EP3271283B1 - Lifting device for a submarine - Google Patents

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a lifting device for a submarine.

U-boats are known to be built as compactly and compactly as possible. As a result, there is usually little or no storage space left inside the submarine that can be used to transport loads. In particular, the loads carried are limited in size, for example, by the size of the access to the interior of the submarine or by the size of hatches in the interior of the submarine. This means that comparatively large payloads, such as unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) or pressure-resistant storage containers, cannot be carried in a simple and streamlined manner. It is known to attach such payloads to the outer shell of the submarine, for example, which adversely affects the driving profile and the flow properties of the submarine.

The diverse uses of a submarine can usually only be fully exploited if there is the possibility of adapting the payloads to the mission-specific requirements with comparatively little effort. The state of the art knows, for example, from the publication for stowing a communication buoy EP 1 935 779 A2 a lifting device with which a translational movement of an implement carrier is used. The document US 6485247 B1 discloses a lifting device with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Disclosure of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device which is as space-saving as possible and with which payloads can be exchanged without comparatively great effort and adapted to the mission-specific requirements.

• -- das erste Hubelement und das erste Führungselement über ein in Hubrichtung wirkendes Kraftmittel miteinander und
• -- das zweite Führungselement und das zweite Hubelement über ein in Hubrichtung wirkendes weiteres Kraftmittel miteinander

gekoppelt sind,
wobei das Kraftmittel und das weitere Kraftmittel synchronisiert sind.The present invention achieves the object by means of a lifting device for a submarine for conveying a payload along a lifting direction with the features of patent claim 1.
that the lifting device comprises a first guide element, a second guide element, a first lifting element and a second lifting element,
wherein the first lifting element is slidably mounted on the first guide element along the lifting direction and
in which

• - The first lifting element and the first guide element with each other via a force means acting in the lifting direction and
• - The second guide element and the second lifting element with each other via a force means acting in the lifting direction

are coupled,
wherein the power means and the other power means are synchronized.

Compared to the prior art, the lifting device according to the invention has the advantage of being designed to be comparatively space-saving while at the same time being able to lift very large loads. The fact that the first lifting element can be displaced in the lifting direction and the power means acts in the lifting direction in particular contributes to this. This enables a linear deployment movement, which allows the lifting device to be inserted into the submarine in as little space as possible.

It is preferably provided that in a stowed position of the lifting device the payload is arranged inside the submarine, preferably within an upper deck of the submarine, while the payload in a useful position of the lifting device outside the submarine, in particular in an open water area, is arranged. The payload is directly or indirectly connected to the first lifting element and the lifting device is transferred between the useful position and the stowed position by means of the displacement of the first lifting element relative to the first guide element caused by the power means. Furthermore, it is provided that the force means changes its shape or shape, in particular its extension extending in the stroke direction, during the transfer between the use position and the stowed position. For example, it is a hydraulic lifting cylinder, the cylinder piston of which is extended in the use position and retracted in the stowed position. It is also conceivable that the power means comprises a spindle, a joint system and / or an electric motor. The stroke direction is preferably substantially perpendicular to an extension of an outer skin of the submarine or the outer lining. In particular, the force means and the further force means are synchronized in their movement when the payload is transferred between the stowed position and the useful position. This leaves ensure that a dead weight of the payload can be distributed evenly over at least a first and at least a second lifting element during transport.

Advantageous refinements and developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims and the description with reference to the drawings.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the power means and / or the further power means is a lifting cylinder, in particular a hydraulic lifting cylinder.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the lifting device for the synchronization comprises a control device and / or a position measuring system. A control loop can be formed by means of the control device and / or the displacement measuring system, which advantageously ensures controlled lifting of the load. In particular, the lifting device comprises a magnetostrictive measuring system as a displacement measuring system, which is particularly preferably embedded in the lifting cylinder and / or the further lifting cylinder. The lifting device preferably comprises a control device for evaluating the data recorded by the position measuring system and for individually controlling the hydraulic cylinder and / or the further hydraulic cylinder. For this purpose, the measurement data recorded by the respective position measuring system are forwarded to the control device, which in turn controls the individual hydraulic lifting cylinders individually on the basis of the recorded measurement data. This advantageously ensures a desired synchronization between the power means and the further power means, with which, for example, a tilting of the transported payload when transferring between the use position and the stowed position can be avoided. Furthermore, it is possible via the control device to enable different extension heights and different extension angles of the payload

