NL2034099B1 - Vessel comprising a crane and exchangeable tools and methods wherein use is made of such a vessel with exchangeable tools. - Google Patents
Vessel comprising a crane and exchangeable tools and methods wherein use is made of such a vessel with exchangeable tools. Download PDFInfo
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- NL2034099B1 NL2034099B1 NL2034099A NL2034099A NL2034099B1 NL 2034099 B1 NL2034099 B1 NL 2034099B1 NL 2034099 A NL2034099 A NL 2034099A NL 2034099 A NL2034099 A NL 2034099A NL 2034099 B1 NL2034099 B1 NL 2034099B1
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- tool
- hoist block
- hoist
- interchangeable tool
- support platform
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
- B66C23/00—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes
- B66C23/18—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes
- B66C23/36—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes mounted on road or rail vehicles; Manually-movable jib-cranes for use in workshops; Floating cranes
- B66C23/52—Floating cranes
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- 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
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Load-Engaging Elements For Cranes (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a vessel comprising a crane and exchangeable tools, each comprising a connector, and to methods wherein use is made of such a vessel with a tool. The crane comprises a hoist cable and a hoist block suspended from the hoist cable. The hoist block comprises an operable mechanism configured to engage the connector in a vertical engagement motion and to releasably lock the tool to the hoist block so as to suspend the tool from the hoist block. The vessel further comprises a support platform adapted to support an exchangeable tool to be suspended from the hoist block, and a motion subsystem provided between the vessel and the support platform enabling X-Y movements of the support platform.
Description
P36057NL00/IWO
Title: Vessel comprising a crane and exchangeable tools and methods wherein use is made of such a vessel with exchangeable tools
The invention relates to the field of vessels comprising a crane. In the prior art, vessels are known comprising a hoist winch, a hoist cables, driven by the hoist winch and a hoist block suspended from the hoist cable.
From WO2020055249 a vessel comprising a crane and multiple exchangeable tools is known, each exchangeable tool comprising a connector at an upper side thereof, e.g. for supporting a load.
Furthermore, the hoist block comprises an operable mechanism configured to, in a connection process, engage the connector of the exchangeable tool in a vertical engagement motion and to releasably lock the exchangeable tool to the hoist block so as to suspend the exchangeable tool from the hoist block.
In a disconnection process the operable mechanism is configured to unlock the exchangeable tool from the hoist block and disengage the hoist block and the connector of the exchangeable tool, in the vertical motion.
WO2018/139931 discloses an arrangement that allows for easier coupling and decoupling of a tool to the hoist block of the crane, for example the tool being a crane hook.
It is an object of the invention to provide an improved, e.g. a more versatile and/or robust solution. In a first aspect thereof, the present invention proposes a vessel according to claim 1, comprising a crane and multiple exchangeable tools, each exchangeable tool comprising a connector at an upper side thereof, wherein the crane comprises: - a hoist winch; - a hoist cable, driven by the hoist winch; - a hoist block suspended from the hoist cable, the hoist block comprising a connector guidance funnel and an operable mechanism above the funnel which operable mechanism is configured to, in a connection process, engage the connector of the exchangeable tool in a vertical engagement motion and to releasably lock the exchangeable tool to the hoist block so as to suspend the exchangeable tool from the hoist block, and in a disconnection process to unlock the exchangeable tool from the hoist block and disengage the hoist block and the connector; characterized in that the vessel further comprises: - a support platform adapted to support an exchangeable tool to be suspended from the hoist block; - a motion subsystem provided between the vessel and the support platform enabling X-Y movements of the support platform.
In particular, a support platform is provided which is adapted to support an exchangeable tool to be suspended from the hoist block; and a motion subsystem is provided between the vessel and the support platform enabling! allowing X-Y movements of the support platform.
Possible advantages are that the connection/ disconnection process is more precise, more easy, safer and/ or faster. Possibly, (partial) digitalization and/or automation of the operation may be achieved. In particular, a possible crash between the connector at the exchangeable tool and the hoist block of the crane is avoided.
