KR20150018818A - Azimuth Friction free Towing point - Google Patents

Abstract

A towing vehicle comprising at least one towing winch and a movable towing point device, said towing point device being capable of guiding a towing cable from a towing winch to a ship to be supported, comprising a rotating element, By partially guiding, the pulling force in the cable, when used, is at least partially transmitted to the tug through the rotary element, the rotary element is free to rotate about a first axis, and the first shaft is rotated in turn turn, the second axis is spaced from the first axis, and the second axis is non-parallel.

Description

Azimuth Friction free Towing point

The present invention relates to a tug boat comprising at least a towing winch for use in a port and / or sea.

Tugboats are intended to support vessels at relatively slow speeds during harbor towing. The first end of the towing cable is connected to the towing winch. The towing cable is connected to the vessel to be delivered and supported through the towing point, while providing an effective towing cable connection capable of sustaining sufficient traction on the supported vessel, thereby improving the maneuverability of the vessel. In the oceans, tugboats are generally limited in their use in this way because of adverse operational conditions at sea, compared to their use in the port.

The technique distinguishes between two main towing modes, namely, pulling-and-pushing modes. In pooling mode, the towing vehicle generates a towing force on the towing cable connection, resulting in a force on the supported ship. In the pushing mode, the tugboat applies a pushing force to a supported vessel through a pushing point located on either the tugboat, the stern, or the side. It is common business practice to apply the means of protection to the pushing point to prevent damage to the supported vessels and tugboats while operating in the pushing mode. Also, a combination of both the pulling-and-pushing mode is known in the art, and both pulling-and pushing forces are applied to the supported vessel and simultaneously by the same tugboat.

The tugboat should preferably be capable of operating in all possible directions and preferably in all possible operating conditions. In addition, the port tugboat preferably also requires that maximum pushing and pulling power be applied to its towing point and / or pushing point in all directions and operating conditions. Taking this requirement into account, the towing point can in fact be the azimuthal towing point, and the propulsion unit currently used in the tug is in fact a propulsive thrust in all directions It can be a propulsion unit that can provide. Wherein the azimuth angle means a range of at least 200 degrees, more specifically more than 270 degrees.

The towing cable connection is usually installed by towing the towed cable from the supported vessel to the towing location through the towing point device. The towing point device may be composed of a fixed bit, a tow staple or a fairlead, or any combination thereof. Fixed tow bits and staples are typically provided by a point design that is typically a round- or oval-shaped cylinder and that is an example of those that extend at an angle of 180 degrees from the point of the opposing instance The direction of the traction force is limited.

Tugboats are operated in close proximity, for example during mooring and unmooring operations. There is an increased risk of damage to the tugboat, the vessel being supported, or both, in harsh waves with tugboats that have considerable motion compared to pushing mode and more specifically supported vessels. Protective measures are generally applied to the hull of a tugboat, while partially mitigating the risk of damage under favorable operating conditions.

In the pulling mode, the geometry of adjacent and supported vessels results in relatively high angles of up to 60 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane at the point where the exemplary cable connection is taken. For example, if the movement of the tugboat is significant compared to a ship supported by a standing wave, the mechanical tractive force acting on the towing cable connection shall be such that bollards, towing cables or both safe working loads working loads can easily be exceeded. More specifically, the mechanical tractive force can cause failure of the bollard and / or towing cable, thereby causing failure of the towing cable connection.

The towing winch can automatically restore and restore a constant pulling force on the towing cable connection. More specifically, the towing winch can maintain a constant traction force on the towing cable connection, despite the considerable movement of the towing ship, compared to a supported ship. Therefore, the above-mentioned winch can be operated in the pulling mode in the pulling mode with the maximum number of operating conditions as compared with the winch of the past, for example, without the risk of connecting the towing cable due to the problem load or the failure of any part thereof, have. The tow winch is referred to herein as a render and a recovery winch or a constant tension winch.

Conventional tow point devices, combined with past, render and recovery tow winches, cause significant chafing and friction between the tow cable and the tow point device. Wherein said frictions and frictions increase wear and tear of said towed cable and / or tow point device, thereby increasing the wear and tear of the towing cable and / or tow point device, thereby increasing operational and lifespan of either tow cable or tow point device, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > time) < / RTI > Moreover, the friction increases the temperature inside the cable, which is the above example. In particular, synthetic fiber tow cables have a limited maximum safe working temperature which can easily be exceeded by the friction.