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the first guide element comprises two opposite guide rails, a first lifting element in the form of a lifting frame being arranged between the two opposite guide rails. Furthermore, it is provided that a sliding element is arranged between the first lifting element and the first guide element in order to advantageously reduce a possible frictional resistance between the first lifting element and the first guide element. It is also conceivable that the sliding element is attached to and / or in a slide body, which in turn is around a bolt is pivotally articulated on the first lifting element. In particular, it is provided that the carriage body is designed such that it rests on the running surfaces of the first guide element, in particular on a running surface of one of the guide rails, and thereby transmits the resulting managers. With a load that acts on the boom rigidly connected to the slide body, the slide body can rotate within the scope of its guiding play about an axis of rotation predetermined by the bolt. Due to the resulting contact of the sliding elements on the guide rail, the first lifting element is guided in an advantageous manner. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the first guide element clasps the first lifting element on both sides. In this way, the first guide element can advantageously ensure that the first lifting element can be displaced along the lifting direction and counteract a tilting of the first lifting element.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the first lifting element has a bracket-like arm for receiving a support element, in particular a support element made of steel. It is provided that the payload is arranged on the support element. Preferably, the payload is reversibly attached to the support element via fixing aids. In particular, the support element forms a limitation for a storage volume that is provided by the lifting device. The console-like arm is preferably arranged at a lower end of the first holding element. As a result, the largest possible storage volume in the lifting device can be realized. Furthermore, it is provided that the support element in the position of use is flush with an outer skin of the submarine.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the support element is detachably connected to the boom. The boom and the support element are preferably releasably connected to one another via a bolt connection. It is conceivable that a payload is mounted on the support element. As a result, the entire support element can be quickly replaced with another support element with a different payload, preferably pre-assembled by the manufacturer and / or at the port or depot, if the mission-specific requirements make this necessary. When using such modular support elements, it is conceivable that the entire support element with the payload attached to it is detached from the rest of the lifting device, then pulled out of the submarine by a crane and finally replaced by another support element with a different payload ,

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the first guide element is rigidly connected to a support frame and / or the support frame is connected to a structural part of the submarine via at least one shock absorber. The shock absorber advantageously allows the lifting device to be decoupled from a pressure body of the submarine. For example, the shock absorber is an elastomer damper and / or a wire rope spring damper. The shock absorber can advantageously ensure that the lifting device and in particular the payload carried are not damaged in the event of an impact on the submarine. The structural part is preferably the pressure body of the submarine. To compensate for a curvature of the pressure body, foundations are provided which are welded to the pressure body and are connected to the shock absorber. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the power means is articulated on the support frame, for example via a cardan joint or a ball socket joint.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the force means is arranged on the end face of the first lifting element facing away from the supporting frame. It is conceivable that the power means is articulated to the first lifting element, for example via a universal joint or a ball socket joint. This results in a particularly advantageous force profile when moving the first lifting element with the force means.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the first guide element has stiffeners. As a result, the first guide element is advantageously stabilized or strengthened with respect to the forces occurring when the lifting device is actuated.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the support element is fixed to the support frame in the stowed position by means of a locking device, in particular by means of a passive locking device. The locking device preferably comprises a first locking element, for example a socket, on the support frame side and a second locking element, for example a locking pin, on the support element side. In particular, the first locking element and the second locking element are designed to be complementary. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the support frame and the support element bear against one another in the stowed position and that the first and the second connecting element interlock to lock the lifting device. This advantageously ensures a compact and stable arrangement in the stowed position, which protects the lifting device from damage, particularly when the sea is rough protects, which would otherwise be caused by longitudinal and tangential forces, in particular force peaks, occurring in the event of a shock.

According to the present invention, it is provided that the lifting device comprises an outer covering which is moved along with the lifting elements, the outer covering preferably being connected to the first lifting element via an elastic connecting element. The elastic connecting element advantageously ensures that impacts on the outer cladding are damped. It is also provided that the outer cladding is flush with an outer skin of the submarine, in particular the upper deck. As a result, the flow properties of the submarine remain essentially unaffected by the lifting device.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention result from the drawings and from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the invention, which do not restrict the inventive concept.

