JP7701877B2 - Ship cabin structure and assembly method for prefabricated cabin - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cabin structure for a ship and a method for assembling a prefabricated cabin.

It is known to provide a floating floor on the deck of a ship.

This type of floor requires that the floor surface be separated from the ship's deck and/or the vertical walls of the ship's structure by a layer of material adapted to provide sound insulation with respect to vibration transmission.

Typically, the floor is made of cement-based material or metal sheets, while the layer of sound-proofing material is made of mineral wool.

Once the flooring is in place on the deck, the cabin structure is constructed so that the cabin walls are also separate from the ship's deck.

Next, the individual walls of each cabin are assembled one by one to create the perimeter of the cabin.

This construction technique is frequently used and is effective in reducing structure-borne noise transmission between the deck and the cabin by separating the deck from the floor, and therefore reducing air-borne noise within the cabin.

The prior art is well-reviewed and used, but it is not without its shortcomings.

As mentioned above, in areas where floating floors are provided, the floating floors must be installed first, and then the cabins can be assembled.

One limitation of the prior art is that floating floors are not compatible with the installation of prefabricated cabins.

Prefabricated cabin assembly is particularly valuable when used in other areas of the ship where floating floors are not required.

This assembly technique basically requires that prefabricated cabins are built, and once the prefabricated cabins are built, they are transported on board the ship, placed on deck, and secured in place.

This cabin construction technique is particularly attractive as it minimises the work that needs to be done on board the ship, so when considering the large number of cabins required on a cruise ship, for example, the advantages it achieves become even more evident and significant.

However, as mentioned above, construction techniques involving prefabricated structures are not compatible with prior art floating floors.

In fact, with known types of floating floors it is not possible to install cabins with prefabricated structures, for two basic reasons.

Firstly, movement of prefabricated cabins is hindered due to the reduction in vertical space caused by the thickness of the floating floor.

In addition, the weight of the prefabricated cabin and the means used to move the prefabricated cabin can damage the floating floor.

As a result, there is a need to overcome the shortcomings and limitations cited in reference to the prior art.

For this reason, there is a need to have a prefabricated cabin structure that allows the floating floor to be installed on the portion of the deck of the vessel in which it will be used.

This makes it possible to combine the benefits of using a floating floor with the benefits of using a prefabricated cabin during cabin assembly work.

Additionally, an additional object of the present invention is to provide a cabin structure that provides more effective sound insulation between the ship's structure and the cabin compared to prior art systems.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a prefabricated cabin structure and a corresponding installation method that allows for a reduction in the transmission of vibrations from the ship's structure to the cabin compared to systems used in the prior art.

This requirement is met by the prefabricated cabin structure described in claim 1 and the method for assembling the prefabricated cabin described in claim 15.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of preferred and non-limiting embodiments thereof.

1 is a schematic diagram of a prefabricated cabin structure according to the present invention installed on the deck of a ship. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a prefabricated cabin structure according to the present invention. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of two prefabricated cabin structures according to the present invention arranged side by side; FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view, partially in section, of a portion of the prefabricated structure of the present invention; 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a prefabricated cabin structure in one possible embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic view of components of the structure shown in FIG. 5; 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a plane having a cross section parallel to the plane of a deck of a ship having a prefabricated cabin structure of a ship in one embodiment of the present invention.

Elements or parts of elements that are common between the embodiments described below are indicated with the same numerical references.

Figure 1 shows a cabin structure for a ship in one embodiment of the present invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 12.

The cabin structure 12 comprises at least one wall 14, and at least one wall 14 is provided with fastening means 16 for fastening said wall 14 to the deck 18 of the ship.

According to a possible embodiment, the wall 14 may comprise an insulating layer covered with a finish such as sheet metal.

