Ship's cabin structure and method for assembling a prefabricated cabin

Abstract

The cabin structure (12) for a ship comprises at least one wall (14) provided with fastening means (16) for fixing to a deck (18) of the ship, characterized in that the fastening means (16) comprise a mounting bracket (20) designed to be fixed to said deck (18), a connection bracket (22) designed to be fixed to at least an edge (24) of said wall (14), and at least one elastic element (26) provided between said mounting bracket (20) and said connection bracket (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cabin structure for ships and a method of assembling a prefabricated cabin.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide a floating floor on the deck of a ship.

[0003] This type of floor requires that the floor surface be separated from the deck of the ship and / or the vertical walls of the ship structure by a layer of material that provides sound insulation with respect to vibration transmission.

[0004] Generally, the floor surface is made of a cement-based material or a metal plate, while the layer of sound insulation material is made of mineral wool.

[0005] Once the flooring material is placed on the deck, the cabin structure is also constructed, so the walls of the cabin are also separated from the deck of the ship.

[0006] Next, in order to construct the outer periphery of the cabin, the individual walls of each cabin are assembled one by one.

[0007] This construction technique is frequently used and is effective in reducing the transmission of structural noise between the deck and the cabin by separating the deck from the floor surface, and thus reducing the noise of air transmission within the cabin.

[0008] The prior art has been well evaluated and used, but it does not have no drawbacks.

[0009] As described above, in the area where the floating floor is provided, first, it is necessary to install the floating floor, and then the cabin is assembled.

[0010] One limitation of the prior art is that the floating floor is not compatible with the installation of prefabricated cabins.

[0011] Assembly by modular cabins is particularly valuable when used in other areas of the ship where a floating floor is not required.

[0012] This assembly technique basically requires that a modular cabin be made, and once the modular cabin is made, the modular cabin is transported onto the ship, placed on the deck, and then fixed in place.

[0013] This cabin construction technique is particularly attractive because it can minimize the work that needs to be done on board. Therefore, considering, for example, the large number of cabins required on a cruise ship, the advantages achieved by this technique become even more obvious and important.

[0014] However, as mentioned above, construction techniques involving modular structures are not compatible with prior art floating floors.

[0015] In fact, in the case of known types of floating floors, it is basically impossible to install cabins with a modular structure for two main reasons.

[0016] Firstly, the movement of the modular cabin is hindered due to the reduction in vertical space caused by the thickness of the floating floor.

[0017] In addition, the weight of the modular cabin and the means used to move the modular cabin can damage the floating floor.

Summary of the Invention

[0018] As a result, there is a need to overcome the drawbacks and limitations cited with reference to the prior art.

[0019] For this reason, it is necessary to have a modular cabin structure that allows it to be installed on a part of the deck of a ship where a floating floor will be used.

[0020] This makes it possible to combine the advantages of using a floating floor and the advantages of using a modular cabin in the cabin assembly operation.

[0021] In addition, an additional object of this invention is to provide a cabin structure that more effectively improves the sound insulation between the ship's structure and the cabin compared to prior art systems.

[0022] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a prefabricated cabin structure and a corresponding installation method that enable reducing the transmission of vibrations from the ship's structure to the cabin compared to systems used in the prior art.

[0023] This requirement is satisfied by the prefabricated cabin structure according to claim 1 and the method of assembling a prefabricated cabin according to claim 15.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of its preferred and non - limiting embodiments.

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

[0026] Elements or parts of elements common among the embodiments described below are indicated by the same reference numerals.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Figure 1 shows the cabin structure for a ship according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is indicated as a whole by reference numeral 12.

[0028] The cabin structure 12 includes at least one wall 14, and at least one wall 14 is provided with fastening means 16 for fixing the wall 14 to the deck 18 of the ship.

[0029] According to a possible embodiment, the wall 14 may include an insulating layer covered with a finishing surface such as sheet metal.

[0030] The term "wall" in this specification refers to a substantially flat surface intended to divide an internal space and is substantially perpendicular to the position of the deck 18 during use.

