Improved mooring device

Abstract

A mooring device (1) is provided, configured to vary the tension of a mooring rope (1c) of a first floating body (1a) to a second body (1b); the device (1) comprises three surfaces (2a, 2b, 2c) for sliding of the rope (1c), of which one or more are static surfaces and at least one surface is a movable surface with respect to the static surfaces so as to vary the length of the segment of rope (1c) engaged thereto; a damper (3) comprising a first end (31) and a second end (32) integral with the movable surface and configured to define an opposition force to a motion between the ends (31, 32); a maximum value and a minimum value of the opposition force; and an actuator (4) configured to move the movable surface with respect to the static surfaces so as to vary the tension of said rope (1c) and thereby maintain it between said maximum value and said minimum value.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] IMPROVED MOORING DEVICE

[0003] The present invention relates to a mooring device of the type specified in the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] In particular, it concerns a device configured to constrain a floating body (identifiable, for example, in a boat, a platform, a breakwater, or a floating dock) to a mooring site usually anchored to the ground (such as the seabed or a point of the coast like a port quay) so as to make the stationing of the first body safe despite wind, currents, and sea conditions and, optionally, usually allow a movement of the first body with respect to the second body as a function of, for example, a wave.

[0005] As is known, a mooring device identifies all the tools necessary to constrain one or more floating bodies (usually a watercraft, a boat and / or a ship), to the seabed or to the lakebed or riverbed etc., making the stationing safe despite wind, currents, and sea conditions.

[0006] Depending on the position of the floating body with respect to the site, various types of mooring can be distinguished. In detail, usually, the moorings are placed alongside the area in which the floating body is arranged parallel to the fixing structure (identifiable in the quay) and secured to it usually with various ropes (called mooring ropes) at the bow and stern; or bow / stern mooring in which the floating body is perpendicular to the quay, with the bow / stern usually constrained to a mooring block or a chain cable, while the stern / bow is secured to land bollards by means of ropes.

[0007] Finally, between the ropes and the floating body, dampers (usually called docking dampers) are placed, having the function of minimising the impacts and the backwash motion that the floating body undergoes due to the wave motion.

[0008] These dampers are simple metal / elastomeric springs interlocked with each other or other devices with preset response characteristics.

[0009] The known technique described includes some important drawbacks.

[0010] A first drawback lies in the fact that the mooring devices and the conditions under which they are carried out (for example, the tension of the mooring ropes) are chosen at the initial stage and often do not correspond to the real needs of the floating body. For example, the mooring of a boat is carried out at the moment of docking under certain sea conditions. During the mooring period, sea conditions may change in such a way as to make the chosen mooring no longer suitable to avoid damage to the floating body.

[0011] This problem is particularly evident in the case of crosswinds, which generate extremely difficult and dangerous conditions for a floating body at mooring.

[0012] This difficulty is accentuated by the fact that in a port the exposure of floating bodies to the weather, and in particular to sea / wind conditions, also varies depending on the position of the floating body in the port, the characteristics of the port (for example because they are exposed to dangerous currents, winds, and backwash) and the variation in tide height. Consequently, frequent re-execution of the mooring may be required to keep the boat or other floating body in safe conditions.

[0013] It is pointed out that these problems are present in the mooring of almost any floating body. In fact, besides boats, these safety issues due to a variation of conditions are also present in platforms, breakwaters, and floating docks.

[0014] Another important drawback is therefore identified in the high costs of mooring devices and often in the difficulty of identifying the correct mooring and thus the device to be used.

[0015] A not insignificant drawback is represented by the fact that the characteristics of the mooring are defined by the operator. Therefore, a mooring is extremely dependent both on the experience and the skills of the operator and also on the knowledge of the mooring site.

[0016] In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise a mooring device capable of substantially overcoming at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0017] An important object of the invention is to implement a mooring device that allows a floating body to be constrained to a mooring site in a stable and safe manner, even over time, regardless of sea / wind conditions and, above all, of their variability.

[0018] Another important task of the invention is to implement a mooring device that allows a safe and stable mooring even to a non-expert operator and / or with low knowledge of the mooring site.

[0019] A not insignificant object of the invention is to implement a mooring device of reduced cost and quick use.

[0020] The technical task and the specified objects are achieved by a mooring device as claimed in the annexed claim 1. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0021] The characteristics and advantages of the invention are clarified below by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 shows, to scale, a mooring device according to the invention with a mooring rope associated therewith;

[0023] Figure 2 illustrates, to scale, a section of the device of Fig. 1 ;

[0024] Figure 3 shows, to scale, a mooring device according to the invention;

[0025] Figure 4 illustrates, to scale, a section of the device of Fig. 3 in a different position; and

[0026] Figure 5 presents, to scale, a possible application of the mooring device according to the invention.

[0027] In the present document, dimensions, values, shapes and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words like "about" or other similar terms such as "approximately" or "substantially", are to be understood as subject to measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing defects and, in particular, as subject to a slight deviation from the value, dimension, shape or geometric reference with which they are associated. For example, such terms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a divergence not greater than 10% of the value itself.

