Ship's lateral propulsion system

Abstract

To provide a vessel lateral propulsion unit capable of reducing eddy resistance and friction generated during sailing and facilitating access during maintenance.SOLUTION: A lateral propulsion unit 1 is defined in a hull 4 of a vessel 2 and configured to include a steering propeller in a steering tunnel 3. The steering tunnel has a boundary defined by a tunnel wall extending between a first tunnel entrance 7 and a second tunnel entrance, and has a support structure 10 that includes a counter joint 27. The support structure is separably connected to a joint 9 by the counter joint. The lateral propulsion unit 1 further comprises at least two closing doors 12 formed to close the entire tunnel entrances. The support structure includes hinges 11. The closing doors 12 are rotatably fixed only to the hinges of the support structure. When the counter joint of the support structure is separated from the joint, the closing doors are separated together with the support structure from the steering tunnel, thus enabling access to the steering tunnel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transverse propulsion device for a ship. [Background technology]

[0002] As is known, maneuvering a ship is complex, particularly large ships, which are maneuvered using main propulsion and rudder when approaching or leaving berthing.

[0003] In fact, in tight spaces or at low speeds, the rudder is neither easy nor effective to use, as it is an airfoil and must move through water at a certain speed to generate lift. Furthermore, the main propulsion and rudder are located at the stern, leaving the bow virtually uncontrolled during docking and undocking maneuvers.

[0004] It is therefore known to equip ships with at least one transverse propulsion device, also known as a steering propeller, which includes an impeller arranged with its axis of rotation oriented perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the ship.

[0005] The transverse propulsion devices are incorporated into tunnels defined in the hull of the ship (which traverse the ship from side to side, whether at the bow or stern).

[0006] In order to protect the lateral thrusters from possible collisions and damage, it is known to install grilles or hinged doors at the entrance to the tunnel in which the lateral thrusters are housed.

[0007] Compared to a grille, the hinged door has the advantage that during cruising, it can be closed when the lateral thrusters are not in use to minimize turbulence phenomena arising from the tunnel opening, while at the same time it can optimally cover and protect the lateral thrusters and be opened when they need to be used. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Known solutions include doors mounted on multiple through-hinges connected to the tunnel entrance. Examples of these solutions are described in CN205819525, CN105329405, CN102381439, CN109094715, CN205327529, WO2019 / 220152, and GB782628. These known solutions require the doors to be housed in appropriate recessed openings in the tunnel entrance, and as clearly described, are welded to the ship's hull. These known solutions require the doors to be enclosed and supported by frames welded to the ship's hull, which necessitates the design of square, sharp-edged maneuvering tunnel entrances, which creates vortices and turbulence in the fluid flow entering and exiting the tunnel, resulting in high energy losses.

[0009] The presence of the door at the entrance to the tunnel makes maintenance of the lateral propulsion device slow and cumbersome because the door prevents maintenance personnel from quickly reaching the tunnel to intervene on the lateral propulsion device.

[0010] A further drawback of the known transverse propulsion device is that the door, in closed configuration and during cruising, generates friction and vortex drag due to discontinuities in the hull profile at the door.

[0011] A further drawback of the known lateral propulsion device is that the door generates turbulence when the impeller is in use in an open configuration, which affects the operating conditions of the impeller itself.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a lateral propulsion device that overcomes at least some of the drawbacks of the background art discussed above.

[0013] A particular object of the present invention is to provide a lateral propulsion system which facilitates maintenance work by providing easy access to the lateral propulsion system for maintenance personnel.

[0014] A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a lateral propulsion system which reduces vortex drag and friction generated during cruise.

[0015] A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a transverse propulsion device which reduces the generation of turbulence, maintains laminar flow, and avoids the phenomena of boundary layer separation and vortices during use of the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] These and other objects are achieved by a transverse propulsion device for a ship as claimed in claim 1.

[0017] The dependent claims relate to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] In order to better understand the invention and to realise its advantages, some non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a detailed view of a vessel equipped with a lateral propulsion device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a further detailed view of a vessel equipped with a lateral propulsion device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front view of a lateral propulsion device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a lateral propulsion device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

[0023] [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lateral propulsion device in an open configuration, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the lateral propulsion device shown in FIG. 5 in an open configuration.

[0025] [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of a lateral propulsion device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of a lateral propulsion device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a side view of a lateral propulsion device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view showing a cross section of a lateral propulsion device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] [Figure 11] FIG. 2 shows details of a lateral propulsion device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] [Figure 12] FIG. 2 shows details of a lateral propulsion device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a lateral propulsion device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a further detailed view of a lateral propulsion device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a further detailed view of a lateral propulsion device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] [Figure 16] 2 illustrates components of a lateral propulsion device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

[0035] [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of a lateral propulsion device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a lateral thrust device associated with a disassembly tool in a first step of disassembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a further perspective view of a lateral thrust device associated with a disassembly tool in a second step of disassembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disassembly tool according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] [Figure 21] 1 shows a partial cross section of a hull equipped with a transverse propulsion device, depicting the maneuvering tunnel with its closure door open and the maneuvering propulsion activated, highlighting the fluid flow entering the maneuvering tunnel and exiting it from the other side, highlighting the laminar flow obtained thanks to the proposed device and the rounded connection shape between the inner surface of the tunnel and the outer surface of the hull.

