Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
  • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
  • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
  • B63B27/14—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of ramps, gangways or outboard ladders ; Pilot lifts
  • B63B27/143—Ramps
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
  • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
  • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
  • B63B27/14—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of ramps, gangways or outboard ladders ; Pilot lifts
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
  • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
  • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
  • B63B27/08—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of winches
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
  • B66D—CAPSTANS; WINCHES; TACKLES, e.g. PULLEY BLOCKS; HOISTS
  • B66D1/00—Rope, cable, or chain winding mechanisms; Capstans
  • B66D1/02—Driving gear
  • B66D1/12—Driving gear incorporating electric motors
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
  • E01D—CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES, ELEVATED ROADWAYS OR VIADUCTS; ASSEMBLY OF BRIDGES
  • E01D15/00—Movable or portable bridges; Floating bridges
  • E01D15/24—Bridges or similar structures, based on land or on a fixed structure and designed to give access to ships or other floating structures
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
  • F16C2326/00—Articles relating to transporting
  • F16C2326/30—Ships, e.g. propelling shafts and bearings therefor

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a device in connection with a ship ramp, which consists of two articulately interconnected ramp parts in order to allow adjustment of the angle between the ramp parts in the extended position of the ramp at a quay or another installation part.
• Such an angular adjustment of ramp parts is normally termed buttressing, and such an angular adjustment is required to, among other things, be able to use the ramp at as great differences of height as possible between ship and quay or another object such as another ship, loading platform, etc.
• the angle between the ramp parts is changed by simply putting in a wedge of the size that is required to achieve the desired angle between the ramp parts. It is a simple solution and implies that there is no need to change the ramp angles during the course of the
• Manual systems are just manual, and will not do if an automatic/adjustable solution is wanted. It is required that a person walks out on the ramp and makes adjustments, something that can be avoided with automated systems.
• a separate buttressing system consisting of hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic pipes, etc., has to be installed in the ramp. This may give rise to leakage and is also costly.
• JP 55136684A nor JP 2125493 U relates to a device that is constructed in such a way that they solve the problem in question desired to be achieved, to be able, by means of a spreading system, to buttress, i.e., change the angle between a first and a second ramp part when the ramp is in an unfolded horizontal position at a quay.
• the only thing accomplishable with said devices is ordinary spreading, i.e., to unfold/fold the ramp.
• the main object of the present invention is primarily to solve, among others, the problems mentioned above by reliable and cost-effective means.
• a common actuation system which normally is arranged to fold the parts of the ramp from a double-folded stored raised position into a lowered unfolded position at a quay, etc., and in the reverse order, is arranged for angular adjustment of the ramp parts in the extended position thereof by the co-operation between the winch of the actuation system and an actuation arm, that the arm, which, in addition to controlling the unfolding/folding of the ramp parts, also controls the buttressing of the ramp parts, i.e., changes the angle between the ramp parts when the ramp is in the unfolded position, also forms a buttspread arm, and that the same, by direct action, forces the ramp parts to turn in relation to each other, whereby the angle between the ramp parts is varied by the driving action of the winch in the desired direction.
• the new device by which the buttressing operation now is solved, is based on the use of the existing spreading system of the ramp.
• buttspread arm is used, which is the core of the invention.
• said buttspread arm acts in order to, like a pinch bar/jemmy, force the ramp parts to change the angle between them.
• the buttspread arm When the ramp is in the stowed position, the buttspread arm will be foldable to decrease the total height of the stowed ramp.
• the spreading wire will be subjected to a tensile force, in contrast to utilizing a separate buttressing system, wherein the spreading wire is at rest during the entire
• Fig. 1 schematically shows a collapsible folding ramp on a ship, as seen from the side
• Fig. 2 shows the different motion patterns of the ramp in a common picture
• Fig. 3 shows the ramp in the extended position as seen from above
• Figs. 4-5 show the ramp as seen from the side during its unfolding sequence
• Figs. 6-8 show in side views the ramp in the extended loading/unloading position with the device according to the invention in an active state, however there being only shown one buttressing arm of the ramp situated on one side of the ramp,
• Fig. 9 shows the device according to the invention as seen from above in the unfolded position of the ramp, however without any wire shown
• Figs. 10-12 show an example of the actuation arm and its bearing mounting.
