Marine vessel, and trailer fixing system

Abstract

This marine vessel includes: a hull; a vehicle deck which is provided on the hull and on which it is possible to mount, side by side, a plurality of trailers of semi-trailers in a longitudinal direction of the trailer in a state in which a trailer support for supporting a front part of the trailer from below is attached; and an engagement part which is provided on the vehicle deck with which a twist lock provided at a lower end of the trailer support can be engaged by inserting the twist lock and rotating the same around an axis extending in the vertical direction. The engagement tool includes: a groove into which the twist lock located at a lock release position extending in the longitudinal direction of the trailer can be vertically inserted and removed; and a restricting part that, when the twist lock inserted into the groove is rotated and the twist lock is set to a lock position extending in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the trailer, abuts against the twist lock, thus restricting the upward displacement of the twist lock. A length of the groove is twice or more a length of the twist lock in the longitudinal direction.

Description

Boat and trailer securing systems

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-098059, filed on June 18, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Vessels such as car ferries and RO-RO ships sometimes carry only the trailer of a semi-trailer as cargo. The semi-trailer is towed to the vehicle deck on the ship by a tractor, and then detached from the tractor at a designated position on the vehicle deck.

[0003] The trailer frame of a trailer is equipped with landing gear to maintain the height of the front of the trailer when the tractor is uncoupled. However, this landing gear is designed for use on land and may not be strong enough to withstand the motion of the ship's hull. Therefore, the front of the trailer mounted on the vehicle deck must be supported from below by a special component such as a trailer dolly. In addition, semi-trailer trailers are secured to the ship's hull at multiple points with lashing belts to prevent them from skidding during voyages. This type of securing work requires manpower and time.

[0004] Meanwhile, Patent Document 1 proposes a technology for securing the front of a trailer to a vehicle deck using an inverted U-shaped trailer support. The trailer support in Patent Document 1 includes a support body attached to the underside of the front end of the trailer and a locking device for locking the lower end of the support body to the vehicle deck. The support body has a connecting portion extending in the vehicle width direction of the trailer and connected to the trailer, and a pair of legs extending downward from both ends of the connecting portion in the vehicle width direction. The locking device is provided at each lower end of the pair of legs and includes a twist-lock type locking member.

[0005] Special Publication No. 2000-505394

[0006] Meanwhile, a vessel capable of using the trailer support described in Patent Document 1 is provided with an engaging device (recessed through-track) at a predetermined position on the vehicle deck, with which a locking member of a locking device can engage. The engaging device has an opening that penetrates the vehicle deck from top to bottom. The locking member is inserted into the underside of the vehicle deck through this opening and then rotated (twisted) around a vertical axis to engage with the engaging device. Multiple such engaging devices are provided in the bow-stern direction at regular intervals that are set according to the standard length of trailers in Europe, for example.

[0007] However, trailers loaded at predetermined positions on the vehicle deck may be shorter than the standard length. When trailers shorter than the standard length are loaded together, if trailer supports are used to secure the trailers to the engaging devices provided at regular intervals, unnecessary gaps will be created between the trailers and adjacent trailers in the front and rear, resulting in a problem of reduced space efficiency on the vehicle deck compared to the belt lashing method.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a ship and trailer securing system that can reduce the burden of loading work and prevent a decrease in space efficiency on the vehicle deck.

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the vessel according to the present disclosure includes a hull, a vehicle deck, and an engaging device. The vehicle deck is provided on the hull. The vehicle deck is capable of carrying multiple semi-trailer trailers lined up in the longitudinal direction of the trailer, with a trailer support attached that supports the front of the trailer from below. The engaging device is provided on the vehicle deck. The engaging device can be engaged by inserting a twist lock provided at the lower end of the trailer support and rotating it about an axis extending in the vertical direction. The engaging device has a groove and a restricting portion. The groove allows the twist lock, which is in an unlocked position extending in the longitudinal direction of the trailer, to be inserted and removed vertically. The restricting portion abuts against the twist lock when the twist lock inserted in the groove is rotated to a locked position extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the trailer, thereby restricting upward displacement of the twist lock. The length of the groove is at least twice the longitudinal length of the twist lock.

[0010] The trailer securing system according to the present disclosure includes a trailer support and an engaging device. The trailer support is detachably attached to the underside of the front end of a trailer loaded on a vehicle deck provided within the hull of a ship. The engaging device is provided on the vehicle deck. The trailer support includes a support body and a twist lock. The support body is interposed between the front end of the trailer and the vehicle deck and supports the front end of the trailer from below. The twist lock is provided on the lower end of the support body. The engaging device includes a groove and a restricting portion. The groove allows the twist lock, which is in an unlocked position extending in the longitudinal direction of the trailer, to be inserted and removed vertically. When the twist lock inserted in the groove is rotated to a locked position extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the trailer, the restricting portion abuts against the twist lock, thereby restricting upward displacement of the twist lock. The length of the groove is at least twice the longitudinal length of the twist lock.

[0011] The ship and trailer securing system disclosed herein can reduce the burden of loading work and prevent a decrease in the space efficiency of the vehicle deck.

