Work device for floating body structure and fixing method for work device for floating body structure

Abstract

To provide a work device for floating body structure capable of easily obtaining fixing of the work device to the floating body structure and securing water tightness of inner space and a fixing method for the work device for floating structure.SOLUTION: A work device for floating body structure fixed to a floating body structure floating on liquid includes: a chamber having inner space with at least one portion of the floating body structure arranged; and an expansion unit provided between the chamber and the floating body structure and coming into water tight contact with the floating body structure by cubical expansion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a working device for a floating structure and a method for fixing a working device for a floating structure.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a working device (a working device for a floating structure) that is used in a state of being fixed to a floating structure (such as a hull) floating on water. This working device has an internal space facing the floating structure in a state of being fixed to the floating structure. By discharging water from the internal space using a pump or the like, the internal space functions as a working space in which operations such as welding of the floating structure can be performed in a dry environment.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the structure described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of turnbuckles or the like are used to press the working device toward the floating structure. Thereby, while bringing the working device and the floating structure into watertight contact, the working device is fixed to the floating structure. However, the method of watertightly fixing the working device to the floating structure using a plurality of turnbuckles or the like may be complicated.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a working device for a floating structure and a method for fixing a working device for a floating structure that can easily achieve fixing of the working device to the floating structure and ensuring watertightness of the internal space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a working device for a floating structure according to Aspect 1 of the present invention is a working device for a floating structure that is fixed to a floating structure floating on a liquid, and includes a chamber having an internal space in which at least a part of the floating structure is disposed, and an expansion portion provided between the chamber and the floating structure, which comes into watertight contact with the floating structure by expanding in volume.

[0007] Further, in Aspect 2 of the present invention, in the working device for a floating structure according to Aspect 1, the chamber has a main body portion having the internal space, and a pressing portion that suppresses separation of the main body portion from the floating structure as the volume of the expansion portion expands.

[0008] Further, in Aspect 3 of the present invention, in the working device for a floating structure according to Aspect 2, the main body portion and the pressing portion surround the floating structure in an annular shape.

[0009] Further, in Aspect 4 of the present invention, in the working device for a floating structure according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, the expansion portion has a fluid introduction portion into which a fluid for expanding the volume of the expansion portion can be introduced, and the fluid introduction portion is located above the liquid level of the liquid.

[0010] Further, in Aspect 5 of the present invention, in the working device for a floating structure according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, the expansion portion has a plurality of fluid introduction portions into which a fluid for expanding the volume of the expansion portion can be introduced.

[0011] Further, in Aspect 6 of the present invention, in the working device for a floating structure according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, the chamber is divisible.

[0012] Further, in Aspect 7 of the present invention, in the working device for a floating structure according to Aspect 6, the dividable point at which the chamber can be divided is located above the liquid level of the liquid.

[0013] Further, in the working device for a floating structure according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention, the chamber has a main body portion having the internal space and a pressing portion that suppresses separation of the main body portion from the chamber due to volume expansion of the expansion portion, and a dividable point where the chamber can be divided is located between the main body portion and the pressing portion.

[0014] In order to solve the above problems, a method for fixing a working device for a floating structure according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention is a method for fixing a working device for a floating structure including a chamber having an internal space in which at least a part of the floating structure is disposed and an expansion portion provided between the chamber and the floating structure and in water-tight contact with the floating structure by volume expansion. The method includes an expansion step of expanding the volume of the expansion portion to bring it into water-tight contact with the floating structure in a state where at least a part of the floating structure is disposed in the internal space.

[0015] Further, Embodiment 10 of the present invention further includes an arrangement step of arranging at least a part of the floating structure in the internal space before the expansion step in the method for fixing a working device for a floating structure according to Embodiment 9.

[0016] Further, in the method for fixing a working device for a floating structure according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention, the floating structure has a first floating body and a second floating body, and the arrangement step includes a first step of arranging at least a part of the first floating body in the internal space, a second step of arranging the first floating body and the second floating body side by side on the liquid, and a third step of relatively moving the first floating body, the second floating body, and the chamber along the liquid level of the liquid so that an end portion of the first floating body and an end portion of the second floating body are located in the internal space, after the first step and the second step.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a working device for a floating structure that can easily achieve fixing of the working device to the floating structure and ensuring watertightness of the internal space, and a method for fixing the working device for a floating structure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, a working device for a floating structure and a method for fixing the working device for a floating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, a working device 1 for a floating structure according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a chamber C and at least one (two in the illustrated example) expansion part 30. The chamber C according to the present embodiment has a main body part 10 and a pressing part 20. Hereinafter, the working device 1 for a floating structure may be simply referred to as the "working device 1".

[0021] The working device 1 is used in a state of being fixed to a floating structure 2 floating on a liquid L (see also FIGS. 3 to 5). The liquid L is, for example, seawater. Hereinafter, the state where the working device 1 is fixed to the floating structure 2 floating on the liquid L may be simply referred to as the "fixed state". The chamber C has an internal space S in which at least a part of the floating structure 2 is arranged in the fixed state. The internal space S preferably has a volume that allows an operator (person) to enter.

