Offshore structures and neutrally buoyant bodies

Abstract

To provide a marine structure that can be easily installed in the ocean. [Solution] The marine structure 100 is formed by connecting multiple neutral buoyancy units 10 in a ring shape. Adjacent neutral buoyancy units 10 each have a first end face 24a and a second end face 24b that can be connected to each other. The first end faces 24a and the second end faces 24b are formed at an angle that allows the neutral buoyancy units 10 to form a ring shape when the first end faces 24a are connected to each other or the second end faces 24b are connected to each other. The angle between the first end face 24a and the rear edge, the angle between the second end face 24b and the front edge, and the angle between the first end face 24a and the second end face 24b are all 120°. The neutral buoyancy unit 10 is formed by connecting a long upper unit 20 having a buoyant body and a long lower unit 30 serving as a stabilizer in the vertical direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an offshore structure and a neutral buoyancy body to be installed in the ocean, and more particularly to an offshore structure and a neutral buoyancy body that can be easily installed in the ocean. [Background technology]

[0002] When seaweed reefs are installed in the ocean, they are constantly exposed to the strong forces of waves. Large waves and rough weather can cause the installed seaweed reefs to shift, tip over, or become damaged. Waves can also prevent seaweed zoospores (seed cells) from attaching to the reef, and can detach newly attached juveniles and mature seaweed from the reef. Waves can also damage the seaweed and inhibit photosynthesis and growth. Therefore, when installing seaweed reefs in the ocean, it is desirable to reduce the impact of waves.

[0003] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, as a marine structure, for example, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is known. In the technology described in Patent Document 1, water is pumped into the front and rear buoyancy control chambers, creating a double reef consisting of a floating bottom plate and an open-topped box mounted on top of it, in a neutrally buoyant state. The buoy connects the artificial reef to the buoy with a connecting element that determines the water depth at the top. Even with fluctuations in tide level, the buoy maintains a constant water depth at the top of the artificial reef, optimizing its wave-dissipating function. Incoming waves break due to the sudden change in water depth at the front end of the box. They enter the box through an inclined slit, formed by a diagonal slit plate that is lower at the rear relative to the wave's direction of travel. The vertical disturbance around the inclined slit and the capture of water masses by the internal hollow space dissipate the waves. The breaker wall reduces the size of the water mass passing below the artificial reef, preventing long-period waves from propagating toward the shore. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-194687 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, when constructing a seaweed reef, an artificial reef of a size corresponding to the installation space for the seaweed reef must be manufactured, transported to the ocean, and installed, which can be a difficult task depending on the size of the seaweed reef. This problem is not limited to the installation of seaweed reefs, but can be widely assumed when constructing an area where it is desired to reduce the effects of waves (hereinafter referred to as a "wave reduction area").

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made with a focus on the unresolved issues of the conventional technology, and aims to provide an offshore structure and a neutral buoyancy body that can be easily installed in the ocean. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [Invention 1] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the marine structure of Invention 1 is a marine structure formed by connecting a plurality of neutral buoyancy bodies in a ring shape, a part thereof, or a line shape by connecting the peripheral surfaces of the neutral buoyancy bodies, and the peripheral surfaces at which adjacent first and second neutral buoyancy bodies among the plurality of neutral buoyancy bodies are connected to each other are formed at an angle that allows the first neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body to form a ring shape, a part thereof, or a line shape.

[0008] With this configuration, when the peripheral surfaces of adjacent first and second neutral buoyancy bodies are connected, the peripheral surfaces are formed at an angle that allows them to form a ring, a part of a ring, or a line, so that the first and second neutral buoyancy bodies form a ring, a part of a ring, or a line. Since the progression of waves decreases exponentially in the direction of water depth, waves that pass through the neutral buoyancy bodies become breaking waves due to the sudden shallowing of the water depth, and lose energy in the direction of their progression.

[0009] Here, the term "annular" includes, for example, a shape that constitutes the boundary of an area whose boundary is closed. The same applies to the marine structures of Inventions 4 and 5 below.

[0010] Furthermore, a part of a ring shape includes, for example, a shape that constitutes the boundary of an area whose boundary is not closed. The same applies to the marine structures of Inventions 4 and 5 below.

[0011] Furthermore, the linear shape includes, for example, a linear shape that does not define an area. The same applies to the marine structure of Invention 5 and the neutrally buoyant body of Invention 10 below.

[0012] The peripheral surface also includes, for example, the end surface of the neutral buoyancy body.

[0013] [Invention 2] Furthermore, the marine structure of Invention 2 is the marine structure of Invention 1, wherein the first neutral buoyant body and the second neutral buoyant body respectively have first and second peripheral surfaces that can be connected to each other, and the first and second peripheral surfaces are formed at an angle that allows the first neutral buoyant body and the second neutral buoyant body to form a ring or part of a ring when the first peripheral surfaces or the second peripheral surfaces are connected to each other, and at an angle that allows the first neutral buoyant body and the second neutral buoyant body to form a line when the first and second peripheral surfaces are connected.

