CN117022621A

CN117022621A - Transverse propulsion device for a ship and ship comprising a transverse propulsion device

Info

Publication number: CN117022621A
Application number: CN202310998440.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 安东尼奥·卡伊齐; 尼科洛·马拉索马; 路易吉·库尔托; 马尔科·坎波多尼科
Original assignee: Fincantieri SpA
Current assignee: Fincantieri SpA
Priority date: 2020-10-14
Filing date: 2021-10-14
Publication date: 2023-11-10
Also published as: KR20230117335A; KR20230117128A; JP2023546397A; EP4234392A3; IT202000024202A1; WO2022079651A1; EP4234392A2; EP4214117A1; CN116635296A; JP2023159890A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a transverse propulsion device for a vessel and a vessel comprising a transverse propulsion device comprising a motorized passage defined in a hull and accommodating at least one motorized propeller; the motorized passageway is defined by a passageway wall extending between a first passageway inlet and an opposing second passageway inlet; at least one coupler extending from the channel wall at the channel inlet; at least one support structure comprising at least one mating coupler; the support structure is detachably connected to the at least one coupler with at least one mating coupler; the lateral pushing means comprises at least two closing doors shaped so as to close the passage inlet as a whole when in the closed position; the support structure includes a hinge; and the closure door is only rotatably hinged on the hinge, the closure door being separated from the motorized passageway with the support structure when the at least one mating coupler is separated from the at least one coupler to allow access to the motorized passageway.

Description

Transverse propulsion device for a ship and ship comprising a transverse propulsion device

The application is based on the application number 2021800837902 (International application number PCT/IB 2021/059445), the International application date is 2021, 10 and 14, and the national stage date is 2023, 6 and 13, and the application is a divisional application filed in China patent application with the name of transverse propulsion device of ship.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a transverse propulsion device of a ship.

Background

It is well known that maneuvering a vessel during berthing or debarking is complex using the main propulsion system and rudder, especially for large vessels.

In fact, the use of rudders in limited space and at low speeds is neither easy nor effective, since rudders (as an airfoil) require a flow in a water flow at a given speed to generate lift. Furthermore, since the main propulsion system and the rudder are arranged at the stern, the bow area of the vessel is substantially uncontrolled during berthing and debarking maneuvers.

It is therefore known to equip a vessel with at least one transverse propulsion device (also called a motorized propeller) comprising an impeller arranged with its rotation axis oriented perpendicularly to the plane of symmetry of the vessel.

The transverse propulsion device is built into a channel defined in the hull of the vessel, which channel passes from one side of the vessel to the other at the bow and even at the stern.

In order to protect the traversing propulsion device from possible collisions or damage, it is known to install a grille or an open door at the entrance of the channel housing the traversing propulsion device.

The advantage of an open door over a grille is that, at cruising, the open door can be closed when the transverse propulsion means are not in use, to minimize turbulence phenomena created by the passage opening and to cover and protect the transverse propulsion means in an optimal way, and to open when it is necessary to use the transverse propulsion means.

A known solution is to mount the door on a plurality of through hinges connected to the access opening. Examples of these solutions are described in CN205819525, CN105329405, CN102381439, CN109094715, CN205327529, WO2019/220152 and GB 782628. These known solutions show structures that must be accommodated in suitable holes made as recesses at the inlet of the channel and welded to the hull as clearly described. These known solutions require the design of motorized passage inlets with square and sharp edges, which create eddies and turbulence in the fluid flow entering or exiting the passage, thus creating high energy losses, just as the frame surrounding and supporting the doors needs to be welded to the hull.

The presence of a door at the entrance to the passage makes maintenance of the lateral thrusters slow and laborious, since the door prevents the maintenance personnel from rapidly accessing the interior of the passage to be able to intervene on the lateral thrusters.

Another disadvantage of the known transverse propulsion devices is that the doors are in a closed configuration and at cruising, the doors create friction and vortex resistance due to the discontinuity of the hull profile at the doors.

A further disadvantage of the known transverse pushing device is that the door is in an open configuration and when the impeller is in use, the door generates turbulence, which can affect the operating conditions of the impeller itself.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a lateral pushing device so as to solve at least part of the drawbacks of the background art.

It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a lateral pushing device that facilitates maintenance operations by facilitating access to the lateral pushing device by maintenance personnel.

It is another particular object of the present invention to provide a transverse propulsion device that reduces the eddy current resistance and friction generated during cruising.

It is another particular object of the present invention to provide a lateral pushing device that reduces turbulent flow generation, thereby maintaining laminar flow and avoiding boundary layer separation and vortex phenomena during use of the lateral pushing device.

These and other objects are achieved by means of a transverse propulsion device of a vessel according to claim 1.

