Arrangement and method for changing vertical position of a deck panel of an adjustable deck of a cargo ship

Abstract

Disclosed is an arrangement for changing vertical position of a deck panel (40) of an adjustable deck of a cargo ship. The arrangement comprises at least three mobile lifting apparatuses (100-1, 100-2), each lifting apparatus (100-1, 100-2) comprising a base (120), a support (130) for bearing against a deck panel (40) of an adjustable deck, and a drive mechanism for changing a distance between the support (130) and the base (120). The arrangement further comprises a control unit (200) for controlling the drive mechanisms of the mobile lifting apparatuses (100-1, 100-2) so that, when the support (130) of the respective mobile lifting apparatus (100-1, 100-2) bears against the same deck panel (40), the drive mechanisms changes the distance between the support (130) and the base (120) of its respective mobile lifting apparatus (100-1, 100-2) substantially synchronously.

Description

114260PC1ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR CHANGING VERTICAL POSITION OF A DECK PANEL OF AN ADJUSTABLE DECK OF A CARGO SHIPTechnical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an arrangement and method for changing vertical position of a deck panel of an adjustable deck of a cargo ship.Background art

[0002] Cargo ships have a large number of decks in order to be able to transport goods efficiently and securely. This is especially true for car carriers, which are cargo ships that transport a large amount of cars. Such cargo ships have one or more fixed decks and one or more adjustable decks. The adjustable decks are built up of deck panels where each deck panel can be moved vertically, hereby adjusting the vertical position of each adjustable deck so as to adapt the height of the storage space between adjacent decks to the height of the goods to be transported on the cargo ships, e. g., the cars to be transported on a car carrier. By being able to adjust the vertical position of the adjustable decks, the space of the cargo ship can be used more efficiently, i.e. more goods can be transported by the ship.

[0003] There are cargo ships where the adjustable decks are made vertically adjustable by being hoistable, i.e. moved using ropes or wires arranged from a drive mechanism via the ceiling of the cargo ship or of any fixed deck above the adjustable deck and to corners of each deck panels. Such hoistable deck arrangements are efficient when it comes to changing vertical position of the decks. However, the arrangements are quite complicated, and wires are needed for each deck panel, whereby such arrangements are expensive.

[0004] Other arrangements for making the decks and deck panels vertically adjustable use a movable device that is moved on a fixed deck below the adjustable deck to a position below the deck panel, which vertical position is to be changed. Such arrangements have to be moved from one deck panel to another, which means it takes longer time to change vertical position for a plurality of deck114260PC2panels than for the hoistable arrangements. On the other hand, such arrangements are more cost-efficient and less complicated. Depending on different needs and preferences, some ship owners prefer the hoistable arrangements while other prefer the movable lifting arrangements.

[0005] A type of prior art movable lifting arrangement comprises a scissor lift arranged on a truck. The truck is driven to the deck panel to be vertically moved, the scissor lift is positioned so that its upper support bears against a central part of the deck panel, the scissor lift is then expanded or contracted to move the deck panel vertically. Such a lifting arrangement is rather bulky, i.e. it takes up lots of space on the fixed deck, which could have been used for goods to be delivered by the ship. Further, most trucks are driven on fossil fuels which results in a bad working environment for the ship workers. In addition, when the scissor lift lifts the deck panel and the deck panel is no more on its supports / panel stoppers, the outer edges and corners of the deck panel tend to sag due to the weight of the deck panel. Also, there is already from the beginning some bias on the deck panel to be bent upwards in the middle when not being loaded, in order for the deck panel to be flat when loaded. This gives an additional sagging. The sagging may be called hogging. As a result, for the outer edges and corners of the deck panel to come into the second vertical position, the scissor lift has to lift the central part of the deck panel considerably higher than the second vertical position. This is called that an overlift is necessary. For being able to do such an overlift, the space necessary between the fixed deck and the deck panel in the overlift position is higher than what is needed for the goods to be transported. This means that the space of the ship cannot be used as efficiently as possible for packing goods.

[0006] Consequently, there is a need of an improved lifting arrangement for changing vertical position of a deck panel of an adjustable deck of a cargo ship. Such a lifting arrangement should preferably be space-efficient, avoid the hogging problem and / or be environmentally friendly.114260PC3Summary of invention

[0007] It is an object of embodiments of the invention to address at least some of the problems and issues outlined above. It is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide an improved way for changing vertical position of a deck panel of an adjustable deck of a cargo ship. It is possible to achieve at least of one of these objects by using arrangements, cargo ships and methods as defined in the attached independent claims.

[0008] According to one aspect, an arrangement for changing vertical position of a deck panel of an adjustable deck of a cargo ship is provided. The arrangement comprises at least three mobile lifting apparatuses, the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses being mutually independently movable. Each lifting apparatus comprises a base, a support with a contact surface for bearing against a deck panel of an adjustable deck, and a drive mechanism for changing a distance between the support and the base. The arrangement further comprises a control unit for controlling the drive mechanisms of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses so that, when the contact surface of the support of each of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses bear against the same deck panel, the drive mechanisms of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses change the distance between the support and the base of its respective lifting apparatus substantially synchronously.

