BARGE PUSHER
A sectional barge assembly and a hydraulic thruster apparatus for maneuvering the sectional barge assembly. The hydraulic thruster apparatus includes a hydraulic power unit and a thruster unit to move the barge assembly. A hydraulic connection panel is mounted on the thruster unit and includes a plurality of hydraulic connectors which allow a plurality of hydraulic lines to be removably connectable thereto, respectively. By this arrangement, the hydraulic pump provides pressurized hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic lines thereto the hydraulic motor and other components of the thruster unit. Additionally, the thruster unit includes at least one hydraulic cylinder for controlling vertical rectilinear sliding of a thruster unit mast between a top position and a bottom position. The thruster unit also includes a rotating mechanism for rotating the mast and a propeller assembly of the thruster unit about a longitudinal axis of the mast.
Latest MID-AMERICA FOUNDATION SUPPLY INC. Patents:
1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a barge propulsion system.
2. Description of the Related Art
Barges are commonly used on waterways during large construction projects to support heavy equipment. In order to maneuver the barge and the heavy equipment into a desired position, hydraulic thruster units are used. Hydraulic thrusters may be formed as self-contained units that are readily mountable to and removable from individual barges.
Existing hydraulic thruster units contain a single unit having a power component and a propeller component that are not easily disconnected from each other. The problem with these existing designs is that the locations on the barge where the propeller component can be positioned are limited. Further, it is difficult to transport both the power component and the propeller component together to a desired construction project.
SUMMARYThe present disclosure provides a hydraulic thruster apparatus for maneuvering a marine vessel. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the hydraulic thruster apparatus comprises a hydraulic power unit positionable on a deck of the marine vessel and a thruster unit connectable to the marine vessel. The hydraulic power unit includes an engine and a hydraulic pump connected to the engine. The thruster unit includes a frame removably connectable to the marine vessel and a propeller assembly connected to the frame. The propeller assembly includes a hydraulic motor and a propeller drivingly connected to the hydraulic motor. The propeller provides a thrust force that acts to move the marine vessel. The thruster unit further comprises a rotating mechanism for rotating the propeller assembly about a generally vertical axis relative to the frame and a raising and lowering mechanism for controlling vertical rectilinear sliding of said propeller assembly relative to said frame. The hydraulic thruster apparatus further comprises a hydraulic connection panel mounted on the thruster unit, wherein at least one of the hydraulic motor, the rotating mechanism, and the raising and lowering mechanism is hydraulically connected to the hydraulic power unit by way of the hydraulic connection panel. In another aspect of the present disclosure, at least two of the hydraulic motor, the rotating mechanism, and the raising and lowering mechanism are hydraulically connected to the hydraulic power unit by way of the hydraulic connection panel. In another embodiment, all three of the hydraulic motor, the rotating mechanism, and the raising and lowering mechanism are hydraulically connected to the hydraulic power unit by way of the hydraulic connection panel.
In an exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic power unit comprises a plurality of first hydraulic lines in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump and the thruster unit comprises a plurality of second hydraulic lines in fluid communication with at least one of the hydraulic motor, the rotating mechanism, and the raising and lowering mechanism, the first hydraulic lines connected to at least some of the second hydraulic lines through the connection panel. In one embodiment, the hydraulic connection panel includes a support member having a plurality of first hydraulic connectors and a plurality of second hydraulic connectors, the first hydraulic lines removably connectable to the first hydraulic connectors, respectively, and the second hydraulic lines connectable to the second hydraulic connectors, respectively. By this arrangement, the hydraulic pump provides pressurized hydraulic fluid through the first hydraulic lines and the second hydraulic lines to at least one of the hydraulic motor, the rotating mechanism, and the raising and lowering mechanism. In another aspect of the present disclosure, at least the first hydraulic connectors are quick connect fittings capable of being connected and disconnected without the use of tools.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a combination including a sectional barge assembly and a thruster unit for maneuvering the sectional barge assembly. The sectional barge assembly includes a first barge and a second barge, a plurality of first connection elements on the first barge, a plurality of second connection elements on the second barge aligned with the plurality of first connection elements, and connector devices of a certain configuration interconnecting the plurality of first connection elements and the plurality of second connection elements, respectively, to thereby connect the first barge and the second barge together. In this embodiment, the thruster unit includes a frame, a motor, and a propeller drivingly connected to the motor. Further, the thruster unit includes a thruster unit connection element on the frame compatible with the connector devices. In this arrangement, a connector device having said certain configuration also interconnects a barge connection element and the thruster unit connection element to thereby connect the thruster unit to the sectional barge assembly. In one embodiment, the connector devices comprise a Poseidon I connector device, which is compatible with a Rendrag® type barge. In another embodiment, the connector devices comprise a Poseidon II connector device, which is compatible with a Flexifloat® type barge.
