Floating body coupling method and floating body coupling device

Abstract

To easily adjust width of a gap between floating bodies after coupling the floating bodies.SOLUTION: A floating body coupling method includes the steps of: attaching a first coupling member 3 having a projection unit 32 extending in the coupling direction which is approximately in parallel to water surface to a first floating body 9a; attaching a second coupling member 4 having a fitting unit 42 capable of being fitted to the projection unit 32 in a state in which relative position to the projection unit 32 in the coupling direction is variable, to a second floating body 9b; coupling the first floating body 9a and the second floating body 9b by fitting the projection unit 32 and the fitting unit 42 by bringing the first floating body 9a and the second floating body 9b close to each other; attaching a restriction unit 5 for restricting separation distance D1 between the first coupling member 3 and the second coupling member 4 in the coupling direction to be within a prescribed range to the first coupling member 3 and the second coupling member 4 in a state in which the projection 32 and the fitting unit 42 are in the fitted state; and providing a gap G of a set width between the first floating body 9a and the second floating body 9b by adjusting the separation distance D1 between the first coupling member 3 and the second coupling member 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for connecting a plurality of floating bodies on water.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for connecting a plurality of floating bodies on water is known. For example, the floating structure of Patent Document 1 includes a guide device composed of a guide pin having a retaining step on a side facing an adjacent floating body and a guide receiver for adjusting the position of the floating body by inserting the guide pin, and a connecting device for connecting adjacent floating bodies by engaging a male part and a female part. Further, the connection structure of the floating structure in Patent Document 2 includes a first connection part provided on a joint surface so that a plurality of columnar connection convex parts surround an inner space of a predetermined width, a columnar fitting convex part that fits into the inner space and is in pressure contact with the inner surface of the connection convex part, and a second connection part provided on the joint surface and formed so as to surround all of the connection convex parts and having a peripheral surface part that is in pressure contact with the outer surface of the connection convex part.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the construction of a floating structure, after connecting a plurality of floating bodies on water, the plurality of floating bodies may be joined by welding. In this case, after connecting the floating bodies, it is necessary to adjust the gap between the floating bodies to a predetermined width. In the floating structure of Patent Document 1, since a step for preventing detachment is provided for the guide pin, after connecting the floating bodies, the gap between the floating bodies cannot be widened, and it is difficult to adjust the width of the gap between the floating bodies. Further, the connection structure of Patent Document 2 is premised on bringing the floating bodies into close contact with each other without a gap, and the width of the gap between the floating bodies cannot be adjusted.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a novel method capable of easily adjusting the width of the gap between floating bodies after connecting the floating bodies.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Aspect 1 of the present invention is a floating body connection method for connecting a plurality of floating bodies on water, comprising: a) a step of attaching a first connection member having a protrusion extending in a connection direction substantially parallel to the water surface to a first floating body; b) a step of attaching a second connection member having a fitting portion capable of fitting with the protrusion in a state where the relative position with respect to the protrusion in the connection direction is variable to a second floating body; c) a step of bringing the first floating body and the second floating body closer to each other to fit the protrusion and the fitting portion, and connecting the first floating body and the second floating body; d) a step of attaching a limiting portion for limiting the separation distance in the connection direction between the first connection member and the second connection member within a predetermined range to the first connection member and the second connection member in a state where the protrusion and the fitting portion are fitted; and e) a step of providing a gap having a set width between the first floating body and the second floating body by adjusting the separation distance between the first connection member and the second connection member.

[0007] Aspect 2 of the present invention is the floating body connection method of Aspect 1, wherein the limiting portion includes a frame-shaped member surrounding at least a part of both the first connection member and the second connection member.

[0008] Aspect 3 of the present invention is the floating body connection method of Aspect 1, wherein the restricting portion has a movable member provided for the first connecting member or the second connecting member, and the movable member is in a state where the protrusion and the fitting portion are fitted. It can be arranged at a restricted position that restricts the separation distance within the predetermined range and a non-restricted position that does not restrict the separation distance.

[0009] Aspect 4 of the present invention is the floating body connection method of Aspect 1 (which may be any one of Aspects 1 to 3). The first floating body and the second floating body are floating on the water in the dock, and in the step c), the position of one of the first floating body and the second floating body is fixed in the dock at least with respect to the connection direction.

[0010] Aspect 5 of the present invention is the floating body connection method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, further comprising: f) a step of welding the gap between the first floating body and the second floating body after the step e).

