NO342527B1

NO342527B1 - Retractable guide pin assembly

Info

Publication number: NO342527B1
Application number: NO20161880A
Authority: NO
Inventors: Maria Thorsell
Original assignee: Macgregor Norway As
Priority date: 2016-11-25
Filing date: 2016-11-25
Publication date: 2018-06-11
Also published as: GB2558761A8; NO20161880A1; GB2558761B; GB2558761A; GB201719217D0

Abstract

A low profile retractable tow line guide pin assembly for arrangement in pairs in a deck on a vessel and comprising a pin casing structure being pivotable in a rear end of the pin casing structure, a pin casing actuator arranged to move the pin casing structure between a fully raised, and a lowered positon, a guide pin arrangement arranged in a front portion of the casing structure, a lock pin displaceable arranged for being actuated by a Lock pin actuator, and for being retracted into the pin casing structure below deck in the passive, lowered, position and when the casing structure is fully raised above the deck surface in its inclined fully raised position, to be extended beyond the guide pin arrangement, and further, forming an inclined bridge portion, for meeting a corresponding symmetrically arranged opposite lock pin, thus, forming a locking pin bridge.A low profile retractable tow line guide pin assembly for arrangement in pairs in a deck on a vessel and comprising a pin casing structure being pivotable in the rear end of the pin casing structure, a pin casing actuator arranged to move the pin casing structure between a fully raised, and a lowered positon, a guide pin arrangement arranged in a front portion of the casing structure, a lock pin displaceable arranged for being actuated by a Lock pin actuator, and for being retracted into the pin casing structure below deck in the passive , lowered, position and when the casing structure is fully raised above the deck surface in its inclined fully raised position, to be extended beyond the guide pin arrangement, and further, forming an inclined bridge portion, for meeting a corresponding symmetrically arranged opposite lock pin , thus, forming a locking pin bridge.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a guide pin assembly for a tow line on a vessel.

Background art

Guide pin devices for vessels are known in the art. They may be fixed extended pins and also retractable guide pin device is known. Retractable guide pins are favorable due to the free open deck space when not in use. Generally, the retractable pins build significantly more below the deck than the extended active height when raise above deck to have room for cylinders, actuators etc. This is no problem for vessels in general, but if there are limited space below deck, such as for a catamaran type deck, this is problematic.

US4347800(A) provides a horizontal arranged box for a guide pin for a tow line arranged on deck of a vessel with pneumatic actuator cushions for lifting from a closed passive to an open active position.

The disadvantages of this tow pin system are that the device does not have any locking device to keep the chain/wire/rope in between the pins. If the bellow are punctured it won ́t be able to keep the working position. If exposed to forces from above, the “spring effect” of the bellow could occur.

Retractable, vertical, guide pins with locking arrangements as a fixed, displaced, top portion are known in the art. They have to be consecutively operated not to act as a closed arch. Also, a retractable vertical guide pin as known in the art build at least 30% more below deck than the upright pin lenght/hight above deck.

WO2005070754 describes a vertical retractable guide pin with a locking system that is folded up from along the guide pin leg. The lock may not start to open before the foldable lock portion has raised above the deck and one has to be sure it will not be stopped by the tow line or chain.

Short summary of the invention

A main object of the present invention is to disclose a low profile retractable tow line guide pin assembly for arrangement in pairs in a deck on a vessel and comprising a pin casing structure being pivotable arranged at a hinge or shaft in a rear end of the pin casing structure, the hinge or shaft is fixed in or relative to the decks support structure, a pin casing actuator extending between the pin casing structure and a fixed point relative to the decks support structure, and further arranged to move the pin casing structure between an active, fully raised, and a passive, lowered position, a guide pin arrangement arranged in a front portion of the casing structure, a lock pin displaceable arranged for being actuated by a lock pin actuator, the lock pin and the actuator arranged below, a top member, and for being retracted into the pin casing structure below deck in the passive, lowered, position, with the top member flush with the deck, and when the top member and the casing structure is fully raised above the deck surface in its inclined fully raised, upper, operative position, to be extended beyond the guide pin arrangement , and further, forming a bridge portion, for meeting a corresponding symmetrically arranged opposite lock pin, thus, forming a locking pin bridge.

The invention provides a compact design of a retractable guide pin assembly with a horizontal opening which results in less installation height needed.

According to the invention the lock pin and said actuator may be arranged below, and parallel, said top member, arranged to extend in an inclined manner, to form an inclined bridge portion.

Thus, even more height is gained due to the retractable lock pin which will be displaced during operation and extended in an angle related to deck.

Figure captions

The attached figures illustrate some embodiments of the claimed invention.

