EP3802307A1 - Agencement de fermeture - Google Patents

Agencement de fermeture

Info

Publication number
EP3802307A1
EP3802307A1 EP19734448.4A EP19734448A EP3802307A1 EP 3802307 A1 EP3802307 A1 EP 3802307A1 EP 19734448 A EP19734448 A EP 19734448A EP 3802307 A1 EP3802307 A1 EP 3802307A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
closure
tunnel
closure arrangement
arrangement according
adaptation
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP19734448.4A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Mauri KALLIOMÄKI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dg-Diving Group Ltd
Original Assignee
Dg-Diving Group Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dg-Diving Group Ltd filed Critical Dg-Diving Group Ltd
Publication of EP3802307A1 publication Critical patent/EP3802307A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B17/00—Vessels parts, details, or accessories, not otherwise provided for
    • B63B17/0018—Arrangements or devices specially adapted for facilitating access to underwater elements, e.g. to propellers ; Externally attached cofferdams or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B13/00—Conduits for emptying or ballasting; Self-bailing equipment; Scuppers
    • B63B13/02—Ports for passing water through vessels' sides
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B19/00—Arrangements or adaptations of ports, doors, windows, port-holes, or other openings or covers
    • B63B19/08—Ports or like openings in vessels' sides or at the vessels' bow or stern
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B19/00—Arrangements or adaptations of ports, doors, windows, port-holes, or other openings or covers
    • B63B19/12—Hatches; Hatchways
    • B63B19/14—Hatch covers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B3/00—Hulls characterised by their structure or component parts
    • B63B3/14—Hull parts
    • B63B3/48—Decks
    • B63B3/54—Hatch openings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H25/00—Steering; Slowing-down otherwise than by use of propulsive elements; Dynamic anchoring, i.e. positioning vessels by means of main or auxiliary propulsive elements
    • B63H25/42—Steering or dynamic anchoring by propulsive elements; Steering or dynamic anchoring by propellers used therefor only; Steering or dynamic anchoring by rudders carrying propellers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H25/00—Steering; Slowing-down otherwise than by use of propulsive elements; Dynamic anchoring, i.e. positioning vessels by means of main or auxiliary propulsive elements
    • B63H25/46—Steering or dynamic anchoring by jets or by rudders carrying jets
    • B63H2025/465—Jets or thrusters substantially used for steering or dynamic anchoring only, with means for retracting, or otherwise moving to a rest position outside the water flow around the hull