[0040] [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is an axonometric view with separated parts of another embodiment of the invention, in which the actuator of the closing door is placed on a support and there is no access to the hull, limiting the overall size of the solution.

[0041] [Figure 23] 23 is a local cross-sectional view of the hull of Figure 22. This view depicts the maneuvering tunnel with the closure door open, highlighting the rounded shape of the connection between the tunnel's inner surface and the hull's outer surface.

[0042] [Figure 24] Axonometric cross-section of the steering tunnel of Figure 23. In this view, the central pair of counter-turnstiles is highlighted, facing each other in the open position, creating a hydrodynamic shape. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] With reference to these figures, a lateral propulsion device is designated by the reference numeral 1.

[0044] The transverse propulsion device 1 of the vessel 2 comprises a steering tunnel 3 defined within the hull 4 of the vessel 2 and configured to include at least one steering propeller 5 .

[0045] The maneuvering tunnel 3 is bounded by a tunnel wall 6 which extends between a first tunnel entrance 7 and an opposite second tunnel entrance 8 .

[0046] The lateral propulsion device 1 further comprises at least one joint 9 extending from the tunnel wall 6 at at least one tunnel entrance 7,8.

[0047] Furthermore, the lateral propulsion device 1 comprises at least one support structure 10 including at least one counter joint 27 .

[0048] The support structure 10 is connected in a detachable manner with its at least one counter joint 27 to said at least one joint 9 .

[0049] The lateral propulsion device 1 further comprises at least two closing doors 12 configured to entirely close at least one tunnel entrance 7, 8 when in the closed position.

[0050] According to one aspect of the present invention, at least one support structure 10 is configured to include hinges 11 .

[0051] Furthermore, at least two closing doors 12 are rotatably hinged only to hinges 11 of the support structure 10, whereby when at least one counter joint 27 of the support structure 10 is separated from at least one joint 9, the closing doors 12 are separated from the steering tunnel 3 together with the support structure 10, allowing access to the steering tunnel 3.

[0052] Advantageously, a lateral propulsion device 1 configured in this way facilitates maintenance work by making it easier for maintenance personnel to access the lateral propulsion device.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the maneuvering tunnel 3 comprises a tunnel wall 6. The tunnel wall 6 forms connecting walls 16 at the tunnel entrances 7, 8. The connecting walls 16 are connected to an outer wall 17 of the hull 2.

[0054] Thanks to the connecting wall 16, any discontinuities or edges between the tunnel wall 6 and the outer hull wall 17 are avoided, allowing fluid entering or exiting the steering tunnel 3 to move quickly and with no or minimal vortices, thereby significantly reducing the forward resistance of the ship.

[0055] The provision of at least one joint 9 fixed to the tunnel wall 6, at least one counter-joint 27 of the removable support structure 10 that is also removable, and a closing door 12 operatively connected to the support structure 10 so that it can be separated from the steering tunnel 3 together with the support structure 10, thereby without changing the shape of the connecting wall 16, makes it possible to obtain maximum hydrodynamics of the lateral propulsion device 1. This solution can therefore be used in existing steering tunnels 3 that are optimized for hydrodynamic efficiency and that do not initially have a closing door 12 (it can be retrofitted to older solutions that do not have a closing door 12).

[0056] (Connecting the support structure 10 to the coupling means 9)

[0057] According to one embodiment, the shape of the at least one counter joint 27 is complementary to the shape of the at least one joint 9 so as to be geometrically matable with the at least one joint 9 .

[0058] Furthermore, the at least one counter joint 27 and the at least one joint 9 are shaped to define a hydrodynamic shape when they are geometrically coupled.

[0059] Advantageously, the hydrodynamic shape reduces the generation of turbulence and maintains laminar flow during use of the lateral propulsion device 1 .

[0060] According to one embodiment, the at least one counter joint 27 may be detachably connected to the at least one joint 9 via a threaded connection.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one counter joint 27 and the at least one geometrically coupled joint 9 are locked together by a threaded connection, preferably by a plurality of captive screws 28 .

[0062] According to one embodiment, the lateral propulsion device 1 comprises at least one pair of couplings 9 arranged on opposite sides of the tunnel entrances 7,8.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the support structure 10 includes at least one beam 21 extending between two beam ends.

[0064] Each beam end is configured to create a counter joint 27 .

