EP2855252B1 - System for launching and retrieving submarine vehicles, in particular towed submarine vehicles - Google Patents

Description

The invention is in the naval field and relates more specifically to handling systems and lifting mounted on ships, allowing the launching and recovery of marine gear or submarine from these vessels, the gear considered being both towed gear and autonomous gear, the latter then being provided with a temporary link during the launching and recovery phases.

The invention relates more particularly to a system according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a system is known from the document US 7,712,429 B1 which represents the closest prior art.

The operations of launching and recovering a marine or submarine craft from a ship otherwise loaded with the transport of this craft, generally involves a critical phase, especially in rough sea, which concerns the passage of the state. totally emerged where the craft is attached to the handling means used, in the fully submerged state where the craft no longer has any connection with them; and vice versa. Indeed, it is during these critical phases that the swell movements are the most dangerous for the integrity of the machine, the latter being buoyed by the swell while it is in an area of the surface where it is likely to hit hard either the ship's structure, or that of the lifting and handling means.

This is particularly the case for an autonomous machine in the launching or recovery phase, when, the craft being already in the water or in the water, its movements are not yet (or are no longer) completely mastered by the lifting and handling means. This is also the case for a machine towed in the phases where the towing cable keeps it close to the hull of the ship while its movements are not yet (or no longer) completely mastered by the lifting and lifting means. handling.

To limit these risks of collision, there are known solutions, solutions generally implementing means that involve the intervention of human operators.

Thus, with regard to autonomous gear, not towed by the ship, a known solution consists in providing means of securing on the the hull of the machine, for example fixing rings, these fixing means being arranged in such a way that the machine can be lifted while keeping a horizontal position. The launching and the recovery can then, for example, be carried out by means of a winch mounted on a movable gantry placed at the rear of the ship, or a crane, the crane or the crane allowing to position the hoist winch above the recovery area. As a result, the launch and the lift are carried out vertically which limits the possibilities of collision with the ship during the descent or ascent. Alternatively the lifting of the machine can be achieved by placing it in a nacelle type device itself having appropriate fixing points.

This type of solution is applicable, notably independently, to gear towed by the medium but is however not easily applicable to the case of gear towed from the front, insofar as, for obvious reasons of efficiency, it is desired to perform the towing and handling of the machine from a single cable. Handling by means such as those described above using a single cable proves tricky because it is accompanied for the machine a passage from the vertical position to the horizontal position when setting the water and vice versa during recovery. This handling also requires additional operations whose object is, after lifting the machine and positioning above the deck of the ship, to rest the craft flat on the deck of the ship or more generally on a storage area. These operations themselves usually require the intervention of human operators, intervention which is made more delicate and more dangerous by strong sea.

As a result, for the gear towed from the front, the generally preferred solution is to use a handling cable temporarily hung above the center of gravity of the machine.

A solution also used provides a handling based on the establishment of means having an inclined ramp on which the machine slides to reach the surface of the water or to get out and return to the ship. The ramp is generally configured so as to guide the machine in a rectilinear path, which prevents the machine can follow a lateral movement. However, such a ramp is not generally not suitable for use by high seas, lateral movements of the machine may then cause damage to it.

The use of such means advantageously allows the launching and deployment of the craft behind the ship simply by letting the towing cable spin and, conversely, recover the craft aboard the ship simply by winding the cable, on the drum of a winch for example. The launching and recovery of the craft can then be carried out while the ship is in motion, so that the craft, dragged by the ship is naturally positioned in the axis of progression of the this.

Nevertheless, the implementation of such means comprises a critical phase which is between the moment when the machine comes into contact with the ramp and that where it is completely placed on it. Indeed, the passage of the machine from the surface of the water to the ramp involves contacting the nose of the machine with the ramp, the entry into contact may occur, in particular agitated sea, with a certain hardness that can cause damage to the machine but also prevent the recovery of it.

To overcome these difficulties of contact, various solutions have been developed, solutions generally adapted to a given type of gear. These known solutions generally consist in reinforcing the structure of the machine, the nose mainly so that it resists shocks resulting from coming into contact with the end of the ramp. It also consists in implementing means making it possible to minimize these shocks, in particular by configuring the ramp so that its end is situated under the surface of the water so that the floating craft on the surface enters contact with the inclined surface of the ramp and not with its end. Such solutions are nevertheless insufficient in strong sea, the effect of slamming (or "slamming" according to the Anglo-Saxon name) waves being then reinforced by the movement of the ship.

