A dock comprising a water circulator

Abstract

The invention provides a dock for docking of marine vessels, comprising a dock structure (10), and a circulator assembly (14) comprising a water circulator (16) and a circulator mount (22) for mounting the water circulator to the dock structure, wherein a direction of water circulation created by the water circulator is adjustable, wherein the dock is a fixed dock, or a floating dock anchored with ropes, wires, or chains, or horizontally secured to a plurality of fixed piles. The water circulator is mounted to the dock structure so that the water circulator is located under the dock structure and at a distance from any horizontal delimitation of the dock structure, and inside the horizontal delimitations of the dock structure.

Description

[0001] A DOCK COMPRISING A WATER CIRCULATOR

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a dock for docking of marine vessels, comprising a dock structure, and a circulator assembly comprising a water circulator and a circulator mount for mounting the water circulator to the dock structure.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In regions with seasonal cold weather, there is an interest, e.g. in boat marinas, in keeping water around docked marine vessels free from ice, to prevent damage to the vessels. Also, when a vessel is docking, in particular with one of its longitudinal sides against the dock, ice may be caught between the vessel and the dock, creating difficulties for the docking operation.

[0006] Further, the ice may damage docks. For example, docks, e.g. floating docks, with an external structure of concrete, may be sensitive to ice wearing the concrete down over time.

[0007] There may also be an interest in creating around a dock water circulation to improve water quality and remove debris and sediment buildup. US2023366163Aldescribes a water circulator to create such water circulation. The water circulator can be mounted to a dock or pier.

[0008] The geometry and size of a dock, and its surroundings, may be quite different from one dock to another. The surroundings include the water depth around the dock and the shape of the bed under the dock. The surroundings may further depend on sizes, geometries and configurations of vessels docked to the dock. Such vessel circumstances may differ from one point in time to another. There is therefore a need for water circulation arrangement which is flexible and adaptable to different dock geometries, sizes, and surroundings. SUMMARY

[0009] An object of the invention is to provide a water circulation arrangement for docked marine vessels, which is flexible and easily adaptable to different dock geometries, sizes, and surroundings.

[0010] The object is achieved by a dock for docking of marine vessels, comprising a dock structure, and an circulator assembly comprising a water circulator and a circulator mount for mounting the water circulator to the dock structure, wherein a direction of water circulation created by the water circulator is adjustable. The dock is a fixed dock, or a floating dock anchored with ropes, wires, or chains, or horizontally secured to a plurality of fixed piles. The water circulator is mounted to the dock structure so that the water circulator is located under the dock structure and at a distance from any horizontal delimitation of the dock structure. Thereby, the water circulator is located inside the horizontal delimitations of the dock structure.

[0011] The water circulator may be mounted to the circulator mount which in turn is mounted to the dock structure.

[0012] Since the water circulator is located under the dock structure, the water circulator is located directly below the dock structure. The location of the water circulator may be described as follows: The water circulator is located under the dock structure and inside an imaginary surface which is vertical. The horizontal delimitations of the dock structure intersect with the imaginary surface. An example of such an imaginary surface is described below with reference to one of the figures. A horizontal distance from the water circulator to the imaginary surface may be at least 25%, e.g. around 50%, of the smallest horizontal extension of the dock structure. Where the dock structure as seen from above has a rectangular shape, the short side of the rectangle would be the smallest horizontal extension of the dock structure.

[0013] Since the water circulator is located under the dock structure and at a distance from any horizontal delimitation of the dock structure, a relatively strong water circulation outside of the dock horizontal delimitation can be obtained regardless which one of two or more sides of the dock the circulation by adjustment is directed towards. Thereby, a flexible iceprevention is allowed.

[0014] The dock may be a fixed dock. The dock may alternative be a floating dock. The floating dock may be held in place in any suitable way. For example, it may be anchored with ropes, wires, or chains. In some embodiments, the floating dock may, e.g. if used in waters with relatively large tides, be horizontally secured to a plurality of fixed piles, e.g. by means of pile guides, as is well known per se.

