LIFT AND METHOD FOR LIFTING EQUIPMENT MODULES

Abstract

A lift and method for lifting equipment modules, and for providing for sideways loading equipment modules, or cargo containers, onto a mounting surface of a sea vessel, such as a ship or submarine. The lift comprises a frame for supporting the equipment modules or cargo containers, and includes a number of conveying beams for conveying the equipment module or cargo container in a sideways direction in relation to the frame, and means for lifting said conveying beams in a vertical direction. The method includes, providing a lift according to the invention; arranging an equipment module or cargo container onto the lift; maneuvering the lift on a ground surface into a position substantial parallel with the hull of said sea vessel; raising the equipment module or cargo container by the lift in a vertical direction to a specific vertical position in relation to a mission bay in said hull; conveying the equipment module or cargo container sideways into the mission bay, by said conveying beams; connecting the equipment module or cargo container to a number of anchoring points within the mission bay and retracting the conveying beams out of the mission bay.

Claims

1. A lift for sideways loading of equipment modules, or cargo containers, onto a mounting surface of a sea vessel, such as a ship or submarine or any other marine vessel, said equipment modules having sizes substantial equal to, or exceeding the dimensions of standard shipping containers, such as 20- or 40-foot containers, said lift comprising: a frame for supporting said equipment modules or cargo containers, said frame comprises: a number of conveying beams for conveying said equipment module or cargo container in a sideways direction in relation to said frame, and means for lifting said conveying beams in a vertical direction.

2. A lift according to claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a horizontally expandable and/or displaceable base frame, said number of conveying beams being connected to said base frame such that said lift may accommodate modules or containers of different sizes and/or performing a displacement of said conveying beams in a direction substantial parallel to said conveying beams.

3. A lift according to claim 1, wherein said conveying beams comprises a first beam element connected to said base frame, and a second beam element arranged substantially horizontally displaceable in relation to said base frame.

4. A lift according to claim 3, wherein said conveying beams comprises a third beam element arranged between said first and second beam element and arranged substantially horizontally displaceable in relation to said base frame.

5. A lift according to claim 4, wherein said third beam element, at an outer end thereof, comprises a connection element for interconnection with a part of said sea vessel, such as an opening.

6. A method for sideways loading of equipment modules or cargo containers onto a mounting surface of a sea vessel, such as a ship or submarine or any other marine vessel, said equipment modules having sizes substantial equal to, or exceeding the dimensions of standard shipping containers, such as 20- or 40-foot container, said method comprising the following steps: providing a lift according to claim 1, arranging an equipment module or cargo container onto said lift, maneuvering said lift on a ground surface into a position substantial parallel with the hull of said sea vessel at a specific location, raising said equipment module or cargo container by said lift in a vertical direction to a specific vertical position in relation to a mission bay in said hull, conveying said equipment module or cargo container sideways into said mission bay, by said conveying beams, connecting said equipment module or cargo container to an anchoring point within said mission bay, retracting said conveying beams out of said mission bay.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the step of arranging an equipment module or cargo container onto said lift, comprises the step of expanding said frame in a horizontal direction according to a horizontal dimension of said equipment module or cargo container and lowering said equipment module or cargo container, e.g., by use of a crane, onto said conveying beams.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein said lift comprises a number of wheels and said step of maneuvering said lift, comprising the step of adjusting said wheels around an axis being substantially perpendicular to said ground surface.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein said step of maneuvering said lift comprises the step of adjusting said position in relation to a reference marker, preferably a vertical reference marker arranged on said hull, by use of a sensor, such as a reference camera arranged on said lift, and/or by sensing the distance between the lift and the hull by a distance sensor.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein said step of raising said equipment module or cargo container by said lift in a vertical direction, to a specific vertical position in relation to a mission bay in said hull, comprises the step of controlling said raising of said equipment module or cargo container in relation to a reference marker, preferably a horizontal reference marker arranged on said hull, by a control unit and a sensor, such as a reference camera arranged on said lift.

