Protective device for moon pool of unmanned ship and unmanned ship

Abstract

The utility model discloses an unmanned ship moon pool protection device and an unmanned ship, and relates to the technical field of unmanned ship surveying and mapping, and the protection device comprises a measuring equipment fixing plate, a moon pool protection assembly, a moon pool barrel and a butterfly screw; the moon pool protection assembly comprises fixing screws, supporting frameworks, rotating shaft sheaths, rotating shaft cavities, fixing frames and three-proofing cloth, the supporting frameworks and the two ends of openings of the fixing frames are rotationally connected with the rotating shaft cavities, the supporting frameworks are alternately arranged between the two fixing frames in a long-short mode, and the rotating shaft sheaths and the rotating shaft cavities are connected through the fixing screws; the three-proofing cloth is arranged on the outer sides of the supporting frameworks, and diversion trenches are formed between the supporting frameworks. The measuring equipment fixing plate is arranged at the top of the moon pool barrel, screw holes are formed in corresponding points of the fixing frame and the measuring equipment fixing plate, and the moon pool protection assembly is connected with the measuring equipment fixing plate through butterfly screws and the screw holes. The problems that a traditional moon pool protection device is not provided with a flow guide design, the advancing resistance of a ship body is large, and the occupied space is large when the device is not used are solved.

Description

A protective device for an unmanned surface vessel in a moon pool and the unmanned surface vessel itself. Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of unmanned vessel surveying technology, and in particular to a protective device for an unmanned vessel in a lunar pool and the unmanned vessel itself. Background Technology

[0002] Underwater topographic surveying primarily utilizes acoustic and optical equipment for data acquisition. With technological advancements, unmanned surface vessels (USVs) equipped with surveying equipment are increasingly replacing manual surveying. Currently, USVs typically use lunar pools to carry equipment such as ADCPs and dual-frequency depth sounders to measure river flow velocity, discharge, and depth.

[0003] Commonly used unmanned surface vessels (USVs) typically come equipped with a standard moon pool and protective cover before leaving the factory. In some cases, they may also be equipped with mounting brackets for specific equipment, depending on the requirements. To meet actual measurement needs, these mounting brackets are usually multi-purpose brackets. Due to the versatility of the mounting brackets, they have many pre-drilled holes for fixing and cable exiting, which reduces the protection level of the moon pool area. The moon pool area of ​​the USV is the main area for carrying measurement equipment. The reduced protection level can lead to water accumulation between the equipment and the moon pool. To reduce this risk, traditional protection methods generally use protective covers or waterproof membranes on the moon pool cover, but these require customization and are costly. Using a spherical protective cover can solve this problem to some extent, but it requires custom design and molding, increasing costs. Furthermore, it lacks a flow-guiding design, resulting in significant water resistance when the vessel is in motion, and it occupies a large amount of space when not in use. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems in the existing technology where the moon pool protective cover does not have a flow guiding design, resulting in large water resistance when the hull is moving, and it occupies a large space when not in use.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the first aspect of this utility model provides a protective device for an unmanned vessel's moon pool, comprising: a measuring equipment fixing plate, a moon pool protective assembly, a moon pool barrel, and a wing screw;

[0006] The moon pool barrel is located in the moon pool at the bottom of the hull and is used to hold measuring equipment;

[0007] The moon pool protection assembly includes fixing screws, a support frame, a rotating shaft sleeve, a rotating shaft cavity and a fixing frame, and a three-proof cloth. The two ends of the opening of the support frame and the two ends of the opening of the fixing frame are rotatably connected to the groove inside the rotating shaft cavity. The support frame is alternately arranged between the two fixing frames of different lengths. The rotating shaft sleeve and the rotating shaft cavity are connected by fixing screws. The three-proof cloth is arranged on the outside of the support frame and forms a guide groove between each support frame.

[0008] The measuring equipment mounting plate is connected to the top of the moon pool barrel. The apex of the mounting frame and the corresponding position of the measuring equipment mounting plate are provided with screw holes. The moon pool protection component is connected to the measuring equipment mounting plate through the wing screw and the screw hole at the apex of the mounting frame.

