EP4086156A2 - System for establishing and removing a tether connection between ships - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a system 1 for automatically setting up a line connection between a tugboat 2 and another ship 4. The system includes a positioning device 14, a transfer device 34 that is separate or integrated into the positioning device 14 and an adapter device 38. The positioning device 14 is designed to to align a deck area 5 of the tugboat 2 with thrown line 8 of the other ship 4 relative to the adapter device 38 . The transfer device 34 is set up to transfer the heaving line 8 to the adapter device 38, and the adapter device 38 is set up to be directly or indirectly connected to a tow rope 19 Disconnecting a line connection.

Description

The invention relates to a system for automatically setting up a line connection between a tugboat and another ship, in particular for setting up a line connection between a tugboat and a ship to be towed, according to the preamble of patent claim 1. The invention also has a tugboat and a method for setting up a line connection and a method for breaking down a line connection to the subject.

Tugboats are a key component in the port economy. They keep seagoing vessels manoeuvrable, which, even because of their size, are unable to maneuver at low speeds. When ships are being towed, the challenge is regularly to set up a reliable and safe line transfer between a tug and the ship to be towed and to release this after the towing has been completed.

Conventionally, a ship's employee of the ship to be towed throws a heaving line onto a rear deck area of the tug. The heaving line is picked up by an employee of the tugboat and connected to a hauling line of a towing cable. After the connection has been made, the towing cable is transferred to the ship by the towing winch. The ship's employee pulls the heaving line back onto his ship, which takes the tow rope with him, which he then fastens to a bollard on the ship. After towing, the ship's employee lowers the towing cable himself in a controlled manner and finally throws down the rest of the hauling line connected to the towing cable, so that the line connection between the tug and the ship is released. The tugboat employee then disconnects the line connection or, after throwing down the hauling line, he begins to disconnect the line connection, whereby the towing cable is caught up using a towing winch and this is prepared by the tugboat employee for the next towing operation.

This conventional method is established, but dangerous for the tugboat crew, especially in strong winds and rough seas. Collisions between the tugboat and the ship can occur, which can result in damage or even the tugboat employee falling overboard. In addition, the tractor employee can be injured by the thrown line.

In an alternative line connection system, which is known in particular from the field of sea rescue or from the military field of supply ships to frigates or the like, the tugboat employee shoots a catch line or leader line or launch line onto a deck area of the other ship with a line launcher. In principle, such a line launching device can also be used in the area of tugboats, however, with this method there would be a risk of injuries to the ship's employees from the approaching hauling line. Systems without a heaving line are also being considered, in which the hauling line is transferred from the tugboat to the ship by means of a drone. However, this procedure also carries a high risk of injury. In addition, the use of the line launcher and the drone is sensitive to wind and sea conditions.

From the pamphlet U.S. 2020/0277026 A1 a system for producing a line connection of a ship with a tugboat is known, in which a heaving line is thrown over guiding elements projecting into the air and guided by them into a connection zone using gravity. The pamphlet WO 97/11876 discloses a device for retrieving a towline fired in an emergency. From the pamphlet WO 2019/185984 a system for making a line connection is known which has an erectable mast with arms for catching a heaving line.

The object of the present invention is to create an alternative system for establishing a line connection of a tugboat that has a high level of safety. It is also an object of the invention to provide a method for establishing a line connection between two ships and a method for dismantling a line connection between two ships.

This object is achieved by a system having the features of patent claim 1, by a tugboat having the features of patent claim 11, by a method for establishing a line connection with the features of patent claim 12 and by a method for dismantling a line connection with the features of patent claim 14

A system according to the invention serves to automatically set up a line connection between a tugboat and another ship. The system has a positioning device, a transfer device and an adapter device.

The adapter device is set up to be directly or indirectly connected to a towing cable. In particular, for example, the towing hawser or a catch line connected to the towing hawser can be fastened or to be fastened to the adapter device.

The positioning device is set up to align a section of a heaving line of the other ship that has been dropped onto a deck area of the tugboat (and is therefore located there, in particular resting there at least partially, i.e. making stationary contact with the deck area) relative to the adapter device, i.e. the adapter device and the section into one intended position (position and location) to bring relative to each other.

The deck area is to be understood as an area of the tug's deck, ie a part of an area or a combination of (possibly stepped) areas which close off the top of the tug's hull during use of the system; the statements "above" and "below" and terms derived therefrom refer in this document to an intended resting position of the floating tugboat. When the system is in use, the deck area faces the open sky, so that the Section of throw line can be dropped onto deck area. When the system is not in use, the deck area can be covered, for example by means of an openable tarpaulin.

The deck area may include a drop (i.e. a portion that is lower than at least one other portion of the deck area) and/or it may be defined (as a whole) as a drop compared to other areas of the deck adjacent to it (e.g. the Working deck) be trained. In particular, the deck area can be delimited by areas that are raised in comparison to it (in relation to an intended rest position of the floating tugboat). The deck area can, for example, form a base area of an upwardly open catching space, preferably surrounded by an edge that is raised relative to the deck area, for the section of the throw line into which the section of the throw line is to be thrown when the system is used. According to advantageous embodiments, the cover area is designed as a rectangular area.

In such embodiments (in which the cover area comprises a depression and/or is designed as a depression), the positioning device can be arranged at least partially below an upper edge of a boundary of the depression.