[0022] The working device 1 according to the present embodiment has a pair of openings H for introducing the floating structure 2 into the internal space S (see also FIGS. 3 to 5). In the present embodiment, the pair of openings H face each other in a certain direction. Hereinafter, one of the pair of openings H is referred to as the first opening HA, and the other of the pair of openings H is referred to as the second opening HB.

[0023] In the following description, the direction in which the pair of openings H face each other is referred to as the front-rear direction X. Also, one direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction X is referred to as the left-right direction Y. The direction orthogonal to both the front-rear direction X and the left-right direction Y is referred to as the up-down direction Z. Looking from the up-down direction Z is referred to as a plan view. Also, the direction from the second opening HB toward the first opening HA in the front-rear direction X is referred to as the +X direction or the front (front side, near side). The direction opposite to the +X direction is referred to as the -X direction or the rear (rear side, far side). One direction along the left-right direction Y is referred to as the +Y direction or the right (right side). The direction opposite to the +Y direction is referred to as the -Y direction or the left (left side). One direction along the up-down direction Z is referred to as the +Z direction or the up (upper side). The direction opposite to the +Z direction is referred to as the -Z direction or the down (lower side). In the fixed state, the up-down direction Z coincides with the direction of gravity (vertical direction) and is also the direction perpendicular to the liquid surface LS of the liquid L (see also FIGS. 3 to 6). In the fixed state, the front-rear direction X and the left-right direction Y coincide with the horizontal direction and are also the directions parallel to the liquid surface LS of the liquid L (see also FIGS. 3 to 6).

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 10 according to this embodiment has a rectangular box shape with one side open. And the space surrounded by the box shape corresponds to the internal space S described above. Specifically, the main body 10 according to this embodiment has a pair of opening plate portions 11, a pair of side plate portions 12, and a bottom plate portion 13.

[0025] Each of the pair of opening plate portions 11 has a plate-like shape extending in the left-right direction Y and the up-down direction Z. The pair of opening plate portions 11 are provided in parallel so as to face each other in the front-rear direction X.

[0026] An opening recess 11a that is recessed downward from the upper edge portion of the opening plate portion 11 is formed in each opening plate portion 11. In this embodiment, the opening recess 11a has a U-shape. Specifically, the opening recess 11a according to this embodiment is a recess surrounded by a bottom edge portion 11a1 extending in the left-right direction Y and a pair of side edge portions 11a2 extending upward from both end portions of the bottom edge portion 11a1.

[0027] The opening recess 11a, together with the pressing portion 20 (pressing bar 21), constitutes the above-described opening H. Hereinafter, the opening plate portion 11 in which the opening recess 11a forming the first opening HA is formed may be referred to as the first opening plate portion 11A, and the opening plate portion 11 in which the opening recess 11a forming the second opening HB is formed may be referred to as the second opening plate portion 11B.

[0028] Each of the pair of side plate portions 12 has a plate-like shape extending in the front-rear direction X and the up-down direction Z. The pair of side plate portions 12 are provided in parallel so as to face each other in the left-right direction Y. The pair of side plate portions 12 connect both side edges of the opening plate portion 11 in the left-right direction Y. Thereby, the pair of opening plate portions 11 and the pair of side plate portions 12 constitute a rectangular cylindrical shape in plan view.

[0029] The bottom plate portion 13 has a plate-like shape extending in the front-rear direction X and the left-right direction Y. The bottom plate portion 13 is connected to the lower edge portion of the opening plate portion 11 and the lower edge portion of the side plate portion 12. Thereby, the bottom plate portion 13 closes the lower end (open end) of the cylindrical shape formed by the opening plate portion 11 and the side plate portion 12.

[0030] The main body portion 10 may have a structure in which the opening plate portion 11, the side plate portion 12, and the bottom plate portion 13 are joined to each other by joining means such as welding of a plurality of plate-like members, for example. Alternatively, the main body portion 10 may have a structure in which the opening plate portion 11, the side plate portion 12, and the bottom plate portion 13 are integrally formed. Thereby, the opening plate portion 11, the side plate portion 12, and the bottom plate portion 13 included in the main body portion 10 are fixed to each other.

[0031] The pressing portion 20 according to the present embodiment has a pair of pressing bars 21, at least one (two in the illustrated example) connecting bar 22, and at least one (four in the illustrated example) wheel 23.

[0032] The pair of pressing bars 21 are each provided along the upper edge portion of the opening plate portion 11. More specifically, each pressing bar 21 is provided along the upper edge portion of the opening plate portion 11 so as to straddle the opening recess 11a in the left-right direction Y. Each pressing bar 21 may be fixed to the upper edge portion of the opening plate portion 11 by fixing means (not shown) such as bolts. Hereinafter, the pressing bar 21 provided on the upper edge portion of the first opening plate portion 11A may be referred to as the first pressing bar 21A, and the pressing bar 21 provided on the upper edge portion of the second opening plate portion 11B may be referred to as the second pressing bar 21B.