In the context of the invention, locking and unlocking relates to providing and removing of the lock between the exchangeable tool and the hoist block, e.g. moving retainers that provide the lock.
Engaging and disengaging relates to providing or ending the engagement, i.e. being in each others vicinity. These steps can be separate steps or performed in one integrated connecting/ disconnecting step.
An exchangeable tool is e.g. a crane hook or other lifting tool from which a load is to be suspended, for example a foundation pile top end lifting device, a lifting device for a transition piece of an offshore wind turbine, a foundation pile upending device, a monopile upending and lifting tool, a pile driver lifting tool, etc. It is conceivable that one or more exchangeable tools are provided that each have one functionality, e.g. like a crane hook, but also tools that are each embodied to provide for multiple functionalities, e.g. a multi-tool as described in WO2018/139918.
An exchangeable tool is e.g.: - embodied as a pile driving device, e.g. having a drop hammer and an anvil or embodied as in discussed in EP3022361: - embodied with a spreader configured for lifting wind turbine parts such as monopiles, blades or nacelles, or for lifting freight containers, the spreader e.g. having a four cornered lifting frame and a locking mechanism at each corner that is configured to releasably attach to a corner fitting of the freight container; - embodied with an excavator device, e.g. a dredging bucket, e.g. for underwater dredging operations, e.g. a clamshell dredging bucket; - embodied with an subsea trenching device and/or underwater cable lay device configured to make a trench in the bottom of a body of water and/or lay an underwater cable; - configured for subsea pipe cutting, e.g. comprising a cutting shear or a continuous loop wire cutting device; - embodied with an underwater rock placement device, e.g. a grab device, configured for placement of rocks on the bottom of a body of water; - embodied with a launch system to deploy and recover an underwater ROV.
In an embodiment, the connector is non-releasable from the tool, e.g. integral with the tool. For example, the connector is part of a crane hook, e.g. a ramshorn crane hook or a four pronged crane hook.
In an embodiment, the connector is embodied as a pin or shank, protruding in an upward vertical direction from the exchangeable tool. In embodiments, the pin is pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis.
The exchangeable tool itself has a weight, e.g. 200 tonnes. The connector and tool is embodied to support a vertical load of over 500 tonnes, e.g. over 1000 tonnes, e.g. of about 5000 tonnes.
The support platform provides a stable support for an exchangeable tool.
The dimensions of the support platform are tuned to the dimensions of the exchangeable tools.
Plausible dimensions of the support platform are 3x1 metres, 6x2 meters, 9x2,5 meters. The support platform may have a height of 4-10, e.g.5 metres, and a weigh of 25-50 tonnes, e.g. 30 tonnes.
The movement range of the motion subsystem provided between the vessel and the support platform enabling/ allowing X-Y movements of the support platform is advantageously tuned to the working conditions of the crane vessel. The movement range is advantageously in the order of 1-200 cm, e.g. 2-100 cm both in X and Y direction.
In embodiments, the motion subsystem comprises a skid cart, the skid cart being movable on deck, e.g. via rails on deck.
In embodiments, the motion subsystem is provided with a locking mechanism for constraining XY movements of the support platform, e.g. during transit and/ or heavy weather.
In embodiments, the motion subsystem comprises a rail system mounted on a deck of the vessel. In embodiments, a first rail is provided along which the support platform is movable, which first rail is mounted movable along a second rail which is mounted on the deck of the vessel. The first and second rails extending in the X and Y direction or vice versa.
Advantageously, the rails are provided with bumpers to limit the movements of the support platform.
This is in particular advantageous in case of failure of resilient members or actuators of the motion subsystem, e.g. in case of cylinder failure.
In embodiments, the motion subsystem comprises one or more resilient elements such as dampeners or spring elements enabling/ allowing passive X-Y movements of the support platform.
Possibly, passive movements of the supporting platform in the X-direction are allowed by a first member and passive movements of the supporting platform in the Y-direction by a second member.
In embodiments, the motion subsystem comprises actuators enabling/ allowing active X-Y movements of the support platform. Preferably movements of the supporting platform in the X-direction are actively controlled by a first actuator and movements of the supporting platform in the Y-direction are actively controlled via a second actuator.