The transfer device of a system according to the invention is set up to transfer the section of the throw line to the adapter device, ie to establish or enable a connection of the adapter device to the throw line (in the section).

If the adapter device is connected (directly or indirectly) to the towing cable, an operative connection between the heaving line and the towing cable and thus a line connection between the tugboat and the ship is produced mechanically or automatically. The line connection includes in particular the heaving line, the adapter device and the tow cable (possibly also a catch line). By (mechanically or manually) pulling back the heaving line on the ship to be towed can then also one end of the towing cable is brought onto the ship and fixed to it for the towing process.

In particular, the system is installed on the tractor or is designed to be installed on the tractor accordingly.

A tug according to the invention is a ship for towing another ship and comprises an embodiment of a system according to the invention for automatically establishing a line connection with the other ship.

The system according to the invention has several advantages over the conventional systems mentioned at the outset, in particular it enables quick repeatability of setting up a line connection, high independence from the weather and a high level of safety for both the ship's crew and the tug crew. No technical modifications are necessary on the ship to be towed, the safety-critical process of mooring the tug is carried out reliably and the ship employee (operator) of the ship to be towed does not have to change his process compared to the previous procedure because, from his point of view, the structure of the line connection remains unchanged. This justifies a high level of acceptance of the system according to the invention by the personnel of the ship to be towed.

The positioning device is preferably set up to align the section of the heaving line relative to the adapter device to move at least part of the section of the heaving line and/or the adapter device, preferably along the deck area (in particular at a substantially constant distance from the deck area or even resting on it) , for example not more than 1.5 m, not more than 1 m or not more than 0.5 m above the deck area. The moving can include, for example, pushing, pushing, pulling and/or moving (ie driving to a changed position) and/or lifting and transporting.

The positioning device can comprise at least one component that is movable relative to the deck area and can be set up to realize the alignment of the section of the heaving line relative to the adapter device by means of the at least one movable component. Such a component is preferably movable along the deck area (in particular at a substantially constant distance from the deck area or even resting on it), in corresponding embodiments, for example, within an upwardly open catchment space, the base area of which is formed by the said deck area and by a relative to the deck area raised edge as above.

In particular, the positioning device for aligning the section of the heaving line relative to the adapter device can comprise at least one pivoting arm which can be pivoted along the deck area and about an axis, preferably at a substantially constant distance from the deck area or even resting on it. The axis can preferably run vertically (relative to an intended rest position of the floating tugboat).

According to advantageous embodiments, the positioning device for aligning the section of the heaving line relative to the adapter device comprises at least one slide, which can be moved (displaced) linearly (i.e. in a constant straight direction) relative to the deck area, preferably along the deck area, in particular at a substantially constant distance from the Deck area (or even resting on it) and/or - in corresponding embodiments - for example within a catching space as mentioned above.

Such a slider can be set up, for example, to push at least a part of the section of the heaving line in front of it up to an intended holding position and/or to guide the adapter device to an intended position. It may comprise a straight rail or bar adapted to align (the section relative to the adapter means) to be moved perpendicular to their longitudinal orientation. Such a rail or bar can (relative to an intended rest position of the floating tugboat) in particular run horizontally. In its longitudinal orientation, it can extend over a full dimension of the deck area (in one direction), so that when it moves perpendicularly to its longitudinal orientation, it can cover the entire area of the deck area. In this way it can be ensured that the slide, during its movement, hits the section of the heaving line thrown off into the deck area and can thus move it relative to the adapter device for alignment. Alternatively or additionally, the system can comprise at least one driver that can be displaced along a bar or rail as at least one linearly movable slide.

In particular, a linearly movable slide (alternatively or additionally) can be configured on the tractor as a longitudinal slide or as a transverse slide, ie it can be installed so that it can be moved in a longitudinal or transverse direction of the tractor.

According to advantageous embodiments, the positioning device comprises (in particular) two linearly movable slides which have directions of movement which are angled to one another, in particular orthogonal to one another. Both sliders can preferably be moved along the deck area. The directions of movement of two such sliders can (relative to an intended rest position of the floating tug) preferably each run horizontally.

As an alternative or in addition, the positioning device can comprise two linearly movable slides, as mentioned above, which can be moved in opposite directions of movement. In this way, the section of the heaving line can be bordered from two sides during alignment relative to the adapter device, and in particular can be held in an intended alignment relative to the adapter device. In preferred exemplary embodiments, such slides are preferably designed as transverse slides on the tractor, that is to say they are installed such that they can be moved in a transverse direction of the tractor.

According to advantageous embodiments, the positioning device comprises a plurality of linearly movable slides and/or a plurality of pivoting arms that can be pivoted along the deck area about an axis and/or at least one movable slide and at least one pivoting arm that can be pivoted about an axis along the deck area, each of which can be controlled individually or independently of one another . In this way, the alignment can be implemented particularly quickly and effectively.

Finally, the positioning device (alternatively or additionally) for aligning the section of the throw line relative to the adapter device can comprise at least one articulated gripping arm which has a gripping device for gripping at least part of the section of the throw line. Such a gripping arm can in particular be arranged on the deck side. The section can then be moved on the part gripped in this way, in particular brought into an intended position and alignment relative to the adapter device. The dropped heaving line 8 can be recognized, for example, via a camera using an image recognition method.