[0011] Aspect 6 of the present invention is the floating body connection method of Aspect 5. After the temporary fixing of the first floating body and the second floating body performed between the step e) and the step f), or after the step f), the first connecting member is removed from the first floating body, and the second connecting member is removed from the second floating body, and the first connecting member and the second connecting member are reused in the connection of other floating bodies.

[0012] Aspect 7 of the present invention is a floating body connection device used when connecting a plurality of floating bodies on water, having a protrusion extending in a connection direction substantially parallel to the water surface, a first connecting member attached to a first floating body, and a fitting portion that can be fitted to the protrusion in a state where the relative position of the protrusion in the connection direction is variable, a second connecting member attached to a second floating body, and the protrusion and the fitting portion are fitted, and attached to the first connecting member and the second connecting member in a state where the first floating body and the second floating body are connected, and a restricting portion that restricts the separation distance in the connection direction between the first connecting member and the second connecting member within a predetermined range.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, after connecting the first floating body and the second floating body, the width of the gap between the first floating body and the second floating body can be easily adjusted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a plurality of floating bodies 9a and 9b provided with the floating body connecting device 1. FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing an enlarged view of the floating body connecting device 1 and its vicinity. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4 described later are close to each other, and FIG. 3 shows a state in which the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4 are separated from each other.

[0016] The floating body connecting device 1 is a device for connecting a plurality of block-shaped (substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped) floating bodies on water. In FIGS. 1 to 3, two floating bodies 9a and 9b are shown, and hereinafter, they are referred to as the "first floating body block 9a" and the "second floating body block 9b", respectively. The first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b are floating on the water in the dock and are connected to each other by the floating body connecting device 1. As will be described later, the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b are joined and integrated by welding. The integrated floating body blocks 9a and 9b are used, for example, as a floating structure for offshore wind power generation.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, each of the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b has a side surface 91 whose normal line faces a substantially horizontal direction. The side surface 91 of the first floating body block 9a and the side surface 91 of the second floating body block 9b are of the same size, and in a state where the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b are connected, the both side surfaces 91 face each other. In the following description, each of the both side surfaces 91 is referred to as an "opposing surface 91", and the normal direction of the both opposing surfaces 91 is referred to as a "connecting direction". Further, a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the connecting direction is referred to as a "width direction". The connecting direction and the width direction are substantially parallel to the water surface. Each opposing surface 91 extends in the vertical direction and the width direction. In FIGS. 1 to 3, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction orthogonal to each other are indicated by arrows, and the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction indicate the width direction, the connecting direction, and the vertical direction, respectively (the same applies in other figures).

[0018] The floating body connecting device 1 includes a first connecting member 3, a second connecting member 4, and a restricting portion 5 (see FIG. 2). The first connecting member 3, the second connecting member 4, and the restricting portion 5 are formed of a metal material such as steel material, for example. In the examples of FIGS. 2 and 3, the first connecting member 3 is attached to the upper surface ((+Z)-side surface) of the first floating body block 9a, and the second connecting member 4 is attached to the upper surface of the second floating body block 9b. Specifically, the first connecting member 3 is disposed near the opposing surface 91 (near the edge on the (+Y) side) on the upper surface of the first floating body block 9a, and the second connecting member 4 is disposed near the opposing surface 91 (near the edge on the (-Y) side) on the upper surface of the second floating body block 9b.

[0019] The first connecting member 3 includes a connecting body 31 and a protrusion 32. The connecting body 31 is block-shaped and has two surfaces facing in the width direction, two surfaces facing in the connecting direction, and two surfaces facing in the vertical direction. The connecting body 31 is attached to the first floating body block 9a by welding or the like. The connecting body 31 may be either a hollow member or a solid member. On both sides in the width direction of the connecting body 31, support portions 311 protruding outward in the width direction are provided. The height of the support portions 311 in the vertical direction is smaller than the height of the connecting body 31. The protrusion 32 extends from the connecting body 31 toward the second floating body block 9b side in the connecting direction. The protrusion 32 is pin-shaped with a substantially circular cross section, and the end portion 321 on the side opposite to the connecting body 31 is a tapered portion whose diameter gradually decreases as it moves away from the connecting body 31. The diameter of the protrusion 32 other than the end portion 321 is substantially constant.

