WO2019108060A1

WO2019108060A1 - Boat line device for restraining a boat line

Info

Publication number: WO2019108060A1
Application number: PCT/NL2018/050796
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johannes Bernardus Gerardus KREISCHER
Original assignee: Tugpins B.V.
Priority date: 2017-11-28
Filing date: 2018-11-27
Publication date: 2019-06-06
Also published as: NL2019986B1

Abstract

Boat line device (1) comprising a pair of a left and right deck pin (10L), (10R) for restraining a boat line (L) in a gap between the deck pins. Each deck pin comprises a movable pin body (20) and a pin guidance (30) for guiding the pin body (20) in rotation only. The pin guidance (30) comprises a journal bearing (302) to allow a rotational movement and a thrust bearing (301) to support the pin body (20) at a fixed axial position. The pin body (20) has an inclined top end face (211) under an angle α. The pair of deck pins (10) is mounted under an angle of inclination β with respect to a deck plate (200). By solely rotating the pin body, a lock element (28) at the top end face (211) is movable from a lower storage position to an elevated working position.

Description

Title: Boat line device for restraining a boat line.

The present invention relates to a boat line device for restraining a boat line, e.g. a rope, cable, chain. In particular, the invention relates to a boat line stopper device or a boat line guiding device. More in particular, the invention relates to a boat line arrangement comprising a boat line device and a winch for winding the boat line. Further, the invention relates to a vessel, in particular a tugboat, comprising a boat line device. Further, the invention relates to a method for operating the boat line device.

US7540254 discloses a stopper device for a chain or a wire, especially for locking in position an anchor chain, tow wire or mooring wire. The stopper consists of a pair of plates which can be pivoted up from the deck of a ship to be vertically positioned in a locked position relative to the deck. Herewith, the plates form an angle relative to each other and with a gap in between an area of adjacent plate edges on the pair of plates. The gap is configured to match with a thickness of a chain link or a wire. The pivoting movement of each plate is provided with the aid of a jack in cooperation with a link mechanism. The link mechanism in one end position causes a locking of the plate in the vertical position. A first of the links in the link mechanism has an abutment area designed to cooperate with a controllable, reciprocating locking bolt for locking the first link and thus the link mechanism in said one end position.

A drawback of this stopper device is that the link mechanism is exposed to corrosion. In practise, when the plates are pivoted upwards, the link mechanism is frequently rinsed with seawater flooding over the deck. The stopper device is open behind the upstanding plates. In operation, seawater passes the plates and enters into an underdeck compartment, in which the seawater flows over the links, bearings and the jack of the stopper device. Herewith, the link mechanism and jack is exposed to a highly corrosive environment. Maintenance has to be carried out frequently to keep all components of the stopper device operating properly.

CN201797958 discloses a boat line device including a clamp, also known as a shark jaw, aligned with blocking pins formed. The shark jaw is operated by a link mechanism. The blocking pins are retractable. The blocking pins are directed under an angle of inclination towards each other. The blocking pins are axially moveable to form a reversed‘V’ which encloses a restraining space in between the pins. This known boat line device is subject to the same drawbacks as the above mentioned stopper device in that especially the shark jaw is vulnerable to get damaged by corrosion caused by incoming seawater.

US4.603.649 discloses a pair of deck pins which are retractable to an underdeck position. An opening is provided in between the pins for guiding a tow line. A plate shaped locking means is provided on top of at least one the pins to close the opening to restrain a tow line in between the pins. The pins are movable from a lower position in which the locking means are aligned with the deck to an elevated position. Robust guides and hydraulic cylinders are positioned below deck level to move the pin bodies in a direction perpendicular to the deck. When the pins are raised they are simultaneously pivoted about 90° during a final stage of an elevating movement.

A drawback of this known pair of deck pins is that the opening forms a relatively small restraining space for restraining a boat line. To allow the deck pins to restrain the boat line properly, in advance, the boat line must lay in the relatively small restraining space in between the pins. Herewith, these retractable deck pins are not satisfying under all circumstances.

The general object of the present invention is to at least partially eliminate the above mentioned drawbacks and/or to provide a usable alternative. More specific, it is an object of the invention to provide a boat line device which is more durable, less vulnerable to corrosion and which requires less maintenance.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a boat line device according to claim 1.