[0009] Preferably, the three-proof fabric is fixed to each support frame by both heat sealing and adhesive, and the three-proof fabric between the support frames of alternating lengths forms a V-shaped guide channel.

[0010] Preferably, the inner sides of the openings at both ends of the support frame and the fixing frame are provided with hooks, which are connected to the internal grooves of the rotating shaft cavity.

[0011] Preferably, the shaft cavity is provided with a lubricating layer.

[0012] Preferably, the measuring device mounting plate is provided with multiple reserved holes, and the mounting knobs and screws are used to adapt to the installation of different measuring devices.

[0013] Preferably, a protective liner is provided between the measuring device and the moon pool barrel, the thickness of which is adjusted according to the gap between the measuring device and the moon pool barrel.

[0014] Preferably, the support frame is made of a lightweight, high-strength material.

[0015] Preferably, the lightweight, high-strength material includes at least one of nylon fiber, PC sheet, or carbon fiber sheet.

[0016] Preferably, a waterproof sealing ring is provided at the connection between the wing screw and the measuring equipment fixing plate.

[0017] To achieve the purpose of this utility model, a second aspect provides an unmanned vessel, which includes the protective device for an unmanned vessel in a lunar pool as described in the above technical solution.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are:

[0019] This invention utilizes an innovative moon pool protection component to prevent water accumulation between the moon pool and the measuring equipment. The component is designed with three protective features on the outside of the support frame, forming a flow channel between each support frame to reduce water resistance during ship movement. The moon pool protection component can be easily removed from the measuring equipment mounting plate using wing screws. Furthermore, by rotating the support frame and mounting bracket within the shaft cavity, the moon pool protection component can be folded and stored when not in use, reducing space occupancy. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a protective device for an unmanned vessel in a lunar pool, according to Embodiment 1 of this application, installed on the unmanned vessel.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the unfolded moon pool protection component of Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the moon pool protection component without the three-proof cloth in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the measuring device fixing plate of Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0024] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the moon pool bucket of Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0025] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the moon pool protection component during the folding process of Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0026] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the cable port on the hull of Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0027] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the cables exposed after the measuring equipment is installed inside the moon pool barrel when the moon pool protection component is not installed in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0028] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the measuring device in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0029] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an unmanned vessel traveling in water using the conventional protection method of Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 1. Hull; 2. Measuring equipment mounting plate; 3. Moon pool protective assembly; 31. Fixing screws; 32. Support frame; 33. Shaft sleeve; 34. Shaft cavity; 35. Fixing bracket; 36. Three-proof cloth; 4. Moon pool tank; 5. Wing screws; 6. Equipment protective inner liner; 7. Screw holes; 8. Cable port of measuring equipment mounting plate; 9. Cable port of moon pool tank; 10. Cable port of hull; 11. Reserved hole; 12. Cable. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit its scope.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "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 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.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. This utility model provides a protective device for an unmanned vessel moon pool, including: a measuring equipment fixing plate 2, a moon pool protective component 3, a moon pool barrel 4, and a wing screw 5;

[0037] The moon pool 4 is located in the moon pool at the bottom of the hull 1 and is used to accommodate measuring equipment.

[0038] The moon pool protection assembly 3 includes fixing screws 31, a support frame 32, a rotating shaft sleeve 33, a rotating shaft cavity 34, a fixing frame 35, and a three-proof cloth 36. The two ends of the opening of the support frame 32 and the two ends of the opening of the fixing frame 35 are rotatably connected to the groove inside the rotating shaft cavity 34, and the support frame 32 is alternately arranged between the two fixing frames 35. The rotating shaft sleeve 33 and the rotating shaft cavity 34 are connected by fixing screws 31. The three-proof cloth 36 is located on the outside of the support frame 32 and forms a guide groove between each support frame 32.

[0039] The measuring equipment fixing plate 2 is connected to the top of the moon pool 4. The apex of the fixing frame 35 and the corresponding position of the measuring equipment fixing plate 2 are provided with screw holes. The moon pool protection component 3 is connected to the measuring equipment fixing plate 2 through the wing screw 5 and the screw holes.