It is conceivable that the one or more actuators move the support platform in the X-direction and in the
Y-direction consecutively. Preferably, the one or more actuators are adapted to move the support platform in the X-direction and in the Y-direction simultaneously.
In embodiments, the motion subsystem comprise one or more X- cylinders {to enable movements of the supporting platform in the X-direction and one or more Y- cylinders to enable movements of the supporting platform in the Y-direction. The cylinders are preferably hydraulic cylinders. The stroke length of such cylinders determines the movement range of the support platform. The stroke range of each cylinder is advantageously in the order of 1-100 cm, e.g. 2-60 cm. Advantageously, bumpers are provided to prevent any further movement than a stroke limit of the cylinders in case of cylinder failure.
The cylinders can be passive and function as resilient member. Alternatively, actuable cylinders can be provided to actively move the supporting platform.
In embodiments, the motion subsystem further comprises an actuator to move the support platform in the Z-direction to assist during the connection’ disconnection process.
In embodiments, the hoist block is provided with one or more position sensors; and wherein further a control system is provided using the information of the position sensors to operate the one or more actuators of the motion subsystem to actively compensate a pendulous motion of the hoist block during the connection/ disconnection process. It is conceivable that in such embodiments the hoist block does not comprise a connector guidance funnel. The position of the hoist block is aligned/ synchronised with the position of the support platform.
In such systems the motion subsystem and the control system actively compensate a pendulous motion of the hoist block during the connection/ disconnection process. Relative horizontal movements between the connector of the exchangeable tool and the hoist block are eliminated by the control system and the motion subsystem. Motions of the hoist block are measured and monitored by the position sensors, e.g. inertial measurement sensors. The control system is programmed such that the information of the position sensors is used to operate the actuators of the motion subsystem to imitate the movements of the hoist block.
In embodiments multiple distinct storage frames are provided, a storage frame being adapted to support an associated exchangeable tool. In such embodiments, the support platform is adapted receive and release such a storage frame. In particular, the support platform is adapted to receive a first storage frame for supporting a first exchangeable tool, and to release the first storage frame to receive a distinct, second storage frame for supporting a distinct, second exchangeable tool. The dimensions of such a storage frame are e.g. 8x2,5 metres, e.g. 6x2 metres. The exchangeable storage frame is mounted to the support platform e.g. by bolts or by welding.
In embodiments, a vertically extending tool positioning pile is provided adjacent support platform to position an exchangeable tool that is suspended form the hoist block during the disconnection process.
In the disconnection process, the crane is operated to lower and position the first exchangeable tool above the support platform, by pressing the tool against one or more vertically extending tool positioning piles, when present. Advantageously, the shape of the contact area of the exchangeable tool avoids uncontrolled movements in the horizontal plane.
In embodiments, the crane further comprises: - a revolving structure, - a boom, pivotally mounted to the revolving structure, - a luffing assembly configured for luffing of the boom.
In embodiments, the connector of the exchangeable tool comprises a shank provided with a shoulder, and the hoist block defines a connector guidance funnel with a shank receiving passage with a central vertical axis and operable tool retainers distributed around the shank receiving passage, the tool retainers being adapted to: - in a non-operative position allow introduction into the shank receiving passage of the shank from below; and - in an operative position engage below the shoulder of the shank that has been introduced into the passage so as to suspend the tool from the hoist block.
The invention further relates to a method wherein use is made of a vessel and an exchangeable tool as described above. Preferably, the method comprises the steps of: a) providing a first exchangeable tool to be suspended from the hoist block; b) positioning the first exchangeable tool on the support platform; c) lowering the hoist block and allowing the connector guidance funnel of the hoist block to engage and guide the connector of the exchangeable tool in a vertical motion, locking the exchangeable tool to the hoist block, and suspending the exchangeable tool from the hoist block; d) operating the crane to hoist the first exchangeable tool.
