WO2010085155A1

WO2010085155A1 - Automatic connecting and disconnecting of load

Info

Publication number: WO2010085155A1
Application number: PCT/NO2010/000024
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kristian Haslum
Original assignee: MAROTEC AS
Current assignee: MAROTEC AS
Priority date: 2009-01-20
Filing date: 2010-01-20
Publication date: 2010-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 2011-07-20
Also published as: NO20090307L; NO333446B1

Abstract

Apparatus for automatic connecting and disconnecting a load L. A beam (1) is lowered over a carrying element (200) having an opening (201) sufficiently large to allow a locking element (100) to pivot through it. The locking element (100), being in a first, horizontal position thereby rotates about an axis of rotation in one of its ends, such that the carrying element (200) pivots up the other, outer end. As soon as the locking element (100) is aligned with the opening (201) in the carrying element (200), it will fall back to the first, horizontal starting position, and the load can be lifted. Once the lift is completed, the beam is lowered until the locking element (100) slips along the opening element (202). Thus, the locking element (100) is pivoted back through the carrying opening (201) to its second open position. In this state, the beam (1) is disconnected from the carrying element (200) and can be lifted without the load being carried along. Mechanical means (300) can be provided near the crane (3) for pivoting the locking element (100) back to its first horizontal position. The beam (1) can then be lowered over the carrying elements for a new lift if required.

Description

Automatic connecting and disconnecting of load

BACKGROUND

The present invention concerns an apparatus for automatic connecting and dis- connecting a load during a crane lift.

When lifting large and heavy items by crane, it is usual to use a lifting tool with one or more beam(s) which is/are connected via a wire rope to a drum (winder) in a crane. The lifting tool is lifted and lowered by rotating the drum in one or the other direction. More wire ropes, or possibly fibre ropes, aηd drums can be used if necessary, but for the purposes of this description it is sufficient to show one wire with sheaves and hook between crane and tool.

The load to be lifted often has a complicated or unwieldy form, and is hence often surrounded by an open lifting frame or closed container. In both cases, the load is fixedly connected to one or more carrying openings, wherein hooks, shackles, locking pins and the like, hereinafter collectively termed locking elements, may be placed. The locking elements are in turn connected to the beam(s) with or without chains or ropes.

For lifting large and/or heavy load, it may be problematic, hazardous and time consuming to couple or decouple the lifting tool.

A first example is a lift of a subsea valve or blow out preventer (BOP) used in re- trieving oil and gas. Such a valve may weigh up to 400 tons, and is up to 17m high. Aboard some drilling rigs, they are lifted and transported using an overhead crane. The steel wire rope has large dimensions, and the lower sheave and hook are correspondingly heavy. The manual coupling in the height is hazardous, in particular when the hook and lower sheave swings due to movements of the ves- sel. In the simplest case, shackles or hooks are coupled or decoupled manually. In a slightly improved embodiment, a lifting tool is adapted to the frame around the object to be lifted, such that the beams are guided to the correct position relative to the carrying openings. Thus, the connection may be accomplished by inserting locking pins. Such a solution has reduced the manual effort to insert or remove the locking pin. The coupling and decoupling still requires a manual effort. The manual effort is still physically demanding and risk prone. The locking pin is neither small nor light. It is a piece of steel over 40kg, and the work has to be performed in great height over the deck below.

An additional problem on vessels and rigs used for retrieving oil and gas is the risk for leakage, which makes it unfortunate or prohibited using electric power for a motor in areas with explosive fumes. Hence, in such environments a hydraulic winch is commonly used to lift and lower the lifting tool.

A second example is lifting closed containers, where the carrying elements are plates welded to the container at a distance from the container wall near the upper corners of the container. The carrying elements have carrying openings that are available from the outside only. The container can be lifted by means of hooks that are attached to the carrying openings and that are connected to the lifting hook of the crane by means of chains. It is time consuming climbing up onto the container to attach the hooks to the carrying openings. Because the containers have a standardized size and must be stackable one above the other, they cannot be equipped with carrying elements extending over their roof.

In both examples above, it is advantageous that coupling and decoupling is done automatically by running the crane, without a need for remote control or other relatively expensive control means.

Hence, it is desirable to provide an apparatus that retains the advantages of the prior art lifting tools that are adapted to the load to be lifted, for example in that each locking mechanism is oriented relative to its carrying opening, and which additionally: - requires no personnel at the actual coupling location,

- can accomplish coupling and decoupling by haviηg the crane moving the beam(s) up or down,

- requires no remote control, and - requires no electric power for operating a motor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus is provided for automatic connecting and disconnecting of load, wherein at least one beam is vertically movable relative to at least one carrying element fixed to the load, comprising a locking element rotatable connected to the beam, and a carrying opening in the carrying element, which carrying opening is sufficiently large that the locking element can pivot through it, characterized in that the locking element is rotatable in a vertical plane between a first, closed position wherein a carrying face is provided on the upper side of the locking element and the centre of gravity of the locking element is located on a first side of the axis of rotation, and a second open position wherein the centre of gravity of the locking pin is located on the other side of the axis of rotation, an opening element fixed to the carrying element downwards from the opening, and adapted to an opening face on the locking element, whereby the locking element is pivoted to its second, open position when the locking element is moved downwards relative to the carrying element and the opening face moves along the opening element.