• the invention which consists of a device 1 in connection with a ship ramp 2 that consists of two ramp parts 3, 4 articulately interconnected by a pivot joint 5 and that is provided with means for allowing adjustment of the angle X, X 1 between the ramp parts 3, 4 in the extended position I, II of the ramp at a quay 6 or some other
• installation part can be said to consist of a common actuation system 7.
• Said common actuation system 7 is normally arranged to cause said folding ramp parts 3, 4 to be folded from a double-folded stored raised position III into a lowered
• said actuation system 7 is also arranged for angular adjustment of the ramp parts 3, 4 in the extended position I, II thereof. This is enabled by the co-operation between the arranged winch 8 and actuation arm 9 of the actuation system 7, whereby the angle X, X 1 ... between the ramp parts 3, 4 is varied by the driving action of the winch on the wire 10 thereof in the desired direction 11, 12.
• the wire 10 driven by the winch 8 is connected with said actuation arm 9 via suitable tackles 13 for the wire 10, and said winch 8 is electrically driven to achieve all advantages thereby.
• the arm 9 is formed of the existing
• spreading arm 9 of the ramp i.e., the arm by which the ramp parts 3, 4 are unfolded from the folded up essentially vertical storage position III into the unfolded essentially horizontal loading position I, II and vice versa upon reverse folding.
• Said arm 9 is pivotably mounted and is, by the co-operation with a counter-pressure part 14, arranged to force the ramp parts 3, 4 to change the angle X, X 1 ... between them by means of a lever function like the function of a pinch bar or jemmy.
• the device 1 By the system 7 and arm 9 thereof, the device 1 according to the present invention is made so that it, in order to decrease the angle X, X 1 ... between the ramp parts 3, 4, pulls in wire 10 by the winch 8, whereby the wire 10 pulls the buttspread arm 9 so that the same is turned and thereby presses apart the ramp parts 3, 4 from each other and decreases the angle X, X 1 ... between the ramp parts 3, 4.
• said arm 9 is provided with a pressure part 15 in its bearing end at the common bearing joint 5 of the ramp parts, and an arm part 14 of the outer ramp part 4 forms a counter-pressure part for the pressure part 15.
• the counter-pressure arm part 14 and the buttspread arm 9 is connected with each other via a link 100, and the buttspread arm 9 is connected with the inner ramp part 3 of the ramp via a pivot joint 16.
• This system consists of one or two winches, usually mounted on the upper deck of the ship, the winches have a number of pulleys on the deck so as to then deflect up to what are called kingposts. On top of these, there is the pulley housing. Around this pulley housing and the one mounted down on the ramp, the main operation arrangement of the ramp is
• the winches on the deck may be hydraulic, electric or consist of a jigger winch, however the latter alternative is nothing that is practicable on larger ramps. This arrangement affects the angle of the ramp part 3 in relation to the basically vertical stern of the ship.
• the arrangement disclosed in the patent text affects the angles of the ramp part 3 and 4 in relation to each other. Both spreading and buttressing.
• the ramp part that is attached to the ship is the first ramp part and is indicated by the numeral 3 in the text and drawings.
• the second ramp part is indicated by the numeral .
• This link 200 works as a stay and holds the buttspread arm 9 at the correct angle in relation to the ramp part 1.
• the function is such that the stay-forming link 200 slides in an oval hole 202, a slot, and reaches an end
• this part is active when the ramp is spread, that is when the ramp part 4 is folded out and in before the quay 6 is reached.
• the angle between the ramp parts 3, 4 is close to 180°.
• a shaft 201 is entirely unloaded and slides in the oval hole 202 if the ramp 2 levels out and the buttress arm 9 rises, that is when wire 10 is let out from the spreading winch 8.
• This link 200 could also consist of a shorter wire/chain of about 2 m with a fixed length, since it only would carry cargo in one position and prevent the buttspreading arm 9 from rotating when it is loaded in a spreading operation.
• the ramp part 4 meets the buttspreading arm 9 in a point, wherein the entire structure can be prestressed if the wire 10 is tightened harder. It is in this contact point the force from the buttspread arm 9 and the ramp part 4 is transferred or vice versa, depending on how to look at it.
