EP3725663B1 - Hatch cover and method for configuring a hatch cover - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to hatch covers which are used for various cargo ships. Hatch covers, also known as hold hatches, are required on inland waterway vessels and, for example, on bulk carriers/bulk carriers, etc., to protect the cargo from external environmental influences, such as the ingress of water. The invention also relates to a method of configuring a hatch cover.

Traditionally, hatch covers made of high-strength steel are welded together from many individual components.

For example, bulk carriers mainly transport dry cargo in bulk. This cargo must be protected from water by the hatch covers. The hatch covers serve only as a structural weatherproof barrier and are not required to bear any loads other than environmental stress.

• Lukendeckel auf Rollen die seitlich verfahren werden, um die Luken zu öffnen (engl. Side Roll Hatch Cover),
• faltbare Lukendeckel, die durch hydraulische Zylinder aufgeklappt werden (engl. Folding Hatch Cover),
• Lukendeckel die an einer Seite des Schiffes hintereinander aufgeschoben werden (engl. Single Pull Hatch Cover).

There are different types of hatch covers, such as:

• Hatch covers on rollers that are moved sideways to open the hatches (Side Roll Hatch Cover),
• foldable hatch covers, which are opened by hydraulic cylinders (English Folding Hatch Cover),
• Hatch covers that are pushed one behind the other on one side of the ship (single pull hatch cover).

Previous hatch covers are box constructions in a lattice structure made of high-strength steel in order to ensure sufficient strength on the one hand. The hatch covers are subject to various loads constant opening and closing, exposed to water on deck due to the sea state, due to stresses in the edges of the opening due to bending and torsion of the hull. Corrosion protection (rust) is also a challenge for the steel hatch covers in the maritime environment, maintenance and repair work arises. Another problem is that the steel hatch covers are heavy, making them difficult to handle. Necessary aids, such as a hatch crane, also increase the weight of the superstructure, which means that less cargo can be bunkered. Efforts are therefore being made to replace these steel hatch covers with lighter constructions.

WO 2011020999 A2 discloses a hatch cover consisting of a plurality of prefabricated sandwich panels with upper and lower outer panels (face panels) of steel or aluminum welded to a frame. The core is made of plastic or polymeric material (preferably a thermoset solid elastomer such as polyurethane) bonded to the sandwich panels. The core may also contain multiple cavities into which a main core layer may be injected.

In EP 2500258 A2 a combined deck hatch for covering a cargo hold of a ship is disclosed, which comprises a supporting beam with a contact surface and a plastic plate which can be connected to the supporting beam via the contact surface. The opening to the hold is provided with a number of support beams which are spaced from each other. The plastic plates are placed in between. In this way, a composite deck hatch is realized with a combination of support beam and plastic panel.

A problem for these lightweight hatch covers is the constant opening and closing of the same for loading and unloading, the twisting of the hatch cover due to torsion and bending of the ship's hull at sea as well as the exposure to water on deck, which leads to damage to these hatch covers in a short time.

In the publication CN 2485220 Y shows an unsinkable boat cover for small boats, which receives additional buoyancy from a hollow area enclosed by glass fiber reinforced plastic (or light metal). The boat covers are designed to cover containers located on the boat. Due to their construction, these are not suitable as hatch covers for bulk carriers.

WO 2015001776 A1 discloses a fiber reinforced plastics hatch cover consisting of a deck body having two inclined sections connected by a central flat section. The deck body is provided with a skirt which is provided with a support portion for supporting the hatch cover on a ship's hatch coaming. Two hatch covers are used together to cover a ship's hatch.

US 3730128A discloses an arcuate cover for barges and the like formed of a relatively lightweight material. The barge cover includes a pair of joined elements with the connection being frictional. In particular, the installation of the cover on the hatch coaming of the barge is shown. A frame around the cover is not disclosed.

Presentation of the invention

The invention is based on the object, in addition to protecting the load from environmental influences, corrosion-free, temperature-resistant hatch covers with high strength and stability. The hatch covers should not be plastically deformable, should adapt to the torsional movements of the hatch coaming in transit and only require less assembly and maintenance effort.

Furthermore, it is the task that these hatch covers have a flexible, modular design from a few standardized components and can be used for new ships or for the re-equipment of ships in use (retrofitting), with a finished hatch cover having specific shapes and/or dimensions can be cropped.