[0012] 8 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a marine vessel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a semi-trailer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a side view of a trailer securing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a view of a trailer support of the trailer securing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the extension direction of the trailer. FIG. 12 is a view of the trailer support of FIG. 4, viewed from the vehicle width direction of the trailer. FIG. 13 is a side view showing a state in which a trailer equipped with a trailer support according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is towed by a tractor dedicated to loading. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an example of a vehicle deck on which an engaging device of the trailer securing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is arranged. FIG. 15 is a plan view showing an engaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrows IX-IX of FIG. 8. FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a state in which a twist lock of a trailer support is inserted into an engaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a manner different from that of FIG. 8. FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a configuration of an engaging device according to a first modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a plan view showing a configuration of an engaging device according to a second modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a plan view showing a configuration of an engaging device according to a third modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a plan view showing a configuration of an engaging device according to a fourth modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an engaging device according to a fifth modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an engaging member in a sixth modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Hereinafter, a boat and a trailer securing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. (Boat) The trailer securing system according to this embodiment can be applied to boats such as car ferries and roll-on / roll-off ships (RO-RO ships) that can transport automobiles and trucks as cargo. In this embodiment, a RO-RO ship will be used as an example of the boat.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the ship 1, which is a RO-RO ship, comprises a hull 2 ​​and a superstructure 3. The hull 2 ​​has sides 4, a bottom 5, and a plurality of decks 10. The sides 4 have a pair of side shell plates that form the port and starboard sides, respectively. The bottom 5 has a bottom shell plate that connects the sides 4. The superstructure 3 is formed on the upper deck 10B of the hull 2, and comprises a bridge 3A and accommodation areas 3B.

[0015] The hull 2 ​​in this embodiment is equipped with two shore ramps 12 for loading and unloading cargo such as vehicles. The vessel 1 is illustrated as having shore ramps 12 (stern ramp 12A and center ramp 12B) at the stern 2A and at a midpoint in the fore-aft direction FA on the starboard side 4. These shore ramps 12 are connected to the freeboard deck 10A, which is a boarding deck located on the middle level of the decks 10 of the hull 2 ​​that are formed in layers.

[0016] When these shore ramps 12 are folded down and deployed, vehicles such as passenger cars and trucks can drive themselves from the quay via the shore ramps 12 and enter the freeboard deck 10A. The vehicles (not shown) on board are loaded into predetermined positions on the vehicle deck 10C of a predetermined level via, for example, a rampway 13, which is a slope connecting adjacent decks 10 above and below.

[0017] (Semi-trailer) Fig. 2 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a semi-trailer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 2, the semi-trailer 20 includes a towed vehicle (hereinafter simply referred to as a trailer 21) that cannot travel on its own, and a towing vehicle (hereinafter simply referred to as a tractor 22). The boat 1 of this embodiment is capable of transporting the trailer 21 alone as cargo.

[0018] The trailer 21 illustrated in this embodiment is a van-type trailer, and includes at least a trailer frame 24, a box body 25, trailer wheels 26, landing gear 27, and a kingpin 28. In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the semi-trailer 20 is referred to as the extension direction Da, the width direction of the semi-trailer 20 as the vehicle width direction Db, and the up-down direction of the semi-trailer 20 as the up-down direction Dc. In the following description, "front" and "rear" refer to the "front" and "rear" in the extension direction Da.

[0019] The trailer cradle 24 supports the box body 25 from below. The trailer cradle 24 extends in the extension direction Da. The box body 25 has a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape with a longitudinal direction in the extension direction Da and has a space for accommodating cargo therein. The box body 25 is fixed to the trailer cradle 24. The trailer wheels 26 support the rear of the trailer cradle 24 from below and are rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the vehicle width direction Db. Note that while the present embodiment illustrates a case in which the box body 25 is mounted on the trailer cradle 24, the shape is not limited to a box shape and may be modified as appropriate, such as a shape with an open top or a tank shape. Furthermore, while the present embodiment illustrates a case in which two pairs of trailer wheels 26 are arranged side by side, front and rear, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The number and arrangement of the trailer wheels 26 may be modified as appropriate.

[0020] The landing gear 27 supports the trailer 21 from below and maintains the height position of the front of the trailer 21 when the trailer 21 is separated from the tractor 22 (hereinafter simply referred to as "during separation"). The landing gear 27 is disposed on both sides of the trailer frame 24 in the vehicle width direction Db and is extendable in the up-down direction Dc. The landing gear 27 is in a contracted state when the tractor 22 and the trailer 21 are coupled together (hereinafter simply referred to as "during coupling") and is in an extended state when the tractor 22 and the trailer 21 are separated together. In this embodiment, the landing gear 27 is disposed between the center position of the trailer 21 and the kingpin 28 in the extension direction Da. Note that in FIG. 2, the landing gear 27 in the extended state is indicated by a dashed line.

[0021] The kingpin 28 can be connected to a coupler 29 (described later) arranged on the upper rear surface of the tractor 22. The kingpin 28 has a pillar shape that protrudes downward from the lower front surface of the trailer frame 24, which is located above the rear of the tractor 22 when connected.

[0022] The tractor 22 of this embodiment includes at least a chassis 31, a cab 32, tractor wheels 33, and a coupler 29. The chassis 31 extends in the extension direction Da. The rear of the chassis 31 is disposed below the front of the trailer frame 24 when coupled. The cab 32 is disposed at the front of the chassis 31 and forms a driver's cab. In this embodiment, the cab 32 of the tractor 22 is a so-called cab-over type cab disposed above a propulsion engine (not shown). The tractor wheels 33 are provided at the front and rear of the chassis 31. In this embodiment, a pair of the tractor wheels 33 provided at the front of the chassis 31 serve as steering wheels, and a pair provided at the rear serve as drive wheels.

[0023] The coupler 29 is disposed on the upper rear surface of the chassis 31. The kingpin 28 can be inserted into and removed from the coupler 29 from the rear of the tractor 22. Furthermore, by performing a predetermined operation with the kingpin 28 inserted, the coupler 29 can be put into a locked state in which the kingpin 28 cannot be removed. In the locked state, the coupler 29 allows the kingpin 28 to rotate about its axis, while restricting the kingpin 28 from being displaced relative to the coupler 29 in the extension direction Da, the vehicle width direction Db, and the up-down direction Dc.