• a link 100 Since the buttspread arm 9 is hinged around a centre 16 of the ramp part 3, and the ramp part 4 is hinged in the hinge 5 between the ramp parts 3 and 4 and these have not the same centre, there will occur a certain sliding in the contact point, which is solved by a link 100.
• the design of the link 100 depends on geometrical conditions. There is an aim to have as short a link as possible. In one end of the link, there is a journalled shaft 18, this may be fixed. In the opposite end of the link, there is said bearing part 101 that meets a "fork" 102 on the part 2, where the transfer of force occurs.
• the link 100 is spring-loaded so that it always is placed in the correct position when the parts meet. It can then move (rotate) a little, by virtue of the operating range of the buttressing arm and the small angular change that occurs geometrically. During this movement, the spring is then compressed. In docking out, the spring is entirely out and the contact link is spring-loaded against a mechanical stop.
• the buttspread arm mechanism is hinged to the outer part of the ramp part 1.
• the hinge is preferably made with a shaft and ear bracket arrangement, but other hinge types are feasible as long as it is possible to rotate in a supported position .
• the general function is to act as a crowbar between the part 1 and part 2 of the ramp between a ship and a quay, platform, linkspan or floating pontoon.
• the buttspread arm works as a crowbar, and with its lever it is possible to separate the hinged ramp parts by being able to rotate and change the geometry of the hinge/push/pull-points, this to be able to increase the knuckle of an articulated ramp when bearing load.
• the innovation involves using the existing wire tackle or actuator arrangement /setup, which is employed to unfold this articulated ramp (in our terminology to spread the ramp) , in order to work as a buttressing arrangement as well as a spreading arrangement .
• the motion of the buttspread arm is restricted to occur between a pre-defined and designed interval. It is mechanically hindered or supported in its end positions, and the structure has the strength to bear the loads/torques applied on the buttspread arm, from the dead weight of the ramp, the load on the ramp, and the counter force from driving systems, which may be a winch, cylinder or an electric screw. In this case, it is shown to be a winch having a wire
• buttspread arm can be folded forward or backward to decrease the total air draught of the ramp arrangement. This is an advantage when the air draught is an issue. It will also be easier to get access to the sheaves and inspect/service parts of the mechanism, sheaves, shafts, bearings and wires, actuators, etc.
• the ramp is in the stowed position and the buttspread arm is folded.
• the spreading winch starts to rotate, which means that it is spooling up wire.
• the wire tackle is arranged so that it will raise the folded buttressing arm into an almost vertical position. The end position is reached
• the spreading winch that has been torque controlled now starts to generate tension in the spreading wire tackle.
• the buttspread arm aims to rotate around its fulcrum/point of rotation, but is prevented or supported mechanically (could be a preventer link or wire) from this movement in this direction, and the force increases until the part 2 starts to rotate. The spreading operation is visible to the operator.
• the now stiff ramp is lowered to the quay.
• the outer part of the ramp reaches the quay and a reaction force is acting on the structure.
• the ramp is lowered until the main operation wires are slacking.
• the reaction force from the quay is now at its maximum for an unloaded static ramp and about 40- 50 % of the dead weight of the ramp. Meanwhile, the spreading system is kept in the same position.
• the wire length is
• the contact pressure of the buttspread arm is decreased, and when the position of equilibrium of the arm, via a possible link to prevent friction/scratching between the surfaces and the arm, begins to rotate, the ramp is released into a straighter position, which is advantageous to the loading operation.
• the loading operation starts, and when a heavy load wagon or a similar type of cargo is on the ramp, the wire tension in the tackle of the spreading/buttressing arrangement increases depending on the weight of the cargo. Since the wire length of the system is constant, the ramp cannot change inclination due to the buttspread arm preventing the ramp parts from moving, like a crow bar between the parts. When the maximum safe working load SWL is placed on the ramp, the wire tension is kept below the maximum allowed tension of the used wire, usually around 4-5 times below the minimum breaking load BL. The wires may tend to become longer/elongate during loading operation, which may change the angle of the drive way a little, but may also be seen as a shock absorber/spring of the system.
• the buttspread arm needs to change position/rotate in order to press/bend apart the two ramp structures, like a crow bar, and this can be done simultaneously with the loading operation if necessary.
• the operator actuates the winch and starts to increase the pressure/torque in order to wind up more wire on the drum with the purpose of changing the position of the buttspread arm.