An object of the invention is to provide means for launching and recovering a marine or underwater craft in the safest possible manner, these means can be implemented fully automatically, without intervention or human supervision. An object of the invention is more particularly to propose means adapted to the handling underwater vehicles towed from the front or underwater gear not having means for vertical lifting, but being temporarily connected to traction means, a cable moved by a winch for example, during launching phases and recovery.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a system for carrying out, including in rough seas, the launching and the automatic recovery of marine or submarine equipment from a moving carrier, of the type comprising a ramp. hinged articulated comprising a bottom and edges, first motor means for lowering and raising the ramp and traction means for controlling the slippage of the machine along the ramp when launching and hoist the boat. machine along the ramp during recovery, the ramp having an emerging end, and an end intended to be immersed, the first drive means being able to lower and raise the ramp so that the position of the end intended to being immersed varies between a submerged position where it is immersed in water and an emergent position for which the ramp is in a horizontal position. The axis of rotation of the ramp is located at a distance from the emerged end and the end intended to be submerged. The ramp also comprises buoyancy means configured and arranged on the ramp so that the free end of the ramp floats on the surface or near the surface of the water when the ramp is lowered. The bottom of the articulated ramp has an outer face forming a fairing having a sectional profile in the shape of a V or W so as to minimize the drag and lift forces imposed on the ramp by the movement of the vessel and the vertical dynamic movements caused by waves when its free end is in contact with water. The system further comprises reception and guidance means comprising a reception device configured to receive the end of the machine and stay in contact with the machine during the launching and recovery operations, the reception device being driven with the vehicle by the traction means. The reception device comprises vertical protection elements intended to offer a frontal support to the wings of the vehicle when its end is engaged in the reception device, the frontal support thus realized to contribute to the maintenance of the machine in the axis of the ramp.

Advantageously, the axis of rotation of the ramp is located between the emerging end and the end intended to be immersed.

Advantageously, the edges of the ramp are configured to ensure, together with the fairing of the lower part of the ramp, the buoyancy of the free end of the ramp.

Advantageously, the edges of the ramp are configured to maintain the machine on the ramp and limit roll movements printed on the machine.

Advantageously, the traction means comprising a traction cable driven by traction means.

Advantageously, the system comprises means for deflecting the cable.

Advantageously, the bottom has a slot through which the cable is likely to pass.

Advantageously, the means for deflecting the cable comprise a pulley having a pulley axis coinciding with the axis of rotation of the ramp.

Advantageously, the means for deflecting the cable comprise a cylinder portion having an axis coinciding with the axis of rotation of the ramp.

Advantageously, the receiving and guiding means further comprise motor means configured so as to keep the receiving device in contact with the end of the machine as the latter progresses on the ramp.

Advantageously, the axis of rotation of the ramp is movable in translation relative to the ship between a first position and a second position in front of the first position relative to the ship.

Advantageously, the system comprises damping means on which the portion of the ramp located between the submergible end and the axis of rotation can rest when the ramp occupies the second position.

The device according to the invention thus consists of a recovery system that advantageously makes it possible to limit the relative vertical movements between this system and the underwater vehicle, or marine, while the latter floats on the surface, in particular at the critical moment of the contact between these two entities during the recovery. It allows to put the vehicle into the water automatically from its storage position and then retrieve the machine after use and put it back in its storage position.

The limitation of the vertical relative movements is obtained by means of a tilting ramp articulated in its upstream part and which has means of buoyancy in its rear mean that allow its free end to float to the surface. Furthermore, the streamlined underside of the ramp advantageously limits the impact of the speed of advance of the ship and the striking effects due to waves on the relative positioning of the rear end of the ramp relative to the surface of the beam. water for different sea conditions and speed with respect to water.

• la figure 1, et la figure 1 a, une vue schématique générale d'un exemple de réalisation particulier du système selon l'invention représentant la rampe en position abaissée;
• les figures 2a, 2b, 2c, des vues schématiques partielles, selon différents plans, relatives aux caractéristiques hydrodynamiques de la rampe constituant le dispositif selon l'invention;
• la figure 3, une vue schématique générale d'un exemple de réalisation particulier du système selon l'invention représentant la rampe en position relevée,
• la figure 4 représente schématiquement une vue de côté d'un autre exemple du système selon l'invention dans lequel la rampe est en position abaissée,
• la figure 5 représente schématiquement une vue de côté d'un autre exemple du système selon l'invention dans lequel la rampe est en position abaissée,
• la figure 6 représente schématiquement une vue de dessus du système de la figure 4,
• les figures 7a à 7d, représentent schématiquement un autre exemple du système selon l'invention en vue de côté dans laquelle la rampe est abaissée (7a), en vue de dessus dans laquelle la rampe est abaissée (7b) et dans laquelle la rampe est relevée et en position de stockage (7c en vue de côté et 7d en vue de dessus).

