Various aspects provide for a propulsion system (200) for a ship (100) comprising at least first and second thrusters (205, 206) and first and second directors (220, 720), wherein a computing platform (300) is coupled to the thrusters and directors being configured to receive desired longitudinal and lateral headings (750, 760) and determine a configuration of the propulsion system that is expected to propel the ship in the desired longitudinal and lateral headings.
This invention relates to a device and method), of reducing the azimuthal torque acting on a pulling pod unit or azimuth thruster (1) having a rotary pod housing (4) with a substantially vertical slewing axis (3A), a pulling propeller (7), and two downwardly directed fins (6) carried by the pod housing (4) abaft the slewing axis (3) adjacent the rear end (41) of the pod housing (4) and positioning said two downwardly directed fins (6) a distance (δ) apart, one on each side of a longitudinal plane (30) through the slewing axis (3A) on an aft part (40) of the pod housing (4) to extend substantially radially out from the pod housing (4), wherein said fins (6) are positioned to have their center planes (65) presenting a sharp angle (β) between the two fins (6) wherein the intersecting point of the center lines (65) of the fins (6) will intersect at a point above a horizontal center plane of the pod housing (4).
B63H 5/125 - Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water of propellers movably mounted with respect to hull, e.g. adjustable in direction
B63B 1/32 - Other means for varying the inherent hydrodynamic characteristics of hulls
B63H 1/28 - Other means for improving propeller efficiency
3.
A DEVICE FOR REDUCING THE RESISTANCE OF WATER SURFACE VESSELS
The invention relates to a water surface vessel extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to an intended direction of straight travel, the vessel presenting a transom (301), wherein the vessel is arranged to travel in a recirculating zone speed interval in which water is moving towards the transom (301) in a recirculating zone (RZ) behind the transom (301), wherein the vessel comprises a pushing device (311) presenting a pushing surface (312) located in relation to the intended direction of straight travel of the vessel behind the transom (301), at least at portion of the pushing surface (312) facing at least partly backwards in relation to the intended direction of straight travel of the vessel, which pushing surface (312) is arranged to be at least partly submerged into the recirculating zone (RZ) when the vessel is travelling in the recirculation zone speed interval.
The invention relates to a marine vessel propulsion device. It has an electric motor (3,), propeller means (5,) driven by the electric motor and gear means (4,) drivingly connecting the electric motor (3,) to the propeller means (5,). According to the invention the gear means is a magnetic gear (4,) that is axially offset the electric motor (3). The magnetic gear (4) has an input member (45) drivingly connected to the electric motor (3) and at least one output member (44) drivingly connected to the propeller means (5). The invention also relates to a pod unit (1) provided with a such device and to a marine vessel provided with a such pod unit.
The invention relates to a pod propulsion device including a motor casing (3) and a strut (2), which strut (2) is connected at a lower part thereof to the motor casing (3) and is arranged to be connected at an upper part thereof to a hull (1) of a ship. The motor casing (3) includes a housing (6) enclosing an electric motor (5) with a stator and a rotor, which housing (6) has an upper portion. According to the invention a stationary heat conducting means (7) is arranged in contact with said upper portion, which heat conducting means (7) is arranged to conductively connect the upper portion to at least one outer wall (21) of the strut (2). The invention also relates to a ship provided with such pod propulsion device and to a method for cooling a pod propulsion device.
B63H 5/125 - Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water of propellers movably mounted with respect to hull, e.g. adjustable in direction
H02K 3/24 - Windings characterised by the conductor shape, form or construction, e.g. with bar conductors with channels or ducts for cooling medium between the conductors
H02K 5/02 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the material thereof
H02K 9/10 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating by gaseous cooling medium flowing in closed circuit, a part of which is external to the machine casing
H02K 9/18 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating wherein gaseous cooling medium circulates between the machine casing and a surrounding mantle wherein the external part of the closed circuit comprises a heat exchanger structurally associated with the machine casing
H02K 9/22 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating by solid heat conducting material embedded in, or arranged in contact with, the stator or rotor, e.g. heat bridges
6.
POD PROPULSION DEVICE AND A METHOD FOR COOLING SUCH
The invention relates to a system and method for cooling of a pod propulsion device, including a motor casing (3) and a strut (2), which strut (2) is connected at a lower part thereof to the motor casing (3) and is arranged to be connected at an upper part thereof to a hull (1) of a ship, said motor casing (3) including a housing (6) enclosing an electric motor (5) with a stator (51) and a rotor, wherein periodically a forced cooling air flow (W,S) is shifted to use a front duct (2A) as supply (S) for limited time period TF and thereafter shift to use the aft duct (2B) as supply (S) for a limited time period TA. The invention also relates to a ship provided with such a system and method for cooling of pod propulsion device.
