Internal push to open cover system for a marine side thruster

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of ship side thrust technology, and particularly relates to an inner pushing type cover system of a ship side thrust device. The inner pushing type cover system is installed in a mounting tunnel of the ship side thrust device, and is used for opening and closing an opening formed by the mounting tunnel on a ship outer plate. The mounting tunnel comprises a side thrust cylinder and a side thrust cover cabin. The inner pushing type cover system is installed in the side thrust cover cabin, and comprises a hydraulic cylinder support, a hydraulic cylinder, a cover rotating crank device and a cover. The hydraulic cylinder support is fixed on an upper portion of the side thrust cover cabin. One end of the hydraulic cylinder is installed on the hydraulic cylinder support, and the other end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the cover rotating crank device. The cover comprises a cover main body and a cover support arm. The cover support arm of the cover is connected to the cover rotating crank device through a cover rotating shaft. The inner pushing type cover system not only effectively reduces the sailing resistance caused by the cover system protruding from the ship outer plate, but also avoids safety accidents caused by the cover system protruding from the ship outer plate and interfering with mooring anchor chains and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ship side thruster technology, and more specifically to an inward-pushing sealing system for a ship side thruster. Background Technology

[0002] The emergence of ship thrusters stemmed from the contradiction between the increasing size of ships and the safety of port maneuvering. Since the mid-20th century, ship tonnage has increased dramatically (e.g., ultra-large container ships with a width exceeding 60 meters), while port waters have become increasingly congested. Traditional rudders become completely ineffective at low-speed berthing due to insufficient water flow, making ships highly susceptible to loss of control under crosswinds and currents. This not only increases costs due to reliance on tugboats but also raises the risk of collisions. To enhance the ship's autonomous maneuverability, tunnel-type propellers are installed through the hull at the bow / stern to directly generate lateral thrust. This allows massive ships to accurately complete challenging maneuvers such as berthing, unberthing, and turning in narrow channels without tugboat assistance, fundamentally changing the maneuvering mode of modern ships. To meet the ship's maneuverability requirements, thrusters are installed at the bow or stern to achieve independent steering capabilities. When installing thrusters, one or more sets of thruster tunnels, either transversely penetrating or non-penetrating, are typically set in the hull, with the thrusters symmetrically installed within each set of thruster tunnels.

[0003] Because the thrusters are installed in tunnels formed by direct transverse openings on streamlined ships, during normal navigation, when the thrusters are not in operation, water flow creates vortices at the openings, generating resistance. Furthermore, the faster the ship's speed and the larger its tonnage, the greater the resistance caused by the openings at the thruster installation location, leading to reduced speed, increased fuel consumption, and noise. To reduce the resistance caused by the tunnel installation during normal navigation, existing ships install covers on the outside of the thruster tunnel. When the thrusters are not in operation, the covers seal the tunnel, reducing resistance and noise from water flow entering the tunnel. When the thrusters are in operation, the covers are open, allowing the thrusters inside the tunnel to operate normally and meet the ship's lateral thrust requirements.

[0004] Existing thruster covers are formed by splicing multiple gates. For example, applicant patent CN207191368U discloses a drag reduction and noise reduction device for thrusters. In this technical solution, there is a pair of gates on the outside of the thruster that are rotatably connected to the hull via a pivot, allowing the circular channel to be closed or opened. The gates are mounted on a surface flush with the hull via the pivot. When the gates are fully open, they are still located at the tunnel entrance of the thruster, which to some extent hinders or reduces the thruster's power. Meanwhile, applicant patent CN209258327U discloses an outward-swinging ship thruster cover assembly. This technical solution reduces the projected area of ​​the outward-swinging gate and its corresponding connectors on the front of the circular tunnel by driving the gate to open outward, thereby reducing the impact of the gate on the thruster's thrust. The existing thruster cover structures are relatively complex and cannot be matched with the streamlined structure of the hull. Furthermore, when the ship raises or lowers anchor, the anchor claws may collide with the cover protruding from the hull, causing significant economic losses. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an inward-push cap system for a ship's side thrust device. This system allows the cap to be opened or closed in one piece at the tunnel opening, facilitating the maintenance and removal of the cap system. At the same time, its inward-push design greatly reduces the damage caused by the cap protruding from the hull and colliding with the anchor claws.