[0028] Moreover, when used, terms such as “first”, “second”, “upper”, “lower”, “main” and “secondary” do not necessarily identify an order, a priority of relation or relative position, but may simply be used to more clearly distinguish between different components.

[0029] Unless otherwise indicated, “perpendicular”, “transversal”, “parallel” or “normal” or other geometric positioning terms between geometric elements (for example axes, directions and lines) are to be understood with reference to their mutual geometric position between the corresponding projections. Said projections are defined on a single plane parallel to the plane(s) of lie of said geometric elements.

[0030] Measurements and data reported in the present text are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as carried out in ICAO International Standard Atmosphere (ISO 2533:1975).

[0031] Unless otherwise specified, as will appear from the following discussions, terms such as “processing”, “computing”, “determining”, “calculating”, or similar, are to be considered as referring to the action and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical, such as electronic quantities within registers of a computer system and / or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, registers, or other storage, transmission or information display devices.

[0032] With reference to the Figures, the mooring device according to the invention is globally denoted by the number 1.

[0033] It is configured to allow mooring (in this document “mooring” and “anchoring” are referred to interchangeably and univocally with the term “mooring”) of one body to another body. The device is necessary to constrain by means of a mooring rope 1 c at least a first floating body 1a to a second body 1 b allowing their mutual movement. In particular, the device 1 is configured to act on the rope 1 c by varying its tension. The rope 1 c defines a barycentric development trajectory of the rope 1 c, that is the path defined by the rope 1c when engaged to the device 1 . In detail, said trajectory lies, at least in the portion engaged to the device 1 (i.e., spanned between the first and the second surface introduced below), on a single plane of lie. Hereinafter, the expressions “development trajectory of the rope 1 c” and “plane of lie of the rope 1 c” are to be understood in reference to the portion of rope 1 c engaged to the device 1 and thus in contact with the surfaces 2a, 2b and 2c introduced below.

[0034] The first body 1 a is identifiable in a buoy, a boat, a platform, a breakwater or a floating dock. Preferably it is a boat.

[0035] The second body 1 b is identifiable in a body usually anchored, directly or indirectly, to land. It may be a point of the coast such as a mooring block or the quay or dock of a port or to the seabed. In some cases, the second body 1 b may be a second floating body (analogous to the first body 1 a) which in turn could be constrained, for example through an additional device 1 , to another second body and / or to land.

[0036] In this case the term “rope 1 c” identifies a chain, for example metallic, or preferably a rope / cord / line consisting of a bundle of metallic wires or textile fibres usually tightly twisted in spiral form.

[0037] The device 1 comprises a first surface 2a for sliding of the rope 1 c incoming the mooring device 1 ; a second surface 2b for sliding of the rope 1 c outgoing from said device 1 ; and at least one third surface 2c for sliding of said rope 1 c interposed between the first surface 2a and the second surface 2b. In particular, in some cases, the device 1 may comprise only one third surface 2c or alternatively multiple third surfaces 2c.

[0038] The first surface 2a may be arched and, in detail, circular.

[0039] The second surface 2b may be arched and, in detail, circular.

[0040] The first surface 2a and the second surface 2b define an insertion axis 2d tangent to both surfaces.

[0041] The third surface 2c may be arched and, in detail, circular.

[0042] Appropriately, the device 1 may comprise a block 2 for sliding of the rope 1 c defining the totality of said surfaces 2a, 2b, 2c.

[0043] The block 2 may comprise a hollow base 21 and thus defining a housing for the sliding of the rope 1 c and a first section for the entry of the rope 1 c into the housing and a second section for the exit of the rope 1 c from the housing. The base body 21 is configured to be rigidly constrained to the first body 1 a.

[0044] The housing for the sliding of the rope 1 c may identify a channel, appropriately open- air.

[0045] The sections may identify areas occupied by the rope 1 c when engaged to the device 1 .

[0046] They are on opposite sides with respect to the housing.

[0047] The first surface 2a is proximal to the first section; and the second surface 2b is proximal to the second section.

[0048] The sections may be at least partially overlapping along the insertion axis 2d so as to facilitate the insertion of the rope. Said sections may be perpendicular to the insertion axis 2d.

[0049] The block 2 may comprise a first pulley 22 defining the first surface 2a and a first axis of rotation with respect to the block 2 and in detail to the base 21 so as to rotate with respect to it.

[0050] The first pulley 22 may be hinged to the base 21 preferably freely rotatable.

[0051] The first axis of rotation may be normal to the trajectory and thus to the plane of lie of the rope 1 c.

[0052] The block 2 may comprise a second pulley 23 defining the second surface 2b and a second axis of rotation with respect to the base 21 so as to rotate with respect to it.

[0053] The second pulley 23 may be hinged to the block 2 and in detail to the base 21 preferably freely rotatable.

[0054] The second axis of rotation may be normal to the trajectory and thus to the plane of lie of the rope 1 c.

[0055] The second axis of rotation may be parallel to the first axis of rotation. The block 2 may comprise, for each third surface 2c, a third pulley 24 defining a third surface 2c and a third axis of rotation with respect to the block 2 and in detail to the base 21 so as to rotate with respect to it.

[0056] The third axis of rotation may be normal to the trajectory and thus to the plane of lie of the rope 1 c.