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a closure arrangement for an underwater equipment tunnel, said equipment tunnel being located in a hull of a watercraft, below a waterline of the watercraft, which equipment tunnel has a specific di- ameter and an inner surface, which closure arrangement comprises a closure element, which at least partially covers a surface corresponding to the diame- ter of the equipment tunnel and which is removably installable in the equip- ment tunnel, according to the pre-characterizing portion of claim 1.
  • steering propellers are often deployed for posi- tioning or maneuvering the watercraft or waterborne structure in addition to the actual propulsion system.
  • Such steering propeller devices can be for example so-called bow or skeg thrusters.
  • the propeller devices are generally installed in tunnels, so-called propeller tunnels, transverse relative to the ship.
  • the pro- peller devices require maintenance, repair, or replacement with a new device, which can be performed on-site or by removing the propeller device from the watercraft or drilling platform for such procedures. These procedures can be performed for example by docking the watercraft, which is inconvenient and time-consuming in addition to the actual procedure. Minor maintenance and repair procedures can be carried out by a diver, but it should be appreciated that underwater work involves considerable limitations regarding both working conditions and procedures to be performed.
  • the discussed piece of equipment can be of some other type, whereby the propeller tunnel can be termed as an equipment tunnel.
  • An objective of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of prior and to provide a closure arrangement, which is simple in construction and which as a single unit is readily installable in and removable from an equip- ment tunnel, for example a propeller tunnel. This objective is attained with a closure arrangement according to claim 1.
  • the basic concept of the present invention is that the closure arrangement is directly and removably installable in an equipment tunnel as a single unit. This is carried out in such a way that the closure arrangement comprises a frame element fastenable directly and removably to the inner surface of the equip- ment tunnel, a closure element made of a flexible material, and an adaptation element supported on the frame element for sealing the closure element of a flexible material against the inner surface of the equipment tunnel.
  • the piece of equipment can be for example a propeller device, in which case the equipment tunnel can be termed as a propeller tunnel.
  • the frame element is preferably constructed from a circular- or circular seg- ment-shaped arch member of a rigid material, which is provided with fastening elements disposed on the arch member at intervals from each other and ena- bling the arch member to be directly and removably fastened to the inner sur- face of the equipment tunnel. In this way the frame element can be precisely and securely installed in the equipment tunnel.
  • the frame element is constructed from a circular segment-shaped arch mem- ber of a rigid material
  • the circular segment-shaped arch member has its ends connected to each other with a cross bracket for stabilizing the installation.
  • the adaptation element is also preferably constructed from a circular- or circu- lar segment-shaped structure of a rigid material.
  • the adaptation element is fix edly supported by means of bracing elements on the arch member formed by the frame element and the arch member is provided with tightening elements, by means of which the adaptation element and the closure element of a flexi- ble material mounted thereon are sealable against the inner surface of the equipment tunnel.
  • the equipment tunnel is tightly sealable by means of the closure arrangement as necessary.
  • the closure element of a flexible material is preferably constructed from a pro- tective covering, which is installable and sealable between the adaptation ele- ment and the inner surface of the equipment tunnel for closing the equipment tunnel at least partially. This makes installation easier and lighter.
  • the closure element or the adaptation element is provided with an elastic seal- ing element for ensuring the sealing achieved against the inner surface of the equipment tunnel.
  • the closure element of a flexible material is preferably provided with an aera- tion means, enabling the equipment tunnel to be easily emptied of water.
  • the aeration means is preferably an aeration valve.
  • the closure arrangement is preferably configured in such a way that the frame element, the adaptation element, and the closure element of a flexible material applied around the adaptation element, are introducible into the underwater equipment tunnel as a single unit for facilitating installation of the closure ar- rangement.
  • the closure element of a flexible material is preferably provided with a flotation means for facilitating a waterborne transport of the closure arrangement.
  • the flotation means is preferably an air pocket.
  • the flotation means is preferably provided with an aeration device.
  • the aeration device is preferably an aeration valve.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates an example of an underwater equipment tunnel included in the hull of a watercraft
  • Figs. 2A and 2B show one embodiment of a closure arrangement
  • Figs. 3A and 3B show a second embodiment of a closure arrangement