The technology recognizes a variety of materials and configurations to fabricate effective tow cables. Past tow cables include, but are not limited to, steel wire ropes. The towing cable can also be made from synthetic materials, including, but not limited to, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) or Dyneema tow cables. Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene is a synthetic fiber that can sustain significant traction in cables that are associated with the Dyneema, a specific brand of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fiber materials. A major advantage for cable applications, which are examples of synthetic materials such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, is weight. For example, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene weighs approximately 14 percent of the equivalent steel wire tow cable. Therefore, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene is generally easier to handle by a tugboat source. Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene tow cables float in water with a reduced risk of cable, for example due to its lightweight characteristics, which is an example of a propeller entangled cable. The main disadvantage of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene is its maximum safe operating temperature, which is approximately 65 degrees Celsius maximum.

Taking into account the advantages of the render and recovery tow winch and the composite tow cable, the tug is ideally equipped with a combination of two types of equipment. However, the average time for failure of a towed cable connection to a conventional tow point design is significantly reduced due to the sweeping problem of the previously mentioned cable. This swelling problem significantly increases the cost of repair, maintenance and replacement of towing cables or towing points, depending on the type of towing cable.

In general, it is an object of the present invention to provide a tug with improved capability of exerting a pulling force on a towing cable connection, preferably in all directions. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to enable the ability of the towing vessel to exert a considerable traction force on the towing cable connection, possibly as large as possible, between 270 and 360 degrees or more, for example, around the towing point. It is an object of the present invention to provide such a cable connection in a secure manner, and also in case the tugboat runs very close to the vessel and / or in adverse sea and / or weather conditions.

The present invention embodies a pointing device which is a movable tow. The moveable towing point device may guide the towing cable through a guiding device which in turn guides the towing cable from a supported ship to a freely pivoting element. The towed cable from the element is delivered to a winch, preferably a render and a recovery winch. The element is rotatable about its central axis and can be rotated on the arm over an axis that is uneven and preferably perpendicular to the central axis.

The guiding device may be disposed at or near the end of an arm that is rotatable about the guiding device axis, and as a method of rearranging an arm supporting the element, .

A pointing device that is an example of an azimuth angle in order to apply power to its towing point or towing points, preferably in all possible directions and preferably in all possible operating conditions, in view of the tune requirement is much more desirable than the existing towing point device . In order to maintain a constant traction force on the towing cable connection while maximizing the control of the ship movement supported during operation in the pulling mode or the pulling mode and the pushing mode enabling safe operation in the vicinity of the supported ship, And a combination of a lender and a recovery towing winch may be desirable.

The present invention enables the successful application of azimuth free-point devices. The towing point device minimizes the friction between the towing cable and the towing point and significantly reduces the heat generated from the towing point. Thus, the present invention enables the application of synthetic fiber towing cables subject to limited safe operating temperatures, or significantly reduces wear to steel wire towed cables. More specifically, the present invention successfully enables the use of cables and materials of any type, in combination with render and recovery tow winches.

The present invention enables the towing vehicle to apply the traction force using an increased range of possible directions and the maximum possible operating conditions as opposed to conventional towing point designs. More specifically, this means that the tugboat equipped with the towing point according to the invention can support the vessel in unfavorable weather conditions and associated sea conditions, or in a work area having a high outdoor temperature, for example exceeding 35 or 40 degrees Celsius .

Another advantage of the present invention is that the tugboat can remain in the pooling mode during the entire mooring operation of the supported vessel. Past mooring operations allow for a limited period of time when switching between the pulling and pushing modes, where the example line can not apply either pulling or pushing forces. Increased pushing forces are usually required to restore complete control of the ship being supported. Alternatively, the tug operator may use additional tugboats to operate the pulling and pushing modes. Therefore, another advantage of the present invention is that it allows a much more efficient and flexible deployment of the tugboat while maintaining all control over the supported vessels during mooring and unmooring operations.

Another advantage of the present invention is that due to increased control over the vessel, the present invention can reduce the risk of damage to the tugboat and / or vessel during berth operations. In particular, for ships carrying hazardous or volatile cargoes, such as LNG carriers or chemical carriers, a reduction in the risk of such damage is important.