The system preferably defines an initial position for the adapter device (in particular an initial position and/or initial alignment relative to the cover area and/or to at least part of the positioning device), in which the adapter device is in the beginning of the alignment or even during the entire alignment (of the adapter device relative to the section of the throwing rope). The initial position can be determined, for example, by a surface profile of at least one component of the tractor, in particular the system, and/or by a mount:
According to advantageous embodiments, the system has a mount with which the adapter device can be detachably mounted on the tractor. The holder preferably has a shape that is adapted to the adapter device and that defines an intended alignment of the adapter device in the holder (lock and key principle). The bracket can have a fuse include, which allows a detachment of the adapter device from the holder only after unlocking. Such an arming can take place automatically or under the control of a human if a connection of the section of the heaving line with the adapter device has been checked and recognized as sufficiently secure. This measure can prevent the adapter device from detaching from the heaving line when it is caught up.

In such embodiments, the mount for the adapter device can be stationary relative to the deck area. In this case, the positioning device can be set up to move the section to the adapter device fixed in the holder when aligning (the section of the heaving line relative to the adapter device).

According to advantageous embodiments, the holder is formed on or in the positioning device, in corresponding embodiments, for example, on or in a slide and/or swivel arm comprised by the positioning device, as mentioned above. In the holder, the adapter device can then (when aligning the section relative to the adapter device) be moved relative to the deck area, for example towards the transfer device. The holder can in particular be designed as a pocket or niche into which the adapter device can be inserted and from which it can be removed again.

According to advantageous embodiments, the positioning device is set up to align the adapter device and the section of the heaving line relative to the transfer device, i.e. to ensure that the section, adapter device and transfer device assume an intended position and location relative to one another that is advantageous for the transfer of the section by the transfer device .

The transfer device can be stationary or movable relative to the deck area. In particular, it can be at least partially connected to at least one movable component of the positioning device, for example mounted on it be. According to advantageous embodiments, it comprises at least one component that can be moved relative to the adapter device; such a component can in particular be set up to transfer a part of the section of the heaving line into a receptacle (e.g. into a receptacle slot closed by at least one spring-loaded clamping jaw) of the adapter device for the transfer, in particular to press:
According to advantageous embodiments, the adapter device is set up to releasably hold on to the section by means of clamping force for connection with the section of the heaving line passed to it or to fix the section to itself in a correspondingly detachable manner. For this purpose, the adapter device can comprise at least one spring-loaded claw or clamping jaw. Alternatively or additionally, the adapter device can be set up to connect to the section of the throw line passed to it by means of a form fit (for example via a monkey fist knot at the end of the throw line) and/or by means of a friction fit (e.g. by wrapping and/or knotting the throw line the adapter device) to hold on to the section or to fix the section accordingly.

In particular, the adapter device can be U-shaped or essentially U-shaped, for example, and set up to accommodate the section of the heaving line between its legs for connection to the section. Of course, other shapes are also conceivable, such as a V-shape or an L-or. hook shape.

The adapter device preferably has a release mechanism for releasing the section of the heaving line from the adapter device (preferably without tools). In this way, after the towing process is complete, the adapter device can be easily separated from the heaving line before the towing cable is hauled in.

According to advantageous embodiments, the adapter device has rounded corners and/or edges. So a chafing of heave line or a haul-up line of the tow hawser must be prevented.

Variants in which the adapter device is designed to float are advantageous. This can prevent the adapter device from getting caught in a ship's drive when the line connection is disconnected after the tow rope has been released from the towed ship.

According to advantageous embodiments, the system according to the invention is automatically controlled, ie set up to establish the line connection fully automatically. The positioning device is then set up to automatically (i.e. without human control) align the section of the heaving line and the adapter device relative to one another when the (activated) system is triggered, and the transfer device is set up to automatically (without human control) align the section. to be transferred to the adapter device. When the system is triggered, the adapter device is preferably arranged in an intended initial position, in corresponding embodiments in particular in an associated holder (as described above).

Such embodiments allow the line connection to be set up with a reduced number of people on the part of the tugboat, and they are particularly suitable for use on unmanned tugboats.

The system can be set up to be triggered (preferably optionally) by a human being or automatically: it can, for example, comprise at least one imaging device with a camera which is set up to record the light that has been dropped onto the deck area (and is therefore at least partially lying there). Capture section of throw line. The imaging device can then be set up to display image information generated by the camera on a screen. The system can then be triggered by a tractor employee (based on the image information).

According to advantageous embodiments, the system (alternatively or additionally) comprises at least one sensor which is set up to detect the section of the heaving line which has been thrown onto the deck area and is therefore located there (and at least partially lying there). The system can then further comprise a controller which is set up to automatically trigger the system when the section is detected. In such embodiments, a fully automatic establishment of the line connection can begin with the section of the heaving line of the ship to be towed being thrown onto the tugboat and landing in its deck area.

Embodiments of the present invention are advantageous in which the system is also set up to, after a separation both of the towing cable connected to the adapter device (directly or indirectly) from the other ship and of the adapter device from the heaving line (and after a corresponding automatic or by a People took place initiation) automatically catch up with the tow cable, automatically convert the adapter device into its initial position and automatically convert the positioning device into its rest position. In this way, the system can be automatically prepared for the establishment of a (new) line connection with another ship. When the positioning device is in its rest position, the deck area (in particular a catching space that may be delimited by it, as mentioned above) is preferably free, so that when it is used again, a section of a throwing rope thrown onto the deck area does not collide with an element there and possibly become loose can get involved with him.