  • Figs. 4A and 4B show cross-sections from the periphery of a closure arrange- ment. Detailed description
  • the watercraft is indicated by reference character WC.
  • the water- craft’s waterline is indicated by reference character WL and an underwater equipment tunnel included in the watercraft is indicated by reference character PT, which in this embodiment is presented as a so-called propeller tunnel.
  • the equipment tunnel is termed as a propeller tunnel.
  • the pro- peller tunnel has a given diameter D1 and it is mainly cylindrical, whereby the propeller tunnel has a mainly cylindrical inner surface S.
  • the propeller tunnel has installed therein a rotatable propeller device PD fitted with a propeller P, for example a so-called azipod apparatus, whose propulsion di- rection can be varied by 360°.
  • the discussed tunnel may include some other type of device or devices, which is why the term propeller tunnel must be understood broadly.
  • the propeller tunnel PT has its opposite inlet openings indicated by reference characters PT1 and PT2.
  • the closure arrangements to be mounted at the opposite inlet openings are indicated with reference numerals 11 and 12.
  • the closure arrangements can be either consistent with the embodiment of Figs. 2A and 2B or consistent with the embodiment of Figs. 3A and 3B, as necessary at a given time. In the following the embodiments will be described in terms of the construction thereof and installation work involved therein.
  • Figs. 2A and 2B illustrate one embodiment of a closure arrangement 1.
  • Figs. 4A and 4B display cross-sections from the periphery of the closure arrange- ment.
  • Fastening elements 22, bracing elements 32 and tightening elements 33, to be described more precisely hereinafter, are spaced along an arch member 21 at various intervals as shown in Figs. 4A and 4B with dashed lines.
  • the closure arrangement 1 comprises a frame element 2, which is constructed from a circular-shaped arch member 21 made of a rigid material and provided with fastening elements 22 which are disposed on the arch member at inter- vals from each other and by means of which the arch can be fastened directly to the inner surface S of the propeller tunnel PT.
  • the fastening elements may consist of threaded sleeves 221 fixed to the arch member 21 and of threaded bolts 222 fitted therein, the attachment being achieved by turning the latter.
  • the fastening elements 22 are preferably disposed on the arch member 21 at equal intervals.
  • On the frame element 2, i.e. on the arch member 21 is fixedly braced an ad- aptation element 3.
  • the adaptation element 3 can be constructed from a circu- lar-shaped flat member 31 , which is slidably disposed and supported on the arch member 21 by means of bracing elements 32 disposed at a specific dis tance from each other (Fig. 4B).
  • the bracing elements 32 comprise preferably a bushing 321 , which is fixed to the arch member 21 and has a spindle 322 which is fastened to the flat member 31 and movable in the bushing 321.
  • the flat member 31 is capable of being set against and away from, i.e. at a distance from, the inner surface S of the propeller tunnel PT while being supported by the spindle 322 and the bushing 321.
  • the tighten- ing elements 33 consist preferably of threaded sleeves 331 mounted on the arch member at specific intervals 21 and of threaded bolts 332 fitted therein, the turning of the latter enabling the flat member 31 to be tightened against the inner surface S of the propeller tunnel PT.
  • the frame element 2 and the adaptation element 3 make up a closure ar- rangement supporting structure, which is thus in the shape of a circle.
  • the protective covering 40 is circular in shape and has its periphery preferably provided with a bulge 41 to keep it better in its place installed around the flat member 31.
  • the protective covering 40 has its periphery preferably provided with an elastic sealing element 5, which is intended to be set between the flat member 31 and the protective covering 40 so as to ensure the sealing of the protective covering against the inner surface S of the propeller tunnel PT.
  • the sealing element 5 can be alternatively mounted on the flat member 31.
  • the protective covering 40 can be attached to the frame element 2 and/or to the adaptation element 3 for example with a wire 7 as shown in Figs. 4A and 4B or in another similar fashion.
  • the protective covering 40 is provided with an aeration means 42.
  • the aera- tion means is preferably an aeration valve (Figs. 1 -3B).
  • the protective covering 40 is preferably provided with a flotation means 43 for enabling an underwater transport of the closure arrangement 1 to its destina- tion in the underwater propeller tunnel PT as a single unit in a desired position.
  • the flotation means 43 is preferably an air pocket 430, which is fitted with an aeration device 44, preferably an aeration valve.
  • the flotation means may also be some type of float or other device, by means of which the closure arrange- ment is enabled to float in the water.
  • the elastic sealing element 5 may consist for example of so-called sealing rubber or other such material.
  • the frame element 2 and the adaptation ele- ment 3, as well as the above-mentioned components thereof, may consist for example of stainless steel, aluminum or the like rigid material.
  • the materials are appropriate for use in underwater environment and for storage on land.
  • Figs. 3A and 3B illustrate a second embodiment of the closure arrangement 1.