B63H 5/125 - Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water of propellers movably mounted with respect to hull, e.g. adjustable in direction
H02K 1/20 - Stationary parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
H02K 9/10 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating by gaseous cooling medium flowing in closed circuit, a part of which is external to the machine casing
Various aspects provide for "parking" an apparatus in a "parking position." A parking position may be a configuration of an apparatus that minimizes damage resulting from extended exposure during periods of inactivity. An apparatus may comprise a marine apparatus, which may be configured to be disposed in an environment comprising saltwater, salty air, brackish water, freshwater, and the like. An apparatus may comprise a propulsion system (e.g., for a ship) and/or a steering system. Some aspects include a water-jet based propulsion system having a scoop and a nozzle operable to redirect the water jet, providing a range of forward/backward and port/starboard thrusts. A control cylinder and/or a linkage may be parked in a configuration that segregates damage incurred during periods of inactivity to portions of an apparatus not needed for normal operation.
B63H 25/48 - Steering or slowing-down by deflection of propeller slip-stream otherwise than by rudder
B63H 11/11 - Direction control of propulsive fluid with bucket or clamshell-type reversing means
F15B 15/14 - Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to anotherGearing associated therewith characterised by the construction of the motor unit of the straight-cylinder type
[0066]Various aspects provide for "parking" an apparatus in a parking configuration. A parking configuration may be a configuration of an apparatus that minimizes damage (e.g., corrosion, wear, and the like) resulting from extended exposure during periods of inactivity. An apparatus may comprise a propulsion system (e.g., for a ship) and/or a steering system. An apparatus may comprise a linkage or other device positioned by an actuator. Some aspects include a water-jet based propulsion system having a scoop and a nozzle operable to redirect the water jet, providing a range of forward/backward and port/starboard thrusts.
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
G05G 5/05 - Means for returning or tending to return controlling members to an inoperative or neutral position, e.g. by providing return springs or resilient end-stops
B63H 11/11 - Direction control of propulsive fluid with bucket or clamshell-type reversing means
9.
BEARING ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD OF MOUNTING A BEARING ARRANGEMENT
The invention relates to a bearing arrangement for a propeller shaft (5) comprising a bearing housing (13, 16), a radial bearing (1) and a thrust bearing (2) within said housing (13,16) and a fixation assembly (3, 4, 6) for fixation of said bearing (1, 2) onto said shaft (5), wherein said fixation assembly (3, 4, 6) comprises a first clamping sleeve (4) for the radial bearing (1), a second clamping sleeve (6) for the thrust bearing (2) and a combi sleeve (3) fixedly connecting said first clamping sleeve (4) with said second clamping sleeve (6).
A counter rotating propeller propulsion system comprising a first propeller (6) mounted on a shaft (8), protruding from the hull (7) of a vessel, a second counter rotating propeller (1) mounted at a front end of a shaft (50) that extends essentially horizontally within a POD/thruster housing (5), wherein said housing (5) is attached to a column (2) extending downwardly from the bottom of the vessel (7), via a shaft (4) enabling rotation of the POD/thruster unit (2, 4, 5).
B63H 5/125 - Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water of propellers movably mounted with respect to hull, e.g. adjustable in direction
B63H 5/10 - Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water of propellers of more than one propeller of coaxial type, e.g. of counter-rotative type
B63H 25/42 - Steering or dynamic anchoring by propulsive elementsSteering or dynamic anchoring by propellers used therefor onlySteering or dynamic anchoring by rudders carrying propellers
11.
A PROPULSOR ARRANGEMENT FOR A MARINE VESSEL AND A MARINE VESSEL CONSTRUCTED WITH THIS TYPE OF PROPULSOR ARRANGEMENT
A propulsor arrangement for operation in icy as well as open water, for a marine vessel having a hull (S) with a center line (CL) extending between a forward end (3) and an aft end (4), said propulsor arrangement comprising a plurality of azimuthing thrusters (1A-ID) having a centre of rotation (CR) and a longest lateral distance (R) that it protrudes from said centre of rotation (CR), preferably having at least one azimuthing thruster (1A-ID) with a propeller (2) arranged to act in ice, wherein said propulsor arrangement includes at least three azimuthing thrusters (1A, 1B, 1G) positioned close to one end (3, 4) of said hull (S), including at least one pair (1A, 1B) positioned substantially symmetrical in relation to said center line (CL) along a transversal line in relation to said center line (CL) a first distance (Q1) apart a and at least one azimuthing thruster (1G) positioned closer to said end (3, 4) and said centerline (CL) and positioned a longitudinal distance (P1) away from said transversal line.