[0014] With this configuration, when the first circumferential surfaces or the second circumferential surfaces of adjacent first and second neutral buoyant bodies are connected, the first and second circumferential surfaces are formed at an angle that allows them to form a ring or a portion thereof, so that the first and second neutral buoyant bodies form a ring or a portion thereof. Also, when the first and second circumferential surfaces of the first and second neutral buoyant bodies are connected, the first and second circumferential surfaces are formed at an angle that allows them to form a line, so that the first and second neutral buoyant bodies form a line.

[0015] [Invention 3] Furthermore, the marine structure of Invention 3 is the marine structure of either Invention 1 or 2, wherein the neutral buoyancy body is formed by connecting a long upper unit and a lower unit vertically, the upper unit having a buoyancy body, and the lower unit being a stabilizer.

[0016] [Invention 4] Furthermore, the marine structure of Invention 4 is an marine structure formed by connecting a plurality of neutral buoyancy bodies to form a ring or part thereof consisting of a regular polygon by connecting the end faces of the neutral buoyancy bodies, wherein the end faces at which any adjacent first and second neutral buoyancy bodies among the plurality of neutral buoyancy bodies connect to each other are formed at an angle that allows the first neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body to form two sides of the regular polygon, the first neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body have casings filled with compressible fluid, and the amount of compressible fluid filled is adjusted so that the entire neutral buoyancy body is placed underwater.

[0017] With this configuration, when the end faces of the first and second neutral buoyancy bodies are connected to each other, the end faces are formed at angles that can form two sides of a regular polygon, so that a ring or part of a ring is formed by the multiple neutral buoyancy bodies. Because the entire neutral buoyancy body is installed in the sea, the progress of waves on the neutral buoyancy body decreases exponentially in the direction of water depth. Waves that pass over the neutral buoyancy body become breaking waves due to the sudden shallowing of the water depth, and lose energy in the direction of their progress.

[0018] [Invention 5] Furthermore, the marine structure of Invention 5 is a marine structure formed by connecting the end faces of a plurality of neutral buoyant bodies to each other, in the form of a ring or a part thereof consisting of a regular polygon, or in the form of a line, and for any adjacent first neutral buoyant body and any adjacent second neutral buoyant body among the plurality of neutral buoyant bodies, the first neutral buoyant body has an end face on the side of the second neutral buoyant body, which has a first end face (rear side) and a second end face (front side) that are tapered and opposed to each other, and the second neutral buoyant body has an end face on the side of the first neutral buoyant body, which has a first end face (rear side) and a second end face (front side) that are tapered and opposed to each other. and a second end face (front side), and the opposing first end face and second end face are formed at an angle such that when the first end faces or the second end faces are connected, the first neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body can form two sides of the regular polygon, and when the first end face and the second end face are connected, the first neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body can form a line, and the first neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body have a housing filled with compressible fluid, and the amount of compressible fluid filled is adjusted so that the entire neutral buoyancy body is placed in the sea.

[0019] With this configuration, when the first end faces or the second end faces of the first and second neutral buoyant bodies are connected, the first end faces and the second end faces are formed at an angle that can form two sides of a regular polygon, so that the multiple neutral buoyant bodies form a ring or a part thereof. Also, when the first end faces and the second end faces of the first and second neutral buoyant bodies are connected, the first end faces and the second end faces are formed at an angle that can form a line, so that the multiple neutral buoyant bodies form a line.

[0020] [Invention 6] Furthermore, the marine structure of Invention 6 is the marine structure of either Invention 4 or 5, wherein the casing is expandable and contractable due to the pressure difference between its inside and outside, and the first neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body float and sink due to the expansion and contraction of the casing.

[0021] With this configuration, the first neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body float and sink due to the expansion and contraction of the housing.

[0022] [Invention 7] Furthermore, the marine structure of Invention 7 is the marine structure of either Invention 4 or 5, wherein the neutral buoyancy body is formed by connecting a long upper unit and a lower unit vertically, the upper unit having the housing, and the lower unit having a bottom plate having the same planar shape as the upper unit and a plurality of struts connecting the upper unit and the bottom plate.

[0023] [Invention 8] On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the neutral buoyancy body of Invention 8 is the neutral buoyancy body according to either Invention 1 or Invention 2.

[0024] [Invention 9] Furthermore, the neutral buoyancy body of Invention 9 is a neutral buoyancy body that can be connected to the second neutral buoyancy body of Invention 4, and has an end face that can be connected to the end face of the second neutral buoyancy body, which is formed at an angle that allows the neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body to form two sides of the regular polygon when connected to the end face of the second neutral buoyancy body, has a casing filled with compressible fluid, and the amount of compressible fluid filled is adjusted so that the entire neutral buoyancy body is placed underwater.