[0033] The first pressing bar 21A, together with the opening recess 11a formed in the first opening plate portion 11A, constitutes the first opening HA. The second pressing bar 21B, together with the opening recess 11a formed in the second opening plate portion 11B, constitutes the second opening HB. That is, each opening H is surrounded by the opening plate portion 11 and the pressing bar 21 when viewed from the front-rear direction X.

[0034] Hereinafter, the portion (edge portion) of the chamber C that surrounds the opening H is referred to as the opening edge portion E. In the present embodiment, the opening edge portion E includes the bottom edge portion 11a1 and the pair of side edge portions 11a2 described above, and the central portion of the pressing bar 21 in the left - right direction Y.

[0035] The opening edge portion E has an annular shape when viewed from the front - rear direction X. As a result, the opening edge portion E (the main body portion 10 and the pressing portion 20) surrounds the floating structure 2 in an annular shape in the fixed state (see also FIGS. 3 to 5). That is, in the fixed state, the chamber C surrounds the floating structure 2 in an annular shape (see also FIGS. 3 to 5). The opening H has a shape slightly larger than that of the floating structure 2.

[0036] Each connecting bar 22 connects the pair of pressing bars 21 in the front - rear direction X. The connecting bar 22 also serves to enhance the strength of the pressing portion 20.

[0037] In the illustrated example, the pressing portion 20 has two connecting bars 22 arranged at intervals in the left - right direction Y. However, the number and arrangement of the connecting bars 22 of the pressing portion 20 can be appropriately changed. Also, the pressing portion 20 may not have the connecting bar 22.

[0038] Each wheel 23 is fixed to the connecting bar 22 via a support 24. The support 24 is a component fixed in a suspended state with respect to the connecting bar 22. The wheel 23 is supported at the lower end portion of the support 24 so as to be rollable in the front - rear direction X. The wheel 23 rolls on the rail R provided on the upper surface of the floating structure 2 (floating bodies 2a, 2b) (see also FIGS. 3 to 5).

[0039] In the illustrated example, the pressing portion 20 has four wheels 23. And for one connecting bar 22, two wheels 23 are arranged at intervals in the left - right direction Y. However, the number and arrangement of the wheels 23 of the pressing portion 20 can be appropriately changed. Also, the pressing portion 20 may not have the wheels 23 and the support 24.

[0040] The chamber C according to this embodiment is configured to be separable. More specifically, the pressing part 20 is configured to be separable from the main body part 10. In other words, the separable point D where the chamber C can be divided is located between the main body part 10 and the pressing part 20. Also, the dividing direction in which the chamber C can be divided is the vertical direction Z in which the main body part 10 and the pressing part 20 are aligned.

[0041] Note that the specific configuration for making the pressing part 20 separable from the main body part 10 is not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate. For example, by loosening and removing the bolts for fixing the pressing bar 21 to the opening plate part 11, the pressing part 20 may be separated from the main body part 10.

[0042] The separable point D of the chamber C is preferably located above the liquid level LS (that is, outside the liquid L) in the fixed state (see FIG. 5). In this embodiment, since the separable point D is located between the main body part 10 and the pressing part 20, the separable point D is located above the liquid level LS in the fixed state.

[0043] Here, the positional relationship between the working device 1 and the floating structure 2 and the liquid level LS in the fixed state can vary depending on factors such as the shape and material of the working device 1 and the floating structure 2, and the type (density) of the liquid L. Therefore, the region of the working device 1 that is located above the liquid level LS in the fixed state (hereinafter referred to as the "upper region of the working device 1") can vary depending on these factors. Conversely, if these factors are known, the upper region of the working device 1 can be specified by calculation or the like. The separable point D may be arranged in the upper region of the working device 1 thus specified. That is, even if the separable point D is not located between the main body part 10 and the pressing part 20 (for example, if the separable point D is located within the main body part 10), as long as the separable point D is located in the upper region of the working device 1, the separable point D will be located above the liquid level LS in the fixed state.

[0044] Each expansion part 30 is configured to be able to expand in volume. Each expansion part 30 is arranged along at least a part of the opening H (opening edge E). Thereby, each expansion part 30 is located between the chamber C and the floating structure 2 in the fixed state. The expansion part 30 comes into watertight contact with the floating structure 2 by expanding in volume. Hereinafter, the expansion part 30 arranged in the first opening HA may be referred to as the first expansion part 30A, and the expansion part 30 arranged in the second opening HB may be referred to as the second expansion part 30B.

[0045] Specifically, each expansion part 30 according to the present embodiment has an expandable body 31 that can expand in volume. The expandable body 31 is, for example, a tube made of an elastic body. Such an expandable body 31 can expand in volume by introducing a fluid (gas or liquid) into the space (not shown) inside the tube and increasing the pressure in the space.

[0046] In addition to the expandable body 31, the expansion part 30 may further have a watertight member (waterproof member) for ensuring the watertightness of the internal space S. For example, a watertight member such as rubber may be provided over the outer peripheral surface of the expandable body 31 that is a tube made of an elastic body. However, the expandable body 31 may not have such a watertight member. In this case, the expandable body 31 is formed of a material (such as rubber) having watertightness (waterproofness).