The dependent claims relate to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to understand its advantages, some non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a detailed view of a vessel fitted with a transverse propulsion device according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 2 is another detailed view of a vessel with a transverse propulsion device mounted thereon according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 3 is a front view of a lateral thrust device according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 4 is a perspective view of a lateral thrust device according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 5 is a perspective view of a lateral thrust device in an open configuration according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the lateral thrust device shown in FIG. 5 in an open configuration;

fig. 7 is another perspective view of a lateral thrust device according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 8 is another perspective view of a lateral thrust device according to an embodiment of the invention;

figure 9 is a side view of a lateral thrust device according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a lateral thrust device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 11 is a view of a detail of a lateral thrust device according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 12 is a view of a detail of a lateral thrust device according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 13 is a detailed view of a lateral thrust device according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 14 is another detailed view of a lateral thrust device according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 15 is another detailed view of a lateral thrust device according to an embodiment of the invention;

figure 16 is a view of the components of the lateral thrust device according to an embodiment of the invention;

figure 17 is a partially exploded view of a lateral thrust device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a lateral thrust device associated with a removal tool in a first step of removal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the lateral thrust device associated with the removal tool in a second step of removal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a removal tool according to an embodiment of the present invention;

figure 21 shows a part and a cross section of a ship hull with transverse propulsion means, depicting the closing doors of the open motorised channels and the motorised propulsion in operation, highlighting the fluid flow into the motorised channels and out from the opposite sides, highlighting the laminar flow achieved by means of the circular connection shape between the inner surface of the proposed means and channels and the outer surface of the ship hull;

Figure 22 shows an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the invention with separate parts, wherein the actuator closing the door is arranged on the support structure, avoiding any access to the hull and limiting the overall size of the solution;

figure 23 shows a part and a cross section of the vessel hull in figure 22 depicting the closed door of the open motorized channel, highlighting the circular shape of the connection between the inner surface of the channel and the outer surface of the vessel hull;

figure 24 is an isometric cross-sectional view of the motorized channel of figure 23 with a pair of counter-rotating doors protruding from the center, the pair of doors opening toward each other to form a hydrodynamic shape.

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings, a lateral propulsion device is indicated by reference numeral 1.

The transverse propulsion device 1 of the vessel 2 comprises a motorized passage 3 defined in a hull 4 of the vessel 2 and adapted to accommodate at least one motorized propeller 5.

The motorised passageway 3 is defined by a passageway wall 6 which extends between a first passageway inlet 7 and an opposed second passageway inlet 8.

The lateral pushing device 1 further comprises at least one coupling 9 extending from the channel wall 6 at least one channel inlet 7, 8.

Furthermore, the lateral propulsion device 1 comprises at least one support structure 10 comprising at least one mating coupler 27.

The support structure 10 is detachably connected to the at least one coupling 9 with its at least one counter-coupling 27.

The lateral pushing device 1 further comprises at least two closing doors 12 shaped such that when in the closed position at least one of the passage inlets 7, 8 is integrally closed.

According to one aspect of the invention, at least one support structure 10 includes a hinge 11.

Furthermore, at least two locking doors 12 are only rotatably hinged to the hinge 11 of the support structure 10, so that when at least one counter-coupler 27 of the support structure 10 is uncoupled from at least one coupler 9, the closing doors 12 are uncoupled from the motorized channel 3 together with the support structure 10, allowing access to the motorized channel 3.

Advantageously, the transverse pushing device 1 thus configured facilitates maintenance operations by facilitating access to the transverse pushing device by maintenance personnel.

According to an embodiment, the motorized channel 3 comprises a channel wall 6. The channel wall 6 forms a connecting wall 16 at the channel inlets 7, 8. The connecting wall 16 is connected to the outer wall 17 of the hull 2.

By means of the connecting wall 16, any discontinuity or edge between the channel wall 6 and the outer hull wall 17 is avoided, allowing the fluid entering or leaving the motorised channel 3 to move rapidly and without or with minimal swirl, which allows the forward resistance of the vessel to be greatly reduced.

At least one coupling 9 fixed to the channel wall 6, at least one removable counter-coupling 27 of the support structure 10 (which is also removable) and a closing door 12 operatively connected to the support structure 10 are provided, so that the maximum hydrodynamic force of the transverse propulsion device 1 and thus the possibility of using this solution on the pre-existing motorized channel 3 can be obtained, together with the support structure 10, separated from the motorized channel 3 without thereby changing the geometry of the connecting wall 16, which is optimized for the hydrodynamic efficiency and thus initially not provided with a closing door 12 (this allows a modification on the old solution not provided with a closing door 12).

Connecting the support structure 10 to the coupling 9

According to an embodiment, the shape of the at least one counter-coupling 27 is complementary to the shape of the at least one coupling 9, so that it can be geometrically coupled with the at least one coupling 9.

Furthermore, the at least one counter-coupler 27 and the at least one coupler 9 are shaped such that they define a hydrodynamic shape when the at least one counter-coupler and the at least one coupler are geometrically coupled.