The object is solved with the features of the main claim and the secondary claim, with the subclaims describing further configurations.

The hatch cover for a ship according to the invention comprises a plurality of hatch cover modules made of a fiber composite material which are connected to at least one frame. At least two hatch cover modules are available in a number of standardized dimensions. At least two hatch cover modules are frictionally connected to one another as a detachable unit. This unit is surrounded by the frame and positively connected to the frame.

For one embodiment, a hatch cover module consists of a square sandwich panel provided with downwardly directed flanges on its long and short sides.

For a further embodiment, the flanges of the hatch cover module have a plurality of drilled holes which are arranged in a corresponding manner with the drilled holes of the adjacent hatch cover modules. The hatch cover modules are positively connected to one another with the aid of connecting means such as screws or bolts.

For a further embodiment, flat profiles are inserted between the hatch cover modules to increase the rigidity of the connection. These flat profiles are also positively connected by means of the connecting means.

For a further embodiment, sealing elements are inserted between the hatch cover modules or the flat profiles have sealing properties.

For a further embodiment, the frame corresponds to the dimensions of conventional hatch covers and has lifting, moving and closing mechanisms as well as devices for connection to the ship.

For another embodiment, the frame is made of steel or composite material.

For a further embodiment, the frame is composed of longitudinal and transverse struts. The longitudinal and transverse struts are connected to one another with a non-positive fit.

For a further embodiment, sealing elements are inserted between the frame and the hatch cover modules. For this purpose, the frame can be provided on its inside with a groove for receiving the sealing elements.

1. a) Definition einer Anzahl von Lukendeckel-Modulen, die in mehreren, standardisierten Abmessungen vorliegen, für eine größtmögliche Abdeckung einer Laderaumöffnung;
2. b) Definition des benötigten Rahmens für ein finales Lukendeckelmaß;
3. c) Berechnung von notwendigen, zwischen den Lukendeckel-Modulen und/oder zwischen den Lukendeckel-Modulen und dem Rahmen einzufügenden Flachprofile und oder dichtenden Elementen;
4. d) Zurverfügungstellung von Längs- und Querstreben für den Rahmen zur direkten Montage um die Lukendeckel-Module oder Zurverfügungstellung des vorgefertigten Rahmens;
5. e) kraftschlüssiges Verbinden der definierten Anzahl von Lukendeckel-Modulen zu einer lösbaren Einheit;
6. f) kraftschlüssiges Verbinden der Einheit von Lukendeckel-Modulen mit den Längs- und Querstreben oder dem vorgefertigten Rahmen.

The method according to the invention for configuring and dimensioning a hatch cover, which contains a plurality of hatch cover modules which are connected to at least one frame, takes place with the following steps:

1. a) Definition of a number of hatch cover modules, which are available in several standardized dimensions, for the greatest possible coverage of a cargo hold opening;
2. b) definition of the required framework for a final hatch cover dimension;
3. c) Calculation of necessary flat profiles and/or sealing elements to be inserted between the hatch cover modules and/or between the hatch cover modules and the frame;
4. d) providing longitudinal and transverse frame braces for direct assembly around the hatch cover modules or providing the prefabricated frame;
5. e) non-positive connection of the defined number of hatch cover modules to form a detachable unit;
6. f) non-positive connection of the unit of hatch cover modules with the longitudinal and transverse struts or the prefabricated frame.

A further step is that the lifting, moving and closing mechanisms required for the hatch cover and adapted to the respective ship are installed.

The invention combines the possibility of weight reduction through the composite materials with the lower costs and time involved in repairing (also possible on board) the hatch cover system. On the one hand, such a composite material as described has a better service life under maritime conditions (durability and better corrosion resistance in a maritime environment than steel) and it reduces transport costs with the same strength and stability. On the other hand, the production is simplified by the modular design. Many possible ship types can be equipped with the solution according to the invention. If individual hatch cover modules are damaged, they can be replaced or repaired more easily without the construction losing stability.