The features and advantages of the invention will be better appreciated through the description which follows, which description presents a particular embodiment example, non-limiting example of the scope of the invention. This description is based on the appended figures which represent:

• the figure 1 , and the figure 1 a , a general schematic view of a particular embodiment of the system according to the invention showing the ramp in the lowered position;
• the Figures 2a, 2b, 2c partial schematic views, in different planes, relating to the hydrodynamic characteristics of the ramp constituting the device according to the invention;
• the figure 3 , a general schematic view of a particular embodiment of the system according to the invention showing the ramp in the raised position,
• the figure 4 schematically represents a side view of another example of the system according to the invention in which the ramp is in position lowered
• the figure 5 schematically represents a side view of another example of the system according to the invention in which the ramp is in the lowered position,
• the figure 6 schematically represents a top view of the system of the figure 4 ,
• the Figures 7a to 7d , schematically represent another example of the system according to the invention in side view in which the ramp is lowered (7a), seen from above in which the ramp is lowered (7b) and in which the ramp is raised and in position of storage (7c in side view and 7d in top view).

In the rest of the text, the terms front, rear, front and back are defined with respect to the ship and more precisely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ship extending from the rear to the front of the ship.

As has been said above, the following description presents several embodiments of the device according to the invention, non-limiting examples of the scope of the invention. These exemplary embodiments have both the essential characteristics of the invention as well as additional features related to the embodiments considered.

• une rampe articulée 11 carénée située de préférence à l'arrière du navire et présentant une première extrémité ou extrémité émergée 111 et une deuxième extrémité ou extrémité libre 112. L'extrémité émergée 111 de la rampe est liée au porteur en laissant au moins libre un degré de rotation autour d'un axe horizontal perpendiculaire à l'axe principal de la rampe de sorte que l'extrémité libre 112, qui est aussi appelée extrémité destinée à être immergée 112, peut être levée ou abaissée à la manière d'un pont levis.

The figure 1 presents a general view of an exemplary system according to the invention. However, the arrangement of the emergent end 111 with respect to the position of the axis of rotation of the ramp x represented on the figure 1 just like on the figure 3 , which will be described later, is not part of the ramp object of the present invention. In this view, the device is mounted on a catamaran-type ship 10, between the two hulls of the latter. As illustrated in this figure, the device according to the invention mainly comprises the following elements:

• a faired hinged ramp 11 preferably located at the rear of the vessel and having a first end or emerged end 111 and a second end or free end 112. The emerging end 111 of the ramp is connected to the carrier leaving at least one degree of rotation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the main axis of the ramp so that the free end 112, which is also called the end intended to be submerged 112, can be raised or lowered in the manner of a drawbridge.

In other words, the ramp 11 is articulated to the ship 10 about an axis of rotation of the ramp x perpendicular to the main axis of the ramp. On the figure 1 the axis of rotation x is located at the emergent end 111.

The axis of rotation of the ramp x is horizontal.

The horizontal plane is defined by the deck plan of the ship. By horizontal axis is meant an axis parallel to the deck of the ship.

• des moyens 12 montés sur la rampe et destinés à favoriser la progression de l'engin le long de la rampe, sous l'action de la traction exercée par le câble (récupération) ou par gravité (mise à l'eau). Ces moyens sont par exemple des rouleaux ou des galets roulants disposés latéralement sur le fond 113 de la rampe et sur lesquels roule l'engin 15.
• des moyens d'accueil et de guidage dont la fonction est d'assurer un alignement de l'engin sur l'axe de la rampe de façon à permettre un glissement ou un roulement correct de l'engin tout au long de son cheminement sur la rampe (en montée ou en descente). Ces moyens comprennent, par exemple, comme illustré sur la figure 1, un dispositif 13 faisant office de chaumard, à l'intérieur duquel passe le câble de traction 14 de l'engin. Cet élément est configuré pour se mouvoir le long de la rampe 11, par exemple sur des rails disposé le long de l'axe longitudinal de celle-ci (non représentés sur les figures 1 et 3 mais représentés sur les figures 4, 7b et 7d).
• des moyens de flottabilité dont le rôle principal est de faire en sorte que l'extrémité libre 112 de la rampe puisse se maintenir naturellement à la surface de l'eau en l'absence de vagues ou pour des vagues de grande longueur d'onde par rapport aux dimensions du système de récupération. Dans l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 1 ces moyens sont constitués par des flotteurs latéraux formant les bords 114 et 115 de la rampe, ainsi que par le fond de la rampe formant la partie carénage. Cependant dans une forme de réalisation alternative ces moyens peuvent consister simplement en des flotteurs 30 fixés sur la rampe 11, sur la partie de la rampe qui est susceptible d'être immergée, comme représenté sur les figures 4, 5, 7a et 7c. ou au niveau de l'extrémité libre 112, ou par toute autre combinaison de moyens appropriés. Les éléments de protection verticaux 131 peuvent également faire partie des moyens de flottabilité. En phase de mise à l'eau ou de remontée de l'engin à bord du navire, l'extrémité 151 de l'engin, solidaire du câble de traction 14, est insérée à l'intérieur de l'élément 13 et reste en contact étroit avec celui-ci, ce qui a pour effet avantageux de maintenir l'axe du véhicule dans l'axe de la rampe 11 pendant sa progression le long de cette dernière.