[0020] The second connecting member 4 includes a connecting body 41 and a fitting portion 42. The connecting body 41 is in a block shape and has two surfaces facing the width direction, two surfaces facing the connecting direction, and two surfaces facing the vertical direction. The connecting body 41 is attached to the second floating body block 9b by welding or the like. The connecting body 41 is typically a solid member, but may be a hollow member. On the side of the connecting body 41 opposite to the first floating body block 9a in the connecting direction ((+Y) side), a main body protruding portion 411 protruding in the connecting direction is provided. In the examples of FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body protruding portion 411 has two plate-like members whose normal lines are substantially parallel to the width direction, and the two plate-like members are provided on the side surface of the connecting body 41 on the (+Y) side in a state of being separated in the width direction.

[0021] The fitting portion 42 is a hole provided in the side surface portion of the connecting body 41 facing the first floating body block 9a side, that is, the side surface portion on the (-Y) side. The diameter of the fitting portion 42 is slightly larger than the diameter of the protruding portion 32 other than the end portion 321. In the floating body connection process described later, the protruding portion 32 is fitted into the fitting portion 42, that is, the protruding portion 32 and the fitting portion 42 are fitted. At this time, since there is a minute gap between the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion 32 and the fitting portion 42 (hole portion), the relative position between the fitting portion 42 and the protruding portion 32 in the connecting direction is variable.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 2, the restricting portion 5 includes a substantially rectangular frame-shaped member 50. The frame-shaped member 50 has two first portions 51 extending parallel to each other in the connecting direction and two second portions 52 extending parallel to each other in the width direction. The first portion 51 and the second portion 52 are substantially orthogonal to each other, and the first portion 51 is longer than the second portion 52. The inner width of the frame-shaped member 50 in the width direction, that is, the distance between the two first portions 51, is slightly larger than the widths of the connecting body 31 of the first connecting member 3 and the connecting body 41 of the second connecting member 4. In a state where the protruding portion 32 and the fitting portion 42 are fitted to connect the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b, the frame-shaped member 50 is fitted around the connecting body 31 of the first connecting member 3 and the connecting body 41 and the main body protruding portion 411 of the second connecting member 4. In other words, the restricting portion 5 is attached to the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4. In the present embodiment, the frame-shaped member 50 is placed on the supporting portion 311 of the first connecting member 3 and joined to the connecting body 31 by welding. In Fig. 2 (and Fig. 6 described later), the welding portion between the frame-shaped member 50 and the connecting body 31 is indicated by a thick line with the reference numeral 59.

[0023] Even in a state where the restricting portion 5 is attached to the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4, the fitting portion 42 is movable to some extent in the connecting direction with respect to the protruding portion 32. The distance D1 in the connecting direction of the gap between the connecting body 31 of the first connecting member 3 and the connecting body 41 of the second connecting member 4 (hereinafter referred to as "separation distance D1") is minimized when the opposing surfaces 91 of the first floating body block 9a and the opposing surfaces 91 of the second floating body block 9b are in contact. Further, the separation distance D1 is maximized when the main body protruding portion 411 of the second connecting member 4 and the second portion 52 on the (+Y) side of the frame-shaped member 50 are in contact. In the floating body connecting device 1, the restricting portion 5 restricts the separation distance D1 within a predetermined range.

[0024] Next, the floating body connection process using the floating body connection device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. Here, the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b have been previously transported into the dock, and by allowing water (seawater) to enter the dock, the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b are floated on the water. The opposing surface 91 of the first floating body block 9a and the opposing surface 91 of the second floating body block 9b are approximately opposed to each other with a gap in the connection direction.

[0025] In the floating body connection process, as shown in FIG. 3, the first connection member 3 is attached to the first floating body block 9a (step S11). As described above, the first connection member 3 is disposed in the vicinity of the opposing surface 91 on the upper surface of the first floating body block 9a and is fixed to the upper surface by welding or the like. In this processing example, the first connection member 3 is disposed substantially at the center of the first floating body block 9a in the width direction. In a state where the first connection member 3 is fixed to the first floating body block 9a, most of the protrusion 32 (for example, more than half in the connection direction) is disposed on the (+Y) side of the opposing surface 91.

[0026] Also, the second connection member 4 is attached to the second floating body block 9b (step S12). As described above, the second connection member 4 is disposed in the vicinity of the opposing surface 91 on the upper surface of the second floating body block 9b and is fixed to the upper surface by welding or the like. In this processing example, the second connection member 4 is disposed substantially at the center of the second floating body block 9b in the width direction. In a state where the second connection member 4 is fixed to the second floating body block 9b, the fitting portion 42 faces the (-Y) side, and the distance between the connection body 41 in the connection direction and the opposing surface 91 is slight.