[0024] The trailer 21 configured as described above travels on the road as a semi-trailer 20 towed by the tractor 22 and is brought to a quay. When the semi-trailer 20 arrives at the quay, the landing gear 27 is extended from its retracted state, and the coupler 29 is set to an unlocked state that allows the kingpin 28 to be removed. Furthermore, in this state, the tractor 22 is driven forward. This separates the tractor 22 from the trailer 21, and the trailer 21 becomes self-supporting thanks to the landing gear 27. Thereafter, prior to loading the trailer 21 onto the ship 1, a trailer support 80, which will be described later, is attached to the trailer 21.

[0025] (Trailer Securing System) Fig. 3 is a side view of a trailer securing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a view of a trailer support of the trailer securing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the extension direction of the trailer. Fig. 5 is a view of the trailer support of Fig. 4, viewed from the vehicle width direction of the trailer. As shown in Fig. 3, the trailer securing system 40 includes a trailer support 80 and an engaging device 100.

[0026] (Trailer Support) The trailer support 80 is detachably attached to the front end of the trailer 21. The trailer support 80 supports the trailer frame 24 at the front end of the trailer 21 from below. The trailer support 80 supports the load of the trailer 21 parked at a predetermined mounting position on the vehicle deck 10C in place of the landing gear 27. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the trailer support 80 has at least a support body 81 and a twist lock 82.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4 , the support body 81 has an inverted U-shape when viewed from the extension direction Da. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the support body 81 has a connecting portion 83 and a pair of legs 84. The connecting portion 83 is plate-shaped extending along a plane intersecting the vertical direction Dc. When viewed from the vertical direction Dc, the connecting portion 83 has a rectangular shape extending in the vehicle width direction Db. A coupler 86 is provided on the connecting portion 83. The coupler 86 is detachably connected to a kingpin 28 provided on the underside of the trailer frame 24. This coupler 86 may have the same configuration as the coupler 29 provided on the tractor 22, but is not limited to having the same configuration as the coupler 29 of the tractor 22 as long as it is detachably connected to the kingpin 28 of the trailer 21. When the coupler 86 is connected to the kingpin 28, the connecting portion 83 supports the trailer frame 24 of the trailer 21 from below. The pair of legs 84 extend downward from both ends of the connecting portion 83 in the vehicle width direction Db. Each leg 84 has a rectangular cross section extending in the extension direction Da when viewed from the up-down direction Dc. The support body 81 is formed by the pair of legs 84 so that it can stand on its own on the vehicle deck 10C.

[0028] Additionally, a support kingpin 85 is provided below the connecting portion 83. The support kingpin 85 protrudes downward from the underside of the connecting portion 83. This support kingpin 85 is formed so that it can be connected to a coupler 29T provided on a dedicated tractor 22T called a tag master, which will be described later. The support kingpin 85 in this embodiment has the same shape as the kingpin 28 provided on the trailer 21, but it does not necessarily have to have the same shape as long as it can be connected to the coupler 29T of the tractor 22T.

[0029] A twist lock 82 is provided at the lower end of each of the pair of legs 84. As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the twist locks 82 are provided two by two, side by side with a gap in the extension direction Da, on each of the pair of legs 84. In other words, four twist locks 82 are provided per support 81.

[0030] The twist lock 82 has a rectangular or oval shape when viewed in the vertical direction Dc. The twist lock 82 is provided to protrude downward from the lower end of the leg portion 84. The twist lock 82 is provided at the lower end of the shaft 87. The shaft 87 is provided within the pair of legs 84 and extends in the vertical direction Dc. The shaft 87 is provided to be rotatable about an axis C extending in the vertical direction Dc, and is capable of rotation about the axis C by an appropriate drive mechanism using hydraulics or the like. Furthermore, the shaft 87 is provided to be able to be raised and lowered in the vertical direction Dc. The shaft 87 can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction Dc by an appropriate drive mechanism using hydraulics or the like. The twist lock 82 can be rotated around the axis C together with the shaft 87 to move between an unlocked position in which the longitudinal direction of the twist lock 82 is aligned with the extension direction Da, and a locked position in which the longitudinal direction of the twist lock 82 is aligned with the vehicle width direction Db.

[0031] 6 is a side view showing a trailer equipped with a trailer support according to an embodiment of the present disclosure being towed by a tractor dedicated to loading. As shown in Fig. 6, a trailer support 80, which is called a tugmaster and is pre-attached to a tractor 22T dedicated to loading onto the ship 1, is attached to the front end of the trailer 21. The trailer 21 is towed by the tractor 22T and transported from the quay to the inside of the ship 2 via a shore ramp 12.

[0032] The tractor 22T, like the tractor 22, is equipped with at least a chassis 31T, a cab 32, tractor wheels 33, and a coupler 29T. The rear portion of the chassis 31T of the tractor 22T is formed at a height that allows it to be inserted below the front portion of the trailer frame 24 with the trailer support 80 attached.

[0033] The coupler 29T is disposed on the upper surface of the rear of the chassis 31T. The coupler 29T allows the support kingpin 85 to be inserted into and removed from the coupler 29T from the rear of the tractor 22T. Furthermore, by performing a predetermined operation with the support kingpin 85 inserted, the coupler 29T can be placed in a locked state in which the support kingpin 85 cannot be removed. In the locked state, the coupler 29T allows the support kingpin 85 to rotate about its axis, while restricting the support kingpin 85 from being displaced relative to the coupler 29T in the extension direction Da, the vehicle width direction Db, and the up-down direction Dc.

[0034] (Engagement Device) FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of a vehicle deck on which engagement devices of a trailer securing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are arranged. As shown in FIG. 7 , a plurality of engagement devices 100 are provided on the vehicle deck 10C. These engagement devices 100 are embedded in the vehicle deck 10C so as not to interfere with vehicle travel on the vehicle deck 10C. Loading lanes 10s are provided on the vehicle deck 10C, allowing multiple trailers 21, with trailer supports 80 attached, to be lined up in the extension direction Da and loaded. In this embodiment, the loading lanes 10s extend in the bow-stern direction FA of the hull 2. The loading lanes 10s may also extend in the ship's width direction W. In this embodiment, the vehicle deck 10C is provided with a plurality of loading lanes 10s lined up at intervals in the ship's width direction W. Each loading lane 10s has a pair of engagement devices 100 on both sides of the ship's width direction W. The position of the engaging device 100 in the fore-and-aft direction FA in the loading lanes 10s may be the same or different among the multiple loading lanes 10s.