[0015] The circulator assembly may be an anti-ice circulator assembly. Thereby, the invention allows the risk of the circulator assembly being damaged by a docking vessel to be reduced. Also the risk of the circulator assembly being damaged chunks of loose ice between the dock and a docking vessel is reduced. In addition, in the case of a floating dock, the risk of the circulator assembly being damaged by fixed ice if the dock moves is reduced. Further, the water under a floating dock normally has a temperature which is higher than the temperature of water which is directly exposed to the air temperature radiation. This allows a better efficiency in ice prevention, allowing a larger area of water surface to be ice free.

[0016] Alternatively, or in addition, the circulator assembly may be adapted to circulate water to remove debris and sediment buildup.

[0017] Preferably, the water circulator is adjustable so that the direction of the water circulation created by the water circulator, in a horizontal plane, i.e. as seen from above, is adjustable. However, additionally, the water circulator may be adjustable so that the direction of the water circulation created by the water circulator, in a vertical plane is adjustable. Thereby, the water circulator may be positioned so as to direct water so as to have an upwards component. I.e. the water may be directed in an angle between a horizontal direction and an upwards vertical direction. Thereby, advantage may be taken from the fact that, in particular in cold weather, water located relatively deep down and inside the horizontal delimitations of the dock structure, may have a temperature that is slightly higher than the temperature of water closer to the surface and outside of the horizontal delimitations of the dock structure. By directing the water circulation partly upwards, water located deeper than the circulator may be drawn up and moved towards the surface and outside of the horizontal delimitations of the dock structure. This allows a further improvement of the ice-prevention around the dock.

[0018] In some embodiments, the circulator assembly comprises two or more water circulators which are mounted to the circulator mount which is mounted to the dock structure. Thereby, one or more of the circulators may be adjusted so that the respective circulation thereof is directed towards a first side of the dock, and one or more of the circulators may be adjusted so that the respective circulation thereof is directed towards a second side of the dock, which second side is opposite to the first side. Thereby, all circulators of the circulator assembly may be located under the dock structure and at a distance from any horizontal delimitation of the dock structure. The circulator mount could comprise an elongated rod or beam, on which all circulators of the circulator assembly is mounted. The rod or beam could extend substantially vertically. The circulators may be distributed in a vertical direction.

[0019] Thereby, the circulators, of which there may be two, three, or more, may share a single circulator mount. Further, a water circulation may be provided on both sides of the dock. Thereby, water may be moved effectively where needed around the dock. Thereby, an effective ice-prevention, debris removal, or sediment buildup-prevention can be obtained.

[0020] It should be noted that although a circulation is directed towards the first or second side of the dock, it may be on the skew with the first or second side of the dock. I.e. there may be an angle of less than ninety degrees and more than zero degrees between the direction of the circulation and an extension of the first or second side of the dock.

[0021] In some embodiments, where the dock structure is elongated, the dock comprises two or more circulator assemblies distributed along a longitudinal direction of the dock structure. Thereby, each circulator assembly may comprise a respective water circulator which is mounted to the dock structure so that the water circulator is located under the dock structure and at a distance from any horizontal delimitation of the dock structure. Thereby, a direction of water circulation created by the respective water circulator may be individually adjustable.

[0022] Thereby, one or more of the circulator assemblies may be adjusted so that the respective circulation thereof is directed towards a first side of the dock, and one or more of the circulator assemblies may be adjusted so that the respective circulation thereof is directed towards a second side of the dock, which second side is opposite to the first side. Thereby, a water circulation may be provided along the dock, and on both sides of the dock.

[0023] It is understood that in such embodiments, less than all of the circulator assemblies are adjusted so that the respective circulation thereof is directed towards the first side of the dock, and less than all of the circulator assemblies are adjusted so that the respective circulation thereof is directed towards the second side of the dock. Again, it should be noted that although a circulation is directed towards the first or second side of the dock, it may be on the skew with the first or second side of the dock.

