NL2007686C2 - Vessel loading and unloading mechanism. - Google Patents

Description

Vessel loading and unloading mechanism

The invention relates to a vessel loading and unloading mechanism suspendable, for example, from a crane and pro-5 vided with means for coupling multiple loads. The invention further relates to a method for moving multiple loads with a vessel loading and unloading mechanism.

It is known in practice to use a crane for loading and unloading a vessel such as a cargo ship. A load or loads 10 to be transferred to the vessel is/are coupled to a hoisting line of a crane using a coupling means. Examples of suitable coupling means range from a simple hook, to more elaborate vacuum handling mechanisms. Once the load or loads is/are coupled, it/they can be raised, moved and lowered into or onto 15 the vessel. The load can be delivered only to a position vertically below the point where the hoisting line meets the crane such as at a sheave.

Loads, such as pipes, are typically transported inside a hold of the vessel which is accessible via a hatch in 20 the deck; the dimensions of the hatch are usually smaller than the dimensions of the hold.

Since the loading and unloading mechanisms of the prior art can deliver a load only vertically below the point where the hoisting line meets the crane, a load or loads, once 25 delivered must then be positioned by persons working inside the hold. Uncoupling of a load or loads from the coupling means and subsequent positioning of the load or loads is time consuming and hence costly. It is further undesirable to have persons working inside of the hold for safety reasons. In or-30 der to facilitate positioning, boards are often placed between layers of load to provide surfaces on which the persons can work or on which vehicles can be driven. In particular for non-cuboidal shapes, this often results in less than optimal packing.

35 It is an object of the invention to provide a vessel loading and unloading mechanism that is suspendable and that is provided with multiple coupling means for a load in accordance with one or more of the appended claims that overcomes problems of the prior art.

40 In a first aspect, the invention relates to a vessel 20 07 6 86 2 loading and unloading mechanism that is suspendable, for instance, from a crane, and that is provided with multiple coupling means for multiple loads, wherein the loading and unloading mechanism comprises a construction that has a first 5 position and a second position; in the first position the construction is arranged to pick up multiple loads wherein the loads have predetermined first distances with respect to each other; in the second position the construction is arranged to place the loads at selectable second distances with respect to 10 each other, wherein the second distances differ from the first distances. By the combination of these features, the loads are placeable at selectable variable distances to both sides of an imaginary vertical line passing through a point from which the vessel loading and unloading mechanism is suspended. Vessel 15 loading and unloading mechanisms of the prior art can position a load only at points along this line, or about along this line.

Multiple loads (e.g. loads having a combined mass of up to severel tens of tonnes, such as 20-40 tonnes), may be 20 collected by the vessel loading and unloading mechanism, moved to, and lowered into, for example a hold of the vessel, and positioned at points across the width or length of the hold, without the need for positioning by persons working inside the vessel. Use of the vessel loading and unloading mechanism 25 therefore means that a vessel can be loaded more quickly, efficiently, and hence at lower cost; in particular for non-cuboidal loads, use of the vessel loading and unloading mechanism further allows for tighter packing since boards do not need to be placed between layers of said load.

30 In a preferred example, wherein the construction is in the first position, the construction is preferably arranged to pick up multiple loads that are arranged side-by-side such that the multiple loads are touching, or are separated by a small roughly regular gap, as would be the case during storage ') 35 or transport.

In a preferred example, wherein the construction is in the second position, the construction is preferably arranged to place the multiple loads at any separation about equal to or greater than their original separation, for exam-40 pie such that the multiple loads can be placed up to at the 3 extremities of the width or length of a hold of a vessel.

The loading and unloading mechanism is suspendable for example from a shackle attached to the loading and unloading mechanism. A person skilled in the art can envisage many 5 suitable elements from which the loading and unloading mechanism could be suspended.

In a preferred embodiment, the construction preferable further comprises a first and a second arm to which the multiple coupling means are attached or are attachable. Pro-10 viding a first and a second arm to which the coupling means are attached constitutes a simple means for allowing the construction to be positioned in the first and second positions e.g. by moving the arms relative to each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the multiple coupling 15 means comprise one or more of: (a) coupling elements, (b) one or more vacuum lifting mechanisms. Examples of suitable coupling elements includes a simple hook, however a person skilled in the art can envisage many suitable alternatives. In general the only limitation on the coupling element is that it 20 should be sufficiently strong to withstand the weight of the multiple loads. Vacuum lifting mechanisms are a preferred example since they allow rapid coupling and uncoupling of the multiple loads.

In a preferred embodiment the multiple coupling means 25 comprise a first number of coupling means and a second number of coupling means, said first and second numbers preferably being equal, wherein the first number of coupling means and the second number coupling means are attached dr attachable to outermost extremities of the first and the second arms respec-30 tively.