[0035] Figure 8 is a plan view showing an engaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in Figure 8. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the engaging device 100 includes a groove plate 101, a pair of side plates 102, a pair of end plates 103, a bottom plate 104, and a stopper 108. The engaging device 100 can secure the trailer support 80 by inserting a twist lock 82 provided at the lower end of the trailer support 80 into the engaging device 100 and rotating it about an axis C extending in the up-down direction Dc to a locked position.

[0036] In this embodiment, the groove plate 101 is welded to a hole formed in a portion of the car deck 10C, thereby connecting to the car deck 10C. A groove 105 is formed in the groove plate 101. As shown in FIG. 8 , the groove 105 has, for example, an oval shape when viewed from the vertical direction Dc and extends in the extension direction Da of the trailer 21 loaded on the loading lane 10s. The groove 105 may also have a rectangular shape when viewed from the vertical direction Dc. The length Lm of the groove 105 in the extension direction Da is greater than the width Wm in the vehicle width direction Db. The width Wm of the groove 105 is greater than the width Wr of the twist lock 82 in the short direction. This allows the twist lock 82, which is in the unlocked position extending in the extension direction Da of the trailer 21, to be inserted and removed vertically through the groove 105.

[0037] The length Lm of each groove 105 is at least twice the longitudinal length Lr of the twist lock 82. The length Lm of each groove 105 exemplified in this embodiment is greater than the sum of twice the longitudinal length Lr of each twist lock 82 and the length S of the gap between two twist locks 82 that are in the unlocked position and arranged side by side in the extension direction Da of the trailer 21. It is preferable that the length Lm of each groove 105 be greater by, for example, about 20 mm to 50 mm than the sum (Lr × 2 + S) of twice the length Lr and the gap length S.

[0038] 9, the underside of the groove plate 101 forms a restricting portion 101f. When the twist lock 82 inserted into the groove 105 is rotated to a locked position extending in the vehicle width direction Db that intersects with the extension direction Da of the trailer 21, the restricting portion 101f abuts against the twist lock 82, thereby restricting the upward displacement of the twist lock 82.

[0039] A pair of side plates 102, a pair of end plates 103, and a bottom plate 104 are provided below the groove plate 101. The pair of side plates 102 are provided at a distance in the vehicle width direction Db. When viewed from the up-down direction Dc, the pair of side plates 102 are disposed on both sides of the groove 105 in the vehicle width direction Db. Each side plate 102 extends downward from the groove plate 101. As shown in FIG. 8 , the pair of end plates 103 connect both ends of the pair of side plates 102 in the extension direction Da. In this embodiment, each end plate 103 is formed, for example, in an arc shape when viewed from the up-down direction Dc. When viewed from the up-down direction Dc, each end plate 103 may extend linearly in the vehicle width direction Db. As shown in FIG. 9 , the bottom plate 104 is provided below the groove plate 101 at a distance and parallel to the groove plate 101. The bottom plate 104 connects the lower ends of the pair of side plates 102 and the lower ends of the pair of end plates 103 .

[0040] The engaging device 100 forms a space 100s below the groove plate 101, surrounded by a pair of side plates 102, a pair of end plates 103, and a bottom plate 104. When the engaging device 100 is in the unlocked position, with the longitudinal direction of the twist lock 82 aligned with the extension direction Da of the trailer 21, the twist lock 82 can be inserted into and removed from the groove 105. When the twist lock 82 is inserted through the groove 105 to a position below the groove plate 101 and rotated about an axis C extending in the up-down direction Dc to the locked position, the restricting portion 101f restricts upward displacement of the twist lock 82, and the trailer support 80 engages with the engaging device 100.

[0041] The stopper 108 is provided in the middle of the groove 105 in the extension direction (extension direction Da) when viewed from above. In this embodiment, for example, two stoppers 108 are provided spaced apart in the extension direction Da. The stoppers 108 are provided in positions overlapping the grooves 105 when viewed from above. Each stopper 108 extends in the vehicle width direction Db, which intersects with the extension direction of the grooves 105, below the groove plate 101. Both ends of each stopper 108 are welded to, for example, a pair of side plates 102. The stoppers 108 divide the groove 105 into multiple sections when viewed from above. The stoppers 108 restrict movement of the twist lock 82 inserted in the groove 105 in the extension direction of the groove 105 (extension direction Da).

[0042] As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the engaging devices 100 are provided in pairs spaced apart on both sides of the loading lane 10s in the vehicle width direction Db, and multiple sets are arranged at intervals in the extension direction Da. In each loading lane 10s in this embodiment, an engaging device group 100G is formed, where multiple sets of engaging devices 100 are arranged in the extension direction Da. In this embodiment, the engaging device group 100G is formed by arranging three sets of engaging devices 100 in the extension direction Da. The engaging device group 100G, which includes multiple sets of engaging devices 100, can be arranged over a length A of, for example, 2 m to 4 m in the extension direction Da.

[0043] 8, in each engaging device group 100G, the distance X between the grooves 105 of adjacent engaging devices 100 in the extension direction Da is less than the distance S between the two twist locks 82 in the unlocked position arranged side by side in the extension direction Da. This allows the two twist locks 82 on one leg 84 to be inserted into and engaged with the two grooves 105 arranged side by side in the extension direction Da.

