WO2021172996A1 - Forerunner unit to be hung in a crane for protecting operators from freely moving loads during heave movements - Google Patents

Forerunner unit to be hung in a crane for protecting operators from freely moving loads during heave movements Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021172996A1
WO2021172996A1 PCT/NO2020/050049 NO2020050049W WO2021172996A1 WO 2021172996 A1 WO2021172996 A1 WO 2021172996A1 NO 2020050049 W NO2020050049 W NO 2020050049W WO 2021172996 A1 WO2021172996 A1 WO 2021172996A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
forerunner
hook
locking
wire
unit according
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO2020/050049
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Kristian Smith
Original Assignee
Kolberg Caspary Lautum As
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kolberg Caspary Lautum As filed Critical Kolberg Caspary Lautum As
Priority to PCT/NO2020/050049 priority Critical patent/WO2021172996A1/en
Publication of WO2021172996A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021172996A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
    • B66C1/00—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles
    • B66C1/10—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles by mechanical means
    • B66C1/22—Rigid members, e.g. L-shaped members, with parts engaging the under surface of the loads; Crane hooks
    • B66C1/34—Crane hooks
    • B66C1/36—Crane hooks with means, e.g. spring-biased detents, for preventing inadvertent disengagement of loads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
    • B66C15/00—Safety gear