The apparatus works by a beam (1) is lowered over a carrying element (200) having an opening (201) sufficiently large to allow a locking element (100) to pivot through it. The locking element (100), being in a first, horizontal position thereby rotates about an axis of rotation in one of its ends, such that the carrying element (200) pivots up the other, outer end. As soon as the locking element (100) is aligned with the opening (201) in the carrying element (200), it will fall back to the first, horizontal starting position, and the load can be lifted.

Once the lift is accomplished, the beam is lowered until the locking element (100) slips along the opening element (202). Thus, the locking element (100) is pivoted back through the carrying opening (201) to its second open position. In this state, the beam (1) is disconnected from the carrying element (200) and can be lifted without the load being carried along.

Mechanical means (300) can be provided near the crane (3) for pivoting the locking element (100) back to its first horizontal position. The beam (1) can then be lowered over the carrying elements for a new lift if required.

Advantageously, the beams(s) is/are provided with means, e.g. inclined faces (110) in their lowermost part, orienting the locking elements (100) relative to the carrying openings (201).

These and other features of the invention are apparent from the attached claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is now disclosed in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, where similar reference numerals refer to similar parts, and wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a lifting apparatus for crane lifts Fig 1a viewed from above,

Fig 1b viewed towards a long side, Fig 1c viewed towards a short side;

Fig. 2 is a cross section though A-A on Fig. 1a through a preferred embodiment for coupling between a beam and carrying element

Fig. 2a shows a beam with a locking pin in its horizontal starting position, Fig. 2b shows how the locking pin is pivoted when the beam is lowered, Fig. 2c shows the state when the locking pin has fallen back though a carrying opening, Fig. 2d shows the locking mechanism in the locked position, wherein the load can be lifted; Fig. 3 is a cross section through A-A in Fig. 1a through the same embodiment during decoupling of the beam from the carrying element; and

Fig. 4 is a cross section through A-A in Fig. 1a through the same embodiment during preparation for a new lift near the crane

Fig. 4a shows the beam in its uppermost position,

Fig. 4b shows the locking pin falling back to the horizontal starting position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1a shows a lifting tool with at least one beam 1 seen from above. A load frame L is fixed to at least one carrying element 200/20Ob. In Figure 1a, two carrying elements 200 is shown on one long side, and reversed carrying elements 200b on the other side. The carrying elements 200 are coupled to the lifting tool by means of hinged locking elements 100.

The principle of guiders can be as illustrated in Figure 1 , by comprising a lifting tool adapted to the load to be lifted, for example in the shape of a rectangle as indicated, and by the means having guides shaped like inclines faces on their lowest parts as shown in the Figures 2-4.

Figures 1b and 1c show the same lifting tool viewed from two different sides perpendicular to each other. In Figure 2b it appears clearly that the carrying elements 200 has lifting ores or carrying openings 201 where a locking pin can be disposed for a fixed connection between load and crane during a lift. The Figures 2b and 2c also shows an arrangement 2 of steel wire, fibre ropes and/or chains connecting the lifting tool with the crane 3. Figure 1 is a schematic view, and details like a lower sheave and a hook at the end of the rope 2 are omitted.

Figure 1c also shows actuator arms 300 and 300b suspended from the crane. These have the same function, but 300b is a mirror image of 300b. The actuator arms 300 are used to tilt the hinged locking pin to its starting position, and are described in greater detail in connection with Figure 4 below. The following figures are all cross sections through the locking mechanism at A-A in Figure 1a.

Figure 2a shows a beam 1 in a preferred embodiment. The locking element 100 is shown as a locking pin 100 in a horizontal starting position, which in claim 1 is referred to as a "first closed position". The locking pin 100 is rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation at right angles to the paper plane, and thus can be pivoted in a vertical plane through openings 101a and 101b in the beam. The axis of rotation is marked with a cross on the figures near one end of the locking pin. The other end 102 of the locking pin engages a lower face 103 in the opening 101b.

Further, the locking pin 100 has a carrying face 104 at its upper surface, and an opening face 105 which can slip against a pin or lug 202, whereby the locking pin is pivoted out of the beam in the embodiment shown. This is described in greater detail in connection with Figure 3 below.