A further advantage is that with the lighter hatch covers according to the invention the ship can take on more cargo with the same carrying capacity. The lightweight construction achieves a weight reduction compared to a steel construction, which means a reduction in costs, especially in operation. Fuel consumption is lower, so that the transport costs per loading unit are reduced.

implementation of the invention

Figur 1

Teil eines erfindungsgemäßen Lukendeckels in einer ersten Ausführungsform in perspektivischer Darstellung von oben und von unten,

Figur 2

Teil eines erfindungsgemäßen Lukendeckels in einer zweiten Ausführungsform in perspektivischer Darstellung von oben und von unten,

Figur 3

Teil eines erfindungsgemäßen Lukendeckels in einer weiteren Ausführungsform in perspektivischer Darstellung von oben und von unten,

Figur 4

ein erfindungsgemäßer Lukendeckel in einer weiteren Ausführungsform mit Hebeeinrichtungen in perspektivischer Darstellung von oben und von unten,

Figur 5

ein erfindungsgemäßer Lukendeckel in einer weiteren Ausführungsform mit Rollen zum Verfahren des Lukendeckels in perspektivischer Darstellung von oben und von unten,

Figur 6

ein erfindungsgemäßer Lukendeckel in einer weiteren Ausführungsform mit einem hydraulischen System zum Öffnen des Lukendeckels in perspektivischer Darstellung von oben und von unten,

Figur 7

eine Konfiguration eines Lukendeckels mit einem Rahmen aus Längs- und die Querstreben in einer Explosionsdarstellung, und

Figur 8

ein zusammengesetzter Lukendeckel.

The invention is explained using exemplary embodiments. show this

figure 1

Part of a hatch cover according to the invention in a first embodiment in a perspective view from above and below,

figure 2

Part of a hatch cover according to the invention in a second embodiment in a perspective view from above and below,

figure 3

Part of a hatch cover according to the invention in a further embodiment in a perspective view from above and below,

figure 4

a hatch cover according to the invention in a further embodiment with lifting devices in a perspective view from above and below,

figure 5

a hatch cover according to the invention in a further embodiment with rollers for moving the hatch cover in a perspective view from above and from below,

figure 6

a hatch cover according to the invention in a further embodiment with a hydraulic system for opening the hatch cover in a perspective view from above and from below,

figure 7

a configuration of a hatch cover with a frame of longitudinal and the transverse struts in an exploded view, and

figure 8

a composite hatch cover.

A hatch cover according to the invention consists of several components which are assembled. Identical parts of the hatch cover are given the same reference numbers in the different exemplary embodiments Mistake. A hatch cover includes several hatch cover modules 1 and a frame 2, which when put together result in a hatch cover.

As in the prior art, the hatch cover is opened by a lift, roll or tilt movement, by lifting the hatch cover with a crane (lift), by moving the panels on rollers (roll; Fig.4 ) or by folding/folding the panels by hydraulic units (tilt; Fig.5 )

figure 1 shows an essential part of the hatch cover according to the invention in a first embodiment and is viewed in perspective from above and from below. The hatch cover essentially consists of the hatch cover modules 1, which are made of fiber composite material (GRP/CRP) as standardized, prefabricated, flanged sandwich panels. A sandwich construction (core made of plastic, balsa wood or the like) is integrated into the sandwich panel 11 . With the same dimensions (axb), the sandwich plates 11 have the same rigidity as a steel plate. Since the fiber composite material is a significantly softer material than steel, a hatch cover module 1 made from it can withstand larger deformations in the linear-elastic range. The hatch cover modules 1 can be manufactured in several standardized dimensions in order to allow hatch covers of different sizes in an optimized configuration. In this way, hatch covers can be configured for cargo hold openings of different dimensions.

figure 1 shows assembled identical hatch cover modules 1 and figure 2 shows assembled hatch cover modules 1 of different sizes (regarding their dimensions). In both figures, no frame 2 is shown, but this is necessary for a complete hatch cover. A hatch cover module 1 consists of a square sandwich panel 11 which is provided with flanges 12 directed downwards on its long and short sides. The individual hatch cover modules 1 are connected to one another via the flanges 12 . For this purpose, several drill holes are introduced in the flanges 12, which for all Hatch cover modules 1 are arranged correspondingly. The hatch cover modules 1 are connected flush to one another via the boreholes with the aid of connecting means 13, such as bolts, screws or defined corrosion-free bolt clamp connections. To increase the rigidity of the connection, flat profiles 14 can be inserted as so-called inlets between the hatch cover modules 1 . In addition, sealing elements 15, such as sealing lips, can also be inserted at this point, which seal the hatch cover from the outside. Likewise, the flat profiles 14 can also have sealing properties.