[0006] The inward-push capping system of the ship's side thruster described in this invention is installed in the installation tunnel of the ship's side thruster and is used to open and close the opening formed by the installation tunnel on the hull hull. The installation tunnel includes a side thruster cylinder and a side thruster capping chamber. The inward-push capping system is installed in the side thruster capping chamber and includes a hydraulic cylinder support, a hydraulic cylinder, a capping rotation crank device, and a cap. The hydraulic cylinder support is fixed to the upper part of the side thruster capping chamber. One end of the hydraulic cylinder is installed on the hydraulic cylinder support, and the other end is connected to the capping rotation crank device. The cap includes a capping body and a capping support arm. The capping support arm is connected to the capping rotation crank device through a capping rotation shaft.

[0007] Preferably, the cover is symmetrically provided with two sets of hydraulic cylinder supports, hydraulic cylinders, cover rotation crank devices, cover rotation shafts, and cover support arms. The cover support arms are symmetrically fixed on both sides of the cover, and the cover moves under the combined action of the two sets of hydraulic cylinders, cover rotation crank devices, and cover rotation shafts.

[0008] Preferably, the size of the cover matches the opening size of the installation tunnel.

[0009] Preferably, the outer shape of the cover is streamlined.

[0010] Preferably, the cap further includes a capping auxiliary arm.

[0011] Preferably, two sets of cover opening and locking devices are symmetrically arranged on the upper part of the side-push cover compartment.

[0012] Preferably, when the sealing auxiliary arm and the sealing opening and locking device are locked, the sealing cover is pushed inward to the upper part of the side-push sealing compartment, at which time the lowest point of the sealing cover body is higher than the highest point in the side-push cylinder space.

[0013] Preferably, two sets of sealing and locking devices are symmetrically arranged at the lower part of the side-push sealing compartment.

[0014] Preferably, the side push cylinder is equipped with an anti-foreign object device.

[0015] The inward-push capping system of the ship's side thruster described in this invention is installed inside the side thrust capping compartment. It achieves the following via a hydraulic cylinder support, hydraulic cylinder, capping rotation crank device, capping rotation shaft, and capping support arm: the capping body moves inward toward the hull plating to close the installation tunnel opening, and the capping system is retracted into the side thrust capping compartment by pushing inward to open the installation tunnel opening. This not only effectively reduces the navigation resistance caused by the capping system protruding from the hull plating, but also avoids safety accidents caused by interference between the capping system extending from the hull plating and mooring anchor chains. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the usage status of the inward-push capping system of the ship's side thruster described in this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the push-to-close capping system of the present invention when the opening is closed. Figure I ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the push-to-close capping system of the present invention when the opening is closed. Figure II ; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the push-to-open capping system of the present invention when the opening is opened. Figure I ; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the push-to-open capping system of the present invention when the opening is opened. Figure II ; Among them, the sealing and locking device-1; sealing and rotating shaft-2; hull plate-3; hydraulic cylinder-4; sealing and rotating crank device-5; sealing and opening locking device-6; hydraulic cylinder support-7; foreign object prevention device-8; side push cylinder-9; side push sealing compartment-10; sealing cover-11; sealing body-111; sealing support arm-112; sealing auxiliary arm-113. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To facilitate understanding of the invention's objective, technical solution, and beneficial technical effects, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0018] The inward-push sealing system for the ship's side thruster described in this invention is installed in the mounting tunnel of the ship's side thruster and is used to close or open the opening formed in the mounting tunnel of the ship's side thruster on the hull hull. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the installation tunnel includes a thrust cylinder 9 and a thrust cap chamber 10. A thrust propulsion device, such as a propeller, is installed inside the thrust cylinder 9. An inward-push cap system is fixed inside the thrust cap chamber 10 to allow for the inward-push opening or closing of the thrust cylinder opening. This invention, through its inward-push cap system, reduces the structure of the cap system protruding outwards from the hull when opened, as is common in traditional outward-opening or pivot-type cap systems. This structural innovation achieves the practical application effect of reduced navigation resistance and effectively increased speed. Simultaneously, the cap 11 remains inside the thrust cylinder throughout the process of opening and closing, without protruding outside the hull, avoiding interference with mooring chains and other objects, and reducing the occurrence of safety accidents.