11. The method according to claim 6, wherein said step of conveying said equipment module or cargo container sideways into said mission bay, by said conveying beams, comprising the step of displacing said conveying beams in a longitudinal direction thereof sideways towards said hull, and into engagement with said vessel, such that said conveying beams interconnect therewith.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein said step of conveying said equipment module or cargo container sideways into said mission bay, by said conveying beams, further comprising: said conveying beams having a drive mechanism for performing said displacement, said drive mechanism, when said conveying beams are interconnected with said vessel, having a passive state, such that said displacement of said conveying beams is a result of any sideways movement of said sea vessel, and/or said conveying beams, at said ends closest to said hull, being vertically displaceable in relation to said base frame, such that said ends can move in a vertical direction as a result of any tilting rotation of said sea vessel, and/or said conveying beams being displaceable in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of said conveying beams by displacing said base frame in a horizontal direction preferably by a control unit and said sensor, as a result of any longitudinal movement of said vessel.

13. The method according to claim 6, wherein said step of connecting said equipment module or cargo container to an anchoring point within said mission bay further comprises the step of locking said equipment module or cargo container to a connecting element and lifting said equipment module or cargo container by a lifting element, in a vertical direction in relation to said conveying beams.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein said connecting element and said lifting element are integrated.

15. The method according to claim 6, wherein the step of retracting said conveying beams out of said mission bay comprises the step of raising said conveying beams a predetermined vertical distance before being retracted sideways out of said mission bay.

Description

[0094] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the lift and a mission bay.

[0095] FIG. 1B-1C are perspective views of the wheel arrangement.

[0096] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lift being expanded and a mission bay.

[0097] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lift, a mission bay and an equipment module being loaded.

[0098] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lift with an equipment module being loaded.

[0099] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lift with an equipment module being loaded.

[0100] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lift with an equipment module being loaded.

[0101] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lift with an equipment module being loaded.

[0102] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lift with an equipment module being raised.

[0103] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the lift with an equipment module being loaded sideways.

[0104] FIG. 9B-9C show perspective views of the interconnection between the hull and a conveying beam.

[0105] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lift with an equipment module compensating vessel movement.

[0106] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the lift with an equipment module being loaded into the mission bay.

[0107] FIG. 125a-12E show perspective views of the equipment module being connected to the mission bay.

[0108] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the conveying beams being retracted.

[0109] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the loaded equipment module and the lift.

[0110] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will thus not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure.

[0111] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the lift 10 and the mission bay 14.

[0112] The figure illustrates the lift 10 being located on a harbor quay, in front of a sea vessel having a hull 12 and a mission bay 14, within the hull.

[0113] The mission bay 14 which is an opening into the side of the hull 12 is dimensioned, such that containers or equipment modules 52 having a size of several standard cargo containers, can be accommodated within the mission bay 14. Inside the mission bay 14, a mounting footprint 44 is preferably arranged on a mounting surface and is adapted to receive the equipment module 52 or container, in order for it to be secured to the mounting surface, with no risk of unintentional movement of the equipment module 52 or container. The footprint 44 may comprise guiding elements, which guide the modules/container into a correct position, and locking elements, which lock the module/container to the mounting surface, after loading.

[0114] The lift 10 comprises a frame for accommodating the equipment module 52 or container, and the frame comprises a base frame 16, shown as two horizontal extending beam elements, which support four conveying beams 20. The conveying beams 20 are each configured to be extendable in their longitudinal direction, such that they are expandable in a direction towards the hull 12.

[0115] The conveying beams 20 comprise a first beam element 22, which is connected to the base frame 16. The first beam elements 22 are connected to the distal part of base frame 16, in relation to the hull, by a hinge mechanism 28, and being supported by the proximal part of the base frame 16, such that the conveying beams 20 may pivot around the axis of the hinge 28, whereby the proximal end of the conveying beams 20 can move in a vertical direction. This function will be explained later in relation to FIG. 10.