[0025] [Invention 10] Furthermore, the neutral buoyant body of Invention 10 is a neutral buoyant body connectable to the second neutral buoyant body of Invention 5, and has an end face on the second neutral buoyant body side, a first end face (rear side) and a second end face (front side) that are tapered and face each other, and the opposing first end face and second end face are formed at an angle such that when the first end face and the first end face of the second neutral buoyant body or the second end face and the second end face of the second neutral buoyant body are connected, the neutral buoyant body and the second neutral buoyant body can form two sides of the regular polygon, and when the first end face and the second end face of the second neutral buoyant body or the second end face and the first end face of the second neutral buoyant body are connected, the neutral buoyant body and the second neutral buoyant body can form a line, and has a casing filled with compressible fluid, and the amount of compressible fluid filled is adjusted so that the entire neutral buoyant body is placed in the sea. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] As explained above, the marine structure of Invention 1, 4 or 5 can be constructed by connecting a plurality of neutral buoyancy bodies, making it easier to install in the ocean than conventional structures.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the marine structure of Inventions 3 and 7, the height in the sea can be adjusted by adjusting the buoyancy of the upper unit or the weight of the lower unit. In addition, the posture in the sea can be stabilized by the lower unit.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the marine structure of Invention 6, in rough weather (low pressure), the marine structure rises close to the sea surface, thereby further reducing the effect of waves.

[0029] On the other hand, the neutral buoyancy bodies of Inventions 8 to 10 can be constructed by connecting other neutral buoyancy bodies, making them easier to install in the ocean than conventional neutral buoyancy bodies. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the external configuration of a neutral buoyancy unit 10. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view showing an offshore structure 100 formed by connecting a plurality of neutral buoyancy units 10 in a ring shape. [Figure 3] The marine structure 100 is formed by connecting a plurality of neutral buoyancy units 10 in a ring shape. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an offshore structure 110 formed by linearly connecting a plurality of neutral buoyancy units 10. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a top view of the first neutral buoyancy unit 10 and the second neutral buoyancy unit 10 viewed from above. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing a first neutral buoyancy unit 10 and a second neutral buoyancy unit 10 connected together with their first end faces 24a. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing the first neutral buoyancy unit 10 and the second neutral buoyancy unit 10 connected together with their second end faces 24b. [Figure 8]1 is a diagram showing a first neutral buoyancy unit 10 and a second neutral buoyancy unit 10 connected at a first end surface 24a and a second end surface 24b. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below, with Figs. 1 to 3 showing the present embodiment.

[0032] 〔composition〕 First, the configuration of this embodiment will be described. The marine structure according to this embodiment is a structure that is not installed on the sea but is installed entirely underwater (underwater), and is configured by connecting a plurality of neutral buoyancy units 10 in a ring shape.

[0033] 1 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the neutral buoyancy unit 10. Figure 1(a) is a plan view of the neutral buoyancy unit 10, and Figure 1(b) is a front view of the neutral buoyancy unit 10. Figure 1(c) is a left side view of the neutral buoyancy unit 10, and Figure 1(d) is a right side view of the neutral buoyancy unit 10.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the neutral buoyancy unit 10 is configured by connecting a long upper unit 20 and a long lower unit 30 in the vertical direction.

[0035] The upper unit 20 is configured to have a hollow metal housing 22. The interior of the housing 22 is filled with air or other compressible fluid as a buoyancy body. The amount of compressible fluid filled is adjusted so that the entire neutral buoyancy unit 10 is placed underwater. By adjusting the amount filled in this way, the height of the neutral buoyancy unit 10 in the sea can be adjusted.

[0036] The casing 22 is expandable and contractable due to the pressure difference between its interior and exterior. For example, a configuration in which the wall thickness of the casing 22 is thin can be adopted as an expansion / contraction configuration. As a result, the offshore structure floats and sinks so that the casing 22 expands and moves closer to the sea surface when the atmospheric pressure is low, and contracts and moves closer to the seabed when the atmospheric pressure is high. The physical phenomenon is as follows.

[0037] The buoyancy F of the housing 22 is expressed by the following equation (1): where ρ is the density of seawater, g is the gravitational acceleration, and V is the volume of the housing 22.

[0038] F=ρgV …(1) The volume V of the housing 22 is expressed by the following equation (2) according to Boyle's law. Here, n is the amount of substance, R is the gas constant, T is temperature, and P is atmospheric pressure. From the following equation (2), it can be seen that the factors that affect the volume V of the housing 22 are temperature and atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, since changes in seawater temperature in nature are slow compared to sudden changes in atmospheric pressure, the main factor that affects the volume V of the housing 22 is atmospheric pressure.

[0039] V=nRT / P …(2) The left end of the upper unit 20 is formed with a first end face 24a (rear side) and a second end face 24b (front side) that can be connected to another upper unit 20. The first end face 24a and the second end face 24b are tapered and face each other in a plan view. The right end of the upper unit 20 is formed with a first end face 24a and a second end face 24b that can be connected to another upper unit 20. The angle between the first end face 24a and the rear side, the angle between the second end face 24b and the front side, and the angle between the first end face 24a and the second end face 24b are all 120° so that a regular hexagonal marine structure can be formed by connecting the end faces of the six neutral buoyancy units 10 together.