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective top view of a pair of low profile retractable tow line guide pin assemblies in a fully raised position according to an embodiment of the invention arranged in a section of a deck and hull construction.

Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of a similar embodiment as Fig. 1. The right assembly is a section cut along the line N-N in Fig 3.

Fig. 3 illustrates a top view a pair of the retractable tow line guide pin assemblies in a fully raised position according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of a similar embodiment as Fig. 1 but in a lowered passive position. The right assembly is a section cut along the line O-O in Fig 4.

Fig. 5 illustrates a top view a pair of the retractable tow line guide pin assemblies in a lowered position according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 illustrates the sectional view of Fig. 2 enlarged.

Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective top view of a pair of low profile retractable tow line guide pin assemblies in according to an embodiment of the invention. The left assembly illustrates the casing released from its bolting to the hull and the entire guide pin lifted as a complete set. The right assembly has the locking pin with actuator and the top cover removed as one package when the guide pin is in its lowered position.

Fig. 8 illustrates a partly exploded view of the remaining pin case structure of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7 right part.

Fig. 9 illustrates a partial sectional perspective top view of a side by side embodiment of a retractable tow line guide pin assemblies in a fully raised position.

Fig. 10 is a top view of Fig. 9.

Embodiments of the invention

The invention will in the following be described and embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 illustrate a first embodiment of the invention. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a second embodiment. However, the embodiments shown in the figures are specific combinations of a number of embodiments of the invention that is not restricted by the details presented by the figures. The specific embodiments, which are additional to the embodiments in the figures will therefore be explained separately below. Embodiments not illustrated may also been derived from different combinations of claims as long as they do not exclude the function of each others feature. The scope of the invention is to provide a compact design of a retractable guide pin assembly with a horizontal opening which results in less installation height needed.

Common for all the embodiments are a low profile retractable tow line guide pin assembly (0) for arrangement in pairs in a deck (102) on a vessel and comprising a pin casing structure (1) being pivotable arranged at a hinge or shaft (12) in a rear end (101) of the pin casing structure (1), the hinge or shaft (12) is fixed in or relative to the decks (102) support structure, a pin casing actuator (8) extending between the pin casing structure (1) and a fixed point (81) relative to the decks (102) support structure, and further arranged to move the pin casing structure (1) between an active, fully raised, and a passive, lowered position, a guide pin arrangement (51) arranged in a front portion (103) of the casing structure (1), a lock pin (3) displaceable arranged for being actuated by a lock pin actuator (9), the lock pin (3) and the actuator (9) arranged below a top member (7), and for being retracted into the pin casing structure (1) below deck (102) in the passive, lowered, position, with the top member (7) flush with the deck (103), and when the top member (7) and the casing structure (1) is fully raised above the deck (102) surface in its inclined fully raised, upper, operative position, to be extended beyond the guide pin arrangement (51), and further, forming a bridge portion(13A), for meeting a corresponding symmetrically arranged opposite lock pin, thus, forming a locking pin bridge (13). This locks the towing line, rope or chain in between the guide pins and prevent it from slip out of the guide passage between two pins. When the assembly is in a passive position the guide pin arrangement (51) is hidden below deck with its axis (51a) in an angled position relative to deck surface. In an upright, active position the axis (51a) will in general be perpendicular to the deck surface, Please, see Fig 4 and 2. The guide pin casing actuator will in an embodiment have the fixed point (81), in approximately the same level below deck as the lowest point of the pin casing structure (1), thus contributing to a low-profile arrangement. Retractable guide pins or towing pins in general have their hydraulic and casing structure extending far below the lower part of the pin length, when retracted in a passive position, that will extend above deck in an operative position. Please see an illustration of allowed space for a tow line (TL) in Fig 2. Another advantage is that a pair of guide pins according to the invention may be raised at the same time and keep the chain/wire/rope in the guide passage between the “guiding boxes” with the pins. The lock pin can start to move toward each other as soon as it will not push away or hook a line or chain.

In an embodiment of the invention the lock pin (3) and said actuator (9) are arranged below, and parallel, said top member (7), arranged to extend in an inclined manner, to form an inclined bridge portion(13A). Thus, even more height is gained due to the retractable lock pin which will be displaced during operation and extended in an angle related to deck, beyond the guide pin and up to meet an opposite arranged lock pin in an inclined bridge formation. This is adding height to the assembly relative to the guide pin height. When prior art retractable lock pins is used they will be arranged in a top portion of the extended guide pin and instead of adding height it may instead decrease the available space for a tow line.