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a forerunner unit for protecting operators from freely moving loads during heave movements in loading / unloading operations at sea. More specifically it relates to a device designed to protect operators and surroundings from a freely moving and heavy goods, hook block and/or crane wire or similar hoisting equipment and to handle, for instance, heave movements of vessels involved in loading / unloading operations of heavy goods.
  • the device can also be designed to handle rotational movements.
  • Another problem is heave movements of vessels involved in loading / unloading operations at sea. This problem limits the window in which an operator may safely attach hooks and cargo.
  • the hook and hook block and/or crane wire is heavy and often extra equipment is connected to the hook. It is dangerous to operate in the nearby area of the hook and hook block and/or crane wire during heave movements.
  • the applicant has developed a device for rotational control. This device is relatively heavy and represents a danger for an operator when attaching a hook of the said device to the load to be lifted due to its size and weight. [006] To resolve these problems a forerunner unit has been developed. The solution is to detach the hook from the hook block, the device from rotational control or similar equipment, lower the hook to the load to be lifted and let the operator attach the load to the hook and vacate the site before the device is lowered and re-attached to the hook.
  • the device is provided in two main embodiments: One that handles rotational movements and one that handles pithing movements.
  • the features of the two embodiments are largely the same, but have two main differences:
  • the first embodiment handling rotational control must provide rotational stiffness, which the second don't need and the second embodiment handling heave movement must have a releasable brake on the winch, which the first don't need.
  • the invention describes forerunner unit to be hung from a crane for protecting operators from freely moving hoisting equipment and loads to be lifted during heave movements in loading / unloading operations at sea comprising a load bearing forerunner frame directly or indirectly attached to a hook block and/or crane wire and having a docking space, and a hook with a first locking structure at the top of the hook, wherein the first locking structure is adapted to fit inside the docking space and is connected to a forerunner wire at the top.
  • the forerunner unit further comprises a winch mounted on the frame for operating the forerunner wire, and a releasable brake mounted on the winch for releasing the winch when the pull on the forerunner wire exceeds a predetermined threshold, while still pulling with a magnitude of force less than the threshold,.
  • the forerunner unit further comprises a second locking structure positioned inside the docking space, which is mating with the first locking structure, thus preventing downward movement of the hook in a locked position, and wherein the hook and wire are free to move vertically in an unlocked position.
  • the invention describes a method for use of the forerunner unit when attaching the hook to an object to be lifted, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) switching the locking structures to the unlocked position, b) lowering the hook to the object to be lifted by means of the winch, c) manually attaching the object to the hook, d) removing personnel from the site, e) lowering the hook block and/or crane wire while simultaneously reeling in the wire by means of the winch, f) docking the first locking structure in the docking space, g) switching the locking structures to the locked position, and h) lifting the object.
  • Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a forerunner unit.
  • Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of fig. 1 with the forerunner frame opened and the locking bolt in a locked position.
  • Fig. 3 shows the locking bolt in the process to be opened.
  • Fig. 4 shows the locking bolt in an open position.
  • Fig. 5 shows a sectioned and detailed view of the locking bolt in the open position.
  • Fig. 6 shows the forerunner unit when lowering the hook.
  • Fig. 7 shows the forerunner unit positioned below a device for rotational control.
  • Fig. 8 show the forerunner unit with a swivel between the crane and the forerunner unit.
  • the forerunner unit is hanging vertically as in its usual position.
  • the invention describes a forerunner unit 1 for handling heave movements and for use in a crane, for instance at sea.
  • the forerunner unit can withstand rotational torque and is meant for use with a device for rotational control 20 of suspended loads, as shown in figure 7.
  • the device for rotational control comprises a load bearing structure 2, for instance as described in application NO 20181491.
  • the forerunner unit is rotationally fixed to the load bearing structure.
  • the device for rotational control can temporarily free the load bearing structure 2 from rotational locking or the forerunner 1 can free itself temporarily from rotational locking relative to the load bearing structure. This is to avoid rotational tension at the start of the lifting.
  • the load bearing structure is a load bearing core 2 as shown in the figures. It is however also conceivable that the load is carried by a frame.