[0040] The lower unit 30 is a stabilizer and is configured to have a bottom plate 32 made of a flat metal plate, and a plurality of supports 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d that connect the housing 22 and the bottom plate 32. The bottom plate 32 has the same planar shape as the upper unit 20. Support 34a connects the left ends of the housing 22 and the bottom plate 32, support 34b connects the housing 22 and the center of the front side of the bottom plate 32, support 34c connects the right ends of the housing 22 and the bottom plate 32, and support 34d connects the housing 22 and the center of the rear side of the bottom plate 32.

[0041] Deep-sea waves (sinusoidal waves) move in a circular orbit, and the radius of the circular orbit decreases exponentially with the water depth. Therefore, waves whose water depth is limited by the upper unit 20 do not affect the lower unit 30, so the lower unit 30 functions as a stabilizer by being immune to the effects of the waves. Note that the lower unit 30 can also be connected further downward to form a multi-stage configuration, which can further improve its function as a stabilizer.

[0042] Next, a case where a marine structure 100 is constructed by connecting a plurality of neutral buoyancy units 10 in a ring shape will be described.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an offshore structure 100 formed by connecting a plurality of neutral buoyancy units 10 in a ring shape.

[0044] FIG. 3 shows an offshore structure 100 formed by connecting a plurality of neutral buoyancy units 10 in a ring shape. The offshore structure 100 can be configured, for example, as shown in FIGS.

[0045] The marine structure 100 is configured to divide three wave reduction areas 40a, 40b, and 40c. The aft wave reduction area 40a is divided by six neutral buoyancy units N1 to N6. The neutral buoyancy units N1 to N6 are connected by connecting the first end faces 24a or the second end faces 24b of adjacent neutral buoyancy units 10.

[0046] The wave reduction area 40b at the front left is defined by six neutral buoyancy units N4, N7 to N11. The neutral buoyancy units N4, N7 to N11 are connected such that the first end faces 24a or the second end faces 24b of adjacent neutral buoyancy units 10 are connected to each other.

[0047] The wave reduction area 40c at the front right is defined by six neutral buoyancy units N12 to N15, N7, and N3. The neutral buoyancy units N12 to N15, N7, and N3 are connected such that the first end faces 24a or the second end faces 24b of adjacent neutral buoyancy units 10 are connected to each other.

[0048] The neutral buoyancy units N1 to N6 can be connected by tying with ropes or the like, fastening with bolts and nuts or the like, welding or other methods. A weak connection using ropes or the like is desirable as the connection method, because a strong connection using bolts and nuts or the like would cause the entire marine structure 100 to sway with the waves, making it susceptible to metal fatigue. A weak connection allows the neutral buoyancy units N1 to N6 to absorb the swaying as they sway individually.

[0049] Furthermore, the neutral buoyancy units 10 can be connected to other neutral buoyancy units 10 other than the adjacent neutral buoyancy units 10 by additional connectors 42 (e.g., ropes). In the example of wave reduction area 40b, each neutral buoyancy unit 10 is connected to two other neutral buoyancy units 10 by connectors 42. In the example of wave reduction area 40c, each neutral buoyancy unit 10 may be connected to four other neutral buoyancy units 10 by connectors 42. The number of connections can be adjusted depending on the required strength.

[0050] A net 44 is installed beneath the neutral buoyancy units N1 to N15 to define an area for installing seaweed reefs. The seaweed reefs can be installed inside the net 44 in the wave reduction areas 40a to 40c. The marine structure 100 is moored at a predetermined position in the ocean by anchors 46 whose tips are fixed to the seabed.

[0051] [Operation] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In the marine structure 100, the first end face 24a and the second end face 24b are formed at an angle that allows them to form a ring (regular hexagon), so three rings are formed by the neutral buoyancy units N1 to N15. Since the progress of a wave decreases exponentially in the direction of water depth, waves that have passed through the neutral buoyancy unit 10 become breaking waves due to the sudden shallowing of the water depth, and lose energy in the direction of their progress.

[0052] The marine structure 100 uses a compressible fluid as a buoyancy body for the upper unit 20, so that the housing 22 expands and moves closer to the sea surface when the atmospheric pressure is low, and the housing 22 contracts and moves closer to the seabed when the atmospheric pressure is high. Therefore, in rough weather (low atmospheric pressure), the marine structure 100 rises closer to the sea surface, which increases the effect of reducing the impact of waves.

[0053] 〔effect〕 Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, adjacent neutral buoyancy units 10 each have a first end face 24a and a second end face 24b that can be connected to each other, and the first end faces 24a and the second end faces 24b are formed at an angle that allows the neutral buoyancy units 10 to form a ring shape when the first end faces 24a or the second end faces 24b are connected to each other.