[0024] Preferably, where the dock structure presents a top surface facing upwards and a bottom surface facing downwards, the dock structure presents a through opening extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. Thereby, the circulator mount may extend from the water circulator and into the through opening. Thus, the circulator mount may extend from below into the through opening. Thereby, the circulator assembly can be accessed, e.g. by a person, from the top surface of the dock structure, e.g. for service or repair. Preferably, the through opening is vertical.

[0025] Preferably, the size and shape of the through opening, as seen along the opening from the top surface to the bottom surface, is such that the water circulator can be moved through the through opening. Thereby, the circulator can be installed, and removed, e.g. for service or replacement, from the top surface of the dock structure. Thereby, installation and service processes are facilitated. Preferably, the circulator mount does not extend above the top surface of the dock structure. Thereby, the circulator mount does not take any space from the top of the dock. In particular, the circulator mount will not be in the way of any item or activity of top of the dock.

[0026] Preferably, the circulator mount is fixed inside the through opening. The dock may comprise a cover for covering the through opening at the top surface. The cover may be removed for access to the circulator assembly.

[0027] An aspect of the invention involves use of a dock according to claim 12.

[0028] Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Below, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0031] - fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of a dock,

[0032] - figs. 2-4 show detailed views of a circulator assembly,

[0033] - fig. 5 shows a view from a portion of a dock according a further embodiment of the invention,

[0034] - fig. 6a and 6b show a top view and sideview, respectively, of a dock according another embodiment of the invention, and

[0035] - fig. 7 shows a perspective view from below of a dock according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0037] A section of a dock structure 10 of a dock is shown in the drawings. The dock may be a floating dock comprising a frame with buoyancy elements arranged inside the frame. The upper part of the dock structure is provided with an upper surface element 12 that presents a top surface, or a walking surface of the dock structure. Instead of a floating dock, the dock may be a fixed dock arranged on a foundation arranged on a sea or lake bottom.

[0038] In order to be able to use the dock in cold environments where the surrounding water freezes, the dock is provided with one or several circulator assemblies 14, capable of circulating water that surrounds the dock. The circulator assembly 14 comprises a water circulator unit 16, herein also referred to as a water circulator, Fig. 2. The water circulator may be provided as a thruster 16. The water circulator unit 16 comprises an electric motor placed in a watertight casing. The drive shaft of the electric motor protrudes out of the casing and is provided with a propeller 18 or stirrer for circulating water. Preferably a protective cage 20 surrounds the propeller 18. The circulator assembly further comprises a circulator mount 22. In the embodiment shown, the circulator mount 22 comprises an elongated rod or beam 24, wherein the casing of the circulator unit 16 is attached to one end of the beam 24. Preferably, the attachment between the beam 24 and the casing of the circulator unit 16 is pivotal around a generally horizontal axis 26, Fig. 3, and provided with locking means when the circulator unit has been pivoted to the desired inclination in relation to the beam. This may be done for example by providing several holes 28 in an attachment bracket 30 of the circulator unit 16 and one hole in an end bracket 32 of the beam 24. The circulator is pivoted until the desired hole of the attachment bracket 30 is in line with the hole of the end bracket 32. A suitable bolt 34 may then be inserted and locked with a nut.

[0039] The upper part of the beam is arranged to be attached to the dock structure with the circulator unit 16 underneath the dock structure. According to one embodiment, the dock structure 10 is provided with a vertical channel 36 through which the beam can extend. The vertical channel 36 forms a through opening extending from the top surface to the bottom surface of the dock structure. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the channel 36 is tubular with a circular cross-section. The wall of the tubular channel 36 is provided with corrugations or grooves that extend circumferentially. In Fig. 1, the corrugations are exaggerated for ease of understanding. In order to attach the circulator assembly 14 in the channel 36, the upper end of the beam is provided with an attachment assembly 38, Fig. 4. The attachment assembly 38 comprises a central tube or pipe 40 with an inner diameter somewhat larger than the outer diameter of the beam 24, wherein the central pipe 40 can be pushed onto the beam and locked to it with for instance locking bolts 42.