  • the forerunner unit comprises a load bearing forerunner frame 3 directly or indirectly attached to a hook block and/or crane wire 16 and having a docking space 9. Furthermore, the forerunner unit comprises a hook 4 with a first locking structure 5 at the top of the hook. The first locking structure 5 is adapted to fit inside the docking space and is connected to a forerunner wire 6 at the top. The wire is rolled on to a wire drum which is operated by a winch 7 mounted on the frame 3. The winch has a releasable break 17, or release mechanism 17, which releases the wire at a predetermined threshold of pull on the wire.
  • This feature is important because if the boat is heaving down with an operator nearby, the load to be lifted will not be lifted off the deck and be in danger of squeezing the operator against other objects.
  • the brake, or release mechanism, on the winch will be released and the load will remain in the same place on deck, while the winch is still pulling with a magnitude of force which is less than the threshold.
  • the release mechanism 17 should be able to lift the hook and possibly other lifting equipment such as chains or a lifting frame.
  • the weight of the load to be lifted must be significantly more than the predetermined releasing threshold. Also, the length of the forerunner wire left on the winch must be more than the maximum heave movement.
  • the release mechanism is integral in the electrical motor 23. In another embodiment the release mechanism is a disc or drum brake mounted between the wire drum and the motor.
  • the forerunner unit further comprises a second locking structure 8 positioned inside the docking space 9 and mating with the first locking structure, thus preventing downward movement of the hook 4 in a locked position, and wherein the hook 4 and wire 6 is free to move vertically in an unlocked position.
  • a load bearing swivel 24 is mounted between the hook 4 and the crane wire 25 as shown in figure 8.
  • the forerunner unit 1 comprises a load bearing forerunner frame 3, which is rotationally locked to the load bearing structure 2
  • the forerunner unit further comprises a hook 4 rotationally fixed to the first locking structure 5.
  • the first locking structure is a load bearing locking ring 21 at the top of the hook, wherein the locking ring 21 is adapted to fit inside the docking space and is connected to a wire 6 at the top.
  • the wire is in turn connected to a winch 7 mounted on the frame for operating the wire.
  • a brake on the winch is not necessary if operation is executed in conditions without heave, ie. on land or fixed structures.
  • the second locking structure is a load bearing locking bolt 8 switchable between a locked and unlocked position, wherein the locking bolt is preventing downward movement of the hook 4 and ring 21 in the locked position, and the hook 4 and ring 21 are free to move vertically in the unlocked position.
  • the locking 5 ring and hook 4 are integrated in one solid piece.
  • the ring 21 and hook 4 are hingedly attached with a horizontal rotational axis as shown in the figures. It is also conceivable with two horizontal rotational axes (like a cardan joint).
  • an actuator or solenoid 10 is provided for enabling a transition of the load bearing bolt 8 between the locked and unlocked position.
  • the actuator or solenoid is connected to an actuator hook 12 which has two positions: a locked position and an unlocked position as illustrated in fig 4 and 3 respectively.
  • the locking ring is provided with a bolt release structure 14 and the locking bolt is hingedly mounted to the forerunner frame 3.
  • the bolt release structure 14 is a plate 14 at least covering the lower parts of the locking ring 21 and extending in a lateral direction perpendicular to the plate such that the locking bolt is moved to an unlocked position where it does not interfere with the locking ring when the locking ring is moving downwards.
  • the locking bolt is pre-tensioned towards the locked position, but gravity may suffice in some configurations.
  • the locking ring should be resting on the locking bolt which in turn rests on a reciprocal locking feature 16 on the forerunner frame 3.
  • Above the locking ring 21 it should be enough free space left of the docking space 9 to hoist the locking ring sufficiently upwards to allow unlocking of the locking bolt.
  • the locking bolt and reciprocal features must be positioned such that the locking ring can be lifted further up in the docking space to relieve the weight of the hook from the locking bolt.
  • the wire and the winch are not designed to take the weight of the load. Therefore, this operation can only take place when no load is attached to the hook 4.
  • the locking bolt comprises a pitch rack and is moved between locked and unlocked position by means of a cogwheel.
  • the locking bolt is switched to the unlocked position by lifting the locking ring.
  • the bolt release structure lifts the locking bolt and when the locking bolt reaches the unlocked position an actuator arm 12 with a hook engages a holding indent 15, holding the locking bolt in the unlocked position thus allowing the hook 4 to be lowered towards the load to be lifted as shown in figure 6.
  • a method for use of the forerunner unit when attaching the hook 4 to an object to be lifted is described below.
  • the method comprises the steps of: a) switching the locking bolt to the unlocked position, b) lowering the hook to the object to be lifted by means of the winch, c) manually attaching the object to be lifted to the hook, d) removing personnel from the site, e) lowering the hook block and/or crane wire while simultaneously reeling in the wire by means of the winch, f) docking the first locking structure 5 in the second locking structure 8 in the docking space, g) switching the locking structures to the locked position, and h) lifting the object.
  • Releasable break / release mechanism 20 Device for rotational control