[0009] By the mobile lifting apparatuses being movable independently of each other, they can be easily moved and positioned immediately below the deck panel which vertical position is to be changed, advantageously at each corner of the deck panel. By being able to easily position the lifting apparatuses at the corners of the deck panel, the vertical position of the deck panel can be changed without getting the hogging problem that arises when using a scissor lift or similar that provides the change of deck panel vertical position by bearing against a central position of the deck panel. Hereby, the overlift needed when using a scissor lift and discussed in the background section can be avoided, whereby the volume of the ship can be used more efficient. Further, by controlling all at least three mobile lifting apparatuses to move synchronously from one and the same control unit, it114260PC4can be assured that a synchronous movement of the deck panel is achieved, i.e., the deck panel can be kept horizontal. Also, the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses can be made rather small, and certainly in total having a smaller volume and lower weight than the prior art of a scissor lift arranged on a truck, which means they will take up only a small space of the ship so that the volume of the ship can be used efficiently for loading goods. Also, the mobile lifting apparatuses can be driven by electrical power whereby the environment for the ship workers will be better than using a truck driven by fossil fuel as in prior art.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the drive mechanism of each mobile lifting apparatus comprises a motor and an arrangement that can have its extension changed linearly between its lower end and its opposite upper end, wherein its lower end is arranged at the base and its upper end is arranged to the support. Further, the motor is connected to the arrangement that can have its extension changed linearly and arranged to drive the arrangement that can have its extension changed linearly into performing such change of linear extension.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the arrangement that can have its extension changed linearly is a telescopic column comprising a lower part and an upper part, wherein an upper end of the upper part constitutes the upper end of the arrangement that can have its extension changed linearly and a lower end of the lower part constitutes the lower end of the arrangement that can have its extension changed linearly, Further, the upper part is telescopically moveable in relation to the lower part. Still further, the motor is arranged to change the distance between the support and the base by driving the telescopic movement between the lower part and the upper part.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the lower end of the telescopic column is arranged at the base in such a way that the telescopic column can be fed towards ground at which the mobile lifting apparatus stands and into contact with ground with its lower end. Hereby, the telescopic column can brace against the ground on which it stands, i.e. a fixed deck, when lifting the deck panel. This will provide great stability for the mobile lifting apparatus when changing vertical position of a deck panel.114260PC5

[0013] According to another aspect, a cargo ship is provided, comprising at least one fixed deck and at least one adjustable deck, wherein each adjustable deck comprises a plurality of deck panels. The cargo ship further comprises an arrangement according to the above aspect or any of its embodiments.

[0014] According to another aspect, a method is provided for changing vertical position of a deck panel of an adjustable deck of a cargo ship using an arrangement according to the above aspect or any of its embodiments. The method comprises moving the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses, on a fixed deck of the cargo ship positioned below the adjustable deck, to a position immediately below a respective predetermined area of the deck panel. The method further comprises controlling the drive mechanism of each of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses so that the distance between the support and the base of the respective mobile lifting apparatus is increased until the contact surface of the support of the respective mobile lifting apparatus bears against the deck panel. The method further comprises controlling, by the control unit, the drive mechanisms of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses so that the distance between the support and the base of the respective mobile lifting apparatus is changed synchronously, thereby moving the deck panel from a first vertical position to a second vertical position.

[0015] Further possible features and benefits of this solution will become apparent from the detailed description below.Brief description of drawings

[0016] The solution will now be described in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a cargo ship in which the present invention may be used.Fig. 2a is a side view of a mobile lifting apparatus according to possibleembodiments.114260PC6Fig. 2b is a side view of the mobile lifting apparatus of fig. 2a with its telescopic column in its collapsed state.Fig. 2c is a view from above of the mobile lifting apparatus of fig. 2a.Fig. 3a is a side view of a mobile lifting apparatus according to other possible embodiments.Fig. 3b is a side view of the mobile lifting apparatus of fig. 3a with its telescopic column in its collapsed state.Fig. 4 is a side view of an arrangement for changing vertical position of a deck panel according to embodiment, when in position for changing position of such a deck panel.Fig. 5 is a view from above showing four mobile lifting apparatuses positioned at a respective corner of a deck panel.Fig. 6 is a flow chart of a method for changing vertical position of a deck panel of an adjustable deck of a cargo ship according to possible embodiments.Description of embodiments

[0017] Here follows a detailed description of different embodiments of different aspects of the invention.