The automatic transfer of the adapter device into its starting position can in particular include an automatic depositing of the adapter device in a/the holder, as described above. The automatic laying down can then be realized, for example, by initially holding the adapter device hanging freely and then acting on it by moving the positioning device.

The adapter device can advantageously comprise at least one (particularly passive) detector which is set up to detect whether the adapter device is arranged in an intended position, in particular in its holder in corresponding embodiments. Such a detector can, in particular, comprise a small metal plate (or be designed as at least one small metal plate), which can be detected by an inductive sensor. This makes it possible, when dismantling the line connection, to recognize automatically or mechanically when the adapter device has been pulled into the holder and has aligned itself. After such a detection, further steps can then be taken, for example at least part of the positioning device can be transferred to its rest position (preferably below deck).

A towing winch for the towing cable can be rigidly mounted on the tug's deck. According to advantageous embodiments, a towing winch for the towing cable is movably installed on the deck of the tugboat. It can be arranged, for example, on a carousel, in particular integrated into a carousel rave tug system (CRT) from Novatug. The carousel can preferably move the towing winch on a 360° ring track. The ring track can, for example, run around a deckhouse of the tugboat or around a position at which a deckhouse is conventionally arranged on tugboats.

The system can then be set up to park the towing winch (preferably automatically) in a provided return position (in which the line connection is preferably also set up or has taken place) in order to retrieve the towing cable; the arrangement of the towing winch can thus be adapted to the respective conditions or tasks of the tugboat and its respective condition can thus be optimized for a respective situation.

The system preferably has at least one interface, such as a proximity switch in particular, which is set up to check or detect when the towing winch has reached the return position.

In its initial position, the adapter device is preferably aligned with a towing winch of the tractor. If, as mentioned above, the towing winch is arranged to be movable on the tug, for example on a 360° circular path around a tug bridge/deckhouse in accordance with the Carousel Rave Tug system, the towing winch is preferably in its return position and the adapter device in its initial position aligned with each other, in particular positioned symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the tractor.

According to advantageous embodiments, the system comprises a/the towing winch. Preferably, the towing winch has a winch drum with its own drive that can be rotated for unwinding and winding up the towing cable. In particular, the drive can be operated fully electrically or hydraulically. The towing winch can preferably have a band brake, a transmission with a clutch (sling band brake), an outhauler with a roller guide and/or a spooling device.

The system can advantageously include a display device that is arranged on the tugboat side and is set up to signal an employee of the other ship (operator), for example, when he can throw off the heaving line and when he can catch up with the towing cable.

A method according to the invention for automatically establishing a line connection of a tugboat with another vessel is carried out using an embodiment of a system according to the invention. In the method, a section of a heaving line thrown (from the other ship) onto a deck area of the tug (and thus arranged there, in particular resting at least partially in the area) is aligned relative to its adapter device by means of the positioning device of the system and by means of the transfer device of the system handed over to the adapter device, which is directly or indirectly connected to a towing cable of the tractor. With the handover, an operative connection between the throw line of another ship and the tow rope and thus the line connection is established. To distinguish it from the dismantling process explained further below, the process for setting up the line connection is also referred to as the "set-up process" in the following.

The setup method may include activating the system. This preferably takes place before the heaving line is thrown onto the tugboat. At least the alignment and the transfer are preferably carried out fully automatically.

In particular, the assembly process can be a movement of a longitudinal slide that may be included in the positioning device, a movement of two transverse slides that may be included in the positioning device, a pressing of the heaving line into the adapter device, a return of the longitudinal slide that may be included and/or at least one transverse slide that may be present , releasing the adapter device (preferably after a secure connection with the section of the heaving line) from its holder, outputting the line by a towing winch and/or confirming a line transfer.

According to advantageous embodiments, the setup method includes monitoring the deck area using at least one camera and/or at least one sensor, detecting the section of the heaving line thrown into the deck area using the at least one camera or the at least one sensor, and triggering the system (i.e. a initiating a connection process to be performed by the system, which includes aligning the section of heaving line relative to the adapter device and transferring the section to the adapter device). Triggering can be human or automatic.

During the assembly process, a/the towing winch can also be controlled (preferably automatically) in such a way that the towing cable is issued (in particular unwound) and the adapter device can be pulled onto the other ship via the handed-over heaving line (manually or mechanically).

The assembly process can be integrated into a process for establishing a towing connection, which can also include dropping the section of the heaving line into the deck area and (after the section of the heaving line has been transferred to the adapter device) manually or mechanically retrieving the heaving line, preferably also a Detaching the heaving line from the adapter device and/or fixing the towing cable that was brought to the other ship with the help of the line connection.

A method according to the invention for breaking a line connection of a tugboat with another ship is carried out using an embodiment of a system according to the invention, in which the system - as mentioned above - is set up after a separation of a towing cable connected to the adapter device of the system from the other ship and the adapter device to catch the towing cable from the heaving line, to transfer the adapter device to its starting position and to transfer the positioning device to its rest position. In the method, which is also referred to below as the "dismantling method" to distinguish it from the above-mentioned assembly method, the tow cable is caught up with the system, the adapter device is moved to its starting position and the positioning device is moved to its rest position.