Abstract

The invention describes a forerunner unit (1) to be hung from a crane for protecting operators from hanging loads during heave movements during loading / unloading operations at sea. The forerunner unit comprises a load bearing forerunner frame (3) having a docking space (9), and a hook (4) with a first locking structure (5) at the top of the hook. The first locking structure (5), mating with a second locking structure (8) positioned inside the docking space, is adapted to fit inside the docking space and is connected to a forerunner wire (6) at the top. The forerunner unit further comprises a winch (7) mounted on the frame for operating the forerunner wire, a release mechanism (17) mounted on the winch for releasing the winch when the pull on the forerunner wire exceeds a predetermined threshold, while still pulling with a magnitude of force less than the threshold.

Description

Title: Forerunner unit to be hung in a crane for protecting operators from freely moving loads during heave movements
Description
Field of invention
[001] The invention relates to a forerunner unit for protecting operators from freely moving loads during heave movements in loading / unloading operations at sea. More specifically it relates to a device designed to protect operators and surroundings from a freely moving and heavy goods, hook block and/or crane wire or similar hoisting equipment and to handle, for instance, heave movements of vessels involved in loading / unloading operations of heavy goods. The device can also be designed to handle rotational movements.
Background
[002] The offshore industry transport large amounts of goods by supply ships to and from installations like oil platforms and windmill parks. The loading and unloading must be done when exposed to wind, waves and currents. Consequently, a lot of time is lost due to bad weather.
[003] One of the problems is unwanted rotation. Most cranes comprise a hook attached to one or more wires leading up to one or more pulleys at the tip of an arm extending from a rotating platform. This gives the operators practically no rotational control of the suspended load in addition to pendulum movements due to the length of the wire. Rotational control requires at least two points of attachment, which implies a crane with two points of attachments. Obviously, this is very expensive and imposes other restrictions like range and operational costs.
[004] Another problem is heave movements of vessels involved in loading / unloading operations at sea. This problem limits the window in which an operator may safely attach hooks and cargo. The hook and hook block and/or crane wire is heavy and often extra equipment is connected to the hook. It is dangerous to operate in the nearby area of the hook and hook block and/or crane wire during heave movements.
[005] The applicant has developed a device for rotational control. This device is relatively heavy and represents a danger for an operator when attaching a hook of the said device to the load to be lifted due to its size and weight. [006] To resolve these problems a forerunner unit has been developed. The solution is to detach the hook from the hook block, the device from rotational control or similar equipment, lower the hook to the load to be lifted and let the operator attach the load to the hook and vacate the site before the device is lowered and re-attached to the hook.
[007] The device is provided in two main embodiments: One that handles rotational movements and one that handles pithing movements. The features of the two embodiments are largely the same, but have two main differences: The first embodiment handling rotational control must provide rotational stiffness, which the second don't need and the second embodiment handling heave movement must have a releasable brake on the winch, which the first don't need.
Summary of the invention
[008] The invention describes forerunner unit to be hung from a crane for protecting operators from freely moving hoisting equipment and loads to be lifted during heave movements in loading / unloading operations at sea comprising a load bearing forerunner frame directly or indirectly attached to a hook block and/or crane wire and having a docking space, and a hook with a first locking structure at the top of the hook, wherein the first locking structure is adapted to fit inside the docking space and is connected to a forerunner wire at the top. The forerunner unit further comprises a winch mounted on the frame for operating the forerunner wire, and a releasable brake mounted on the winch for releasing the winch when the pull on the forerunner wire exceeds a predetermined threshold, while still pulling with a magnitude of force less than the threshold,. The forerunner unit further comprises a second locking structure positioned inside the docking space, which is mating with the first locking structure, thus preventing downward movement of the hook in a locked position, and wherein the hook and wire are free to move vertically in an unlocked position.