In a preferred embodiment, the multiple coupling means are adapted for coupling to pipes.

In a preferred embodiment, the construction further comprises hydraulic pistons attached to the first and second 35 arms for moving them between the first and second positions.

The hydraulic pistons are attached such that each of the first and second arms has one end of at least one piston attached to an extremity thereof. Hydraulic pistons constitute a simple mechanical solution for moving the construction between the 40 first and second positions.

4

The hydraulic pistons are preferably operable such that the first and second arms may be moved independently, thus wherein loads attached to the first and second arms have non-equal mass, the pistons can be extended to different ex-5 tents in order to balance the vessel loading and unloading mechanism such that the loads attached to the first and second arms remain in the same horizontal plane as each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and the second arms are arranged such that they are at least partially ro-10 tatable along a common rotational axis, thus allowing the (extremities of the) arms to be brought together and separated which is particularly advantageous for coupling multiple loads for example from a trailer of a lorry.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and or second 15 arms are hinged, or are provided on a pivot or pivots. Hinges and pivots are simple, reliable and inexpensive components that allow the first and second arms to be at least partially rotated.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and the second 20 arms are movable through an acute angle to switch the construction between the first and the second positions. By constructing the construction such that the first and the second arm can each be moved through an acute angle towards or away from each other, a broad range of selected (variable) second 25 distances of the multiple loads with respect to each other are selectable.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and the second arms are curved. The curved arms are preferably arranged on the construction such that both arms are concave from the per-30 spective of an imaginary person between the arms i.e. as they would be seen by a person so positioned. The first and second arms are further preferably arranged such that they are at least partially overlappable at least while switching between the first and second positions, optionally by the first arm 35 being passable though the second arm, or vice versa. The advantages provided by curved arms are best understood with reference to Figure 2 of the drawing to be discussed hereafter.

It is advantageous to provide curved first and second arms, in particular wherein the arms may be moved through an acute an-40 gle and are overlapped as depicted in Figure 2, because such 5 an arrangement permits use of the vessel loading and unloading mechanism even in confined/shallow spaces such as in a partially filled hold, whilst still permitting loads to be positioned at large selected (variable) second distances relative 5 to each other, such as at opposite extremities of the width or length of the hold. The first and second arms are preferably curved, such that the multiple loads coupled to the coupling means follow the contour of an innermost upper surface of the hold of the vessel as the first and second arms are moved be-10 tween the first and second positions.

In a second object, the invention relates to a method for moving multiple loads with the vessel loading and unloading mechanism of the invention, wherein the method comprises (i) positioning a construction of the vessel loading and un-15 loading mechanism in a first position wherein the construction is arranged to pick up multiple loads wherein the loads have predetermined first distances with respect to each other, (ii) coupling the multiple loads to a coupling means, (iii) moving the construction to a second position wherein it is arranged 20 to place the loads at selectable second distances with respect to each other (iv) uncoupling the multiple loads from the coupling means.

The invention will hereinafter be elucidated with reference to the drawing of Figures 1-6 showing a first and a 25 second preferred embodiment of the vessel loading and unload ing mechanism and illustrations of the use of the first and second preferred embodiments in a method for moving multiple loads. The drawings is not limiting of the appended claims.

With reference to the drawing of Figures 1-6: 30 - Figures la-c show alternative views of a first pre ferred. embodiment of the vessel loading and unloading mechanism of the invention in a first position wherein a construction is arranged to pick up multiple loads wherein the loads have predetermined first distances with respect to each other. 35 - Figure 2 shows a view of the first preferred em bodiment of the vessel loading and unloading mechanism of the invention in a second position wherein the construction is arranged to place the loads at selectable second distances with respect to each other.

40 - Figures 3 and 4a-g show use of the first preferred 6 embodiment of the vessel loading and unloading mechanism of the invention according to the method for moving multiple loads with a vessel loading and unloading mechanism of the invention. Figure 3 is a labelled enlargement of panel A of Fig-5 ure 4.

- Figures 5a-e show alternative views of a second preferred embodiment of the vessel loading and unloading mechanism of the invention.

- Figures 6a-h show use of the second preferred em-10 bodiment of the vessel loading and unloading mechanism of the invention according to the method for moving multiple loads with a vessel loading and unloading mechanism of the invention.

Whenever in the Figures the same reference numerals 15 or characters are applied, these numerals or characters refer to the same parts.