Another possible advantage of the present invention relates to towing operations at sea. Currently long steel wire towed cables are used to accommodate vessel movement. These long steel wire towed cables can be as long as 1.5 kilometers or more. The distance between the towing vessel and the towing vessel during towing may affect all sorts of navigational hazards with other vessels navigating the towing cable and damaging the towing cable connection, or the towing cable may be entangled in the debris on the seabed. The present invention can considerably alleviate such navigational hazards by reducing the distance between the tugboat and the vessel or object being towed to a considerable even 200 meters or shorter. The present invention also reduces the weight for the towing towing system when mounted for operation of the ocean voyage due to the shorter towing cable requirement.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for the purpose of explanation of the present invention. Such embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way or form. In these drawings:
Figure 1 is a schematic longitudinal view of a tugboat, showing towing point towing, towing winch and possible positions of a pushing point.
2A and 2B show two major port towing modes for the tugboat 1.
Fig. 3A shows the mooring operation for the vessel V. Fig.
FIG. 3B shows another mooring operation for the vessel V. FIG.
Figure 3c shows the reduced motion when switching the direction of the force applied to the vessel V as compared to the mooring operation shown in Figure 3a.
Figure 4a shows towing operation in the sea according to the prior art.
Figure 4b illustrates the towing operation at sea in accordance with the present invention.
5 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention.
7A and 7B show two possible guiding devices for a cable according to the invention.
8A to 8C show a plan view and a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

The embodiments of the tugboat and towing point of the present invention are disclosed in this specification only by way of example. Which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. The drawings are only schematic. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar parts or features.

Vertical planes and horizontal planes in this specification are referred to as planar or directional in their general sense, while directions relative to a horizontally or vertically defined ship or tug ship, unless otherwise specifically defined, It is recognized as being in a stable position.

In this specification, substantially frictionless should be understood to include friction, substantially less than friction at the towing point and the towing point in known towing operations for the same vessel and towing line, though not necessarily limited. Substantially friction free is achieved in that a substantial roll-off movement is performed in a straight line on a freely rotating roll or wheel so that the roll-off movement occurs in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cable between the cable and the guiding elements, It should be understood that it is comparable to the cable delivered.

It is to be understood that the term " freely rotating " or " free " about the axis in this specification means that, during use of at least the tow point, there is provided an insufficient resistance to rotation about the element or about its axis . This can be understood to mean that slippage is prevented between the cable and the rotating element during normal operation.

In general, the tugboat and method according to the present disclosure allows the towing point to follow the change of position of the ship supported by the tugboat to the tugboat, so that the cable used in the support can be rotated by the roll Element so that the cable extends substantially in a plane perpendicular to the axis, regardless of the position of the vessel relative to the tug line.

In a preferred embodiment, the cable is guided at least on the side of the rotating element facing away from the winch, preferably also on the side of the element facing the winch. The guiding of the cable is preferably such that all movement of the part of the cable or rotation of the element from the plane substantially perpendicular to the axis causes the repositioning of the element so that the cable returns again in the plane direction and preferably into the plane Do.