According to the invention a boat line device is provided for restraining a boat line. The boat line device comprises a housing including a deck plate. The deck plate is adapted to mount the boat line device at a deck of a vessel. The deck plate defines a planar plane. The deck plate defines a planar plane as a reference in orientation. The planar plane is a reference plane and can from a practical point of view be construed as a horizontal plane.

The boat line device comprises a pair of deck pins to restrain the boat line in a gap in between set pair of deck pins. The pair of deck pins comprises a left and right deck pin. The deck plate comprises at least one pin opening for allowing the pair of deck pins to protrude above the deck plate. Each deck pin comprises an elongated pin body which defines an axial axis. The pin body is oriented in an angle of inclination with respect to the planar plane. The angle of inclination is defined in between the axial axis and the planar plane. In particular, the pin body is oriented under an angle of 45° with respect to the deck plate. The at least one deck pin is inclined about the angle of inclination with respect to the deck of the vessel.

The pin body has a pin base and a pin top. The pin top is configured to cooperate with the boat line. The pin top has a top end face which is inclined with respect to the axial axis. In particular, the top end face is inclined under the same angle as the angle of inclination of the pin body with respect to the planar plane. Preferably, the top end face is inclined under an angle of 45° with respect to the axial axis.

Each deck pin comprises a lock element for restraining the boat line. The lock element is connected to the pin body. The lock element is positioned at the pin top. Particularly, the lock element is positioned on the top end face of the pin body.

Each deck pin comprises a pin guidance for rotationally guiding the pin body about the axial axis and for maintaining the pin body at an axial position. The pin guidance is connected to the housing of the boat line device. The pin guidance comprises at least one journal bearing for radially bearing the pin body. The at least one journal bearing allows a rotational movement of the pin body. The pin guidance comprises at least one thrust bearing for axially supporting the pin body. The thrust bearing is arranged to maintain the axial position of the pin body. The at least one bearing may be integrally formed or provided by a separate component. Herewith, the deck pin is not a retractable deck pin in a conventional manner, because the pin body is non-movable along the axial axis. The pin body is fixed at an axial position, but rotatable about the axial axis. The pin top with locking element is movable up- and-down by rotating the pin body.

The boat line device further comprises at least one pin actuator for rotationally driving each pin body about the axial axis. The at least one pin actuator is operatively connected to at least one of the pin bodies. A common pin actuator may be provided for actuating two pin bodies together. Preferably, each deck pin is driveable by an own pin actuator, wherein a separate pin actuator is provided for each pin body. Advantageously, an operator may control the left and right deck pin to arise successively.

The boat line device further comprises at least one pin lock for locking at least one pin body in a predetermined rotational position. The pin lock comprises a lock actuator for operating a lock member. The lock member is operatively connected with the at least one pin body. Preferably, the locking member directly engages with the pin body. A common pin lock may be provided to lock more than one pin body by a single operating action, e.g. locking two each other engaging pin bodies. Preferably, each pin body is lockable by an own pin lock, wherein a separate pin lock is provided for each pin body.

According to the invention, a major improvement is achieved by providing the pin body with an inclined top end face in combination with an orientation of the pin body under an angle of inclination with respect to the planar plane and an axial fixation of this pin body. Due to this arrangement, a rotational movement of the pin body about the axial axis can be applied to cause the pin top of the pin body to move up- or downwards with respect to the planar plane. No link mechanism is necessary to accomplish a rising of the lock elements. A simple rotational movement satisfies.

The lock elements are connected to the pin top. Herewith, the lock elements are movable from a lower position to an elevated position. The lock elements preferably extend outside an outer contour of the pin body. In the lower position the lock elements may be arranged flush with the deck plate, in which the lock elements are non-operational and stored. By rotating each pin body about the axial axis, a left and right lock element can be moved from the lower position to the elevated position. In the elevated position, the lock elements may be raised to a vertical orientation in which each lock element is oriented perpendicular to the deck plate.

In the elevated position, the lock elements are operational to restrain the boat line. The lock elements delimit a restraining space for restraining the boat line which is e.g. a cable, a rope or a chain of shackles. During the movement of the lock elements to the elevated position, the restraining space is reduced until the left and right lock element are facing and contacting each other. At the end of the rotational movement, the lock elements delimit a gap in between the pin bodies in which the boat line is restrained.

