AU2018395882A1

AU2018395882A1 - Rotary connection for a drive device of a waterborne vessel

Info

Publication number: AU2018395882A1
Application number: AU2018395882A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jan Pellinghoff; Sophie Juliane Stutz
Original assignee: Siemens AG
Current assignee: Siemens Energy Global GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2017-12-29
Filing date: 2018-12-13
Publication date: 2020-07-02
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-13
Also published as: WO2019129496A1; EP3672867A1; DE102017223887A1; AU2018395882B2

Abstract

A rotary connection (1) of a drive device of a waterborne vessel (10) has a carrying structure (2) and a rotation structure (3), wherein the rotation structure (3) is mounted rotatably in relation to the carrying structure (2) and the rotation structure (3) is sealed in relation to the carrying structure (2) by means of a multiplicity of seals (4, 5, 6). The multiplicity of seals (4, 5, 6) are disposed at different radial distances from the axis of rotation (13) and said multiplicity of seals (4, 5, 6) can be replaced independently of one another.

Description

Rotary connection for a drive device of a waterborne vessel

The invention relates to a rotary connection of a drive device of a waterborne vessel and/or a waterborne vessel comprising the rotary connection.

The drive device is, for example, a pod or a steering propeller. The drive device is rotatable by means of a rotary connection on a waterborne vessel. Examples of waterborne vessels are cruise ships (in particular seagoing cruise ships or river cruise ships), cargo ships, cruisers, tugboats, roll-on/roll-off ships, ferries, specialist ships (in particular for wind farms, oil platforms, gas platforms, etc.). The rotary connection also relates, for example, to an electric steering propeller for a seagoing high-speed ship with a multiphase electric motor which is fastened below the stern of the ship in a gondola-like housing via a rotatable, preferably two-part, shaft and is able to be supplied with electrical drive power via a slip ring arrangement and is rotatable via drive motors.

The pod and/or the steering propeller is mounted so as to be azimuthally rotatable by means of an azimuth bearing. The azimuth bearing is present, for example, in pod drives (also called a gondola drive) so that the propeller of the drive is able to be used as a type of rudder and/or maneuvering member. Different rolling bearing arrangements and embodiments may be used for the azimuth bearing of azimuth drives for watercraft (waterborne vessels).

A pod drive is disclosed, for example, in WO 00/68073 or in EP 1 972 545 Al. Thus, for example, EP 1 972 545 Al discloses a vessel for a body of water which serves as a pod drive for a ship. The vessel for a body of water has, in particular, an underwater housing which is disposed on the hull of the ship, a propeller which is disposed outside the housing, and a propeller shaft (i.e. a drive shaft) on which the propeller sits. The propeller shaft is mounted in the housing. The housing has one or more through-openings, the propeller shaft being guided thereby out of the housing. A transmission in the form of a planetary transmission, which is coupled to the propeller shaft and has a transmission housing, is disposed, for example, inside the housing. The propeller may also be directly driven, i.e. without a transmission. A shaft seal seals the through-opening against the entry of fluid into the housing. The transmission in this case, in particular, is at a distance from the shaft seal. The propeller shaft and/or the propeller are driven via the transmission by a drive motor device which, for example, contains an electric motor. A direct drive without a transmission is also possible. In a pod drive, this electric motor is disposed in the interior of the housing. If the electric motor is disposed outside the housing in the ship's hull, it is a steering propeller. With an arrangement in the ship's hull, the propeller shaft and/or the propeller are driven via a vertical shaft, which is guided from the ship's hull into the housing, and a crown gear-bevel gear transmission disposed between the transmission and the vertical shaft. Embodiments without a transmission are also possible.

Not all parts of the azimuth drive device are permitted to come into contact with water. Thus, in particular, the parts of the drive device which are located in the hull of the waterborne vessel and/or the gondola with the electric drive machine and/or the azimuth bearing, etc. have to be protected from water. A seal is provided therefor.