With reference first to Figures la-c and Figure 2, a first preferred embodiment of the vessel loading and unloading mechanism 1 is shown. The vessel loading and unloading mecha-20 nism 1 is suspendable from a crane C e.g. via shackle 2, and is provided with coupling means 3 for multiple loads 5. Examples of suitable coupling means 3 include for example a simple coupling element such as a hook, or more elaborate means such as a vacuum lifting mechanism. The coupling means 3 are pref-25 erably adapted for picking up pipes. The vessel loading and unloading mechanism 1 further comprises a construction 4 that has a first position, e.g. as shown in Fig. la and a second position, e.g. as shown in Fig. 2; in the first position the construction is arranged to pick up multiple loads 5 such as 30 pipes P wherein the loads 5 have predetermined first distances with respect to each other; in the second position the construction is arranged to place the loads 5 at selectable second distances with respect to each other. The vessel loading and unloading mechanism further comprises a first arm and a 35 second arm 6,7, to which the multiple coupling means are attached, preferably composed of steel; the first and the second arms 6, 7 are arranged such that they are at least partially rotatable along a common rotational axis and are movable through an acute angle to switch the construction between the 40 first and the second positions. In this preferred embodiment, 7 the first and second arms 6, 7 are provided on a pivot 8, however use of a hinge, hinges or multiple pivots would similarly be in keeping with the invention. The construction further comprises hydraulic pistons 9,10; one hydraulic piston 9 or 10 5 is attached to an extremity of each of the first and second arms for moving them between the first and second positions. The first and second arms 6,7 are further curved and are arranged such that both arms 6,7 are concave from the perspective of a person between the arms. The first and second arms 10 6,7 are arranged such that the arms are at least partially overlapable. In this preferred embodiment, the first and the second arms 6,7 overlap by the first arm 6 passing through a space in the second arm 7 (or vice versa). The hydraulic pistons 9,10 are operable such that wherein the coupling means 3 15 of the first arm 6 is coupled a load 5 of different mass to the coupling means 3 of the second arm 7, the load 5 may be balanced such that the coupling means 3 remain in the same horizontal plane, i.e. such that the multiple loads 5 are balanced. This can be achieved by extending the hydraulic pistons 20 9 of one arm to a different extent to the hydraulic pistons 10 of the other.

Figure 3 shows the first preferred embodiment of the vessel loading and unloading mechanism 1 of the invention ready for use, positioned in a first position wherein the con-25 struction is arranged to pick up multiple loads 5 wherein the loads 5 have predetermined first distances with respect to each other. With the construction 2 so arranged, multiple loads such as pipes (P) can be attached to the coupling means 3 provided on the first and second arms 6,7.

30 With reference to Figure 4, the first preferred em bodiment of the vessel loading and unloading mechanism 1 is shown in use loading pipes P into the hold 11 of a vessel 12. Elements shown in Figure 4 are identified in Figure 3. Figure 4a is a repeat of Figure 3 and shows the first preferred em-35 bodiment of the vessel loading and unloading mechanism 1 of the invention ready for use, positioned in a first position wherein the construction is arranged to pick up multiple loads 5 wherein the loads 5 have predetermined first distances with respect to each other. With multiple loads 5, such a pipes P 40 attached to the coupling means, the multiple loads 5 can be 8 raised, moved and lowered into the hold 11 of the vessel 12 (Figure 4b-c). Once at least the multiple loads 5 are inside the hold 11, the vessel loading and unloading mechanism 1 can be moved to a second position as shown in Fig. 4d-f, wherein 5 it is arranged to place the multiple loads 5 at selectable second distances with respect to each other, for example at opposite sides of the hold 11 or at any separation about equal to or greater than their original separation. Advantages of the vessel loading and unloading mechanism 1 are made particu-10 larly clear with reference to Figure 4f showing the multiple loads 5 being placed at opposite extremities of an almost full hold 11. Such filling is not possible with the vessel loading and unloading mechanisms of the prior art.

With reference to Figures 5a-e, a second preferred 15 embodiment of the vessel loading and unloading mechanism 1 of the invention is shown. The vessel loading and unloading mechanism 1 is suspendable, for example from a crane (C) e.g. via shackle 2 and is provided with coupling means 3 for multiple loads 5. Examples of suitable coupling means include for 20 example a simple coupling element such as a hook, or more elaborate means such as a vacuum lifting mechanism. The coupling means are preferably adapted for picking up pipes (P). The vessel loading and unloading mechanism 1 further comprises a construction 4 that has a first position (as shown in Figure 25 5a) and a second position (as shown if Figure 5c); in the first position the construction is arranged to pick up multiple loads 5 wherein the loads 5 have predetermined first distances with respect to each other; in the second position the construction is arranged to place the loads 5 at selectable 30 second distances with respect to each other. The vessel loading and unloading mechanism further comprises a first arm 6 and a second arm 7 to which the multiple coupling means are attached, preferably composed of steel; the first and the second arms 6,7 are arranged such that they are moveable in oppo-35 site directions along a horizontal axis (H) to move between the first and second positions, preferably using hydraulic pistons. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the first and the second arms 6,7 are arranged such that they are moveable in opposite directions along a horizontal axis (H) to move be-40 tween the first and second positions using a rack drive mecha- 9 nism, such as a rack and pinion.