The hauling-in of the towing cable can preferably take place automatically at least after the adapter device has been ejected from the other ship; in the previous lowering of the towline, the towing winch catches up with the towline (preferably slowly), which can be done at least partially under human supervision or control.

In embodiments in which the system includes a holder (eg in the form of a pocket or niche) for the adapter device, moving the adapter device into its initial position preferably includes arranging (for example depositing) the adapter device in or on the holder.

At least the transfer of the adapter device into its starting position and the transfer of the positioning device into its rest position preferably take place automatically.

As mentioned above, moving the adapter device into its initial position (in particular possibly into its holder) can include holding the adapter device hanging freely and then acting on the adapter device by moving at least one component of the positioning device. In this way, the towing cable and a hauling line connected to it can be stopped if a marking on the hauling line is detected. Such a marking, which can in particular be fixed by a clip attached to the hauling line, is preferably arranged at a position on the hauling line which ensures that, when the marking is detected, the hauling line is already of a length which ensures that the adapter device can then be envisaged manner can be converted into their original position (in particular, possibly pulled into their holder) and aligns itself there in the intended manner. The marking can be recognized, for example, by means of a detection means; Such a detection means can, for example, comprise an angle sensor, which the clamp is designed to deflect, and/or be based on RFID technology or alternatively work inductively. In corresponding embodiments, the detection means can be installed, for example, on a deflection pulley of an outhauler of the towing winch. A software check can preferably be used to ensure that the clamp and not, for example, a shackle between the tow rope and the hauling line is actually detected.

After the retrieval has been stopped, the (preferably immovably hanging) adapter device can then be moved by corresponding movements of at least one component of the positioning device (in corresponding embodiments, for example by moving a longitudinal slide that may be included in it back and forth) in the (in its shape preferably (According to the key-lock principle) adapted to the adapter device) bracket are positioned. By means of at least one Finally, with the detector preferably comprised by the adapter device, it can be ensured—as described above—that/whether the adapter device is positioned and aligned in its initial position as intended.

In particular, according to advantageous embodiments of the dismantling method, a towing winch of the tractor can switch from a winding mode to an unwinding mode when the adapter device has reached a predetermined position or region, and then release a predetermined line length again, which enables the adapter device to be hung down.

After the adapter device has been transferred to its starting position, the towing winch is then preferably switched back to a winding mode.

In embodiments in which the towing winch is movably installed, in particular arranged on a carousel as mentioned above, the towing hawser and/or a hauling line connected to it are retrieved preferably after the towing winch has been parked in its return position.

When the dismantling method according to the invention is carried out, the system returns (at least partially automatically) to its parking position, in which it can be used to set up a new line connection again, ie it is ready. After that, a new set-up of a line connection can begin directly. In particular, the removal method can include moving a longitudinal slide that may be included in the positioning device forwards and/or backwards, positioning the adapter device in a/the holder and/or switching the system to a standby mode. In the case of a movably installed towing winch, the dismantling method can in particular include positioning a towing winch in its return position and/or parking the towing winch.

A method for towing a ship by a tugboat may include a method of rigging according to the invention, a towing operation and a method of dismantling according to the invention.

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. It goes without saying that individual elements and components can also be combined differently than shown. Reference symbols for elements that correspond to one another are used throughout the figures and may not be described anew for each figure.

Figur 1:

ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Schleppers mit einem zu schleppenden anderen Schiff;

Figur 2a, 2b:

Teilansichten einer Positioniereinrichtung eines exemplarischen erfindungsgemäßen Systems;

Figur 3:

eine erfindungsgemäße Adaptereinrichtung;

Figur 4:

eine Situation während Durchführung einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Aufbauverfahrens;

Figuren 5a - 5j:

eine Abfolge von Verfahrensschritten bei der Herstellung einer Schleppverbindung mittels einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems; und

Figur 6:

eine von einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems umfasste Schleppwinde.

They show schematically:

Figure 1:

an embodiment of a tugboat according to the invention with another ship to be towed;

Figure 2a, 2b:

Partial views of a positioning device of an exemplary system according to the invention;

Figure 3:

an adapter device according to the invention;

Figure 4:

a situation during implementation of an embodiment of a construction method according to the invention;

Figures 5a - 5j:

a sequence of method steps in the establishment of a towing connection by means of an embodiment of a system according to the invention; and

Figure 6:

a towing winch included in an embodiment of a system according to the invention.

the figure 1 shows a tugboat 2 according to the invention in preparation for a towing operation in which the tugboat 2 is to tow another ship 4. The tractor 2 includes in its rear area a system 1 according to the invention with a positioning device 14, a transfer device and an adapter device, of which in FIG figure 1 due to the perspective only the positioning device 14 and that is only partially visible. The system 1 can be controlled automatically via control cabinets 22 and also includes a towing winch 12 for winding and unwinding a towing cable 19. The towing winch 12 is arranged on a carousel in the illustrated embodiment and so (after the line connection has been established, ie the tow cable will be transferred to the ship 4 and fixed there) on a slewing ring 18 along a 360° circular path. In this way, it can always maintain an optimal alignment with the towed ship, especially during a towing process. In figure 1 the (preferably electrically or hydraulically designed) towing winch 12 is shown in its retracted position, in which it faces the deck area and is particularly advantageous for a (later) automatic dismantling of the line connection (according to a dismantling method according to the invention).