Fig. 1 schematically shows the outline of a tugboat 1 seen from the side, with a plurality of possible towing positions 2 and a pushing position 3. Fig. The towing point 2 is provided with a towing cable 5 extending from the towing winch 5 to the vessel V to be supported while installing a towing cable connection 6 between the towing vessel 1 capable of maintaining a considerable traction force and the supported vessel V. [ Is the last physical point in the fairleads (1) that fairleads (4). The pushing point 3 is defined as the last point of physical contact between the tugboat 1 and the vessel V as follows. It should be understood that the contact point here also includes a line contact or a surface contact which is preferably relatively small compared to the size of the tugboat 1 and the vessel V. [ With respect to the towing point 2, the towing cable 4 can be rotated sideways at least 90 degrees or more in both lateral directions of the intermediate position in the horizontal plane, for example, Plane (P, FIG. 8), may be parallel to the vertical mid-section or may be in the vertical middle section. The towing point 2 may be one of fixed or moving devices defined below as a towing point device 2 according to the invention. Other moving tow point devices are known in the art, for example in US 6,698,374 and US 5,609,120. In the design of US 5,609,120, the towed cable is guided by the guide only in a plane parallel to the deck 37 of the tugboat and beyond about 90 degrees to both sides from the intermediate position. Friction and friction will continue to occur. More specifically, some moving tipping point devices, such as, for example, US 6,698,374, allow the towing cable 4 to turn sideways to 360 ° in both directions. However, this design requires a special design for a very complex and restricted access cabin. Furthermore, friction and rubbing continue to occur between the cable and the tow eyelet. By using the towing winch 5, the cable length can be matched to the desired length and the starting distance. In past tugs, winches and tow points are only in the stern; In many modern tugboats, the towing point (2) and the towing winch (5) are arranged on both the player and the stern. With a towing winch, the towing cable length can only be matched to the desired tow length and maneuver distance. The render and recovery tow winch may apply and / or maintain a constant traction force on the towing cable connection 6 when the towing vessel 1 or vessel V is moved relative to each other, for example due to rough waves. The tow winch is known as any one of render & recovery, rend & receive, or a constant tension winch that can be substituted for another for the purposes of the present invention.

Figures 2a and 2b show two major port towing modes for a tugboat 1, namely a pulling-and-pushing mode. During the pulling mode (Fig. 2a), the tugboat 1 applies a traction force 7 to the towing cable connection 6. During the pushing mode (Figure 2b), the tugboat 1 applies a pushing force 8 directly to the vessel V. The pooling mode is most commonly used to place ships nearer to their berths. The combination of the pulling-and-pushing mode with multiple tugboats is commonly used during the last mooring operation of vessel V.

Where the pushing point 3 is able to apply the pushing force 8 to the vessel V during operation in the pushing mode, the pushing point 3 is displaced by 7 meters vertically 9 meters horizontally during adverse operating conditions Can be moved. More specifically, the operating conditions include adverse sea conditions up to significant wave heights of 3 m or more. The movement of the pushing point 3 across the outer plating of the vessel V and the application of the pushing force 8 cause a considerable frictional force between the pushing point 3 and the vessel V. [

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a wide area in the sense that the pushing force 8 is applied to the outer plate of the vessel V includes an increased risk of damage to the plate and thus the vessel V. [ Equally, the friction can cause damage to the pushing point 3 of the tough and expensive tugboat 1. Applying protection measures or fendering systems to possible push points (3) is a common business practice. Repairing the damage to the pushing point 3 and / or the vessel V is costly and time consuming. In addition, in the case of vessels (V) carrying particularly dangerous cargo, damage to the outer plate may include significant negative environmental effects, for example, on ecosystems and ports surrounding safety.

Fig. 3A shows the mooring operation of the vessel V in the past. This shows a number of tugboats a, b, c and d that anchor the vessel V in the direction Vs. The pilot of the vessel V may command more or fewer tugs to support the vessel V depending on the operating conditions at the time of the anchorage. Past mooring operations may consist of two, three, four or more tugboats. FIG. 3A shows four tugboats, while the tugboats a and d operate in the pooling mode while the towboats b and c operate in the pushing mode. In another configuration with only two tugboats a and d supporting the vessel V, the tugboat may switch to the position of the tugboats b and c and no control may be applied to the vessel V by the tugboat It is possible to switch between the pulling and pushing modes while generating an unapplied period. This is also shown in FIG. In another configuration using three tugboats, the tugboats a and d are operated in the pooling mode while the third tugboat b is operated in the pushing mode. In another configuration, with the tugs c and d operated in the pushing mode according to Fig. 3a, the tugs a and b are operated in pooling mode in opposite directions up to a distance of 400 meters.

Figure 3b shows a modern mooring operation with two tugs a and b supporting the vessel V in direction Vs. Figure 3b shows the tugboats a and b operated in the pooling mode. In the mooring operation, the tappets a and b remain in the pooling mode during full mooring operation. For example, a tug line similar to so-called rotortugs (US 6,078,346) or ship docking modules (US 5,694,877) can only perform mooring operations as shown in FIG. 3b. Any combination of mooring operations shown in Figures 3A-B is also possible. However, these known tugboats have problems and limitations as described in the introduction section.