In the figures 1 and 2 several hatch cover modules 1 are assembled in an arrangement of 2 x 3 hatch cover modules 1 by way of example. An extension to a 3 x 6 arrangement or larger is also possible, as is the joining together of several hatch cover modules 1 without these following a uniform grid. Due to the differently standardized sizes of the hatch cover modules 1, hatch covers with different dimensions can be put together, as a result of which it is possible to adapt them to the different types of ship without any problems. Thus a hatch cover will consist of a different number of hatch cover modules 1 surrounded by a frame 2 for a given cargo hold opening.

figure 3 shows assembled, identical hatch cover modules 1 in a perspective representation from above and from below without frame 2. The hatch cover modules 1 have a convex surface, whereby an improved supporting effect is achieved. Here, too, the hatch cover modules 1 are connected to one another, as described above.

Another important component of the hatch cover according to the invention is the frame 2, which corresponds to the dimensions of the respective loading space opening and can be composed of several individual parts in the form of longitudinal and transverse struts 21, 22. through the Design of the frame 2 does not require the lifting, moving and closing mechanisms of the hatch cover to be modified when a ship is retrofitted. Known devices for lifting, rolling, tilting, locking and coaming can be used.

figure 4 shows a hatch cover from identical hatch cover modules 1 with such a frame 2 in a perspective view from above and from below. As with conventional hatch covers, the frame 2 is used to connect the hatch cover to the hatch coaming 6 . In this respect, the outer dimensions of the frame 2 correspond to those of a conventional hatch cover and are made of steel or composite material, for example. The frame 2 can be manufactured as a unit or consist of screwed prefabricated elements (longitudinal and transverse struts 21, 22). The corresponding assembled hatch cover modules 1 are inserted into the frame 2 or the frame 2 is assembled around the hatch cover modules 1 around. The frame 2 is also connected to the hatch cover modules 1 via corresponding connecting means 13 . Ideally, the drill holes of the hatch cover modules 1 correspond to the drill holes in the frame 2. Before the assembled hatch cover modules 1 are inserted into the frame 2, sealing elements 15, for example a U-shaped seal, are placed around the outer hatch cover modules 1 laid. In the frame 2 on its inside, a groove can also be incorporated for the seal. This enables an integrated groove-guided seal between the hatch cover modules 1 and the frame 2. On the frame 2 lifting devices 3 are attached, which are required to lift the hatch cover with a crane to open and close the hold. To connect the hatch cover system to the ship, the frame 2 is connected to the hatch coaming 6 (not shown here) as with conventional steel hatch covers.

figure 5 Figure 13 shows a further embodiment of a hatch cover according to the invention with identical hatch cover modules 1 and with a frame 2, wherein rollers 4 for moving the hatch cover to open and close the hold are attached to the frame 2. This laterally movable hatch cover is equipped with standard locking devices for the hatch cover seal (closing system).

figure 6 shows a further embodiment of a hatch cover with identical hatch cover modules 1 and with a frame 2 also in a perspective view from above and from below. The frame 2 is connected to a hydraulic system 5 for unilateral opening and closing of the hatch cover. The hydraulic system 5 is connected to the hatch coaming 6 on the ship.

Different hold openings are provided for different ship types. In order to cover a hold opening of a specific ship, it is important to know its dimensions. The configuration and dimensioning of a hatch cover is particularly important here. Since a hatch cover can be composed of a plurality of hatch cover modules 1 in several standardized dimensions, which are surrounded by a frame 2, the number of necessary hatch cover modules 1 must be defined, i.e. determined, in order to cover the cargo space opening as much as possible to reach. The more hatch cover modules 1 that can be used and the narrower the longitudinal and transverse struts 21, 22 of the frame 2, the lighter the entire hatch cover. Attention must be paid to the necessary strength and stability of the assembled hatch cover so that the hatch cover is not plastically deformable and can adapt to the torsional movements of the hatch coaming 6. The lifting, moving and closing mechanisms required for the hatch cover and adapted to the respective ship are then installed.

