AUTOMATIC MOORING APPARATUS FOR WATERCRAFT

Abstract

A mooring apparatus (10) for automatic mooring and parking a 10-70 feet long watercraft that is built from two dock-finger units (20) fixed to the dock (2). The dock-finger units (20) are equipped with flexible tentacle elements (80) for positioning the watercraft (4) by keeping continuous contact with the hull (6). and they are also equipped with automatic-operated locking mechanisms (40) for catching and locking the watercraft (4), The mooring apparatus (10) has a control panel (90) with a built-in programmable processor (98) and a communication unit (98) that can be accessed from anywhere by communication means, and connected to the harbour IT system.

Claims

1. A mooring apparatus (10) comprising two dock-finger units (20) fixed to a dock (2) and floating on the water, wherein each dock-finger unit (20) is provided with an automatic locking mechanism (40) for catching and securing a watercraft (4) during mooring and parking, characterized in that each automatic locking mechanism (40) comprises an arm (42) pivotably coupled to a respective dock-finger unit (20), a spring (44) for turning the arm (42) towards the hull of the watercraft (4); a remotely controlled motor (46) arranged on the dock-finger unit (20) for rotating the arm (42) away from the hull of the watercraft (4), and a fixing unit (50) pivotably mounted to one end of said arm (42) with a horizontal axis (B) of rotation, wherein the fixing unit (50) has a vertical standby position and comprises a fixing rod (62) secured between a head element (56) and a bottom element (58), said fixing rod (62) being configured to be locked in a catching unit (70) of a watercraft (4).

2. The mooring apparatus (10) of claim 1, characterized in that the head element (56) and the bottom element (58) are provided with collar elements (60) covered with soft coverage (34), wherein said collar elements (60) are adapted to freely rotate around a longitudinal axis (C) of the fixing unit (50) perpendicular to said horizontal axis (B) of rotation.

3. The mooring apparatus (10) of claim 1, characterized in that said fixing rod (62) is made of steel.

4. The mooring apparatus (10) of claim 1, characterized in that the mooring apparatus further comprises a control panel (90) for remotely control the motor (46) of the arm (42).

5. A catching unit (70) for use with the mooring apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the catching unit comprises: a pedestal (72) adapted for securing to a hull (6) of a watercraft (4) in a horizontal position, a wedge-type hook (74) arranged at one end of said pedestal (72) and configured to retain the fixing rod (62) of the mooring apparatus (70) when locked in the catching unit (70), and a horizontal cover element (76) flexibly coupled, at is one end, to another end of the pedestal (72), wherein the other end of the cover element (76) is in contact with the wedge-type hook (74) of said pedestal (72) in an idle state of the catching unit (70).

6. The catching unit (70) of claim 5, characterized in that said catching unit (70) is made of silicone.

7-10. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG. 1—Perspective view of the mooring apparatus

[0034] FIG. 2—Schema of the dock-finger unit

[0035] FIG. 3—Harbour arrangement with dock-finger units

[0036] FIG. 4—A detail of moored watercraft in the mooring apparatus

[0037] FIG. 5/A—The locking mechanism with spring

[0038] FIG. 5/B—Design of the catching unit

[0039] FIG. 6—The principle of operation of the locking mechanism

[0040] FIG. 7—The locking mechanism with gas spring

[0041] FIG. 8—Front view of the moored watercraft

[0042] FIG. 9—A watercraft with double catching units

[0043] FIG. 10—Designs of flexible tentacles

[0044] FIG. 11—The watercraft's entry into the mooring apparatus—Phase 1

[0045] FIG. 12—The watercraft's entry into the mooring apparatus—Phase 2

[0046] FIG. 13—The watercraft's entry into the mooring apparatus—Phase 3

[0047] FIG. 14—The watercraft in the mooring apparatus between locked mechanisms—Phase 4

[0048] FIG. 15—The watercraft in the mooring apparatus between opened mechanisms—Phase 5

[0049] FIG. 16—A perspective view of the moored watercraft in mooring apparatus

[0050] FIG. 17—A watercraft in the mooring apparatus with double catching units

[0051] FIG. 18—Outline of the mooring apparatus' ITC system and its connection to the harbour IT system

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] The detailed description of the invention is provided by means of drawings.

A találmány részletes bemutatása rajzok segítségével történik.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention's mooring apparatus (10), consisting of two dock-finger units (20) that are placed parallel to each-other on the water surface and fixed to the dock (2). The dock (2) can be a fixed or a floating dock. The dock-finger units (20) are fixed to the dock (2) by mounting (26) matching the type of dock (2). The dock-finger units (20) are held above the water surface by air reservoirs (24). The air reservoirs (24) are, in one embodiment, height adjustable, which allows the dock-finger units (20) to be adjusted to the level of the dock (2) during installation. Alternatively, floating dock-finger units (20) of closed cross-section, for example made of tubes, may be used.