In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a combination including a barge and a thruster unit assembly for maneuvering the barge. The barge being adapted to be connected to other barges by means of either a connector device of a first configuration or a connector device of a second configuration different from the first configuration and having a plurality of barge connection elements positioned along its periphery. The thruster unit includes a frame, a motor, a propeller drivingly connected to the motor, and a plurality of thruster unit connection elements on the frame. By this arrangement, the thruster unit is connected to an end wall or a side wall of the barge by means of a first connector device of the first configuration or a second connector device of the second configuration that respectively engages the barge connection elements on the barge and the thruster unit connection elements on the frame.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a combination including a barge and a thruster unit for maneuvering the barge. The barge includes an upper surface and a bottom surface. The thruster unit includes a frame removably connectable to the barge and a mast slidably connected to the frame. By this arrangement, the mast is slidable vertically rectilinearly between a top position and a bottom position. The thruster unit further includes a propeller assembly connected to the mast, and the propeller assembly includes a motor and a propeller drivingly connected to the motor. Further, the thruster unit includes a raising and lowering mechanism for controlling vertical rectilinear sliding of the mast relative to the frame between the top position and the bottom position. In an exemplary embodiment, with the mast in the top position the propeller is above the bottom surface of the barge, and with the mast in the bottom position the propeller is just below the bottom surface of the barge. In one embodiment, the raising and lowering mechanism comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder connected to the frame.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a thruster unit for maneuvering a marine vessel comprising a frame removably connectable to the marine vessel, a mast rotatably connected to the frame, and a propeller assembly connected to the mast. The propeller assembly includes a motor and a propeller drivingly connected to the motor. Further, the thruster unit includes a rotating mechanism rotatably connected to and vertically supported on the frame, the mast engaged with the rotating mechanism for rotation therewith and rectilinear sliding relative thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, the rotating mechanism, the mast, and the propeller assembly rotate together about a longitudinal axis of the mast. In one embodiment, the rotating mechanism comprises a turntable bearing assembly.
The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following descriptions of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe present disclosure provides a barge construction pusher unit that is readily mountable to and removable from an individual barge. Such a barge pusher unit is used to maneuver a barge on a waterway into a desired position at a construction site. The barge pusher unit can be used with a single barge as illustrated in
Hydraulic power unit 12 is positioned on deck 22 of a desired barge 20. In one embodiment, hydraulic power unit 12 maintains its position on deck 22 by the force of its weight. In alternate embodiments, hydraulic power unit 12 is secured to deck 22 by various securement devices such as a plurality of fasteners or welding brackets. Thruster unit 14 is connected to a desired barge 20 by connector devices discussed in more detail below. Thruster unit 14 is used to maneuver barge assembly 18 or an individual barge 20 on a waterway and hydraulic power unit 12 powers and controls thruster unit 14.