In embodiments, use is made of a vessel comprising multiple distinct storage frames, a storage frame being adapted to support an associated exchangeable tool, the support platform being adapted receive and release a storage frame. In such embodiments, prior to step b) the support platform is provided with a first storage frame for supporting the first exchangeable tool.
The invention further relates to a method wherein use is made of a vessel comprising a crane and multiple exchangeable tools, each exchangeable tool comprising a connector at an upper side thereof, wherein the crane comprises: - a hoist winch; - a hoist cable, driven by the hoist winch; - a hoist block suspended from the hoist cable, the hoist block comprising an operable mechanism configured to, in a connection process, engage the connector of the exchangeable tool in a vertical engagement motion and to releasably lock the exchangeable tool to the hoist block so as to suspend the exchangeable tool from the hoist block, and in a disconnection process to unlock the exchangeable tool from the hoist block and disengage the hoist block and the connector; characterized in that the vessel further comprises: - a support platform adapted to support an exchangeable tool to be suspended from the hoist block; - a motion subsystem comprising actuators, provided between the vessel and the support platform enabling/ allowing X-Y movements of the support platform.
The invention further relates to a method wherein use is made of such a vessel. Preferably, the method comprises the steps of: a) providing a first exchangeable tool to be suspended from the hoist block; b) positioning the first exchangeable tool on the support platform; c) the position sensors of the hoist block providing information to the control system and the control system, using the information of the position sensors, operating the one or more actuators of the support platform to actively compensate a pendulous motion of the hoist block during the connection process; d) the hoist block engaging the connector of the exchangeable tool in a vertical engagement motion, locking the exchangeable tool to the hoist block, and suspending the exchangeable tool from the hoist block, e) operating the crane to hoist the first exchangeable tool.
In a method for disengaging an exchangeable tool from a hoist block wherein use is made of a vessel wherein a vertically extending tool positioning pile is provided adjacent the support platform, the method comprises the steps of: - operating the crane to lower and position the first exchangeable tool above the support platform by pressing the tool against one or more vertically extending tool positioning piles; - parking the first exchangeable tool on the support platform, - unlocking the first exchangeable tool from the hoist block and - disengaging the first exchangeable tool from the hoist block.
Alignment of the suspended tool and the support platform is accomplished with the aid of the tool positioning pile.
In an alternative method for disengaging an exchangeable tool, the method comprises the steps of: - operating the crane to lower and position the first exchangeable tool above the support platform; - the position sensors of the hoist block providing information to the control system and the control system, using the information of the position sensors, operating the one or more actuators of the support platform to actively compensate a pendulous motion of the hoist block with the exchangeable tool during parking of the exchangeable tool on the support platform. - unlocking the first exchangeable tool from the hoist block and - disengaging the first exchangeable tool from the hoist block.
In this method alignment of the suspended tool and the support platform is accomplished with the aid of control system.
During parking, the bottom of the tool meets the support platform or the storage frame on the support platform. Once the tool lies on the support platform or the storage frame on the support platform, the connector of the exchangeable tool can be unlocked and disengaged.
In embodiments, further a step is provided according to which: - the position sensors of the hoist block providing information to the control system and the control system, using the information of the position sensors, operating the one or more actuators of the support platform to actively compensate a pendulous motion of the hoist block with the exchangeable tool during the disconnection process wherein the first exchangeable tool is unlocked and disengaged from the hoist block.
As such, motions of the hoist block and the support platform are synchronised with the aid of control system, thereby preventing damage of the connector or the hoist block during unlocking/ disengagement.
In embodiments, after removal of the first exchangeable tool from the support platform, a second exchangeable tool to be suspended from the hoist block is provided, and above-indicated repeated.
In a method wherein use is made of a vessel wherein multiple distinct storage frames are provided, a storage frame being adapted to support an associated exchangeable tool, the support platform being adapted receive and release a storage frame; the method comprises the steps of: - removing the first exchangeable tool from the first storage frame - removing the first storage frame from the support platform - providing a second exchangeable tool to be suspended from the hoist block - providing the support platform with a second storage frame for supporting the second exchangeable tool.