[0040] In this embodiment 1, the three-proof cloth 36 is fixed to each support frame 32 by both thermoplastic sealing and adhesive, and the three-proof cloth 36 between the support frames 32 with alternating lengths forms a V-shaped guide groove.

[0041] The support frame 32 and the fixing frame 35 have hooks on the inner sides of their openings, which connect to the internal grooves of the rotating shaft cavity 34. The internal grooves of the rotating shaft cavity 34 are provided with a lubricating layer.

[0042] The measuring equipment mounting plate 2 has multiple pre-drilled holes 11, which are screwed to accommodate the installation of different measuring devices. Unmanned surface vessel (USV) measurements are primarily performed by mounting measuring equipment into the moon pool 4. The USV mainly consists of the hull, the measuring equipment, the measuring equipment mounting plate, and mounting screws. Generally, the measuring equipment needs to be connected to a custom-made bracket and then assembled and fixed to the measuring equipment mounting plate with screws. To reduce drag at the bottom of the hull and protect the equipment, in this embodiment, a protective inner liner 6 is provided between the measuring equipment and the moon pool 4. Its thickness is adjusted according to the gap between the measuring equipment and the moon pool 4. Adding the protective inner liner fills the gap in the moon pool and prevents vibration of the equipment in the gap, except when the diameter of the equipment and the moon pool 4 are perfectly matched. The support frame 32 is made of lightweight, high-strength material.

[0043] The lightweight, high-strength material includes at least one of nylon fiber, PC sheet, or carbon fiber sheet.

[0044] A waterproof sealing ring is provided at the connection between the wing screw 5 and the measuring equipment fixing plate 2.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] This embodiment 2 is based on embodiment 1, and further describes the moon pool protection component in embodiment 1.

[0047] As shown in Figures 7, 8, and 9, before the measuring equipment is assembled, the cable 12 of the measuring equipment must be threaded through the cable port 9 of the moon pool and the cable port 10 of the hull into the interior of the hull to connect with the corresponding control equipment. The cable 12 is then exposed through the cable port 8 of the measuring equipment mounting plate. As shown in Figure 10, the unmanned vessel always forms an angle with the water surface during its actual movement on the water surface, and its speed is relatively high. The faster the speed, the larger the splash. Without protection of the moon pool, the cable 12 of the measuring equipment is constantly subjected to strong impacts from the water flow. At the same time, due to the multiple reserved holes 11 of the measuring equipment mounting plate, water flows into it through the cable port or the reserved holes. After long-term operation, a large amount of water accumulates between the mounted equipment, the moon pool, and the measuring equipment mounting plate. The amount of water varies depending on the size of the measuring equipment, which has a certain impact on the overall weight distribution of the hull and also increases the power consumption of the hull.

[0048] To improve the above-mentioned defects, traditional protection methods generally use protective covers or waterproof membranes. However, waterproof membranes require a large variety of custom-made products, resulting in significant waste. Using spherical protective covers can solve this problem to some extent, but it requires custom design and mold making, which increases costs and results in relatively high water flow resistance. More importantly, when not in use, they occupy a large amount of space on the hull, which has many drawbacks.

[0049] This utility model's moon pool protection component adopts an umbrella-like design, consisting of reliable three-proof fabric, a support frame, and fixing brackets. Its specific working principle is as follows: The support frame is made of strong yet lightweight materials (nylon fiber, PC sheet, carbon fiber sheet). The support frame and its two end fixing brackets resemble a U-shaped hook. All the hooks on the inner side of the support frame are rotatably connected to grooves inside the rotating shaft cavity and secured with rotating shaft sleeves and fixing screws. To ensure smooth and flexible rotation, a lubrication layer is appropriately added to the grooves inside the rotating shaft cavity. The number of support frames is determined according to the size of the moon pool section of the hull. The three-proof fabric is prepared in advance and fixed to a semi-cylindrical bracket at a predetermined angle using heat sealing and adhesive. When unfolded, it forms a V-shaped guide channel. After the measuring equipment is installed, the protective assembly is secured to the equipment cover plate simultaneously using wing screws. The overall process is simple and convenient. Importantly, the assembled protective assembly allows water to be quickly drained through the V-shaped guide channel during high-speed hull movement, effectively protecting the equipment. Simultaneously, there's no need to worry about the space occupied by protruding cables from different devices being unprotected. This method protects the safety and reliability of the cable connections while ensuring no water accumulation in the moon pool area, contributing significantly to the stability of the hull. As shown in Figure 6, when not in use, the moon pool protective assembly can be detached using wing screws for folding and storage. The moon pool protective assembly is easy to store, occupies little space, and is lightweight.