In Figure 2b, a beam 1 is lowered down and over a carrying element 200. The carrying 200 is fixed to a lifting frame or container as disclosed above, and is guided towards the locking mechanism by inclined surfaces 101 at the lower part of the beam 1. Thereby, the end 102 of the locking pin 100 is pushed up from the starting position by the carrying element 200. When the beam 1 is lowered sufficiently to allow the locking pin 100 through the carrying opening 201, the locking pin will fall back to its starting position. This state is shown in Figure 2c. As soon as the beam is lowered to this position, but not so far as the situation shown in Figure 3, the beam 1 can be lifted once more.

Figure 2d shows the face 104 of the locking pin engaging an upper face 204 in the carrying opening 201. In this state, the locking mechanism is in its locked position, and the load can be lifted.

In Figure 3 the lift is completed, and the beam 1 is to be released from the carrying element 200. Here, the tool is lowered until an opening lug 202 on the carrying element 200 hits the face 105 on the locking pin 100. The locking pin 100 is there- by tilted upwards as shown in Figure 3, and pivoted further to the to the open position shown in Figure 4a. The distance between the carrying opening 201 and the opening lug 202 can be selected such that the locking mechanisms get the desired tolerance. Less distance between the opening 201 and the releasing lug δ 202 means less tolerance for lowering the beam so far that the locking pin opens rather than acquiring the state shown in Figure 2d.

It is noted that the sliding surface 105 on the locking element alternatively can be designed differently. If the sliding surface, as seen from the side as in Figures 2-4,o is a downwardly sloped curve extending into the carrying opening 201 , the lower edge of the carrying opening 201 can function as an opening element 202.

In Figure 4a, the lifting tool is heaved to its uppermost position, where actuating arms 300 are suspended. These can pivot about an axis into the paper plane in5 the figures 4a and 4b. The suspension can be fixed to the overhead crane or something else, but has to ensure that the arms follow the surface 102 on the locking pin, which is inclined downwards and away from the tool when it is lifted without a load. In Figure 4a the actuator arm 300 is pivoted outwards from the lifting tool 100 until the end 301 of the [locking pin] actuator arm has been movedo past the locking pin 100.

In Figure 4b the lifting tool and beam is lowered once more. The end piece 301 has pulled the locking pin 100 up to a vertical position, and the weight of the end piece 301 has pushed the centre of gravity of the locking pin past the axis of5 rotation, i.e. to the right in Figure 4b. The locking pin 100 will thereby fall back to its starting position, as indicated by a short arrow in Figure 4b. When an inclined surface 302 hits the upper edge of the opening 101a, the arm 300 will pivot out of the opening, so that the remaining part of the beam can pass. The tool can now be lowered further for a new lift. 0 Figure 1a shows carrying elements 200b. These work in similar manner as the carrying elements 200, but are mirror images of them. A similar description applies to the locking mechanisms and actuator arms 300b on the other long side of the tool shown.

The description of the preferred embodiment is illustrated by schematic views. One skilled in the art will know how to design the locking element 100, the opening element 202 and the other elements in different ways without departing form the invention according to the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. Apparatus for automatic connecting and disconnecting of load, wherein at least one beam (1) is vertically movable relative to at least one carrying element (200) fixed to the load, comprising a locking element (100) rotatable connected to the beam, and a carrying opening (201) in the carrying element (200), which carrying opening (201) is sufficiently large that the locking element (100) can pivot through it, characterized in that - the locking element (100) is rotatable in a vertical plane between a first, closed position wherein a carrying face 104 is provided on the upper side of the locking element (100) and the centre of gravity of the locking element (100) is located on a first side of the axis of rotation, and a second open position wherein the centre of gravity of the locking pin (100) is located on the other side of the axis of rotation,

- an opening element (202) fixed to the carrying element (200) downwards from the opening (201), and adapted to an opening face (105) on the locking element (100), whereby the locking element (100) is pivoted to its second, open position when the locking element (100) is moved downwards relative to the carrying element (200) and the opening face (105) moves along the opening element (202).

2. Means (300) characterized in that they are able to pivot the locking element (100) from its second, open position to its first, closed position.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the beam (1) has guides (110) aligning the locking elements (100) with the carrying openings (201).

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the beam (1) has a first wall connected to the axis of rotation and a second wall, the two walls being aligned such that the carrying element (200) can pass between them, and that the locking element (100) during a lift extends through the carrying opening (201) and its distal end (102) engages a lower face (103) of an opening (101b) in the other wall. 0

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterized in that the beam (1) has one wall, and in that the locking element (100) and the beam (1) is provided with stoppers keeping the locking element in its first closed position during a lift.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterized in that the locking element (100) is an elongated locking pin.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterized in that the locking element (100) has a recess in its upper surface, where the carrying face (104) is placed at the bottom of the recess.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterized in that the locking element (100) is pivotable through an opening (101a) in the beam (1) to its second, open position, wherein the centre of gravity of the locking element (100) is lower than the axis of rotation.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterized in that the locking element (100) extends substantially upwards when in the second open position.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterized in that the opening element (202) is a lower edge of the carrying opening (201), and that the opening face (105) on the locking element (100) extends into the carrying opening (201).