As an example, in an embodiment of the invention the present invention may have a building height (under deck) of approx. 520 mm and height above deck of approx. 570 mm. The light opening (between pins) may be 700mm (width) x 438 mm (height). This would be about 35% less height demanding below deck than for a similar vertical embodiment. A third advantage is when the retracting the assembly down to a flat in deck position there may be two actuators for each pin assembly working to retract height at two positions, the locking pin height and the guide pin height simultaneously. This allows for a faster retracting than when the complete pin height should be retracted by one actuator. Rapid retracting is a major advantage in an emergency situation. The lock pin should be totally retracted to allow the top portion of the arrangement to be flush with the deck.

The guide pin assembly may be arranged in an opening in the deck and fixed to the deck or the hull construction by brackets etc.

In an embodiment, the retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to the invention comprising a casing (2) in which the pin casing structure (1) is arranged. The casing (2) is fixed relative to the hull or deck construction. The casing has an open top portion (22), the casing (2) further arranged with the top portion (22) flush with the deck (102) and for releasable arrangement in the deck (102) of the vessel, please see Fig. 7. In this way, the tow line guide pin assembly may be installed on a vessel without attachment points to the hull other than to the deck, which is an advantage for an aluminum hull construction.

In such an embodiment without brackets to the hull, the casing (2) is a flanged casing having a collar arranged for releasable arrangement of the total assembly (0) to the deck of the vessel.

In an embodiment of the invention wherein a casing (2) is used, the hinge (12) fixed point is in an upper portion of the casing (2) and the fixed point (81) for the actuator (8) is in a lower portion of the casing (2). To minimize openings wherein undesired objects may stuck a close to the deck surface level position of the hinge (12) is favorable. The invention may for all embodiments have an emergency release system for quick drop to lower passive position for the pin. If there are any undesired objects, such as rope ends, hand tools or even human body parts, in any openings the guide pin assembly may not retract to the lowered position and an emergency situation may occur. Also, there will be a human injury risk.

Thus, an embodiment of the invention has a casing (2) having a cover lip (23) above the hinge (12) closing such potential opening.

The retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a cover plate (10) in the front portion (103) arranged as an element of the pin casing structure (1), below and in front of the guide pin arrangement (51). The cover plate is arranged to fit into, and forming a cover for the remaining open portion of the open top portion (22) when the guide pin arrangement is fully raised in an operative position. The cover plate is further arranged with a retainer element (110) extending out of the cover plate (10) to maintain the cover plate (10) in an operative position. The cover plate (10) may be an integrated or an assembled part of the pin casing structure (1). Without this cover plate, there will be similar risks for injuries and failure of the emergency release system as mentioned above. A retainer element is beneficial and stop position for an upper position of the guide pin assembly is ensured.

The pin casing structure (1) may be of a grid or a cage structure to have all the components attached therein (not illustrated). An advantageous embodiment of the invention has side walls (11) extending form the top member (7), inclined, from the rear, hinged, end (101) to the cover plate (10). Such sidewalls have similar advantages related to injuries and failure of the emergency release system as mentioned above in addition of protect the lock pin and actuator parts.

An advantageous embodiment of the guide pin assembly has a top member (7) being a top cover covering the open top portion (22) of the casing (2) and being flush with the vessel deck in a passive, lowered, position. This will protect the equipment below and constituting a portion of the deck when in a passive lowered position.

In an embodiment, the invention comprises a front housing (4) with an opening (14) for the lock pin (3) in the front portion (103) of the pin casing structure (1). This give an easy access to the pin arrangement and to rollers when such are used, for mounting, replacing or maintenance.

In an embodiment of the retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to the invention the locking pin (3), in its extended position, extends beyond the top of the guide pin arrangement (51). This is an embodiment for vessels with limited space below deck, such as a catamaran type vessel. The guide pin arrangement creates an operative height above deck almost as high as the height used below deck.

In another embodiment of the retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to the invention the locking pin is arranged next to the guide pin arrangement (51) and in an extended position extends beyond, next to, an upper portion of the guide pin arrangement (51). This allows the guide pin arrangement (51) to utilize the full height between the deck surface and the top cover (7) in the fully upright position of the assembly with limited extra needed height below deck. The locking pin and the guide pin is arranged side by side and the guide pin may be more robust than embodiment with the lock pin on top. This is an embodiment well suited for large and heavy tow lines and chains. Please see Fig. 9 and 10.

In an embodiment, the guide pin arrangement (51) is a guide pin roller (5) arranged at bearings (6) . Rollers gives less friction and more easy handling of ropes, lines and chains than a solid pin construction.