In an embodiment of the boat line device according to the invention, the left and right deck pin are arranged in parallel with each other. The left and right deck pin cooperate with each other to withstand a tension force induced by the boat line. Advantageously, the parallel arranged left and right deck pin are effectively oriented to deduce the tension force to the vessel.

In an embodiment of the boat line device according to the invention, each pin body is rotatable within a range of at least 160°, in particular at most 200°, preferably rotatable about 180°. In the lower position the lock elements are facing away from each other, while during the rotational movement to the elevated position, the lock elements turn to each other.

Preferably, in the lower position, the lock elements are in parallel with the deck plate and in the elevated position, the lock elements are oriented in perpendicular to the deck plate.

Advantageously, a rotational movement about 180° contributes to a large reach of the lock elements when moving from the lower position to the elevated position. The lock elements have a large reach which corresponds to a large restraining space to restrain a boat line. Due to the large reach, the boat line device according to the invention will also operate properly when a boat line is initially misaligned over a relative large distance to move the boat line to a central position in between the deck pins.

In an embodiment of the boat line device according to the invention, the axial axis of each pin body is oriented about an angle of inclination of at least 30° with respect to the planar plane formed by the deck plate. Preferably, the axial axis of each pin body is oriented about an angle of inclination of 45° with respect to the planar plane. Particularly, the angle of inclination is at most 60° with respect to the planar plane.

In an embodiment of the boat line device according to the invention, the pin guidance is connected to an underside of the deck plate. Herewith, the pin guidance can be completely installed under the deck.

In an embodiment of the boat line device according to the invention, the deck plate has a rectangular outer contour. The rectangular outer contour is beneficial in an implementation of the boat line device as a separate unit on board of a vessel. The rectangular outer contour contributes to a compatibility with a design of a vessel to be revised.

In an embodiment of the boat line device according to the invention, the pin body has a circumferential outer surface which is provided with at least one pin recess for receiving the lock member of the pin lock. The pin lock laterally engages the pin body. The pin lock engages to the circumferential outer surface of the pin body. In particular, the pin lock is mounted to an outer circumferential surface of the pin guidance to engage with an outer circumferential surface of the pin body. The pin lock is mounted to a guidance aperture at a circumferential outer surface of the pin guidance. The pin lock engages the pin body through the guidance aperture. In comparison with a locking the pin body at a base end face, the engagement to the circumferential outer surface of the pin body may be positioned at a larger distance from a centreline of the pin body which contributes to a more rigid and accurate locking of the pin body. In an embodiment of the boat line device according to the invention, the pin guidance comprises a cylindrical inner space for receiving the pin body. The pin body is at least partially cylindrical along its length. The pin body is at least partially positioned in the inner space. The journal bearing may be formed by a circumferential inner wall of the inner space, and the thrust bearing may be formed by a bottom wall of the inner space. The pin body is arranged rotatable inside the inner space.

In an embodiment of the boat line device according to the invention, the inner space of the pin guidance may comprise a ring-seal for sealing the pin body with respect to the inner space. The ring-seal surrounds the pin base and contributes in preventing a passage of seawater. As the pin body only rotates during operation, the ring-seal is effective in providing a barrier. Advantageously, underdeck positioned components of the boat line device may be less exposed to flushing seawater.

The journal and thrust bearing are adapted to support the pin body in a radial and axial direction. The journal and thrust bearing are adapted to withstand exerted radial and axial forces induced by a boat line during operation. By receiving the pin body in the cylindrical inner space of the pin guidance, a bottom region of the pin guidance may be closed off along a full circumference of the inner space. The journal and thrust bearing may close any significant clearance in between the pin body and pin guidance. Advantageously, seawater from the deck may flood around the pin body, but cannot easily flush to an underdeck space.

In an embodiment of the boat line device according to the invention, the pin base of the pin body fits inside the inner space of the pin guidance. The pin base is dimensioned in correspondence with a bottom region of the inner space. Herewith, the pin base may close the bottom region of the inner space. A through-flow of seawater from the deck to an underdeck may be prevented by such a closure of the inner space.