[0047] In the present embodiment, each expansion part 30 (expandable body 31) is arranged along the opening recess 11a. That is, each expandable body 31 has a bottom part 31a arranged along the bottom edge part 11a1 of the opening recess 11a and a pair of side parts 31b arranged along the pair of side edge parts 11a2 of the opening recess 11a.

[0048] Moreover, each expansion part 30 has a plurality of fluid introduction parts 32 into which a fluid for expanding the volume of the expansion part 30 (expandable body 31) can be introduced. In the expansion part 30 where the expandable body 31 is a tube, the fluid introduction part 32 may be an opening communicating with the space inside the tube (expandable body 31). The fluid introduction part 32 may have a valve or the like.

[0049] In the illustrated example, two fluid introduction portions 32 are provided for each expansion portion 30 (expansion body 31). Accordingly, the working device 1 in the present embodiment has four fluid introduction portions 32. More specifically, in each expansion portion 30 (expansion body 31), one fluid introduction portion 32 is provided at the upper end of each of a pair of side portions 31b. Then, the fluid introduced from the two fluid introduction portions 32 causes one expansion portion 30 (expansion body 31) to expand in volume. For example, the two fluid introduction portions 32 located on the front side (+X side) cause the first expansion portion 30A to expand in volume.

[0050] Each fluid introduction portion 32 is preferably located above the liquid level LS (that is, outside the liquid L) in the fixed state (see FIG. 5). In the present embodiment, since each fluid introduction portion 32 is provided at the upper end of the expansion portion 30 (side portion 31b), the fluid introduction portion 32 is located above the liquid level LS in the fixed state. However, even if the fluid introduction portion 32 is not located at the upper end of the expansion portion 30, as long as the fluid introduction portion 32 is located in the upper region (described above) of the working device 1, the fluid introduction portion 32 will be located above the liquid level LS in the fixed state.

[0051] Next, a method for fixing the working device 1 configured as described above to the floating structure 2 will be described. In the following description, a case will be described in which the floating structure 2 has the first floating body 2a and the second floating body 2b that are separate from each other, and a subsequent process is performed after the working device 1 is fixed to the floating structure 2. The subsequent process in the present embodiment includes a process of joining the ends of the floating bodies 2a and 2b by welding or the like.

[0052] In the following description, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, each of the floating bodies 2a and 2b has a rectangular prism shape extending in the front-rear direction X, and rails R on which wheels 23 roll are provided on the upper surfaces of the floating bodies 2a and 2b. Each rail R extends in the front-rear direction X. Also, of the end portions 2a1 and 2a2 of the first floating body 2a, one end portion 2a1 joined to the second floating body 2b may be referred to as a connecting end portion 2a1, and the other end portion 2a2 may be referred to as a non-connecting end portion 2a2. Similarly, of the end portions 2b1 and 2b2 of the second floating body 2b, one end portion 2b1 joined to the first floating body 2a may be referred to as a connecting end portion 2b1, and the other end portion 2b2 may be referred to as a non-connecting end portion 2b2.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, the fixing method according to the present embodiment includes an arrangement step S1 and an inflation step S2. The inflation step S2 is performed after the arrangement step S1. The arrangement step S1 and the inflation step S2 may be performed by the same entity (such as an operator) or by different entities (such as operators).

[0054] First, the arrangement step S1 is performed. In the arrangement step S1, at least a part of the floating body structure 2 is arranged in the internal space S. Specifically, the arrangement step S1 according to the present embodiment includes a first step S1a, a second step S1b, and a third step S1c. The third step S1c is performed after the first step S1a and the second step S1b.

[0055] In the first step S1a, as shown in FIG. 3, at least a part of the first floating body 2a is arranged in the internal space S of the chamber C. For example, the non-connecting end portion 2a2 of the first floating body 2a is inserted into the internal space S through the first opening HA, and further passed through the second opening HB. Alternatively, the connecting end portion 2a1 of the first floating body 2a is inserted into the internal space S through the second opening HB, and further passed through the first opening HA. At this time, by rolling the wheels 23 on the rails R, the relative movement (sliding movement) in the front-rear direction X between the first floating body 2a and the working device 1 can be smoothly performed.

[0056] In the first step S1a, the main body 10 and the pressing part 20 of the working device 1 annularly surround the middle part of the first floating body 2a in the front-rear direction X as viewed from the front-rear direction X. Thereby, a state is realized in which the middle part is located in the internal space S of the working device 1. In this state, the pressing part 20 (wheel 23) is supported by the upper surface of the first floating body 2a. Thereby, the working device 1 is supported by the first floating body 2a.

[0057] The first step S1a may be performed in a state where both the first floating body 2a and the working device 1 are floating on the liquid surface LS (see FIG. 3). Alternatively, the first step S1a may be performed in a state where both the first floating body 2a and the working device 1 are not in contact with the liquid L and are located in the air (for example, in a dock, etc.) (detailed illustration is omitted). That is, the first step S1a may be performed on the liquid L (liquid surface LS) or at a location other than on the liquid L (liquid surface LS). When the first step S1a is performed in the dock, it is preferable that the height (dimension in the vertical direction Z) of the portion of the main body 10 below the opening recess 11a is equal to or less than the height of the base board provided in the dock.