[0057] The third axis may be parallel to the first and / or to the second axis of rotation.

[0058] The surfaces 2a, 2b and 2c comprise one or more static surfaces and at least one movable surface with respect to the static surfaces so as to vary the length of the segment of rope 1 c between the first surface 2a and said second surface 2b when the rope 1 c is engaged to the device 1 and thus in contact with said surfaces 2a, 2b, 2c.

[0059] In detail, the static surfaces are at least two, identifiable, for example, in the first surface 2a and in the second surface 2b. More in detail, the static surfaces are exactly two, namely the first surface 2a and the second 2b.

[0060] In at least one non-limiting embodiment, the surfaces 2a, 2b and 2c comprise only one movable surface identifiable in a third surface 2c. Therefore, in the case of a movable surface identifiable in the third surface 2c, the third pulley 24 is movable with respect to the base 21 .

[0061] In at least another non-limiting embodiment, the surfaces 2a, 2b and 2c comprise multiple movable surfaces.

[0062] Each movable surface is movable along, or parallel to, a movement axis 2e. It is noted that in some cases the movement of the movable surface may also be nonlinear.

[0063] The movement axis 2e is substantially transverse and in detail normal to the insertion axis 2d. The movement axis 2e may intersect the same movable surface and be transverse (preferably perpendicular) to it at the point of incidence with the same movable surface.

[0064] Each movable surface is movable with respect to the base 21 along the movement axis 2e.

[0065] The surfaces 2a, 2b and 2c are appropriately configured to come into contact with the rope 1 c from alternately (and appropriately sequentially) opposite sides with respect to the same rope 1 c so as to define a development trajectory of the portion of rope 1 c engaged to the device 1 in a U-shape or its odd multiples. In other words, when the rope 1 c is engaged to the device 1 , the rope 1 c is in contact with the surfaces 2a, 2b and 2c at portions of the external lateral surface of the same rope 1 c arranged on opposite sides with respect to the same rope 1 c. Therefore, if the rope 1 c is engaged to the device 1 , a movable surface, when moved with respect to the static surfaces, acts on the rope for example by pulling it if it moves away from the static surfaces; on the contrary, the rope 1 c, if pulled, increases its tension causing the approach of the movable surface to the static surfaces.

[0066] It is noted that the expressions “static surface” and “movable surface” are to be understood relatively, that is the static surfaces are surfaces that do not vary their mutual position (for example, the first surface 2a may be static even if defined by the first pulley 22 rotatable with respect to the base 21 ); while the movable surface identifies a surface that can be moved (by rotation and / or translation) with respect to the static surfaces so as to vary their mutual distance allowing to vary the length of the segment of rope 1 c between the first surface 2a and the second surface 2b.

[0067] Appropriately, in a preferred but non-exclusive configuration, the first surface 2a and the second surface 2b are configured to be positioned on the same side with respect to the rope 1 c; and the block 2 comprises an odd number of one or more third surfaces 2c, of which at least one is configured to be positioned on the opposite side to the surfaces 2a and 2b with respect to the rope 1 c engaged to the device 1 .

[0068] The at least one movable surface defines an insertion configuration (Fig. 3) in which the static surfaces are on the opposite side of the block 2, relative to the insertion axis 2d, with respect to the movable surface (and in detail equidistant therefrom) so as to allow easy insertion of the rope 1 c between the surfaces 2a, 2b and 2c by moving it along the insertion axis 2d.

[0069] In some cases, the at least one movable surface defines a working configuration (Fig. 4) in which the surfaces 2a, 2b and 2c are arranged on the same side with respect to the insertion axis 2d and / or are not equidistant from the axis 2d.

[0070] The device 1 thus comprises a damper 3 comprising a first end 31 and a second end 32 movable along a sliding axis 3a with respect to the first end 31 .

[0071] The first end 31 may be constrained, directly or indirectly, to one of the two bodies 1 a and 1 b. Preferably it is constrained to the first body 1 a.

[0072] The second end 32 is integral with said movable surface. Preferably it is engaged to the rope 1 c and defines the movable surface. For example, in the case of presence of the third pulley 24 defining a movable third surface 2c, the third pulley 24 may be constrained to the second end 32 (for example allowing relative movement of the third pulley 24 with respect to the second end 32) and in some cases be integral and optionally even coincident therewith.

[0073] The sliding axis 3a may be substantially parallel and in some cases coincident with the movement axis 2e.

[0074] The sliding axis 3a may be substantially parallel to the plane of lie of the rope 1 c and in detail substantially lying thereon.

[0075] The sliding axis 3a may be substantially transverse and in detail substantially perpendicular to the insertion axis 2d.

[0076] The sliding axis 3a may be substantially transverse and in detail substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the at least one pulley defining the movable surface.

[0077] The ends 31 and 32 are configured to define their mutual movement, preferably oscillatory, at least along the axis 3a, appropriately as a function of the relative motion between the first body 1 a and the second body 1 b and, in particular, caused by the variation of the tension of the rope 1 c.