• the wire tension is increased, and when passing the point of equilibrium, the drum starts to rotate and the wire of the system is wound up on the drum.
• the buttspread arm starts to rotate and presses on the contact point via the "possible link" of the part 2. This makes the ramp structures to separate and the inclination between them changes. The operation continues until an adequate clear distance is achieved between the ramp and the quay/obstacle. When the winch is stopped and the brakes are actuated, the buttressing operation is finished. J. The loading operation is finished and the ramp is to be raised, closed and secured for sea voyage. Before the main operation of the ramp can start, the ramp may be
• the spreading winch releases its pressure/torque and starts to feed out wire to the wire system of the spreading arrangement (now folded) .
• the ramp part 2 starts to move in a controlled way by gravity.
• This anti spreading/folding manoeuvre of the part 2 and the main ramp operation continues until the part 1 is oriented at an angle of about 70° to the horizontal state and the part 2 is hanging almost vertically in the hinges.
• the spreading winches are now set to the pre-tension mode in order to keep away possible wire slack from the wire tackle and keep the buttspread arm raised.
• the part 1 can now be locked by wedges to the hull. While the spreading winches have been in the pre-tension mode, the operator or the control system
• the buttspread arm obtains its torque by tensioning of the wires. This torque can be transferred to the part 2 when the part 2 and the buttspread arm are in mechanical contact with each other. This is what we call the contact point.
• This contact point could be a smooth surface where the surface of the buttspread arm meets the surface of the part 2.
• the contact pressure is high, for a standard ramp, the force interval will range between 100-400 t per side.
• the terminology preferred for this link could be: push link.
• the link could be attached to the buttspread arm or on the part 2 of the ramp structure.
• the contact point of the link could be a fork of the open fitting type that "wedges in” the link and keeps it in position. It is also feasible that the link has a fork in one end and meets a shaft or the like in order to "wedge it in” and keep it in position.
• the link can have bearings or be without depending on force and size. For the smoothest operation, a link with greased sliding brass bearings can be recommended.
• This link becomes activated/loaded when the ramp is spread so much that the part 2 and the fork merge into this link. They will stay connected during lowering of the ramp to the quay, during cargo loading and buttressing operation, i.e., angular change between the part 1 and part 2 of the ramp (main structures) , and until the ramp is folded again and the ship is set to sail.
• the link and the fork will always dock in the same position every time, and the link will, depending on length, rotate slightly during the entire operation. Most efficient is to have the link to dock the fork, for example, at -7° and over the full range rotate to +7°. The longer the link, the narrower the angle interval, however it is a geometrical iteration to find the optimal length.
• the link may have a spring-loaded base position, where it is during all inactive periods of time. When docked, it will compress this spring during its rotating motion, and when undocked again, it will be in a base position again.
• the buttspread arm is hinged to the part 1, but could also be hinged to the part 4.
• the spreading winch can be positioned on either the part 3 or part 4. Most common is that it is positioned on the part 1, but with the possibility of being positioned anywhere, since the wire routing can be made in all possible ways.
• the winch could be both electric and hydraulic and pull a wire, rope or a chain. It could also be possible to have some kind of screw actuator or hydraulic cylinder instead of a winch and wire tackle between the buttspread arm and the part 4. Since the stroke is very long, ramps are heavy steel structures, and the part 4 has an operation range of 180°, it is uncertain if this will be a cost effective solution, however possible.
• the hydraulic cylinder needs to be telescopic or designers need to figure out an extreme link structure, which will be a

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Civil Engineering (AREA)
• Structural Engineering (AREA)
• Architecture (AREA)
• Jib Cranes (AREA)
• Auxiliary Methods And Devices For Loading And Unloading (AREA)
• Revetment (AREA)
• Devices For Conveying Motion By Means Of Endless Flexible Members (AREA)
• Transmission Devices (AREA)

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• 2010
  • 2010-05-07 SE SE1050457A patent/SE534831C2/sv unknown
• 2011
  • 2011-04-29 JP JP2013509028A patent/JP5666695B2/ja active Active
  • 2011-04-29 KR KR1020127031541A patent/KR101797473B1/ko active IP Right Grant
  • 2011-04-29 WO PCT/SE2011/050532 patent/WO2011139216A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2011-04-29 CN CN201180022773.4A patent/CN102858626B/zh active Active

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