[0054] This allows a marine structure 100 to be constructed by connecting a plurality of neutral buoyancy units 10, making installation in the ocean easier than before. Furthermore, by combining a plurality of neutral buoyancy units 10, it is possible to construct one or more wave attenuation areas or to construct wave attenuation areas of any size, so there is a high degree of freedom in combination.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the angle between the first end face 24a and the rear edge, the angle between the second end face 24b and the front edge, and the angle between the first end face 24a and the second end face 24b are all 120°.

[0056] This allows the construction of a honeycomb-structured marine structure. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the neutral buoyancy unit 10 is configured by connecting in the vertical direction a long upper unit 20 having a buoyant body and a long lower unit 30 which is a stabilizer.

[0057] This allows the height in the sea to be adjusted by adjusting the buoyancy of the upper unit 20 or the weight of the lower unit 30. In addition, the lower unit 30 can stabilize the posture in the sea.

[0058] In this embodiment, the neutral buoyancy unit 10 corresponds to the neutral buoyancy body of Inventions 1 to 8, the first end surface 24a corresponds to the first circumferential surface of Invention 2, and the second end surface 24b corresponds to the second circumferential surface of Invention 2.

[0059] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 4 shows this embodiment. Only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described below, and the same reference numerals will be used to denote overlapping parts, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a marine structure is constructed by linearly connecting a plurality of neutral buoyancy units 10.

[0061] 〔composition〕 First, the configuration of this embodiment will be described. 4 is a diagram showing an offshore structure 110 formed by linearly connecting a plurality of neutral buoyancy units 10. Figure 4(a) is a plan view of the offshore structure 110, Figure 4(b) is a front view of the offshore structure 110, and Figure 4(c) is a right side view of the offshore structure 110.

[0062] The offshore structure 110 can be configured, for example, as shown in FIG. The marine structure 110 is configured to have four neutral buoyancy units N16 to N19. The neutral buoyancy units N16 to N19 are each formed by connecting the first end surface 24a and the second end surface 24b of an adjacent neutral buoyancy unit 10.

[0063] The method of connecting the neutral buoyancy units N16 to N19 and the installation of the nets, seaweed reefs and anchors are the same as those of the marine structure 100 in the first embodiment.

[0064] [Operation] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In the marine structure 110, the first end face 24a and the second end face 24b are formed at an angle that allows them to form a line, and therefore the line is formed by the neutral buoyancy units N16 to N19.

[0065] 〔effect〕 Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, adjacent neutral buoyancy units 10 each have a first end face 24a and a second end face 24b that can be connected to each other, and the first end face 24a and the second end face 24b are formed at an angle that allows the neutral buoyancy units 10 to form a linear shape when connected by the first end face 24a and the second end face 24b.

[0066] This allows a marine structure 110 to be constructed by connecting multiple neutral buoyancy units 10, making installation in the ocean easier than before. Also, by combining multiple neutral buoyancy units 10, marine structures 110 of any size can be constructed, providing a high degree of freedom in combination.

[0067] [Modification] In the first embodiment and its modified example, a regular hexagonal marine structure is constructed by connecting the end faces of six neutral buoyancy units 10 together. However, this is not limited to this, and a polygonal marine structure can be constructed by connecting the end faces of five or fewer or seven or more neutral buoyancy units 10 together. In general, a regular n-gon or irregular n-gon marine structure can be constructed by connecting the end faces of n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 3) neutral buoyancy units 10 together. In this case, the angle between the first end face 24a and the rear side, the angle between the second end face 24b and the front side, and the angle between the first end face 24a and the second end face 24b are set according to the value of n.

[0068] The angles of the first end surface 24a and the second end surface 24b for each mode of connection of the neutral buoyancy unit 10 will be described below. FIG. 5 is a top view of the first neutral buoyancy unit 10 and the second neutral buoyancy unit 10 seen from above.

[0069] In Figure 5, the neutral buoyancy unit 10 on the left is the first neutral buoyancy unit 10, and the neutral buoyancy unit 10 on the right is the second neutral buoyancy unit 10. The upper end face is the first end face 24a, and the lower end face is the second end face 24b. Also, "a" indicates the angle obtained by subtracting 90° from the angle between the first end face 24a and the rear edge, and the angle obtained by subtracting 90° from the angle between the second end face 24b and the front edge. "b" indicates the angle formed by the first end face 24a and the second end face 24b.

[0070] 1. Connection between the first end faces 24a FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the first neutral buoyancy unit 10 and the second neutral buoyancy unit 10 connected together with their first end faces 24a facing each other.

[0071] θn indicates the interior angle of a regular n-gon. In this case, the following equations (3) and (4) hold. θn=180-360 / n θn+(a+90)+(a+90)=360 2a+b=180 twist, a=180 / n …(3) b=180-360 / n …(4) When n is 3 to 10, a and b are as follows.

[0072] [Table 1] Therefore, when n is 3 or more, the first end face 24a and the second end face 24b are formed at an angle that allows the first neutral buoyancy unit 10 and the second neutral buoyancy unit 10 to form two sides of a regular polygon when the first end faces 24a and 24b are connected together.