[0078] The damper 3 is configured to define an opposition force configured to contrast and in particular to damp the relative movement between the ends 31 and 32. In detail, it is configured to define an opposition force to the mutual movement between the ends 31 and 32 and thus to a variation of the tension of the rope 1 c given by a movement between the bodies 1 a and 1 b such as that caused by wave motion. In detail, it defines a variable opposition force as a function of, and precisely proportional to, in detail directly, the distance between the ends 31 and 32 (this distance is calculated along the sliding axis 3a) and thus between the surfaces 2a, 2c and 2c.

[0079] It is emphasized that, as evident to a person skilled in the art, since one of the ends 31 and 32 is constrained to a movable surface 2a, 2b and 2c which in turn is engaged to the rope 1 c, the opposition force is a function of and, precisely, equal to or a multiple of the tension of the rope 1 c. For example, in the case shown in the figures, the opposition force is double with respect to the tension of the rope 1 c. It is also specified that in this document expressions such as “based on” or “as a function of” indicate that a variation and, for example, an increase in a first parameter (for example the sliding speed / acceleration of the second end 32) corresponds to any variation (increase or decrease) of the second parameter (in this case damping); expressions such as “in accordance with” or “proportionally” indicate that an increase or decrease in a first parameter corresponds respectively to an increase or decrease in the second parameter.

[0080] The opposition force is variable as a function of the distance between the ends 31 and 32, appropriately between a maximum value and a minimum value, and thus within a defined range. Consequently, the damper 3 and therefore the device 1 may be configured to operate with an opposition force variable between maximum value and minimum value. Appropriately, the maximum and minimum value of the opposition force are reached when the distance between the ends 31 and 32 is respectively maximum (expanded configuration) and minimum (contracted configuration).

[0081] The damper 3 comprises a shock absorber 33 of the relative movement between the ends 31 and 32 and configured to damp the movement between the ends and defining said opposition force.

[0082] The shock absorber 33 constrains the ends 31 and 32 to each other allowing their mutual movement along the sliding axis 3a. It may comprise a cylinder 331 defining the sliding axis 3a; a piston 332 configured to slide, along the axis 3a, with respect to said cylinder 331 as a function of the relative motion between the ends 31 and 32; and a damping body 333 configured to damp the movement between the piston 332 and the cylinder 331 and defining the opposition force to the sliding of the piston 332 in the cylinder 331 and thus to said relative motion between the ends 31 and 32.

[0083] The cylinder 331 is integral with one end 31 or 32 different from that of the piston 332 and in detail with the second end 32.

[0084] The cylinder 331 may define an internal volume, preferably sealed. The piston 332 comprises the head inside the internal volume and the stem protruding partially therefrom through a hole provided with sealing means.

[0085] The piston 332 is integral with one end 31 or 32 and in detail with the second end 32, appropriately at the end of said stem opposite the piston head.

[0086] The damper 3, and precisely the damping body 333, may define the opposition force mechanically. For example, it may comprise elastic means configured to operate in opposition to a variation and in particular to an increase of the distance between piston 332 and cylinder 331 .

[0087] Said elastic means may be linear or progressive. In detail, the elastic means comprise a first spring and a second spring having an elastic constant greater than the first and configured to come into action almost exclusively when the first spring is compressed and thus the damper 3 is close to the compressed and / or expanded configuration.

[0088] It is noted that the damping body may provide alternative or additional solutions to the elastic solution of the elastic means, mostly known to the person skilled in the art, to define a damping action and thus the opposition force. Some of such possible solutions are described below.

[0089] The damper 3 may comprise at least one force sensor 34 configured to detect, and thus measure, the opposition force. In particular, the force sensor 34 may be configured to detect the opposition force in accordance with the force acting on the shock absorber 33 and in particular on the piston 332.

[0090] The force sensor 34 may be a load cell.

[0091] The force sensor 34 is configured to detect and thus measure the opposition force with a sampling frequency lower than 500 Hz, in detail at 100 Hz and more in detail at 50 Hz. In some cases, it may be continuous.

[0092] It is noted that in some cases the force sensor 34 may detect directly the tension of the rope 1 c and thus determine the opposition force as a function of the tension of the rope and of the development trajectory of the portion of rope 1 c engaged to the device 1 (such calculation being well known to a person skilled in the art and therefore not made explicit here). Alternatively or additionally, the sensor 34 may detect indirectly the tension of the rope 1 c through, for example, the extension of the springs, the distance between the ends 31 and 32, or the absorption of the electric motors of the damping body 333 described below during operation of the damper 3.

[0093] The damper 3 may comprise at least one constraint 35 configured to block the action of the damper 3 and appropriately the application of the opposition force.

[0094] In particular, the constraint 35 mutually constrains the ends 31 and 32 and thus prevents the variation of distance between the ends 31 and 32 preferably in the expanded or contracted configuration.

[0095] Consequently, the constraint 35 may define an active condition in which it mutually blocks the ends 31 and 32, for example by constraining the piston 332 to the cylinder 331 ; and an active condition in which it allows a variation of the distance between the ends 31 and 32, for example by allowing the sliding of the piston 332 with respect to the cylinder 331 . The mooring device 1 may also comprise an actuator 4 configured to move a movable surface with respect to the static surfaces so as to vary the tension of the rope 1 c and thus to maintain the opposition force between predefined maximum and minimum values. For example, the actuator 4 moves the movable surface in order to maintain the opposition force between 90% (in detail 80%) of the maximum value and 1 10% (in detail 120%) of the minimum value.