It is an object of the invention to improve the seal of a rotary connection of a drive device of a waterborne vessel. The improvement relates, for example, to the sealing and/or improved ease of servicing. A seal arrangement for an azimuth system which permits ease of servicing relates, for example, to the installation, the monitoring and/or the replacement of seals.

The object is achieved by a rotary connection of a drive device of a waterborne vessel as claimed in claim 1. Embodiments of the rotary connection of a drive device of a waterborne vessel are disclosed in claims 2 to 13. Accordingly, the object is also achieved by a waterborne vessel having a rotary connection as claimed in one of claims 1 to 13.

A rotary connection of a drive device of a waterborne vessel has a carrying structure and a rotation structure, wherein the rotation structure is mounted rotatably in relation to the carrying structure, wherein the rotation structure is sealed in relation to the carrying structure by means of a multiplicity of seals. The sealing may be improved in a simple manner by the multiplicity of seals. The rotary connection, in particular, has bearings which, in particular, permit the azimuthal rotation of a pod or steering propeller. By means of the multiplicity of seals, in particular, water in which the waterborne vessel is located is prevented from being able to penetrate as far as the bearing. The multiplicity of seals are thus provided, in particular, for sealing against water. For example, a grease seal which prevents, for example, grease from being able to escape from the region of the bearing may also be provided between the bearing and the multiplicity of seals.

In one embodiment of the rotary connection, the multiplicity of seals are disposed concentrically to the axis of rotation of the rotation structure. This permits a simple and/or compact construction.

In one embodiment of the rotary connection, the seals are designed as sealing rings. In one embodiment of the rotary connection, the sealing rings are located in individual chambers, which are constructed by screwing on individual components, in particular support rings. The use of support rings increases the assembly effort and/or the dismantling effort.

In one embodiment of the rotary connection, the multiplicity of seals are disposed at equal radial distances from the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation in this case refers to the axis which permits an azimuthal rotation. The equal distance from the azimuthal axis of rotation results, in particular, in a vertical arrangement of the multiplicity of seals. The vertical arrangement of the individual sealing rings may facilitate a compact construction but also make access difficult for maintenance and servicing operations. This relates, in particular, to rotary connections in systems in which access is only possible either from above or from below.

In one embodiment of the rotary connection, the multiplicity of seals are disposed at different radial distances from the axis of rotation. This is a seal arrangement for an azimuth system which permits ease of servicing. Thus, for example, operations for changing the seals, in particular the sealing rings, may be carried out by processes which are less time-consuming and labor intensive, since in particular individual support rings of the seal construction no longer have to be dismantled one after the other in order to be able to change superimposed sealing rings where appropriate.

In one embodiment of the rotary connection, the sealing rings are no longer located vertically to one another but rather obliquely offset to one another. In such an arrangement, it is possible to combine the support rings in one component and thus have to dismantle only one component in order to reach all of the sealing rings. Moreover, the arrangement of the sealing rings may vary so that either the static part or the rotating part of the azimuth bearing is dismantled and removed in order to reach the seals (sealing rings).

In one embodiment of the rotary connection, therefore, a multiplicity of seals can be replaced independently of one another.

In one embodiment of the rotary connection, the multiplicity of seals are disposed in a conical manner. By positioning the sealing rings at a suitable angle the sealing surface may be further simplified. Thus the sealing surface may be configured as a cone. This variant and all of the other described variants may be advantageously combined together.

In one embodiment of the rotary connection, the multiplicity of seals are disposed in a stepped manner. This permits, for example, improved accessibility when replacing a seal, whereby this procedure may be carried out more rapidly.

In one embodiment of the rotary connection, the diameter of the multiplicity of seals tapers toward a gondola of the drive device. Thus access to the seals from above, i.e. from the interior of the ship, may be facilitated.

In one embodiment of the rotary connection, the diameter of the multiplicity of seals increases toward a gondola of the drive device. Thus access to the seals from below, i.e. on the gondola side, may be facilitated.