[0019] The inward-push capping system of the ship's side thruster includes a hydraulic cylinder support 7, a hydraulic cylinder 4, a capping rotation crank device 5, and a cap 11. The size of the cap 11 matches the opening size of the installation tunnel. When the cap 11 closes the installation tunnel opening, it can perfectly seal the opening, preventing water from being forced into the side thruster cylinder when the side thruster is not working, thus avoiding damage to the equipment inside the side thruster cylinder 9 caused by a certain pressure of water flow or water pressure. At the same time, it ensures that the cap 11 is perfectly matched to the opening of the installation tunnel, maximizing the maintenance of the streamlined state of the outer side of the hull plate 3 and reducing navigation resistance. Preferably, the outer side of the cap 11 is streamlined and consistent with the hull plate 3.

[0020] In a specific embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder support 7 is fixed to the upper part of the side-push sealing chamber 10. One end of the hydraulic cylinder 4 is mounted on the hydraulic cylinder support 7, and the other end is connected to the sealing rotation crank device 5. In addition to the sealing body 111, the sealing cover 11 is also provided with a sealing support arm 112 and a sealing auxiliary arm 113. The sealing support arm 112 of the sealing cover 11 is connected to the sealing rotation crank device 5 through the sealing rotation shaft 2. When the sealing cover 11 needs to close or open the opening of the installation tunnel, the hydraulic cylinder 4 is controlled to provide power, and through the sealing rotation crank device 5, the sealing rotation shaft 2 and the sealing support arm 112, the sealing cover 11 is moved to the opening of the installation tunnel, or pushed inward to the upper space of the side-push sealing chamber 10 to close or open the opening. like Figure 2-5In the illustrated embodiment, two sets of hydraulic cylinder supports 7, hydraulic cylinders 4, cover rotation crank devices 5, cover rotation shafts 2, cover support arms 112, and cover auxiliary arms 113 are symmetrically arranged on the cover 11. The cover support arms 112 are symmetrically fixed on both sides of the cover 11. When the cover 11 is opened, closed, or moved, the cover support arms 112 on both sides of the cover 11 are supported by the two sets of hydraulic cylinders 4, cover rotation crank devices 5, and cover rotation shafts 2. The symmetrical structure can ensure the stability of the cover 11 during navigation or underwater when the pressure is high, and can also meet the stability and safety of the cover 11 when it is open or closed.

[0021] In a further embodiment, two sets of cover opening and locking devices 6 are symmetrically arranged on the upper part of the side thrust cover chamber 10, which are installed and cooperate with the tail end of the cover auxiliary arm 113. When the cover 11 is opened, the cover body 111 is pushed inward to the upper part of the side thrust cover chamber 10 under the action of the hydraulic cylinder 4, the cover rotation crank device 5, the cover rotation shaft 2, and the cover support arm 112. At this time, the tail end of the cover auxiliary arm 113 moves to the cover opening and locking device 6 and locks with the cover opening and locking device 6 to realize the requirement of the cover 11 being stationary at the top, which meets the working requirements of the ship's side thrust device. At this time, the opening of the installation tunnel can be maximized to avoid the power loss of the ship's side thrust device, while ensuring the safety and stability of the cover 11 at this time, avoiding the safety hazards or power loss caused by the cover slipping or displacement. When the sealing auxiliary arm 113 and the sealing opening and locking device 6 are locked, the sealing cover 11 is pushed inward to the upper part of the side-push sealing compartment 10. At this time, the lowest point (A) of the sealing cover body 111 is higher than the highest point (a) of the side-push cylinder 9 in space. Figure 5 As shown, the lateral thrust device installed in the lateral thrust cylinder 9 can output power outward without obstruction through the lateral thrust cylinder 9, avoiding the cover body 111 being placed on the power output path of the lateral thrust cylinder 9, thereby reducing the output power or forming vortices in the lateral thrust cylinder 9, and maximizing the guarantee of the ship's lateral thrust requirements.

[0022] Two sets of cover-closing locking devices 1 are symmetrically arranged at the lower part of the side-push cover chamber 10. They are installed and cooperate with the tail end of the cover auxiliary arm 113. When the cover 11 is closed, the cover body 111 moves to the installation tunnel opening in the side-push cover chamber 10 under the action of the hydraulic cylinder 4, the cover rotation crank device 5, the cover rotation shaft 2, and the cover support arm 112. At this time, the tail end of the cover auxiliary arm 113 moves to the cover-closing locking device 1 and locks with the cover-closing locking device 1, thereby realizing the sealing effect of the cover 11 at the installation tunnel opening. At this time, the closed state of the cover 11 can be maximized, and the cover 11 can be prevented from being impacted open or displaced by external force when the ship is sailing at high speed.