As indicated above, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved, e.g. a more versatile and/or robust solution. In a second aspect thereof, the present invention proposes a vessel according to claim
16. In particular, to a vessel comprising a crane and multiple exchangeable tools, each comprising a connector at an upper side thereof, wherein the crane comprises: - a hoist winch; - a hoist cable, driven by the hoist winch; - a hoist block suspended from the hoist cable, the hoist block comprising an operable mechanism configured to, in a connection process, engage the connector of the exchangeable tool in a vertical engagement motion and to releasably lock the exchangeable tool to the hoist block so as to suspend the exchangeable tool from the hoist block, and in a disconnection process to unlock the exchangeable tool from the hoist block and disengage the hoist block and the connector; wherein the connector of the exchangeable tool comprises a shank provided with a shoulder, and the hoist block defines a shank receiving passage with a central vertical axis and operable tool retainers distributed around the shank receiving passage, the tool retainers being adapted to: - in a non-operative position allow introduction into the shank receiving passage of the shank from below; and - in an operative position engage below the shoulder of the shank that has been introduced into the passage so as to suspend the tool from the hoist block, characterized in that the vessel further comprises a tool alignment hoist system comprising: - an auxiliary winch; - an auxiliary cable driven by the auxiliary winch, the auxiliary cable being allowed to pass the shank receiving passage of the hoist block from above; - a tool coupler suspended from the auxiliary cable; - wherein an upper part of the shank above the shoulder is configured to allow coupling and decoupling of the tool coupler and the shank, to align the exchangeable tool and the hoist block prior to the connection process.
It is known from WO2020055249 that the connector of the exchangeable tool comprises a shank provided with a shoulder, and the hoist block defines a shank receiving passage with a central vertical axis and operable tool retainers distributed around the shank receiving passage, the tool retainers being adapted to: - in a non-operative position allow introduction into the shank receiving passage of the shank from below; and - in an operative position engage below the shoulder of the shank that has been introduced into the passage so as to suspend the tool from the hoist block.
According to the second aspect of the invention, the vessel further comprising a tool alignment hoist system comprising: - an auxiliary winch; - an auxiliary cable driven by the auxiliary winch, the auxiliary cable being allowed to pass the shank receiving passage of the hoist block from above; - a tool coupler suspended from the auxiliary cable;
- wherein an upper part of the shank above the shoulder is configured to allow coupling and decoupling of the tool coupler and the shank, to align the connector of the exchangeable tool and the hoist block prior to the connection process.
The tool coupler facilitates the connection and disconnection process. A possible advantage of such a tool alignment hoist system is that switching of tools is allowed without lowering of the hoist block.
Another possible advantage is that it allows safer handling for personnel, and/ or that less time consumed when picking up/ changing tools. The tool alignment hoist system enables fast tool changing in more challenging weather conditions.
Yet another advantage is that it is conceivable that tools are provided having the shank provided flexible to the upper side of the tool, instead of fixed in a vertical orientation. In an embodiment, the shank is pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis.
In embodiments, the tool coupler is decoupled from the shank after the connection process of the connector and the hoist block.
Alternatively, the tool coupler remains coupled to the shank, possibly assisting the disconnection process during unlocking the exchangeable tool from the hoist block and disengaging the hoist block and the connector.
Advantageously, the tool coupler and the shank are coupled after the disconnection process to assist in lowering and parking the exchangeable tool.
In embodiments wherein the tool coupler and the shank remain coupled during operation of the crane, i.e. when the tool alignment hoist system is not active, the auxiliary winch is set to constant tension so that the auxiliary winch passively pays in or out when the hoist block is hoisted or lowered.
In embodiments, the auxiliary winch is provided between the hoist cables of the crane and the auxiliary cable is deployed from the auxiliary winch between the hoist cables.
A tool coupler is suspended from the auxiliary cable. The auxiliary cable can be a single fall cable or alternatively, a double or multiple fall cable.
The tool coupler is e.g. embodied as an end socket that docks in a top of the shank of the exchangeable tool.