  • Figs. 4A and 4B illustrate cross-sections from the closure arrangement’s pe- riphery.
  • the fastening elements 22, bracing elements 32 and tightening ele- ments 33 are distributed along the arch member 21 at various intervals as indicated in figs 4A and 4B with dashed lines.
  • the closure arrangement’s support structure which thus comprises the frame element 2 and the adaptation element 3, is in the shape of a circular segment.
  • the arch member 21 has its ends connected to each other with a cross bracket 6 for stabilizing the sup- port structure.
  • the protective covering 40 is also the shape of a corresponding circular segment. This applies preferably also to the above- mentioned bulge 41 and sealing element 5.
  • a closure element 4 in other words a protec- tive covering 40, which is consistent with the size of the support structure and whose periphery preferably includes a bulge 41 and preferably also a sealing element 5.
  • the protective covering 40 is applied around a flat member 31 of the adaptation element 3 from the side of the support structure facing the ad- aptation element 3.
  • the floating means 43 i.e. the air pocket 430
  • the aeration device 44 i.e. an aeration valve.
  • the pro- tective covering 40 can be attached to the frame element 2 and/or to the adap- tation element 3 for example with a wire 7 depicted in Figs. 4A and 4B or in another similar fashion.
  • the (first) closure arrangement 11 which in the example shown in Fig. 1 comprises a circular-shaped (Figs. 2A and 2B) frame element 2, an ad- aptation element 3 and a closure element 4, can be placed in water and trans- ported to a (first) inlet opening PT1 of the propeller tunnel PT for example by a diver.
  • the closure arrangement 11 retains its desired position in such a way that the air pocket 430 at an upper edge of the closure arrangement supports the closure arrangement 1 in water essentially in an upright position, thereby facilitating its adaptation in alignment with the mouth of the propeller tunnel PT.
  • closure arrangement 11 When the closure arrangement 11 has been set in alignment with the inlet opening of the propeller tunnel PT, preferably in an upright position, that the closure arrangement’s support structure, comprising the frame element 2 and the adaptation element 3, can be fastened to the inner surface S of the propel- ler tunnel PT as described above.
  • the (second) closure arrangement 12 which in the example shown in Fig. 1 comprises a circular segment-shaped (Figs. 3A and 3B) frame element 2, an adaptation element 3 and a closure element 4, is transported in a similar fash- ion to a (second) inlet opening PT2 of the propeller tunnel PT.
  • the protective coverings 40 of both closure arrangements 11 and 12 are sealed against the inner surface S of the propeller tunnel PT as described above.
  • the space between the closure arrangements 11 and 12 of the propeller tunnel PT is supplied with air by way of the aeration means 42, i.e. an aeration valve.
  • aeration means 42 i.e. an aeration valve.
  • a water- free working space WS which extends from an upper edge of the propeller tunnel to a bottom edge of the second closure arrangement 12 as depicted in Fig. 1.
  • an access opening AO into the working space WS is established.
  • the closure arrangements are selected according to what sort of working space is desired to be established in the propeller tunnel.
  • the circular-shaped closure arrangement can also be used for clos- ing the mouth of the propeller tunnel PT partially by leaving the protective cov- er partially open as denoted with a dashed line in Fig. 2A. After this, the required procedures can be readily carried out regarding for ex- ample a propeller device PD or its propeller P.
  • the air is discharged out of the working space WS by way of aeration valves included in the protective coverings and the closure ar- rangements 11 and 12 can be removed from the inlet openings PT1 and PT2 of the propeller tunnel PT and lifted back up from water.
  • the flotation means 43 facilitate transport of the closure arrangements to the water surface.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Underground Structures, Protecting, Testing And Restoring Foundations (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un agencement de fermeture pour un tunnel d'équipement sous-marin, ledit tunnel d'équipement (PT) étant situé dans une coque (H) d'une embarcation (WC), sous une ligne de flottaison (WL) de l'embarcation. Le tunnel d'équipement a un diamètre spécifique (D1) et une surface interne (S). L'agencement de fermeture (11, 2) comprend un élément de fermeture, qui recouvre au moins partiellement une surface correspondant à la surface interne du tunnel d'équipement, et qui peut être installé de manière amovible dans le tunnel d'équipement. Afin de fournir un agencement de fermeture facilement et rapidement amovible, l'agencement de fermeture comprend un élément de cadre permettant l'accès direct et de manière amovible à la surface intérieure (S) du tunnel d'équipement (PT), et un élément d'adaptation porté sur l'élément de cadre pour assurer l'étanchéité de l'élément de fermeture d'un matériau flexible contre la surface interne du tunnel d'équipement.
EP19734448.4A 2018-05-31 2019-05-24 Agencement de fermeture Withdrawn EP3802307A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FI20185494A FI128382B (fi) 2018-05-31 2018-05-31 Sulkujärjestely
PCT/FI2019/050406 WO2019229294A1 (fr) 2018-05-31 2019-05-24 Agencement de fermeture