Advantageously, this hydrodynamic shape reduces the generation of turbulent flow, thereby maintaining laminar flow when using the lateral thrust device 1.

According to an embodiment, the at least one counter-coupling 27 is detachably connectable with the at least one coupling 9 by means of a threaded connection.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one counter-coupling 27 and at least one geometrically coupled coupling 9 are locked together by means of a threaded connection, preferably by means of a plurality of external screws (threaded) 28.

According to an embodiment, the transverse pushing device 1 comprises at least one pair of couplings 9 positioned opposite each other with respect to the passage inlets 7, 8.

According to an embodiment, the support structure 10 comprises at least one beam 21 extending between two beam ends.

Each beam end is configured to form a mating coupler 27.

According to this embodiment, the hinges 11 are connected to at least one beam 21 such that each of the hinges 11 defines a door rotation axis 14 lying in a plane transverse to the vessel.

According to an embodiment, the support structure 10 comprises at least two beams 21 substantially parallel to each other.

According to this embodiment, the hinges 11 positioned on one beam 21 are directed towards the hinges 11 positioned on at least one second beam 21 so as to form pairs of hinges 11, and wherein each pair of hinges 11 defines a door rotation axis 14 lying in a plane transverse to the vessel.

According to an embodiment, at least one beam 21 is an airfoil or is shaped into a hydrodynamic shape.

According to an embodiment, the support structure 10 comprises at least one upstand 22 extending between two upstand ends. The vertical ends are connected to two opposite couplings 9.

Furthermore, at least one upstand 22 is connected to at least one beam 21 and is positioned laterally relative to at least one beam 21.

According to an embodiment, the standing end is connected to the coupling 9 by a threaded connection, preferably by a plurality of externally applied screws.

According to an embodiment, each upright end is configured so as to form a counter-coupling 27 that can be separated from said coupling 9.

According to an embodiment, the at least one upstand 22 is an airfoil or is shaped into a hydrodynamic shape.

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

According to a preferred embodiment, the support structure 10 comprises two beams 21, each connected with two uprights 22, so as to form a frame, for example, but not necessarily, a quadrangular frame.

Connecting the closing door 12 to the hinge 11

The closure door 12 defines a door outer surface 29 and an opposing door inner surface 30.

In the closed configuration, the door outer surface 29 faces outwardly from the motorized passage 3, while the door inner surface 30 faces inwardly from the motorized passage 3.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the closing door 12 is rotatably hinged on the hinge 11 such that in the closed configuration the outer surface 29 of the door is flush with the outer surface 17 of the hull of the vessel 2.

Advantageously, this positioning of the closure gate 12 reduces the formation of vortex drag and vortices, and by virtue of the closure gate 12 avoids the primary source of additional drag created by the water flow striking the inner surface of the channel, thereby acting as a brake.

According to an embodiment, each locking door 12 forms at least one pair of opposite fork-shaped eyelets 33, which surround the hinge 11 so as to be aligned with the hinge 11, for inserting a door rotation pin 34, which rotatably connects the eyelets 33 to the hinge 11.

According to this embodiment, the closing door 12 is connected to the support structure 10 so as to lie on a plane transverse to the vessel when opened.

According to an embodiment, the pair of opposed eyelets 33 comprises a through eyelet 36 and a threaded eyelet 37.

The door rotating pin 34 is configured to be inserted through the through-hole 36 and the hinge 11 and screwed into the screw hole 37.

According to an embodiment, the door rotation pin 34 screwed into the threaded eyelet 37 protrudes beyond the through eyelet 36.

According to this embodiment, the nut 20 is screwed onto said protruding portion of the door rotation pin 34 in order to fasten the hinge of the closure door 12 to the at least one hinge 11.

According to an embodiment, the opposite eyelet 33 is formed in a niche 35 of the closed door 12.

According to an embodiment, each closure door 12 comprises a closure wall 31 and a door frame 32, which are connected to each other.

According to this embodiment, the eyelet 33 is formed on the door frame 32.

According to an embodiment, the end wall 31 is shaped so as to geometrically couple with the eyelet 33 of the door frame 32.

According to an embodiment, a first set of closing doors 12 (e.g. having five closing doors 12) is hinged to the support structure 10 such that when said closing doors are partially open and when the vessel 2 is moved forward, the fluid flow generated by the movement of the vessel 2 tends to close said first set of closing doors 12 further.

Furthermore, a second set of closing doors 12 (e.g. having a single closing door 12) is hinged to the support structure 10 such that when said closing doors are partially open and when the vessel 2 is moved forward, the fluid flow generated by the movement of the vessel 2 tends to open such second set of closing doors 12.