[0096] In particular, while the damper 3 is configured to respond to external stresses at high frequencies, allowing the device to damp said oscillations, the actuator 4 is configured to respond to external fluctuations at low frequency (for example, the frequency of said oscillations is at least twice, in detail at least ten times and more in detail one hundred times the frequency of said fluctuations). Consequently, the mooring device 1 , thanks to the dual presence of damper 3 and actuator 4, can respond to oscillations which, due to a variation in fluctuations, operate in a range different from that in which the oscillations operated before the variation of said fluctuations.

[0097] More specifically, the damper 3 is configured to damp / attenuate wave motion (identifying said oscillations), while the actuator 4 is configured to respond to fluctuations defined by tides. Consequently, the mooring device 1 can adjust its operation both to variations in wave motion and to variations in tides. For example, in the case of an initial mooring in low tide conditions, the mooring device 1 may initially use the damper 3 to respond to the waves (i.e., to said oscillations) under low tide conditions, maintaining the opposition force between maximum and minimum values (i.e., within a desired range); the rise of the tide determines an increase of the opposition force which may exceed the maximum value and thus the actuator 4, by moving a movable surface with respect to the static surfaces, allows to bring back the opposition force between maximum and minimum values and thus the damper 3 and consequently the mooring device 1 to operate in optimal conditions.

[0098] The maximum or minimum values and thus said range may be dynamic and therefore vary over time, for example, as a function of the variation of the opposition force over a predefined time interval. For example, the maximum or minimum values may be obtained by processing the time series of the opposition force (measurable by the force sensor 34); in detail, by calculating the average load, an RMS equivalent load, or the average of a time series of minimum and / or maximum values of the cycles of variation of the opposition force over a predefined time interval or the mobile average of a predefined number of last cycles. Moreover, such time series may be filtered to remove anomalous values (for example, those having a variation greater than a threshold of acceptability identifiable as an amplification or reduction value of the average value of said time series) and / or to make the curves of variation of the opposition force more homogeneous. For example, to limit the permitted variation band, absolute values or dynamic values (for example, a fixed deviation from the average load value at the reference time) may be used. This will result in the following equations:

[0099] L(t0) - d < L(t) < L(t0) + d

[0100] Wherein t0is the moment of the last adjustment of the position / load; L(t0) is the value of the opposition force obtained by processing / weighting the time series of loads over the time interval at t0; d is the value of the admissible excursion (for example, predefined) and thus L(t0) - d and L(t0) + d respectively identify said minimum and maximum values; and L(t) is the value obtained by processing / weighting the time series of opposition forces over the last time interval. Consequently, the correct position of the movable surface with respect to the static surfaces can be reached in a single step (i.e., movements of the movable surface with respect to the static surfaces controlled by the actuator 4) or in a sequence of small steps in search of the desired opposition force, shifting at the end of each period until the measured value of the opposition force falls within the desired range.

[0101] It is noted that alternatively, such maximum or minimum values and therefore said range may be predefined and thus non-variable.

[0102] The actuator 4 may be configured to move the movable surface 2a, 2b or 2c along the movement axis 2e.

[0103] Preferably, the actuator 4 is configured to move the at least one movable surface 2a, 2b or 2c indirectly. In detail, it is configured to move the damper 3 so that, when the actuator 4 moves the damper 3, it drags the at least one movable surface 2a, 2b or 2c. More in detail, the actuator 4 is constrained to the damper 3 at the first end 31.

[0104] It may be a linear actuator such as a screw lead screw system, appropriately with ball recirculation.

[0105] The device 1 may also comprise a control board for the operation of the same device 1.

[0106] The board may be in data connection with the damper 3 so as to control its operation.

[0107] It may be in data connection with the force sensor 34 so as to be aware of the opposition force exerted by the damper 3.

[0108] The board may comprise a data storage memory.

[0109] Said memory and therefore the board may comprise the maximum value and the minimum value of the opposition force. In some cases, the memory and therefore the board may comprise one or more data acquired by the sensor 34. For example, they may comprise a historical database associating a value of the opposition force with a moment of acquisition of said value so as to allow to know the temporal evolution of said force.

[0110] The board may be in data connection with the actuator 4 so as to control its operation.

[0111] The mooring device 1 may also comprise a casing 5 configured to house inside it the damper 3 and, in some cases, the actuator 4.

[0112] The casing 5 may be integrally constrained to the block 2 and in particular to the base 21 .

[0113] The device 1 may be part of the first body 1 a especially if identifiable as a boat as illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0114] The boat and therefore the first body 1 a may comprise at least the device 1 and a hull 11 to which said at least one device 1 is integrally constrained, appropriately in a rigid manner.

[0115] At least in the case of a boat, the hull 1 1 may define at least one lateral wall defining the underwater body and the topside of the first body; and a covering wall delimiting together with the lateral wall the internal volume of the hull 1 1 and therefore of the boat. Said lateral wall thus defines the sides of the hull, the bow stem and the stern transom.