Although an exemplary arrangement of barge pusher unit 10 is illustrated in
Referring to
Thruster unit 14 generally includes outdrive unit 68 (
Hydraulic motor 80 includes a rotatable drive shaft to which propeller 98 is secured. During operation of hydraulic motor 80, the drive shaft and, correspondingly, propeller 98 are rotated to provide a thrust force that acts to move barge assembly 18. Forward and reverse thrust can be generated by changing the direction of rotation of the drive shaft of hydraulic motor 80. In an exemplary embodiment, ring 100 is provided around propeller 98 to protect propeller 98 from damage. For example, ring 100 protects the blades of propeller 98 from scraping the bottom surface of a waterway. As best shown in
According to an exemplary embodiment, outdrive unit 68 is connected to a barge 20 via frame 70 and a connector system as discussed in more detail below. Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
In an exemplary embodiment, bushing 138 includes two female keyways 140 which respectively mate with mast keys 86 located on mast 76.
Referring to
Referring to
Turntable bearing assembly 72 also supports and rotates the hydraulic components, i.e., hydraulic cylinders 136 of lift assembly 74, which cause vertical rectilinear movement of mast 76 and propeller assembly 78 relative to frame 70. Turntable bearing assembly 72 supports the vertical forces, i.e., weight of the hydraulic components. In addition to supporting the weight, i.e., the axial load, turntable bearing assembly 72 also resists radial and moment loads. The radial load component is generated as a result of the propeller thrust and acts in a direction perpendicular to the axial load. The moment load is a bending moment at turntable bearing 72 which also results from the propeller thrust. This is essentially a torque which twists turntable bearing assembly 72. The ball bearings inside turntable bearing assembly 72 are uniquely suited to support all of these loads simultaneously. Further, turntable bearing assembly 72 transfers these loads to frame 70 and thus into the barge 20 which frame 70 is pinned to.
Referring to
In an alternate embodiment, as shown in
Referring to
Referring to
When hydraulic cylinders 136 are in a fully down position, propeller 98 is completely below bottom 24 of barge assembly 18 to ensure propeller 98 receives an adequate water flow into its propeller blades to maximize performance. However, if propeller 98 is positioned too far from bottom 24 of barge assembly 18, there is a risk of propeller 98 hitting the bottom surface of a waterway. Should propeller assembly 78 of thruster unit 14 come into contact with a rigid underwater obstruction, advantageously, hydraulic cylinders 136 provide a means of shock absorption. For example, when thruster unit 14 is fully lowered into the water and hydraulic cylinders 136 are fully retracted, if propeller assembly 78 comes into contact with a large rock on a lake bottom that results in a large, immediate upward force on mast 76, hydraulic cylinders 136 will take some of that shock load and will deploy with a spring stiffness that is proportional to the hydraulic pressure inside the hydraulic system at that moment. In other words, hydraulic cylinders 136 will absorb some of the shock energy thereby reducing the stresses on frame 70, Poseidon I connector device 56 (or Poseidon II connector device 66), and barge assembly 18. The shock energy absorbed will manifest itself as a momentary increase in system pressure inside the hydraulic system.
Referring to
Hydraulic power unit frame 168 forms a base for securing hydraulic power unit 12 to deck 22 of a desired barge 20 and supports diesel engine 174, hydraulic pump 178, hydraulic fluid tank 180, and operator helm platform 184. In an exemplary embodiment, frame 168 includes welding brackets 190 for securing power unit 12 to deck 22.
Diesel engine 174 provides power to hydraulic pump 178, which pressurizes hydraulic fluid from hydraulic fluid tank 180 for delivery to hydraulic motor 80, steering motor 142, and hydraulic cylinders 136 of lift assembly 74 via a plurality of rigid or flexible hydraulic lines, as shown in
An operator of barge pusher unit 10 stands on helm platform 184 to control the various components of barge pusher unit 10. For example, an operator uses controls located on control panel 186 to control the opening and closing of valves to control the delivery of pressurized hydraulic fluid from pump 178 to the various components of thruster unit 14. These controls control the direction and speed of rotation of a rotatable drive shaft of hydraulic motor 80 to which propeller 98 is secured. Additionally, these controls control the direction and speed of rotation of a rotatable steering motor drive shaft of steering motor 142 to control turntable bearing assembly 72 which rotates mast 76 and propeller assembly 78 about the longitudinal axis of mast 76. Finally, controls located on panel 186 control hydraulic cylinders 136 which direct vertical rectilinearly movement of mast 76 and propeller assembly 78 between a fully up top position and a fully down bottom position.