[0058] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 3, at the end of the first step S1a, the connecting end portion 2a1 of the first floating body 2a is located on the side of the first opening HA, and the non-connecting end portion 2a2 of the first floating body 2a is located on the side of the second opening HB. However, the orientation of the first floating body 2a may be reversed. That is, the connecting end portion 2a1 may be inserted from the first opening HA, or the non-connecting end portion 2a2 may be inserted from the second opening HB. In this case, at the end of the first step S1a, the connecting end portion 2a1 is located on the side of the second opening HB, and the non-connecting end portion 2a2 is located on the side of the first opening HA. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the case where the connecting end portion 2a1 is located on the side of the first opening HA and the non-connecting end portion 2a2 is located on the side of the second opening HB at the end of the first step S1a (that is, the case of FIG. 3) will be described.

[0059] In the second step S1b, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first floating body 2a and the second floating body 2b are arranged on the liquid L. Specifically, the floating bodies 2a and 2b are arranged in the front-rear direction X such that the connecting end portions 2a1 and 2b1 of the floating bodies 2a and 2b are close to or in contact with each other. At this time, it is preferable that the floating bodies 2a and 2b are arranged such that the respective rails R of the first floating body 2a and the respective rails R of the second floating body 2b are aligned in the front-rear direction X.

[0060] When the first step S1a is performed on the liquid L, the second step S1b may be performed by pulling the second floating body 2b floating on the liquid L along the liquid surface LS toward the first floating body 2a (see FIG. 4). On the other hand, when the first step S1a is performed at a location other than on the liquid L (such as a dock), in the second step S1b, first, the first floating body 2a and the working device 1 supported thereby may be moved onto the liquid L by a crane or the like (detailed illustration is omitted). Alternatively, when the first step S1a is performed in a dock, the first floating body 2a and the working device 1 supported thereby may be floated on the liquid L by introducing the liquid L into the dock (detailed illustration is omitted). Thereafter, the floating bodies 2a and 2b may be arranged by pulling the second floating body 2b floating on the liquid L along the liquid surface LS toward the first floating body 2a.

[0061] Also, the second step S1b may be performed before the first step S1a or simultaneously with the first step S1a. That is, after the floating bodies 2a and 2b are arranged on the liquid L, the working device 1 may be attached to the first floating body 2a by inserting the non-connecting end portion 2a2 of the first floating body 2a into the opening H (the first opening HA or the second opening HB). However, in this case, it is necessary that the non-connecting end portion 2a2 has a shape that can be inserted into the opening H.

[0062] In the third step S1c, as shown in FIG. 5, the floating bodies 2a and 2b and the chamber C are relatively moved along the liquid surface LS so that the connecting end portions 2a1 and 2b1 of the floating bodies 2a and 2b are located in the internal space S. That is, the floating bodies 2a and 2b and the chamber C are relatively moved (slidably moved) in the front-rear direction X so that the joint portion of the floating bodies 2a and 2b (the portion where the connecting end portions 2a1 and 2b1 abut or are close to each other) is located in the internal space S. In other words, the floating bodies 2a and 2b and the chamber C are relatively moved so that the chamber C straddles both of the two floating bodies 2a and 2b. At this time, by rolling the wheels 23 on the rail R, the relative movement (sliding movement) in the front-rear direction X between the floating bodies 2a and 2b and the working device 1 can be smoothly performed.

[0063] By the third step S1c, the main body portion 10 and the pressing portion 20 (opening edge portion E) of the working device 1 annularly surround the joint portion of the floating structure 2 (floating bodies 2a and 2b) as viewed from the front-rear direction X. More specifically, the opening edge portion E surrounding the first opening HA annularly surrounds the second floating body 2b, and the opening edge portion E surrounding the second opening HB annularly surrounds the first floating body 2a. Thereby, a state in which the joint portion of the floating structure 2 is located in the internal space S is realized.

[0064] Note that the above-described arrangement step S1 (the first step S1a to the third step S1c) may be performed by moving the floating structure 2 (floating bodies 2a and 2b), or may be performed by moving the working device 1. Alternatively, both the floating structure 2 (floating bodies 2a and 2b) and the working device 1 may be moved. That is, the arrangement step S1 (the first step S1a to the third step S1c) may be performed by moving at least one of the floating structure 2 (floating bodies 2a and 2b) and the working device 1.

[0065] In the inflation step S2, as shown in FIG. 5, with the joint portion of the floating structure 2 arranged in the internal space S, the inflatable portion 30 is inflated in volume. Thereby, the inflatable portion 30 is brought into watertight contact with the floating structure 2. Specifically, the inflatable portion 30 may be inflated in volume by introducing a fluid from the fluid introduction portion 32 into the inflatable portion 30 (inflatable body 31).