[0027] When the attachment of the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4 is completed, the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b are brought closer to each other, so that the protrusion 32 and the fitting portion 42 are fitted together (step S13). In this processing example, a winch is provided on the upper surface of the second floating body block 9b, and the tip of a wire wound around the drum of the winch is attached to the first floating body block 9a. Then, by winding the wire with the winch, the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b are brought closer to each other.

[0028] At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, a fixing member 81 is erected in the dock, and the side surface of the second floating body block 9b on the side opposite to the first floating body block 9a ((+Y) side) is applied to the fixing member 81. Thereby, while approximately fixing the position of the second floating body block 9b on the water surface in the connecting direction, it becomes possible to bring the first floating body block 9a closer to the second floating body block 9b. If necessary, the first floating body block 9a may be moored to the fixing member 81, and the position of the second floating body block 9b in the width direction in addition to the connecting direction may be fixed to some extent using the fixing member 81.

[0029] When the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b are close to each other, the protrusion 32 and the fitting portion 42 are fitted together. As described above, in the first connecting member 3, since the end portion 321 of the protrusion 32 is a tapered portion (see FIG. 3), it is possible to easily guide the protrusion 32 into the fitting portion 42. By fitting the protrusion 32 and the fitting portion 42 together, the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b are connected. Note that by applying the first floating body block 9a to the fixing member 81, the fitting between the protrusion 32 and the fitting portion 42 may be performed while approximately fixing the position of the first floating body block 9a in the connecting direction.

[0030] Subsequently, in a state where the protrusion 32 and the fitting portion 42 are fitted together, the restricting portion 5 is attached to the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4 (step S14). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in a state where the opposing surface 91 of the first floating body block 9a and the opposing surface 91 of the second floating body block 9b are approximately in contact, the frame-shaped member 50 is fitted around the connecting body 31 of the first connecting member 3, the connecting body 41 of the second connecting member 4, and the main body protruding portion 411. At this time, there is a gap (for example, a gap of 10 to 100 mm) between the main body protruding portion 411 of the second connecting member 4 and the second portion 52 on the (+Y) side of the frame-shaped member 50. The frame-shaped member 50 is placed on both support portions 311 of the first connecting member 3 and joined to the connecting body 31 by welding.

[0031] When the restricting portion 5 is attached, as shown in FIG. 2, by an operator adjusting the separation distance D1 between the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4, a gap G with a set width is provided between the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b (step S15). As described above, the separation distance D1 is the distance between the connecting body 31 of the first connecting member 3 and the connecting body 41 of the second connecting member 4. The gap G between the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b is the gap between the edge of the opposing surface 91 of the first floating body block 9a and the edge of the opposing surface 91 of the second floating body block 9b.

[0032] In the adjustment of the separation distance D1, for example, a jack 71 is provided between the connection body 31 of the first connection member 3 and the connection body 41 of the second connection member 4, and a jack 72 is provided between the connection body 41 of the second connection member 4 and the second part 52 on the (+Y) side of the frame-like member 50. The jacks 71 and 72 are, for example, hydraulic jacks. In FIG. 2, the jacks 71 and 72 are shown by a two-dot chain line. Both jacks 71 and 72 are in a tensioned state. When widening the separation distance D1, after the jack 72 is contracted, the jack 71 is extended. When narrowing the separation distance D1, after the jack 71 is contracted, the jack 72 is extended. In this way, the separation distance D1 is adjusted by the expansion and contraction of the jacks 71 and 72 which are expansion and contraction mechanisms, and a gap G with a set width is provided between the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b. As will be described later, since the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b are joined by welding, the set width is appropriately determined according to conditions such as those of the welding. An example of the set width is several millimeters. In the floating body connection process, an expansion and contraction mechanism other than the jack may be used.

[0033] When the adjustment of the separation distance D1 is completed, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of strongbacks 96 for connecting the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b are attached by tack welding (step S16). Thereby, the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b are temporarily fixed. In the example of FIG. 7, the strongbacks 96 are attached only to the upper surfaces of the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b, but the strongbacks 96 may also be attached to the side surfaces substantially perpendicular to the opposing surface 91.

[0034] When the strong back 96 is attached, the water in the dock is drained. As described above, since the position of the second floating block 9b is approximately fixed by the fixing member 81, the first floating block 9a and the second floating block 9b land at predetermined positions in the dock after the drainage. Thereafter, the gap G between the first floating block 9a and the second floating block 9b is welded (step S17). In one example, grooves are formed in advance at the edges of the opposing surface 91 of the first floating block 9a and at the edges of the opposing surface 91 of the second floating block 9b, and groove welding of the first floating block 9a and the second floating block 9b is performed. The welding of the first floating block 9a and the second floating block 9b is preferably performed over the entire circumference of the edge of the opposing surface 91.