Figure 6 shows the second preferred embodiment of the vessel loading and unloading mechanism 1 in use. In Figure 6a, the vessel loading and unloading mechanism 1 is in a first po-5 sition wherein the construction is arranged to pick up multiple loads 5 wherein the loads 5 have predetermined first distances with respect to each other. Multiple loads are collected by the vessel loading and unloading mechanism 1 by coupling the multiple loads 5 to the multiple coupling means 3.

10 The multiple loads are then raised, positioned and lowered into the hold of a vessel 12 as shown in Figures 6b-c. Once at least the multiple loads 5 are inside the hold, the vessel loading and unloading mechanism 1 can be moved to a second position as shown in Fig. 6d-f, wherein it is arranged to place 15 the loads 5 at selectable second distances with respect to each other, thus loads can be placed at positions up to at the extremities of the hold. Figures 6g-h show the vessel loading and unloading mechanism in the first position such that it can be removed from the hold. In an embodiment wherein the width 20 of the vessel loading and unloading mechanism 1 is greater than the width of an entrance to the hold, but not greater than the length of the entrance to the hold, the vessel loading and unloading mechanism 1 must first be rotated through about 90 degrees relative to its operating orientation. In its 25 operating position, the vessel loading and unloading mechanism is preferably orientated to place the multiple loads 5 at first and second positions across the width of the hold 11 of the vessel 12.

2007686

Claims (14)

Loading and unloading mechanism (1) for a ship that can be suspended and provided with multiple coupling means (3) for a cargo, characterized in that the loading and unloading mechanism (1) surrounds a structure (4) 5 vessel having a first and a second position; wherein in the first position, the structure (4) is adapted to pick up a plurality of loads (5) in which the loads (5) have predetermined first distances with respect to each other; and wherein in the second position the structure (4) is arranged to place the charges (5) at selectable second distances relative to each other, the second distances differing from the first distances. A ship loading and unloading mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the structure (4) further comprises a first and a second arm (6, 7) to which multiple coupling means (3) are connected or be connectable. 3. Ship loading and unloading mechanism (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multiple coupling means (3) comprise one or more of: (a) coupling elements, (b) one or more vacuum lifting mechanisms. Loading and unloading mechanism (1) for a ship according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multiple coupling means (3) are adapted for coupling with pipes (P). A ship loading and unloading mechanism (1) according to one or more of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the structure (4) further comprises hydraulic pistons 30 (9, 10) coupled to the first and second second arms (6, 7) for moving them between the first and second positions. Loading and unloading mechanism (1) for a ship according to one or more of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the first and second arms (6, 7) are arranged 2007686 such that they are rotatable at least in part are along a common axis of rotation (A). Loading and unloading mechanism (1) for a ship according to one or more of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the first and / or second arms are hinged, or are provided with a hinge (8) or hinges (8). Loading and unloading mechanism (1) for a ship according to one or more of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the first and second arms (6, 7) are movable through an obtuse angle for switching the construction between the first and second positions. Loading and unloading mechanism (1) for a ship according to one or more of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the first and second arms (6, 7) are bent. A ship loading and unloading mechanism (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the curved first and second arms (6, 7) are arranged on the structure (4) such that both arms (6, 7) are concave formed from the view of an imaginary person who is between the arms (6, 7). Loading and unloading mechanism (1) for a ship according to one or more of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the first and second arms (6, 7) are arranged such that the arms are at least during switching between The first and second positions are at least partially overlapping. 12. Method for moving a plurality of loads with the loading and unloading mechanism (1) for a ship according to claims 1-11, characterized in that the method comprises (i) positioning a structure (4) of the loading and unloading mechanism (1) for a ship in a first position in which the structure is adapted to pick up a plurality of loads (5) in which the loads (5) have predetermined first distances with respect to each other, (ii) ) coupling the multiple charges (5) with a coupling means (3), (iii) moving the structure (4) to a second position in which it is arranged to place the charges (5) at selectable second distances with respect to disconnecting the multiple charges (5) from the coupling means (3) to each other (iv). 13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that with the structure (4) in the first position, the structure (4) is adapted to pick up a multitude of loads (5) placed side by side, such that the multiple charges (5) touch each other, or are separated from each other by a small roughly regularly running space, as would be the case during storage or transport. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that with the structure (4) in the second position, the structure (4) is arranged to place the multiple charges (5) at any distance from each other that is approximately equal or greater then their original divorce. 2007686