[0066] Assume that the working device 1 does not include the pressing part 20. As the volume of the expansion part 30 expands, the working device 1 may move relative to the floating structure 2 in a direction away from the floating structure 2. This is because when the bottom part 31a (see FIG. 1) of the expansion part 30 expands in volume, the main body part 10 is pushed downward by the expansion force of the bottom part 31a located below the floating structure 2. That is, by expanding in volume, the bottom part 31a applies a pressing force (hereinafter, may be referred to as a "separation force") in a direction away from the floating structure 2 to the main body part 10.

[0067] In contrast, the working device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a pressing part 20 located above the floating structure 2. The pressing part 20 is located on the side opposite to the bottom part 31a that generates the above-described separation force when viewed from the floating structure 2 (opening H). Therefore, when the bottom part 31a applies a downward separation force to the working device 1, the pressing part 20 receives an upward resistance force from the floating structure 2. As a result, a downward separation force and a resistance force (upward) in the direction opposite to the separation force are applied to the working device 1. And when these separation force and resistance force are balanced, the working device 1 is fixed to the floating structure 2. Also, it is possible to prevent the working device 1 from separating from the floating structure 2 and damaging the watertightness of the internal space S. In this way, the pressing part 20 functions to suppress the separation of the main body part 10 from the floating structure 2 accompanying the volume expansion of the expansion part 30. Further, when the pair of side parts 31b of the expansion part 30 expand in volume, the upper part of the opening recess 11a of the main body part 10 may separate (spread) from the floating structure 2 in the left-right direction Y, but the pressing part 20 functions to suppress this separation.

[0068] Through the above arrangement process S1 and expansion process S2, the working device 1 is fixed to the joint part of the floating structure 2. The working device 1 fixed to the joint part of the floating structure 2 suppresses the relative movement between the floating bodies 2a and 2b. That is, by fixing the working device 1 to the joint part of the floating structure 2 using the fixing method according to the present embodiment, it is also possible to temporarily fix the connecting end parts 2a1 and 2b1 of the floating bodies 2a and 2b to each other.

[0069] After the working device 1 is fixed to the joint of the floating structure 2, a post-process including a step of joining the connecting ends 2a1 and 2b1 of the floating bodies 2a and 2b by welding or the like is performed. Specifically, the post-process includes a discharging step, a working step, a removing step, and a recovering step.

[0070] In the discharging step, the liquid L is discharged from the internal space S by a discharging means (such as a pump) (not shown). Here, due to the volume expansion of the expansion part 30 in the above-described expansion step S2, the watertightness of the internal space S is ensured (that is, the movement of the liquid L inside and outside the internal space S is suppressed). For this reason, the internal space S is maintained in a dry environment where the liquid L does not flow in from the outside. That is, the internal space S can be used as a working space in which operations such as welding of the floating structure 2 can be performed in a dry environment.

[0071] After the discharging step, the working step is performed. In the working step, an operator enters the internal space S that has become a dry environment and performs an operation on the floating structure 2 (in this embodiment, joining of the connecting ends 2a1 and 2b1). By joining the connecting ends 2a1 and 2b1 by welding or the like, the floating bodies 2a and 2b are fixed to each other.

[0072] After the working step, a removing step of removing the working device 1 from the floating structure 2 is performed. In the removing step, as shown in FIG. 6, the working device 1 may be removed from the floating structure 2 by dividing the chamber C. In this embodiment, the chamber C is divided in the vertical direction Z by separating the pressing part 20 and the main body part 10. When the pressing part 20 is separated from the main body part 10, the main body part 10 sinks downward under the influence of gravity. Therefore, the division of the chamber C can be easily performed only by releasing the fixing of the pressing part 20 to the main body part 10.

[0073] After the removal process, a recovery process for recovering the main body portion 10 and the pressing portion 20 is performed. The recovery process is completed by pulling up the main body portion 10 submerged in the liquid L and recovering the pressing portion 20 remaining on the floating structure 2. By combining the recovered main body portion 10 and the pressing portion 20, the working device 1 can be assembled again and reused for other floating structures 2.

[0074] Next, the operation of the working device 1 configured as described above and its fixing method will be described.

[0075] Conventionally, as a method of performing work (such as welding) on a floating structure (such as a ship's hull) floating on water, a method in which a worker (diver) dives into the water to perform the work has been used. However, underwater work by a diver is difficult to ensure work quality and is also likely to have low workability. To solve such problems, for example, as in Patent Document 1, a working device having an internal space that provides a dry environment has been proposed. However, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, the method of fixing the working device to the floating structure while bringing the working device into watertight contact with the floating structure is complicated.

[0076] In recent years, in the fields of renewable energy such as wind power generation and solar power generation, and in the field of aquaculture, the need for large floating structures on water has been increasing. Conventionally, as a method of constructing a floating structure, a method of manufacturing the structure in a dry environment inside a dock and then floating the structure on water by filling the dock with water after completion is common. Alternatively, a method of manufacturing the structure on land and moving the manufactured structure to the water surface by means of a transportation means such as a crane or a skid and floating it is also used. However, in these methods, the scale of the floating structure that can be constructed is limited by the volume of the dock and the transportation capacity (output) of the transportation means. Therefore, a construction method of constructing a floating structure by joining a plurality of floating bodies on water becomes important. Furthermore, in constructing a large-scale floating structure, it is necessary to repeat the operation of joining the floating bodies a number of times, and the method of joining the floating bodies is preferably easy and efficient.