[0065] According to this embodiment, the hinges 11 are connected to at least one beam 21, such that each of the hinges 11 defines a door rotation axis 14 that lies in a transverse plane (i.e., a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the ship).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the support structure 10 includes at least two beams 21 that are substantially parallel to each other.

[0067] According to this embodiment, the hinges 11 located on one beam 21 are oriented towards hinges 11 located on at least one second beam 21 to form pairs of hinges 11. Each pair of hinges 11 defines a door rotation axis 14 lying in a transverse plane.

[0068] According to one embodiment, at least one beam 21 is airfoil-shaped or hydrodynamically shaped.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the support structure 10 comprises at least one upright 22 extending between two upright ends, which are connected with two opposing joints 9.

[0070] Furthermore, at least one upright 22 is connected to at least one beam 21 and is disposed transversely relative to the at least one beam 21 .

[0071] According to one embodiment, the upright end portions are connected to the joint 9 by a threaded connection, preferably by a plurality of captive screws.

[0072] According to one embodiment, each upright end is configured to create a counter joint 27 that is separable from the joint 9 described above.

[0073] According to one embodiment, at least one upright 22 is airfoil-shaped or hydrodynamically shaped.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the support structure 10 comprises at least two uprights 22 substantially parallel to each other and connected to at least one beam 21 .

[0075] According to a preferred embodiment, the support structure 10 comprises two beams 21 each connected with two uprights 22, thereby creating a frame that is, for example, rectangular, but not necessarily rectangular.

[0076] (Connecting the closing door 12 to the hinge 11)

[0077] The closure door 12 defines an exterior door surface 29 and an opposing interior door surface 30 .

[0078] In the closed configuration, the outer door surface 29 faces outward from the steering tunnel 3 and the inner door surface 30 faces inward from the steering tunnel 3 .

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the closing door 12 is rotatably hinged to the hinge 11 such that in the closed configuration the door outer surface 29 is flush with the outer hull surface 17 of the ship 2 .

[0080] Advantageously, such an arrangement of the closing doors 12 reduces vortex drag and vortex formation and, thanks to the closing doors 12, avoids a major source of additional drag impeded by the water currents impinging on the inner surface of the tunnel, which acts as a brake.

[0081] According to one embodiment, each closure door 12 defines at least one pair of opposing protruding eyelets 33 that align with and embrace the hinge 11 for insertion of a door rotation pin 34 to rotatably couple the eyelets 33 to the hinge 11.

[0082] According to this embodiment, the closing door 12 is connected to the support structure 10 so that when open it lies in a plane transverse to the vessel.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the pair of opposing eyelets 33 includes a through eyelet 36 and a threaded eyelet 37 .

[0084] The door pivot pin 34 is configured to be inserted through the through eyelet 36 and the hinge 11 and to be threaded into the threaded eyelet 37 .

[0085] According to one embodiment, a door pivot pin 34 threaded into a threaded eyelet 37 protrudes beyond the through eyelet 36 .

[0086] According to this embodiment, a nut 20 is threaded onto the protruding portion of the door rotation pin 34 to tighten the hinge connection of the closure door 12 to the at least one hinge 11 .

[0087] According to one embodiment, opposing eyelets 33 are formed in a niche 35 of the closure door 12 .

[0088] According to one embodiment, each closure door 12 includes a closure wall 31 and a door frame 32 connected to each other.

[0089] According to this embodiment, eyelets 33 are formed in the door frame 32 .

[0090] According to one embodiment, the end wall 31 is shaped to geometrically mate with the eyelet 33 of the door frame 32 .

[0091] According to one embodiment, the first set of closing doors 12, for example having five closing doors 12, are hinged to the support structure 10 such that when partially open and when the vessel 2 is moving forward, the fluid flow generated by the movement of the vessel 2 tends to further close the first set of closing doors 12.

[0092] Furthermore, a second set of closing doors 12, for example those having a single closing door 12, are hinged to the support structure 10 such that when partially open and when the vessel 2 is moving forward, the fluid flow generated by the movement of the vessel 2 tends to open the second set of closing doors 12.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the set of five doors consists of four doors that tend to close when the ship is moving forward and only one door that tends to open when there is forward movement. Considering that the doors are either all closed or all open, the set with the more exposed hydrodynamic surface area prevails and the system tends to spontaneously close when the ship is moving forward.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the closure doors 12 are airfoil-shaped or otherwise shaped so that the closure doors 12 are hydrodynamic when in an open or partially open position.

[0095] Such shaping of the closing door 12 therefore limits the formation of turbulent movements of the fluid passing through the closing door 12 when the lateral propulsion device 1 is in operation.

[0096] According to a further embodiment, at least one pair of adjacent closure doors 12 includes an outer door surface 29 and an inner door surface 30 .

[0097] In the closed configuration, the outer door surface 29 faces outward from the steering tunnel 3 and the inner door surface 30 faces inward from the steering tunnel 3 .