In an exemplary embodiment, hydraulic power unit 12 includes a hydrostatic transmission to adjust the volume of fluid flow supplied to hydraulic motor 80 by controls located on control panel 186.
Further, a directional control valve installed on hydraulic power unit 12 distributes flow volume between steering motor 142 and hydraulic cylinders 136. The directional control valve provides a certain percentage of flow to hydraulic cylinders 136 and a balance of the total flow to steering motor 142. The exact percentage can be adjusted by adjusting the control valve. The directional control valve also protects hydraulic cylinders 136 from uncontrolled cylinder retraction should a hose burst anywhere between hydraulic power unit 12 and thruster unit 14. For example, if an individual hose from hydraulic power unit 12 to hydraulic cylinder 136 should burst, that hydraulic cylinder 136 would lose pressure, but the second hydraulic cylinder 136 would still be able to hold mast 76 up. This is an additional advantage of having two hydraulic cylinders 136.
As previously discussed, thruster unit 14 and hydraulic power unit 12 are separate units that are hydraulically connected via a plurality of rigid or flexible hydraulic lines that carry pressurized hydraulic fluid.
In a first exemplary embodiment, the plurality of hydraulic lines include a plurality of thruster unit hydraulic lines 34 and a plurality of hydraulic power unit hydraulic lines 36 (
For example, in one exemplary embodiment, three hydraulic lines 34c, 34d (
Power unit hydraulic lines 36 are connected to control valves (not shown) and hydraulic pump 178 via hydraulic connectors 39 located on hydraulic power unit connection panel 37 (
Referring to
One such example of hydraulic quick disconnect fittings that can be used in accordance with the present disclosure are the hydraulic quick disconnect fittings available from Stucchi USA, Inc. of Romeoville, Ill. Hydraulic quick disconnect fittings allow hydraulic power unit hydraulic lines 36 to be quickly and easily connected and disconnected to thruster unit connection panel 16.
Another embodiment of thruster unit connection panel 16 is shown in
In both embodiments of connection panel 16 discussed above, thruster unit hydraulic lines 34 are connected to thruster unit hydraulic connectors 196 of connection panel 16, and hydraulic power unit hydraulic lines 36 are connected to hydraulic power unit hydraulic connectors 198. Hydraulic lines 34 and hydraulic lines 36 are in fluid communication with each other via apertures located in support members 194, 204. In an exemplary embodiment, both thruster unit hydraulic lines 34 and hydraulic power unit hydraulic lines 36 will be covered in a protective sheath enclosing all hydraulic lines.
In a second exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
In another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
As previously discussed, frame 70 is connected to a desired barge 20 by the same connection systems used to interconnect barges 20. Referring to
Referring to
Each connection element 46 has a protrusion 50 located on a first outer portion and defines a recess 52 on a second outer portion. As illustrated in
The second exemplary embodiment for interconnecting barges 20, the Poseidon II connection system, is illustrated in
Frame 70 can be secured to barge 20 by either a Poseidon I connection system or a Poseidon II connection system. For example, frame 70 can have either Poseidon I type connection elements or Poseidon II type connection elements welded thereto. Referring to
Referring to
In an alternate embodiment, frame 70 can include a Poseidon II connection system that is compatible with Poseidon II connection elements 58a, 58b secured to a barge 20, as illustrated in
Although two exemplary arrangements of interconnecting barges 20, and frame 70 to a desired barge 20, are discussed above, it is contemplated that other connecting devices can be used in accordance with the present disclosure to interconnect as many barges 20 as desired to form a barge assembly 18 and to interconnect frame 70 to a desired barge 20.