[0116] The covering wall may define at least the deck, the cockpit and the deckhouse.

[0117] The device 1 may be integrated in the hull 11 . In particular, the block 2 and the base 21 may be constrained to the hull 1 1 at the upper wall, leaving the first section and second section visible and thus easily accessible. Preferably, the base 21 rests on the upper wall; while the casing 5 and therefore the damper 3 and the actuator 4 are integrated and thus housed in the hull 1 1 .

[0118] It is noted that the board of the device 1 may be integrated directly into the first body 1 a.

[0119] In some cases, the device 1 may be part of the second body 2 and in particular integral therewith.

[0120] The operation of the device 1 , and therefore of a first body 1 a provided therewith, previously described in structural terms, introduces a new mooring process.

[0121] Initially, as is known, the rope 1 c is constrained to the second body 1 b.

[0122] The mooring process comprises an association step wherein the rope 1 c is engaged to the device 1 and in particular brought into contact with the surfaces 2a, 2b and 2c.

[0123] In the association step, the rope 1 c is brought into contact with the surfaces 2a, 2b and 2c from alternately opposite sides with respect to the same rope 1 c. In particular, in the case of a single third surface 2c, the first surface 2a and the second 2b are placed on the same side with respect to the rope 1 c and the third surface 2c is in contact with the rope 1 c on the side opposite to the surfaces 2a and 2b with respect to the rope 1 c.

[0124] Preferably, the association step is carried out with the surfaces 2a, 2b and 2c in insertion configuration.

[0125] Preferably in this association step the constraint 35 is in active condition and holds fixed the distance between the ends 31 and 32.

[0126] The mooring process therefore comprises a step of constraining the first body 1 a to the second body 1 b by means of the rope 1 c.

[0127] This constraining step provides for a preloading sub-step in which the rope 1 c is tensioned defining a tension of the rope 1 c (for example by means of a winch); and then a locking sub-step in which the rope 1 c is constrained to the first body 1 a for example at a bollard.

[0128] Preferably, in this constraining step, the constraint 35 is in active condition and blocks the distance between the ends 31 and 32.

[0129] Once the constraining step is completed, the process may comprise a preloading step in which the rope 1 c is tensioned by means of, for example, the use of a winch. The process therefore comprises a loading step in which the actuator 4 moves a movable surface so as to increase the tension of the rope 1 c and thus the opposition force up to a value of the latter approximately included between said maximum and minimum values of the opposition force. In detail, in the loading step, the actuator 4 moves a movable surface until the force sensor 34 detects an opposition force included between maximum value and minimum value and precisely between 90% (in detail 80%) of the maximum value and 110% (in detail 120%) of the minimum value of the opposition force. More in detail, the actuator 4 moves a movable surface until the force sensor 34 detects an opposition force equal to a preload value of the opposition force.

[0130] It is emphasized that, as evident to a person skilled in the art, such preload value of the opposition force identifies a value (for example, double as in the case of Figs. 1-4) of the tension of the rope 1 c. Therefore, the preload value of the opposition force corresponds to a desired value of tension of the rope 1 c.

[0131] The preload value of the opposition force may be stored in the memory and therefore be part of the board.

[0132] Appropriately, the actuator 4 moves the damper 3 and, consequently, the movable surface associated therewith.

[0133] Preferably, in this loading step, the constraint 35 may keep the distance between the ends 31 and 32 locked.

[0134] The loading step may be automatically controlled by the board.

[0135] If the constraint 35 is present, the loading step may be ended by the constraint 35 which, for example, by releasing the constraint of the piston 332 to the cylinder 331 , switches to an inactive condition, thereby allowing a relative movement between the ends 31 and 32 along the sliding axis 3a and thus a variation of the distance between said ends 31 and 32.

[0136] At this point, the mooring process comprises a working step.

[0137] In the working step, the damper 3 absorbs the variations of the opposition force which in turn are given by a change in the tension of the rope 1 c, which is in turn determined by a movement between the first body 1 a and the second body 1 b, for example, due to a wave and / or the wind.

[0138] For example, in the event that the first body 1 a (for example, due to a wave or periodic movements of the first body 1 a) approaches the second body 1 b, the tension of the rope 1 c decreases. Consequently, the shock absorber 33 varies the distance between the ends 31 and 32, modifying the opposition force until it again becomes equal to the tension of the rope 1 c and at the same time causing a damping of the movement between the ends 31 and 32 and thus between the bodies 1 a and 1 b. In particular, the damping body 333 causes a sliding of the piston 332 with respect to the cylinder 331 such as to cause both a damping of the motion and a discharge, at least partial, of the elastic means and thus a reduction of the opposition force.

[0139] The process also comprises a monitoring step in which the force sensor 34 detects and measures the opposition force exerted by the damper 3 in the working step so that if one or more of the opposition forces are not within the maximum and minimum values, the device 1 , in detail the board, controls the actuator 4 to move the movable surface by varying the tension of the rope 1 c so as to bring the opposition force back within said maximum and minimum values.

[0140] The monitoring step is preferably carried out in parallel with the working step.

[0141] If the opposition force is greater than the maximum value and / or lower than the minimum value, the board controls a new loading step. In detail, the actuator 4 controls the movement of the movable surface and thus a variation in the tension of the rope 1 c until the opposition force falls within the desired values as described above.

