NO338011B1 - Connecting device and method for using the same - Google Patents

Description

CONNECTION DEVICE AND PROCEDURE FOR USING THE SAME

The invention relates to a connection device which comprises a holding device designed to be able to be attached to a connection loop in a container ship, where the holding device is designed to hold the connection loop in a position suitable for connection to a lift hook, and a connection device designed to be able to be attached to the lift hook, where the connection device is further arranged to receive the connection loop held by the holding device.

When lifting containers with cargo ropes with attached attachment, it is common today for the attachment to be attached manually to the lifting screw's connection loop. This can lead to dangerous situations for the personnel involved, both due to the risk of blows from the coupling device and due to unstable ground, for example if the container is on a boat deck.

US 6036248 A describes a connection device consisting of a holding device including a connection loop, where the holding device is designed to hold the connection loop in a position suitable for connection to a lift hook, and a connection device designed to be able to be attached to a lift hook where the connection device is further arranged to receive the connecting loop held by the holding device. The connection device also includes a centering device.

From Norwegian patent 324006, a device is known for a coupling tool comprising a lifting hook, where the coupling tool is provided with at least one magnet, where the magnet's distance to a coupling loop is smaller when the coupling loop is in a coupling position relative to the hook, than when the coupling loop is offset in relation to the connection position. The disadvantage of the aforementioned solution is that the internal magnets must have a certain proximity to the connection loop in order to function as intended. The on-coupler's size is thus limited by the coupling loop's dimension in order to function.

Norwegian patent number 327034 mentions a construction of containers for use in the transport of goods between land bases and platforms and rigs at sea, where the loading and unloading operations are carried out by cranes and where the container is connected hands-free to the crane. The top of the container consists of a sloping top plate, a lifting ring, a circular hole and a cone. The disadvantage of the aforementioned solution is that specially built containers with a recess in the top plate are required. Said recess in the top plate will also reduce the container's loading volume. Furthermore, it could be expensive that the container roof must be significantly reinforced compared to normal container roofs to prevent the roof from being torn off when the container has a load. Even more expensive will be that the locking mechanism must be found in each container instead of on the crane cable.

Norwegian patent number 322881 describes a method for receiving and securing a cargo cable with a cargo hook when unloading cargo units from the deck of a vessel, where the cargo cable with cargo hook is guided down towards and received through an upper opening with a large area in a receiving device, where the receiving device is designed so that the loading hook is guided from the upper opening to a lower opening with a smaller area than the upper opening and where the hook is temporarily retained at the lower opening. A device for carrying out the method is also described.

The purpose of the invention is to remedy or to reduce at least one of the disadvantages of known technology, or at least to provide a useful alternative to known technology.

The purpose is achieved by features that are stated in the description below and in subsequent patent claims.

In a first aspect, the invention relates more specifically to a connection device which comprises: - a holding device designed to be able to be attached to a connection loop in a container ship, where the holding device is designed to hold the connection loop in a position suitable for connection to a lifting hook, and - a connection device arranged to be able to be attached to the hoist hook, where the connection device is further arranged to receive the connection loop held by the holding device,

the connection device further comprising a centering device arranged to be able to rotate at least one of the holding device and the connection device and hold the holding device and the connection device in a position where the lifting hook can be connected to the connection loop, where the centering device is constituted by the inner surface of the connection device, the horizontal cross-section of said inner surface gradually changes from a cross-section including a circular opening in a lower part to a cross-section including an oval opening in an upper part.

The invention according to the first aspect makes it possible to remotely control the connection and disconnection of cargo, as said holding device is pre-attached to connection loops on container lashings of a known type and holds the connection loop in a position suitable for connection to a hoist hook. As the lifting hook is connected to said connecting device and the connecting device fits complementary to the holding device, the connecting device will be able to be lowered over the holding device with the connecting loop and with the help of the centering device, the connecting loop and the lifting hook will be set in the optimal position for connection. For example, the optimal position would be for the coupling loop to stand upright, in a vertical position, and across the lifting hook. The centering device can be the inner surface of the disconnection device, with said inner surface's horizontal cross-section gradually changing from a cross-section including a circular opening in a lower part to a cross-section including an oval opening in an upper part. Such a change of the connection device's cavity will result in a turning movement at least in one of the connection device or the holding device as the connection loop is guided from the circular opening and further into the oval opening.