[0023] The side thrust cylinder 9 is equipped with a foreign object prevention device 8, which is located on the outside of the side thrust device. When the cover 11 is opened, the water flow will carry a lot of foreign objects into the side thrust cylinder 9. The foreign object prevention device 8 can prevent foreign objects from entering the side thrust cylinder 9 and damaging the blades.

[0024] The push-in type sealing system of the ship's side thrust device described in this invention operates as follows: When the side thruster is not working, the cover 11 is driven by the hydraulic cylinder 4 through the power source provided by the hydraulic station to move the cover 11 from the inside to the opening on the outer plate 3 of the hull, and close the opening and make it consistent with the hull line. At this time, the cover auxiliary arm 113 of the cover 11 is locked with the cover closing locking device 1, thereby reducing the sailing resistance, increasing the speed, reducing fuel consumption, and reducing carbon emissions.

[0025] When the side thruster is in operation, the cover auxiliary arm 113 of the cover 11 unlocks from the closing locking device 1. Powered by a hydraulic station, the hydraulic cylinder 4 moves the cover 11 into the side thruster cylinder until it is inside the side thruster cover compartment. At this point, the cover auxiliary arm 113 locks with the cover opening locking device 6. This ensures that the side thrust flow field is not affected and that there is no loss of side thrust. Throughout the process from closing to opening, the cover 11 remains inside the side thruster cylinder and does not extend outside the hull, avoiding interference with mooring chains and other objects, thus reducing the risk of accidents.

[0026] The inward-pushing cover system of the ship's side thrust device described in this invention is installed in the side thrust cover chamber 10. The cover body 111 is moved inward towards the hull plate 3 to close the installation tunnel opening, and the cover rotation crank device 5, the cover rotation shaft 2, and the cover support arm 112 are used to achieve the following: the cover body 111 is moved inward towards the hull plate 3 to close the installation tunnel opening, and the cover system is moved inward towards the side thrust cover chamber 10 to retract into the side thrust cover chamber 10.

Claims

1. An inward-push-type sealing system for a ship's side thruster, installed in the installation tunnel of the ship's side thruster, used to open and close the opening formed by the installation tunnel on the hull plating, characterized in that, The installation tunnel includes a side-push cylinder and a side-push capping chamber; the internal-push capping system is installed in the side-push capping chamber and includes a hydraulic cylinder support, a hydraulic cylinder, a capping rotation crank device, and a cap. The hydraulic cylinder support is fixed to the upper part of the side-push capping chamber, one end of the hydraulic cylinder is installed on the hydraulic cylinder support, and the other end is connected to the capping rotation crank device; the cap includes a capping body and a capping support arm, and the capping support arm is connected to the capping rotation crank device through a capping rotation shaft.

2. The push-in type sealing system for a ship's side thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover is symmetrically provided with two sets of hydraulic cylinder supports, hydraulic cylinders, cover rotation crank device, cover rotation shaft, and cover support arms. The cover support arms are symmetrically fixed on both sides of the cover. The cover moves under the combined action of the two sets of hydraulic cylinders, cover rotation crank device, and cover rotation shaft.

3. The push-in type sealing system for a ship's side thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The size of the cover matches the opening size of the installation tunnel.

4. The push-in type sealing system for a ship's side thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer side of the cover has a streamlined shape.

5. The push-in type sealing system for a ship's side thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cap also includes a capping auxiliary arm.

6. The push-in type sealing system for a ship's side thruster according to claim 5, characterized in that, Two sets of cover opening and locking devices are symmetrically arranged on the upper part of the side-push cover compartment.

7. The push-in type sealing system for a ship's side thruster according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the cover auxiliary arm and the cover opening and locking device are locked, the cover is pushed inward to the upper part of the side-push cover compartment. At this time, the lowest point of the cover body is higher than the highest point of the side-push cylinder space.

8. The push-in type sealing system for a ship's side thruster according to claim 5, characterized in that, Two sets of sealing and locking devices are symmetrically arranged at the lower part of the side-push sealing compartment.

9. The push-in type sealing system for a ship's side thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side-push cylinder is equipped with a foreign object prevention device.

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