According to an embodiment, a set of five doors in total consists of four doors that tend to close in case of forward motion of the vessel and only one door that tends to open in case of forward motion. It is contemplated that the doors may be fully closed or fully open, groups with more exposed hydrodynamic surface area predominate, and the system tends to automatically close as the vessel moves forward.

According to an embodiment, the closure door 12 is an airfoil or shaped into a hydrodynamic shape when the closure door 12 is in an open or partially open position.

Thus, this shaping of the closure door 12 limits the formation of turbulent movement of the fluid passing through said closure door 12 when the lateral thrust device 1 moves.

According to another embodiment, at least one pair of adjacent closure doors 12 includes a door outer surface 29 and a door inner surface 30.

In the open or open configuration, at least the pair of adjacent doors 12 are rotated such that each of the closed doors 12 is rotated in opposite directions to each other (i.e., rotated in counter-rotation) such that the corresponding door outer surfaces 29 face each other and the door inner surfaces 30 face each other, thereby collectively forming a hydrodynamic profile (in the combination of two adjacent open doors).

Closing door 12 actuation

According to an embodiment, the lateral thrust device 1 comprises a door control mechanism 24 configured to move the closed door 12 from the closed position to the open position and vice versa.

According to the invention, at least one closing door 12 forms at least one slot or eyelet 33 aligned with at least one hinge 11 provided in the support structure 10.

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

The at least one eyelet 33 of the closure door 12 is connected to the rotary motor rotor 53 such that upon rotation of the rotary motor rotor 53 a rotary motion is produced in the closure door 12.

Alternatively, according to the invention, at least one closing door 12 forms at least one eyelet 33 aligned with at least one hinge 11 provided in the support structure 10.

The at least one aperture 33 of the closure door 12 is a rotary motor 50 comprising a rotary motor stator 51 and a rotary motor rotor 53.

The at least one hinge 11 comprises a slot and the slot is connected to the rotary motor rotor 53 such that a rotary motion is generated in the closing door 12 when the rotary motor rotor 53 rotates.

According to an embodiment, the rotation motor 50 is a hydraulic motor or an electric motor, which is operatively connected to the hull by means of an operative connection of the rotation motor 53.

According to an embodiment, the rotary motor 50 is a hydraulic motor or an electric motor, which is operatively connected to the hull by means of the rotary motor 53 by means of an operative connection of a releasable connector 54 (e.g. a quick connector 55).

By providing a rotary motor 50 fixed to the support structure 20 or to the closure door 12, a completely external solution can be made independent of the actuation mechanism through the hull, simplifying the construction, greatly reducing the overall size and avoiding moving the sliding parts immersed in the sea water.

According to an embodiment, an actuator (e.g., but not necessarily, a linear actuator 38) exits the hull through the access motorized passage 3 and is operatively and detachably connected to the door control mechanism 24.

According to an embodiment, door control mechanism 24 includes a linear actuator 38 configured to function along a door actuation axis 26 that is substantially transverse to door rotation axis 14.

According to an embodiment, the linear actuator 38 is positioned at the channel inlet 7, 8 and opens in a sealed manner from the channel wall 6 into the interior of the motorized channel 3.

According to an embodiment, the door control mechanism 24 comprises a control bracket 23 connected to a linear actuator 38 by a hinged connection.

The control bracket 23 is further connected to the closure door 12 such that the closure door 12 moves with the movement of the linear actuator 38.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the articulated connection between the control bracket 23 and the linear actuator 38 comprises a connection pin 43, which rotatably connects the control bracket 23 to the linear actuator 38.

According to an embodiment, the control bracket 23 is connected to the locking door 12 by a plurality of control levers 39, which are connected to the locking door 12 and rotatably connected to the control bracket 23.

Preferably, only one control lever 39 is connected to each closure door 12.

According to an embodiment, the reversing control lever 41 of the plurality of control levers 39 is connected to a movement reversing connecting rod 40 configured to reverse the direction of rotation of the closing door 12 to which said reversing control lever 41 is connected.

In this way, when the control bracket 23 actuates the control lever 39 to open the closure door 12 in a counter-clockwise direction, the movement reversing lever 41 is operated by the movement reversing lever 40 to open the corresponding closure door in a clockwise direction, and vice versa.

According to an embodiment, the motion-reversing lever 40 is pivoted to a control lever 42 fixed relative to the control bracket 23.

According to an embodiment, the control bracket 23 is configured to act on the door frame 32 of each of the closure doors 12.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the lateral propulsion device 1 comprises two control mechanisms 24 positioned opposite each other with respect to the channel inlets 7, 8.

Advantageously, one of the two control mechanisms 24 is redundant with respect to the other control mechanism 24 in order to replace the first control mechanism 24 in the event of a failure thereof.

According to an embodiment, the corresponding linear actuators 38 of the two control mechanisms 24 act along the same door actuation axis 26 such that the advance of one of the linear actuators 38 corresponds to the retraction of the other linear actuator 38.

