective deep-water positions (43° from the vertical direction), and most of the corresponding guard wheel flanges 108 protrude through the wheel groove 204 along the guard wheel flange arc 109. When the midpoint 110 of the corresponding guard wheel flange arc is located at the guard wheel shallow-water position angle β (preferably, relative to the guard wheel rotation direction r...), g Conversely, at 59° to the vertical direction, the first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 are located in their respective shallow water positions and a small portion of the corresponding guard wheel flange 108 protrudes through the wheel groove 204 along the guard wheel flange arc 109. When the midpoint 110 of the corresponding guard wheel flange arc is located at the guard wheel free sliding position angle γ (preferably, relative to the guard wheel rotation direction r...),... g Conversely, when at a 90° angle to the vertical direction, the first guard wheel 105 and the second guard wheel 106 are in their respective guard wheel free sliding positions, and all portions of the corresponding guard wheel flange 108 along the guard wheel flange arc 109 do not protrude through the wheel groove 204.

[0076] The unloading chute 202 also includes a chute flange 205 projecting from the sliding surface 203, which is configured to ensure that the bending radius of the elongated flexible article is at least equal to the minimum bending radius when the elongated flexible article extends along the chute flange 205. The chute flange 205 and the wheel guard flange 108 are jointly configured to ensure that the bending radius of the elongated flexible article is at least equal to the minimum bending radius when the elongated flexible article extends along the chute flange 205 and along the wheel guard flange 108 (e.g., when the first wheel guard 105 and the second wheel guard 106 are in their respective wheel guard shallow water positions).

[0077] Figure 2A A top view of an unloading system configured for operation in deep water according to the present invention is shown. Figure 3A A side view of an unloading system configured for operation in deep water according to the present invention is shown. A first fender 105 is located in the first fender deep water position, and a second fender 106 is located in the second fender deep water position.

[0078] Figure 2B A top view of an unloading system configured to operate in shallow water according to the present invention is shown. Figure 3B A side view of an unloading system configured to operate in shallow water according to the present invention is shown. A first guard wheel 105 is located in the first guard wheel shallow water position, a second guard wheel 106 is located in the second guard wheel shallow water position, and a pulley 102 is fixed.

[0079] Figure 2C Figure 3a shows a top view of an unloading system configured to unload an elongated flexible article using a fan-shaped body according to the present invention, and Figure 3c shows a side view of the same system. A first guard wheel 105 is in a free sliding position, and a second guard wheel 106 is in a free sliding position.

[0080] Figure 4 A side view of a vessel for laying elongated flexible articles according to the present invention is shown. Vessel 401 includes, for example... Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C The uninstallation system 201 is shown in the diagram. For more information, please refer to the description of these accompanying figures. For clarity, in... Figure 4 Some corresponding reference numerals are repeated above. Vessel 401 includes a stern 402, and vessel 401 is configured to unload elongated flexible articles at the stern 402. Unloading chute 202 is partially located on the outer side of the stern 402.

Claims

1. An unloading system for unloading a slender, flexible article having a minimum bending radius, the unloading system comprising: - Unloading chute (202), the unloading chute including a sliding surface (203) having a sliding direction (d). Its features are, - The sliding surface has a through hole referred to as a wheel groove (204). - The unloading system further includes a laying wheel system (101), which includes a pulley (102), the pulley (102) including a pulley axle (103), a pulley surface (104), and a pulley rotation direction (r). - The pulley axle is positioned along the pulley axle direction (a) which is transverse to the sliding direction. - The rotation direction of the pulley is the same as the sliding direction. - The pulley is configured as - Moves in a rotational manner around the pulley axle along the direction of rotation of the pulley. - Make a portion of the pulley surface flush with the sliding surface and partially fill the wheel groove.