[0073] 2. Connection between the second end faces 24b FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the first neutral buoyancy unit 10 and the second neutral buoyancy unit 10 connected together with their second end faces 24b facing each other.

[0074] In this case, the above formulas (3) and (4) also hold true, as in the case of connecting the first end faces 24a together.

[0075] Therefore, when n is 3 or more, when the first end face 24a and the second end face 24b are connected together at the second end faces 24b, the first neutral buoyancy unit 10 and the second neutral buoyancy unit 10 are formed at an angle that allows them to form two sides of a regular polygon.

[0076] 3. Connection between the first end surface 24a and the second end surface 24b FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the first neutral buoyancy unit 10 and the second neutral buoyancy unit 10 connected at the first end surface 24a and the second end surface 24b.

[0077] As can be seen from Figure 8, the sections inside the dotted line form a parallelogram and are connected linearly. Therefore, when n is 3 or more, the first end face 24a and the second end face 24b are formed at an angle that allows the first neutral buoyancy unit 10 and the second neutral buoyancy unit 10 to form a line when connected by the first end face 24a and the second end face 24b.

[0078] Furthermore, in the first embodiment and its modified example, a ring shape is formed by connecting a plurality of neutral buoyancy units 10, but this is not limiting and a part of a ring shape may be formed.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above first embodiment and its variant, the marine structure 100 is configured to divide three wave-reduction areas 40a, 40b, and 40c, but this is not limited to this, and it can be configured to divide two or less or four or more wave-reduction areas.

[0080] Furthermore, in the second embodiment and its modified example, the marine structure 110 is configured in a linear shape by connecting four neutral buoyancy units 10, but this is not limited to this, and the linear shape can be configured by connecting three or less or five or more neutral buoyancy units 10. Furthermore, a configuration in which a ring shape, a part of a ring shape, or a linear shape is arbitrarily combined can also be adopted.

[0081] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments and their modifications, the marine structures are constructed using neutral buoyancy units 10 of the same shape, but this is not limiting, and marine structures can be constructed using neutral buoyancy units 10 of different shapes. For example, by using neutral buoyancy units 10 of different shapes, it is possible to construct an marine structure of an irregular polygon.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above first and second embodiments and their variations, the neutral buoyancy unit 10 is configured to connect end faces to each other, but this is not limited to this, and it can be configured to connect peripheral surfaces other than the end faces to the end faces, or to connect peripheral surfaces other than the end faces to each other.

[0083] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments and their modifications, the neutral buoyancy unit 10 is configured to be long, but this is not limiting and it may be configured to be curved or have any other shape.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above first and second embodiments and their modifications, the lower unit 30 is connected to the upper unit 20 by four pillars 34a to 34d, but this is not limited to this and the unit can be connected by three or less or five or more pillars.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments and their variations, a configuration in which the thickness of the housing 22 is thinned is adopted as an expandable / contractable configuration, but this is not limited to this, and a bellows structure in which a thin metal plate is processed into a corrugated shape, or a diaphragm structure that utilizes the deflection of a thin metal film due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside, can also be adopted.

[0086] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments and their modifications, the degree of expansion and contraction of the housing 22 can be set as appropriate according to the specifications of the effect of reducing the influence of waves during high and low pressure conditions, but it is desirable that the expansion and contraction does not impair the connection between the neutral buoyancy units 10. For example, a configuration can be adopted in which a portion other than the portion that connects to other neutral buoyancy units 10 (the first end surface 24a and the second end surface 24b in the first and second embodiments) expands and contracts.

[0087] In the first and second embodiments and their modifications, the housing 22 can be configured to be partially or completely expandable or contractable due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing 22. This is because the volume of the housing 22 needs to change in order for the marine structure to float or sink, so it is sufficient for only a portion of the housing 22 to expand or contract.

[0088] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments and their modifications, the housing 22 and the bottom plate 32 are made of metal, but the present invention is not limited to this and any material can be used. Furthermore, the first and second embodiments and their modifications can be applied to each other.

[0089] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments and their modifications, but can also be applied to other cases within the scope of the present invention. All other examples that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art are included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10, N1 to N19...neutral buoyancy unit, 20...upper unit, 22...casing, 24a...first end surface, 24b...second end surface, 30...lower unit, 32...bottom plate, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d...support, 40a, 40b, 40c...wave attenuation area, 42...connector, 44...net, 46...anchor, 100, 110...marine structure

Claims

1. A marine structure formed by connecting a plurality of long neutral buoyant bodies in a ring shape or a part thereof consisting of a regular polygon by connecting the end faces of the neutral buoyant bodies with the longitudinal direction of the neutral buoyant bodies facing in a planar direction, the longitudinal end faces at which any adjacent first and second neutral buoyant bodies among the plurality of neutral buoyant bodies are connected to each other are formed at angles that allow the first and second neutral buoyant bodies to form two sides of the regular polygon, An offshore structure characterized in that the first neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body have housings filled with compressible fluid, and the amount of compressible fluid filled is adjusted so that the entire neutral buoyancy body is installed underwater.