[0077] In response to these problems, according to the working device 1 and its fixing method according to the present embodiment, by expanding the volume of the expansion part 30, it is possible to easily fix the working device 1 to the floating structure 2 and ensure the watertightness of the internal space S. Further, by discharging the liquid from the internal space S with ensured watertightness by means of a discharging means such as a pump, the internal space S can be easily made into a dry environment. Further, after making the internal space S into a dry environment, by performing a joining operation such as welding by an operator in the internal space S, the joining between the floating bodies 2a and 2b on the liquid L can be easily and efficiently performed.

[0078] Note that the work performed in the internal space S is not limited to joining operations such as welding. For example, it may be used for work such as repair, inspection, and painting of the floating structure 2 floating on the liquid L. In this case, the floating body 2a (2b) provided in the internal space S may be single. In other words, the floating structure 2 may have only a single floating body 2a (2b).

[0079] As described above, the working device 1 for a floating structure according to the present embodiment is a working device for a floating structure that is fixed to a floating structure 2 floating on a liquid L, and includes a chamber C having an internal space S in which at least a part of the floating structure 2 is disposed, and an expansion part 30 provided between the chamber C and the floating structure 2 and that comes into watertight contact with the floating structure 2 by expanding in volume. Further, the fixing method according to the present embodiment is a method for fixing the above-described working device 1 for a floating structure to a floating structure 2 floating on a liquid L, and includes an expansion step S2 of expanding the volume of the expansion part 30 to bring it into watertight contact with the floating structure 2 with at least a part of the floating structure 2 disposed in the internal space S. An arrangement step S1 of arranging at least a part of the floating structure 2 in the internal space S may be performed before the expansion step S2.

[0080] According to this configuration, by expanding the volume of the expansion part 30, it is possible to easily fix the working device 1 to the floating structure 2 and ensure the watertightness of the internal space S.

[0081] Further, the chamber C includes a main body portion 10 having an internal space S, and a pressing portion 20 that suppresses the separation of the main body portion 10 from the floating structure 2 due to the volume expansion of the expansion portion 30. According to this configuration, the working device 1 (main body portion 10) can be more reliably fixed to the floating structure 2. Further, the watertightness of the internal space S can be enhanced more.

[0082] Further, the main body portion 10 and the pressing portion 20 surround the floating structure 2 in a ring shape. That is, the chamber C surrounds the floating structure 2 in a ring shape. According to this configuration, the fixing of the working device 1 (main body portion 10) to the floating structure 2 can be made stronger as compared with, for example, the case where the pressing portion 20 is interrupted in the left - right direction Y.

[0083] Further, the expansion portion 30 has a fluid introduction portion 32 into which a fluid for expanding the volume of the expansion portion 30 can be introduced, and the fluid introduction portion 32 is located above the liquid level LS of the liquid L. According to this configuration, it becomes easier to introduce the fluid into the fluid introduction portion 32 as compared with the case where the fluid introduction portion 32 is present below the liquid level LS (that is, in the liquid L).

[0084] Further, the expansion portion 30 has a plurality of fluid introduction portions 32. In other words, a plurality of fluid introduction portions 32 are provided for a single expansion portion 30 (expansion body 31). According to this configuration, even if clogging of the fluid occurs in any part of the expansion portion 30 (expansion body 31), the fluid can easily spread throughout the expansion portion 30 (expansion body 31). Thereby, the entire expansion portion 30 (expansion body 31) can be more reliably volume - expanded.

[0085] Further, the chamber C is separable. According to this configuration, by separating the chamber C, the working device 1 can be easily removed from the floating structure 2. Thereby, the reuse of the working device 1 also becomes easy.

[0086] Also, the dividable point D where the chamber C can be divided is located above the liquid level LS. According to this configuration, it becomes easier to divide the chamber C compared to the case where the dividable point D exists below the liquid level LS (i.e., in the liquid L).

[0087] Also, the dividable point D where the chamber C can be divided is located between the main body portion 10 and the pressing portion 20. In other words, when the main body portion 10 and the pressing portion 20 are separated from each other, the chamber C is divided. According to this configuration, while enabling the chamber C to be dividable, the number of parts of the chamber C can be suppressed.

[0088] Also, the dividable direction for dividing the chamber C is the vertical direction Z. According to this configuration, by utilizing gravity, the chamber C can be easily divided.

[0089] Also, the floating structure 2 has a first floating body 2a and a second floating body 2b, and the arranging step S1 includes a first step S1a of arranging at least a part of the first floating body 2a in the internal space S, a second step S1b of arranging the first floating body 2a and the second floating body 2b side by side on the liquid L, and a third step S1c of relatively moving the first floating body 2a, the second floating body 2b, and the chamber C along the liquid level LS after the first step S1a and the second step S1b so that the end portion 2a1 of the first floating body 2a and the end portion 2b1 of the second floating body 2b are located in the internal space S. According to this configuration, before joining the floating bodies 2a, 2b, the working device 1 can easily temporarily fix the end portions 2a1, 2a2 of the floating bodies 2a, 2b to each other.