A display device 16 also included in the system 1 is used to display information to a ship employee 10 on the other ship 4, for example to indicate actions to be taken by him. In addition to the display device, further interfaces for communication between the tugboat crew and the ship's crew can be provided, for example radio or a digital connection.

In particular, symbols and/or text messages for the deck crew of the other ship can be displayed on the display device 16 as interfaces for communication between the crews of the tugboat on the one hand and the other ship on the other hand. The master of the other ship can preferably communicate with his crew via radiotelephony, in particular for confirmation when the tow cable is fixed. The captain of the tug can preferably control it remotely and has a corresponding data connection for this purpose. In addition, he can preferably communicate with the helmsman of the other ship by radiotelephone.

The tugboat 2 has a deck area 5 that is lower than its surroundings, onto which the ship's employee 10 of the other ship 4 has thrown a section of a heaving line 8 , so that the section therefore lies partially on the deck area 5 .

In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the deck area 5 and an edge surrounding it and raised in comparison to it (towards the working deck) delimit an upwardly open catching space 6 for the section of the heaving line 8.

The positioning device 14 is in the figure 1 shown in their rest position. In this rest position, the positioning device 14 is arranged below an upper edge of the edge surrounding the deck area (or below a working deck) and comprises three linearly movable slides, of which only one, namely a longitudinal slide 32, is visible due to the perspective.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the longitudinal slide 32 is aligned horizontally and can be moved linearly in the fishing space 6 along the deck area 6 in the longitudinal direction of the tractor 2 . It extends over the full width of the (here rectangular) deck area 5. When the longitudinal slide 32 moves aft, a part of the section of the heaving line is arranged in a gap between the longitudinal slide and a rear edge 7 of the catching space 6. In addition, a holder 40 for the adapter device is arranged on the longitudinal slide (here in its center (in relation to its length)), so that the adapter device can be moved with the longitudinal slide towards the rear edge 7 .

The other two, in the figure 1 not visible, but for example in the figure 4 The slides of the system 1 shown are designed as two opposing transverse slides 36a, 36b in the form of drivers that can be displaced along a rail. They are set up to be moved in opposite directions of movement (towards or away from each other) in the transverse direction of the tractor 2, preferably in such a way that they both cover the same displacement distance in the case of opposite displacement directions. In particular, the directions of movement of the transverse slides in the present case therefore run orthogonally to the direction of movement of the longitudinal slide.

The transverse slides are set up to move towards each other in the course of alignment (of the section of the heaving line and the adapter device relative to one another) over the mentioned gap between the longitudinal slide and the rear edge 7 of the open catching space 6 and finally close the part of the section of the throwing rope on the adapter device between them hold so that the transfer device can transfer the section to the adapter device (not shown). The transverse slides 36a, 36b can preferably be controlled independently of the longitudinal slide 32 and/or independently of one another.

Overall, the deck area 5 can thus be traversed by the positioning device 14 over its entire surface, so that the section of the heaving line is reliably detected when it is located in the deck area.

In the illustrated rest position of the positioning device, the transverse slides, like the rail on which they can be slid, are arranged under the edge which is raised compared to the deck area 6 and which surrounds the deck area and can form part of a working deck of the tugboat 2, for example. In this way, it is prevented that the heaving line 8 hits the transverse slide or the rail when thrown onto the deck area 5 and possibly gets caught on them.

the figures 2a , 2 B show the system 1 in a partial view, wherein in the Figure 2b various elements are shown transparently for better visibility. In particular, in the figures 2a , 2 B the positioning device 14 with various structural elements for holding and moving the longitudinal slide 32 and the transverse slide 36a, 36b and the transfer device 34 are visible.

Furthermore (particularly in the Figure 2b ) The holder 40 can be seen, which is designed here as a pocket into which the adapter device 38 is inserted. The adapter device can thus be moved with the longitudinal slide 32, as with reference to the above figure 1 was described.

the Figure 2a FIG. 12 also shows a transfer device 34 of the system 1, which is preferably arranged in a stationary manner on the (for example, rear) edge of the catching space and comprises a claw-like transfer element 35 that can be moved toward the adapter device 38. After a suitable alignment of the (in the figures 2a , 2 B (not shown) section of throw line 8 relative to adapter device 38 and to transfer device 34 (in particular in such a way that transfer device 34, part of the section of throw line 8 and adapter device 38 are arranged in a straight row in front of one another), the section of throw line 8 can be replaced by a Movement of the transfer element 35 are passed to the adapter device 38 back to this.

the Figure 2b shows the arrangement from a different perspective. In particular, the rail 37 can be seen therein, on which the transverse slides 36a, 36b (of which in Fig Figure 2b only the transverse slide 36a is visible) are displaceable. The rail is preferably arranged at the rear edge of the catch space 7, namely - as above with reference to figure 1 described - below the edge that delimits it and is raised compared to the cover area. in the in Figure 2b In the situation shown, the longitudinal slide is advanced up to the rail 37, so that a gap S is created between the rear edge of the catching space (not shown in the figure) and the longitudinal slide, through which the throw line 8 (not shown) runs. By bringing the transverse slides 36a, 36b together, part of the section of the heaving line thrown onto the deck area can be pushed along the gap between the adapter device 38 and the transfer device 34 and then transferred to the adapter device 38 by moving the transfer element of the transfer device, i.e. be connected to it (in the Figure 2b not shown). Since the adapter device 38 is connected directly or indirectly (via a hauling line) to a towing cable, a line connection between the tugboat and the other ship can be established in this way.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the positioning device has at least one transverse slide and one longitudinal slide, the at least one transverse slide being slidably guided on the longitudinal slide so that when the longitudinal slide moves, the at least one transverse slide is carried along.