In one embodiment of the rotary connection, the carrying structure has at least one first segment for attaching at least one first seal of the multiplicity of seals. Thus at least parts of the carrying structure together with a seal may be replaced, which may shorten the duration of a replacement process.

In one embodiment of the rotary connection, the carrying structure has at least one second segment for attaching at least one second seal of the multiplicity of seals. This may also contribute to a shortening of the duration of a sealing process.

In one embodiment of the rotary connection, the carrying structure has a multiplicity of receivers for the multiplicity of seals, wherein the diameter of the multiplicity of receivers tapers toward a gondola of the drive device. By means of the tapering, the accessibility may be improved. In the case of a malfunction of a seal, not all of the seals have to be dismantled in order to replace a seal.

In one embodiment of the rotary connection, the carrying structure has a multiplicity of receivers for the multiplicity of seals, wherein the diameter of the multiplicity of receivers increases toward a gondola of the drive device. This also results in advantages when changing the seals.

In one embodiment of the rotary connection, this rotary connection has a side access. This side access may be present in addition to a vertical access to a vertically constructed rotary connection system.

The invention and further embodiments of the invention are described in more detail hereinafter with reference to exemplary embodiments in the figures; in which:

FIG 1 shows in a detail a waterborne vessel comprising a pod;

FIG 2 shows a rotary connection in section with a first arrangement of seals;

FIG 3 shows schematically the first arrangement of the seals;

FIG 4 shows schematically a second arrangement of seals;

FIG 5 shows schematically a third arrangement of seals;

FIG 6 shows schematically a fourth arrangement of seals and

FIG 7 shows schematically a fifth arrangement of seals.

The view according to FIG 1 shows in a detail a waterborne vessel comprising a pod. The pod has a gondola 11, a propeller 18 and attachments 19. The attachments 19 are located inside the hull of the waterborne vessel 10 formed by the ship's outer shell 15. A rotary connection 1, which is shown in the detail in FIG 2, is provided for the azimuthal rotation 14 of the gondola 11 about an axis of rotation 13. A direction toward the gondola is specified by an arrow 17. This directional information, together with the axis of rotation 13, facilitates the orientation in the following views. Parts which are the same are described below using the same reference numerals.

The view according to FIG 2 shows a rotary connection 1 in section, with a first arrangement of seals 4, 5 and 6. The rotary connection 1 has a carrying structure 2 and a rotation structure 3. The carrying structure 2 is divided into segments 2' 2" and 2'''. The rotation structure 3 is divided into segments 3' and 3". The rotation structure 3 and the carrying structure 2 have a hollow-cylindrical internal shape. For example, electrical cables, which serve for supplying electrical power to an electric motor in a gondola, may be guided through the rotation structure 3. The gondola, in particular, is mechanically and fixedly connected to the rotation structure 3. A bearing 7 is provided in order to permit a rotation about the axis of rotation 13. The bearing 7 has three partial bearings 7', 7" and 7' ' ' . The bearing 7 is located between the segments 2' and 2" on the carrying structure side and the segment 3' on the rotation structure side. The bearing 7 is a roller rotary connection with three rolling bearings 7', 7" and 7' ' ' . The seals 4, 5 and 6 prevent the penetration of water between parts of the carrying structure and the rotation structure. Thus water is prevented from penetrating into a ship, which is an example of a waterborne vessel. The seals 4, 5 and 6 which may be designed as lip seals, for example, also prevent the bearing 7 from coming into contact with the water in which the waterborne vessel is located. Additionally, a grease seal 9 which prevents grease or lubricant from escaping from the bearing region may also be provided. In the event that a seal malfunctions, an inflatable emergency seal 8 may be provided. According to FIG 2 an arrangement of seals 4, 5 and 6 is shown which provides vertically superimposed seals, which are in each case at the same distance from the axis of rotation 13 and thus also have the same diameter.