[009] In another aspect the invention describes a method for use of the forerunner unit when attaching the hook to an object to be lifted, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) switching the locking structures to the unlocked position, b) lowering the hook to the object to be lifted by means of the winch, c) manually attaching the object to the hook, d) removing personnel from the site, e) lowering the hook block and/or crane wire while simultaneously reeling in the wire by means of the winch, f) docking the first locking structure in the docking space, g) switching the locking structures to the locked position, and h) lifting the object.
Short description of figures.
[010] To improve the understanding of the invention several figures showing actual embodiments is provided. Like numerals in different figures are linked to the same feature.
[Oil]
Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a forerunner unit.
Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of fig. 1 with the forerunner frame opened and the locking bolt in a locked position.
Fig. 3 shows the locking bolt in the process to be opened.
Fig. 4 shows the locking bolt in an open position.
Fig. 5 shows a sectioned and detailed view of the locking bolt in the open position.
Fig. 6 shows the forerunner unit when lowering the hook.
Fig. 7 shows the forerunner unit positioned below a device for rotational control.
Fig. 8 show the forerunner unit with a swivel between the crane and the forerunner unit.
Detailed description
[012] In the following we will assume that the forerunner unit is hanging vertically as in its usual position. In a first embodiment the invention describes a forerunner unit 1 for handling heave movements and for use in a crane, for instance at sea. In a second embodiment the forerunner unit can withstand rotational torque and is meant for use with a device for rotational control 20 of suspended loads, as shown in figure 7. The device for rotational control comprises a load bearing structure 2, for instance as described in application NO 20181491. In the second embodiment the forerunner unit is rotationally fixed to the load bearing structure. Preferably the device for rotational control can temporarily free the load bearing structure 2 from rotational locking or the forerunner 1 can free itself temporarily from rotational locking relative to the load bearing structure. This is to avoid rotational tension at the start of the lifting. Preferably the load bearing structure is a load bearing core 2 as shown in the figures. It is however also conceivable that the load is carried by a frame.
[013] In the first embodiment the forerunner unit comprises a load bearing forerunner frame 3 directly or indirectly attached to a hook block and/or crane wire 16 and having a docking space 9. Furthermore, the forerunner unit comprises a hook 4 with a first locking structure 5 at the top of the hook. The first locking structure 5 is adapted to fit inside the docking space and is connected to a forerunner wire 6 at the top. The wire is rolled on to a wire drum which is operated by a winch 7 mounted on the frame 3. The winch has a releasable break 17, or release mechanism 17, which releases the wire at a predetermined threshold of pull on the wire. This feature is important because if the boat is heaving down with an operator nearby, the load to be lifted will not be lifted off the deck and be in danger of squeezing the operator against other objects. The brake, or release mechanism, on the winch will be released and the load will remain in the same place on deck, while the winch is still pulling with a magnitude of force which is less than the threshold. The release mechanism 17 should be able to lift the hook and possibly other lifting equipment such as chains or a lifting frame. For this feature to function the weight of the load to be lifted must be significantly more than the predetermined releasing threshold. Also, the length of the forerunner wire left on the winch must be more than the maximum heave movement.
[014] In one embodiment the release mechanism is integral in the electrical motor 23. In another embodiment the release mechanism is a disc or drum brake mounted between the wire drum and the motor.
[015] In the first embodiment the forerunner unit further comprises a second locking structure 8 positioned inside the docking space 9 and mating with the first locking structure, thus preventing downward movement of the hook 4 in a locked position, and wherein the hook 4 and wire 6 is free to move vertically in an unlocked position.
[016] In one embodiment a load bearing swivel 24 is mounted between the hook 4 and the crane wire 25 as shown in figure 8.
[017] In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 1 and 2, the forerunner unit 1 comprises a load bearing forerunner frame 3, which is rotationally locked to the load bearing structure 2 The forerunner unit further comprises a hook 4 rotationally fixed to the first locking structure 5. In one embodiment the first locking structure is a load bearing locking ring 21 at the top of the hook, wherein the locking ring 21 is adapted to fit inside the docking space and is connected to a wire 6 at the top. The wire is in turn connected to a winch 7 mounted on the frame for operating the wire. In the second embodiment of the forerunner a brake on the winch is not necessary if operation is executed in conditions without heave, ie. on land or fixed structures.