the figure 3 shows a perspective view of the adapter device 38, which in this case has rounded corners and edges, which prevents the throw line and the safety line from being chafed. Preferably, the adapter device 38 is buoyant. The adapter device has a central receiving slot Z, which is closed by elastically yielding, preferably spring-loaded clamping jaws 42 and into which the transfer device can press a part of the throw line section against the clamping jaws 42 in order to transfer the throw rope to the adapter device (not shown). When the throwing rope is later retrieved by an employee (operator) of the other ship, a monkey fist of the throwing rope hangs on the gap from below, so that the adapter device is connected to the throwing rope and can be pulled with it to the other ship (not shown) .

On the side opposite the receiving slot Z, the adapter device 38 has an eyelet to which the towing cable can be attached directly or indirectly (in particular via a hauling line) (not shown).

In the figure 4 the heaping line 8 pressed into the receiving slot Z can be seen, which is still held by the transverse slides 36a, 36b on each side. To release the adapter device 38, the transverse slide 36a, 36b are pushed apart, as in FIG figure 4 indicated by arrows, in addition the longitudinal slide 32 is pushed back so that the gap S is widened and the adapter device 38 can be pulled out of its holder 40 by the operator on the heaving line.

the Figures 5a to 5g illustrate a method for coupling a ship 4 to a tugboat 2 according to the invention, the method being an exemplary embodiment of an inventive Set-up procedure for automatically setting up a line connection of the tug with the other vessel.

In the Figure 5a it is shown from the direction of a towing winch 12 onto another ship 4 that an employee 10 of the other ship has thrown a section (namely one end) of a heaving line 8 into the deck area 6; in particular, the portion comprising a monkey fist 44 partially rests in the deck area 5.

The deck area 5 and the catching space 6, the base area of which is formed by the deck area 5, are arranged between the towing winch 12 and the rear of the tractor 2 in this exemplary embodiment. Starting from the heaving line 8, the transfer device is located at the stern and the adapter device at the bow (in Figure 5a Not shown).

Of course, the system according to the invention can also be arranged in the bow area of a tugboat instead of in the stern area, so that the deck area is preferably located between a towing winch and the bow of the tugboat; the transfer device is then preferably on the bow and the adapter device is on the stern of the heaving line.

the Figure 5b shows how the longitudinal slide 32 is pushed in the longitudinal direction of the tractor 2 to the rear edge 7 of the fishing space 6. In its center, the longitudinal slide 32 has a holder 40 embodied here as a pocket for an adapter device 38 which is connected to the towing cable 19 (directly or via a hauling line). During the movement of the longitudinal slide 32, the towing hawser 19 is unwound from the towing winch 12.

The longitudinal slide 32 thus guides the adapter device 38 to the rear edge 7 of the catching space 6 until it delimits a gap with it, through which the throwing rope 8 leads.

The situation thus achieved is in the Figure 5c shown from a different perspective, namely inside the catching space 6 from the rear edge 7 forward: The adapter device 38 is in its holder 40 has been brought here by the longitudinal slide 32 of the positioning device to the transfer device 34 at the rear edge of the catch space 6 and is now facing a fork-like transfer element 35 that can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the tractor. So that the section of heaving line 8 can be transferred to the adapter device 38 , it still has to be pushed along the gap between the transfer device 34 and the adapter device 38 .

This will be like that Figure 5d shows, is done by one of the transverse slides 36b, which is pushed on the rail 37 to the transfer device 34 and in doing so grasps and takes the section of the throw line 8 with it until the transfer device 34, a part of the section of the throw line 8 and the adapter device 38 are in a row are arranged one behind the other. The second transverse slide 36a is also pushed from the opposite side along the rail 37 towards the transfer device 34, so that the part of the section of the heaving line is bordered by both transverse slides 6a, 6b when it is arranged in said row.

In the Figure 5e is shown how the part of the section of the heaving line 8 is then pressed by the transfer element 35 moved towards the adapter device 38 against the spring force of the clamping jaws (not visible) into the receiving slot of the adapter device. In this way, the adapter device 38 is connected to the heaving line 8 and, in particular, a line connection is made between the tugboat 2 and the other ship 4; this is in the Figure 5f shown.