2. A marine structure formed by connecting a plurality of neutral buoyancy bodies in a ring shape or a part thereof or a line shape consisting of a regular polygon by connecting the end faces of the neutral buoyancy bodies with the longitudinal direction of the neutral buoyancy bodies facing in a planar direction, With respect to any adjacent first and second neutral buoyant bodies among the plurality of neutral buoyant bodies, the first neutral buoyant body has a first end face (rear side) and a second end face (front side) that are tapered and face each other at the longitudinal end face on the second neutral buoyant body side, and the second neutral buoyant body has a first end face (rear side) and a second end face (front side) that are tapered and face each other at the longitudinal end face on the first neutral buoyant body side, the opposing first end face and second end face are formed at an angle such that when the first end faces or the second end faces are connected, the first neutral buoyant body and the second neutral buoyant body can form two sides of the regular polygon, and when the first end face and the second end face are connected, the first neutral buoyant body and the second neutral buoyant body can form a linear shape, An offshore structure characterized in that the first neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body have housings filled with compressible fluid, and the amount of compressible fluid filled is adjusted so that the entire neutral buoyancy body is installed underwater.

3. A marine structure formed by connecting a plurality of neutral buoyancy bodies to each other by connecting the end faces of the neutral buoyancy bodies to form a ring shape or a part thereof consisting of a regular polygon, an end surface where any adjacent first neutral buoyant body and any adjacent second neutral buoyant body among the plurality of neutral buoyant bodies are connected to each other is formed at an angle that allows the first neutral buoyant body and the second neutral buoyant body to form two sides of the regular polygon; the first neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body have housings filled with compressible fluid, and the amount of the compressible fluid filled is adjusted so that the entire neutral buoyancy body is placed in the sea; The housing is expandable and contractable due to a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing, An offshore structure characterized in that the first neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body float and sink due to the expansion and contraction of the casing.

4. A marine structure in which a plurality of neutral buoyancy bodies are connected in a ring shape or a part thereof, or a linear shape, by connecting the end faces of the neutral buoyancy bodies together, With respect to any adjacent first and second neutral buoyancy bodies among the plurality of neutral buoyancy bodies, the first neutral buoyancy body has an end surface on the side of the second neutral buoyancy body, which has a first end surface (rear side) and a second end surface (front side) that are tapered and face each other, and the second neutral buoyancy body has an end surface on the side of the first neutral buoyancy body, which has a first end surface (rear side) and a second end surface (front side) that are tapered and face each other, the opposing first end face and second end face are formed at an angle such that when the first end faces or the second end faces are connected, the first neutral buoyant body and the second neutral buoyant body can form two sides of the regular polygon, and when the first end face and the second end face are connected, the first neutral buoyant body and the second neutral buoyant body can form a linear shape, the first neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body have housings filled with compressible fluid, and the amount of the compressible fluid filled is adjusted so that the entire neutral buoyancy body is placed in the sea; The housing is expandable and contractable due to a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing, An offshore structure characterized in that the first neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body float and sink due to the expansion and contraction of the casing.

5. A marine structure formed by connecting a plurality of neutral buoyancy bodies to each other by connecting the end faces of the neutral buoyancy bodies to form a ring shape or a part thereof consisting of a regular polygon, an end surface where any adjacent first neutral buoyant body and any adjacent second neutral buoyant body among the plurality of neutral buoyant bodies are connected to each other is formed at an angle that allows the first neutral buoyant body and the second neutral buoyant body to form two sides of the regular polygon; the first neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body have housings filled with compressible fluid, and the amount of the compressible fluid filled is adjusted so that the entire neutral buoyancy body is placed in the sea; The neutral buoyancy body is formed by vertically connecting a long upper unit and a long lower unit, the upper unit has the housing, The marine structure is characterized in that the lower unit has a bottom plate having the same planar shape as the upper unit, and a plurality of supports connecting the upper unit and the bottom plate.

6. A marine structure in which a plurality of neutral buoyancy bodies are connected in a ring shape or a part thereof, or a linear shape, by connecting the end faces of the neutral buoyancy bodies together, With respect to any adjacent first and second neutral buoyancy bodies among the plurality of neutral buoyancy bodies, the first neutral buoyancy body has an end surface on the side of the second neutral buoyancy body, which has a first end surface (rear side) and a second end surface (front side) that are tapered and face each other, and the second neutral buoyancy body has an end surface on the side of the first neutral buoyancy body, which has a first end surface (rear side) and a second end surface (front side) that are tapered and face each other, the opposing first end face and second end face are formed at an angle such that when the first end faces or the second end faces are connected, the first neutral buoyant body and the second neutral buoyant body can form two sides of the regular polygon, and when the first end face and the second end face are connected, the first neutral buoyant body and the second neutral buoyant body can form a linear shape, the first neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body have housings filled with compressible fluid, and the amount of the compressible fluid filled is adjusted so that the entire neutral buoyancy body is placed in the sea; The neutral buoyancy body is formed by vertically connecting a long upper unit and a long lower unit, the upper unit has the housing, The marine structure is characterized in that the lower unit has a bottom plate having the same planar shape as the upper unit, and a plurality of supports connecting the upper unit and the bottom plate.