[0018] Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-section of a ship in which the present invention may be used. The ship of fig. 1 is a cargo ship, more specifically a car carrier. However, the invention is applicable also to other types of ships. The car carrier of fig. 1 comprises a keel 10 and a top deck 60. In between the keel 10 and the top deck 60 there is at least one fixed deck 20 and at least one adjustable deck 30. In the example shown in fig. 1 , the car carrier a plurality of fixed decks 20 and a plurality of adjustable decks 30 in between two of the fixed decks 20. There may be one or more adjustable decks in between two neighboring fixed decks 20 on a cargo ship. Each adjustable deck 30 has a plurality of deck panels 40, 40-1 , 40-2, 40-3. The vertical position of each deck panel 40, 40-1 , 40-2, 40-3 can be114260PC7adjusted independent of any adjustment of vertical position of any of the other deck panels 40, 40-1 , 40-2, 40-3 of the same adjustable deck 30. As further shown in fig. 1 , the car carrier has pillars 50-1 , 50-2 extending substantially vertical, i.e. perpendicular to the fixed decks 20. The deck panel 40-1 shown in fig. 1 is arranged between the two shown pillars 50-1 , 50-2 shown in fig. 1 and can be raised up and down along the two pillars 50-1 , 50-2 with an arrangement as described in figs. 2a-2c and 3. The deck panel 40-2 shown in fig. 1 is arranged between the pillar 50-1 and the port side wall 55-1 of the ship shown in fig. 1 and can be raised up and down along the pillar 50-1 and the port side wall 55-1 with an arrangement as described in figs. 2a-2c and 3. The deck panel 40-3 shown in fig.1 is arranged between the pillar 50-2 and the starboard side wall 55-2 of the ship and can be raised up and down along the pillar 50-2 and the starboard side wall 55-2 with an arrangement as described in figs. 2a-2c and 3.

[0019] Figs. 2a, 2b and 2c show a mobile lifting apparatus 100 according to embodiments. Figs. 2a and 2b show the mobile lifting apparatus 100 in a side view in two different states. Fig. 2c shows the mobile lifting apparatus 100 in a top view. The mobile lifting apparatus 100 may be a column lift. The mobile lifting apparatus 100 comprises a base 120. The mobile lifting apparatus 100 may further comprise propulsion facilitating means 150 for enabling movement of the mobile lifting apparatus 100 on for example any of the fixed decks 20-1 , 20-2 of the car carrier of fig. 1. The propulsion facilitating means 150 are connected to the base 120. The propulsion facilitating means 150 of the mobile lifting apparatus 100 shown in figs.2a-2c are wheels. However, the propulsion facilitating means 150 may alternatively be crawlers or caterpillar treads / tracks. As seen in fig. 2c, the shown mobile lifting apparatus 100 has three wheels 150, two wheels at its frontside 100a and one wheel at its backside 100b. In another embodiment, the mobile lifting apparatus may have more than three wheels.

[0020] The mobile lifting apparatus 100 further comprises a support 130 for bearing against a deck panel 40 of an adjustable deck 30. The support 130 may be arranged on the top of the mobile lifting apparatus. The support 130 is movably arranged to the base 120 so that a distance between the support 130 and base114260PC8120 can be changed. The support 130 may be movable in relation to the base 120 along an imaginary straight line. The mobile lifting apparatus 100 further comprises a drive mechanism 140, 145 for changing the distance between the support 130 and the base 120. Fig. 2a shows the mobile lifting apparatus 100 when in the most extended state, i.e. when the distance between the support 130 and the base 120 is the longest. Fig. 2b shows the mobile lifting apparatus 100 when in its most compressed state, i.e. when the distance between the support 130 and the base 120 is the shortest.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the support 130 may have an upper contact surface 132 for bearing against a deck panel 40 of an adjustable deck 30. Also, or alternatively, the support 132 may be arranged so that it can interlock with the panel. For this reason, the support 132 maybe cone-shaped so that it can be steered into a hole or cavity in the deck panel, or U-shaped to grip around a beam of the deck panel or any other similar means that may prevent relative motion between the support 130 and the deck panel.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the drive mechanism 140, 145 comprises a motor 145 and an arrangement 140 that can have its extension changed linearly between its lower end 140a and its opposite upper end 140b. The lower end 140a of the arrangement that can have its extension changed linearly is arranged at the base 120. The upper end 140b of the arrangement that can have its extension changed linearly is arranged to the support 130. Further, the motor 145 is connected to the arrangement 140 that can have its extension changed linearly. Further, the motor 145 is arranged to drive the arrangement 140 that can have its extension changed linearly into performing such change of linear extension. The motor 145 is preferably an electric motor, however other types of motors are not excluded. If an electric motor, the mobile lifting apparatus 100 may have a battery (not shown) that supplies the motor 145 with power. Alternatively, power cables may be used for connection of the motor 145 to mains of the ship.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the arrangement 140 that can have its extension changed linearly is a telescopic column 140. The telescopic column 140 has its lower end 140a arranged at the base 120 of the mobile lifting apparatus114260PC9100 and its upper end 140b firmly arranged to the support 130. Further, the telescopic column 140 comprises a lower part 141 and an upper part 143, wherein an upper end of the upper part 143 constitutes the upper end 140b of the telescopic column 140 and a lower end of the lower part 141 constitutes the lower end 140a of the telescopic column 140. Further, the upper part 143 is telescopically moveable in relation to the lower part 141. Still further, the motor 145 is connected to the telescopic column 140 and the motor is arranged to change the distance between the support 130 and the base 120 by driving the telescopic movement between the lower part 141 and the upper part 143 of the telescopic column 140. According to an embodiment, the drive mechanism 140, 145 may further comprise a transmission arrangement, such as a linear actuator (not shown), connected to the motor 145 and to the telescopic column 140 for achieving the telescopic movement between the lower part 141 and the upper part 143 of the telescopic column. Alternatively, or in addition, the transmission arrangement may comprise chains and gearwheels, or straps and pulleys. Still alternatively, any other know means for achieving a telescopic movement between at least two parts using a motor may be used, such as a hydraulic-based solution.