B63H 5/125 - Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water of propellers movably mounted with respect to hull, e.g. adjustable in direction
This invention relates to a device and method of reducing the azimuthal torque acting on a pulling pod unit or azimuth thruster (1) having a rotary pod housing (2) with a substantially vertical slewing axis (3) and a fixed downwardly directed first fin (4) carried by the pod housing (2) abaft the slewing axis (3),wherein said first fin is in the form of an elongated strip-shaped vane (4) and extends abaft the slewing axis (3) along the pod housing (2) to the vicinity of a rear end (5) thereof.
B63H 25/42 - Steering or dynamic anchoring by propulsive elementsSteering or dynamic anchoring by propellers used therefor onlySteering or dynamic anchoring by rudders carrying propellers
B63H 5/125 - Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water of propellers movably mounted with respect to hull, e.g. adjustable in direction
13.
A METHOD OF AND A DEVICE FOR PROTECTING A MOTOR IN A POD AGAINST SHAFT BENDING SHOCKS
A method of and a device for protecting an electric motor (4) in a pod unit (1) for propulsion of marine vessels against shaft bending shocks when the blades (2) of the pod propeller hit ice blocks or other hard objects, said motor (4) having a drive shaft (3), a rotor (41) and a stator (42), said shocks tending to momentarily bend the drive shaft (3) to such an extent that the rotor (41) will come into contact with the stator (42). In accordance with the present invention, the rotor (41) is prevented from coming in detrimental contact with the stator (42) by providing at least two members (61, 62), which together form a radial plain bearing (6) having mating arcuate bearing surfaces (611 and 621, respectively), which during normal operation of the motor (4) are spaced from one another by a gap and come in contact with one another only at extreme loads with short durations. One of the members (61, 62) is an inner member (61) having a circular circumference that constitutes one (611) of the bearing surfaces (611, 621). The arcuate bearing surface (611) of the inner member (61) is coaxial with the rotor (41) and rotary therewith, and at least one of the other members is an outer member (62), which fixed in relation to the stator (42) and has its arcuate bearing surface (621) coaxial therewith.
The invention relates to a propulsion unit 1 for a marine vessel 2 which is intended to operate in icy waters. The propulsion unit is an azimuthing thruster with a propeller 3 mounted on a capsule 6. The propulsion unit 1 can be rotated in relation to the hull of the marine vessel 2 such that the propulsion unit 1 can propel the marine vessel 2 in different directions. The propeller 3 can act on ice to cut blocks of ice. The propeller 3 has a hub 4 which is arranged to cut ice when the hub 4 meets an ice block. The invention also relates to a marine vessel using the inventive propulsion unit.
A method of dismounting a pod housing (2) from a seating (6) provided in the marine vessel or installing said pod housing (2) in said seating (6), comprising the steps of: a) providing a first pair of lifting points (7), one on each side of an aft portion of said pod housing (2); b) providing a second, or a second pair of, lifting point/s ( 12), at a front portion of said pod housing (2); c) providing at least three wire ropes or groups of wire ropes (11, 19), d) anchoring an end of each of said wire ropes or groups of wire ropes ( 11, 19) to a fixed part (6) of the marine vessel or to the pod housing (2), each of said wire ropes or wire rope groups (11, 19) extending vertically through vertical passages (60) in said seating (6), e) providing at least three strand jacks (21), one on each wire rope or wire rope group (11, 19); f) connecting each strand jack (21 ) at least indirectly to an associated one of the lifting points (7, 12); g) using said strand jacks (21) to dismount and/or to install said pod unit (2).
B63B 17/00 - Vessels parts, details, or accessories, not otherwise provided for
B63B 9/00 - Methods of designing, building, maintaining, converting, refitting, repairing, or determining properties of, vessels, not otherwise provided for
16.
A SHAFT AND CONTROLLABLE PITCH PROPELLER ASSEMBLY FOR A MARINE VESSEL
This invention relates to a shaft for a propeller assembly for a marine vessel, said shaft (1) arranged to provide torque to a propeller having a plurality of flanged blades via a hub (2), said hub (2) having mounting seats (3) circumferentially and equiangularly spaced from one another to provide mounting of the blades, wherein the shaft (1) has an extended end with an enlarged portion (21) forming the hub (2), wherein the diameter of said extended portion (21) is substantially larger than the diameter of the shaft (1).
This invention relates to a rudder device (1) for a sea-going vessel, comprising a first larger rudder portion (2) pivotally mounted around a first axis (4), and a second smaller rudder portion (3) pivotally mounted about a second axis (5) that extends substantially parallel to the first axis (4), wherein said second axis (5) is positioned in front of said first axis (4).