[0054] When installing the dock-finger units (20), the control panel (90) is placed on the dock (2) and activated. A programmable processor (96) and communication module (98) are incorporated into the control panel (90) that is accessible by authorized persons from anywhere by communication means.

[0055] The mooring apparatus (10), in the event that the dock (2) is not capable of securing dock-finger units (20) or if the customer needs an independent mooring spot, is to connect 2 individual dock-finger units (20). In this case, a U-shape mooring apparatus (10) is formed, which is secured with ropes at the harbour, private bay or other location.

[0056] A dock-finger unit (20) is shown in detail in FIG. 2. Its main components are beam structure (22) and the locking mechanism fixed to it (40), as well as the flexible tentacles (80). These key elements are described in detail below. The beam structure (22) is a dimensioned structure designed to absorb the generated forces of mooring and to hold the watercraft (4). The cross-section may be of any cross-section, for example. rectangular or tubular. It can be made of, for example, stainless steel, fibreglass reinforced plastic or carbon fibre composite. Requirements to be met are ensuring longevity and resistance to the effects of seawater.

[0057] Locking mechanisms (40) are attached to the beam structure (22) according to the type of the watercraft (4) and the location of the catching units (70) fixed to the hull (6). As an example, the drawing shows that the longitudinal position of the locking mechanisms (40) mounted on the left and right sides of the dock-finger unit (20) are different, therefore the positions of the fixing units (50) are also different.

[0058] The beam structure (22) is equipped with flexible tentacles (80) for guiding the watercraft (4) into the mooring apparatus (10) and for reducing its oscillatory movements during parking. In the figure, the flexible tentacles (80) are evenly spaced along the length of the beam structure (22), but may be fixed at different distances depending on the type of the watercraft (4) and the design of the hull (6). By appropriately allocating the flexible tentacles (80), the desired motion limitation of the given watercraft (4) is achieved.

[0059] The end of the dock-finger unit (20) facing the open water is a cylindrical end (32) which aids in turning the watercraft (4) while it is moving into and out of the mooring apparatus (10). Bumpers (30) are installed to catch any collision. Stepping (28) is provided for entering or exiting the watercraft (4). The surface of the dock-finger unit (20) is walkable and the edges are covered with soft-coverage (34). Alternatively, the entire walking surface is covered.

[0060] With the series of dock-finger units (20) shown, a complete harbour system can be implemented, which is schematically illustrated in FIG. 3. Parking lots P1-P4 are a series of mooring apparatuses (10). Different watercrafts (4) can be moored by choosing the distance between the dock-finger units (20). In the figure, for example, when installing parking lot P2, the dock-finger units (20) are spaced “a” apart, while parking lot P3 is spaced “b” apart.

[0061] The locking mechanisms (40) are also flexibly mounted on the dock-finger units (20) depending on the size of the watercraft (4) and the position of the catching unit (70) fixed on the hull (6). The advantageous alternative is the possibility of mooring and parking watercrafts (4) with the stern or bow.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a detailed description of the moored watercraft (4) in the mooring apparatus (10). The fixing unit (50) secures the position of the watercraft (4) and the flexible tentacles (80) by touching the hull (6) reduce the oscillation movements of the watercraft (4).

[0063] FIG. 5/A shows an embodiment of the locking mechanism (40). The locking mechanism (40) is mounted on the beam structure (22) of the dock-finger unit (20). There is a holding arm (42) rotating around “Axis A”, at the end of which fixing units (50) are mounted. A spring 1 (44) providing constant force is integrated into the locking mechanisms (40) for turning the holding arm (42) towards the hull (6). In order to counteract the tension of spring 1 (44) and for providing reverse rotation, a motor unit, preferably an electric motor (46) is mounted, and the motor control (48) of which is connected to the control panel (90).

[0064] The fixing unit (50) is mounted to the end of the holding arm (42) rotating around the horizontal “Axis B”. The fixing unit (50) has a vertical standby position, which is supported by a spring 2 (52). Using the spring 2 (52) is not mandatory in some cases.

[0065] The fixing rod (62) is clamped between the head element (56) and the bottom element (58). The outer surfaces of the head element (56) and the bottom element (58) are provided with collar elements (60) covered with soft coverage (34). The collar elements (60) can rotate freely around the Axis C of the fixing unit (50).