7. A neutral buoyant body connectable to the second neutral buoyant body according to claim 1 so that the longitudinal direction is oriented in a planar direction to form two sides of the regular polygon, the longitudinal end face connectable to the end face of the second neutral buoyancy body is formed at an angle such that when the neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body are connected to the end face of the second neutral buoyancy body, the angle can form two sides of the regular polygon; A neutral buoyancy body having a housing filled with a compressible fluid, the amount of the compressible fluid being adjusted so that the entire neutral buoyancy body is placed underwater.

8. A neutral buoyant body that can be connected to the second neutral buoyant body according to claim 2 so that the longitudinal direction is oriented in a planar direction to form two sides of the regular polygon or the line, The end surface in the longitudinal direction on the second neutral buoyancy body side has a first end surface (rear side) and a second end surface (front side) that are tapered and face each other, the opposing first end face and second end face are formed at an angle such that when the first end face and the first end face of the second neutral buoyant body or the second end face of the second neutral buoyant body are connected, the neutral buoyant body and the second neutral buoyant body can form two sides of the regular polygon, and when the first end face and the second end face of the second neutral buoyant body or the second end face and the first end face of the second neutral buoyant body are connected, the neutral buoyant body and the second neutral buoyant body can form a line, A neutral buoyancy body having a housing filled with a compressible fluid, the amount of the compressible fluid being adjusted so that the entire neutral buoyancy body is placed underwater.

9. A neutral buoyancy body connectable to the second neutral buoyancy body according to claim 3, an end face connectable to an end face of the second neutral buoyancy body is formed at an angle such that when the end face is connected to the end face of the second neutral buoyancy body, the neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body can form two sides of the regular polygon; a housing filled with a compressible fluid, and the amount of the compressible fluid filled is adjusted so that the neutral buoyancy body is entirely placed in the sea; The housing is expandable and contractable due to a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing, A neutrally buoyant body that floats and sinks due to the expansion and contraction of the casing.

10. A neutral buoyancy body connectable to the second neutral buoyancy body according to claim 4, The end surface on the second neutral buoyancy body side has a first end surface (rear side) and a second end surface (front side) that are tapered and face each other, the opposing first end face and second end face are formed at an angle such that when the first end face and the first end face of the second neutral buoyant body or the second end face of the second neutral buoyant body are connected, the neutral buoyant body and the second neutral buoyant body can form two sides of the regular polygon, and when the first end face and the second end face of the second neutral buoyant body or the second end face and the first end face of the second neutral buoyant body are connected, the neutral buoyant body and the second neutral buoyant body can form a line, a housing filled with a compressible fluid, and the amount of the compressible fluid filled is adjusted so that the neutral buoyancy body is entirely placed in the sea; The housing is expandable and contractable due to a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing, A neutrally buoyant body that floats and sinks due to the expansion and contraction of the casing.

11. A neutral buoyancy body connectable to a second neutral buoyancy body according to claim 5, an end face connectable to an end face of the second neutral buoyancy body is formed at an angle such that when the end face is connected to the end face of the second neutral buoyancy body, the neutral buoyancy body and the second neutral buoyancy body can form two sides of the regular polygon; a housing filled with a compressible fluid, and the amount of the compressible fluid filled is adjusted so that the neutral buoyancy body is entirely placed in the sea; It consists of a long upper unit and a lower unit connected vertically, the upper unit has the housing, The lower unit is a neutrally buoyant body characterized in that it has a bottom plate having the same planar shape as the upper unit, and a plurality of struts connecting the upper unit and the bottom plate.

12. A neutral buoyancy body connectable to a second neutral buoyancy body according to claim 6, The end surface on the second neutral buoyancy body side has a first end surface (rear side) and a second end surface (front side) that are tapered and face each other, the opposing first end face and second end face are formed at an angle such that when the first end face and the first end face of the second neutral buoyant body or the second end face of the second neutral buoyant body are connected, the neutral buoyant body and the second neutral buoyant body can form two sides of the regular polygon, and when the first end face and the second end face of the second neutral buoyant body or the second end face and the first end face of the second neutral buoyant body are connected, the neutral buoyant body and the second neutral buoyant body can form a line, a housing filled with a compressible fluid, and the amount of the compressible fluid filled is adjusted so that the neutral buoyancy body is entirely placed in the sea; It consists of a long upper unit and a lower unit connected vertically, the upper unit has the housing, The lower unit is a neutrally buoyant body characterized in that it has a bottom plate having the same planar shape as the upper unit, and a plurality of struts connecting the upper unit and the bottom plate.

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