In an embodiment of the boat line device according to the invention, the pin guidance comprises separate items for radially and/or axially supporting the pin body. The pin guidance may comprise at least one insertable slide bearing, e.g. a journal or thrust bearing made from a brass material. In comparison with a bearing integral with the inner space of the pin guidance the at least one insertable slide bearing provides an advantage in that an applied bearing can be adapted to occurring circumstances. Additionally, during a

maintenance, such a bearing might be replaced. In an embodiment of the boat line device according to the invention, the pin actuator comprises a drive unit and a gear unit. The drive unit is connected to the gear unit. The drive unit is connected to the housing of the boat line device and the gear unit is connected to the pin body. Preferably, the gear unit is a two-stage gear unit. The gear unit may comprise a first gear wheel which meshes to a second gear wheel, wherein the first gear wheel is connected to the drive unit and wherein the second gear wheel is connected to the pin body. Preferably, the gear unit has a gear ratio of at least 1 :2, wherein a radius of the second gear wheel is at least 5 times larger than a radius of the first gear wheel.

In an embodiment of the boat line device according to the invention, the boat line device is a boat line stopper device. The boat line stopper device is arranged to stop a boat line in between a pair of deck pins. Advantageously, the boat line stopper device according to the invention is suitable to replace a conventional shark lock element. Both the boat line stopper device according to the invention and the conventional shark lock element provide a gradually reduction of a restraining space to finally restrain boat line. As seen in the introductional part of the application, such a conventional shark lock element has a pair of spatially arranged clamping plates which are each pivotable about two horizontal axes which are oriented in a V-orientation at deck level. During the pivoting movement of the plates, the V-orientation of the horizontal axes provide in that lock elements move towards each other to gradually reduce a restraining space in between the plates. This gradually reduction of the restraining space is also provided by the boat line stopper device according to the invention.

In an alternative embodiment of the boat line device according to the invention, the boat line device is a boat line guiding device for guiding the boat line. The boat line guiding device may be used to bring a boat line in alignment with a line-tool, like e.g. a winch for winding the boat line. In such an application the boat line device may be mounted midships at the stern of the tug in the region of the bulwark. Particularly boat lines, like large-diameter ropes or hawsers, are to be guided on all sides through a guide passage which, however, must be capable of being opened for insertion and removal of this rope from the passage.

Further, the invention relates to an arrangement comprising a boat line device according to the invention, wherein the arrangement further includes a winch for winding the boat line.

Such an arrangement can be used as a marine tool during anchor restraining in anchoring of offshore installations or can be used on tugboats to carry out tugging operations. It is particularly advantageous on board ship, especially as a stopper, also called a clamp or shark lock element, at the stern of a tugboat. Further, the invention relates to a vessel, in particular a tugboat, comprising a deck and at least one boat line device according to the invention mounted at the deck.

Further, the invention relates to a method for operating a boat line device comprising the steps of providing a boat line device according to the invention; actuating a rotational movement to the pin body of the deck pin and actuating a pin lock to lock the pin body in an obtained rotational position. A control unit can be programmed to carry out the method according to the invention.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the appended drawings. The drawings show a practical embodiment according to the invention, which may not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Specific features may also be considered apart from the shown embodiment and may be taken into account in a broader context as a delimiting feature, not only for the shown embodiment but as a common feature for all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, in which:

Fig. 1A-1C show an embodiment of a boat line device according to the invention in perspective views in which a pair of deck pins is illustrated in respectively a lower position, an intermediate position and an elevated working position;

Fig. 2A-2C show the boat line device of fig. 1 in corresponding top views;

Fig. 3A-3C show the boat line device of fig. 2 in corresponding side views;

Fig. 4A-4C show the boat line device of fig. 2 in corresponding front views;

Fig. 5A-5C show the boat line device of fig. 2 in corresponding rear views; and

Fig. 6 shows a cross sectional view of the boat line device as shown in fig. 2C;

To facilitate comprehension of the description and of the claims the words vertical, horizontal, axial, longitudinal, cross-sectional - with reference to gravity- are used in a non-limiting way.