[0040] Further, transversally extending tubular arms 44 are attached to the pipe 40. At the outer end of the arms, attachment elements 46 are attached. Each attachment element 46 comprises a rod 48 that has a thickness and curvature that corresponds to the grooves of the corrugations. Further, each attachment element 46 is provided with a threaded shaft 50 that fits into the end of each arm 44. The threaded shaft 50 is provided with a nut 52 that abuts an end surface of the arm 44, so that, by turning the nut 52 along the threaded shaft 50, the distance from the central pipe 40, and thus a center axis of the beam 24, and the outer surface of the curved rods 48 may be changed. Thus, when the circulator assembly 14 is placed in the channel, the curved rods 48 are adjusted outwardly by the nuts 52 until the curved rods 48 fit into a groove of the corrugated channel at an upper area of the channel. Moreover, the position of the circulator in relation to the underside of the dock structure may be adjusted by moving the beam 24 in relation to the pipe 40 and lock the beam 24 in the desired height position of the circulator with the locking bolts 42.

[0041] In order to reduce the bending forces on the circulator assembly 14 when the circulator unit 16 is in operation, a support 54 may be provided that can rest against the channel wall at a lower position in relation to the upper attachment as seen in Fig. 1. The support 54 is preferably positioned in line with and opposite the flow direction from the circulator unit 16 in order to provide a good support against the forces that the circulator unit 16 creates when in operation. One example of support 54 is shown in Fig. 2, comprising a generally horizontally extending plate 56 attached to the beam 24. The outer edge 58 of the plate 56 is rounded so as to correspond to the curvature of the grooves of the channel 36 in order to provide a wide support.

[0042] With this solution, the circulator assembly is accessible from the upper surface of the dock structure. Moreover, the circulator unit may be turned around the center axis of the beam before locking it to the channel for providing the desired direction of circulation or flow of water from the circulator unit under the dock structure. Thus, the circulator assembly may be adjusted both regarding inclination and direction of the water flow produced. Depending on the length of the dock, several circulator assemblies may be arranged, wherein the dock structure is provided with several channels. In this manner, the circulator assemblies may be directed in several directions in order to prevent ice around the dock. In this regard, the position of the circulator assemblies underneath the dock structure enables, and in particular if several assemblies are used, both sides of an elongated dock to be free from ice.

[0043] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the channel 36 has a cross-section which is not circular. For example, the cross-section of the channel 36 may be rectangular or elliptical. Also, it is understood that the circulator mount 22 may be fixed to the dock structure in a manner that is different from the one described with reference to Figs. 1-4.

[0044] Fig. 5 shows an example, where the dock structure is elongated. The dock structure 10 presents a plurality of through openings 36, e.g. each such as the one described above with reference to Fig. 1. The through openings 36 are distributed along a longitudinal direction of the dock structure. The through openings 36 are also distributed along a horizontal transverse direction of the dock structure. A circulator assembly (not shown in Fig. 5), e.g. such as the one described above with reference to Figs. 1-4, is mounted in each through opening 36. Thus, the dock comprises a plurality of circulator assemblies distributed along the longitudinal direction of the dock structure, and along the transverse direction of the dock structure.

[0045] In the example in Fig. 5, the dock structure is made up of a plurality of pontoons 101. The pontoons form sections which in this example each includes three pontoons. The pontoons in each section are bolted together with threaded pins or bolts 102 extending transversely through the section. The sections are connected by means of flexible rubber connectors 103.

[0046] Figs. 6a and 6b show a dock in another embodiment of the invention. The dock comprises a dock structure 10. The dock structure is provided in the form of a pontoon. In some embodiments, a plurality of such pontoons may form the dock structure, by being connected, e.g. as described with reference to Fig. 5.