According to an embodiment, the first set of locking doors 12 is connected to a control bracket 23 of one of the two control mechanisms 24, while the second set of locking doors 12 is connected to a control bracket 23 of the other control mechanism 24.

Furthermore, the control brackets 23 of the two control mechanisms 24 are rotatably connected to each other.

According to an embodiment, both control mechanisms 24 comprise a reversing control lever 41 connected to the same motion reversing lever 40.

Advantageously, the two control mechanisms 24 thus configured cooperate to actuate the closure doors 12 during normal operation of the two control mechanisms, while in the event of a failure of one of the two control mechanisms 24, the other control mechanism is configured to move all of the closure doors 12 independently.

Disassembling tool 44

According to another aspect of the invention, the assembly kit 45 of the lateral thrust device 1 comprises the lateral thrust device 1 and the dismounting tool 44 as previously described.

According to an embodiment, the removal tool 44 comprises two hollow base rails 46 configured to be lifted, for example, by a forklift.

Furthermore, the dismounting tool 44 comprises at least one support column 47 transverse to the base rail 46 and configured to support at least one counter-coupling 27 of the lateral propulsion device 1 disengaged from the hull 4 of the vessel 2.

According to a preferred embodiment, the dismantling tool 44 comprises two support columns 47 configured to support at least one beam 21 of the transverse propulsion device 1 detached from the hull 4 of the vessel 2.

According to an embodiment, the removal tool 47 comprises a polygonal structure 48 connecting the support column 47 to the base rail 46.

A stop element 49 is formed at the connection between the polygonal structure 48 and the base rail 46 to prevent detachment from the hull 4 of the vessel 2 and separation of the transverse pushing device 1 associated with the removal tool 44.

Method for maintaining a transverse propulsion device 1

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for maintaining a lateral propulsion 1 of a hull 4 of a vessel 2 comprises the steps of:

-disconnecting at least one mating coupling 27 of the transverse propulsion device 1 from at least one coupling 9 of the hull 4 of the vessel 2;

-removing the support structure 10 together with the closure door 12 from the hull 4 of the vessel 2;

access to the motorised channel 3 and perform maintenance interventions;

reconnecting at least one mating coupler 27 of the transverse propulsion device 1 to at least one coupler 9 of the hull 4 of the vessel 2;

according to another aspect of the invention, a method for maintaining a transverse thruster 1 provided in a hull 4 of a vessel 2 comprises the steps of:

associating the removal tool 44 with the lateral thrust device 1;

supporting the support structure 10 by means of a removal tool 44;

-separating the support structure 10 together with the closure door 12 from the hull 4 of the vessel 2 by means of a removal tool 44;

access to the motorised path 3 and perform maintenance interventions;

repositioning the support structure 10 at the motorized channel 3 by means of the removal tool 44;

according to another embodiment, a method for maintaining a lateral propulsion 1 of a hull 4 of a vessel 2 comprises the steps of:

-disengaging at least one actuator 38 from the door control mechanism 24 of the lateral thrust device 1;

access to the motorised channel 3 and perform maintenance interventions;

reconnecting at least one actuator 38 to the door control mechanism 24 of the lateral thrust device 1.

associating the dismounting tool 44 with the support structure 10 of the lateral thrust device 1;

By means of a removal tool 44, supporting the support structure 10 and closing the door 12 and the door control mechanism 24;

-detaching the support structure 10 and the closure door 12 and the door control mechanism 24 from the hull 4 of the vessel 2 by means of a detaching tool 44;

access to the motorised channel 3 and perform maintenance interventions;

repositioning the support structure 10 and the closure door 12 and the door control mechanism 24 at the motorized channel 3 by means of the removal tool 44;

Ship 2

According to another aspect of the invention, the vessel 2 comprises at least one transverse propulsion device 1 as described above.

According to an embodiment, the vessel 2 comprises a plurality of transverse propulsion devices 1.

According to a preferred embodiment, the vessel 2 comprises three transverse propulsion devices 1.

According to an embodiment, the vessel 2 comprises at least one transverse propulsion device 1 positioned in a bow area of the vessel 2.

According to an embodiment, the vessel 2 comprises at least one transverse propulsion device 1 positioned in a stern area of the vessel 2.

Preferably, the vessel 2 comprises at least two transverse propulsion devices 1, one of which is positioned in the bow area of the vessel 2 and the other of which is positioned in the stern area of the vessel 2.

Other features of the transverse pushing device 1

According to an embodiment of the invention the motorized passage 3 flows out on the opposite side 13 of the hull 4.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the propulsion device 1 comprises a motorized propeller 5 of a motorized booster 15, which is rotatably supported to the channel wall 6.

According to a preferred embodiment, the motorized propeller 5 is of the adjustable blade type.

Advantageously, the motorized propeller 5 of the adjustable blade type is operable to selectively apply pulses to the vessel 2 in the direction of each of the passage inlets 7, 8.