[0066] The material of the fixing rod (62) is preferably steel of suitable strength, its length is in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 meters, but its actual length is always determined by the type of the watercraft (4). The cross-sectional diameter is in the range of 10-50 mm, the actual diameter fits into the catching units (70) mounted on the hull (6).

[0067] The design of the catching unit (70) is shown in FIG. 5/B. The catching unit (70) is such a pedestal (72) that has at least one wedge-type hook (74) that is suitable for catching the fixing rod (62). When using a cover element (76), the cover (76) flexibly turns outwards when the fixing rod (62) is removed from the hull (6), and the fixing rod (62) is free to leave the catching unit (70).

[0068] The catching unit (70) is preferably made of silicone and is preferably secured to the hull (6) by gluing. The exact location of the anchorage depends on the type, dimensions, structure and geometry of the watercraft (4) and other factors. Due to this, the place of gluing to the hull (6) is always preceded by careful planning.

[0069] FIG. 6 illustrates the operation of the locking mechanism (40) on schematic drawings, on which only the watercraft (4), the hull (6), the beam structure (22), the holding arm (42), the spring 1 (44), the fixing rod (62) and the catching unit (70) are shown. In Schema A, the watercraft (4) enters into the mooring apparatus (10). At a certain distance from the dock (2), the motor (46) built into the locking mechanism (40) automatically turns the holding arm (42) from the “resting” state maintained by spring 1 (44) to the “opened” state. Thus, the fixing unit (50) and its fixing rod (62) get out of the way of the watercraft (4) and collision with it or any projecting objects placed on it is avoided. It is common to suspend a boat, bicycle, or other equipment on a watercraft (4) that may extend beyond its normal width.

[0070] In Schema B, the watercraft (4) moves forward and when a predetermined position is reached, the engine (46) automatically shuts off and the force of spring 1 (44) is re-applied. Spring 1 (44) pushes the holding arm (42) towards the hull (6), causing the upper collar element (60) of the fixing unit (50) to touch the hull (6). Then, due to the additional force exerted by spring 1 (44), the fixing unit (50) is rotated from its vertical position around the horizontal axis and the other collar element (60) also reaches the hull (6). The collar elements (60), as the watercraft (4) moves, are forced to rotate due to the tension on the hull and to hold the fixing unit (50) adjacent to the hull (6). The fixing rod (62) clamped between the head element (56) and the bottom element (58) is in a “forced” position and is approached by a catching unit (70) fixed to the hull (6).

[0071] Schema C illustrates when the catching unit (70) reaches the fixing rod (62) and after passing the wedge-type hook (74), it is fixed. This is the “locked” state of the locking mechanism. The closed state remains until the opening command is sent to the motor control (48). When closed, the watercraft (4) has only limited mobility in both directions: in the horizontal direction, the fixing rod (62) has limited movement in the horizontal gap formed in the catching unit (70), and in the vertical direction, movement is limited in the direction of the axis of the fixing rod (62). The relative movements of the watercraft (4) towards the dock-finger units (20) when moored are minimized by the locking mechanism (40) and the flexible tentacle (80) together.

[0072] Schema D shows the case of sailing out. When the opening command is sent to the motor control (48), the holding arm (42) rotates away from the hull, causing the fixing rod (62) to move away from the hull (6). During moving away, the catching unit (70) also opens the cover (76). This is the “released” state, in which the fixing rod (62) moves away from the hull to release the watercraft (4).

[0073] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative solution of the present invention where a gas spring (64) is mounted in the locking mechanism (40) for rotating the holding arm (42) towards the hull. The operation of the locking mechanism (40) is essentially the same as that described above.

[0074] FIG. 8 is a front view of the watercraft (4) moored in the mooring apparatus (10). It can be seen that the fixing unit (50) is rotated in accordance with the tilt angle of the hull (6) and thereby connects the fixing rod (62) to the catching unit (70) according to the tilt angle.

[0075] The mooring apparatus (10) of the present invention allows the watercraft (4) to be moored forward or in reverse. In this case, two catching units (70) fixed in opposite directions are placed on the hull (6), as shown in FIG. 9. Another solution is when one catching unit (70) is designed for both mooring options.

[0076] The flexible tentacles (80) are made in a variety of geometries and sizes, with a thicker/stronger cross-section at the attachment point and a thinner/weaker cross-section at the other end. FIG. 10 illustrates two possible solutions.

[0077] Type A is a flexible tentacle (80) with a simpler cross-section and designed for less stress. It is fixed to the beam structure (22) by screwing so that it can be easily replaced if necessary. Type B is capable of absorbing and dampening larger and more dynamic forces. As it can be seen, both solutions are statically clamped, flexible consoles.