According to the invention, the ramp 11 has a general shape of slide or gutter with a bottom 113 and edges 114 and 115 whose height is determined in particular according to the size and geometry of the engine 15 manipulated.

• means 12 mounted on the ramp and intended to promote the progression of the machine along the ramp, under the action of the traction exerted by the cable (recovery) or by gravity (launching). These means are for example rollers or rollers arranged laterally on the bottom 113 of the ramp and on which the machine 15 rolls.
• receiving and guiding means whose function is to ensure alignment of the machine on the axis of the ramp so as to allow a proper sliding or rolling of the machine throughout its path on the ramp (uphill or downhill). These means include, for example, as illustrated on the figure 1 , a device 13 acting as a fairlead, inside which passes the traction cable 14 of the machine. This element is configured to move along the ramp 11, for example on rails arranged along the longitudinal axis thereof (not shown in FIGS. figures 1 and 3 but represented on the figures 4 , 7b and 7d ).
• buoyancy means whose main role is to ensure that the free end 112 of the ramp can be naturally maintained on the surface of the water in the absence of waves or for waves of long wavelength by compared to the dimensions of the recovery system. In the exemplary embodiment of the figure 1 these means are constituted by lateral floats forming the edges 114 and 115 of the ramp, and by the bottom of the ramp forming the fairing portion. However, in an alternative embodiment these means may consist simply of floats 30 fixed on the ramp 11, on the portion of the ramp which is capable of being immersed, as shown in FIGS. figures 4 , 5 , 7a and 7c . or at the free end 112, or by any other combination of suitable means. The vertical protection elements 131 may also be part of the buoyancy means. In the launching or raising phase of the craft on board the ship, the end 151 of the craft, secured to the traction cable 14, is inserted inside the element 13 and remains in position. close contact with it, which has the advantageous effect of maintaining the axis of the vehicle in the axis of the ramp 11 during its progression along the latter.

This maintenance is naturally obtained to the extent that the host element 13 is a massive element that its weight tends to descend along the ramp thus opposing the progression of the fish during its ascent and facilitating its descent.

However, in a particular embodiment, the reception and guiding means may also comprise motor means (not present in the example of FIG. figure 1 ) configured such that the receiving element 13 is maintained in contact with the end of the machine 15 as the latter progresses on the ramp 11. These means act for example by exerting some resistance to the progression of the fairlead towards the fixed end of the ramp.

According to the embodiment considered, these motor means may for example consist of an auxiliary winch which pulls the reception device 13 (the fairlead) towards the free end 112 of the ramp 11 (downwards), via a cable returned by a pulley located at the free end of the ramp. Adjusting the tension of the auxiliary winch with respect to the tension generated by the towing winch 16 then makes it possible to maintain active maintenance of the contact between the machine 15 and the fairlead 13 during the ascent of the machine 15 along of the ramp 11, without however hindering the ascent.

Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the machine can be secured to the host element when its end is inserted therein. In this case, the action of motor means becomes less necessary.

Illustrations 2-a, 2-b and 2-c of the figure 2 illustrate an essential characteristic of the invention. Figure 2-a shows a schematic side view of the ramp 11, in a lowered configuration for which the free end 112 is immersed in water. This configuration corresponds to the implementation of the ramp during the launching operations and recovery of the machine 15. Figure 2-b shows for the same configuration (ramp down), a view of the ramp according to a horizontal section plane passing through the axis Δ ₂ presented on the side view 2-a. As for illustration 2-c, it shows a view of the ramp according to a vertical section plane passing through the axis Δ ₁ presented on the side view 2-a and perpendicular to the axis of the ramp 11.

According to this characteristic, the bottom 113 of the articulated ramp 11 comprises an outer face 21 intended to come into contact with the surface of the water, which forms a fairing whose sectional profile is defined, as illustrated by the views 2 b and 2-c, so as to minimize, when the free end of the ramp is in contact with the water (lowered ramp) in accordance with the schematic view 2-a, the drag and lift forces caused by the speed of advance of the ship on the one hand and to minimize the knocking effect caused by the waves on the other hand. In other words, the profile of the outer face 21 of the bottom 113 of the ramp 11 is defined so as to act in the manner of a breakwater to break the wave front likely to collide with the ramp 11, due to in particular the movement of the ship 10, before they reach the free end 112 of the ramp, and cause, at the rate of passage of the waves under the ramp 11, a sudden variation in the vertical position of the end free 112 of the ramp 111 relative to the surface of the surrounding water. This sudden variation would result in particular, in the absence of any compensation, by an uncontrolled variation of the vertical position of the end 112 of the ramp 11 relative to that of the end 151 of the machine 15, which may cause damage to the latter if it occurs as it approaches the ramp.