[0116] The conveying beams 20 further comprise a second beam element 24 and a third beam element 26, arranged between the first 22 and second beam elements 24, and arranged substantially horizontally displaceable in relation to the first beam elements 22 and the base frame 16. The conveying beams 16 are dimensioned, such that they are able to span at least the gap 54 between the hull 12 of the sea vessel and the lift 10, which is typically between 1.5-2 meters.

[0117] A longitudinal displacement of the third beam elements 26 in relation to the first beam elements 22, causes both the second 24 and third second beam elements 26 to displace towards the hull 12, and a further displacement of the second beam elements 24 in relation to the third beam elements 26, arranges the conveying beams 16 in a maximum expanded position.

[0118] The lift 10 further comprises means for lifting the base frame 16 and conveying beams in a vertical direction. The lift 10 is suitable for loading equipment modules or containers into large sea vessels, such as large ships where the mission bay 14 is located several meters above ground level, and typically between 1 and 10 meters, such as between 1.5 and 6 meters. The means for lifting are therefore arranged as hydraulic loading towers 18, preferably arranged at each corner of the lift 10. The loading towers 18 are arranged as hydraulic telescopic cylinders or a rack and pinion drive mechanism, where an upper displaceable part of the loading towers 18 are interconnected with the base frame 16, such that a displacement of the upper displaceable part, causes a lifting of the base frame 16. The loading towers 18 are preferably controlled and operated by a control unit and HPU system (not shown).

[0119] FIG. 1B-1C are perspective views of the wheel arrangement 50.

[0120] The lift 10 further comprises a number of wheel arrangements 50 connected to the frame, preferable at opposite ends of the frame, as shown. The lift 10 is shown with four wheel arrangements 50, each wheel arrangement 50 comprising two wheels 44 and a suspension arrangement 48, which provides a lifting function for the frame. The wheel arrangements 50 can thus assume a fully lowered position, as shown in FIG. 1B where the frame of the lift 10 rests on the ground surface. In this position, the lift 10 is stationary and cannot maneuver across the ground level. The wheel arrangements 50 can further assume a raised position, as shown in FIG. 1C. In the raised position, the frame of the lift 10 is raised in relation to the ground surface and the lift 10 is able, via the wheels 44, to navigate across the ground surface.

[0121] The wheel arrangements 50 are constructed such that each wheel arrangement 50 may rotate around a vertical axis, independently of each other, such that the lift 10 may maneuver across the ground surface in any direction.

[0122] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lift 10 being expanded and a mission bay 14.

[0123] The base frame 16 comprises two telescopic elements, preferable hydraulic telescopic elements, arranged expandable between the two ends of the lift 10, such that when the telescopic elements of the base frame expand, the distance between the two ends of the lift increases.

[0124] The telescopic elements comprise a middle part 58 and an extendable projecting element 60, arranged at each end of the middle part 58 and connected to the lifting towers 18 at each end, as illustrated by the arrows.

[0125] The base frame is preferable controlled and operated by the control unit and the HPU.

[0126] The base frame 16 is preferably further arranged, such that the middle part 58 is displaceable towards either end of the lift 10, such that the conveying beams 20, connected to the middle part 58, can be displaced towards either end of the lift 10. Hereby, the extendable projecting elements 60 move in same direction in relation to the middle part 58.

[0127] This is particular advantageous in a situation where the sea vessel is not completely stationary in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying beams 20. The displacement of the middle parts 58 of the base frame 16, thus compensates for the displacement of the sea vessel, such that the conveying beams 20 are maintained stationary with respect to the mission bay, which will be further explained in relation to FIG. 10.