Figure 3c shows the swiveling movement of the tug b during the mooring operation in Figure 3b when the direction of the towing force 7 changes in the towing cable connection 6. When switching between the pushing and pulling modes of the tugboat, it is preferred that the reduced pivoting motion in Fig. 3c is smaller than the pivoting motion in Fig. 3a. Thus, the tugboat can apply a greater amount of control to the vessel (V) when remaining in pooling mode during full mooring operation.

Figures 4a-4b illustrate operations that are examples of ocean voyages. Fig. 4A shows a current example of operation having a distance L between the tugboat 1 and the vessel V. Fig. The distance L may be as large as 1.5 kilometers and the distance D may be as large as 200 meters. Distance (D) is the maximum depth of cable under water. This depth (D) can limit the use of the towing vessel in relatively thin water such as the North Sea. The geometry of the towing cable 4 makes it possible to absorb the relative movement between the vessel V and the tugboat 1 in operation, which is an example according to Fig. 4a. FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary operation that can be used in the present invention. The distances L and D are considerably reduced as compared to Fig. More specifically, the distance L may be as short as, for example, 150 meters or less when the distance D is reduced to zero. In the present invention, the relative movement between the ship V and the tugboat 1 is absorbed by the towing winch 5. Thus, the present invention mitigates the risk of navigating associated with large distances L and D in an operation that is an example of current ocean voyage. More specifically, the distance L can be reduced by 10 times or even more and the distance D is completely reduced. More specifically, it also reduces the length of the towing cable 4 in operation as an example of ocean voyage and, in particular, it is not only important in the case of a steel wire towing cable, but it also reduces weight and / or ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) . ≪ / RTI > A further advantage of the present invention is that the port-operated tugboat 1 equipped with the present invention can be used both as a port-based operation and as an ocean-going navigation operation.

5 shows an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment includes a rotary element 9, such as the wheel 9 shown in Figs. 5 to 6, which is freely rotatable about the axis Y-Y, for example. The towing cable 4 is guided along the rotating element 9 to the winch 5, which is a render and recovery tow. The axis Y-Y is attached to an arm 10 that is free to rotate about an axis X-X perpendicular to the view of FIG. 5, for example, 90 degrees or more on both sides in a substantially vertical plane. The cable can be of any known and / or suitable type, and is preferably made, at least in part, from, for example, the previously described steel and / or synthetic material.

Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. In this configuration, the axis X-X is fixed to the element 11 which moves freely above the curve 12 in a substantially vertical state. The curve 12 is formed, for example, by one or more guide rails and extends, for example, substantially in a horizontal plane and / or substantially parallel to the deck 37 of the tug line 1. The curve may have a circle-segment configuration with a center point between the curve 12 and the winch 5 or on the winch in the axis Z-Z. Curve 12 may include, for example, an angle of up to 180 or 270 degrees. Additional guides at the center of the axis Z-Z or curves may be provided for the cable 4. The guiding device 13 shown in Fig. 7, although not shown in Fig. 5 or 6, can ensure that the towing cable 4 is continuously guided on the rotary element 9. The axes X-X and Z-Z can also always remain perpendicular to each other. In all embodiments, axes X-X, Y-Y, and Z-Z may be either an actual axis or a virtual axis.

Figures 7a to 7b show a guiding device 13 attached to an arm 14 that freely rotates about an axis YY so that the guiding device 13 can move along at least a portion of the periphery of the wheel 9. [ It is. Figure 7a shows the device 13 as an example of a tow eyelet. Figure 7b shows the device 13 as an embodiment comprising four roller guides at the far end of the device while ensuring that the towing cable 4 is guided to the rotary element 9 in a frictionless manner will be.

The guiding device 13 ensures that the arm 10 aligns with the towing cable connection 6 in any one embodiment of the present invention so that the axis YY is positioned between the towing point 2 and the towing cable connection 6 Is perpendicular to the plane spanned by the towing winch 5 or between the ship V and the axis ZZ by the towing cable 4. The alignment is accomplished by a turning moment resulting from traction 7, arm 14, and arm 10 with respect to axis X-X. The free rotation of the element 9 provides additional degrees of freedom in the movement of the towing cable connection 6. The guiding device 13 does not restrict the towing cable movement with respect to the axis Y-Y, but generates a rotation moment about the axis X-X. In addition to rearranging the element 9, little or no force is applied to the element 13 during towing. An additional guide element 16 on the side of the wheel 9 can be provided between the wheel 9 and the winch 5, while guiding the cable. For additional cable delivery, an additional rotating element 15 below the wheel 9 may be provided to rotate freely about an axis which may extend parallel to the axis Y-Y.