[0035] When the welding of the first floating block 9a and the second floating block 9b is completed, the first connecting member 3 is removed from the first floating block 9a, and the second connecting member 4 is removed from the second floating block 9b. Also, the plurality of strong backs 96 are removed (step S18). Through the above processing, the integrated floating blocks 9a, 9b are obtained. Note that the removal of the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4 may be performed after the attachment of the plurality of strong backs 96 and before the welding of the first floating block 9a and the second floating block 9b (that is, between step S16 and step S17).

[0036] By repeating the above steps S11 to S18 as necessary, other floating blocks may be further integrated with the floating blocks 9a, 9b. At this time, the removed first connecting member 3, second connecting member 4, and frame member 50 may be reused. In this case, before reuse, the welded portion 59 between the first connecting member 3 and the frame member 50 is removed and the two are separated. When the desired number of floating blocks are integrated, the integrated floating blocks are towed by a towing ship to a predetermined installation position and installed at that position.

[0037] As described above, the floating body connection process in FIG. 4 includes a step of attaching the first connecting member 3 to the first floating body block 9a (step S11), a step of attaching the second connecting member 4 to the second floating body block 9b (step S12), a step of fitting the protrusion 32 of the first connecting member 3 and the fitting portion 42 of the second connecting member 4 to connect the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b (step S13), a step of attaching the restricting portion 5 to the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4 (step S14), and a step of providing a gap G with a set width between the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b by adjusting the separation distance D1 in the connecting direction between the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4 (step S15).

[0038] In this floating body connection process, the fitting portion 42 fits with the protrusion 32 in a state where the relative position with respect to the protrusion 32 in the connecting direction is variable. Further, the restricting portion 5 attached after the fitting of the protrusion 32 and the fitting portion 42 restricts the separation distance D1 within a predetermined range. Thereby, it becomes possible to finely and easily adjust the width of the gap G between the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b. As a result, after step S15, a step of welding the gap G between the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b (step S17) can be appropriately performed, and the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b can be firmly fixed.

[0039] Preferably, the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b are floated on the water in the dock, and in step S13, the position of one of the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b is fixed at least in the connecting direction within the dock. Thereby, compared to the state where both the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b are movable in the connecting direction, the fitting of the protrusion 32 and the fitting portion 42 can be easily performed. Note that depending on the welding method or the like between the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b, the floating body connection process may be performed outside the dock, such as at sea.

[0040] Preferably, after temporarily fixing the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b, which is performed between step S15 and step S17, or after step S17, the floating body connection process further includes a step (step S18) of removing the first connecting member 3 from the first floating body block 9a and removing the second connecting member 4 from the second floating body block 9b. Then, by reusing the removed first connecting member 3 and second connecting member 4 in the connection of other floating bodies, the cost related to the connection of the floating body blocks can be reduced.

[0041] The floating body connection device 1 includes a first connecting member 3, a second connecting member 4, and a restricting portion 5. The first connecting member 3 has a protruding portion 32 extending in the connecting direction and is attached to the first floating body block 9a. The second connecting member 4 has a fitting portion 42 that can be fitted with the protruding portion 32 in a state where the relative position with respect to the protruding portion 32 in the connecting direction is variable, and is attached to the second floating body block 9b. The restricting portion 5 is attached to the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4 in a state where the protruding portion 32 and the fitting portion 42 are fitted to connect the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b, and restricts the separation distance D1 in the connecting direction between the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4 within a predetermined range. Thereby, the width of the gap G between the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b can be easily adjusted.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the floating body connection device 1. In the floating body connection device 1 of FIG. 8, the frame-shaped member 50 is U-shaped and has two first portions 51 extending parallel to each other in the connecting direction (Y direction) and one second portion 52 extending in the width direction (X direction). The second portion 52 connects the opposing ends of the two first portions 51. At the ends of the two first portions 51 where the second portion 52 is not provided, they are respectively arranged on both sides in the width direction of the connection body 31 of the first connecting member 3. The ends are supported by the connection body 31 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the width direction. As shown by the arrow A1 in FIG. 8, the frame-shaped member 50 is rotatable about the axis.