Fig. 1A-1C show a boat line device 1 according to the invention in a perspective view. The boat line device comprises a pair of deck pins 10 including a left deck pin 10L and a right deck pin 10R. The boat line device is a marine device which is arranged for operation on board of a vessel. The boat line device 1 is arranged for restraining a boat line L. Such a boat line L may e.g. be a rope, cable or chain for towing or anchoring a vessel. The boat line device may e.g. be arranged for stopping the boat line in position, or for guiding a boat line to align the boat line with for example a winch for winding the boat line. The boat line device 1 is movable from a lower position, in which the pair of deck pins 10 are stored at deck level to an elevated position, in which the pair of deck pins 10 are raised to a working position. Fig. 1A shows the deck pins 10 in the stored position in which the deck pins are flush with the deck of the vessel. Fig. 1 B shows the deck pins 10 at an intermediate position. A rotational movement brings the deck pins 10 to the working position. Fig. 1C shows the deck pins 10 in the elevated working position. As shown, the boat line L is now restrained in between the two deck pins 10.

The configuration of the deck pins in combination with the rotational movement which occurs when the deck pins 10 move to the working position provides an advantage in that the configuration provides a relatively wide reach for capturing a boat line. The wide reach to restrain the boat line L is comparable to a reach of a conventional known boat line device, also called a shark jaw as disclosed in e.g. US7540254. Herewith, the boat line device according to the invention is suitable to replace an existing shark jaw when renovating a vessel.

Fig. 2-5 show the boat line device 1 as illustrated in Fig. 1 in additional orthogonal views, in which the boat line L is now omitted.

As illustrated in fig. 1A and the corresponding views of Fig. 2-5, at a start of the rotational movement, a co-operating left and right lock element, here a left and right jaw 28L, 28R, of the deck pins 10 are directed away from each other and spaced relatively far from each other.

As illustrated in fig. 1 B and the corresponding views of Fig. 2-5, during the rotational movement, the left and right jaw are turning towards each other and are coming closer to each other. The jaws 28L, 28R delimit a restraining space for restraining the boat line. During the rotational movement the restraining space is reduced.

Finally, as shown in Fig. 1C and the corresponding views of Fig. 2-5, at the end of the rotational movement, the boat line L is restrained in between the jaws 28L, 28R of the deck pins. The boat line is restrained in a gap‘g’ (see Fig.4C) in between the jaws 28L, 28R. The jaws face each other and are in an abutting engagement. At a top region, the gap‘g’ is closed by abutting jaw teeth 281 L, 281 R.

Due to the rotational movement and inclined top end faces, the boat line L will be

automatically centred. The boat line L is centred due to a rising and a more and more sloping surface formed by a head of the deck pins. In the event that a boat line L is misaligned, the increasingly sloping surfaces will force the boat line L to a central position in between the deck pins 10. Herewith, the boat line device 1 according to the invention has a centring working and a same reach as known conventional shark jaws.

Fig. 6 shows the boat line device 1 in a cross sectional view about line VI-VI as indicated in Fig. 2C.

The boat line device comprises a housing 2 for mounting the boat line device to a deck D of a vessel. The housing 2 comprises a deck plate 200 for mounting the housing at a deck level on board of the vessel. The deck plate 200 has a deck plate topside 201 and a deck plate underside 202. The deck plate 200 defines a planar plane. The planar plane extends substantially in parallel with the deck.

After installation, the deck plate 200 is flush with the deck D of the vessel. The deck plate 200 is arranged to fit in a deck aperture of the deck of the vessel. Preferably, the deck plate 200 is configured as a closure to cover an underdeck compartment. The deck plate 200 has a rectangular outer contour. The rectangular outer contour advantageously simplifies an implementation of the boat line device 1 in an existing or new design of a vessel.

The housing 2 further comprises at least one housing plate 203, 204 at the deck plate underside 202. The at least one housing plate 203 is oriented in perpendicular to the deck plate 200. The at least one housing plate reinforces the deck plate 200. Components of the boat line device 1 are mountable to the at least one housing 203 plate to install the components at an under deck position. The housing 2 may be box-shaped. Preferably, the housing 2 is configured as a covering closure in which the housing 2 has a simple

configuration of consisting of a deck plate 200 and at least one perpendicular positioned housing plate at an underside of the deck plate.

The deck plate 200 comprises at least one pin opening 210 for a allowing a deck pin 10 to protrude above the deck plate 200. The deck pin 10 is installed at the underside of the deck plate 200. Here, the deck plate 200 comprises two side-by-side positioned pin openings 210 to allow the left and right deck pins 10 to arise above the deck plate 200. The deck plate 200 has a separate pin opening 210 for each deck pin 10.