The hoisting capacity of the tool alignment hoist system is e.g. 40-100, e.g. around 50 tonnes. The length of the auxiliary cable is e.g. 200-500 metres, e.g. 300 metres.
The second aspect of the invention also relates to a method wherein use is made of a vessel and an exchangeable tool according to claim 16.
A possible a method for hoisting an exchangeable tool comprises the steps of: a) providing a first exchangeable tool to be suspended from the hoist block; b) operating the crane to position the hoist block above the first exchangeable tool; c) operating the auxiliary winch to lower the auxiliary cable passing the shank receiving passage of the hoist block from above, until the tool coupler can be coupled to the upper part of the shank; d) coupling the tool coupler with the upper part of the shank; e) operating the auxiliary winch to hoist the auxiliary cable with the tool coupler and the coupled shank into the shank receiving passage from below; f the hoist block engaging the shank of the exchangeable tool in a vertical motion, locking the exchangeable tool to the hoist block, and suspending the exchangeable tool from the hoist block; g) operating the crane to hoist the first exchangeable tool.
This method is optionally followed by: - operating the crane to lower the first exchangeable tool; - optionally coupling the tool coupler with the upper part of the shank in cases where the tool coupler was uncoupled; - unlocking the first exchangeable tool from the hoist block; - operating the auxiliary winch to lower the auxiliary cable with the tool coupler and the coupled shank out of the shank receiving passage and disengage the first exchangeable tool from the hoist block; - parking the first exchangeable tool.
Advantageously, this is followed by the provision of a second exchangeable tool and repeating steps a)-g) above.
The invention is further elucidated in relation to the drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a hoisting system according to the invention on a vessel,
Fig. 2A is a detailed view of the hoist block of the system without any lifting tool suspended therefrom,
Fig. 2B is a detailed view of the hoist block of the system with a suspended lifting tool,
Fig. 2C is a detailed side view of the hoist block of the system with part of a suspended lifting tool,
Fig. 2D is a detailed view of the hoist block of the system with another suspended lifting tool,
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an exchangeable tool and part of a tool alignment hoist system;
Figs. 4a and 4b are perspective views of an exchangeable tool on alternative positions of a support platform;
Fig. 5a is a perspective view of the exchangeable tool of figs. 4a and 4b, suspended above the support platform;
Fig. 5b is a perspective view of the exchangeable tool of figs. 4a, 4b and 5a, engaging vertically extending tool positioning piles adjacent the support platform.
Figure 1 shows a vessel 5 comprising a crane 1 and a first exchangeable tool, here lifting tool 99.
Crane 1 of said system comprises a revolving structure 2, a boom 3, pivotally mounted to the revolving structure 2, and a luffing assembly 4 configured for luffing the boom 3. A hoist block 70 is provided, suspended from hoist cables 6, configured to engage the lifting tool 99 to suspend the tool 99 underneath the hoist block 70. Hoist cables 6 are driven by hoist winches 8.
As shown in figures 2A-D, hoist block 70 as shown in fig. 1 suspends from the winch driven hoist cables 6. The hoist block 70 is adapted to support and absorb the load of the suspended lifting tool 99.
The hoist block 70 is furthermore adapted to support the lifting tool pivotally around a horizontal axis.
In the shown embodiment, the hoist block 70 comprises two vertically parallel traverse frame plate elements 73, which - when seen in a top view - horizontally enclose cable sheaves 74 of the hoist block 70 and a tool connector 80. The traverse frame plate elements 73 comprise two recesses 72 configured to support a tool clamp housing 81. The recesses are provided horizontally opposite one another, inwardly facing each other.
The recesses 72 are configured to pivotally support the tool clamp housing 81 such as to retain a tool connector 80 pivotally around a substantially horizontal connector pivot axis 75. Thereby a pivoting of the tool connector 80 around the connector pivot axis 75 is enabled, while the hoist block 70 absorbs the load of the suspended lifting tool 89 and any load supported by the lifting tool 99 through said bearings and recesses 72.
The recesses 72 support the tool connector 80 below the cable sheaves 74, and - when seen in a top view - horizontally in a space enclosed by the traverse frame plate elements 73 that allows pivoting of the tool connector 80 around the connector pivot axis 71.