[0031] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the cabin structure 12 is shown as having two walls 14, but this does not prevent the cabin structure from including a plurality of walls that may be continuous with each other. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, there are four walls 14 arranged to form a cabin structure 12 having a square bottom surface.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the fastening means 16. The fastening means 16 includes the following.

[0033] A mounting bracket 20 adapted to be fixed to the deck 18.

[0034] A connection bracket 22 adapted to be fixed to at least the edge 24 of the wall 14.

[0035] And at least one elastic element 26 provided between the mounting bracket 20 and the connection bracket 22.

[0036] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the mounting bracket 20 may have a C-shaped cross-section with two arms 28, 30 and a connecting portion 32. The connecting portion 32 is adapted to be fixed to the deck 18 of the ship.

[0037] According to a possible embodiment, the mounting bracket 20 may be made of a metal such as steel. When the mounting bracket 20 is made of metal, it may be fixed to the deck 18 by, for example, welding means. In this regard, FIG. 2 shows a weld bead 21 connecting the outer side surface of the arm 30 to the deck 18.

[0038] As can be seen in the figure, the mounting bracket 20 may be adapted to partially accommodate an elastic element 26 between the arms 28, 30 so as to protrude from the mounting bracket 20 towards the connecting bracket 22.

[0039] The mounting bracket 20 may include a fastening bolt 34 protruding from the connecting portion 32 in a direction substantially parallel to the directions of the two arms 28, 30.

[0040] According to a possible embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the fastening bolt 34 may be provided with a side protrusion 35 adapted to engage with a corresponding hole 36 of the elastic element 26. In this case, the connection between the fastening bolt 34 and the corresponding hole 36 is an interference connection.

[0041] In one alternative embodiment, the fastening bolt 34 protruding from the connecting portion 32 in a direction substantially parallel to the directions of the two arms 28, 30 is provided with a threaded portion 38. Again, the elastic element 26 is provided with a hole 36 adapted to engage with the fastening bolt 34. As can be seen in the example of FIG. 3, the elastic element 26 may be fixed to a predetermined position of the mounting bracket 20 using a nut 40 that engages with a shoulder provided in the hole 36.

[0042] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the connection bracket 22 may have a C-shaped cross-section with a central body 42 and first and second branch portions 44, 46.

[0043] The central body 42 can be fixed to the edge 24 of the wall 14 such that the first and second branch portions 44, 46 project from the edge 24. The first and second branch portions 44, 46 are configured to partially contain the elastic element 26 therebetween such that the elastic element 26 can project from the connection bracket 22 towards the mounting bracket 20.

[0044] According to a possible alternative embodiment, the connection bracket 22 has an H-shaped cross-section with a central body 42, first and second branch portions 44, 46, and third and fourth branch portions 48, 50. The central body 42 is designed to be installed in contact with the edge 24 of the wall 14 such that the first and second branch portions 44, 46 project from the edge 24. The first and second branch portions 44, 46 are configured to partially contain the elastic element 26 therebetween such that the elastic element 26 can project from the connection bracket 22 towards the mounting bracket 20. The third and fourth branch portions 48, 50 are designed to at least partially contain the edge 24 of the wall 14.

[0045] According to a possible embodiment, the wall 14 is connected to the connection bracket 22 using connection means 52 provided on the third and fourth branch portions 48, 50. The connection means 52 may be, for example, bolts, rivets, or other elements known to those skilled in the art.

[0046] As seen in FIGS. 4 and 7, the connection bracket 22 and the mounting bracket 20 extend longitudinally along the entire length of the corresponding wall 14.

[0047] According to an alternative embodiment, the brackets 20, 22 can have continuous breaks along the longitudinal length of the wall 14 and can be arranged, for example, at corresponding positions at regular intervals.

[0048] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the elastic element 26 may be a so-called metal dowel. Advantageously, the elastic element 26 may be a metal dowel having a steel mesh.

[0049] Advantageously, the metal dowel is designed to ensure the incombustibility required by the fire certification (class B) of the cabin structure 12.

[0050] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the elastic element 26 may be inserted in an interference fit between the arms 28, 30 of the mounting bracket 20 and between the first and second branches 44, 46 of the connection bracket 22.