The two deck pins 10 together form a pair. The pair of deck pins comprises the left and right leg pin 10L, 10R. The left and right deck pin 10L, 10R are spaced at a distance from each other, such that a gap‘g’ as illustrated in Fig. 4C is provided in between the deck pins 10.

The gap‘g’ is configured to allow the boat line L to be restrained in between the deck pins 10.

The deck pin 10 is inclined under an angle of inclination b with respect to a horizontal plane formed by the deck D. The angle of inclination b is defined between an axial axis A-A of the deck pin and a planar plane formed by the deck plate. The inclination of the deck pin 10 is directed to a bow VB of a vessel. When a boat line is restrained by the deck pin 10, a tension force will be exerted onto the deck pin 10 which tension force then originates from an opposite direction which is from a stern of the vessel VS. The orientation of the deck pin 10 is beneficial in withstanding the tension forces. The tension forces are withstand by a pin body 20 which is pressed by a force component into its pin guidance 30.

The deck pin 10 comprises a pin body 20. The pin body 20 is a cylindrical. The pin body 20 is a elongated pin body. The elongated pin body defines an axial axis A-A. The pin body 20 determines the inclination angle b of the deck pin 10 relative to the deck D. Here, the inclination angle b is 45°.

The pin body 20 has a pin top 21 and a pin base 22. The pin body 20 has a top end face 211 at the pin top 21. The pin body 20 has a base end face 221 at the pin base 22. The top end face 211 is inclined with respect to the axial axis A-A about an angle a which is here 45°. Preferably, the angle a equals the inclination angle b.

A jaw 28 is provided at the top pin 21. Here, the jaw 28 is mounted to the top end face 211. The jaw 28 comprises a jaw body 280 for mounting the jaw 28 to the pin body 20. The jaw body 280 is plate shaped. The jaw body 280 has an elliptical outer contour in correspondence with an outer contour of the pin body 20 at the top end face 211. The jaw 21 has a jaw tooth 281 which projects outside the outer contour of the jaw body 280. In operation, the jaw 28 rotates together with the pin body 20. The jaw 28 moves from the lower position to the elevated position. In the elevated position, the jaws 28L, 28R of the pair of deck pins 10 contact each other, such that the gap‘g’ is closed from above. The jaw tooth 281 is adapted to close the gap‘g’ at a top region to restrain the boat line L.

The pin body 20 is arranged rotatable about the axial axis A-A. A pin guidance 30 is provided to guide the pin body 20 in rotation. The pin guidance 30 is bush shaped. The pin guidance 30 has a hollow cylindrical body for receiving the pin body 20. The hollow cylindrical body forms an inner space 300. The pin body 20 fits into the inner space 300, such that the inner space is closed from above at a bottom region. The arrangement of the pin body 20 in the pin guidance 30 strongly reduces an entrance of seawater. The arrangement provides a closure to prevent seawater to enter underdeck spaces. Herewith, the arrangement provides a protection to underdeck installed components against corrosion. The arrangement may reduce maintenance activities and increase a lifetime of the boat line device.

The pin guidance 30 may further comprise a ring seal 301 for sealing a circumferential outer surface of the pin body 20 with respect to the inner space 300. The ring seal 301 is positioned inside the inner space 300. The ring seal 301 further prevents seawater to pass and enter an underdeck space. Herewith, the ring seal 301 protects underdeck positioned components from flushing seawater and increases a lifetime of the boat line device.

The pin guidance 30 comprises at least one journal bearing 302 and at least one thrust bearing 303. The at least one journal bearing 302 allows a rotational movement of the pin body 20 inside the inner space 300. The at least one journal bearing 302 is adapted to absorb radial forces. The at least one thrust bearing provides an axial bearing to the pin body 22 to maintain the pin body at a fixed axial position. The thrust bearing 303 is adapted to absorb axial forces. Here, the at least one bearing 302, 303 is formed by a sliding bearing. The sliding bearing is inserted as a separate component in the inner space 300. The bearing arrangement of the pin guidance is adapted to absorb radial and axial thrust forces.