[0024] According to an embodiment which is shown in fig. 2a, the telescopic column 140 comprises a middle part 142 in addition to the lower part 141 and the upper part 143. The middle part 142 is arranged in between the lower part 141 and the upper part 143 so that the middle part 142 telescopes in and out of the lower part 141 and the upper part 143 telescopes in and out of the middle part 142. In fig. 2a, the lower part 141 has the largest cross-section of the parts of the telescopic column 140 and the upper part 143 the smallest cross-section.According to another embodiment, the upper part 143 has the largest crosssection and the lower part 141 the smallest cross-section. In case the telescopic column also has a middle part 142, the middle part 142 has a cross-section in between the cross-section of the lower part 141 and the cross-section of the upper part 143. In other embodiments, the telescopic column has more than one such middle part 142, then the more than one middle part 142 are telescopically arranged to each other in the same way as described above.114260PC10

[0025] According to other embodiments, the arrangement 140 that can have its extension changed linearly is a scissor lift, however preferably a smaller scissor lift than the one used in prior art arranged on a truck. According to other embodiments, the arrangement 140 that can have its extension changed linearly is a lift with a spiral-formed arrangement, such as a Paco Spiral ift™ .

[0026] According to an embodiment, the mobile lifting apparatus 100 further comprises a motor for driving the propulsion facilitating means 150. This motor is in one alternative the same motor as the motor 145 for changing the distance between the support 130 and the base 120. However, in another alternative it is a different motor, in addition to the motor 145 for changing the distance between the support 130 and the base 120. In a cost-efficient arrangement, the mobile lifting apparatus has no such motor for driving the propulsion facilitating means 150 but is instead to be moved by a person.

[0027] The mobile lifting apparatus 100 may further comprise a steering device whereby a user can control the movement of the mobile lifting apparatus 100 along the deck on which it is situated. The steering device may be a steering wheel 170 or any kind of maneuver arm or similar. The mobile lifting apparatus 100 may further comprise a communication unit 160 comprising a receiver for reception of wireless signals. The receiver comprises conventional devices for enabling reception of wireless signals from a control unit 200 remote from the mobile lifting apparatus, which control unit will be further explained with reference to fig. 3. The communication unit 160 of the mobile lifting apparatus 100 may also comprise a transmitter for enabling transmission of wireless signals.

[0028] According to other embodiments, the mobile lifting apparatus 100 has an internal control unit 175 for controlling the driving arrangement 140, 145 according to instructions received from the control unit 200 via the communication unit 160, and / or according to instructions received from an operator by the operator using a user interface on the mobile lifting apparatus.

[0029] In fig. 3a and 3b, another embodiment of a mobile lifting arrangement 100 is shown. In fig. 3a and 3b like reference numbers as in fig. 2a and 2b,114260PC11respectively, refers to the same feature. In this embodiment, the lower end 140a of the telescopic column 140 is arranged at the base 120 in such a way that the telescopic column 140 can be fed towards ground at which the mobile lifting apparatus stands and into contact with ground with its lower end 140a. In other words, the mobile lifting apparatus 100 is arranged so that the lower end 140a of the telescopic column 140 can be moved downwards until the lower end 140a comes into contact with the ground on which the mobile lifting apparatus stands, such as a fixed deck 20. Hereby, the telescopic column 140 can brace against the fixed deck 20 when the mobile lifting apparatus 100 is to lift a deck panel 40n. Fig.3a shows the mobile lifting arrangement 100 when the lower end 140a of the telescopic column is in contact with ground whereas fig. 3b shows the mobile lifting arrangement before the lower end 140a of the telescopic column has been fed downwards.