8A to 8C show an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8a shows a top view at a portion of a tugboat 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention having a towing point 2 in a separate location. Figure 8b illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present invention having various axes A-X, X-Y, and Z-Z. FIG. 8C shows a detailed top view and side view of an embodiment of an exemplary point (2) apparatus in accordance with the present invention having additional examples in various axial alignments. Generally, the axes X-X and Y-Y may be spaced beyond the distance T and may extend vertically, for example, in a non-parallel manner. They can be placed in a parallel plane. The arm 10 may have any shape as long as it directly or indirectly connects the second axis X-X and the first axis Y-Y.

In the embodiment of Figure 8, the rotary element 9 is a wheel having a flange 35, rotating on a first axis Y-Y supported by an arm 10 rotating about a second axis X-X. In FIG. 8B, the towing point 2 is shown in the upright mid position. In this embodiment, the second axis X-X extends substantially as a tangent to the underside of the running surface 30 of the rotary element 9. The second axis X-X is defined by the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder 31 rotating in the support bracket 32 which forms part of the element 11. The element 11 may be a straight or bent, or partially straight and partly curved rail, or a rail or similar track (not shown) which may extend transversely in a generally transverse direction at a portion of the deck 37 of the tug line 1. [ As shown in Fig. In Fig. 8, the track 12 is straight. The arm 10 is hooked so that the axis Y-Y is spaced apart from the second axis X-X. The bracket 32 is preferably positioned so that when the arm 10 is in the upright position it can be supported on the track or rail or on the deck 37 by means of a support 33 defining the axis AA It is also hooked at a position below the rotary element 9. The axis A-A may extend, for example, substantially perpendicular to the deck 37 and may be substantially perpendicular to the first axis Y-Y and / or may extend substantially vertically. The axis A-A may enable the bracket 32 to rotate about the axis A-A when the cable applies a traction force to the towing point 2 in the direction out of the plane defined by the axes A-A and X-X. This means that the bracket 32 follows a point fixed at the deck 37 or a circular segment about which the guide unit 34 is located, through which the cable 4 runs between the rotary element 9 and the winch 5 For example, in straight or curved lanes or tracks. The axis AA nevertheless extends along the axis XX such that the cable is parallel and also preferably in line with a straight line between the points of the face 30 of the rotary element 9 leaving the face 30 in the direction of the winch 5 , Which is typically a radial line between the plane point and the fixed point or guide unit 34 at the deck 37 as described above, . Preferably, the axis A-A is positioned such that it does not coincide with the tangent to plane 30 parallel to axis A-A. This can ensure an automatic repositioning of the towing point 2 about the axis A-A due to the movement of the traction force in the cable 4 out of a plane perpendicular to the axis Y-Y and through the axis X-X.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, a guide 34 is provided between the winch 5 and the towing point 2, in particular the element 9, for guiding the cable additionally in the direction of the winch 5. In this embodiment the guide 34 comprises at least two wheels or rolls 35 through which the cable 4 is guided in the direction of the winch 5. The guide 34 provides guiding in order to make it possible for the cable 4 to be wound on the winch 5 or in the winch 5 in a more general manner, And / or that it is helically wound on the winch 5 and / or independent of the position of the towing point 2, in particular the element 9, relative to the winch 5.

In the embodiment of Figure 8 the cable is guided to the element 9 by a guide 13 which is rotatable about an axis Y-Y. The guide device 13 may be provided with rolls 36 which are free to rotate about axes extending perpendicularly to one another and / or on the axis X-X and / or the device 13 in the major axis direction of the cable 4. Thus, the position of the cable relative to the element 9 is properly aligned.