2. The unloading system according to claim 1, characterized in that, - The pulley also has a pulley radius (s). - The laying wheel system also includes - First guard wheel (105), the radius of the first guard wheel is equal to the radius of the pulley. - Second guard wheel (106), the radius of the second guard wheel is equal to the radius of the pulley. - The first and second fenders each include - Wheel guard surface (107). - Direction of wheel rotation (r) g ), - A guard flange (108) extending radially from the surface of the guard wheel. - The first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are positioned axially adjacent to the pulley, wherein the respective rotation direction of the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel is the same as the rotation direction of the pulley, and wherein the first guard wheel is located on the opposite side of the pulley relative to the second guard wheel. - The first and second guard wheels are configured as follows: - Moves in a rotating manner around the pulley axle along the corresponding direction of rotation of the guard wheel. - Make a portion of the guard wheel surface flush with the sliding surface and partially fill the wheel groove.

3. The unloading system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flanges of the first and second guard wheels are both configured to ensure that the bending radius of the elongated flexible article is at least equal to the minimum bending radius when the elongated flexible article extends along the respective guard flange.

4. The unloading system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, - The flange of the first guard wheel and the flange of the second guard wheel each span 1 / 3 of the circumference of their respective guard wheel flange arc (109), and the respective flange flange arcs each have a flange flange arc midpoint (110). Both the first and second fenders are configured to move between at least two of a fender deep water position, a fender shallow water position, and a fender free sliding position. - First guard wheel and second guard wheel: - When the midpoint of the corresponding flange arc is located at the deep-water position angle (α) of the flange, preferably at 43° to the vertical direction in the direction of flange rotation, the first flange and the second flange are located at their respective deep-water positions, and most of the corresponding flange protrudes through the wheel groove along the flange arc. - When the midpoint of the corresponding flange arc is located at the shallow water position angle (β) of the flange, preferably at 59° to the vertical direction opposite to the rotation direction of the flange, the first flange and the second flange are located in their respective shallow water positions, and a small portion of the corresponding flange protrudes through the wheel groove along the flange arc of the flange. - When the midpoint of the corresponding guard wheel flange arc is located at the guard wheel free sliding position angle (γ), preferably at 90° to the vertical direction opposite to the rotation direction of the guard wheel, the first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are located in their respective guard wheel free sliding positions, and all portions of the corresponding guard wheel flanges along the guard wheel flange arc do not protrude through the wheel groove.

5. The unloading system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, - For each guard wheel, the laying wheel system also includes a guard wheel locking pin and a guard wheel locking pin actuator (115), and - The first guard wheel and the second guard wheel each further include a guard wheel retainer (114). - The guard wheel retainer is a hole configured to receive a portion of the corresponding guard wheel locking pin. - The wheel guard locking pin actuator is configured to move the corresponding wheel guard locking pin into and out of the corresponding wheel guard retainer. - The first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are configured to be secured when the corresponding guard wheel retainer receives the corresponding guard wheel locking pin.

6. The unloading system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, - The first guard wheel and the second guard wheel each also include a guard wheel pulley locking pin. - The pulley also includes a pulley retainer. - The pulley retainer is a hole configured to receive part of the guard pulley locking pin. - The pulley is configured to be secured when the pulley retainer receives the guard pulley locking pin.

7. The unloading system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first guard wheel and the second guard wheel each further include a guard wheel pulley locking pin actuator (116) configured to move the corresponding guard wheel pulley locking pin into and out of the pulley retainer.

8. The unloading system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, - The laying wheel system also includes a friction brake (117), which includes a brake shoe (118). - The friction brake is positioned adjacent to the pulley surface. The brake shoe is configured to move between a braking position and a non-braking position. - The brake shoe is configured to interact with the pulley surface by applying a radial force on the pulley surface when the brake shoe is in the braking position.

9. The unloading system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, - The first guard wheel and the second guard wheel are adjacent to the pulley. - The first and second guard wheels each also include - Internal sliding bearings, each internal sliding bearing being mounted on the rim side of the respective guard wheel adjacent to the pulley, completely along the circumference of the guard wheel rim side. - External sliding bearings (120), which are respectively installed on the side of the guard wheel flange away from the pulley.

10. A vessel (401) for laying elongated flexible articles, the vessel comprising an unloading system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, - The vessel includes a stern (402), and the vessel is configured to unload elongated flexible items at the stern. - The unloading chute is located partially on the outer side of the stern.

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