[0044] 7, a plurality of such engaging device groups 100G are arranged at intervals in the extension direction Da in the loading lane 10s. The interval D between the plurality of engaging device groups 100G in the extension direction Da is preferably, for example, 8 m to 11 m.

[0045] (Method of securing a trailer in a trailer securing system) As shown in Figure 3, a tractor 22T equipped with the trailer support 80 described above tows a trailer 21 and moves it via a rampway 13, which is a slope, to a vehicle deck 10C on a predetermined level of the deck 10, where the trailer 21 will be loaded, on which the trailer 21 will be loaded. When the trailer 21 arrives at the vehicle deck 10C on the predetermined level, the pair of legs 84 of the trailer support 80 are placed on the vehicle deck 10C at the predetermined loading position, and the multiple twist locks 82 are inserted into the grooves 105 of the engaging devices 100. At this time, the twist locks 82 are placed in the unlocked position.

[0046] Next, when the twist lock 82 inserted into the groove 105 is rotated around the axis C by a drive mechanism (not shown), the twist lock 82 is restricted from moving upward. At this time, the twist lock 82 presses against the lower surface of the groove plate 101 from below, preventing the twist lock 82 from sliding in the extension direction Da. As a result, the front of the trailer 21 is supported from below by the trailer support 80, and the trailer support 80 is engaged with the engaging device 100. Therefore, the trailer 21 is secured to the car deck 10C without the use of a lashing belt or the like.

[0047] After this, the coupler 29T of the tractor 22T is unlocked from the support kingpin 85, the tractor 22T is moved forward, and the support kingpin 85 is pulled out from the coupler 29T. This separates the tractor 22T from the trailer support 80. Then, the tractor 22T, having been separated from the trailer 21, disembarks through the shore ramp 12.

[0048] Figure 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the twist locks of the trailer support are inserted into an engaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a manner different from that shown in Figure 8. When inserting the twist locks 82 of the trailer support 80 into the grooves 105 of the engaging device 100, at least one of the engaging devices 100 of the engaging device group 100G is selected depending on the length of the trailer 21 in the extension direction Da. In this case, as shown in Figure 8, two twist locks 82 aligned in the extension direction Da may be inserted into the groove 105 of one of the engaging devices 100 of the engaging device group 100G, or as shown in Figure 10, two twist locks 82 aligned in the extension direction Da may be inserted into the grooves 105 of two engaging devices 100 adjacent in the extension direction Da among the engaging devices 100 of the engaging device group 100G, one each.

[0049] (Effects) In the vessel 1 and trailer securing system 40 of the above embodiment, the front of the trailer 21 is supported from below by the trailer support 80, which engages with the engaging device 100. This allows the trailer 21 to be easily secured to the car deck 10C without using lashing belts or the like. This reduces the burden of loading work. Furthermore, because the length Lm of the groove 105 of the engaging device 100 is more than twice the longitudinal length Lr of the twist lock 82, the range over which the twist lock 82 can be inserted into the groove 105 is extended in the extension direction Da of the trailer 21. This increases the flexibility of the position at which the trailer 21 is secured to the car deck 10C. Therefore, when trailers 21 shorter than the standard length are loaded, unnecessary gaps between adjacent trailers 21 can be reduced. As a result, the space efficiency of the car deck 10C is reduced.

[0050] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the length Lm of the groove 105 is greater than the sum of twice the longitudinal length Lr of the twist lock 82 and the length S of the gap between two twist locks 82 in the unlocked position and arranged side by side in the extension direction Da of the trailer 21. Therefore, the range over which the two twist locks 82 can be inserted into the groove 105 is longer in the extension direction Da of the trailer 21, increasing the degree of freedom in the position at which the trailer 21 is fixed to the vehicle deck 10C.

[0051] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the length X between the grooves 105 of the engaging devices 100 adjacent to each other in the extension direction of the grooves 105 is less than or equal to the length S of the gap between two twist locks 82 that are in the unlocked position and arranged side by side in the extension direction Da of the trailer 21. This allows the two twist locks 82 to be inserted into and engaged with both of the grooves 105 of the two engaging devices 100 that are adjacent to each other in the extension direction of the grooves 105. In this way, by engaging one trailer support 80 so that it straddles the engaging devices 100 that are adjacent to each other in the extension direction of the grooves 105, the degree of freedom in the position at which the trailer 21 is fixed to the vehicle deck 10C is further increased.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the engaging device 100 has a groove plate 101, a pair of side plates 102, and a bottom plate 104, and is formed in a box shape when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the trailer 21. This makes it possible to easily perform maintenance within the space 100s.

[0053] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the stopper 108 is provided on the engaging device 100, and the stopper 108 can restrict movement of the twist lock 82 inserted into the groove 105 in the extension direction of the groove 105. In particular, in a configuration in which the groove 105 is formed long to increase the degree of freedom in the position at which the trailer 21 is fixed to the car deck 10C, even if the twist lock 82 in the locked position slides in the extension direction of the groove 105, the amount of sliding of the twist lock 82 can be reduced, making it possible to prevent the trailer 21 from shifting in the extension direction Da.

[0054] (First Modification of the Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an engaging device according to a first modification of the embodiment of the present disclosure. In the above embodiment, the stopper 108 is attached to the engaging device 100 by welding, but this is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 11 , the stopper 108 of the engaging device 100B may be detachably attached to the groove plate 101 by a bolt 109. Furthermore, when the stopper 108 is detachably attached to the groove plate 101 by a bolt 109, the groove plate 101 may be provided with a plurality of bolt insertion holes 101h spaced apart in the extension direction Da. As a result, by appropriately selecting the bolt insertion holes 101h through which the bolts 109 are inserted, the attachment position of the stopper 108 in the extension direction of the groove 105 can be changed depending on the position of the bolt insertion holes 101h.