The connection device will preferably be designed so that it encloses the lifting hook and thus performs a shock-absorbing and protective function that prevents damage to the lifting hook.

The upper part of the holding device can be designed with an opening through which the coupling loop is held in a position suitable for connection to the lifting hook. The coupling loop will

could thus be attached inside the holding device, for example the coupling loop can be attached to a horizontal disk inside the holding device, where the disk is stored on rollers. The rollers enable the coupling loop to rotate about the vertical axis. In one embodiment, said opening can be located centrally at the top of the holding device and the coupling loop thus forms the top part of the holding device when the holding device and the coupling loop are fixed together.

The holding device can comprise an upper and a lower part which are rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the holding device. Such a division of the holding device into two makes it possible for the necessary rotation of the coupling loop in relation to the lifting hook to take place in the holding device instead of, or in addition to, the connecting device.

The holding device and the connecting device can be designed as hollow truncated cones. With the holding device designed as a hollow truncated cone, the previously mentioned opening in the holding device could be at the top of the truncated cone and thus the coupling loop, when it is fixed in the holding device, will form the top tip of the holding device. This is advantageous because the connection loop is centered in the holding device and with a corresponding design of the connection device, the lifting hook will be centered in the connection device. When the connecting device, whose shape is of such a size that it fits complementarily on the outside of the holding device, is guided down over the holding device, the lifting hook will come into the optimal position to grip the connecting loop.

The connection device can further comprise a protective bell designed to accommodate the lifting hook. This has the effect that the lifting hook is shielded from shocks and blows, and there is thus less risk of damage to the lifting hook.

The oval opening can, at least in part of the centering device, have a design which is arranged to enclose the coupling loop tightly. The more consistent there is between the oval opening and the coupling loop it will enclose, the more stable the coupling loop is held in relation to the lifting hook, and the easier the connection.

The centering device can comprise at least one magnet placed in an upper part of the connection device. Magnets can, either alone or in combination with the previously mentioned changed cross-section of the connecting device's inner surface, cause the necessary rotation to get the lifting hook and the connecting loop in the optimal position in relation to each other. The magnet can be an electromagnet connected to a battery pack which is mounted on the connection device, thus the electromagnet can be activated in a desired time interval as the holding device and the connection device achieve full contact. The magnetic field will cause the connection loop to be created.

The connection device may comprise a light source. Said light source can, for example, be an LED lamp, but is not limited to this. In that the connection device is

provided with a light source, the work will be simplified for the crane operator who must steer the connection device down over the holding device. The diameter of the light cone will become smaller and smaller as the connection device approaches the container roof, and thus the holding device, and will disappear completely when full contact is achieved between the connection device and the holding device.

In a second aspect, the invention relates more specifically to a method comprising the steps: - attaching a holding device to a coupling loop in a container rack, the holding device being designed to hold the coupling loop in a position suitable for connection to a hoist hook; - attaching a connection device to a hoist hook on a load cable; - to bring the lifting hook with the connection device down over the holding device;

where the method further comprises the step:

- to turn at least one of the connection device and the holding device, using a centering device, so that the lifting hook comes into position to be able to grip the connection loop. Hoisting and lifting operations can thus be remotely controlled as no manual operation is required to attach the lifting hook to the coupling loop.

After lifting, the lifting hook is opened and the connecting device with the lifting hook is lifted straight up so that the holding device is released and left on the container, still holding the connecting loop.