[0128] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lift 10, a mission bay 14 and an equipment module 52 being loaded. The figure shows the base frame 16 being in an expanded position, such that the frame can accommodate the illustrated equipment module 52. The equipment module 52 is shown comprised of two smaller interconnected modules, the left module shows a torpedo launch system, and the right-side module shows a closed-type module including any type of equipment. The entire module 52 may thus be constructed from a single large module or several smaller interconnected modules, but the overall outer dimensions remain the same, such that the different modules having different configurations, correspond to the dimensions of the footprint 44. The module 52 may however have a smaller size than shown in the figure, as long as the base of the module corresponds to a part of the footprint 44 within the mission bay 14, for interconnection.

[0129] The shown equipment module 52 is being lifted by a crane (not shown) onto the conveying beams 20, and preferably into engagement with projecting supporting elements (not shown) on the lift, which projects into openings in the bottom surface of the equipment module 52, for ensuring the module 52 in the correct position on the lift 10, and for preventing the module 52 to unintentionally slide on the conveying beams 20 during operation.

[0130] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lift 10 with an equipment module 52 being loaded. The figure shows a module 52 which is securely loaded onto the conveying beams 20, and ready to be loaded into the mission bay 14. The wheel arrangements 50 of the lift 10 are in a lifted position, such that the frame is raised from the ground surface, and the lift 10 can maneuver towards the sea vessel. The wheel arrangements 50 are rotated around the substantial vertical axis, such that the travelling direction of the wheels are towards the hull 12.

[0131] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lift 10 with an equipment module 52 being loaded.

[0132] The lift 10 further comprises a distance guidance system having a distance sensor 38, interconnected with the control unit (not shown) of the lift, such that during maneuvering of the lift 10, the distance between the lift 10 and the hull is continuously monitored.

[0133] The lift 10 preferably comprises a distance sensor 38 arranged at each end of the lift, e.g., a distance sensor 38 on each of the proximal loading towers 18.

[0134] The lift 10 is via the vertically rotatably wheel arrangements 50 maneuvered into a proximate position in relation to the hull 12.

[0135] The distance sensor(s) continuously monitors the distance between the lift and the hull 12, such that the lift 10 cannot exceed a specified minimum distance.

[0136] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lift 10 with an equipment module 52.

[0137] The figure shows the lift 10 being maneuvered into a correct position on the ground surface, in front of the center of the mission bay 14.

[0138] For that purpose, the lift uses both the distance sensors 38 and a reference senser 40, such as a reference camera.

[0139] The reference sensor senses the position of the mission bay 14 by a reference marker 42, which in FIG. 6 is illustrated as a vertical line on the hull 12 below the mission bay. Based on the measured distance between the lift 10 and the hull 12 and the position of the lift 10 in relation to the reference marker 42, the control unit is able to determine the exact position of the lift, in relation to the center of the opening into the mission bay 14. The control unit (not shown) preferably continuously monitors the measured distance and the measured position, and automatically maneuvers the lift 10 into the correct position.

[0140] The distance sensors and position sensors may in an alternative embodiment be arranged as a single intelligent reference camera, such as a camera for sensing ArUco markers.

[0141] Markers, such as ArUco markers, may be used for storing information such as the position, size, height etc. of the mission bay, such that the control system, when the marker is scanned, receives information in relation to the above and/or e.g., information on how far into the mission bay 14 the equipment module should be loaded. The marker may thus also comprise information, if the marked is not located in the center below the mission bay 14 but offset in relation to the center. The control unit is hereby able to compensate for the offset and maneuver the module into the correct position.

[0142] All functions of the lift 10 are preferably controlled automatically, but each function may also be controlled manually by an operator, and the lift 10 therefore also comprises instruments therefore.

[0143] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lift 10 with an equipment module 52 being loaded. Once the equipment module 52 has been correctly positioned in front of the mission bay, the wheel arrangements 50 lowers the frame onto the ground surface, such that the lift 10 is kept stationary.

[0144] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lift 10 with an equipment module 52 being raised. The equipment module 52, which is maneuvered into the correct position in front of the mission bay 14 is then raised by the loading towers 18 in a vertical direction, to a specific position front of the mission bay. The control unit is able, via the registered reference marker, to determine the specific vertical position, to which the equipment module 52 must be lifted.