In a particular embodiment, illustrated by the figure 2 , the outer face 21 of the bottom 113 of the ramp 11 forms a fairing with a sectional section in the form of "V". In an alternative embodiment this face 21 forms a fairing with a sectional profile in the shape of "W".

• la remontée dynamique de l'extrémité libre 112 de la rampe 11 au-dessus de la surface (effet de surf) lié à la résistance de la rampe à l'avance du navire et à la portance de la rampe: ce phénomène, consécutif à la vitesse du navire, est de nature à rendre difficile une entrée en contact sans heurt de l'extrémité de l'engin 15 dans le chaumard 13 en particulier lors des opérations de récupération de l'engin 15;
• les mouvements dynamiques verticaux, brusques, suivis par l'extrémité libre 112 de la rampe 11 consécutifs notamment à l'effet de tossage provoqué par les vagues en particulier en présence de vagues courtes (effet conjugué d'une déflexion de l'eau et d'un rappel hydrostatique important), mouvement qui est également de nature à rendre difficile une entrée en contact sans heurt de l'extrémité de l'engin 15 dans le chaumard 13 en particulier lors des opérations de récupération de l'engin 15 et qui peuvent avoir pour effet complémentaire de faire sursauter l'engin alors qu'il est installé sur la rampe et d'engendrer des heurts contre le fond de la rampe pouvant l'endommager.

Advantageously, the implementation of a ramp 11 equipped with buoyancy means which act mainly on the free end 112 of the ramp so as to maintain it at a given position relative to the surface of the water, surface or slightly immersed for example, and whose lower face 21 has the sectional profile defined above, can minimize two important effects:

• the dynamic rise of the free end 112 of the ramp 11 above the surface (surf effect) related to the resistance of the ramp in advance of the vessel and the lift of the ramp: this phenomenon, consecutive to the speed of the ship, is likely to make it difficult to come into smooth contact with the end of the machine 15 in the fairlead 13 in particular during recovery operations of the machine 15;
• vertical dynamic movements, abrupt, followed by the free end 112 of the ramp 11 consecutive including the effect of knocking caused by the waves especially in the presence of short waves (combined effect of a deflection of water and water). an important hydrostatic booster), a movement which is also likely to make it difficult to come into smooth contact with the end of the machine 15 in the fairlead 13, in particular during the recovery operations of the machine 15 and which may have the additional effect of causing the machine to jump when it is installed on the ramp and cause clashes against the bottom of the ramp may damage it.

The minimization of these two effects, obtained by the implementation of the invention, thus represents an essential factor for limiting the opportunities for significant shocks between the machine 15 and the ramp 11, especially during the phase where the machine is getting closer. of the ramp and where its end, towed by the cable, is about to enter the fairlead 13 to settle on the ramp 11 and during the phases where the machine slides along the ramp. This factor is particularly essential insofar as the launching and recovery of the craft are performed while, so as to ensure good overall stability, the ship is kept in motion.

These two complementary means, buoyancy means and fairing of the outer face of the ramp, thus advantageously provide stable vertical positioning with respect to the surface of the rear end 112 of the ramp 11 and consequently of the receiving device 13, especially during the critical phase where the craft approaches the ship 10 to settle on the ramp.

Thus, thanks to the essential characteristics described in the foregoing text, the device according to the invention makes it possible to safely recover an underwater vehicle, or marine, while the ship in charge of the recovery is advancing with a non-zero speed. by formed sea.

The fact that the device is designed to be implemented from a moving ship, advantageously allows this vessel to be more manoeuvrable and limits the amplitude of its movements under the action of the movements of the sea. following, the use of a favorable course facing or back to the swell can greatly limit the roll movements. The forward speed of the carrier vessel 10 furthermore makes it possible, as said above, to stabilize more easily the positioning of the machine 15 in the axis of the ramp 11.

The device according to the invention also has the advantage of being able to be installed on a wide variety of vessels with different tonnages and shapes. It may also, depending on the application in question, include in addition to the essential characteristics described above, complementary elements allowing for example to facilitate its implementation in the operational context considered.

In the example of implementation of the figure 1 , the device according to the invention is for example placed between the two hulls of a catamaran type ship, preferably towards the rear of the ship. The machine 15 considered here is a towed underwater vehicle with wings 151 providing a depressant function. The size and constitution of these fins also makes them relatively fragile. The vehicle 15 is here towed by means of a towing cable 14, an electrotractor cable, for example; being able to be rolled up and unrolled by means of traction means 16, 161 comprising a winch of towing 16 shown on the Figures 4 to 7 . The system includes means 20 for deflecting the cable.