[0051] In this way, the elastic element is substantially fitted between the mounting bracket 16 and the connection bracket 22.

[0052] In the alternative embodiment described above with reference to a possible embodiment of the mounting bracket, the elastic element may be fixed in a predetermined position with respect to the mounting bracket 20 through the use of at least one fastening bolt 34 disposed in the hole 36.

[0053] In a possible embodiment, the elastic element 26 may be adhered to the connection bracket 22. For example, the elastic element 26 may be adhered by the central body 42 of the connection bracket 22.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, the fastening means 16 will be described with reference to the longitudinal direction with respect to the edge 24 of the wall 14.

[0055] According to a possible embodiment, the fastening means 16 may comprise a plurality of elastic elements 26 along the edge 24. Advantageously, a panel of mineral wool 52 may be provided between at least two consecutive elastic elements 26.

[0056] Advantageously, the portion of the mineral wool 52 in contact with the central body 42 of the connection bracket 22 may be adhered.

[0057] Alternatively, a material corresponding to mineral wool, which is known per se to those skilled in the art, may be used.

[0058] According to a possible embodiment, next, the cabin structure can be pre-assembled before being placed on the deck.

[0059] In particular, before being brought on board for installation on the deck 18, the cabin structure 12 may be provided with fastening means 16 comprising mounting brackets 20, elastic elements 26, and connection brackets 22.

[0060] In addition, the cabin structure 12 comprising a plurality of walls 14 may be installed to create a prefabricated cabin, and subsequently, placed and assembled on the deck of the ship.

[0061] Next, a method for assembling the aforementioned cabin structure 12 will be described.

[0062] A method for assembling the cabin structure 12 and the floating floor 56 on the deck 18 of a ship comprises the following steps.

[0063] (a) The step of providing a cabin structure 12 of the aforementioned type.

[0064] (b) The step of attaching the mounting brackets 20 of the cabin structure 12 to the deck 18 of the ship.

[0065] (c) The step of placing the floating floor 56 inside the cabin structure 12.

[0066] And, (d) The step of fixing the walls 14 to the floating floor 56.

[0067] According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the floating floor comprises at least one layer of mineral wool arranged using a coating of concrete or sheet metal.

[0068] In a possible alternative embodiment, the floating floor 56 may be made of at least one layer of metal mesh adapted to impart elasticity to the floor, with the top covered by sheet metal suitable for walking.

[0069] According to a possible embodiment, between step (b) and step (c), there is a step (c') in which a layer of mineral wool 54 is arranged between the fastening means 16 and the floating floor 56.

[0070] Advantageously, the layer of mineral wool 54 is incorporated between the wall and the floating floor to ensure class B.

[0071] Alternatively, a material equivalent to mineral wool, which is known per se to those skilled in the art, may be used.

[0072] Therefore, the advantages achievable with the above-described cabin structure and the corresponding assembly method are now clear.

[0073] First, the use of the fastening means 16 between the wall 14 and the deck 18 of the type with elastic elements provides a significant reduction in low-frequency noise.

[0074] In particular, considering the use of metal davits with metal mesh, an average attenuation between 5 dB and 10 dB is achieved in the low-frequency range (50 Hz to 200 Hz) compared to conventional installations where the wall is directly installed on the floating floor. Furthermore, the attenuation is also effective at high frequencies.

[0075] In addition, there is available a cabin structure designed to form a prefabricated cabin that can also be installed on the deck part of a ship where a floating floor is used.

[0076] In this regard, the prefabricated cabin may be directly installed on the deck of the ship before the floating floor is made, while at least maintaining the sound insulation achievable with the walls of the cabin installed on the floating floor using prior art methods.

[0077] In addition, the sound insulation is further improved compared to the installation of the floating floor.

[0078] In this way, the advantages of using the floating floor are combined with the advantages of using a modular cabin in the assembly work of the cabin.

[0079] Furthermore, with the cabin structure in the present invention, and particularly with a modular cabin, it is possible to reduce the transmission of vibrations from the ship to the cabin as compared to the systems used in the prior art.