The pin casing structure (1) may in an embodiment be a one component unit consisting of two side walls (11), a cover plate (10), a front housing (4) and the bearings (6) thus forming a solid, easy production and handling construction.

The retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to an embodiment of the invention has hydraulic actuated actuators (8,9). This is an advantage compared to prior art given by US4347800. To use (hydraulic) cylinders one has a more reliable and controlled actuating system since they can be set to keep the working position even if e.g. a hose breaks.

For each pair of retractable tow line guide pin assembly, one may use lock pins with male and female connector lock pin ends (130) giving a tightfitting and strong lock, and contributes to better hold of tow line.

Generally, the retractable tow line guide pin assembly will be embodied as a casing (2) that is a rectangular housing for one retractable tow line guide pin and lock pin, but an alternative embodiment will have a casing (2) that is a rectangular housing for a pair of retractable tow line guide pins and lock pins. This may give some savings on manufacturing and mounting in deck.

In an embodiment of the invention the lock pin (3) and the lock pin actuator (9) are attached to the top part/ top cover plate (7) and being releasable as a unit from the pin casing structure (1). This provides for easy access for maintenance and repair.

Claims

1. A low profile retractable tow line guide pin assembly (0) for arrangement in pairs in a deck (102) on a vessel comprising:

- a pin casing structure (1) being pivotable arranged at a hinge (12) in a rear end (101) of said pin casing structure (1),

said hinge (12) is fixed in or relative to said decks (102) support structure, c h a r a c t e r i z e d b y

- a pin casing actuator (8) extending between said pin casing structure (1) and a fixed point (81) relative to said decks (102) support structure, and further arranged to move the pin casing structure (1) between an active, fully raised, and a passive, lowered position,

- a guide pin arrangement (51) arranged in a front portion (103) of said casing structure (1),

- a lock pin (3) displaceable arranged for being actuated by a lock pin actuator (9), said lock pin (3) and said actuator (9) arranged below a top member (7), and for being retracted into said pin casing structure (1) below deck (102) in said passive, lowered, position, with said top member (7) flush with said deck (102), and when said top member (7) and said casing structure (1) is fully raised above said deck (102) surface in its inclined fully raised, upper, operative position, to be extended beyond said guide pin arrangement (51), and further, forming a bridge portion(13A), for meeting a corresponding symmetrically arranged opposite lock pin, thus, forming a locking pin bridge (13).

2. The retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to claim 1, wherein said lock pin (3) and said actuator (9) arranged below, and parallel, said top member (7), arranged to extend in an inclined manner, to form an inclined bridge portion(13A).

3. The retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said pin casing structure (1) is arranged in a casing (2) with an open top portion (22), said casing (2) further arranged with said top portion (22) flush with said deck (102) and for releasable arrangement in said deck (102) of said vessel.

4. The retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said hinge (12) fixed point is in an upper portion of said casing (2) and said fixed point (81) for said actuator (8) is in a lower portion of said casing (2).

5. The retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a cover plate (10) in the front portion (103) and as an element of the pin casing structure (1), below and in front of the guide pin arrangement (51)

6. The retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said pin casing structure (1) having side walls (11) extending form the top member (7), inclined, from the rear, hinged, end (101) to the cover plate (10).

7. The retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to any of the preceding claims, said top member (7) being a top cover covering said open top portion (22) of said casing (2) and being flush with the vessel deck in a passive, lowered, position.

8. The retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a front housing (4) with an opening (14) for said lock pin (3) in said front portion (103) of said pin casing structure (1).

9. The retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said locking pin (3), in its extended position extends beyond the top of said guide pin arrangement (51).

10. The retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said locking pin, is arranged next to said guide pin arrangement (51) and in an extended position extends beyond, next to, an upper portion of said guide pin arrangement (51).

11. The retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said guide pin arrangement (51) is a guide pin roller (5) arranged at bearings (6).

12. The retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said casing (2) is a flanged casing having a collar arranged for releasable arrangement of the total assembly (0) to said deck of said vessel.

13. The retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said actuators (8,9) are hydraulic actuated.

14. The retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each pair of retractable tow line guide pin assemblies comprising lock pins with male and female connector lock pin ends (130).

15. The retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said casing (2) having a cover lip (23) above said hinge (12).

16. The retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said casing (2) is a rectangular housing for one retractable tow line guide pin and lock pin.

17. The retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said casing (2) is a rectangular housing for a pair of retractable tow line guide pins and lock pins.

18. The retractable tow line guide pin assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said lock pin (3) and said lock pin actuator (9) are attached to said top part/ top cover plate (7) and being releasable as a unit from said pin casing structure (1).