[0098] In the open or aperture configuration, at least one pair of adjacent closing doors 12 rotate in opposite directions relative to each other, i.e., in a counter-rotating manner with their respective outer door surfaces 29 facing each other and their inner door surfaces 30 facing away from each other, thereby forming together a hydrodynamic profile (for two consecutive open door pairs).

[0099] (Operation of closing door 12)

[0100] According to one embodiment, the lateral propulsion device 1 comprises a door control mechanism 24 configured to move the closing door 12 from the closed position to the open position and vice versa.

[0101] In accordance with the present invention, at least one closure door 12 defines at least one slot or eyelet 33 that aligns with at least one hinge 11 provided on the support structure 10 .

[0102] At least one hinge 11 of the support structure 10 is a rotary motor 50 including a rotary motor stator 51 and a rotary motor rotor 53 .

[0103] At least one eyelet 33 of the closure door 12 is connected to a rotary motor rotor 53, whereby rotation of the rotary motor rotor 53 imparts a rotary motion to the closure door 12.

[0104] Instead, in accordance with the present invention, at least one closure door 12 defines at least one eyelet 33 that aligns with at least one hinge 11 provided on the support structure 10 .

[0105] At least one eyelet 33 of the closing door 12 is a rotary motor 50 including a rotary motor stator 51 and a rotary motor rotor 53 .

[0106] At least one hinge 11 includes a slot that is coupled to a rotary motor rotor 53 such that rotation of the rotary motor rotor 53 imparts rotary movement to the closure door 12 .

[0107] According to one embodiment, the rotary motor 50 is a hydraulic or electric motor operatively connected to the hull by a rotary motor operational connection 53 .

[0108] According to one embodiment, the rotary motor 50 is a hydraulic or electric motor operatively connected to the hull by a rotary motor operational connection 53 via a removable connector 54 , for example a quick connector 55 .

[0109] Thanks to the provision of the rotary motor 50 fixed to the support structure 20 or the closing door 12, a completely off-board solution can be created free from cross-hull actuation mechanisms, simplifying the construction and significantly reducing the overall dimensions, and avoiding moving sliding parts that are immersed in seawater.

[0110] According to one embodiment, an actuator, not necessarily a linear actuator, for example a linear actuator 38 , exits the hull by entering the steering tunnel 3 and is operatively and releasably connected to the door control mechanism 24 .

[0111] According to one embodiment, the door control mechanism 24 includes a linear actuator 38 configured to operate along a door actuation axis 26 that is substantially transverse to the door rotation axis 14 .

[0112] According to one embodiment, the linear actuators 38 are arranged at the tunnel entrances 7 , 8 and open in a sealed manner from the tunnel wall 6 into the interior of the steering tunnel 3 .

[0113] According to one embodiment, the door control mechanism 24 comprises a control console 23 coupled to a linear actuator 38 via an articulated connection.

[0114] The control console 23 is further coupled to the closing door 12 so as to move the closing door 12 with the movement of the linear actuator 38 .

[0115] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the articulation between the control console 23 and the linear actuator 38 includes a connecting pin 43 that rotatably connects the control console 23 to the linear actuator 38 .

[0116] According to one embodiment, the control console 23 is connected to the closing door 12 by a plurality of control levers 39 that are connected to the closing door 12 and rotatably connected to the control console 23 .

[0117] Preferably, only one control lever 39 is connected to each closing door 12 .

[0118] According to one embodiment, the reversing control lever 41 of the plurality of control levers 39 is connected to a motion reversing connecting rod 40 configured to reverse the direction of rotation of the closing door 12 connected to the reversing control lever 41.

[0119] In this manner, when the control console 23 actuates the control lever 39 to open a closing door 12 in a counterclockwise direction, the motion reversing connecting rod 40 actuates the reversing control lever 41 to open the corresponding closing door in a clockwise direction, and vice versa.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the motion reversal connecting rod 40 is pivotally attached to a control rod 42 that is stationary relative to the control console 23 .

[0121] According to one embodiment, the control console 23 is configured to act on the door frame 32 of each closing door 12 .

[0122] According to an embodiment of the invention, the lateral propulsion device 1 comprises two control mechanisms 24 arranged on opposite sides of the tunnel entrances 7,8.

[0123] Advantageously, one of the two control mechanisms 24 is redundant with respect to the other control mechanism 24, so that it can replace the first control mechanism 24 in the event of a malfunction.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the linear actuators 38 of each of the two control mechanisms 24 act along the same door actuation axis 26 such that forward movement of one of the linear actuators 38 corresponds to a retraction of the other linear actuator 38.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the first set of closing doors 12 are connected to the control console 23 of one of the two control mechanisms 24, and the second set of closing doors 12 are connected to the control console 23 of the other control mechanism 24.

[0126] Furthermore, the control consoles 23 of the two control mechanisms 24 are rotatably coupled to each other.