[0030] In order for the lower end of the telescopic column 140 to be able to come into contact with ground, the base 120 may be arranged so that it has no extension directly below the telescopic column 140. For example, and as illustrated in figs. 3a and 3b, the base 120 has a hole 122 (indicated with two parallel dashed lines) at the horizontal position of the telescopic column 140, the shape of the hole being at least the size of the lower part 141 of the telescopic column. The hole 122 is preferably coaxial with the telescopic column 140. The hole 122 may alternatively be a side cavity in the base 120. Still alternatively, in order for the lower end of the telescopic column 140 to be able to come into contact with ground, the extension of the base 120 may end in a horizontal direction before the position of the telescopic column 140 in the horizontal direction. For being able to feed the telescopic column 140 downwards so that its lower end comes into contact with ground, the mobile lifting arrangement may have at least two parallel bars 148a, 148b, the bars 148a, 148b having one end arranged to the base, or as in figs. 3a and 3b to a vertical part 147 extending from the base, and the other end arranged to the lower part 141 of the telescopic column. In the example of figs. 3a and 3b, the bars 148a, 148b are rotated around its respective end arranged to the vertical part 147 from a folded position in fig. 3b to an out-folded position as in fig. 3a when the lower end 140a of the telescopic114260PC12column bears against the ground. The rotation of the bars maybe performed by a motor such as the motor 145.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment, the mobile lifting apparatus is arranged so that the lower end 140a of the telescopic column 140 bears against the base 120 of the mobile lifting apparatus 100 and braces against the base 120 when lifting a deck panel 40. In other embodiment, the telescopic column 140 is provided with a spring (not shown) at its lower end 140a, which spring will be compressed when the telescopic column 140 is arranged towards ground or towards the base 120 when lifting a deck panel 40.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the mobile lifting apparatus 100 has a light emitting device (not shown) for emitting light in a direction from the base 120 to the support 130 in order to indicate a position on the deck panel 40 to be lifted where the support 130 is to bear against the deck panel, before the drive mechanism 140, 145 has changed the distance between the support 130 and the base 120 so that the support 130 bears against the deck panel 40. In other words, when the mobile lifting apparatus 100 has been positioned below the deck panel 40 to be lifted, the light emitting device emits light along the extension from the base to the support and further upwards so that the emitted light hits the position on the deck panel where the support will bear against the deck panel after the drive mechanism has been driven to extend the distance between the base and the support so that the support bears against the deck panel. Hereby it is possible to adapt the position of the mobile lifting apparatus 100 on the fixed deck below the deck panel into a wanted position before its support 130 meets the deck panel 40. Such adaptation could be made manually or automatically, controlled for example by the internal control unit 175. There may be a light-emitting opening in the center of the support 130 that lets the emitted light through the support and towards the deck panel to be lifted. The light emitting device may be arranged to emit monochromatic light. The light emitting device may be a laser. The emitted light is preferably in a wavelength of visible light.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows an arrangement according to embodiments for changing vertical position of a deck panel 40 of an adjustable deck 30 of a cargo ship. The114260PC13arrangement comprises at least three mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1 , 100-2 according to any of the embodiments described in relation to figures 2a - 2c or 3a-3b and a control unit 200. In fig. 4, the mobile lifting apparatuses are positioned on a fixed deck 20 of a cargo ship and in use for shifting vertical position of a deck panel 40. The at least three mobile lifting apparatuses, out of which two, marked as 100-1 and 100-2 are shown in fig. 4, are mutually independently movable. That the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1, 100-2 are mutually independently movable means that they can be moved on the ground on which they are arranged, in fig. 4, the fixed deck 20, but also that they can be moved independently of each other. In other words, the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1 , 100-2 are independent / separate units. That they are mobile further means they can be moved on the ship, i.e. that they are not any stationary installation on the ship. Fig. 4 shows the inventive arrangement for use on a ship having a fixed deck 20 on which the mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1, 100-2 stand and an adjustable deck having one or more deck panels 40. In fig. 4, the arrangement is shown when used for lifting a deck panel arranged mid-ship, i.e., like deck panel 40-1 of fig. 1, that is, a deck panel arranged between two pillars 50-1 , 50-2. However, the arrangement may as well be used for lifting a deck panel arranged along the port bow wall of the ship, such as deck panel 40-2, or a deck panel arranged along the starboard bow wall of the ship, such as such as deck panel 40-3 of fig. 1.

[0034] The control unit 200 of the arrangement is arranged for controlling the drive mechanisms 140, 145 of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1, 100-2 so that, when the support 130 of each of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1 , 100-2 bear against the same deck panel 40, the drive mechanisms 140, 145 of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1, 100-2 changes the distance between the support 130 and the base 120 of its respective lifting apparatus 100-1, 100-2 substantially synchronously. The control unit 200 is preferably a remote control, as shown in fig. 4. Hereby, the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses can be controlled remote from the lifting apparatuses, i.e. the operator can be positioned in a safe place, not below the deck panel. However, the control unit 200 may also be a control unit of any of the mobile lifting114260PC14apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, such as the internal control unit 175 shown in fig. 2a. That the drive mechanisms 140, 145 changes the distance between the support and the base of its respective lifting apparatus 100-1, 100-2 synchronously signifies that the distance between the support and the base for each mobile lifting apparatus changes with substantially the same pace during the lifting / lowering of the deck panel.