The present invention relates to a propeller blade for a ship propeller comprising at least two interconnected portions, wherein one of said portions is a hub engaging portion and in that the periphery of a section area between said interconnecting portions is spaced from a hub engaging part of said hub connecting portion. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a propeller blade.
This invention relates to a method and a Propeller Pitch Control Arrangement, comprising a propeller hub (1) having a number of interface fittings (10) for adjustable pitch positioning of a propeller blade, a positioning device (3), within said hub (1), having a number of propeller control interfaces (34) and an actuator arrangement (2, 4, 55) arranged to move and position said positioning device (3) to enable varying pitch for said propeller blades, characterized in - that said actuator arrangement includes a rotatable shaft (2) with threads (20) interacting with mating threads (30) at said positioning device (3), and, - that said rotatable shaft (2) is driven by a motor device (4, 5) positioned adjacent said hub (1).
This invention relates to a method and a Propeller Pitch Control Arrangement, comprising a propeller hub (1) having a number of interface fittings (10) for adjustable pitch positioning of a propeller blade, a positioning device (3), within said hub (1), having a number of propeller control interfaces (34) and an actuator arrangement (2, 4, 5) arranged to move and position said positioning device (3) to enable varying pitch for said propeller blades, characterized in - that said actuator arrangement includes a rotatable shaft (2) with threads (20) interacting with mating threads (30) at said positioning device (3), and, - that said rotatable shaft (2) is driven by a motor device (4,5)positioned adjacent said hub (1).
To increase propulsion efficiency and on board ship comfort performance, wherein the hull (10) creates a wave rising at a distance behind a transom (13) of the hull (10), and a screw propeller (20) is mounted rotatably to the hull (10) at a distance from the transom (13) and preferably at a level such that the propeller (20) will be submerged under the crest (41) of the wave when propelling the ship at cruising speed, to enable use of a propeller (20) having a large diameter (D1).The ship may be a single screw propeller ship, a twin screw ship, or a multi propulsive ship.
This invention relates to a method and an assembly/disassembly arrangement for a tunnel thruster unit, comprising a thruster unit (2) and a tunnel (3, 4), a first attachment arrangement (31, 23) for fitting of said thruster unit (2) to said tunnel (3, 4) and at least one further attachment arrangement (100-105) for safe fitting of said thruster unit (2) in said tunnel (3, 4), wherein further attachment arrangement (100-105) is in the form of a first interface device (100, 104) fixedly attached to and protruding from attached to the inside of the tunnel wall (3) and a second interface device (102, 105) fixedly attached to said thruster unit (2).
B63H 25/42 - Steering or dynamic anchoring by propulsive elementsSteering or dynamic anchoring by propellers used therefor onlySteering or dynamic anchoring by rudders carrying propellers
23.
A METHOD OF PROVIDING A SHIP WITH A LARGE DIAMETER SCREW PROPELLER AND A SHIP HAVING A LARGE DIAMETER SCREW PROPELLER
To permit the use of a large diameter propeller (20) extending below the ship's base line (11), the screw propeller (20) is included in a thruster unit or pod unit (6) forming a containerized propulsive unit (6, 60), which is mounted to the hull (10) with the screw propeller (20) at a distance behind the transom (13) where a stern wave crest (40) is formed, and the transom (13) has at least one generally vertical recess (13') for attaching the containerized unit (6), so as to permit the containerized unit (6) to be tilted from a normal cruising position to a position where merely a minor part, or preferably no part,of the rotary screw propeller (20) is located below a base line (11) of the hull (10).
This invention relates to a system and method of starting a water jet propulsion system for a ship, said propulsion system including a stator shell (1) adapted to be mounted to the hull and having a nozzle (4) ending in an outlet (5) with a cross-sectional outlet area (A), an impeller housing (6) attached to the stator shell (1) and having an upstream inlet (7), and an impeller rotatably mounted in the impeller housing (6) for receiving water from the inlet (7) and discharging it through the nozzle (4) of the stator shell (1) so as to create a water jet upon rotation of the impeller, said method including reducing the outlet area by partly closing the nozzle (4) during a start up phase of the water jet propulsion system, wherein there is provided a back flow hindering arrangement (8,9; 18), arranged to hinder air to enter into said impeller housing via said nozzle (4).
B63H 11/10 - Marine propulsion by water jets the propulsive medium being ambient water having means for deflecting jet or influencing cross-section thereof
B63H 11/08 - Marine propulsion by water jets the propulsive medium being ambient water by means of pumps of rotary type
patents