figure 7 shows the hatch cover in an exploded view. they are in figure 7 the individual hatch cover modules 1, the flat profiles 14 for reinforcement, the sealing elements 15 and the longitudinal and transverse struts 21, 22 of the frame 2 and the connecting means 13 can be seen. A defined number of hatch cover modules 1, in which figure 7 if, for example, there are six hatch cover modules 1, they are connected to one another as a detachable unit, with the flat profiles 14 being inserted between two flanges 12 of adjacent hatch cover modules 1 for reinforcement and the sealing elements 15 realizing the seal at the top. The arrows pointing downwards are intended to symbolize this. In this exemplary embodiment, the frame 2 required for a final hatch cover dimension consists of longitudinal and transverse struts 21, 22, which are prefabricated. Likewise, a complete frame 2 with the corresponding defined dimensions can also be prefabricated. The longitudinal and transverse struts 21, 22 are joined together around the unit by interconnected hatch cover modules 1 and are non-positively connected to one another and to the hatch cover modules 1 by connecting means 13 (see also figure 8 ). Sealing elements 15 can also be arranged around the unit of interconnected hatch cover modules 1 and thus enable a completely sealed frame 2 .

Since the hatch cover system described in detail above is an exemplary embodiment, it can be modified to a large extent in the usual manner by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the concrete configurations of the hatch cover modules 1 can follow in a different form than that described here if this is necessary for structural reasons. All connecting means 13, distances between the hatch cover modules 1 or between the frame 2 and the hatch cover modules 1 and the sealing elements 14 are standardized. Next excludes the use of the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not mean that the characteristics in question can also be present more than once.

Claims (12)

1. Hatch cover for a ship, having a plurality of hatch-cover modules (1) which consist of a fibre composite material and are connected to at least one frame (2), characterized in that

   at least two hatch-cover modules (1), which are available in a number of standard dimensions, are connected to one another in a force-fitting manner in the form of a releasable unit, and

   in that this unit is enclosed by the frame (2) and is connected to the frame (2) in a force-fitting manner.
2. Hatch cover according to Claim 1, characterized in that
   a hatch-cover module (1) comprises a quadrilateral sandwich panel (11) which is provided with downwardly directed flanges (12) on its longitudinal sides and transverse sides.
3. Hatch cover according to Claim 2, characterized in that
   the flanges (12) of the hatch-cover module (1) have a plurality of drill holes, which are arranged to correspond with the drill holes of the adjacent hatch-cover modules (1), wherein the hatch-cover modules (1) are connected to one another in a force-fitting manner with the aid of connecting means (13) .
4. Hatch cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   flat profiles (14) are introduced between the hatch-cover modules (1) in order to increase the rigidity of the connection.
5. Hatch cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   sealing elements (15) or flat profiles (14) with sealing properties are introduced between the hatch-cover modules (1).
6. Hatch cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   the frame (2) corresponds to the dimensions of conventional hatch covers and has lifting, moving and closing mechanisms and also devices for attachment to the ship.
7. Hatch cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   the frame (2) consists of steel or of composite material.
8. Hatch cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   the frame (2) is made up of longitudinal struts and transverse struts (21, 22), wherein the longitudinal struts and transverse struts (21, 22) are connected to one another in a force-fitting manner.
9. Hatch cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   sealing elements (15) are introduced between the frame (2) and the hatch-cover modules (1).
10. Hatch cover according to Claim 8, characterized in that
    the frame is provided, on its inner side, with a groove for accommodating the sealing elements (15).
11. Method for configuring and dimensioning a hatch cover having a plurality of hatch-cover modules (1) which are connected to at least one frame (2), comprising the following steps:

    a) defining a number of hatch-cover modules (1), which are available in a number of standard dimensions, to ensure the greatest possible covering for a cargo-hold opening;

    b) defining the frame (2) required for a final hatch-cover dimension;

    c) calculating necessary flat profiles (14) and/or sealing elements (15) which are to be introduced between the hatch-cover modules (1) and/or between the hatch-cover modules (1) and the frame (2) ;

    d) providing longitudinal struts and transverse struts (21, 22) for the frame (2) for direct installation around the hatch-cover modules (1), or providing the prefabricated frame (2);

    e) connecting the defined number of hatch-cover modules (1) in a force-fitting manner to form a releasable unit;

    f) connecting the unit made up of hatch-cover modules (1) to the longitudinal struts and transverse struts (21, 22), or to the prefabricated frame (2), in a force-fitting manner.
12. Method according to Claim 11, characterized in that lifting, moving and closing mechanisms which are necessary for the hatch cover, and are adapted to a respective ship, are installed.

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