[0047] The dock structure 10 presents a top surface 111, a bottom surface 112, and side surfaces 113. The side surfaces define horizontal delimitations of the dock structure, as exemplified in fig. 7 below. The dock structure in the example in fig. 6a and fig. 6b presents two through openings 36 distributed along the longitudinal direction of the dock structure. The through openings extend from the top surface 111 to the bottom surface 112. A circulator assembly 14 is mounted in each through opening 36. The through openings 36 may be covered with respective hatches.

[0048] One of the circulator assemblies, e.g. such as the one described with ref. to Figs. 1-4, comprises a single circulator 16.

[0049] The other circulator assembly comprises a plurality of circulators 16 distributed in a vertical direction. The circulators 16 of the other circulator are directed in directions with different horizontal components. Thereby, the plurality of circulators 16 may share a single circulator mount. Thereby, the number of circulator mounts may be kept relatively low.

[0050] The dock comprises a power supply system for the circulators 16, which comprises electric cables 61.

[0051] Reference is made to fig. 7. As exemplified above, embodiments of the invention each comprise a dock structure and a water circulator which is located under the dock structure and at a distance from any horizontal delimitation of the dock structure, and inside the horizontal delimitations of the dock structure. The location of the water circulator may be exemplified as follows with reference to fig. 7: The water circulator 16 is located under the dock structure 10 and inside an imaginary surface IS which is vertical. Horizontal delimitations HD of the dock structure 10 intersect with the imaginary surface. In this example, the imaginary surface IS circumvents a region under the dock structure 10. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A dock for docking of marine vessels, comprising a dock structure (10), and a circulator assembly (14) comprising a water circulator (16) and a circulator mount (22) for mounting the water circulator to the dock structure, wherein a direction of water circulation created by the water circulator is adjustable, wherein the dock is a fixed dock, or a floating dock anchored with ropes, wires, or chains, or horizontally secured to a plurality of fixed piles, characterised in that the water circulator is mounted to the dock structure so that the water circulator is located under the dock structure and at a distance from any horizontal delimitation of the dock structure, and inside the horizontal delimitations of the dock structure.

2. A dock according to claim 1, wherein the dock is a floating dock.

3. A dock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the circulator assembly is an anti-ice circulator assembly.

4. A dock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the circulator assembly (14) comprises two or more water circulators (16) which are mounted to the circulator mount (22) which is mounted to the dock structure.

5. A dock according to claim 4, wherein one or more of the circulators are adjusted so that the respective circulation thereof is directed towards a first side of the dock, and one or more of the circulators are adjusted so that the respective circulation thereof is directed towards a second side of the dock, which second side is opposite to the first side.

6. A dock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dock structure is elongated, wherein the dock comprises two or more circulator assemblies distributed along a longitudinal direction of the dock structure, wherein each circulator assembly comprises a respective water circulator which is mounted to the dock structure so that the water circulator is located under the dock structure and at a distance from any horizontal delimitation of the dock structure, wherein adirection of water circulation created by the respective water circulator is individually adjustable.

7. A dock according to claim 6, wherein one or more of the circulator assemblies is adjusted so that the respective circulation thereof is directed towards a first side of the dock, and one or more of the circulator assemblies is adjusted so that the respective circulation thereof is directed towards a second side of the dock, which second side is opposite to the first side.

8. A dock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dock structure presents a top surface facing upwards and a bottom surface facing downwards, wherein the dock structure presents a through opening extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, wherein the circulator mount extends from the water circulator and into the through opening.

9. A dock according to claim 8, wherein the size and shape of the through opening, as seen along the opening from the top surface to the bottom surface, is such that the water circulator can be moved through the through opening.

10. A dock according to any one of claims 8-9, wherein the circulator mount does not extend above the top surface of the dock structure.

11. A dock according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein the circulator mount is fixed inside the through opening.

12. Use of a dock according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising activating the water circulator to keep water around the dock or around a vessel docked to the dock, free from ice.

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