The present invention is based on three degrees of freedom in the towing cable connection 6, namely the second axis XX and the first axis YY, or the first axis YY and the axis ZZ, centered on the axis ZZ, It is possible to enable two preferably vertical rotations (pivots). The third degree of freedom is obtained by holding and / or restoring the towing cable 4 by the towing winch 5. Collectively, the three degrees of freedom span a substantial 3D vector space with respect to the towing cable connection (6). More specifically, the three degrees of freedom enables the tugboat 1 to install the towing cable connection 6 anywhere in the hemispherical space, as long as it is not disturbed by the upper structure of the tugboat 1. Application of the rotary element 9 additionally enables anti-friction application of the point of the azimuth angle. The towing point device can be a point design that is a frictionless tow of the correct azimuth angle.

The present invention can achieve a constant traction force 7 in the cable connection 6, which is an example having a minimum or nil friction between the towing point 2 and the towing cable 4. More specifically, the friction is minimized when the tugboat 1 moves relative to the vessel V. More particularly, the movement occurs during adverse operating conditions, including, but not limited to, stationary waves. Thus, the present invention makes it possible to operate the tugboat 1 in more operating conditions or sea conditions and also in the most possible directions.

Three positions of the towing point 2 are shown in plan view in Figure 8a. The towing point 2 at the intermediate position is at the intermediate section P and the cable 4 is fed from the winch 5 through the unit 34 and the wheel 9 onto the cylinder 31 and then to the boarding ) And extends straight in the plane (P). So that the axis Y-Y is substantially parallel to the deck 37 and extends perpendicular to the plane P. The arm 10 is in a vertical state. The cable 4 that has passed through the wheel in this state can be moved at any position in the plane P, for example substantially horizontally or in the direction of the vessel V, as long as it is not obstructed by the upper structure of the tugboat 1 And may extend at an upward angle (not shown).

In FIG. 8A, the point position is shown where the unit 11 is moved to the end of the track 12, where the cable 4 extends above the side of the tug 1. The arm 10 is rotated about the axis XX due to the rotation of the cylinder 31 in the bracket 32 while the bracket 32 allows the cable 4 to move from the unit 34 to the cylinder 31 (Not shown in FIG. 8) so as to be able to extend again straight in the direction of the vessel V through the device 31 to the face 30 of the wheel 9 through the support element 31, It is rotated around AA. As can be seen in this position, the axis Y-Y extends at an angle to the deck 37 such that the wheel 9 lies substantially parallel to the deck 37. Obviously the cable does not need to change the position of the wheel 9 from this position nor does it add any friction and can be pulled either forward or backward (Fs, Fr). As the cable extends from the unit 34 through the cylinder 31 and further through the device 31 in the direction Fr than when it extends straight on the wheel 9, It is possible to pull the towing point 2 in the intermediate position direction and / or relocate the respective positions of the wheel 9 as well.

8A is shown at the opposite end of the track 12 where the cable 4 is inclined at an angle other than ninety degrees to the plane P and at an angle to the deck 37, Extends horizontally. In this position, the axis Y-Y and the position of the wheel with it are modified so that the axis Y-Y is perpendicular to the plane defined largely by the cable on the opposite side of the wheel 9. [ Thus, the cable 4 suitably extends over the face 30 of the wheel 9 substantially without friction.

Other positions of the device 13 are shown, with the arm 10 and the corresponding wheel 9 in the possible position in Fig. 8b. As can be seen, the device 13 can move along the periphery of the wheel 9. If the cable 4 is physically engaged with the device 13, the cable is brought into contact with the device 13, leading to relocation of the device 13 to the wheel 9 and / or rearrangement of the wheel 9 relative to the deck 37 And this may be achieved by repositioning the unit 11 relative to the track 12 and / or relocating the arm 10 relative to the bracket 32 and / or repositioning the bracket 32 relative to the deck 37 Lt; / RTI > Thus, proper alignment can preferably always be ensured with minimal friction. The arm 10 can be balanced by a counter weight, which is disposed on the side of the axis X-X opposite the wheel 9, for example.