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3802307A1 true EP3802307A1 (fr) 2021-04-14

Family

ID=67107468

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19734448.4A Withdrawn EP3802307A1 (fr) 2018-05-31 2019-05-24 Agencement de fermeture

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3802307A1 (fr)
FI (1) FI128382B (fr)
WO (1) WO2019229294A1 (fr)

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1112432A (en) * 1965-11-17 1968-05-08 Esso Res Repair caissons
BE1014821A3 (nl) * 2002-05-10 2004-04-06 Van Rompay Boudewijn Gabriel Werkwijze voor de plaatsing en bevestiging van kisten op de tunnel van een boeg of achterstevenschroef van een schip.
NL2001853C2 (nl) * 2008-07-24 2010-01-26 Ihc Handling Systems Vof Afsluiter voor pijp.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2019229294A1 (fr) 2019-12-05
FI128382B (fi) 2020-04-15
FI20185494A1 (fi) 2019-12-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
KR101581516B1 (ko) 해양 선박용 인입가능한 스러스터 유닛
US7451717B1 (en) Systems and processes for covering openings of marine vessel hulls
EP2931600B1 (fr) Procédé pour désassembler et/ou assembler une partie immergée d'une unité de propulseur rétractable
US20070202758A1 (en) Device for loading and/or unloading flowable media
US4046096A (en) Vessel propulsion and/or steering means
US5143012A (en) Inflatable temporary boat hull seal assembly
US20090101054A1 (en) Portable dry dock system and method for commercial servicing of recreational vessels in inland waterways
US4696650A (en) Arrangement for fitting a propeller assembly to an opening in a bottom structure of a watercraft and for dismantling the assembly therefrom
WO2019229294A1 (fr) Agencement de fermeture
KR102396228B1 (ko) 해양 선박을 위한 선내 분리 가능한 접이식 스러스터 및 해양 선박
US8042480B2 (en) Roll stabilizer
NO312128B1 (no) Fremdrifts- og styreanordning for et sjögående fartöy
US4615641A (en) Barge repair device
SE435706B (sv) Anordning for montering av thrusterpropellrar
CN102822050B (zh) 用于维护水下的船舶推进器的方法和设备
GB2220019A (en) Method and apparatus for permitting work to be carried out on marine propeller or the like
US4341174A (en) Bow dock
US6840189B2 (en) Method and apparatus for enabling work to be carried out on a submerged portion of a vessel
KR20140062718A (ko) 인입 가능한 스러스터를 구비한 선박
GB2405617A (en) Vessel hull emergency patching apparatus
US8701581B2 (en) System and method for thruster protection during transport
KR101444147B1 (ko) 인입 가능한 스러스터를 구비한 선박
KR101444148B1 (ko) 인입 가능한 스러스터를 구비한 선박
KR101422176B1 (ko) 인입 가능한 스러스터를 구비한 선박
JPS6167687A (ja) 旋回式スラスタのプロペラ水中交換方法

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20201223

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20230414

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20230627