[0035] According to an embodiment, after the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1, 100-2 have been positioned at wanted positions below the deck panel 40 which position is to be changed, the control unit 200 is arranged to control the drive mechanism 140, 145 of each of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1 , 100-2 from a more or less compressed state as in fig. 2b or fig. 3b, by increasing the distance between the support 130 and the base 120 until the support 130 bears against the deck panel 40. The increasing of distance between the support 130 and the base 120 until the respective support 130 bears against the deck panel does not need to be synchronized between the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses. However, after the support 130 of each of the mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1 , 100-2 bears against the deck panel 40, the change of distance between the support 130 and the base 120 of its respective lifting apparatus 100-1, 100-2 should be substantially synchronous. Hereby, it is secured that the deck panel 40 is raised, or lowered, in a securer way keeping it in a horizontal position.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1 , 100-2 may each have a sensor, such as a pressure sensor or force sensor, for detecting that the support 130 bears against the deck panel. In case the sensor is a pressure sensor or force sensor it can also detect any over-pressure or overforce, respectively, i.e. a higher pressure / force than normal for lifting the deck panel, occurring due to e.g. the deck panel being stuck during movement upwards by any obstructing object. Such pressure / force detection may then be used as a stop signal for stopping any further movement of the support 130, i.e. changing of vertical position of the deck panel.114260PC15

[0037] According to an embodiment, the support 130 of each mobile lifting apparatus is advantageously configured to bear against an area at an outer edge of a deck panel 40. According to an embodiment, which is shown in fig. 5 in a view from above where the deck panel is shown transparent, the arrangement comprises four mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4 which are used for lifting a deck panel 40 having four corners. The four mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4 are here arranged one at each deck panel 40 corner so that the support 130 of the respective mobile lifting apparatus bears against an area at a respective corner of the deck panel 40. In case the deck panel is large and / or extra heavy, more than four mobile lifting apparatuses may be used. For example, one extra mobile lifting apparatus may be used at a position at the center of the deck panel 40 and / or at any of the long sides of the deck panel 40.

[0038] Going back to fig. 4, the control unit 200 is communicatively connectable to the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1 , 100-2 so that it can control the drive mechanisms of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses. According to an embodiment, the control unit 200 comprises a communication unit 210. Further, the control unit 200 is operative for controlling the drive mechanisms 140, 145 of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1 , 100-2, by sending wireless control signals through its communication unit 210 to the communication unit 160 of each of the at least three mobile lifters 100-1, 100-2. The communication unit 165 of the control unit 160 comprises a transmitter for transmission of wireless signals, the transmitter comprising conventional devices for enabling transmission of wireless signals. The communication unit 165 may also comprise a receiver for enabling reception of wireless signals. Alternatively, the control unit 200 may communicate with the mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1, 100-2 using wireline communication. The control unit 200 may also be used for individually positioning one or more of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1, 100-2 in position before raising the support 130 towards the deck panel to be lifted.

[0039] According to an embodiment, and as shown in fig. 4 as well as in fig. 1 , the cargo ship further comprises a plurality of vertical pillars 50-1 , 50-2 extending114260PC16upwards from the at least one fixed deck 20. Each pillar 50-1 , 50-2 has a first support 51-1 , 51-2 arranged at the first vertical position and a second foldable support 52-1 , 52-2 arranged at a second vertical position for supporting the deck panel 40 at the first and the second vertical position, respectively. The first support 51 -1 , 51 -2 may be a fixed support such as shown in fig. 4, or a foldable support. There may also be a third support 53-1 , 53-2, which is foldable, the third support arranged between the first and second support of each pillar. There may be even more such supports arranged along each pillar.

[0040] When the arrangement is used for lifting a deck panel 40 arranged midship, there are normally four such pillars 50-1 , 50-2 as shown in fig. 4, one at each corner of the deck panel. When the arrangement is used for lifting a deck panel along the port side wall or the starboard side wall 55-2, there will be pillars 50-1 , 50-2 only along one side in the direction of the ship as the other side will be the starboard side wall or the port side wall. In fig. 5, the raising or lowering a deck panel arranged along the starboard side wall 55-2 is shown. Along the starboard side wall 55-2 there are first and second supports 51-3, 51-4, and possibly third supports, on or at the starboard side wall 55-2 in a similar way as there are supports 51 -1 , 51 -2, 52-1 , 52-2 on the pillars of fig. 4.

[0041] In the embodiments above, the supports 51, 52, 53 are arranged on pillars or walls of the ship. However, in other embodiments, the ship may have rods or similar arranged to the fixed deck or roof above the adjustable deck, extending downwards from the fixed deck or roof. In such an embodiment, the first, second and possible third supports 51, 52, 53 are arranged to such rods.

[0042] Fig. 6 shows a method for changing vertical position of a deck panel 40 of an adjustable deck 30 of a cargo ship using an arrangement as described in any of the above embodiments. The method comprises moving 302 the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1 , 100-2 on a fixed deck 20 of the cargo ship positioned below the adjustable deck 30, to a position immediately below a respective predetermined area of the deck panel 40, controlling 304 the drive mechanism 140 of each of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1, 100-2 so that the distance between the support 130 and the base 120 of the respective114260PC17mobile lifting apparatus 100-1, 100-2 is increased until the support 130 of the respective mobile lifting apparatus bears against the deck panel 40, and controlling 308, by the control unit 200, the drive mechanisms 140, 145 of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1 , 100-2 so that the distance between the support 130 and the base 120 of the respective mobile lifting apparatus is changed synchronously thereby moving the deck panel 40 from a first vertical position to a second vertical position. The moving 302 of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses may be made locally at each mobile lifting apparatus, by e.g. an operator using the steering wheel 170. However, the moving 302 may also or alternatively be made using the control unit 200. Further, the controlling of the drive mechanism of the respective mobile lifting apparatus 100-1, 100-2 to increase the distance until the support 130 of each mobile lifting apparatus bears against the deck panel may as well be made either locally or by the control unit 200.