The present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown and described by way of example. Various modifications thereof are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, the movement of the towing point along the track 12 in the tug can be initiated and / or supported by a power operated movement system, such as a motor, which can, for example, Or may be engaged with the unit 11 by a cable, belt or similar indirect drive mechanism. The tracks can be placed on one flat surface or can be bent in a plurality of directions along, for example, a curved deck 37. In an embodiment, the unit 11 may be in a fixed position. In an embodiment, there may be a tugboat, for example a bow of a tugboat and one or more tow points 2 provided near the stern. The tug of the present invention may be provided with a conventional propulsion unit, such as one or more propellers or jets, and is preferably, but not necessarily limited to, a rotor tug or docking unit ) May be provided. ≪ / RTI >

2: Towing point
4: Towing cable
5: Winch
6: Tow cable connection
9: Rotating element
10: Cancer
11: Moving element
12: Curve
13: Guiding device
15: Additional rotation element
31: Cylinder
32: Bracket
33: Support
34: Guide
35: roll
37: Deck

Claims (15)

A towing device (1) comprising at least one towing winch (5) and a movable towing point device (2), wherein the towing point (2) device comprises a towing cable from the towing winch (5) 4 and can include a rotary element 9 which at least partly guides the towing cable 4 so that the pulling force 7 in the cable 4 when used Is at least partially transmitted to the tug (1) through the rotary element (9), the rotary element is freely rotatable about a first axis (YY) and the first axis (YY) The second axis XX is spaced from the first axis YY and the second and first axes XX and YY are fixed to the arm 10 rotatable in turn with respect to the first axis YY, A critically acclaimed tugboat (1). The tumbler according to claim 1, wherein said second axis (XX) is fixed to a movable member (11) and said member (11) is connected to a curve (12) in a plane which is preferably substantially parallel to the deck of said tug A tugboat (1) that can move along. The tug boat (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second axis (XX) is fixed to a movable member (11) and the member (11) is arranged along a substantially straight line in a plane which is preferably substantially parallel to the deck Movable Tugboat (1). The tug boat (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second axis (XX) is fixed to a movable member (11) and the movable member (11) is partly in a plane which is preferably substantially parallel to the deck A tugboat (1) that follows a straight line and partly moves along a curve. A guiding apparatus (11) for guiding said towing cable (4) to a rotary element (9) is provided, wherein said guiding apparatus (13 Is preferably attached to an arm 14 that freely rotates about a first axis YY and is preferably parallel and more preferably identical to the first axis YY. The tug boat (1) according to claim 5, wherein the guiding device (13) can comprise four or more rotating elements. The tug boat (1) according to claim 5, wherein the guiding device (13) can comprise a towel, a fairlead, a chock or similar device. 7. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a counterweight, preferably attached to an arm (10) juxtaposed to the rotary element (9) with respect to the pivot axis. A tugboat (1) having at least a balancing system for said arm. 9. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an arm (10) is provided between a second axis (XX) and a cable (4) which is a free rotation with the rotary element along an axis substantially parallel to the first axis (1) having an additional rotating element attached to the tug (1). 12. A device according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the rotary element (9) is free to rotate about an additional axis (AA) and the additional axis
- substantially parallel to the arm (10);
- substantially parallel to a line intersecting both the second axis (XX) and the first axis (YY); And / or
Intersecting said first axis (YY) substantially vertically when said arm is in a substantially vertical intermediate position;
Extendable tugboat (1). 11. The device according to claim 10, further comprising an additional guiding device (16) between the rotary element (9) and the towing winch (5) which is also free to rotate about an axis substantially parallel to or coinciding with the first axis Tugboat (1). The tugboat according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the winch is a render and a recovery winch. A pointing device for use in a tugboat according to any one of claims 1 to 11. As a method for supporting the vessel V by the tug boat 1, the towing cable 4 is connected to the tug boat 1 between the winch 5 and the vessel V, Wherein the position of the towing point (2) is connected to the vessel (1) with respect to the tugboat (1) by means of the guiding cable (4) V is adjusted with respect to the tugboat 1 and the towing cable 4 is adjusted by the tugboat 1 which is guided substantially through the towing point 2 and / V). As a method for supporting the vessel V with the tug boat 1, the towing cable 4 is connected to the tug boat 1 between the winch 5 and the vessel V, Wherein the towing cable 4 is guided by a movable towing point 2 and the position of the towing point 2 is connected to the vessel V by the tugboat 1, The towing cable 4 is adjusted with respect to the tugboat 1 according to the position of the towing vehicle 1 and the towing cable 4 is adjusted with respect to the rotation element 9 forming the towing point 2, And the rotary element supports the vessel V with a tugboat 1 rotated in an axis which is moved relative to the tugboat.

Images