[0127] According to one embodiment, both control mechanisms 24 include a reversal control lever 41 connected to the same motion reversal connecting rod 40 .

[0128] Advantageously, the two control mechanisms 24 configured in this manner cooperate in operating the closing doors 12 during normal operation, while in the event of a failure of one of the two control mechanisms 24, the other is configured to operate all of the closing doors 12 independently.

[0129] (Disassembly Tool 44)

[0130] According to a further aspect of the present invention, an assembly kit 45 for a lateral propulsion device 1 comprises the lateral propulsion device 1 described above and a disassembly tool 44 .

[0131] According to one embodiment, the disassembly tool 44 includes two hollow base rails 46 configured to be forked by, for example, a forklift truck.

[0132] Further, the disassembly tool 44 includes at least one support column 47 configured to intersect with the base rail 46 and support at least one counter joint 27 of the lateral propulsion device 1 detached from the hull 4 of the ship 2.

[0133] According to a preferred embodiment, the disassembly tool 44 includes two support columns 47 configured to support the beam ends of at least one beam 21 of the lateral propulsion device 1 once it has been detached from the hull 4 of the ship 2.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the disassembly tool 47 includes a polygonal structure 48 that connects the support column 47 to the base rail 46 .

[0135] At the connection between the polygonal structure 48 and the base rail 46, a stop element 49 is formed to prevent the lateral propulsion device 1 associated with the disassembly tool 44 from detaching from the hull 4 of the ship 2.

[0136] (Maintenance method for lateral propulsion device 1)

[0137] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for maintaining a transverse propulsion device 1 of a hull 4 of a ship 2 comprises the following steps:

[0138] - separating at least one counter joint 27 of the transverse propulsion device 1 from at least one joint 9 of the hull 4 of the ship 2;

[0139] - removing the support structure 10 together with the closing door 12 from the hull 4 of the ship 2;

[0140] - Access to maneuvering tunnel 3 and carry out maintenance interventions,

[0141] - reconnecting at least one counter-joint 27 of the transverse propulsion device 1 to at least one joint 9 of the hull 4 of the ship 2;

[0142] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for maintaining a transverse propulsion device 1 of a hull 4 of a ship 2 comprises the following steps:

[0143] - associating a disassembly tool 44 with the transverse thrust device 1;

[0144] - separating at least one counter joint 27 of the transverse propulsion device 1 from at least one joint 9 of the hull 4 of the ship 2;

[0145] - supporting the support structure 10 by means of a disassembly tool 44;

[0146] - separating the support structure 10 together with the closing door 12 from the hull 4 of the ship 2 by means of a disassembly tool 44;

[0147] - Access to maneuvering tunnel 3 and carry out maintenance interventions,

[0148] - Relocating the support structure 10 in the steering tunnel 3 by means of the disassembly tool 44,

[0149] - reconnecting at least one counter-joint 27 of the transverse propulsion device 1 to at least one joint 9 of the hull 4 of the ship 2;

[0150] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for maintaining a transverse propulsion device 1 of a hull 4 of a ship 2 comprises the following steps:

[0151] - separating at least one actuator 38 from the door control mechanism 24 of the lateral propulsion device 1;

[0152] - separating at least one counter joint 27 of the transverse propulsion device 1 from at least one joint 9 of the hull 4 of the ship 2;

[0153] - removing the support structure 10 together with the closing door 12 from the hull 4 of the vessel 2;

[0154] - Access to maneuvering tunnel 3 and carry out maintenance interventions,

[0155] - reconnecting at least one counter-joint 27 of the transverse propulsion device 1 to at least one joint 9 of the hull 4 of the ship 2;

[0156] - re-coupling at least one actuator 38 to the door control mechanism 24 of the lateral propulsion device 1;

[0157] According to a further embodiment, a method for maintaining a transverse propulsion device 1 of a hull 4 of a ship 2 comprises the following steps:

[0158] - associating a disassembly tool 44 with the support structure 10 of the lateral thruster 1;

[0159] - separating at least one actuator 38 from the door control mechanism 24 of the lateral propulsion device 1;

[0160] - separating at least one counter joint 27 of the transverse propulsion device 1 from at least one joint 9 of the hull 4 of the ship 2;

[0161] - supporting the support structure 10 together with the closing door 12 and the door control mechanism 24 by a disassembly tool 44;

[0162] - separating the support structure 10 together with the closing door 12 and the door control mechanism 24 from the hull 4 of the ship 2 by means of a disassembly tool 44;

[0163] - Access to maneuvering tunnel 3 and carry out maintenance interventions,

[0164] - by means of the disassembly tool 44, the support structure 10 together with the closing door 12 and the door control mechanism 24 is relocated to the maneuvering tunnel 3;

[0165] - reconnecting at least one counter-joint 27 of the transverse propulsion device 1 to at least one joint 9 of the hull 4 of the ship 2;

[0166] - re-coupling at least one actuator 38 to the door control mechanism 24 of the lateral propulsion device 1;

[0167] (ship 2)

[0168] According to a further aspect of the invention, the vessel 2 is equipped with at least one lateral propulsion device 1 as described above.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the vessel 2 is equipped with a number of lateral propulsion devices 1 .