[0043] In a state where the protrusion 32 and the fitting portion 42 are fitted, as shown in FIG. 8, when the frame-shaped member 50 is tilted to the (+Y) side (the second connecting member 4 side) of the connecting body 31, the second portion 52 is disposed on the (+Y) side of the main body protrusion 411 of the second connecting member 4, and the frame-shaped member 50 is fitted around the connecting body 41 and the main body protrusion 411 of the second connecting member 4. That is, the restricting portion 5 is attached to the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4. Thereby, the separation distance D1 between the connecting body 31 of the first connecting member 3 and the connecting body 41 of the second connecting member 4 becomes maximum in a state where the main body protrusion 411 of the second connecting member 4 and the second portion 52 on the (+Y) side of the frame-shaped member 50 are in contact. Further, the separation distance D1 becomes minimum in a state where the opposing surface 91 of the first floating body block 9a and the opposing surface 91 of the second floating body block 9b are in contact (see FIG. 6). Thus, the position where the frame-shaped member 50 is tilted to the (+Y) side of the connecting body 31 becomes a restricting position for restricting the separation distance D1 within a predetermined range. On the other hand, when the frame-shaped member 50 is tilted to the (-Y) side of the connecting body 31, the separation distance D1 in the connecting direction is not restricted. Therefore, the position where the frame-shaped member 50 is tilted to the (-Y) side of the connecting body 31 becomes a non-restricting position where the separation distance D1 is not restricted.

[0044] In the floating body connection process using the floating body connection device 1 of FIG. 8, when performing step S13 of FIG. 4, the frame-shaped member 50 is tilted to the (-Y) side of the connecting body 31 and disposed at the non-restricting position. In this state, the protrusion 32 and the fitting portion 42 are fitted, and the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b are connected. Thereafter, in step S14, the frame-shaped member 50 is tilted to the (+Y) side of the connecting body 31 and disposed at the restricting position. Thereby, the restricting portion 5 is attached to the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4, and the separation distance D1 is restricted within a predetermined range. As a result, in step S15, it becomes possible to easily adjust the width of the gap G between the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b. Note that in step S14, welding of the frame-shaped member 50 and the connecting body 31 may be omitted.

[0045] As described above, in the floating body connecting device 1 of FIG. 8, the restricting portion 5 has a movable member (in the above case, the frame-shaped member 50) provided with respect to the first connecting member 3. And the said movable member can be arrange | positioned at the restriction | limiting position which restricts the separation distance D1 within a predetermined range, and the unrestricted position which does not restrict the separation distance D1 in the state where the protrusion part 32 and the fitting part 42 are fitted. In the floating body connecting device 1, the restricting portion 5 can be easily attached to the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4.

[0046] The said movable member may be provided with respect to the 2nd connection member 4. Moreover, the said movable member can also be implement | achieved by aspects other than the frame-shaped member 50 which rotates. For example, a movable member slidable in the (+Y) direction is provided with respect to the side part facing the width direction in the connection main body 31 of the 1st connection member 3. When bringing the 1st floating body block 9a and the 2nd floating body block 9b close to each other, the said movable member is arrange | positioned at the side part of the connection main body 31. When the protrusion part 32 and the fitting part 42 are fitted, the end part of the said movable member is arrange | positioned at the (+Y) side of the 2nd connection member 4 by sliding the said movable member in the (+Y) direction. And it becomes possible to restrict | limit the separation distance D1 within a predetermined range by attaching the member which protrudes to the 2nd connection member 4 side of the width direction to the edge part of the said movable member, or providing the mechanism which can protrude to the 2nd connection member 4 side.

[0047] FIGS. 9 and 10 are plan views showing still other examples of the floating body connecting device. FIG. 9 shows a state where the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4 are close to each other, and FIG. 10 shows a state where the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4 are separated from each other. The floating body connecting device 1a shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 includes a first connecting member 3, a second connecting member 4, and a restricting portion 5 (see FIG. 9), similar to the floating body connecting device 1 described above. The first connecting member 3, the second connecting member 4, and the restricting portion 5 are formed of a metal material such as a steel material, for example. The first connecting member 3 is attached to the upper surface of the first floating body block 9a, and the second connecting member 4 is attached to the upper surface of the second floating body block 9b.

[0048] The first connecting member 3 includes a connecting body 36 and a protrusion 37. The connecting body 36 is formed by combining plate-like members whose normal directions face substantially the horizontal direction. The connecting body 36 includes a base portion 361 which is a portion on the (-Y) side and a protrusion support portion 362 which is a portion on the (+Y) side. The protrusion 37 is pin-shaped and extends from the base portion 361 toward the second floating body block 9b side ((+Y) side) in the connecting direction. The protrusion support portion 362 has a hole into which the protrusion 37 is fitted and supports the protrusion 37 at a position away from the base portion 361. The end portion 371 of the protrusion 37 on the side opposite to the base portion 361 is a tapered portion whose diameter gradually decreases.