In figure 2A, no tool is suspended from the hoist block 70.
Figure 2B shows the lifting tool 99 from figure 1 being suspended underneath the hoist block 70 by means of the tool connector 80.
As shown in detail in fig. 2C, the tool connector 80 comprises a clamp housing 81 supported by the hoist block, with a female, open-centered body 82 defining defines a connector guidance funnel embodied as a shank receiving passage 83 having an entry section 83a with a central vertical axis 88 to allow passage of the shank 91 of the lifting tool 99, a thrust bearing 84 mounted to the clamp housing 81 and supporting the body 82, allowing swivelling of the body 82, and multiple mobile tool retainers 85. As shown in figure 2C, the passage 83 evolves at a lower end thereof into a downwardly diverging funnel for assisting in the alignment of the shank with the passage 83 at the start of the insertion thereof from below. Each mobile tool retainer 85 is supported by the body 82 and distributed around the passage, here pivotable about a pivot axis 851, so as to each provide an operative and a non-operative position of the mobile tool retainer. Part of lifting tool 99 is suspended, having a shank 91 with a shoulder 92. An inductive connector 50 may be comprised by the system. Male part 51 and female part 52 of the connector are shown as being interconnected. Shank 91 comprises a male part 51 of an inductive connector, to which a female part 52 of the connector is connectable for providing electricity to equipment on the tool and/or on the load carried by the tool. A wire extends from part 51 via the shank, e.g. through a passage within the shank running from the male part 51 downwards through the shank. This configuration obviates the use of an umbilical for the electricity supply to such equipment.
Figure 2D shows an alternative lifting tool 99’ being suspended underneath the hoist block 70. Again, also this lifting tool 89 has a shank 91’ with a shoulder 92’.
Further details of the shown tool connector are described in WO2020055249 of the same applicant.
In fig. 3 ‘the alternative lifting tool 99’ is shown, not yet suspended underneath the hoist block 70.
Visible are the shank 91’ with a shoulder 92’. Part of a tool alignment hoist system is shown, in particular an auxiliary cable 110 driven by a not shown auxiliary winch. The auxiliary cable 110 passes the shank receiving passage 83 of the hoist block from above. A tool coupler 112 is suspended from the auxiliary cable 110.
According to the second aspect of the invention, an upper part 93’ of the shank 91’ above the shoulder 92' is configured to allow coupling and decoupling of the tool coupler 112 and the shank 91°, to align the exchangeable tool 99’ and the hoist block 70 prior to the connection process.
In figs. 4a and 4b alternative lifting tool 99’ is shown, not yet suspended underneath a hoist block.
Visible are the shank 91” with a shoulder 92”.
The vessel is provided with a support platform 152, adapted to support an exchangeable tool 99”, which is shown without the tool in figs. 5a and 5b. A motion subsystem 150 is provided between the vessel (not shown) and the support platform 152 enabling/ allowing X-Y movements of the support platform 152.
In the shown embodiment, a storage frame 151 is provided, adapted to support associated exchangeable tool 99”. The storage frame is here provided on support platform 152, as visible in fig. 5a. Distinct storage frames, each adapted to support an associated tool, can be provided on the support platform.
In the shown embodiment, the motion subsystem 150 comprises a first set of rails 153, 154 along which the support platform 152 is movable. The first set of rails 153, 154 is movable along a second set of rails 155, 156. The first set of rails extend in the Y direction, and the second set of rails extends in the X direction. Vice versa is also conceivable.
The motion subsystem 150 further comprises cylinders 1574, 157b; 1584, 158b. Cylinder 1574 extends along rail 153 and cylinder 157b along rail 154 in the Y direction. Cylinder 1584 extends along rail 155 and cylinder 158b along rail 156 in the X direction.
The cylinders can be passive and operate as resilient elements allowing passive X-Y movements of the support platform 152. Passive movements of the support platform 152 in the X-direction are enabled by first members 1584, 158b and passive movements of the support platform 152 in the Y-direction by second members 157a, 157b.