[0055] (Second Modification of the Embodiment) FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the configuration of an engaging device according to a second modification of the embodiment of the present disclosure. In the above embodiment, the stopper 108 restricts movement of the twist lock 82 in the extension direction of the groove 105, but this is not limited to this. For example, as in the second modification shown in FIG. 12 , a pair of side plates 102 of the engaging device 100C may be provided with a plurality of protrusions 102s spaced apart in the extension direction (extension direction Da) of the groove 105. Each protrusion 102s protrudes inward in the width direction (vehicle width direction Db) of the groove 105. The position of the protrusion 102s formed on one side plate 102 in the extension direction Da coincides with the position of the protrusion 102s formed on the other side plate 102 in the extension direction Da. In other words, the plurality of protrusions 102s formed on one side plate 102 and the plurality of protrusions 102s formed on the other side plate 102 are arranged to face each other in the vehicle width direction Db. Furthermore, in this second modified example, the space between adjacent protrusions 102s in the extension direction Da is formed as an arc-shaped curved surface 102w when viewed from above so as not to interfere with the twist lock 82 when the twist lock 82 is rotated around the axis C.

[0056] In this way, by providing multiple protrusions 102s on the pair of side plates 102, when the twist lock 82 in the locked position attempts to slide (move) in the direction of extension of the groove 105, the twist lock 82 abuts against the protrusions 102s. Therefore, the twist lock 82 is restricted from sliding in the direction of extension of the groove 105 without using a removable stopper 108. This makes it possible to efficiently prevent the trailer 21 from shifting in the extension direction Da while suppressing an increase in the number of parts, even in a configuration in which the groove 105 is formed long to increase the degree of freedom in the position at which the trailer 21 is fixed to the car deck 10C.

[0057] (Third Modification of the Embodiment) FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the configuration of an engaging device according to a third modification of the embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, as in the third modification shown in FIG. 13 , a pair of side plates 102 of an engaging device 100D may be provided with a plurality of protrusions 102t spaced apart in the extension direction (extension direction Da) of the groove 105, thereby eliminating the curved surface 102w of the second modification. In this third modification, each protrusion 102t protrudes inward in the width direction of the groove 105 and has, for example, a semicircular shape when viewed from above. Note that the shape of the protrusions 102t is not limited to a semicircular shape and may be, for example, a triangular or rectangular shape when viewed from above. In this way, by providing a plurality of protrusions 102t on the pair of side plates 102, it is possible to prevent the twist lock 82 in the locked position from sliding (moving) in the extension direction of the groove 105 while suppressing an increase in the number of parts, as in the second modification, with a simpler shape than the first modification.

[0058] (Fourth Modification of the Embodiment) FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the configuration of an engaging device in a fourth modification of the embodiment of the present disclosure. In the above embodiment, the engaging device group 100G is configured with multiple sets of engaging devices 100, but this is not limited to this. For example, as in the fourth modification shown in FIG. 14, the engaging device group 100G may include only one set of grooves 105E having a length equal to or greater than the total length of the multiple sets of engaging devices 100 aligned in the extension direction Da in the above embodiment. When the total length of the multiple sets of engaging devices 100 aligned in the extension direction Da is used, the groove 105E may have a length Lm2 in the extension direction Da of, for example, 2 m to 4 m. Furthermore, when the total length of the multiple sets of engaging devices 100 aligned in the extension direction Da is greater than the total length, the groove 105E may have the maximum length within the range that can be installed on the loading lane 10s. When the grooves 105E are set to the maximum length in this manner, one loading lane 10s is provided with one engaging member group 100G having one set of grooves 105E.

[0059] (Fifth Modification of the Embodiment) Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an engaging device in a fifth modification of the embodiment of the present disclosure. In the above embodiment, the engaging device 100 includes a channel plate 101, a pair of side plates 102, a pair of end plates 103, and a bottom plate 104, but this is not limited to this. For example, as in the case of an engaging device 100F of the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 15, when the engaging device is disposed adjacent to a member 2m that forms the hull structure, such as a bulkhead, girder, or longitudinal member that constitutes the hull 2, the side plate 102, for example, may be formed by the member 2m.

[0060] (Sixth Modification of the Embodiment) Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an engaging device in a sixth modification of the embodiment of the present disclosure. In the above embodiment, each engaging device 100 has a box structure including a groove plate 101, a pair of side plates 102, a pair of end plates 103, and a bottom plate 104. However, this is not limited to this. For example, as in the sixth modification shown in Figure 16, a space 100s may be formed by a pair of side plates 102G and a bottom plate 104G so as to straddle the undersides of the engaging devices 100 of adjacent loading lanes 10s in the vehicle width direction Db (ship width direction W). In this case, the pair of side plates 102G extend downward from each of the groove plates 101 of the engaging devices 100 adjacent in the vehicle width direction Db. The bottom plate 104G connects the lower ends of the pair of side plates 102G. By appropriately setting the height Dc of the pair of side plates 102G in the vertical direction and the width Db of the bottom plate 104G in the vehicle width direction, it is possible to make this space 100s large enough for workers to enter.

[0061] <Additional Notes> The boat 1 and the trailer securing system 40 described in the embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0062] (1) A vessel 1 according to a first aspect comprises a hull 2, a vehicle deck 10C provided on the hull 2 ​​and capable of loading a plurality of trailers 21 of semi-trailers 20 in a line in the extension direction Da of the trailers 21 with trailer supports 80 attached thereto that support the front portions of the trailers 21 from below, and an engaging device 100 provided on the vehicle deck 10C that can be engaged by inserting a twist lock 82 provided on the lower end of the trailer support 80 and rotating it around an axis C extending in the up-down direction Dc. The engaging device 100 is provided to the trailer support 80. The trailer 21 has a groove 105 into which the twist lock 82, which is in an unlocked position extending in the extension direction Da of the trailer 21, can be inserted and removed vertically, and a regulating portion 101f that abuts against the twist lock 82 to regulate the upward displacement of the twist lock 82 when the twist lock 82 inserted into the groove 105 is rotated to be in a locked position extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction Da of the trailer 21, and the length Lm of the groove 105 is at least twice the longitudinal length Lr of the twist lock 82.