The pin body 20 is driveable in rotation by a pin actuator 50. The pin actuator 50 comprises a drive unit 51 which is laterally positioned from the pin body 20. The drive unit 51 may comprise an electric or hydraulic drive. Here, the drive unit 51 is mounted to the pin guidance 30.

The drive unit 51 is connected by a gear unit 52 to the pin body 20. The gear unit 52 comprises a first gear wheel 521 which is connected to the drive unit 51 and a second gear wheel 522 which is connected to the pin base 22, in particular to the base end face of the pin body 20. Here, the gear unit 52 is a two-stage gear unit. The first and second gear wheels 521 , 522 are in engagement which each other. The second gear wheel 522 is larger than the first gear wheel 521. The gear unit 52 has a gear ratio of at least 1 :2.

Further, the boat line device 1 comprises a pin lock 40. The pin lock 40 is arranged for locking at least one rotational position of the pin body 20 relative to the pin guidance 30. The pin lock 40 is arranged to lock the rotational position of the pin body 20 when the pin body 20 is in the elevated working position. Herewith, a tension force inducted by the boat line L cannot cause a rotation of the pin body.

The pin lock 40 comprises a lock actuator 41. The lock actuator is preferably a hydraulic lock actuator. The lock actuator may be a hydraulic linear cylinder to move a lock member 411 into and out of a pin recess 412. The pin body 20 is locked in its rotational position, when the lock member 411 is inserted in the pin recess 412. Preferably, the pin recess 412 is provided at a circumferential surface of the pin body 20. The hydraulic cylinder has a cylinder housing 410 which is mountable to an outer circumferential surface of the pin guidance 30.

Alternatively, the pin recess 412 may be provided at the base end face 221 of the pin body 20.

Further, the boat line device 1 comprises a control unit. The control unit is configured to control the pin actuator 50 and the pin lock 40. The control unit is configured to carry out a method of operating the boat line device. In a step of the method, the pin actuator 50 is driven to rotate the pin body 20. When the pin body 20 is rotated to a predetermined rotational position, the pin lock 40 is operated to lock this rotational position of the pin body 20. In a step of the method, the pin lock 40 is actuated to unlock the pin body 20. Then the unlocked pin body 20 is driveable to return to its non-operative lower position.

It is noted that the term“comprising” (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of“having” or“including”, and not in the exclusive sense of“consisting only of”.

The invention is disclosed with reference to embodiments of the boat line device according to the invention. Reference is expressly made to the fact that, after reading the description, a person skilled in the art may wish to make changes or adaptations that are possible from a technical viewpoint, but that said changes or adaptations do not fall outside the scope of protection of the invention as defined in the attached claims.

The person skilled in the art must understand that it is possible to make various adaptations from a technical viewpoint and to replace elements with equivalents without thereby departing from the essence of the invention. It is in particular possible to make modifications with respect to the illustrated embodiments which do not depart from the essence of the invention and thus remain within the teaching of the invention. The invention is therefore not restricted to the illustrated and described embodiments, but the scope of protection of the invention will cover all embodiments which fall within the definition of the attached claims. List of reference signs:

1 boat line device 302 journal bearing

2 housing 303 thrust bearing

200 deck plate 40 pin lock

201 deck plate top side 41 lock actuator

202 deck plate underside 410 cylinder housing

203 housing plate 411 lock member

204 housing plate 412 pin recess

210 pin opening

L line 50 pin actuator

D deck 51 drive unit

V vessel

VB vessel bow 52 gear unit

VS vessel stern 521 first gear wheel

9 gap 522 second gear wheel

10 deck pin

10L left deck pin

10R right deck pin

20 pin body

21 pin top

211 top end face

22 pin base

221 base end face

28 jaw

28L jaw left

28R jaw right

280 jaw body

281 jaw tooth

30 pin guidance

300 guidance inner space

301 ring seal

Claims

1. Boat line device (1) for restraining a boat line (L), which boat line device (1) comprises:

- a housing (2) including a deck plate (200) adapted to mount the boat line device in a deck (D) of a vessel in which the deck plate (200) defines a planar plane and in which the deck plate (200) comprises at least one pin opening (210) for allowing a deck pin (10) to protrude above the deck plate (200);

- a pair of a left and a right deck pin (10L, 10R) to restrain the boat line (L) in a gap (g) in between said left and right deck pin (10)

wherein each deck pin (10) comprises:

- an elongated pin body (20) which defines an axial axis A-A, wherein the pin body (20) has a pin base (22) and a pin top (21), wherein the pin top (21) has a top end face (211) which is inclined under an angle (a) with respect to the axial axis A-A;

- a lock element (28) for restraining the boat line (L), wherein the lock element (28) is positioned at the pin top (21), in particular on the top end face (211), of the pin body (20); and

- a pin guidance (30) for rotationally guiding the pin body (20) about the axial axis A-A and for maintaining the pin body (20) at an axial position, wherein the pin guidance (30) includes a journal bearing (302) for allowing a rotational movement of the pin body (20) and a thrust bearing (303) for supporting the pin body (20) at the axial position, wherein the pair of deck pins (10) is connected at the at least one pin opening (210) to the housing (2) under an angle of inclination (b) defined between the axial axis A-A and the planar plane;

- at least one pin actuator (50) adapted to rotate each deck pin (10) about the axial axis A-A, which pin actuator (50) is operatively connected to at least one of the pin bodies (20) of the pair of deck pins (10) for rotationally driving each pin body (20) about the axial axis A-A to move each lock element (28L, 28R) at each pin top (21) to and fro a lower storage position and an elevated working position; and

- a pin lock (40) for locking at least one pin body (20) in a predetermined rotational position, wherein the pin lock (40) comprises a lock actuator (41) for operating a lock member (411) which lock member (411) is operatively connected with the at least one pin body (20).

2. Boat line device (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the left and right deck pin (10L, 10R) are arranged in parallel with each other.

3. Boat line device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the axial axis A-A of each deck pin (10) is positioned inclined to the deck (D) at an angle of at least 30°, in particular at least 45°.

4. Boat line device (1) according any of the preceding claims, wherein each pin body (20) is rotatable about at least 160°.

5. Boat line device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each deck pin (10) is driveable by an own pin actuator (50) and/or lockable by an own pin lock (40).

6. Boat line device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the deck plate (200) has a rectangular outer contour.

7. Boat line device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pin body (20) has a circumferential outer surface which is provided with at least one pin recess (412) for receiving the lock member (411) of the pin lock (40).

8. Boat line device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pin guidance (30) comprises a cylindrical inner space (300) for receiving the pin body (20), wherein the inner space (300) comprises the journal bearing (302) and the thrust bearing (303), wherein the pin base (22) of the pin body (20) fits inside the inner space (300) of the pin guidance (30), such that the pin guidance (30) is closed at a bottom region to prevent an underdeck through flow of seawater from the deck.

9. Boat line device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner space (300) of the pin guidance (30) comprises a ring-seal (301) for sealing the pin body (20) with respect to the inner space.

10. Boat line device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pin actuator (50) comprises a drive unit (51) connected to a gear unit (52), wherein the drive unit (51) is connected to the housing (10) and wherein the gear unit (52) is connected to the pin body (20) .

11. Boat line device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the gear unit (52) comprises a first gear wheel (521) which meshes with a second gear wheel (522), wherein the first gear wheel (521) is connected to the drive unit (51) and wherein the second gear wheel (522) is connected to the pin body (20).

12. Boat line device (1) according to claim 11 , wherein the gear unit is a two-stage gear unit.

13. Boat line device (1) according to any of the claims 1-12, wherein the boat line device is a boat line stopper device for locking the boat line in position in between a pair of deck pins.

14. Boat line device (1) according to any of the claims 1-12, wherein the boat line device is a boat line guiding device for guiding the boat line.

15. Boat line arrangement comprising a boat line device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the arrangement further includes a winch for winding the boat line.

16. Vessel, in particular a tugboat, comprising a deck (D) and at least one boat line device (1) according to any of the claims 1-14 mounted at the deck, in particular midships at a stern of the vessel.

17. Vessel according to claim 16, wherein the deck pins (10) are oriented under an angle of inclination (b) directed to a bow of the vessel (VB).

18. Method for operating a boat line device (1) comprising the steps of:

- providing a boat line device according to any of the claims 1-14;

- driving the pin body (20) in rotation only to move the lock element (28) at the pin top (21) to and fro a lower and elevated position; and

- actuating a pin lock (40) to lock the pin body (20) in an obtained rotational position.