[0090] Note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0091] For example, the liquid L in which the floating structure 2 and the working device 1 are floated does not have to be seawater. For example, the liquid L may be river water. As long as the floating structure 2 and the working device 1 can be floated, the type of the liquid L is not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed.

[0092] In addition, the shape of the floating structure 2 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the floats 2a and 2b may have a cylindrical shape or the like. Similarly, the shape of the opening H can be changed as appropriate according to the shape of the floats 2a and 2b. Further, in the present embodiment, the two openings H are arranged in the front-rear direction X, but the arrangement of the openings H can be changed as appropriate. For example, one opening H may be provided in the opening plate portion 11, and the other opening H may be provided in the side plate portion 12. Further, for example, when the floating structure 2 has only a single float 2a (2b), the working device 1 may have only one opening H.

[0093] In addition, the position of the dividable point D where the chamber C can be divided is not limited to between the main body portion 10 and the pressing portion 20, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the dividable point D may be located anywhere in the main body portion 10, or may be located anywhere in the pressing portion 20.

[0094] In addition, the dividing direction of the chamber C is not limited to the vertical direction Z, and can be changed as appropriate. Further, the chamber C may not be dividable. In this case, the expansion portion 30 may be provided over the entire circumference of the opening edge portion E (the main body portion 10 and the pressing portion 20).

[0095] In addition, if there is an internal space S in which at least a part of the floating structure 2 can be arranged, the configuration of the main body portion 10 and the like can be changed as appropriate.

[0096] In addition, if it is possible to suppress the separation of the main body portion 10 from the floating structure 2 due to the volume expansion of the expansion portion 30, the configuration of the pressing portion 20 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the pressing portion 20 may be interrupted in the left-right direction Y. That is, the main body portion 10 and the pressing portion 20 (the chamber C) do not have to surround the floating structure 2 in a ring shape. Further, the pressing portion 20 and the main body portion 10 may be integrally configured.

[0097] In addition, within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately replace the components in the above-described embodiment with well-known components, and the above-described embodiment and modification examples may be appropriately combined.

Description of Symbols

[0098] 1... Working device (working device for floating structure) 2... Floating structure 2a... First floating body 2b... Second floating body C... Chamber 10... Main body portion 20... Pressing portion 30... Inflation portion 32... Fluid introduction portion L... Liquid LS... Liquid level S... Internal space D... Dividable point Z... Vertical direction

Claims

1. An operating device for a floating structure that is fixed to a floating structure floating on a liquid, a chamber having an internal space in which at least a part of the floating structure is disposed, and an expansion part provided between the chamber and the floating structure and making watertight contact with the floating structure by volume expansion. An operating device for a floating structure.

2. The chamber has a main body part having the internal space and a pressing part that suppresses separation of the main body part from the floating structure as the volume of the expansion part expands. The operating device for a floating structure according to Claim 1.

3. The main body part and the pressing part surround the floating structure in an annular shape. The operating device for a floating structure according to Claim 2.

4. The expansion part has a fluid introduction part into which a fluid for expanding the volume of the expansion part can be introduced, and the fluid introduction part is located above the liquid level of the liquid. The operating device for a floating structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. The expansion part has a plurality of fluid introduction parts into which a fluid for expanding the volume of the expansion part can be introduced. The operating device for a floating structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

6. The chamber is separable. The operating device for a floating structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

7. The separable point at which the chamber can be divided is located above the liquid level of the liquid. The operating device for a floating structure according to Claim 6.

8. The chamber has a main body part having the internal space and a pressing part that suppresses separation of the main body part from the chamber as the volume of the expansion part expands. The separable point at which the chamber can be divided is located between the main body part and the pressing part. The operating device for a floating structure according to Claim 6.

9. For a floating structure floating on a liquid, a method for fixing an operating device for a floating structure including a chamber having an internal space in which at least a part of the floating structure is disposed and an expansion part provided between the chamber and the floating structure and making watertight contact with the floating structure by volume expansion, the method having an expansion step of expanding the volume of the expansion part to make watertight contact with the floating structure with at least a part of the floating structure disposed in the internal space. A method for fixing an operating device for a floating structure.

10. Before the inflation step, further comprising an arranging step of arranging at least a part of the floating structure in the internal space. The method for fixing a working device using the floating structure according to claim 9.

11. The floating structure has a first floating body and a second floating body. The arranging step includes: a first step of arranging at least a part of the first floating body in the internal space; a second step of arranging the first floating body and the second floating body side by side on the liquid; a third step of relatively moving the first floating body, the second floating body, and the chamber along the liquid level of the liquid so that the end of the first floating body and the end of the second floating body are located in the internal space, after the first step and the second step. The method for fixing a working device using the floating structure according to claim 10.

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