[0050] Example 3

[0051] Please refer to Figure 5. This embodiment 3 is based on embodiment 1 and provides an unmanned vessel, which includes the protective device for the unmanned vessel moon pool described in embodiment 1.

[0052] In summary, as described in the embodiments above, after the measuring equipment is installed, the moon pool protection component is simultaneously fixed to the measuring equipment cover plate using wing screws. The overall installation is simple and convenient. Importantly, the assembled protection component, when the ship is moving at high speed, can quickly drain water splashed up during the hull's movement through a V-shaped water channel, effectively protecting the equipment. At the same time, there is no need to worry about the space occupied by protruding cables from different devices failing to provide protection. This method protects the safety and reliability of the equipment connection points while also preventing water accumulation in the moon pool area, thus contributing significantly to the stability of the hull. Furthermore, when not in use, the moon pool protection component can be disassembled using wing screws and folded for storage, greatly reducing space occupation.

[0053] The above description is the preferred embodiment of this utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A protective device for an unmanned surface vessel in a lunar pool, characterized in that, include: Measuring equipment fixing plate (2), moon pool protection assembly (3), moon pool barrel (4), and wing screw (5); the moon pool barrel (4) is located in the moon pool at the bottom of the hull (1) and is used to accommodate the measuring equipment; the moon pool protection assembly (3) includes fixing screw (31), support frame (32), rotating shaft sleeve (33), rotating shaft cavity (34), fixing frame (35), and three-proof cloth (36). The two ends of the opening of the support frame (32) and the two ends of the opening of the fixing frame (35) are rotatably connected to the groove inside the rotating shaft cavity (34), and the support frame (32) is located between the two fixing frames ( The lengths of the three-proof cloth (36) are alternated between the two, and the shaft sleeve (33) and the shaft cavity (34) are connected by fixing screws (31). The three-proof cloth (36) is set on the outside of the support frame (32) and forms a guide groove between each support frame (32). The measuring equipment fixing plate (2) is connected to the top of the moon pool barrel (4). The apex of the fixing frame (35) and the corresponding position of the measuring equipment fixing plate (2) are provided with screw holes (7). The moon pool protection component (3) is connected to the measuring equipment fixing plate (2) through the wing screw (5) and the screw hole (7) at the apex of the fixing frame (35).

2. The protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The three-proof cloth (36) is fixed to each support frame (32) by both heat sealing and adhesive. The three-proof cloth (36) between the support frames (32) with alternating lengths form a V-shaped guide groove.

3. The protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support frame (32) and the fixing frame (35) have hooks (37) on the inner sides of the openings at both ends, which are connected to the internal grooves of the rotating shaft cavity (34).

4. The protective device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The groove inside the rotating shaft cavity (34) is provided with a lubricating layer.

5. The protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The measuring equipment mounting plate (2) is provided with multiple reserved holes (11) for mounting different measuring equipment by screws.

6. The protective device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The measuring device is provided with a protective inner liner (6) between the measuring device and the moon pool (4), the thickness of which is adjusted according to the gap between the measuring device and the moon pool (4).

7. The protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting frame (32) is made of lightweight and high-strength material.

8. The protective device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The lightweight, high-strength material includes at least one of nylon fiber, PC sheet, or carbon fiber sheet.

9. The protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A waterproof sealing ring is provided at the connection between the wing screw (5) and the measuring equipment fixing plate (2).

10. An unmanned surface vessel, characterized in that, The unmanned vessel includes a protective device for the unmanned vessel moon pool as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images