[018] A pulley is mounted near the centerline of the load bearing structure such that the wire may be lowered along the centerline. The mouth of the docking space is preferably rounded in order to ease the docking of the locking ring 21. [019] In one embodiment of the forerunner unit, the second locking structure is a load bearing locking bolt 8 switchable between a locked and unlocked position, wherein the locking bolt is preventing downward movement of the hook 4 and ring 21 in the locked position, and the hook 4 and ring 21 are free to move vertically in the unlocked position.
[020] In one embodiment the locking 5 ring and hook 4 are integrated in one solid piece. In another embodiment the ring 21 and hook 4 are hingedly attached with a horizontal rotational axis as shown in the figures. It is also conceivable with two horizontal rotational axes (like a cardan joint).
[021] In one embodiment an actuator or solenoid 10 is provided for enabling a transition of the load bearing bolt 8 between the locked and unlocked position. In one embodiment the actuator or solenoid is connected to an actuator hook 12 which has two positions: a locked position and an unlocked position as illustrated in fig 4 and 3 respectively. The locking ring is provided with a bolt release structure 14 and the locking bolt is hingedly mounted to the forerunner frame 3. In one embodiment the bolt release structure 14 is a plate 14 at least covering the lower parts of the locking ring 21 and extending in a lateral direction perpendicular to the plate such that the locking bolt is moved to an unlocked position where it does not interfere with the locking ring when the locking ring is moving downwards. Preferably the locking bolt is pre-tensioned towards the locked position, but gravity may suffice in some configurations. As illustrated in fig. 1 - 4 the locking ring should be resting on the locking bolt which in turn rests on a reciprocal locking feature 16 on the forerunner frame 3. Above the locking ring 21 it should be enough free space left of the docking space 9 to hoist the locking ring sufficiently upwards to allow unlocking of the locking bolt. In other words, the locking bolt and reciprocal features must be positioned such that the locking ring can be lifted further up in the docking space to relieve the weight of the hook from the locking bolt. The wire and the winch are not designed to take the weight of the load. Therefore, this operation can only take place when no load is attached to the hook 4.
[022] In another embodiment (not shown) the locking bolt comprises a pitch rack and is moved between locked and unlocked position by means of a cogwheel.
[023] In one embodiment, shown in figures 3 - 5, the locking bolt is switched to the unlocked position by lifting the locking ring. The bolt release structure lifts the locking bolt and when the locking bolt reaches the unlocked position an actuator arm 12 with a hook engages a holding indent 15, holding the locking bolt in the unlocked position thus allowing the hook 4 to be lowered towards the load to be lifted as shown in figure 6. [024] A method for use of the forerunner unit when attaching the hook 4 to an object to be lifted is described below. The method comprises the steps of: a) switching the locking bolt to the unlocked position, b) lowering the hook to the object to be lifted by means of the winch, c) manually attaching the object to be lifted to the hook, d) removing personnel from the site, e) lowering the hook block and/or crane wire while simultaneously reeling in the wire by means of the winch, f) docking the first locking structure 5 in the second locking structure 8 in the docking space, g) switching the locking structures to the locked position, and h) lifting the object.
[025] When detaching the load that was lifted after landing the object in a desired position the following steps are carried out: i) hoisting the device for rotational control to a safe height while reeling out the wire (8) at least to the same extent the device was hoisted, j) manually detaching the load that was lifted from the hook.
At this stage it is possible to move the hook to further loads to be lifted and restart at step c) and repeat until all lifting is done.
Inventory
1. Forerunner unit
2. Load bearing structure
3. Forerunner frame
4. Hook
5. First locking structure
6. Wire
7. Winch
8. Second locking structure
9. Docking space
10. Actuator / solenoid
11. Pulley
12. Actuator hook
13. Pre-tensioning unit / spring
14. Bolt release structure
15. Holding indent for actuator hook 16. Reciprocal locking features
17. Releasable break / release mechanism 20 Device for rotational control
21. Load bearing locking ring 22. Load bearing locking bolt
23. Electrical motor
24. Swivel
25 Crane wire