While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A hydraulic thruster apparatus for maneuvering a marine vessel, the hydraulic thruster apparatus comprising:
- a hydraulic power unit positionable on a deck of the marine vessel, said hydraulic power unit comprising: an engine; and a hydraulic pump connected to said engine;
- a thruster unit connectable to the marine vessel, said thruster unit comprising: a frame removably connectable to the marine vessel; a propeller assembly connected to said frame, said propeller assembly including: a hydraulic motor; and a propeller drivingly connected to said hydraulic motor, whereby said propeller provides a thrust force that acts to move the marine vessel; a rotating mechanism for rotating said propeller assembly about a generally vertical axis relative to said frame; and a raising and lowering mechanism for controlling vertical rectilinear sliding of said propeller assembly relative to said frame; and
- a hydraulic connection panel mounted on said thruster unit, wherein at least one of said hydraulic motor, said rotating mechanism, and said raising and lowering mechanism is hydraulically connected to said hydraulic power unit by way of said hydraulic connection panel.
2. The hydraulic thruster apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least two of said hydraulic motor, said rotating mechanism, and said raising and lowering mechanism are hydraulically connected to said hydraulic power unit by way of said hydraulic connection panel.
3. The hydraulic thruster apparatus of claim 1, wherein all three of said hydraulic motor, said rotating mechanism, and said raising and lowering mechanism are hydraulically connected to said hydraulic power unit by way of said hydraulic connection panel.
4. The hydraulic thruster apparatus of claim 1, wherein said raising and lowering mechanism comprises a mast rotatably connected to said frame.
5. The hydraulic thruster apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
- said hydraulic power unit comprises a plurality of first hydraulic lines in fluid communication with said hydraulic pump; and
- said thruster unit comprises a plurality of second hydraulic lines in fluid communication with at least one of said hydraulic motor, said rotating mechanism, and said raising and lowering mechanism, said first hydraulic lines connected to at least some of said second hydraulic lines through said connection panel.
6. The hydraulic thruster apparatus of claim 5, wherein said hydraulic connection panel comprises a support member including a plurality of first hydraulic connectors and a plurality of second hydraulic connectors, said first hydraulic lines removably connectable to said first hydraulic connectors, respectively, and said second hydraulic lines connectable to said second hydraulic connectors, respectively, whereby said hydraulic pump provides pressurized hydraulic fluid through said first hydraulic lines and said second hydraulic lines to at least one of said hydraulic motor, said rotating mechanism, and said raising and lowering mechanism.
7. The hydraulic thruster apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least said first hydraulic connectors are quick connect fittings capable of being connected and disconnected without the use of tools.
8-21. (canceled)
22. A thruster unit for maneuvering a marine vessel, the thruster unit comprising:
- a frame removably connectable to the marine vessel;
- a mast rotatably connected to said frame;
- a propeller assembly connected to said mast, said propeller assembly including: a motor; and a propeller drivingly connected to said motor, whereby said propeller provides a thrust force that acts to move the marine vessel;
- a rotating mechanism rotatably connected to and vertically supported on said frame, said mast engaged with said rotating mechanism for rotation therewith and vertical rectilinear sliding relative thereto,
- wherein said rotating mechanism, said mast, and said propeller assembly rotate together about a longitudinal axis of said mast.
23. The thruster unit of claim 22, wherein said rotating mechanism comprises a turntable bearing assembly.
24. The thruster unit of claim 23, further comprising:
- a steering motor mounted on said frame; and
- a gear driven by said steering motor and drivingly connected to said turntable bearing assembly, whereby said steering motor drives said gear which rotates said turntable bearing assembly.
25. The thruster unit of claim 23, further comprising:
- a first key component located on said mast; and
- a second key component located on said turntable bearing assembly, said first key component of said mast engaged with said second key component such that said turntable bearing assembly controls rotation of said mast relative to said frame and permits vertical sliding movement of said mast.
26. The thruster unit of claim 22, further comprising:
- a raising and lowering mechanism for controlling vertical rectilinear sliding of said mast relative to said frame between a top position and a bottom position.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 28, 2012
Publication Date: Aug 30, 2012
Applicant: MID-AMERICA FOUNDATION SUPPLY INC. (Fort Wayne, IN)
Inventor: Jeffrey J. Emch (Butler, IN)
Application Number: 13/432,696
International Classification: B63H 20/08 (20060101); B63H 20/12 (20060101); B63H 5/125 (20060101);