[0049] The second connecting member 4 includes a connecting body 46 and a fitting portion 47. Similar to the connecting body 36, the connecting body 46 is formed by combining plate-like members whose normal directions face substantially the horizontal direction. The connecting body 46 includes a base portion 461 which is a portion on the (+Y) side and a fitting frame portion 462 which is a portion on the (-Y) side. The fitting portion 47 is a hole provided in the fitting frame portion 462 and the base portion 461. In the floating body connection process, similar to the floating body connection device 1, the protrusion 37 is fitted into the fitting portion 47. The fitting portion 47 can be fitted with the protrusion 37 in a state where the relative position with the protrusion 37 in the connecting direction is variable. The connecting body 46 may be formed by joining two thick plate members (or block members) serving as the base portion 461 and the fitting frame portion 462 and providing holes (fitting portion 47) in the two thick plate members.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 9, the restricting portion 5 includes a substantially rectangular frame-shaped member 55. The frame-shaped member 55 has two first portions 56 extending parallel to each other in the connecting direction and two second portions 57 extending parallel to each other in the width direction. The first portion 56 is a plate-shaped member whose normal line faces the X direction. The second portion 57 is, for example, an H-shaped steel. Similar to the floating body connecting device 1, in a state where the protruding portion 37 and the fitting portion 47 are fitted together, the frame-shaped member 55 is fitted around the connecting body 36 of the first connecting member 3 and the connecting body 46 of the second connecting member 4. That is, the restricting portion 5 is attached to the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4. In the floating body connecting device 1a, the frame-shaped member 55 is fixed to the upper surface of the first floating body block 9a or the second floating body block 9b.

[0051] The floating body connection process using the floating body connection device 1a is substantially the same as the above processing example. First, as shown in Fig. 10, the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4 are attached to the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b by welding or the like (Fig. 4: steps S11, S12). Subsequently, by bringing the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b closer to each other, the protruding portion 37 and the fitting portion 47 are fitted together (step S13). In the example of Fig. 11, the opposing surface 91 of the first floating body block 9a and the opposing surface 91 of the second floating body block 9b are approximately in contact with each other. In this state, the restricting portion 5 is attached to the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4 (see Fig. 9) (step S14).

[0052] In this processing example, jacks 76 are provided on each of the (+X) side and the (-X) side in the gap between the second portion 57 on the (-Y) side of the frame-shaped member 55 and the base portion 361 of the first connecting member 3. Also, jacks 77 are provided on each of the (+X) side and the (-X) side in the gap between the base portion 361 of the first connecting member 3 and the base portion 461 of the second connecting member 4. In Fig. 9, the jacks 76, 77 are shown by two-dot chain lines. Then, by the operator expanding and contracting the jacks 76, 77 to adjust the separation distance D1 between the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4, a gap G with a set width is provided between the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b (step S15).

[0053] Here, the separation distance D1 is minimized when the opposing surfaces 91 of the first floating body block 9a and the opposing surfaces 91 of the second floating body block 9b are in contact. On the other hand, the separation distance D1 is maximized when the base portion 361 of the first connecting member 3 and the second portion 57 on the (-Y) side of the frame-shaped member 55 are in contact. In this state, the fitting between the protruding portion 37 and the fitting portion 47 is released. Actually, since the jack 76 is provided in the gap between the second portion 57 on the (-Y) side of the frame-shaped member 55 and the base portion 361, the separation distance D1 is maximized while maintaining the fitting between the protruding portion 37 and the fitting portion 47 when the jack 76 is in the most contracted state. Thus, in the floating body connecting device 1a, the restricting portion 5 includes the frame-shaped member 55 and the jack 76, and by restricting the separation distance D1 within a predetermined range by the restricting portion 5, it becomes possible to easily adjust the width of the gap G between the first floating body block 9a and the second floating body block 9b. The processing of steps S16 to S18 is the same as the above processing example.

[0054] In the above floating body connection process and floating body connection devices 1, 1a, various modifications are possible.

[0055] If it is possible to limit the separation distance D1 between the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4 within a predetermined range, the frame-shaped members 50, 55 may surround only a part of the first connecting member 3 and / or the second connecting member 4. In the example of FIG. 12, the second portion 52 on the (-Y) side of the frame-shaped member 50 contacts the convex portion 312 provided on the upper part of the connecting body 31 of the first connecting member 3, and for the first connecting member 3, the frame-shaped member 50 surrounds only a part. In the floating body connecting devices 1, 1a, by the frame-shaped members 50, 55 surrounding at least a part of both the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4, it becomes easily possible to limit the separation distance D1 within a predetermined range.