[0063] The vessel 1 is equipped with an engaging device 100 that can engage a twist lock 82 provided at the lower end of a trailer support 80. The trailer support 80 is attached to the front of the trailer 21 of the semi-trailer 20. By setting the twist lock 82 provided at the lower end of the trailer support 80 to an unlocked position in the extension direction Da of the trailer 21, the twist lock 82 can be inserted into a groove 105 of the engaging device 100. When the twist lock 82 inserted into the groove 105 is rotated around an axis C extending in the up-down direction Dc, the twist lock 82 abuts against a restricting portion 101f of the engaging device 100, thereby restricting upward displacement of the twist lock 82. As a result, the trailer support 80 engages with the engaging device 100 while supporting the front of the trailer 21 from below. Therefore, the trailer 21 can be secured to the vehicle deck 10C without using a lashing belt or the like. Because the length Lm of the groove 105 of the engaging device 100 is at least twice the longitudinal length Lr of the twist lock 82, the range over which the twist lock 82 can be inserted into the groove 105 is longer in the extension direction Da of the trailer 21. This increases the flexibility of the position at which the trailer 21 is secured to the car deck 10C. As a result, the burden of loading work can be reduced and the reduction in the space efficiency of the car deck 10C can be prevented.

[0064] (2) The vessel 1 according to the second aspect is the vessel 1 of (1), wherein the trailer support 80 has two twist locks 82 arranged side by side in the extension direction Da of the trailer 21, and the length Lm of the groove 105 is greater than the sum of twice the longitudinal length Lr of the twist lock 82 and the length S of the gap between the two twist locks 82 in the unlocked position and arranged side by side in the extension direction Da of the trailer 21.

[0065] With this configuration, the length Lm of the groove 105 is greater than the sum of twice the longitudinal length Lr of the twist locks 82 and the distance between two twist locks 82 in the unlocked position that are arranged side by side in the extension direction Da of the trailer 21. This increases the range over which the two twist locks 82 can be inserted into the groove 105 in the extension direction Da of the trailer 21, increasing the degree of freedom in the position at which the trailer 21 is secured to the car deck 10C.

[0066] (3) The vessel 1 according to the third aspect is the vessel 1 of (2), wherein the engaging devices 100 are arranged in a row in the direction in which the grooves 105 extend, and the length X between the grooves 105 of adjacent engaging devices 100 in the direction in which the grooves 105 extend is less than or equal to the length S of the gap between two twist locks 82 in the unlocked position and arranged in a row in the extension direction Da of the trailer 21.

[0067] This allows two twist locks 82 to be inserted into and engaged with both of the grooves 105 of two engaging devices 100 that are adjacent in the direction of extension of the grooves 105. In this way, by engaging one trailer support 80 so that it straddles the engaging devices 100 that are adjacent in the direction of extension of the grooves 105, the degree of freedom in the position at which the trailer 21 is fixed to the vehicle deck 10C is further increased.

[0068] (4) The vessel 1 according to the fourth aspect is any one of the vessels 1 of (1) to (3), and the engaging device 100 has a groove plate 101 arranged along the vehicle deck 10C and having the groove 105 and the regulating portion 101f, a pair of side plates 102 arranged at a distance greater than the longitudinal length Lr of the twist lock 82 and extending downward from the groove plate 101, and a bottom plate 104 connecting the lower ends of the pair of side plates 102.

[0069] As a result, because the engaging device 100 has a groove plate 101, a pair of side plates 102, and a bottom plate 104, when the twist lock 82 is inserted downward from above the groove plate 101 through the groove 105, it becomes rotatable about an axis C extending in the up-down direction Dc below the groove plate 101 within a space 100s surrounded by the pair of side plates 102 and the bottom plate 104. When the twist lock 82 is rotated about the axis C within the space 100s, the twist lock 82 abuts against a restricting portion 101f of the groove plate 101 from below, thereby restricting upward displacement. Furthermore, by making the engaging device 100 box-shaped when viewed from the extension direction Da of the trailer 21, maintenance within the space 100s can be easily performed.

[0070] (5) The vessel 1 according to the fifth aspect is the vessel 1 of (4), wherein the engaging device 100 is provided at the middle of the direction in which the groove 105 extends when viewed from above and at a position overlapping the groove 105, and further includes a stopper 108 extending below the groove plate 101 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the groove 105 extends, and restricting the movement of the twist lock 82 inserted into the groove 105 in the direction in which the groove 105 extends.

[0071] As a result, the stopper 108 provided on the engaging device 100 restricts the movement of the twist lock 82 inserted into the groove 105 in the extension direction of the groove 105. Therefore, even in a configuration in which the groove 105 is formed long to increase the degree of freedom in the position at which the trailer 21 is fixed to the vehicle deck 10C, the movement of the twist lock 82 in the extension direction of the groove 105 is restricted, and positional deviation of the trailer 21 in the extension direction Da can be suppressed.

[0072] (6) The boat 1 according to a sixth aspect is the boat 1 of (5), wherein the stopper 108 is provided so as to be able to change its position in the extension direction of the groove 105. This allows the position of the stopper 108 to be changed as desired.

[0073] (7) The vessel 1 according to the seventh aspect is any one of the vessels 1 of (4) to (6), wherein the pair of side plates 102 have a plurality of protrusions 102s, 102t that protrude inward in the width direction of the groove 105 at intervals in the direction in which the groove 105 extends.