According to an embodiment, the channel wall 6 is cylindrical.

Advantageously, the cylindrical shape maintains a laminar flow within the motorized channel 3, thus preventing the formation of turbulent motion.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the channel wall 6 forms a connecting wall 16 which is connected to the outer wall 17 of the hull 2 at the channel inlets 7, 8. By means of the connecting wall 16, the inner surface of the channel or the channel wall 6 is continuously connected with the surface and thus does not have any edges (in other words by means of radii) to the outer wall 17 of the hull. Providing at least one coupling 9 extending from the channel wall 6 at the at least one channel inlet 7, 8 allows the surface continuity between the channel wall 6 and the outer wall 17 of the hull 2 to be unchanged. Furthermore, the integrity of the connecting wall 16 connected to the outer wall 17 of the hull 2 is ensured, allowing a fluid flow into or out of the motorized channel 3 to be hydrodynamically optimized by means of at least one support structure 10 comprising at least one counter-coupling 27 detachably connected to the at least one coupling 9.

Of course, a person skilled in the art will be able to make modifications or adaptations to the invention without departing from the scope of the claims set out below.

Reference to

1. Transverse propulsion device

2. Ship

3. Motorized pathway

4. Ship body

5. Motor-driven propeller

6. Channel wall

7. First channel inlet

8. Second channel inlet

9. Coupling device

10. Supporting structure

11. Hinge

12. Closing door

13. Side surface

14. Door rotation axis

15. Motor-driven booster

16. Connecting wall

17. Outer surface of hull

18.–

19.–

20. Nut

21. Beam

22. Upright piece

23. Connecting support

24. Door control mechanism

25. Actuators, e.g. linear actuators

26. Door actuation axis

27. Mating coupler

28. Externally-added screw

29. Door outer surface

30. Door inner surface

31. Closing wall

32. Door frame

33. Eyelet hole

34. Door rotating pin

35. Niche

36. Through hole

37. Threaded eyelet

38. Linear actuator

39. Control lever

40. Motion reversing connecting rod

41. Reversing control lever

42. Control lever

43. Connecting pin

44. Disassembling tool

45. Assembly kit

46. Base rail

47. Support column

48. Polygonal structure

49. Stop element

50. Rotary motor

51. Stator of rotary motor

52. Rotary motor rotor

53. Rotary motor operation connection

54. Releasable connector

Claims

1. A transverse propulsion device (1) of a marine vessel (2), the transverse propulsion device comprising:

-a motorized passage (3) defined in the hull (4) of the vessel (2) and adapted to house at least one motorized propeller (5);

-the motorized channel (3) is delimited by a channel wall (6) extending between a first channel inlet (7) and an opposite second channel inlet (8);

-the transversal propulsion device (1) further comprises at least two closing doors (12) shaped so as to close the entirety of at least one access opening (7, 8) when in the closed position;

it is characterized in that

-the transversal propulsion device (1) comprises at least one coupling (9) extending from the channel wall (6) at least one channel inlet (7, 8);

-the transversal propulsion device (1) comprises at least one support structure (10) comprising at least one mating coupler (27);

-the support structure (10) is detachably connected to the at least one coupling (9) with its at least one counter-coupling (27);

-the at least one support structure (10) comprises a hinge (11); and wherein

-the at least two closing doors (12) are rotatably supported only on the hinge (11) of the support structure (10) such that when the at least one counter-coupler (27) of the support structure (10) is uncoupled from the at least one coupler (9), the closing doors (12) are uncoupled from the motorized channel (3) together with the support structure (10), thus also allowing access to the motorized channel (3) when the motorized channel is submerged; and wherein

Alternatively, the method comprises

The lateral propulsion device (1) comprises a door control mechanism (24) configured to move the closed door (12) from a closed position to an open position and from an open position to a closed position; and wherein

At least one closing door (12) forms at least one slot or eyelet (33) aligned with at least one hinge (11) provided in the support structure (10); and wherein at least one hinge (11) of the rotary motor (50) comprises a rotary motor stator (51) and a rotary motor rotor (53); and wherein

-said at least one eyelet (33) of said closing door (12) is connected to said rotary motor rotor (53); or alternatively

At least one closing door (12) forms at least one eyelet (33) aligned with at least one hinge (11) provided in the support structure (10); and wherein

The at least one eyelet (33) of the closure door (12) is a rotary motor (50) comprising a rotary motor stator (51) and a rotary motor rotor (53); and wherein

The at least one hinge (11) comprises a slot and the slot is connected to the rotary motor rotor (53).

2. The lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 1, wherein

The motorized channel (3) comprises a channel wall (6); and wherein

The channel wall (6) forms a connecting wall (16) at the channel inlet (7, 8); and wherein

The connecting wall (16) is connected to an outer wall (17) of the hull (2).