The system also comprises means 20 for deflecting the cable from the traction means 16, 161 by limiting its transverse movement. The traction means 16, 161 apply, on the cable, a tensile force in a predetermined direction of traction

Moreover, the device 13 (fairlead) locally and simultaneously provides the functions of the means 161 and 20. In accordance with what has been explained above, the device presented comprises the essential constituent elements described above and in particular a narrow ramp 11 whose width corresponds to substantially to the section of the body of the machine, associated with buoyancy means whose action is essentially applied to the free end of the ramp and to receiving and guiding means constituted by the device 13. Similarly , the outer face 21 of the bottom 113 forms a fairing. Advantageously, the ramp has a streamlined shape, shaped "V" or shaped "W". This streamlined form is advantageously narrow.

The careen form of the outer face 21 is by nature an aerodynamic shape.

On the figure 1 , the ramp 11 is mounted on the ship by means of fastening means 17 allowing it to pivot relative to the ship about an axis of rotation x horizontal perpendicular to the main axis of the ramp and also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ship. The fastening means 17 are mounted on the end 111 of the ramp facing towards the front of the ship 10, which allows the end 112 of the ramp directed towards the rear to be free with respect to the movements of pitch of the carrier ship.

Moreover, with regard to the reception and guiding means, the device (the fairlead) 13 comprises, in this example, vertical protection elements 131 on which the wings 151 of the machine rest when its end is engaged in the guide element 13, the support thus produced making it possible to contribute to the maintenance of the machine 15 in the axis of the ramp 11.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated by the figure 1 , the device according to the invention also comprises lifting means for raising the free end 112 of the ramp 11 in the event of non-use of the device, outside the launching and recovery periods of the machine in particular, and to bring the ramp 11 and, where appropriate, the machine 15 in a horizontal storage position, illustrated by the figure 3 , above the surface of the water.

These additional means of lifting may consist, as illustrated by figure 1 , in a winch 18 which synchronously winds and unwinds two cables 181 and 182. The cables 181 and 182 are returned by pulleys placed on a gantry 19 and are fixed on each side of the ramp 11, preferably close to the free end 112. The upper position of the ramp is for example determined by a system of stops positioned on the gantry. The low position is not identified by a locking stop because the ramp is desired floating.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the edges 114 and 115 of the ramp 11, in addition to being configured to ensure the buoyancy of the free end 112 of the ramp 11, are also configured to form support elements. longitudinal semi-rigid. The thickness of the edges is then adapted to the dimensions of the machine 15 considered, so that when this machine is installed on the ramp 11, its body rests on the means 12 while its wings 151 rest on the edges 114 and 115 on which they slide.

It should be noted that although the stability of the vertical position of the rear end 112 of the ramp with respect to the surface of the water is normally ensured, by optimizing the hydrostatic (mass, volume) and hydrodynamic properties of the ramp. by the presence of the buoyancy means and by the sectional profile of the hull formed by the bottom 113 of the ramp 11, it is nevertheless possible, for certain particular applications, to complete the action of these means by controlling the position in the vertical plane of the free end 112 of the ramp using complementary means, for example cylinders, or by using lifting means capable of performing this servo-control, these means being able to be those used to raise the ramp and keep it in the raised position.

From an operational point of view, the device according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to carry out the operations of launching and recovering marine gear, or submarines, particularly towed gear, without intervention. human for mooring or handling is necessary.

Thus, to recover a machine after use, it is sufficient to lower the free end of the ramp 11, initially in a horizontal position, by actuating the motor 18 of the lifting means.

The ramp 11 thus lowered advantageously ensures, thanks to the means ensuring the buoyancy of its free end 112 and to its fairing, the holding in position of the reception and guiding means, and in particular of the entry of the device 13 (fairlead) , at the level of the surface of the sea whatever the height of the waves. The fairlead 13 thus follows the surface of the water as well as the towed craft 15 which floats on the surface.

As a result, the machine 15 can be towed to a position where it comes into contact with the fairlead 13 while these two elements are positioned substantially at the same height. In this way, the end of the machine 15 can fit into the fairlead 13 with a minimal risk of violent frontal and vertical shock.

The end of the machine 15 is then inserted into the device 13, the movement of the vessel 10 has the effect of driving the machine to position, inertia, along the longitudinal axis of the ramp 11. Moreover , as in the embodiment of the figure 1 , the device 13 is equipped with vertical protection elements 131 bringing the wings 151 of the machine 15 into contact with these vertical elements 151 promotes the refocusing of the machine 15 in the axis of the ramp 11 at the moment of contact With the device 13, the presence of these vertical elements makes it possible moreover to limit the movements of yaw, yaw and yaw of the machine 15 when the contact is established completely with the device 13.