[0142] In particular, the board may process a plurality of values acquired by the sensor 34 within a suitably predefined acquisition time of the opposition force and perform a comparison with said maximum value and said minimum value in order to determine whether to control a new loading step. Such comparison may, for example, be carried out by first determining an average of the acquired values and then, if it is not included between the maximum value and the minimum value, in the new loading step the actuator 4 controls a variation of the opposition force as a function (for example proportional or even equal) to the difference between said average and the average of the maximum and minimum values; in other cases, by comparing the maxima and minima of the acquired values with the maximum value and minimum value respectively, and with the minimum value in the new loading step the actuator 4 controls a variation of the opposition force as a function (for example proportional or even equal) to the difference between such values.

[0143] Appropriately, simultaneously with the new loading step, the board may control the interruption of the working step and, for example, control the constraint 35 to switch to the active condition, thereby blocking the action of the damper 3. Alternatively, the new loading step and the working step may be carried out simultaneously, allowing, for example, isolated peaks (such as those caused by a rogue wave or a gust of wind) to be absorbed thanks to the simultaneous action of the damper 3 and the actuator 4.

[0144] Otherwise, if the opposition force is within the maximum and minimum values, the board controls the continuation of the working step leaving the actuator 4 inactive.

[0145] Finally, the mooring process comprises a disassociation step in which the rope 1 c is disengaged from the device 1 and thus from at least one body 1 a or 1 b.

[0146] Preferably, the disassociation step is carried out with the surfaces 2a, 2b and 2c in insertion configuration.

[0147] The mooring device 1 according to the invention, and the process implemented thereby, achieve important advantages.

[0148] Indeed, the device 1 and the mooring process allow the mooring characteristics to be dynamically and automatically adapted to sea conditions and therefore to the displacements between the first body 1 a and the second body 1 b. In fact, thanks to the presence and particular implementation of the actuator 4 configured to act on variations of higher frequency than the damper 3, it is possible to always maintain the damper 3 in optimal working conditions by adjusting the tension of the rope 1 c according to, for example, a variation in the tide height or a change in mooring conditions (for example, due to the arrival / departure of a boat adjacent to the first body 1 a) without having to untie and redo the mooring.

[0149] This aspect is emphasized by the fact that, according to what has been described above, the damper 3 responds to a variation in the tension of the rope 1 c at a first frequency; whereas the actuator 4 responds to a variation in the tension of the rope 1 c at a second frequency, generally lower than the first frequency (except in the case of sudden force variations such as in the case of the peaks described above). In detail, the damper 3 responds to a variation in the tension of the rope 1 c caused by a first motion between the bodies 2 and 3 at relatively high frequency, such as that caused by waves or wind, while the actuator 4 responds to a variation in the tension of the rope 1 c caused by a second motion between the bodies 2 and 3 at relatively low frequency, such as that caused by tides.

[0150] Another important advantage is therefore the simplicity of use of the device 1 and the implementation of the process, which allow a virtually perfect mooring to be carried out in an extremely fast and simple manner.

[0151] A not insignificant advantage is that the mooring device 1 proves particularly simple to manufacture and therefore also low in cost and maintenance.

[0152] An important advantage lies in the fact that the device 1 and the process allow the first body 1 a to be kept safe even in the event of sudden variations (such as those caused by a rogue wave) or periodic ones such as tides.

[0153] It is noted that these advantages are also found in the case of application of the device 1 and therefore of the mooring process applied, in addition to boats, also to other types of first bodies 1 a such as platforms, breakwaters, and floating docks.

[0154] It is emphasized that the device 1 can also be implemented on known boats and first bodies 1 a.

[0155] Moreover, it does not prevent performing a mooring by bypassing the device 1 and thus using known techniques.

[0156] The invention is susceptible to variants falling within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

[0157] For example, in some cases, one or more of the static surfaces may be formed directly on the base 21. Therefore, in the case of static surfaces identifiable in the first surface 2a and in the second surface 2b, at least one of them is made in the base 21 (i.e., integral with it), and the block 2 is thus without the first pulley 22 and the second pulley 23. For example, the surfaces 2a, 2b could simply be made from pins or other static, non-rotating guides.

[0158] In some cases, alternatively or in addition to the above, the damping body 333 may define the opposition force using a fluid and / or electrically.

[0159] In the first case, the damping body 333 may comprise a fluid filling at least part of the cylinder 331 and in which the piston 332 slides (in particular the head and at least part of the stem). The fluid is preferably a high-viscosity fluid such as oil.

[0160] In the second case, the body 333 may comprise at least one electric motor configured to define said opposition force; and a kinematic mechanism configured to convert the motion of the piston 332 into an input motion to the electric motor. Preferably, in this case, the damping body 333 may comprise multiple electric motors.

[0161] Each electric motor may comprise a rotor and a stator and be configured to define the opposition force by exploiting the opposition to a mutual rotation between stator and rotor.

[0162] Optionally, the electric motor and therefore the damping body 333 are used to generate energy based on the sliding of the piston 332.