[0170] According to a preferred embodiment, the vessel 2 is equipped with three transverse propulsion devices 1 .

[0171] According to one embodiment, the ship 2 is equipped with at least one transverse propulsion device 1 arranged in the bow area of ​​the ship 2 .

[0172] According to one embodiment, the ship 2 is equipped with at least one transverse propulsion device 1 arranged in the stern region of the ship 2 .

[0173] Preferably, the vessel 2 comprises at least two transverse propulsion devices 1, one of which is arranged in the bow region of the vessel 2 and the other of which is arranged in the stern region of the vessel 2.

[0174] (Further features of the lateral thruster 1)

[0175] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the steering tunnel 3 exits on both sides 13 of the hull 4 .

[0176] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the propulsion device 1 comprises a steering propeller 5 of a steering thruster 15 rotatably supported on a tunnel wall 6 .

[0177] According to a preferred embodiment, the steering propeller 5 is of the variable vane type.

[0178] Advantageously, the steering propeller 5 of the variable vane type is operable to selectively impart a pulse to the vessel 2 in the direction of each tunnel entrance 7,8.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the tunnel wall 6 is cylindrical.

[0180] Advantageously, the cylindrical shape maintains laminar flow within the steering tunnel 3 and prevents the formation of turbulent motion.

[0181] According to an embodiment of the invention, the tunnel wall 6 forms a connecting wall 16 that is connected to the outer wall 17 of the hull 2 ​​at the tunnel entrances 7, 8. Thanks to the connecting wall 16, the inner surface of the tunnel, or tunnel wall 6, is connected with surface continuity and therefore edge-free (in other words, by an R) to the outer wall 17 of the hull. The provision of at least one joint 9 extending from the tunnel wall 6 at at least one tunnel entrance 7, 8 makes it possible not to modify this surface continuity between the tunnel wall 6 and the outer wall 17 of the hull 2. Furthermore, the integrity of the connecting wall 16 that is connected to the outer wall 17 of the hull 2 ​​is ensured, and thanks to the at least one support structure 10 constituting at least one counter joint 27 (separably connected to said at least one joint 9), the inflow or outflow of fluids into the maneuvering tunnel 3 can be hydrodynamically optimized.

[0182] Of course, those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications or adaptations to the present invention without departing from the scope of the claims set out below. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 1 Lateral propulsion device 2 ships 3. Steering Tunnel 4. Hull 5 Steerable Propellers 6 Tunnel Wall 7 First Tunnel Entrance 8 Second Tunnel Entrance 9. Joint means 10 Support structure 11 Hinge 12 Closed Door 13 Side 14 Door rotation axis 15 Maneuvering thrusters 16 Connecting wall 17 Hull exterior 18 - 19 - 20 nuts 21 Beam 22 Upright body 23 Connecting bracket 24 Door control mechanism 25 Actuators, e.g. linear actuators 26 Door operating shaft 27 Counter joint means 28 Captive screws 29 Door exterior 30 Door inner surface 31 Closing wall 32 Door Frame 33 Eyelets 34 Door rotation pin 35 Niche 36 Through eyelet 37 Threaded Eyelet 38 Linear Actuator 39 Control lever 40 Connecting rod for reversing motion 41 Reversing control lever 42 Control Rod 43 Connecting pin 44 Disassembly Tools 45 assembly kit 46 Base Rail 47 Support Column 48 Polygon structure 49 Stopping Elements 50 RPM motor 51 Rotating motor stator 52 Rotating motor rotor 53 Rotary motor operating connection 54 Detachable Connector