[0043] Further, when the second vertical position is above the first vertical position, the step of controlling 308 the drive mechanisms 140, 145 of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1 , 100-2 so that the distance between the support 130 and the base 120 of the respective lifting apparatus is changed synchronously thereby moving the deck panel from a first vertical position to a second vertical position comprises controlling the drive mechanisms 140, 145 so that the deck panel 40 is moved from the first vertical position to a third vertical position immediately above the second vertical position, then moving 310 the second foldable supports 51-1 , 51-2 from a folded position folded into the vertical pillar 50-1 , 50-2 to a supporting position folded out from the vertical pillar 50-1 , 50-2, then controlling the drive mechanisms 140, 145 of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1 , 100-2 so that the deck panel 40 is moved from the third vertical position to the second vertical position.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the methods described above, using an arrangement according to some of the embodiments above, the method further comprises, after the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses 100-1, 100-2 have been moved 302 to a position immediately below a respective predetermined area114260PC18of the deck panel 40, moving 303 the lower end 140a of the telescopic column 140 of each mobile lifting apparatus 100-1 , 100-2 vertically downwards towards the fixed deck 20 until the lower end of the telescopic column 140 braces against the fixed deck 20. Thereafter, the lifting apparatuses are controlled 308 for changing the vertical position of the deck panel. By such a measure, the lifting apparatus will be quite stable when performing the changing of vertical position of the deck panel.

[0045] According to another embodiment, the method further comprises, after the support 130 of the respective mobile lifting apparatus bears against the deck panel 40, and when detecting that any of the mobile lifting apparatuses bears against a non-correct position of the deck panel, triggering adjustment 306 of the position of the any of the mobile lifting apparatuses so that the support 130 of each mobile lifting apparatuses bears against a correct position of the deck panel.

[0046] Although the description above contains a plurality of specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the concept described herein but as merely providing illustrations of some exemplifying embodiments of the described concept. It will be appreciated that the scope of the presently described concept fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the presently described concept is accordingly not to be limited. Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more." All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the abovedescribed embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein and are intended to be encompassed hereby.Moreover, it is not necessary for the arrangement, ship or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the presently described concept, for it to be encompassed hereby. In the exemplary figures, a broken line generally signifies that the feature within the broken line is optional.

Claims

114260PC19CLAIMS1. An arrangement for changing vertical position of a deck panel (40) of an adjustable deck (30) of a cargo ship (1), characterized by the arrangement comprising:at least three mobile lifting apparatuses (100-1, 100-2, 100-3), the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses being mutually independently movable, each mobile lifting apparatus (100-1, 100-2, 100-3) comprising:a base (120),a support (130) for bearing against a deck panel (40) of an adjustable deck (30),a drive mechanism (140, 145) for changing a distance between the support (130) and the base (120),the arrangement further comprising:a control unit (200) for controlling the drive mechanisms (140, 145) of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses (100-1, 100-2, 100-3) so that, when the support (130) of each of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses (100-1, 100-2, 100-3) bear against the same deck panel (40), the drive mechanisms (140, 145) of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses (100-1, 100-2, 100-3) changes the distance between the support (130) and the base (120) of its respective mobile lifting apparatus substantially synchronously.

2. Arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the drive mechanism (140, 145) of each mobile lifting apparatus (100-1, 100-2, 100-3) comprises:a motor (145), andan arrangement (140) that can have its extension changed linearly between its lower end (140a) and its opposite upper end (140b), wherein its lower end (140a) is arranged at the base (120) and its upper end (140b) is arranged to the support (130),wherein the motor (145) is connected to the arrangement (140) that can have its extension changed linearly and arranged to drive the arrangement (140) that can114260PC20have its extension changed linearly into performing such change of linear extension.

3. Arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the arrangement (140) that can have its extension changed linearly is a telescopic column (140) comprising a lower part (141) and an upper part (143), wherein an upper end of the upper part (143) constitutes the upper end (140b) of the arrangement (140) that can have its extension changed linearly and a lower end of the lower part (141) constitutes the lower end (140a) of the arrangement (140) that can have its extension changed linearly, wherein the upper part (143) is telescopically moveable in relation to the lower part (141), wherein the motor (145) is arranged to change the distance between the support (130) and the base (120) by driving the telescopic movement between the lower part (141) and the upper part (143).

4. Arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the lower end (140a) of the telescopic column (140) is arranged at the base (120) in such a way that the telescopic column (140) can be fed towards ground at which the mobile lifting apparatus stands and into contact with ground with its lower end (140a).