[0163] In both the first and the second case, the damping body 333 may vary the working condition by altering the opposition force and, precisely, at least the maximum value and the minimum value of the opposition force. In detail, in the first case, the body 333 is configured to modify the opposition force by varying the fluid density by means of, for example, fluid heating means; in the second case, such variation is obtainable by modifying the opposition to the rotation between rotor and stator through alteration of the magnetic parameters of the poles on the stator and / or rotor. In these cases, the board may be in data connection with the damping body 333 so as to control said variation of the opposition force.

[0164] Furthermore, the storage memory and therefore the board may comprise a data database associating a maximum value and a minimum value to each working condition (for example, magnetic parameter value and / or fluid temperature / density) of the damping body 333.

[0165] It is noted that, in the case of multiple movable surfaces 2a, 2b and 2c, the actuator 4 may move a movable surface 2a, 2b or 2c different from the one associated with and thus moved by the damper 3.

[0166] In some cases, at least one of the pulleys 22, 23 or 24 is motorized so as to control the rotation of the pulley 22, 23 or 24 with respect to the corresponding axis of rotation and thus the sliding of the rope 1 c on the respective surface 2a, 2b or 2c. In these cases, the first body 1 and in particular the boat 1 may be without a winch for tensioning the mooring rope 1 c.

[0167] In these cases, in the preloading sub-step, the motorized pulley 22, 23 or 24 controls the sliding of the rope 1 c and thus its tensioning.

[0168] In some cases, the actuator 4 may be integrated into the damper and, for example, into the piston 332. In detail, the actuator 4 may modify the length of the piston 332 and in particular of the piston rod of the piston 332.

[0169] It is noted that these cases just described may be implemented mutually, that is, together, or as partial or total alternatives.

[0170] In this context, all the details may be replaced with equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and dimensions may be any.

Claims

C LAI M S1. Mooring device (1 ) configured to vary the tension of a mooring rope (1 c) of a first floating body (1 a) to a second body (1 b); said device (1 ) being characterized in that it comprises- a first surface (2a) for sliding of said rope (1 c) incoming said device (1 );- a second surface (2b) for sliding of said rope (1 c) outgoing said device (1 );- at least one third surface (2c) for sliding of said rope (1 c) interposed between said first surface (2a) and said second surface (2b); in that- said surfaces (2a, 2b, 2c) comprise one or more static surfaces and at least one movable surface with respect to said static surfaces so as to vary the length of the segment of rope (1 c) between said first surface (2a) and said second surface (2b) when said rope (1 c) is engaged to said device (1 ); in that it comprises- a damper (3) o comprising a first end (31 ) and a second end (32) movable with respect to said first end (31 ) and integral with said movable surface, and o configured to define an opposition force to a motion between said ends (31 , 32) so as to contrast a mutual motion between said static surfaces and said movable surface, thereby contrasting a variation in said tension of said rope (1 c) given by a mutual motion between said first body (1 a) and said second body (1 b);- a maximum value and a minimum value of said opposition force; in that it comprises- an actuator (4) configured to move said movable surface with respect to said static surfaces so as to vary said tension of said rope (1 c) and thereby maintain said opposition force between said maximum value and said minimum value; and in that- said damper (3) comprises a force sensor (34) configured to measure said opposition force; and wherein said device (1 ) comprises a board configured to control said actuator (4) to move said movable surface when said force sensor (34) measures said opposition force not comprised between said maximum value and said minimum value.

2. Device (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said surfaces (2a, 2b, 2c) are configured to contact said rope (1 c) from alternately and sequentially opposite sides with respect to said rope (1 c) when said rope (1 c) is engaged to said device (1 ) and thereby in contact with said surfaces (2a, 2b, 2c).

3. Device (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein said damper (3) comprises a constraint (35) configured to mutually constrain said ends (31 , 32) so as to prevent their mutual movement when said actuator (4) moves said movable surface.

4. Device (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein said movable surface is movable along a movement axis (2e) and wherein said actuator (4) is configured to move said movable surface along said movement axis (2e); and wherein said ends (31 , 32) are mutually movable along a sliding axis (3a) substantially parallel to said movement axis (2e).

5. Device (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein said actuator (4) is a screw lead screw system.

6. Device (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein said actuator (4) is constrained to said damper (3) so as to move said damper (3) by dragging said movable surface.

7. Device (1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said surfaces (2a, 2b, 2c) comprise a first movable surface and a second movable surface; wherein said second end (32) is integral with said first movable surface; and wherein said actuator (4) moves said second movable surface.

8. First body (1 a) comprising at least one device (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, and wherein said first body (1 a) is selected from a boat, a platform, a breakwater, and a floating dock.

9. Mooring process of a first floating body to a second body by means of a rope; said process being characterized in that it comprises- a device (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims- a working step in which said damper (3) absorbs a variation of said tension of said rope (1 c) by varying said opposition force between said ends (31 , 32);- a monitoring step of said opposition force of said damper (3) in said working step such that if said opposition force is not comprised between said maximum value and said minimum value, said device (1 ), controls said actuator (4) to move said movable surface by varying the tension of said rope (1 c) so as to bring said opposition force back to being comprised between said maximum value and said minimum value.

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