In what follows, an example of a preferred embodiment is described which is visualized in the accompanying drawings, where: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a connection device according to the invention, where a holding device is attached to the connection loop in a container letter of a known type and a connection device is connected to a lifting hook; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the connection device in Figure 1, the connection device being in contact with the holding device and being rotated downwards; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the connection device in Figures 1 and 2, the holding device and the connection device being connected together and lifted; Fig. 4a is a plan view, seen from above, of the connection device as the connection device is guided in over the holding device; Fig. 4b is a plan view, seen from the side, of the connection device in the same position as in Fig. 4a; Fig. 4c is a plan view showing the connection device from Fig. 4b along the section plane A-A shown in Fig. 4a; Fig. 5a is a plan view, seen from above, of the connection device as the connection device is turned down over the holding device; Fig. 5b is a plan view, seen from the side, of the connection device in the same position as in Fig. 5a; Fig. 5c is a plan view showing the connection device from Fig. 5b along the section plane B-B shown in Fig. 5a; Fig. 6a is a plan view, seen from above, of the connection device as the connection loop enters the top of the connection device's conformal; Fig. 6b is a plan view, seen from the side, of the connection device in the same position as in Fig. 6a; Fig. 6c is a plan view showing the connection device from Fig. 6b along the section plane C-C shown in Fig. 6a; Fig. 7a is a plan view, seen from above, of the connection device as the lifting hook grips the connection loop; Fig. 7b is a plan view, seen from the side, of the connection device in the same position as in Fig. 7a; Fig. 7c is a plan view showing the connection device from Fig. 7b along the section plane D-D shown in Fig. 7a; Fig. 8a is a plan view, seen from above, of the connection device when lifting; Fig. 8b is a plan view, seen from the side, of the connection device in the same position as in Fig. 8a; Fig. 8c is a plan view showing the connection device from Fig. 8b along the section plane E-E shown in Fig. 8a; Fig. 8d shows the same as Fig. 8c, but where the connection device is provided with a magnet; Fig. 9a shows the connection device seen from the side, the connection device being aligned over the holding device with the waiting connection loop; Fig. 9b is a top view of the section plane F-F marked in Fig. 9a; Fig. 10a shows the connection device seen from the side, as the connection device is turned down over the holding device with the waiting connection loop; Fig. 10b is a top view of the section plane G-G marked in Fig. 10a; Fig. 10c shows the same as Fig. 10b, but where the connection device is provided with a magnet; Fig. 11a shows the connection device seen from the side, the connection device the connection loop entering through the top of the conformal part of the connection device; Fig. 11b is a plan view seen from above of the section plane H-H marked in figure 1a; Fig. 12a shows the connection device as the holding device and the connection device are connected to each other, and five different, horizontal cross-sectional planes are marked; Fig. 12b-12f show plans of the five different cross-sectional planes marked in figure 12a, respectively I-I, J-J, K-K, L-L and M-M;

Fig. 13a is a perspective view of the connection device; and

Fig. 13b is an exploded perspective view of the connection device in Fig. 13a.

Position and orientation indications such as upper, lower, above, below, vertical and horizontal refer to the position shown in the figures.

Identical reference numbers are used for the same or corresponding elements in the various figures. Figure 1 shows a connection device 1 according to the invention, where the connection device 1's holding device 2 is attached to a connection loop 3 in a container post 4 on a container 5. The connection device 1's connection device 6, comprising a cone-shaped lower part 61 and a superstructure 62, is attached to a lifting hook 7 and lowered towards the container 5 by means of a lifting device not shown. Figure 2 shows the connection device 1 from Figure 1 as the connection device 6 is lowered over the holding device 2 during rotation.

Figure 3 shows the connection device 1 from Figures 1 and 2 during lifting.

Figure 4a shows the connection device 1 as the connection device 6 is guided in over the holding device 2. Furthermore, Figure 4b shows the connection device 1 in the same position, but seen from the side, while Figure 4c shows the section A-A which is marked in Figure 4a. The holding device 2 is shown here with a division into a lower part 21 and an upper part 22 which are rotatable in relation to each other, around the holding device 2's vertical axis. Figure 5a shows the connection device 1 as the connection device 6 is lowered over the holding device 2 during rotation. Furthermore, Figure 5b shows the connection device 1 in the same position, but seen from the side, while Figure 5c shows the cut surface B-B which is marked in Figure 5a. Figure 6a shows the connection device 1 as the connection loop 3 enters through the top of the conforming lower part 61 of the connection device 6. Furthermore, Figure 6b shows the connection device 1 in the same position, but seen from the side, while Figure 6c shows the section surface C-C which is marked in Figure 6a. Figure 7a shows the connection device 1 as the hoist hook 7 grips the connection loop 3. Furthermore, Figure 7b shows the connection device 1 in the same position, but seen from the side, while Figure 7c shows the section D-D which is marked in Figure 7a.