It is also conceivable that the cylinders are actively operable to actively compensate a pendulous motion of the hoist block during the connection/ disconnection process. In embodiments a control system — not shown- is provided using the information of a position sensor 180 on the hoist block to operate the cylinders to actively compensate a pendulous motion of the hoist block 70 during the connection/ disconnection process.
In the shown embodiment, vertically extending tool positioning piles 190 are provided adjacent the support platform 152 to position an exchangeable tool 99” that is suspended from the hoist block during the disconnection process. During lowering of the exchangeable tool 99”, the crane is operated to press the tool 99” against the vertically extending tool positioning piles 190 as shown in fig. 4b.
Claims (18)
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2034099A NL2034099B1 (en) | 2023-02-06 | 2023-02-06 | Vessel comprising a crane and exchangeable tools and methods wherein use is made of such a vessel with exchangeable tools. |
| PCT/EP2024/052236 WO2024165381A2 (en) | 2023-02-06 | 2024-01-30 | Vessel comprising a crane and exchangeable tools and methods wherein use is made of such a vessel with exchangeable tools |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2034099A NL2034099B1 (en) | 2023-02-06 | 2023-02-06 | Vessel comprising a crane and exchangeable tools and methods wherein use is made of such a vessel with exchangeable tools. |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| NL2034099B1 true NL2034099B1 (en) | 2024-08-23 |
Family
ID=86329478
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2034099A NL2034099B1 (en) | 2023-02-06 | 2023-02-06 | Vessel comprising a crane and exchangeable tools and methods wherein use is made of such a vessel with exchangeable tools. |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| NL (1) | NL2034099B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2024165381A2 (en) |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2838967A (en) * | 1954-10-04 | 1958-06-17 | Warner Electric Brake & Clutch | Positioning apparatus |
| EP3022361A1 (en) | 2013-07-15 | 2016-05-25 | Fistuca B.V. | Pile-driver and method for application thereof |
| WO2018139931A1 (en) | 2017-01-30 | 2018-08-02 | Ihc Holland Ie B.V. | System for use with a crane on a surface vessel |
| WO2018139918A1 (en) | 2017-01-25 | 2018-08-02 | Itrec B.V. | A method and tool for installation of an offshore wind turbine |
| WO2019172752A2 (en) * | 2018-03-06 | 2019-09-12 | Itrec B.V. | Adjustable pile holding system, vessel and pile installation method |
| WO2020055249A1 (en) | 2018-09-12 | 2020-03-19 | Itrec B.V. | System of a crane and an exchangeable tool |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS62253596A (en) * | 1986-04-26 | 1987-11-05 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Self navigation type marine unmanned machine for salvage |
| JP3746590B2 (en) * | 1997-05-02 | 2006-02-15 | 三菱重工業株式会社 | Underwater vehicle detaching device |
-
2023
- 2023-02-06 NL NL2034099A patent/NL2034099B1/en active
-
2024
- 2024-01-30 WO PCT/EP2024/052236 patent/WO2024165381A2/en unknown
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2838967A (en) * | 1954-10-04 | 1958-06-17 | Warner Electric Brake & Clutch | Positioning apparatus |
| EP3022361A1 (en) | 2013-07-15 | 2016-05-25 | Fistuca B.V. | Pile-driver and method for application thereof |
| WO2018139918A1 (en) | 2017-01-25 | 2018-08-02 | Itrec B.V. | A method and tool for installation of an offshore wind turbine |
| WO2018139931A1 (en) | 2017-01-30 | 2018-08-02 | Ihc Holland Ie B.V. | System for use with a crane on a surface vessel |
| WO2019172752A2 (en) * | 2018-03-06 | 2019-09-12 | Itrec B.V. | Adjustable pile holding system, vessel and pile installation method |
| WO2020055249A1 (en) | 2018-09-12 | 2020-03-19 | Itrec B.V. | System of a crane and an exchangeable tool |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2024165381A3 (en) | 2024-09-19 |
| WO2024165381A2 (en) | 2024-08-15 |
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