The view according to FIG 3 shows schematically the first arrangement of the seals 4, 5 and 6 vertically superimposed as in FIG 1. In FIG 3, as in the following figures, a rotational symmetry is to be assumed around the axis of rotation 13.

The view according to FIG 4 shows schematically a second arrangement of seals 4, 5 and 6 horizontally offset. Each seal 4, 5 and 6 may be assigned a separate element of the carrying structure 2''', 2'''' and 2'''''. Thus the segments may be changed, dismantled and/or mounted together with the seal. By means of the horizontal offset the individual seals 4, 5 and 6 are more easily accessible. This may result in a minimizing of the effort required for maintenance operations and/or servicing operations, whereby a cost saving is also possible. A simplification of the production of seal carrier rings is also possible. In particular from a client's perspective, stoppage times of the system and thus also of the waterborne vessel may also be reduced by the improved accessibility to the seals. Thus a simplification of the seal support rings is possible and at the same time accessibility to all of the essential sealing elements. In addition, by means of a construction which permits easier production and maintenance and provides commercial advantages, a cost saving may be made relative to alternative solutions.

The view according to FIG 5 shows schematically a third arrangement of seals 4, 5 and 6, wherein the diameters of the seals in the direction 17, i.e. in particular toward a gondola, are increased.

The view according to FIG 6 shows schematically a fourth arrangement of seals 4, 5 and 6. The seal arrangement is designed in a conical manner, wherein the diameters of the seals in the direction 17, i.e. in particular toward a gondola, are increased.

The view according to FIG 7 shows schematically a fifth arrangement of seals 4, 5 and 6. The seal arrangement is designed in a conical manner, wherein the diameters of the seals in the direction 17, i.e. in particular toward a gondola, are reduced.

Claims

1. A rotary connection (1) of a drive device of a waterborne vessel (10), which has a carrying structure (2) and a rotation structure (3), wherein the rotation structure (3) is mounted rotatably in relation to the carrying structure (2), wherein the rotation structure (3) is sealed in relation to the carrying structure (2) by means of a multiplicity of seals (4, 5, 6).

2. The rotary connection (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multiplicity of seals (4, 5, 6) are disposed concentrically to the axis of rotation (13) of the rotation structure (3).

3. The rotary connection (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the multiplicity of seals (4, 5, 6) are disposed at equal radial distances from the axis of rotation (13).

4. The rotary connection (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the multiplicity of seals (4, 5, 6) are disposed at different radial distances from the axis of rotation (13).

5. The rotary connection (1) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the multiplicity of seals (4, 5, 6) can be replaced independently of one another.

6. The rotary connection (1) as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the multiplicity of seals (4, 5, 6) are disposed in a conical manner.

7. The rotary connection (1) as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the multiplicity of seals (4, 5, 6) are disposed in a stepped manner.

8. The rotary connection (1) as claimed in one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the diameter of the multiplicity of seals (4, 5, 6) tapers toward a gondola (11) of the drive device.

9. The rotary connection (1) as claimed in one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the diameter of the multiplicity of seals (4, 5, 6) increases toward a gondola (11) of the drive device.

10. The rotary connection (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the carrying structure (2) has at least one first segment (2''') for attaching at least one first seal (4) of the multiplicity of seals (4, 5, 6).

11. The rotary connection (1) as claimed in claim 1 to 10, wherein the carrying structure (2) has at least one second segment (2'''') for attaching at least one second seal (5) of the multiplicity of seals (4, 5, 6).

12. The rotary connection (1) as claimed in one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the carrying structure (2) has a multiplicity of receivers for the multiplicity of seals (4, 5, 6), wherein the diameter of the multiplicity of receivers tapers toward a gondola (11) of the drive device.

13. The rotary connection (1) as claimed in one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the carrying structure (2) has a multiplicity of receivers for the multiplicity of seals (4, 5, 6), wherein the diameter of the multiplicity of receivers increases toward a gondola (11) of the drive device.