[0056] The protrusions 32 and 37 of the first connecting member 3 are not limited to a pin shape with a substantially circular cross-section, and the fitting portions 42 and 47 of the second connecting member 4 are not limited to holes. In the example of FIG. 13, two protrusion members 326 extending in the connecting direction (Y direction) and arranged in the width direction (X direction) are provided as the protrusions 32a of the first connecting member 3. In FIG. 13, a cross-section of the protrusion member 326 perpendicular to the connecting direction is shown. Each protrusion member 326 has a substantially semi-circular cross-sectional shape, and the opening portions of the cross-sections face each other. Further, a disc member 426 is provided as the fitting portion 42a of the second connecting member 4, and the disc member 426 fits into the space between the two protrusion members 326, so that the protrusion 32a and the fitting portion 42a are fitted together. Thus, the protrusions and the fitting portions can be realized in various shapes.

[0057] In the floating body connection process, a plurality of floating body connection devices 1 and 1a may be used. Further, in the floating body blocks 9a and 9b, the first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4 may be attached to the side surfaces adjacent to the opposing surface 91.

[0058] The first connecting member 3 and the second connecting member 4 may be attached to the floating body blocks 9a and 9b by means other than welding (for example, fastening with bolts, etc.).

[0059] The floating body does not necessarily have to be in the shape of a block. In the connection of floating bodies of various shapes, the present floating body connection process and the floating body connection devices 1 and 1a may be used.

[0060] The configurations in the above embodiments and each modification may be appropriately combined as long as they do not conflict with each other.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0061] 1, 1a Floating body connection device 3 First connecting member 4 Second connecting member 5 Restriction portion 9a First floating body block 9b Second floating body block 32, 32a, 37 Protrusion 42, 42a, 47 Fitting portion Frame-shaped members 50, 55 D1 Separation distance G Gap S11 to S18 Steps

Claims

1. A floating body connection method for connecting a plurality of floating bodies on water, comprising: a) attaching a first connecting member having a protrusion extending in a connecting direction substantially parallel to the water surface to a first floating body; b) attaching a second connecting member having a fitting portion that can be fitted to the protrusion to a second floating body in a state where the relative position of the second connecting member with respect to the protrusion in the connecting direction is variable; c) bringing the first floating body and the second floating body closer to each other to fit the protrusion and the fitting portion, and connecting the first floating body and the second floating body; d) attaching a limiting portion for limiting the separation distance in the connecting direction between the first connecting member and the second connecting member within a predetermined range to the first connecting member and the second connecting member in a state where the protrusion and the fitting portion are fitted; e) providing a gap with a set width between the first floating body and the second floating body by adjusting the separation distance between the first connecting member and the second connecting member; A floating body connection method comprising the above steps.

2. The floating body connection method according to claim 1, wherein the limiting portion includes a frame-shaped member surrounding at least a part of both the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

3. The floating body connection method according to claim 1, wherein the limiting portion has a movable member provided for the first connecting member or the second connecting member, and the movable member can be arranged at a limiting position for limiting the separation distance within the predetermined range and a non-limiting position for not limiting the separation distance in a state where the protrusion and the fitting portion are fitted.

4. The floating body connection method according to claim 1, wherein the first floating body and the second floating body are floated on the water in a dock, and in the step c), the position of one of the first floating body and the second floating body is fixed at least in the connecting direction within the dock.

5. The floating body connection method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: f) after the step e), welding the gap between the first floating body and the second floating body.

6. The floating body connection method according to claim 5, further comprising: after temporarily fixing the first floating body and the second floating body performed between the step e) and the step f), or after the step f), removing the first connecting member from the first floating body and removing the second connecting member from the second floating body. A floating body connection method in which the first connecting member and the second connecting member are reused in the connection of other floating bodies.

7. A floating body connection device used when connecting a plurality of floating bodies on water, a first connecting member having a protrusion extending in a connecting direction substantially parallel to the water surface and attached to a first floating body; a second connecting member having a fitting portion that can be fitted to the protrusion in a state where the relative position of the protrusion in the connecting direction is variable, and attached to a second floating body; a restricting portion that is attached to the first connecting member and the second connecting member in a state where the protrusion and the fitting portion are fitted to connect the first floating body and the second floating body, and restricts the separation distance in the connecting direction between the first connecting member and the second connecting member within a predetermined range; A floating body connection device comprising the above.

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