Device at ro-ro vessel

• US 20040112660A1
• Filed: 12/05/2002
• Published: 06/17/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/22/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: TTS Ships Equipment AB (Nekkar ASA)
• Original Assignee: TTS Ships Equipment AB (Nekkar ASA)
• Inventors: Ramne, Bengt, Johansson, Goran
• Granted Patent: US 7,044,247 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 180/167
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 27/19 Other loading or unloading equipment involving an intermittent action, not provided in groups B63B27/04 - B63B27/18
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 35/54 Ferries propulsion of chain ferries B63H
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0236 in combination with a laser lasers per se H01S
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0265 using buried wires
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0278 using satellite positioning signals, e.g. GPS

Abstract

The present invention relates to an arrangement for a Ro-Ro vessel, which exhibits a number of cargo-receiving spaces provided with a driving surface internally in the vessel, and with a ramp extending between one such space and a quay, along which ramp driverless cargo handling vehicles (7), known as AGV vehicles, are capable of being driven between designated parking places for the purpose of transporting cargo between the quay and the aforementioned cargo-receiving space of the vessel. Means (9) are provided for causing the cargo handling vehicles (7) to be guided between the aforementioned spaces and the quay and into the intended train of vehicles in the designated location in a line (II) and without connecting the cargo handling vehicles (7) to one another.

Claims

1. Arrangement (1) for a Ro-Ro vessel (2), which exhibits a number of cargo-receiving spaces (4) provided with a driving surface (3-3n) internally in the vessel (2), and with a ramp (14) extending between one such space (4) and a quay (5), along which ramp driverless cargo handling vehicles (7), known as AGV vehicles, are capable of being driven between designated parking places for the purpose of transporting cargo (8) between the quay (5) and the aforementioned cargo-receiving space of the vessel, characterized in that means (9) are provided for causing the cargo handling vehicles (7) to be guided between the aforementioned spaces and the quay and into the intended train of vehicles in the designated location in a line (I, II) and without connecting the cargo handling vehicles (7) to one another.

2. Arrangement in accordance with patent claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned means comprise means for laser guidance.

3. Arrangement in accordance with patent claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned means comprise means for optical guidance.

4. Arrangement in accordance with patent claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned means comprise means for cable guidance.

5. Arrangement in accordance with patent claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned means comprise a combination of at least two of the aforementioned laser guidance, optical guidance and cable guidance means.

6. Arrangement in accordance with one or other of the above-mentioned patent claims, characterized in that the aforementioned means (9) are so arranged as to act in a transverse sense (27) in relation to the intended direction of travel (26) of the vehicles, for example against the deck (12), the bulkhead (13) or guide rails (15).

7. Arrangement in accordance with patent claim 6, characterized in that data in respect of the lateral (27) position of the vehicles (7) are so arranged as to be utilized to determine the relative positions of the vehicles with the help of a unit by which the speed of the vehicles is determined.

8. Arrangement in accordance with one or other of the above-mentioned patent claims, characterized in that all the vehicles (7) incorporate a unit (17), from which data from the vehicle that is first in the intended train of vehicles (18) is transmitted concerning the speed and distance of the vehicles.

9. Arrangement in accordance with one or other of the above-mentioned patent claims, characterized in that positioned between the vehicles (7) and the load carrier (19) are position sensors (33) for determining the relative positions of the vehicle (7) and the load carrier (19).

10. Arrangement in accordance with one or other of the above-mentioned patent claims, characterized in that the sensor (31), which is so arranged as to sense obstructions in the intended route of the vehicles (7), is positioned at the front of the aforementioned vehicle 7.