As used herein, the term "wall" refers to a substantially flat surface intended to divide an interior space and which, in use, is substantially perpendicular to the position of the deck 18.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cabin structure 12 is shown with two walls 14, but nothing prevents the cabin structure from having multiple walls that may be contiguous with one another. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, there are four walls 14 arranged to form a cabin structure 12 with a square base.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the fastening means 16. The fastening means 16 comprises:

A mounting bracket 20 adapted to be fixed to the deck 18.

A connection bracket 22 adapted to be fixed to at least the edge 24 of the wall 14.

And at least one elastic element 26 provided between the mounting bracket 20 and the connecting bracket 22.

According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the mounting bracket 20 may have a C-shaped cross section with two arms 28, 30 and a connection part 32. The connection part 32 is adapted to be fixed to the deck 18 of the vessel.

According to a possible embodiment, the mounting bracket 20 may be made of a metal, such as steel. If the mounting bracket 20 is made of a metal, it may be fixed to the deck 18, for example by welding means. In this regard, FIG. 2 shows a weld bead 21 connecting the outer side of the arm 30 to the deck 18.

As can be seen in the figure, the mounting bracket 20 may be adapted to partially house the elastic element 26 between the arms 28, 30 so that it protrudes from the mounting bracket 20 towards the connecting bracket 22.

The mounting bracket 20 may have a fastening bolt 34 protruding from the connection portion 32 in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the two arms 28, 30.

According to a possible embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the fastening bolt 34 may be provided with a side projection 35 adapted to engage with a corresponding hole 36 in the elastic element 26. In this case, the connection between the fastening bolt 34 and the corresponding hole 36 is an interference connection.

In one alternative embodiment, the fastening bolt 34 protruding from the connection 32 in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the two arms 28, 30 is provided with a threaded portion 38. Again, the elastic element 26 is provided with a hole 36 adapted to engage with the fastening bolt 34. As can be seen in the example of FIG. 3, the elastic element 26 may be fixed in place on the mounting bracket 20 by means of a nut 40 that engages with a shoulder provided in the hole 36.

According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the connecting bracket 22 may have a C-shaped cross-section with a central body 42 and first and second branch portions 44, 46.

The central body 42 can be fixed to the edge 24 of the wall 14 such that the first and second branches 44, 46 protrude from the edge 24. The first and second branches 44, 46 are adapted to partially contain the elastic element 26 between them such that the elastic element 26 can protrude from the connecting bracket 22 toward the mounting bracket 20.

According to a possible alternative embodiment, the connection bracket 22 has an H-shaped cross section with a central body 42, first and second branches 44, 46 and third and fourth branches 48, 50. The central body 42 is designed to be placed against the edge 24 of the wall 14, such that the first and second branches 44, 46 protrude from the edge 24. The first and second branches 44, 46 are designed to partially include the elastic element 26 between the first and second branches 44, 46, such that the elastic element 26 can protrude from the connection bracket 22 towards the mounting bracket 20. The third and fourth branches 48, 50 are designed to at least partially include the edge 24 of said wall 14.

According to a possible embodiment, the wall 14 is connected to the connection bracket 22 by means of connection means 52 provided on the third and fourth branches 48, 50. The connection means 52 may be, for example, bolts, rivets or other elements known to a person skilled in the art.

As seen in Figures 4 and 7, the connecting bracket 22 and the mounting bracket 20 extend longitudinally the entire length of the corresponding wall 14.

According to an alternative embodiment, the brackets 20, 22 may have continuous breaks along the longitudinal length of the wall 14 and may be positioned, for example, at regular intervals in corresponding positions to one another.

According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the elastic element 26 may be a so-called metal dowel. Advantageously, the elastic element 26 may be a metal dowel with a steel mesh.

Advantageously, the metal dowels are designed to ensure non-combustibility as required by the fire certification (Class B) of the cabin structure 12.

According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the elastic element 26 may be inserted with an interference fit between the arms 28, 30 of the mounting bracket 20 and between the first and second branches 44, 46 of the connecting bracket 22.