3. The lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

A door control mechanism (24) is operatively connected to the at least two closed doors (12); and wherein-the at least two closing doors (12) are rotatably supported only on the hinge (11) of the support structure (10) such that when the at least one counter-coupling (27) of the support structure (10) is uncoupled from the at least one coupling (9), the closing doors (12) are uncoupled from the motorized channel (3) together with the support structure (10) and the door control mechanism (24), thus allowing access to the motorized channel (3).

4. The lateral propulsion device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

The at least one counter-coupling (27) has a shape complementary to the shape of the at least one coupling (9) so as to be geometrically coupleable with the at least one coupling (9), and wherein

The at least one counter-coupling (27) and the at least one coupling (9) are shaped such that they define a hydrodynamic shape when the at least one counter-coupling and the at least one coupling are geometrically coupled.

5. The lateral propulsion device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

Geometrically coupled at least one counter-coupling (27) and at least one coupling (9) are locked together by means of an externally applied screw (28).

6. The lateral propulsion device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

The lateral propulsion device (1) comprises at least one pair of couplings (9) positioned opposite each other with respect to the passage inlets (7, 8),

and wherein the support structure (10) comprises at least one crosspiece (21) extending between two beam ends, wherein each beam end is configured to provide a mating coupler (27), and wherein the hinges (11) are connected to at least one beam (21) such that each of the hinges (11) defines a door rotation axis (14) lying in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vessel.

7. Transverse pushing device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the supporting structure (10) comprises at least two beams (21) substantially parallel to each other,

Wherein the hinges (11) positioned on one beam (21) are directed towards the hinges (11) positioned on at least one second beam (21) so as to form pairs of hinges (11), and wherein each pair of hinges (11) defines a door rotation axis (14) lying in a plane transverse to the vessel.

8. The lateral thrust device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the at least one beam (21) has a wing-shaped section or a section shaped into a hydrodynamic shape.

9. The lateral thrust device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral thrust device (1) comprises at least one pair of couplings (9) positioned opposite each other with respect to the passage inlets (7, 8), and wherein

The support structure (10) comprises at least one upright (22) extending between two upright ends, wherein the upright ends are connected with two opposite couplings (9).

10. The lateral thrust device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8 and claim 9, wherein the at least one upright (22) is connected to the at least one beam (21) and is positioned laterally with respect to the at least one beam (21).

11. The lateral thrust device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein each upright end is configured to provide a counter-coupling (27) separable from the coupling (9).

12. The lateral thrust device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the at least one upright (22) has a wing-shaped section or a section shaped into a hydrodynamic shape.

13. The lateral thrust device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 12 and claim 7, wherein the support structure (10) comprises two beams (21), each beam being connected with two uprights (22) so as to provide a frame, for example but not necessarily a quadrangular frame.

14. The lateral thrust device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing door (12) defines an outer door surface (29) and an opposite inner door surface (30),

wherein, in a closed configuration, the outer door surface (29) faces the outside of the motorized channel (3) and the inner door surface (30) faces the inside of the motorized channel (3),

and wherein the closing door (12) is rotatably hinged to the hinge (11) such that in the closed configuration the outer door surface (29) is flush with an outer hull surface (17) of the vessel (2).

15. The lateral thrust device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each closing door (12) forms at least one pair of opposite eyelets (33) in fork shape surrounding a hinge (11) so as to be aligned with the hinge (11) for inserting a door rotation pin (34) rotatably connecting the eyelets (33) to the hinge (11).

16. The transverse propulsion device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing door (12) is connected with the support structure (10) so as to lie on a plane transverse to the vessel when the closing door is open.

17. The lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 1, wherein

The rotary motor (50) is a hydraulic motor or an electric motor, which is operatively connected to the hull by means of an operative connection of the rotary motor (53).

18. The lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 1, wherein

The rotary motor (50) is a hydraulic motor or an electric motor, which is operatively connected to the hull by means of an operative connection of the rotary motor (53), by means of a releasable connector (54), such as a quick connector.

19. Transverse pushing device (1) according to claim 15, wherein said pair of opposite eyelets (33) comprises a through eyelet (36) and a threaded eyelet (37),

wherein a door rotation pin (34) is configured to be inserted through the through hole (36) and the hinge (11) and screwed into the threaded hole (37).

20. The lateral thrust device (1) according to claim 19, wherein a door rotation pin (34) screwed into the threaded eyelet (37) protrudes beyond the through eyelet (36),

And wherein a nut (20) is screwed onto this protruding portion of the door rotation pin (34) in order to fasten the hinge of the closing door (12) to the at least one hinge (11).

21. The lateral thrust device (1) according to any one of claims 15, 19 or 20, wherein opposite eyelets (33) are obtained in recesses (35) of the closing door (12).