Brief description of the figures

• In Figure 1 a transfer of a payload by means of a lifting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in an image sequence.
• The Figure 2 schematically shows the lifting device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention embedded in a submarine.
• The Figure 3 schematically shows the lifting device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
• The Figure 4 shows a system of the first guide element and the first lifting element with a bracket-like boom for a lifting device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
• The Figure 5 shows a locking device for a lifting device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention

In the various figures, the same parts are always provided with the same reference numerals and are therefore usually only named or mentioned once.

In Figure 1 the transfer of a payload 2 by means of a lifting device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in an image sequence. In particular, the upper left picture shows the lifting device 1 in a stowed position, the lower left picture shows the lifting device 1 in a useful position and the upper right picture shows an intermediate position between the used position and the stowed position. In the stowed position, the payload 2 is preferably arranged entirely within the submarine 100, in particular within an upper ship of the submarine 100. An outer covering 3 of the lifting device 1 preferably closes with the outer skin 103 of the submarine 100. Thus, the flow properties of the submarine 100 are not adversely affected by the lifting device 1 in the stowed position. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the lifting device 1 is arranged aft behind a tower 101. In the use position, the payload 2 is preferably arranged completely outside of the submarine 100, in particular in an open water area, and can be detached from the lifting device 1, for example. A storage container, an autonomous watercraft and / or a communication system is conceivable as possible payload 2. It is clear to the person skilled in the art that this is a non-exhaustive list of possible objects that can be carried by the submarine and can be transported into or out of the submarine 100 by the lifting device 1 , Furthermore, it is conceivable that the lifting device 1 is also used as a goods and / or passenger elevator.

In Figure 2 1 shows a lifting device 1 embedded in a submarine 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the lifting device 1 is shown here in the use position and the payload 2 is a storage container. A storage space height is essentially determined by the distance between the outer cladding 3 or the ceiling panel and a support element 60 on which the payload can be arranged. In particular, the support element 60 in the use position is essentially flush with the outer skin 103 of the submarine 100 and is offset by a lifting height from a support frame 10 which extends essentially parallel to the support element 60. The support frame 10 is preferably connected to a pressure body of the submarine 100 via shock absorbers 5, in particular shock-elastic bearings. In particular, the shock absorbers on the pressure body side are each connected to a foundation 104, the foundation 104 being welded to the pressure body, for example. Preferably the foundations 104 are adapted to a curved contour of the pressure body, as a result of which the foundations 104 provide a flat support surface for the supporting frame 10. To transfer the payload 2 between the useful position and the stowed position, the lifting device 1 provides a system comprising the first guide element 20 and the first lifting element 40, the first lifting element 40 being displaceable along the lifting direction by means of the first guide element 20. The first lifting element 40 and the first guide element 20 are connected to one another via a hydraulic lifting cylinder 30 in such a way that the supporting element 60 is removed from the supporting frame 10 by extending the hydraulic lifting cylinder 30 and the supporting element 60 to the supporting frame 10 by retracting the hydraulic lifting cylinder 40 is approached. In particular, the support element 60 bears against the support frame 10 when the lifting device 1 is in the stowed position. It is further provided that the first guide element 20 is rigidly arranged on the support frame 10, preferably via a mast holder 15. In particular, it is provided that a force effect originating from the hydraulic lifting cylinder 30 is aligned parallel to the lifting direction and essentially perpendicular to the support frame 10. Furthermore, it is provided that the hydraulic lifting cylinder 30 is arranged on an end face of the first lifting element 40 facing away from the supporting frame 10 and pushes up the first lifting element 40 there when the hydraulic lifting cylinder 30 is extended. The first lifting element 40 is preferably connected to the outer cladding 3 on its end face via an angle-compensating connecting element 25. In addition, a second lifting element 40 'and a second guide element 20' are provided, the second lifting element 40 'and the second guide element 20' being coupled to one another via a force means. It is particularly provided that the power means and the further power means are synchronized.