[0145] FIG. 9A-9C are perspective views of the lift 10 with an equipment module 52 being loaded sideways and the interconnection between the hull 12 and the conveying beam 20. The loading towers 18 have raised the base frame 16, the conveying beams 20 and the equipment module 52 into a correct specific vertical position in relation to the mission bay 14, such that the conveying beams 20 can be extended into the mission bay 14 in a correct position thereof. As can be seen in FIGS. 9B and 9C, the mission bay comprises a number of openings 32 which corresponds to the number of conveying beams 20, and for interconnection with a connection element (30) arranged in the third beam elements 26. The control unit comprises, from the sensed reference marker, information on the distance to the opening, such that the third beam element 26 can be extended into a position where the connection element 30 is approximate above the opening 32. Once the connection element 30 is located above the opening 32, the connection element is lowered into engagement with the opening 32, whereby the conveying beams are secured against horizontal movement in relation to the mission bay 14. This is particularly important to avoid any misalignment of the equipment module 52 in relation to the footprint. The connection elements 30 are lowered into engagement with the openings 32, by the base frame 16 being lowered. In a preferred embodiment, only the proximal beam of the base frame 16 is lowered, as only the two proximal loading towers are lowered.

[0146] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lift 10 with an equipment module 52 compensating vessel movement.

[0147] When loading an equipment module 52 into a mission bay 14, it is extremely important that the lift 10 is constructed to compensate for any movement of the sea vessel due to currents or wave motion. If the lift 10 is not able to compensate for the movement, the lift 10 may, due to the involved extreme forces, get detached from the vessel with the possible consequence of equipment destruction or personal injury.

[0148] In the illustrated figure, the connection elements 30 are lowered into engagement with the openings 32, by lowering the proximal part of the base frame 16.

[0149] Hereby is created a distance between the proximal part of the base frame 16 and the conveying beams 20. The conveying beams 20 are further, at distal ends thereof, connected to the distal part of the base frame 16 via a hinge 28, such that the conveying beams can rotate around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the conveying beams, as shown by the circumferential arrow at (28). The conveying beams 20 are hereby vertical displaceable in relation to the proximal end of the base frame (16), to compensate for any tilting rotation of the sea vessel, due to any wave motion.

[0150] In order for the lift to compensate for sideways movement of the hull 12, the conveying beams 20 comprise a drive mechanism (not shown), such as hydraulic pistons, for displacing the second 24 and third beam elements 26. When the connection elements 30 are interconnected with the openings 32, the drive mechanism between the first beam element 22, and the third beam element 26 is arranged, preferable by the control unit, in a passive state, such that the first beam element 22 and the third beam element 26 may displace freely in relation to each other. The lift 10 is hereby able to compensate for any sideways movement of the sea vessel as shown by the arrows perpendicular to the hull.

[0151] In order for the lift 10 to be able to compensate for any movement of the sea vessel in a direction perpendicular to the conveying beams 20, the lift 10 is arranged with a displaceable base frame 16, having a middle part 58 which is displaceable towards either end of the lift 10, via the extendable projecting elements 60, such that the conveying beams 20 connected to the middle part 58 may be displaced towards either end on the lift 10.

[0152] The displacement of the middle part 58 of the base frame 16, thus compensates for the displacement of the sea vessel, such that the conveying beams 20 are maintained stationary with respect to the mission bay, as illustrated by the arrows parallel with the hull 12.

[0153] The displacement of the middle part 58 of the base frame 16 is preferably performed by the control system and the HPU.

[0154] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the lift 10 with an equipment module 52 being loaded into the mission bay 14.

[0155] The equipment module 52 is conveyed by the second beam elements 24 into the mission bay 14. The control system operates the conveying, and comprises information, preferably from the sensed reference marker, on the desired depth into the mission bay 14, to which the equipment module is to be conveyed. The correct depth is determined by the location of the footprint 44 within the mission bay 14.