In this way, the elastic element is substantially fitted between the mounting bracket 16 and the connecting bracket 22.

In an alternative embodiment described above with reference to possible embodiments of the mounting bracket, the resilient element may be fixed in position relative to the mounting bracket 20 through the use of at least one fastening bolt 34 disposed within the hole 36.

In a possible embodiment, the elastic element 26 may be glued to the connecting bracket 22. For example, the elastic element 26 may be glued at the central body 42 of the connecting bracket 22.

With reference to Figures 4 and 7, the fastening means 16 will be described with reference to the longitudinal direction relative to the edge 24 of the wall 14.

According to a possible embodiment, the fastening means 16 may comprise a plurality of elastic elements 26 along the edge 24. Advantageously, a panel of mineral wool 52 may be provided between at least two successive elastic elements 26.

Advantageously, the portion of the mineral wool 52 in contact with the central body 42 of the connecting bracket 22 may be glued.

Alternatively, materials corresponding to mineral wool may be used, which are known per se to those skilled in the art.

According to a possible embodiment, the cabin structure can then be pre-assembled before being placed on the deck.

In particular, before being brought on board for installation on the deck 18, the cabin structure 12 may be provided with fastening means 16 comprising a mounting bracket 20, an elastic element 26 and a connecting bracket 22.

In addition, a cabin structure 12 having multiple walls 14 may be installed to create a prefabricated cabin, which may then be placed and assembled on the deck of a ship.

Next, we will explain how to assemble the cabin structure 12 mentioned above.

A method for assembling a cabin structure 12 and a floating floor 56 on a ship's deck 18 comprises the following steps:

(a) Providing a cabin structure 12 of the type described above.

(b) Attaching the mounting bracket 20 of the cabin structure 12 to the deck 18 of the vessel.

(c) Positioning a floating floor 56 inside the cabin structure 12.

And (d) fixing the wall 14 to the floating floor 56.

According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the floating floor comprises at least one layer of mineral wool that is arranged using a coating of concrete or sheet metal.

In a possible alternative embodiment, the floating floor 56 may be made of at least one layer of metal mesh that is topped with sheet metal for walking on, giving the floor resilience.

According to a possible embodiment, between steps (b) and (c) there is a step (c') in which a layer of mineral wool 54 is placed between the fastening means 16 and the floating bed 56.

Advantageously, a layer of mineral wool 54 is incorporated between the wall and the floating floor to ensure class B.

Alternatively, materials equivalent to mineral wool may be used, which are known per se to those skilled in the art.

The advantages achievable with the above described cabin structure and corresponding assembly method are therefore now clear.

First, the use of fastening means 16 between the wall 14 and the deck 18 of the type comprising elastic elements provides a significant reduction in low frequency noise.

In particular, considering the use of metal dowels with metal mesh, an average attenuation of between 5 dB and 10 dB is achieved in the low-frequency range (50 Hz to 200 Hz) compared to a conventional installation in which the wall is installed directly on the floating floor. Moreover, the attenuation is also effective at higher frequencies.

In addition, cabin structures are available that are designed to form prefabricated cabins that can be installed on any portion of a ship's deck where floating floors are used.

In this respect, the prefabricated cabin may be installed directly on the ship's deck before the floating floor is constructed, while maintaining at least the sound insulation achievable with cabin walls installed on the floating floor using prior art methods.

In addition, sound insulation is further improved compared to the installation of a floating floor.

In this way, the advantages of using floating floors are combined with the advantages of using prefabricated cabins in cabin assembly operations.

Furthermore, by using the cabin structure of the present invention, and in particular the prefabricated cabin, it is possible to reduce the transmission of vibrations from the vessel to the cabin, compared to systems used in the prior art.

Therefore, assembly of prefabricated cabins on board is possible, including in areas that are meant to have floating floors.