A correct positioning of the machine vis-à-vis the ramp then being ensured, the actual ascent of the vehicle 15 on the ramp 11 can thus be performed by continuing to actuate the towing winch 16, the movement of the Apparatus 15 causing that of the fairlead 13 through which the towing cable 14 passes and in which its end 15 is inserted while the wings 151 of the machine 15 take a frontal support.

The assembly thus rises along the ramp, by sliding or rolling on it, towards the fixed end 111, the receiving element 131 being kept in contact with the end of the machine by the means engines previously described

As a result, as the machine moves up and out of the water, the contact between the machine 15 and the ramp 11 becomes narrower. The ramp 11 gets heavier so that it sinks into the water and tilts. The clashes between the machine and the ramp are then attenuated, particularly because of the steep inclination of the ramp following the weight of the machine. Furthermore, the support of the wings 151 on the edges 114 and 115 of the ramp makes it possible to limit the possible roll of the vehicle during this ascent. The pitch of the vehicle is progressively attenuated until it becomes zero when the buoyancy is insufficient to lift the vehicle relative to the ramp 11. The machine 15 is then fully supported on the ramp 11 and his six degrees of freedom are mastered.

It should be noted that in a particular embodiment, adapted to a high-sea operation generating relative vertical accelerations of more than 1 g, the device according to the invention may comprise a complementary means, a rigid arm for example, allowing immobilize the machine relative to the docking device 13 and therefore with respect to the ramp.

According to the invention, since the machine 15 rests entirely on the ramp 11, it is possible to return the ramp 11 in the horizontal position using the lifting means.

As a result the machine 15 being placed stably on the ramp 11, it is possible by adopting a so-called "transit" configuration, illustrated by the figure 3 , in carrying out the transport leaving it stored on the ramp 11. In this configuration complementary fastening means 1011, for maintaining the machine 15 plated on the ramp 11, are implemented. In this way, the device according to the invention and the vehicle can undergo without damage vertical accelerations of several g.

Alternatively, to the extent that appropriate handling means are available on board the ship, the craft can from this stable position be detached from the towing cable 14 and placed on an area dedicated storage. In this case, the action of the lifting means during the transit phases is limited to ensuring the maintenance of the ramp in the raised position.

From an operational point of view, the launching maneuver of the machine is a reverse maneuver from that of recovery.

Thus, during this maneuver, the machine 15 being positioned on the ramp 11, it is lowered, the lifting means ensuring a controlled descent of the free end 112 of the ramp 11 to the surface of the water. Once the free end 112 has fully descended, the free part of the ramp 11, still equipped with the towed vehicle 15, floats by sinking slightly below the surface of the water at its rear end 112. As a result the towing winch 16 is actuated so as to release the craft 15 which slides along the ramp 11 under the action of its own weight, or in the alternative embodiment described above, under the action motor means which act on the receiving device 13 until completely leaving the ramp 11, the end of the machine 15 and the fairlead 13 then being separated.

During the release phase of the machine, the lifting means are preferably maintained in tension so as to prevent the lifting cables 181 and 182 being relaxed from having a "slack", that is to say a loosening , detrimental to the proper execution of the operation.

On the Figures 4 to 7 other exemplary embodiments of the system according to the invention are shown. In these examples, the ramp is installed on a ship 10 which is, this time, monocoque. The elements and means described above can be integrated into the examples of Figures 4 to 7 with the exception of the arrangement of the end 111 relative to the ship and more particularly with respect to the axis of rotation of the ramp x. Certain elements such as the means 12, 1011 have however not been represented on these Figures 4 to 7 to clarify more.

On the figure 4 , the axis of rotation of the ramp x with respect to the ship 10 is located at a distance from the emerged end 111. On the realization of the figure 4 , the axis x is more particularly located between the end intended to be immersed 112 and the emerged end 111 of the ramp 11. In other words, the axis of rotation x is located between the two ends 111, 112, at a distance from these two ends 111, 112. This characteristic is also reproduced on the figures 5 , 6 and 7a to 7d . It makes it possible to bring the center of gravity of the ramp closer to its axis of rotation x, which makes it easier to lift and lower the boom.

In this example, the ramp 11 is provided with floats 30 fixed on the edges 114 and 115.

In the example of the figure 4 , as in the previous example, the system comprises means for deflecting the cable. These means are arranged so as to return the traction cable 14, and more particularly the part of the cable 14 situated between the means for deflecting the cable and the machine 15, in a direction different from that situated between the traction means 16, 161 and these means for deflecting the cable. These means for deflecting the cable thus play the role of deflector for the cable.