Claims

Claims
1. Forerunner unit to be hung from a crane for protecting operators from freely moving hoisting equipment and loads to be lifted during heave movements in loading / unloading operations at sea characterized by comprising: a load bearing forerunner frame (3) directly or indirectly attached to a hook block and/or crane wire (16) and having a docking space (9), a hook (4) with a first locking structure (5) at the top of the hook, wherein the first locking structure (5) is adapted to fit inside the docking space and is connected to a forerunner wire (6) at the top, a winch (7) mounted on the frame for operating the forerunner wire designed to take the weight of the hook and lifting equipment only, a release mechanism (17) mounted on the winch for releasing the winch when the pull on the forerunner wire exceeds a predetermined threshold, while still pulling with a magnitude of force less than the threshold, a second locking structure (8) positioned inside the docking space (9) and mating with the first locking structure, thus preventing downward movement of the hook (4) in a locked position, and wherein the hook (4) and wire (6) is free to move vertically in an unlocked position.
2. Forerunner unit according to claim 1, wherein the release mechanism is integral in an electrical motor (23).
3. Forerunner unit according to claim 1, wherein the release mechanism is disc or drum brake mounted between the wire drum and the motor (23).
4. Forerunner unit according to claim 1, wherein the forerunner wire (6) is running over a pulley positioned above the centerline of the docking space.
5. Forerunner unit according to claim 1, wherein a load bearing swivel is mounted between the hook and the hook block.
6. Forerunner unit according to claim 1, wherein the hook is rotationally fixed to the hook block.
7. Forerunner unit according to claim 1, wherein the first locking structure (5) is a load bearing locking ring (21) that fits inside the docking space, and wherein the second locking structure is a load bearing locking bolt (22) switchable between a locked and unlocked position, wherein the locking bolt is resting in reciprocal locking features (16) in the forerunner frame and the locking ring is resting on the bolt, when in the locked position.
8. Forerunner unit according to claim 6, wherein the reciprocal features are positioned such that the locking ring can be lifted further up in the docking space to relieve the load from the locking bolt, and wherein a bolt release structure (14) is provided inside the locking ring and the locking bolt is hingedly mounted in one end to the forerunner frame, such that when the locking ring is lifted the locking bolt is lifted and when the locking bolt reaches the unlocked position an actuator arm (12) with a hook engages a holding indent (15), holding the locking bolt in the unlocked position thus allowing the hook (4) to be lowered from the forerunner unit.
9. Forerunner unit according to claim 7, wherein a bolt release structure (14) is a plate (14) at least covering the lower parts of the locking ring (21) and extending in a lateral direction perpendicular to the plate such that the locking bolt is moved to a position where it does not interfere with the locking ring when moving downwards.
10. Forerunner unit according to claim 7, wherein an actuator or solenoid (10) is provided for enabling a transition of the load bearing locking bolt (22) between a locked and unlocked position.
11. Forerunner unit according to claim 1, wherein the locking bolt is pre-tensioned towards the locked position.
12. Method for use of the forerunner unit according to claim 1 when attaching and detaching the hook (4) to an object to be lifted, wherein the method is characterized by comprising the steps of: a) switching the locking bolt (22) to the unlocked position, b) lowering the hook 4 to the object to be lifted by means of the winch, c) manually attaching the object to the hook, d) removing personnel from the site, e) lowering the hook block and/or crane wire while simultaneously reeling in the wire by means of the winch 7, f) docking the first locking structure (5) in the second locking structure (8) in the docking space (9), g) switching the locking structures to the locked position, and h) lifting the object and landing the object in a desired position, i) hoisting the forerunner unit to a safe height while reeling out the wire (8) to at least the same extent the unit is hoisted, j) manually detaching the load that was lifted from the hook, and k) move hook to next load to be lifted and repeat from c) until all lifting is done.
PCT/NO2020/050049 2020-02-26 2020-02-26 Forerunner unit to be hung in a crane for protecting operators from freely moving loads during heave movements WO2021172996A1 (en)

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN114030998A (en) * 2021-11-24 2022-02-11 武汉船用机械有限责任公司 Automatic hook closing and unhooking control method for crane
CN115120904A (en) * 2022-07-06 2022-09-30 广东电网有限责任公司 Lifting auxiliary device

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US3743249A (en) * 1970-04-30 1973-07-03 Shell Oil Co Heave compensator
CN204162289U (en) * 2014-09-04 2015-02-18 北汽福田汽车股份有限公司 Auto-coupling and there is its dynamic compaction machinery
GB2561909A (en) * 2017-04-28 2018-10-31 David Screaton Lee Active heave compensation apparatus

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US3743249A (en) * 1970-04-30 1973-07-03 Shell Oil Co Heave compensator
CN204162289U (en) * 2014-09-04 2015-02-18 北汽福田汽车股份有限公司 Auto-coupling and there is its dynamic compaction machinery
GB2561909A (en) * 2017-04-28 2018-10-31 David Screaton Lee Active heave compensation apparatus

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN114030998A (en) * 2021-11-24 2022-02-11 武汉船用机械有限责任公司 Automatic hook closing and unhooking control method for crane
CN114030998B (en) * 2021-11-24 2023-07-21 武汉船用机械有限责任公司 Automatic hook closing and unhooking control method for crane
CN115120904A (en) * 2022-07-06 2022-09-30 广东电网有限责任公司 Lifting auxiliary device

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