With respect to the above-described embodiments, a person skilled in the art may modify the described items or substitute equivalent items to meet specific requirements without exceeding the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (14)

A cabin structure (12) for a ship that is preassembled before being placed on a deck (18) of a ship, the cabin structure (12) comprising:
At least one wall (14),
said at least one wall (14) is provided with fastening means (16) for fixing said wall (14) to said deck (18);
The fastening means (16)
a mounting bracket (20) adapted to be secured to the deck (18);
a connecting bracket (22) adapted to be fixed at least at an edge (24) of said wall (14);
At least one elastic element (26) provided between the mounting bracket (20) and the connecting bracket (22),
The connecting bracket (22) has an H-shaped cross-section with a central body (42), first and second branches (44, 46), and third and fourth branches (48, 50);
the central body (42) is designed to be fixed to the edge (24) of the wall (14) such that the first and second branches (44, 46) protrude from the edge (24);
the at least one elastic element (26) is partially contained between the first and second branches (44, 46) so as to protrude from the connecting bracket (22) towards the mounting bracket (20);
A marine cabin structure (12), wherein the third and fourth branches (48, 50) are adapted to at least partially include the edge (24) of the wall (14). A cabin structure (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a number of walls (14) joined together to form a prefabricated cabin (15). The mounting bracket (20) has a C-shaped cross section with two arms (28, 30) and a connecting portion (32);
the coupling part (32) is adapted to be fixed to the deck (18) of the vessel;
The cabin structure (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one elastic element (26) is partially housed between the arms (28, 30) so as to protrude from the mounting bracket (20) towards the connection bracket (22). The mounting bracket (20) includes at least one fastening bolt (34) protruding from the connecting portion (32) in a direction parallel to the direction of the two arms (28, 30),
The at least one fastening bolt (34) is provided with a side projection;
4. A cabin structure (12) according to claim 3, characterized in that said at least one elastic element (26) is provided with a hole (36) adapted to be coupled to said at least one fastening bolt (34). The mounting bracket (20) includes at least one fastening bolt (34) protruding from the connecting portion (32) in a direction parallel to the direction of the two arms (28, 30),
The at least one fastening bolt (34) is provided with a threaded surface (38);
The elastic element (26) is provided with at least one hole (36) adapted to be coupled to the fastening bolt (34);
4. A cabin structure (12) according to claim 3, characterized in that the mounting bracket comprises at least one nut (40) for fixing the at least one elastic element (26) in a predetermined position relative to the mounting bracket (20). A cabin structure (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the wall (14) is connected to the connection bracket (22) using a connection means (52) provided on the third and fourth branches (48, 50). A cabin structure (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the connecting bracket (22) and the mounting bracket (20) extend longitudinally over the entire length of the corresponding wall (14). A cabin structure (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the elastic element (26) is a metal dowel. The cabin structure (12) according to claim 8, characterized in that the metal dowels are made of steel mesh. The cabin structure (12) according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one elastic element (26) is inserted between the arms (28, 30) of the mounting bracket (20) and between the first and second branches (44, 46) of the connecting bracket (22) with an interference fit. The fastening means (16) comprises a plurality of elastic elements (26) arranged longitudinally along the edge (24);
Cabin structure (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that mineral wool (52) is provided between at least two successive elastic elements (26). A cabin structure (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a layer of mineral wool (54) is provided between the fastening means (16) and the floating floor (56). A method of assembling a prefabricated cabin comprising a cabin structure (12) and a floating floor (56) on a deck (18) of a vessel, the method comprising the steps of:
The method comprises:
(a) providing a cabin structure (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 ;
(b) fastening the mounting bracket (20) of the cabin structure (12) to the deck (18) of the vessel ;
(c) positioning the floating floor (56) within the cabin structure (12);
(d) fastening said wall (14) to said floating floor (56). The assembly method according to claim 13, characterized in that between steps (b) and (c), there is a step (c') in which a layer of mineral wool (54) is placed between the fastening means (16) and the floating bed (56).

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