[0156] FIG. 12a-12E show perspective views of the equipment module 52 being connected to the mission bay 14. It is necessary to interconnect the equipment module 52 with the mission bay, such that the equipment module 52 is maintained in a locked position.

[0157] In the shown embodiment, the equipment module 52 has been conveyed a correct specific distance into the mission bay 14, such that the base of the equipment module is aligned with the footprint 44.

[0158] Once the equipment module 52 has assumed the correct position within the mission bay 14, the footprint 44 comprises a number of lifting/connecting elements 34 which corresponds to a number of cooperating elements on the module 52. The lifting/connecting elements 34 are operated automatically by the control unit, and the cooperating elements may be arranged as standard ISO container corners 56.

[0159] The lifting/connecting elements 34 are arranged with an upper interconnection part, functioning as a locking element 36, having dimensions and a function as a standard twist lock.

[0160] The lifting/connecting elements 34 are automatically vertical displaceable installed within the footprint 44, and preferable integrated into the mission bay floor.

[0161] The lifting/connecting elements 34 are arranged in a retracted position, when the equipment module 52 is being loaded, as shown in FIG. 12B, and when the equipment module 52 has been loaded within the mission bay 14, the lifting/connecting elements 34 assume a projected position, as shown in FIG. 12C, where the locking element 36 projects into the cooperating elements 56 of the module 52, and assumes a locked position as shown in FIG. 12D.

[0162] When the equipment module 52 has been lifted into the mission bay 14, the conveying beams 20, which support the equipment module 52 need to be retracted out of the mission bay 14. For that purpose, the lifting/connecting elements 34 lift the equipment module 52 in relation to the conveying beams 20, such that the conveying beams 20 can be retracted. The lifting/connecting elements 34 are preferably hydraulic driven, functioning as hydraulic jacks, and comprise an upper abutment/lifting surface 62 arranged for lifting the equipment module 52.

[0163] The lifting/connecting elements 34, are further displaced in a vertical direction, as illustrated in FIG. 12E, whereby the equipment module is lifted free from the conveying beams 20.

[0164] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the conveying beams 20 being retracted.

[0165] After the lifting/connecting elements 34 have lifted the equipment module free from the conveying beams 20, the loading towers 18 lift the conveying beams 20 in a vertical direction, as shown by the vertical arrows, such that the connection elements 30 disengage the openings 32. The drive mechanisms between the first beam elements 22 and the third beam elements 26, and the drive mechanisms between the second beam elements 24 and the third beam elements 26 are operated, such that the conveying beams 20 are conveyed out of the mission bay, as illustrated by the horizontal arrows.

[0166] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the loaded equipment module 52 and the lift 10. The figure shows the final step in the loading of the equipment module 52 into the mission bay 14. After the conveying beams 20 are conveyed out of the mission bay 14, the equipment module 52 is lowered by the lifting/connecting elements 34 onto the footprint 44 of the mission bay 14, and the lift 10 is maneuvered away from the sea vessel.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0167] 10 Lift [0168] 12 Hull [0169] 14 Mission bay [0170] 16 Base frame [0171] 18 Loading tower [0172] 20 Conveying beam [0173] 22 First beam element [0174] 24 Second beam element [0175] 26 Third beam element [0176] 28 Hinge [0177] 30 Connection element [0178] 32 Opening [0179] 34 lifting/connecting element [0180] 36 Locking element [0181] 38 Distance sensor [0182] 40 Reference sensor [0183] 42 Reference marker [0184] 44 Footprint [0185] 46 Wheel [0186] 48 Suspension arrangement [0187] 50 Wheel arrangement [0188] 52 Equipment module [0189] 54 Gap [0190] 56 Module corner [0191] 58 Middle part [0192] 60 Extendable projecting elements [0193] 62 Abutment/lifting surface