5. Arrangement according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the base (120) has a hole or a side cavity at the horizontal position of the telescopic column (140), wherein the shape of the hole or side cavity is at least a cross-sectional size of the lower part (141) of the telescopic column (140).

6. Arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses (100-1, 100-2, 100-3) has a motor (145) and propulsion facilitating means (150) for enabling movement of the mobile lifting apparatus.

7. Arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (200) comprises a communication unit (210) and each of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses (100-1, 100-2, 100-3) comprises a communication unit (160), and wherein the control unit (200) is operative for controlling the drive mechanisms (140, 145) of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses (100-1,114260PC21100-2, 100-3) by sending wireless control signals through its communication unit (210) to the communication unit (160) of each of the at least three mobile lifters (100-1, 100-2, 100-3).

8. Arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses (100-1, 100-2, 100-3) has a light emitting device for emitting light in a direction from the base (120) to the support (130) in order to indicate a position on the deck panel (40) to be lifted where the support (130) is to bear against the deck panel, before the drive mechanism (140, 145) has changed the distance between the support (130) and the base (120) so that the support (130) bears against the deck panel (40).

9. Cargo ship (1 ) comprising at least one fixed deck (20) and at least one adjustable deck (30), each adjustable deck (30) comprising a plurality of deck panels (40), characterized by the cargo ship (1) further comprising an arrangement according to any of claims 1-8 for changing vertical position of a deck panel (40) of the plurality of deck panels.

10. Cargo ship (1 ) according to claim 9, further comprising a plurality of vertical pillars (50-1 , 50-2) extending upwards from the at least one fixed deck (20), wherein each pillar (50-1 , 50-2) has a plurality of (foldable) supports (51-1 , 52-1 , 51-2, 52-2) arranged on different vertical heights for supporting the deck panel (40) at different vertical heights.

11. Method for changing vertical position of a deck panel (40) of an adjustable deck (30) of a cargo ship using an arrangement according to any of claims 1-8, the method being characterized by:moving (302) the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses (100-1, 100-2, 100-3) on a fixed deck (20) of the cargo ship positioned below the adjustable deck (30), to a position immediately below a respective predetermined area of the deck panel (40),controlling (304) the drive mechanism (140) of each of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses (100-1, 100-2, 100-3) so that the distance between the support (130) and the base (120) of the respective mobile lifting apparatus (100-1,114260PC22100-2, 100-3) is increased until the support (130) of the respective mobile lifting apparatus bears against the deck panel (40), andcontrolling (308), by the control unit (200), the drive mechanisms (140) of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses (100-1, 100-2, 100-3) so that the distance between the support (130) and the base (120) of the respective mobile lifting apparatus is changed synchronously, thereby moving the deck panel (40) from a first vertical position to a second vertical position.

12. Method according to claim 11 , wherein the cargo ship further comprises a plurality of vertical pillars or walls (50-1, 50-2) extending upwards from the at least one fixed deck (20), each pillar or wall (50-1 , 50-2) having a first support (52-1 , 52-2) arranged at the first vertical position and a second foldable support (51 -1 , 51-2) arranged at the second vertical position for supporting the deck panel (40) at the first and the second vertical position, respectively,wherein, when the second vertical position is above the first vertical position, the step of controlling (308) the drive mechanisms (140, 145) of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses (100-1, 100-2, 100-3) so that the distance between the support (130) and the base (120) of the respective mobile lifting apparatus is changed synchronously thereby moving the deck panel (40) from a first vertical position to a second vertical position comprises controlling the drive mechanisms (140, 145) of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses (100-1, 100-2, 100-3) so that the deck panel (40) is moved from the first vertical position to a third vertical position immediately above the second vertical position, then moving (310) the second foldable supports (51-1 , 51-2) from a folded position folded into the vertical pillar or wall (50-1 , 50-2) to a supporting position folded out from the vertical pillar or wall (50-1, 50-2), then controlling the drive mechanisms (140, 145) of the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses (100-1, 100-2, 100-3) so that the deck panel (40) is moved from the third vertical position to the second vertical position.

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12 using an arrangement according to any of claims 3-5, further comprising, after the at least three mobile lifting apparatuses (100-1, 100-2, 100-3) have been moved (302) to a position immediately below a respective predetermined area of the deck panel (40),114260PC23moving (303) the lower end (140a) of the telescopic column (140) of each mobile lifting apparatus (100-1, 100-2, 100-3) vertically downwards towards the fixed deck (20) until the lower end of the telescopic column (140) braces against the fixed deck (20).

14. Method according to any of claims 11-13, further comprising, after the support (130) of the respective mobile lifting apparatus bears against the deck panel (40), and when detecting that any of the mobile lifting apparatuses bears against a non-correct position of the deck panel,triggering adjustment (306) of the position of the any of the mobile lifting apparatuses so that the support (130) of each mobile lifting apparatus bears against a correct position of the deck panel.

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