[0074] As a result, by providing multiple protrusions 102s, 102t on the pair of side plates 102, it is possible to restrict movement of the twist lock 82 in the locked position in the extension direction of the groove 105. Therefore, even in a configuration in which the groove 105 is formed long to increase the degree of freedom in the position at which the trailer 21 is fixed to the car deck 10C, it is possible to restrict movement of the twist lock 82 in the extension direction of the groove 105 and suppress misalignment of the trailer 21 in the extension direction Da.

[0075] (8) A trailer securing system 40 according to an eighth aspect includes a trailer support 80 detachably attached to the underside of the front end of a trailer 21 loaded on a vehicle deck 10C provided within the hull 2 ​​of the vessel 1, and an engaging device 100 provided on the vehicle deck 10C. The trailer support 80 includes a support 81 interposed between the front end of the trailer 21 and the vehicle deck 10C and supporting the front end of the trailer 21 from below, and a twist lock 82 provided at the lower end of the support 81. , and the engaging device 100 has a groove 105 into which the twist lock 82 can be inserted and removed vertically, and a regulating portion 101f that abuts against the twist lock 82 to regulate the upward displacement of the twist lock 82 when the twist lock 82 inserted into the groove 105 is rotated to set the twist lock 82 to a locked position extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction Da of the trailer 21, and the length Lm of the groove 105 is at least twice the longitudinal length Lr of the twist lock 82.

[0076] This trailer securing system 40 can secure the trailer 21 to the car deck 10C without using lashing belts or the like. Because the length Lm of the groove 105 of the engaging device 100 is at least twice the longitudinal length Lr of the twist lock 82, the range over which the twist lock 82 can be inserted into the groove 105 is longer in the extension direction Da of the trailer 21. This increases the flexibility of the position at which the trailer 21 is secured to the car deck 10C. As a result, the burden of loading operations can be reduced and the space efficiency of the car deck 10C can be minimized.

[0077] The ship and trailer securing system disclosed herein can reduce the burden of loading work and prevent a decrease in the space efficiency of the vehicle deck.

[0078] 1 Ship 2 Hull 2A Stern 2m Member 3 Superstructure 3A Bridge 3B Accommodation 4 Side 5 Ship bottom 10 Deck 10A Freeboard deck 10B Upper deck 10C Vehicle deck 10s Loading lane 12 Shore ramp 12A Stern ramp 12B Center ramp 13 Rampway 20 Semi-trailer 21 Trailer 22, 22T Tractor 24 Trailer stand 25 Box body 26 Trailer wheel 27 Landing gear 28 Kingpin 29, 29T, 86 Coupler 31, 31T Chassis 32 Cab 33 Tractor wheel 40 Trailer fixing system 80 Trailer support 81 Support 82 Twist lock 83 Connection part 84 Leg 85 Support king pin 87 Shaft 100, 100B to 100F Engagement tool 100G Engagement tool group 100s Space 101 Groove plate 101f Restriction part 101h Bolt insertion hole 102, 102G Side plate 102s, 102t Convex part 103 End plate 104, 104G Bottom plate 105, 105E Groove 108 Stopper 109 Bolt

Claims

1. A vessel comprising: a hull; a vehicle deck attached to the hull and capable of loading multiple semi-trailer trailers lined up in the longitudinal direction of the trailer with trailer supports attached that support the front of the trailer from below; and an engaging device attached to the vehicle deck and engageable by inserting twist locks attached to the lower ends of the trailer supports and rotating them about an axis extending in the vertical direction, wherein the engaging device has: grooves that allow the twist locks, which are in an unlocked position extending in the longitudinal direction of the trailer, to be inserted and removed vertically; and a restricting section that abuts against the twist locks and restricts upward displacement of the twist locks when the twist locks inserted in the groove are rotated to a locked position extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the trailer, wherein the length of the groove is at least twice the longitudinal length of the twist locks.

2. The vessel according to claim 1, wherein the trailer support has two twist locks arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the trailer, and the length of the groove is greater than the sum of twice the longitudinal length of the twist lock and the length of the gap between the two twist locks arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the trailer when in the unlocked position.

3. The vessel according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the engaging devices are arranged side by side in the direction in which the grooves extend, and the distance between the grooves of adjacent engaging devices in the direction in which the grooves extend is equal to or less than the distance between two of the twist locks that are in the unlocked position and arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the trailer.

4. A vessel as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the engaging device comprises: a groove plate provided along the vehicle deck and having the groove and the restricting portion; a pair of side plates extending downward from the groove plate and spaced apart at a distance greater than the longitudinal length of the twist lock; and a bottom plate connecting the lower ends of the pair of side plates together.

5. The vessel according to claim 4, wherein the engaging device further comprises a stopper that is provided at the middle of the direction in which the groove extends when viewed from above and that is positioned so as to overlap with the groove, that extends below the groove plate in a direction intersecting the direction in which the groove extends, and that restricts movement of the twist lock inserted into the groove in the direction in which the groove extends.

6. The vessel according to claim 5, wherein the stopper is provided so that its position in the direction in which the groove extends can be changed.

7. A vessel as set forth in claim 4, wherein the pair of side plates have a plurality of protrusions that protrude inward in the width direction of the groove at intervals in the direction in which the groove extends.

8. A trailer securing system comprising: a trailer support detachably attached to the underside of the front end of a trailer to be loaded on a vehicle deck provided within the hull of a ship; and an engaging device provided on the vehicle deck, wherein the trailer support has: a support body interposed between the front end of the trailer and the vehicle deck and supporting the front end of the trailer from below; and a twist lock provided at the lower end of the support body, wherein the engaging device has: a groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the trailer that allows the twist lock, when in an unlocked position, to be inserted and removed vertically; and a restricting part that abuts against the twist lock and restricts upward displacement of the twist lock when the twist lock inserted in the groove is rotated to a locked position extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the trailer, wherein the length of the groove is at least twice the longitudinal length of the twist lock.

Images