In Figure 3 is shown the lifting device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the first guide element 20 comprises two opposite guide rails 21, between which the first lifting element 40 is arranged in the form of a lifting frame. The opposite guide rails 21 are preferably connected to one another via cross connections or mast stiffeners, ie stiffeners 13. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that a bracket-like arm 45 is arranged on the first lifting element 40, in particular on its end facing the support frame 10. This boom 45 is provided for receiving the support element 60.

In Figure 4 a system of the first guide element 20 and the first lifting element 40 with a bracket-like arm 45 for a lifting device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. In particular, here are the first guide element 20 - in the form of the two opposite guide rails 21 - and the first lifting element 40 - in the form of a lifting frame - shown in a disassembled state. At the lower end, ie at the end facing the support frame 10, of the first lifting element 40, the bracket-like arm 45 is preferably arranged. In particular, the bracket-like arm 45 is directed towards a storage space of the lifting device. On the bracket-like bracket 45, ie on the side of the bracket 45 facing away from the support frame 10, a coupling element 46 is provided, via which the support element 60 can be coupled, preferably releasably. The coupling element 46 is preferably configured such that modular support elements 60 can be alternately attached to the arm 45. Furthermore, it is provided that a sliding element 41, in particular a slide 42 with a sliding element 41, is arranged in an assembled state between the guide rail 21 and the lifting frame.

In Figure 5 A locking device for a lifting device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. In particular, a first locking element 51, for example a socket, and a second locking element 52, for example a locking pin, are provided as a locking device on the support frame side. It is particularly preferably provided that the first locking element 51 and the second locking element 52 are designed to be complementary to one another, in particular the first locking element 51 and the second locking element 52 engaging in one another in the stowed position of the lifting device 1, as a result of which the locking between the first locking element 51 and the second locking element 52 is realized.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

lifting device

2

payload

3

Siding

5

shock absorbers

10

support frame

13

stiffening

15

pole Mount

20

first guide element

20 '

second guide element

21

guide rail

25

elastic connecting element

30

hydraulic lifting cylinder

30 '

additional hydraulic lifting cylinder

40

first lifting element

40 '

second lifting element

41

Slide

42

carriage

45

boom

46

coupling element

51

first locking element

52

second locking element

60

supporting member

100

Submarine

101

tower

103

shell

104

foundation

Claims (11)

1. Lifting device (1) for a submarine (100) for conveying a useful load (2) along a lifting direction,
   characterized in that
   the lifting device (1) comprises a first guide element (20), a second guide element (20'), a first lifting element (40) and a second lifting element (40'), wherein the first lifting element (40) is mounted on the first guide element (20) such that it can be displaced along the lifting direction,
   wherein

   - the first lifting element (40) and the first guide element (20) are coupled to each other via a force means acting in the lifting direction, and

   - the second lifting element (40') and the second guide element (20') are coupled to each other via a further force means acting in the lifting direction,

   wherein the force means and the further force means are synchronized and
   wherein the lifting device (1) comprises external cladding (3) carried along with the first and the second lifting element (40, 40'), which is connected to the first and the second lifting element (40, 40').
2. Lifting device (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the force means and/or the further force means is a lifting cylinder (30, 30').
3. Lifting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting device comprises a control device and/or a displacement measurement system for the synchronization.
4. Lifting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide element (20) comprises two opposite guide rails (21), wherein a first lifting element (40) in the form of a lifting frame is arranged between the two opposite guide rails (21).
5. Lifting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first lifting element (40) has a bracket-like boom (45) for holding a supporting element (60).
6. Lifting device (1) according to Claim 5, wherein the supporting element (60) is detachably connected to the boom (45).
7. Lifting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide element (20) is rigidly connected to a supporting frame (10) and/or wherein the lifting frame (10) is connected to a structural part of the submarine (100) via at least one shock absorber (5).
8. Lifting device (1) according to Claim 7, wherein the force means is arranged on the front side of the first lifting element (40) that faces away from the supporting frame (10).
9. Lifting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide element (20) has a stiffener (13).
10. Lifting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the stowed position, the supporting element (60) is fixed to the supporting frame (10) by means of a locking device.
11. Lifting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer cladding (3) is respectively connected to the first and second lifting element (40, 40') via a resilient connecting element (25).

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