22. The lateral thrust device (1) according to any one of claims 15 and 19 to 21, wherein each closing door (12) comprises a closing wall (31) and a door frame (32) connected to each other,

and wherein the eyelet (33) is formed on the door frame (32).

23. The lateral thrust device (1) according to claim 22, wherein the closing wall (31) is shaped so as to geometrically couple with an eyelet (33) of the door frame (32).

24. Transverse propulsion device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a first set of closing doors (12) is hinged to the support structure (10) such that when the closing doors are partly open and when the vessel (2) is moved forward, the fluid flow generated by the movement of the vessel (2) tends to open the first set of closing doors (12) further,

and wherein a second set of closing doors (12) is hinged to the support structure (10) such that when the closing doors are partially open and when the vessel (2) is moved forward, fluid flow generated by movement of the vessel (2) tends to close the second set of closing doors (12).

25. The lateral thrust device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing door (12) has a wing-shaped section or a section shaped to be hydrodynamically shaped when the closing door (12) is in an open or partially open position.

26. The lateral thrust device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each closing door (12) comprises an outer door surface (29) and an inner door surface (30); and wherein

In a closed configuration, the door outer surface (29) faces outwardly from the motorized passage (3), while the door inner surface (30) faces inwardly from the motorized passage (3);

in the open configuration, at least two adjacent doors (12) are rotated in opposite directions, i.e. counter-rotated, and the corresponding door outer surfaces (29) are brought towards each other and the door inner surfaces (30) are brought towards each other, thereby together forming a hydrodynamic profile.

27. The lateral pushing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a door control mechanism (24) configured to move the closing door (12) from a closed position to an open position and vice versa.

28. The lateral thrust device (1) of claim 27, wherein the door control mechanism (24) comprises a linear actuator (38) configured to act along a door actuation axis (26) substantially transverse to a door rotation axis (14).

29. The lateral propulsion device (1) according to claim 28, wherein the linear actuator (38) is positioned at a channel inlet (7, 8) and is sealingly open from the channel wall (6) to the motorized channel (3).

30. The lateral thrust device (1) according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the door control mechanism (24) comprises a control bracket (23) connected to the linear actuator (38) by means of a hinged connection,

wherein the control bracket (23) is further connected to the closing door (12) for moving the closing door (12) when the linear actuator (38) moves.

31. The lateral thrust device (1) according to claim 30, wherein the articulated connection between the control bracket (23) and the linear actuator (38) comprises a connection pin (43) rotatably connecting the control bracket (23) to the linear actuator (38).

32. The lateral thrust device (1) according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the control bracket (23) is connected to the closing door (12) by means of a plurality of control levers (39) connected to the closing door (12) and rotatably connected to the control bracket (23),

And wherein a single control lever (39) is connected to each closure door (12).

33. The lateral thrust device (1) according to claim 32, wherein the reversing control lever (41) of the plurality of control levers (39) is connected to a movement reversing connecting rod (40) configured to reverse the direction of rotation of a closing door (12) connected to the reversing control lever (41),

wherein, when the control bracket (23) operates the control lever (39) to open the closing door (12) in a counterclockwise direction, the movement reversing lever (41) is controlled by the movement reversing lever (40) to open the corresponding closing door (12) in a clockwise direction, and vice versa.

34. The lateral thrust device (1) according to claim 33, wherein the motion-reversing connecting rod (40) is pivoted to a control rod (42) fixed with respect to the control bracket (23).

35. The lateral thrust device (1) according to any one of claims 27 to 34, comprising two control mechanisms (24) positioned opposite each other with respect to the passage inlets (7, 8).

36. The lateral thrust device (1) according to any one of claims 28 to 34 and claim 35, wherein the corresponding linear actuators (38) of the two control mechanisms (24) act along the same door actuation axis (26) such that the advance of one linear actuator (38) corresponds to the retraction of the other linear actuator (38).

37. The lateral thrust device (1) according to claim 36, wherein the first set of closing doors (12) is connected to a control bracket (23) of one of said two control mechanisms (24), and the second set of closing doors (12) is connected to a control bracket (23) of the other control mechanism (24),

wherein the control brackets (23) of the two control mechanisms (24) are rotatably connected with each other,

wherein both control mechanisms (24) comprise a reversing control lever (41) connected to the same motion reversing lever (40),

and wherein the two control mechanisms (24) are thus configured to assist in actuating the closure doors (12) during normal operation of the two control mechanisms, while in the event of a failure of one of the two control mechanisms (24), the other control mechanism is configured to autonomously move all closure doors (12).

38. Vessel (2) comprising at least one transverse propulsion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 37.

39. Vessel (2) according to claim 38, comprising a plurality of transverse propulsion devices (1), wherein at least one transverse propulsion device (1) is positioned at a front area of the vessel (2) and/or wherein at least one transverse propulsion device (1) is positioned at a rear area of the vessel (2).