[0080] Therefore, the assembly of the modular cabin on board is possible including the areas that are to have the floating floor.

[0081] Regarding the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can modify the described items or replace them with equivalent items without exceeding the scope of the appended claims for the purpose of meeting specific requirements.

Claims

1. In a shipboard cabin structure (12) that is pre-assembled before being placed on a deck (18) of a ship, the cabin structure (12) comprises at least one wall (14), and the at least one wall (14) is provided with fastening means (16) for fixing the wall (14) to the deck (18), the fastening means (16) includes a mounting bracket (20) adapted to be fixed to the deck (18), a connection bracket (22) adapted to be fixed at least at an edge (24) of the wall (14), and at least one elastic element (26) provided between the mounting bracket (20) and the connection bracket (22), and the connection bracket (22) has an H-shaped cross-section including a central body (42), first and second branch portions (44, 46), and third and fourth branch portions (48, 50), the central body (42) is designed to be fixed to the edge (24) of the wall (14) such that the first and second branch portions (44, 46) project from the edge (24), the at least one elastic element (26) is partially included between the first and second branch portions (44, 46) so as to project from the connection bracket (22) towards the mounting bracket (20), and the third and fourth branch portions (48, 50) are adapted to at least partially include the edge (24) of the wall (14). A shipboard cabin structure (12).

2. The cabin structure (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of walls (14) which are joined together to form a prefabricated cabin (15).

3. The mounting bracket (20) has a C-shaped cross-section including two arms (28, 30) and a connecting portion (32), the connecting portion (32) is adapted to be fixed to the deck (18) of the ship, and the cabin structure (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one elastic element (26) is partially received between the arms (28, 30) so as to project from the mounting bracket (20) towards the connection bracket (22).

4. The mounting bracket (20) comprises at least one fastening bolt (34) projecting from the connecting portion (32) in a direction parallel to the direction of the two arms (28, 30). The at least one fastening bolt (34) is provided with a side protrusion, The cabin structure (12) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one elastic element (26) is provided with a hole (36) adapted to be coupled to the at least one fastening bolt (34).

5. The mounting bracket (20) includes at least one fastening bolt (34) protruding from the connecting portion (32) in a direction parallel to the directions of the two arms (28, 30), The at least one fastening bolt (34) is provided with a threaded surface (38), The elastic element (26) is provided with at least one hole (36) adapted to be coupled to the fastening bolt (34), The cabin structure (12) according to claim 3, wherein the mounting bracket includes at least one nut (40) for fixing the at least one elastic element (26) at a predetermined position with respect to the mounting bracket (20).

6. The cabin structure (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wall (14) is connected to the connection bracket (22) using connection means (52) provided at the third and fourth branch portions (48, 50).

7. The cabin structure (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connection bracket (22) and the mounting bracket (20) extend in the longitudinal direction of the entire length of the corresponding wall (14).

8. The cabin structure (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the elastic element (26) is a metal davit.

9. The cabin structure (12) according to claim 8, wherein the metal davit is made of a steel mesh.

10. The cabin structure (12) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one elastic element (26) is press-fitted and inserted between the arms (28, 30) of the mounting bracket (20) and between the first and second branch portions (44, 46) of the connection bracket (22).

11. The fastening means (16) includes a plurality of elastic elements (26) arranged longitudinally along the edge portion (24), The cabin structure (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein mineral wool (52) is provided between at least two consecutive elastic elements (26).

12. The cabin structure (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a layer of mineral wool (54) is provided between the fastening means (16) and the floating floor (56).

13. A method of assembling a prefabricated cabin comprising a cabin structure (12) and a floating floor (56) on a deck (18) of a ship, The method comprises: (a) providing a cabin structure (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 12; (b) fixing the mounting brackets (20) of the cabin structure (12) to the deck (18) of the ship; (c) arranging the floating floor (56) inside the cabin structure (12); (d) fixing the wall (14) to the floating floor (56). An assembly method comprising the steps of:

14. The assembly method according to claim 13, characterized in that step (c') of arranging a layer of mineral wool (54) between the fastening means (16) and the floating floor (56) is provided between step (b) and step (c).

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