[0078] The flexible tentacles (80) are generally distributed evenly along the length of the beam structure (22). The frequency of the distribution depends on the size of the watercraft (4), the shape and structure of the hull (6), the weather conditions and the security conditions of the harbour. The role of the flexible tentacles (80) is to secure the position of the watercraft (4) by providing pressure on the hull by touching it and maintaining it in the central axis of the mooring apparatus (10) during mooring and parking. The flexible tentacles (80), due to their flexibility, balance most of the force effects and transmit the unbalanced forces to the statically dimensioned beam structure (22). Their other general role is to dampen the oscillatory movements of the watercraft (4).

[0079] The flexible tentacles (80) are made of seawater and weather resistant material, preferably silicone.

[0080] FIG. 11 to FIG. 15 show the phases of the automatic mooring of the watercraft (4) into the mooring apparatus (10) and its sailing out.

[0081] FIG. 11 is Phase 1, when the watercraft (4) approaches the dock (2) for mooring purposes, but the distance D1 measured by the laser rangefinder (92) built into the control panel (90) is such that the locking mechanism (40) is not activated and the fixing unit (50) is in “resting” state.

[0082] FIG. 12 is Phase 2, when the watercraft (4) reaches distance D2 and the motor (46) of the locking mechanism (40) turns on and by rotating the holding arm (42), the fixing unit (50) is in “opened” state. The distance D2 is pre-programmed in the control panel (90) during installation the mooring apparatus (10) by adapting it to the particular watercraft (4).

[0083] FIG. 13 is Phase 3, when the watercraft (4) reaches a predetermined and programmed distance D3, the motor (46) shuts down and the fixing unit (50) enters a “forced” state. The collar elements (60) mounted on the fixing unit (50) then touch the hull (6) and rotate there as the watercraft (4) moves further backward.

[0084] FIG. 14 is Phase 4, when the watercraft (4) is fixed; the fixing unit is in the “locked” state. This is done by the fixing rod (62) mounted in the fixing unit (50) passing the wedge-type hook (74) found in the catching unit (70) mounted on the rearward moving watercraft (4), then it gets stuck there and thus stops the watercraft (4).

[0085] FIG. 15 is Phase 5, when the watercraft (4) sails out of the mooring apparatus (10). In this case the fixing unit is in the “opened” state. It is not the result of an automatic operation but the result of direct action of the operator. In the event of the operator's intention to disembark, the motor control (48) is commanded via the communication panel (96) to start the motor (46). The holding arm (42) is rotated and the fixing unit (50) is rotated to the “opened” position as described.

[0086] The watercraft (4) sails out freely and when the distance from the dock (6) is D2, the fixing unit automatically returns to the “resting” position. This operation is pre-programmed in the control panel (90).

[0087] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a watercraft (4) set at stern and moored in the mooring apparatus (10). FIG. 17 shows a watercraft (4) intended to be moored with a bow on which the two mounted catching units (70) are marked.

[0088] FIG. 18 is an outline of the information and communication system of the mooring apparatus (10).

[0089] The mooring apparatus (10) is equipped with state-of-the-art information and communication tools that are connected to the harbour IT system (100).

[0090] The programmable processor (96) built into the control panel (90) is in direct contact with the motor control (48), the laser rangefinder (92) and the camera (94). It also has a connection with the communication module (98).

[0091] The communication module (98) is wired or wirelessly connected to the central server (110) of the harbour IT system (100). Thus, the actual position of the locking mechanism (40), the resting, opening, locking and forcing events are visible in the IT system (100) and continuously recorded in its database (112).

[0092] In addition, all related data and information, such as the data of the renter of the mooring apparatus (10), the identity of the owner of the watercraft (4), etc., are provided and stored in the database (112) of the central server (110). The stored data provides harbour management records and greatly facilitate harbour operations. Eligible users have access to the data from external smart devices such as a notebook (116), PC (114) or a cell phone (108) via the Internet.

[0093] Harbour management has the opportunity to prohibit the opening of mooring apparatuses (10) connected to the harbour IT system (100). Such cases include the approach of a storm, an order by the authorities, or the protection of harbour traffic. The communication module (98) can be accessed online by the owner or the renter of the watercraft (4) or another authorized person who can directly act on the operation of the mooring apparatus (10). Access can be done directly from the onboard control (102) of the watercraft (4), using a remote control (104), a tablet (106), or a cell phone (108).

[0094] The technical solution described in this specification is a possible embodiment of the invention, which in no way restricts the claims to this solution alone.