Subsequently, as in the Figure 5g and - again from the direction of the towing winch 12 - the Figure 5h is illustrated, the adapter device 38 is guided with the part of the section of the heaving line 8 on the longitudinal slide 32 away from the transfer device 34 so that they do not interfere with one another when the adapter device 38 is subsequently released from its holder 40 .

the Figures 5i and 5j show how the employee 10 manually retrieves the heaving line 8 to the ship 4. The adapter device 38 is being lifted out of its holder. The adapter device 38 and the tow cable 19 connected directly or indirectly to it are pulled onto the ship 4 by the employee 10 with the heaving line. Now the heaving line 8 can be detached from the adapter device 32 and the tow rope can be fastened to the ship 4 . The ship and tug are then ready for the towing process.

the figure 6 12 illustrates an exemplary towing winch 12 advantageously comprised by the system 1 and in the present case to be operated electrically, which--as illustrated in partial detailed views--a winding device 24, a band brake 26, an outhauler 28 with roller guide and a transmission 30 with a clutch to a motor of the towing winch includes. It goes without saying that the individual components can also be designed differently than in the towing winch shown.

Disclosed is a system 1 for automatically setting up a line connection between a tugboat 2 and another ship 4. The system includes a positioning device 14, a transfer device 34 that is separate or integrated into the positioning device 14 and an adapter device 38. The positioning device 14 is designed to to align a deck area 5 of the tugboat 2 with thrown line 8 of the other ship 4 relative to the adapter device 38 . The transfer device 34 is set up to transfer the heaving line 8 to the adapter device 38, and the adapter device 38 is set up to be directly or indirectly connected to a tow cable 19.

In addition, a tugboat with such a system 1 is disclosed, as well as a method for automatically setting up a line connection between a tugboat 2 and another ship using such a system 1 and a method for automatically dismantling a line connection between a tugboat 2 and another ship using a such a system 1.

Reference List

1

system

2

tractor

4

Ship

5

deck area

6

catch room

7

rear edge of the catch area

8th

throw line

10

Staff (operator) of the ship 4

12

towing winch

14

positioning device

16

display device

18

360° slewing ring

19

Tow rope with catch line

20

bollard

22

control cabinets

24

spooling device

26

band brake (cable drum)

28

outhaulers

30

Transmission with clutch (sling band brake)

32

longitudinal slider

34

transfer device

35

transfer element

36a, 36b

cross slide

37

rail

38

adapter device

40

bracket

42

spring-loaded jaw

44

monkey fist

S

receiving slot

Z

gap

Claims (15)

System (1) for automatically setting up a line connection of a tugboat (2) with another ship (4), the system • a positioning device (14), • a transfer device (34) and • an adapter device (38) includes, where • the positioning device (14) is set up to align a section of a heaving line (8) on the other ship (4) that has been thrown onto a deck area (5) of the tugboat (2) relative to the adapter device (38), • the transfer device (34) is set up to transfer the section of the heaving line (8) to the adapter device (38), and • the adapter device (38) is set up to be directly or indirectly connected to a towing cable (19). A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the positioning means (14) for aligning the section of heaving line relative to the adapter means - At least one linearly movable slide (32, 36a, 36b) and/or - at least one pivoting arm pivotable about an axis along the deck area
includes. System according to claim 2, wherein the positioning device (14) comprises two linearly movable slides (32, 36a, 36b) which - in mutually angled, in particular mutually orthogonal directions of movement and/or - Can be moved in two opposite directions of movement. System according to one of the claims 2 or 3, wherein the positioning device - Several linearly movable sliders (32, 36a, 36b) and/or - a plurality of pivoting arms pivotable along the deck area about an axis and/or - at least one movable slide (32, 36a, 36b) and at least one pivoting arm pivotable about an axis along the deck area includes, each of which can be controlled individually. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning means comprises at least one articulated gripping arm having gripping means for gripping at least part of the length of heaping line. System according to one of the preceding claims, which has a holder (40) for detachably holding the adapter device (38). System according to claim 6, wherein the holder (40) is formed on or in the positioning device (14). System according to one of the preceding patent claims, wherein the adapter device (38) is set up to connect to the section of the throw line (8) transferred to it by means of clamping force and/or by means of a form fit and/or by means of a friction fit on the section of the throw line (8) to hold on. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter means (38) is buoyant. System according to one of the preceding patent claims, which is also set up to automatically retrieve the tow cable (19), the adapter device, after the tow cable (19) has been separated from the other ship (4) and the adapter device (38) from the heaving line (8). (38) to convert into their starting position and to convert the positioning device (14) into its rest position. Tow tractor with a system (1) according to one of the preceding patent claims. Method for automatically setting up a line connection of a tugboat (2) with another ship (4) by means of a system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the following steps being carried out: • aligning a section of a heaving line (8) dropped onto a deck area (5) of the tugboat (2) relative to the adapter device (38) by means of the positioning device (14) of the system (1) and • Transfer of the section of the heaving line (8) by means of the transfer device (34) of the system (1) to its adapter device (38), which is directly or indirectly connected to a tow cable (19) of the tractor (2). Method according to Claim 12, which also includes controlling a towing winch (12) in such a way that the towing cable (19) is released and the adapter device (38) can be pulled onto the other ship (2) via the handed-over heaving line (8). Method for dismantling a line connection of a tugboat (2) with another ship (4) by means of a system (1) according to patent claim 11, wherein the line connection is a heaving line (8) of the other ship and the one with the heaving line and directly or indirectly with a Towing cable (19) connected adapter device (38) of the system (1) and wherein the following steps are carried out: • hauling in the tow rope (19), • Transferring the adapter device (38) to its starting position, and • Transferring the positioning device (14) of the system to its rest position. Method according to Patent Claim 14, in which the adapter device (38) is moved into its initial position by means of the positioning device (14) in order to transfer it (38).

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