The lifting hook is activated by remote control by, for example, the crane operator. In one embodiment of known technology, the lifting hook 7 is provided with a sensor in connection with a magnet which is placed above the lifting hook itself. As the coupling loop 3 touches said magnet, a signal is sent, for example wirelessly, to a control panel, so that the lifting hook can be activated. However, it is possible to think of several possible ways of registering that the lifting hook 7 and the coupling loop 3 are in the correct position in relation to each other. Another possible solution is a pressure switch in the connection device 1, so that when the conformal part of the connection device and the holding device are in full contact, the pressure switch is activated and a signal is sent to the control panel. Other sensor devices, such as an optical sensor, will also be suitable for the purpose. The activation of the lifting hook 7 thus takes place by the crane operator by remote control starting a motor, for example an electric motor, which is placed in connection with the lifting hook 7. Figure 8a shows the connecting device 1, as a lifting device, not shown, lifts the connecting device 1 and thus its associated load (not shown). Furthermore, figure 8b shows the connection device 1 in the same position, but seen from the side, while figure 8c shows the section surface E-E which is marked in figure 8a. Figure 8d shows the same cross-sectional area E-E, but in an embodiment where the connection device is provided with a magnet. Figures 9a, 10a and 11a show how the connection loop 3 is led in various stages towards an opening 63 in the upper part of the conformal lower part 61 of the connection device 6. Figures 9b, 10b and 11b show a plan view seen from above of the cut surfaces F-F, G-G and H-H respectively marked in Figures 9a, 10a and 11a. Figure 10c shows the same as Figure 10b, i.e. a plan view seen from above of the section surface G-G, but where the connection device is provided with a magnet. Figures 12a-12f illustrate how a centering device 8 can be constituted by a changed horizontal cross-section in the inner cavity of the connection device. Section plans I-l,

J-J, K-K, L-L and M-M are marked in figure 12a and then shown as a plan view from above in figures 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e and 12f respectively.

Figure 13a shows a connection device 1 according to the invention, where the holding device 2 is connected to the connection device 6. Figure 13b shows the same connection device 1 in an exploded view.

Claims (9)

1. Package connection device (1) comprising: - a holding device (2) arranged to be able to be attached to a connecting loop (3) in a container strap (4), where the holding device (2) is arranged to hold the connecting loop (3) in a position suitable for connection to a lifting hook (7), - a connecting device (6) arranged to be able to be attached to the lifting hook (7), where the connecting device (6) is further arranged to receive the connecting loop (3) held by the holding device (2) ), and - a centering device (8), characterized in that the centering device (8) is designed to be able to turn at least one of the holding device (2) and the connecting device (6) and maintain the holding device (2) and the connecting device (6) in a position where the lifting hook (7) can be connected to the connecting loop (3), where the centering device (8) is constituted by the inner surface of the connecting device (6), the horizontal cross-section of said inner surface gradually changing from a cross-section including a circular opening in a lower part to a cross-section including an oval opening in an upper part. 2. Connection device (1) according to claim 1, where the upper part of the holding device (2) is designed with an opening (23) through which the connection loop (3) is held in a position suitable for connection to the lifting hook (7). 3. Connection device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, where the holding device (2) comprises an upper part (22) and a lower part (21) which are rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the holding device (2). 4. Connection device (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, where the holding device (2) and the connection device (6) are designed as hollow truncated cones. 5. Connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where the connection device (6) further comprises a protective superstructure (62) arranged to accommodate the lifting hook (7). 6. Connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where the oval opening in at least part of the centering device (8) has a design which is designed to enclose the connection loop (3) tightly. 7. Connection device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, where the centering device (8) comprises at least one magnet located in an upper part of the connection device (6). 8. Connection device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, where the connection device (6) comprises a light source. 9. Method for using a connection device (1) according to claim 1, where the method includes the steps: - attaching a holding device (2) to a connection loop (3) in a container frame (4), the holding device (2) being designed to hold the coupling loop (3) in a position suitable for connection to a lifting hook (7); - attaching a connection device (6) to a hoist hook (7) on a load cable; - to bring the lifting hook (7) with the connection device (6) down over the holding device (2); characterized in that the method comprises the step - turning at least one of the connecting device (6) and the holding device (2), using a centering device (8), so that the lifting hook (7) comes into position to be able to grip the connecting loop (3) .