Claims

1. A lateral propulsion device (1) for a ship (2), comprising: a steering tunnel (3) defined within a hull (4) of the vessel (2) and configured to include at least one steering propeller (5); The steering tunnel (3) is bounded by a tunnel wall (6) extending between a first tunnel entrance (7) and an opposite second tunnel entrance (8); The lateral propulsion device (1) further comprises at least two closing doors (12) configured to entirely close the at least one tunnel entrance (7, 8) when in a closed position, at least one joint (9) extending from the tunnel wall (6) towards the inside of the steering tunnel (3) at the at least one tunnel entrance (7, 8); and at least one support structure (10) including at least one counter joint (27), said support structure (10) being separably connected by its at least one counter joint (27) to said at least one joint (9); The at least one support structure (10) includes a hinge (11); the at least two closing doors (12) are rotatably supported only on the hinges (11) of the support structure (10), so that when the at least one counter joint (27) of the support structure (10) is separated from the at least one joint (9), the closing doors (12) are separated together with the support structure (10) from the steering tunnel (3), thereby allowing access to the steering tunnel (3) even when the steering tunnel is submerged; Alternatively, The lateral propulsion device (1) comprises a door control mechanism (24) configured to move the closing door (12) from a closed position to an open position or vice versa; At least one closure door (12) defines at least one slot or eyelet (33) aligned with at least one hinge (11) on said support structure (10); At least one hinge (11) is a rotary motor (50) including a rotary motor stator (51) and a rotary motor rotor (53); The at least one eyelet (33) of the closing door (12) is connected to the rotating motor rotor (53), or or The lateral propulsion device (1) comprises a door control mechanism (24) configured to move the closing door (12) from a closed position to an open position or vice versa; At least one closure door (12) defines at least one eyelet (33) aligned with at least one hinge (11) on said support structure (10); The at least one eyelet (33) of the closing door (12) is a rotary motor (50) including a rotary motor stator (51) and a rotary motor rotor (53); The at least one hinge (11) includes a slot, the slot being connected to the rotating motor rotor (53). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

2. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 1, The steering tunnel (3) includes a tunnel wall (6), The tunnel walls (6) form connecting walls (16) at the tunnel entrances (7, 8), The connecting wall (16) is connected to the outer wall (17) of the hull (4). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

3. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, a door control mechanism (24) operatively connected to the at least two closing doors (12); The at least two closing doors (12) are rotatably supported only by the hinges (11) of the support structure (10), so that when the at least one counter joint (27) of the support structure (10) is separated from the at least one joint (9), the closing doors (12) are separated from the steering tunnel (3) together with the support structure (10) and the door control mechanism (24), thereby allowing access to the steering tunnel (3). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

4. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the at least one counter joint (27) has a shape complementary to the shape of the at least one joint (9) so as to be geometrically connectable with the at least one joint (9); The at least one counter joint (27) and the at least one joint (9) are shaped to define a hydrodynamic shape when the at least one counter joint (27) and the at least one joint (9) are geometrically coupled. A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

5. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 4, The geometrically coupled at least one counter joint (27) and the at least one joint (9) are locked together by captive screws (28). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

6. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The lateral propulsion device (1) comprises at least one pair of couplings (9) arranged on opposite sides of the tunnel entrance (7, 8), The support structure (10) comprises at least one beam (21) extending between two beam ends; Each beam end is configured to provide a counter joint (27); The hinges (11) are connected to the at least one beam (21), whereby each of the hinges (11) defines a door rotation axis (14) lying in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the ship. A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

7. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 6, The support structure (10) includes at least two beams (21) that are substantially parallel to each other; The hinges (11) located on one beam (21) are oriented towards the hinges (11) located on the at least one second beam (21) to form pairs of hinges (11), each pair of hinges (11) defining a door rotation axis (14) lying in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the ship. A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

8. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, At least one beam (21) has a wing portion or a portion configured to be hydrodynamic. A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

9. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, The lateral propulsion device (1) comprises at least one pair of couplings (9) arranged on opposite sides of the tunnel entrance (7, 8), The support structure (10) includes at least one upright (22) extending between two upright ends; The upright ends are connected with two opposite joints (9) A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

10. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 9, The at least one upright (22) is connected to the at least one beam (21) and is disposed transversely to the at least one beam (21). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

11. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, Each upright end is configured to provide a counter joint (27) separable from said joint (9). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

12. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to one of claims 9 to 11, The at least one upright body (22) has a wing portion or a portion configured to be hydrodynamic. A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

13. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to one of claims 9 to 12, The support structure (10) comprises two beams (21) each connected with two uprights (22), thereby creating a frame of, for example, a square, but not necessarily a square. A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

14. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The closure door (12) defines an outer door surface (29) and an opposite inner door surface (30); In the closed configuration, the outer door surface (29) faces the outside of the steering tunnel (3) and the inner door surface (30) faces the inside of the steering tunnel (3); The closing door (12) is rotatably hinged to the hinge (11) such that in the closed configuration, the door exterior surface (29) is flush with the exterior hull surface (17) of the vessel (2). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

15. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, Each closure door (12) defines at least one pair of opposing protruding eyelets (33) that align with and embrace the hinges (11); A door rotation pin (34) is inserted into the eyelet (33) to rotatably connect the eyelet to the hinge (11). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

16. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The closing door (12) is connected to the support structure (10) so that when open it lies in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the ship. A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

17. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 1, The rotary motor (50) is a hydraulic or electric motor operatively connected to the hull by a rotary motor operational connection (53). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

18. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 1, The rotary motor (50) is a hydraulic or electric motor operatively connected to the hull by a rotary motor operational connection (53) with a removable connector (54), e.g., a quick connector. A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

19. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 15, The pair of opposing eyelets (33) includes a through eyelet (36) and a threaded eyelet (37); A door pivot pin (34) is inserted through the through eyelet (36) and the hinge (11) and is adapted to be screwed into the threaded eyelet (37). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

20. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 19, The door rotation pin (34) threaded into the threaded eyelet (37) projects beyond the through eyelet (36); A nut (20) is threaded onto the protruding portion of the door rotation pin (34) to tighten the hinge connection of the closure door (12) to the at least one hinge (11). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

21. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 15, 19 or 20, The opposing eyelets (33) are provided in recesses (35) in the closure door (12). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

22. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to any one of claims 19 to 21, Each of the closure doors (12) includes a closure wall (31) and a door frame (32) connected to each other; The eyelet (33) is formed in the door frame (32). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

23. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 22, The hinges (11) of the support structure (10) include a pair of hinges (11) spaced apart from each other in the direction in which the door rotation pin (34) extends, The eyelets (33) of the door frame (32) of the closure wall (31) are provided in pairs for each hinge (11) so as to hold the corresponding hinge (11). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

24. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, the first set of closure doors (12) are hinged to said support structure (10) such that, when partially open and when said vessel (2) is moving forward, fluid flow generated by the movement of said vessel (2) tends to further open the first set of closure doors (12); A second set of closure doors (12) are hinged to the support structure (10) such that when partially open and when the vessel (2) is moving forward, fluid flows generated by the movement of the vessel (2) tend to close the second set of closure doors (12). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

25. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, The closure door (12) has wings or is otherwise shaped so that the closure door (12) is hydrodynamic when in an open or partially open position. A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

26. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 25, Each closure door (12) includes an exterior door surface (29) and an interior door surface (30); In a closed configuration, the door outer surface (29) faces outward from the steering tunnel (3) and the door inner surface (30) faces inward from the steering tunnel (3); In the open configuration, at least two adjacent closure doors (12) rotate in opposite directions, i.e., counter-rotate, with their respective outer door surfaces (29) facing each other and their inner door surfaces (30) facing away from each other, and together form a hydrodynamic profile. A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

27. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 26, a door control mechanism (24) configured to move the closing door (12) from a closed position to an open position, or vice versa; A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

28. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 27, The door control mechanism (24) includes a linear actuator (38) configured to operate along a door actuation axis (26) substantially transverse to the door rotation axis (14). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

29. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 28, The linear actuator (38) is disposed at the tunnel entrance (7, 8) so as to face the door inner surface (30) when the closing door (12) is closed. A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

30. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 28 or 29, The door control mechanism (24) includes a control console (23) connected to the linear actuator (38) via an articulation connection; The control console (23) is further connected to the closing door (12) so as to move the closing door (12) in accordance with the movement of the linear actuator (38). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

31. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 30, The articulation between the control console (23) and the linear actuator (38) includes a connecting pin (43) that rotatably connects the control console (23) to the linear actuator (38). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

32. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 30 or 31, The control console (23) is connected to the closing door (12) by a plurality of control levers (39) rotatably connected to the control console (23), A single control lever (39) is connected to each closing door (12). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

33. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 32, A reversing control lever (41) among the plurality of control levers (39) is connected to a motion reversing connecting rod (40) configured to reverse the rotation direction of the closing door (12) connected to the reversing control lever (41), When the control console (23) operates the control lever (39) to open the closing door (12) in a counterclockwise direction, the motion reversal connecting rod (40) controls the reversal control lever (41) to open the corresponding closing door (12) in a clockwise direction, and vice versa. A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

34. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 33, The motion reversal connecting rod (40) is pivotally connected to a control rod (42) that is stationary relative to the control console (23). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

35. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to any one of claims 28 to 34, Two door control mechanisms (24) are provided on opposite sides of the tunnel entrances (7, 8). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

36. The lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 35, The linear actuators (38) of each of the two door control mechanisms (24) act along the same door actuation axis (26) such that advancement of one of the linear actuators (38) corresponds to retraction of the other linear actuator (38). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

37. A lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 36, a first set of the closing doors (12) connected to a control console (23) of one of the two door control mechanisms (24), and a second set of the closing doors (12) connected to a control console (23) of the other door control mechanism (24); The control consoles (23) of the two door control mechanisms (24) are rotatably connected to each other; Both door control mechanisms (24) include a reversing control lever (41) connected to the same motion reversing connecting rod (40); Thereby, the two door control mechanisms (24) are configured to assist in the operation of the closing doors (12) during both normal operations, while in case of a failure of one of the two door control mechanisms (24), the other is configured to independently move all the closing doors (12). A lateral propulsion device characterized by:

38. A ship (2) equipped with at least one transverse propulsion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 37.

39. 39. A ship (2) according to claim 38, A plurality of lateral propulsion devices (1), At least one transverse propulsion device (1) is arranged in the bow region of the vessel (2) and / or at least one transverse propulsion device (1) is arranged in the stern region of the vessel (2). A ship characterized by:

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