In this example the means for deflecting the cable comprises a pulley 200 to deflect the traction cable 14 when it bears on the pulley. The circular shape of the pulley makes it possible to ensure a circular inflection of the cable. The radius of the pulley is chosen so as to ensure a circular inflection of the cable radius sufficient to not damage the cable and in particular its internal conductors son. The pulley is arranged so that its axis, called the axis of the pulley, coincides with the axis of rotation x of the ramp.

In the example shown in figure 1 , the means for deflecting the cable comprise a cylinder portion 20 on which the cable 14 is able to slide. The cylinder portion 20 is advantageously a cylinder portion having an opening angle of less than 360 °.

The cylinder portion 20 is arranged so that its axis coincides with the axis of rotation x of the ramp. The cylinder portion is fixed, either relative to the ship or relative to the ramp. In the example represented by the figure 1 , the cylinder 20 is integral with the ramp and rotatable relative to the vessel about the axis of rotation x.

It is also possible to install this type of cylinder portion 20 on the embodiment of the figure 4 , or one of the embodiments shown below, in place of the pulley 200.

The fact that the axis of the pulley 200 or the portion of the cylinder 20 coincides with the axis of rotation of the ramp x makes it possible to make the movements of the ramp insensitive to the tension of the towing cable 14. explains by the fact that the force F exerted by the traction cable 14 on the support means 20 or 200, resulting from the tension of the cable, passes through the axis of the pulley or the cylinder portion. This effort therefore, in these two examples, by the axis of rotation of the ramp x and this regardless of the inclination of the ramp.

On the figure 5 is schematically shown in side view an example of a system in which the ramp 11 is, just as on the figure 4 , related to the ship so that the axis of rotation x is fixed relative to the ship by means of fastening means 171. In this example the means for deflecting the cable comprises a pulley 200. The pulley 200 is positioned on the ramp 11 so that the pulley axis p is located at a distance from the axis of rotation x of the ramp. More specifically, in this example the pulley 200 is mounted at the emerged end 111 of the ramp.

On the figures 4 and 5 for the sake of clarity, the lifting means for raising and lowering the end 112 of the ramp are not shown. These motor means are conventional means for the skilled person. It can be lifting means as described above. It is also possible to use lifting means comprising, as visible on the figures 7a and 7b , a hoisting winch 18 capable of synchronously winding and unwinding two cables 181 and 182. The lifting cables 181, 182 are fixed at the emergent end 111 of the ramp. On the example of Figures 7a to 7b the hoisting ropes 181, 182 are attached to each side of the notch 116 at the edges 114, 115. This arrangement is more suitable for monohull vessels. In this embodiment, the winch 18 is installed in front of the ramp 11.

On the figure 6 , shown in plan view the ramp 11 of the figure 4 . In this figure, we see that the ramp 11 has a general shape of slide or gutter with a bottom 113 and edges 114 and 115 whose height is determined in particular according to the size and geometry of the machine manipulated 15 The bottom 113 has a slot 116 in which is inserted the pulley 200. The pulley 200 is articulated to the ramp 11 about the axis of rotation x.

The slot 116 is arranged so that the portion of the cable 14 located between the traction means 16, 161 and the pulley 200 can pass through the slot. The slot 116 thus allows the traction cable 14 to reach the pulley 200 without deflection between the traction means of the wire 16, 161 and the pulley 200 that the ramp is inclined relative to the horizontal (position lowered) or that it is in the raised position (that is to say, it extends parallel to the horizontal plane.) This slot 116 is advantageously present in the embodiment of the Figures 7a to 7d .

On the other hand, the bottom 113 has, as shown on the Figures 2a to 2c , a continuous outer face 21 ducted as described above, on the part of the ramp 11 which is likely to be immersed. This is the part behind the pulley 200.

On the Figures 7a to 7d another example of a system according to the invention is shown diagrammatically. It differs from that of the figure 4 in that the axis of rotation x of the ramp 11 with respect to the ship 10 is movable in translation with respect to the ship in a horizontal direction d. In this way, the axis of rotation x is movable in translation relative to the ship between a first position shown on the figures 7a and 7b and a second position in front of the first position on the deck of the ship.

In this example, the system according to the invention comprises displacement means 201 for moving the ramp relative to the ship in a horizontal translation direction d between its first and second position. This direction d is advantageously located in a plane parallel to the main axis of the ramp.

Advantageously, the displacement means 201 are arranged so that when the axis of rotation of the ramp occupies its second position, the end 112 does not protrude at the rear of the ship. This protects the ramp during transport thereof by means of the ship 10. The displacement means 201 here comprise a carriage 202 and rails 203.

On the example of Figures 7a to 7d , the ramp is articulated to a carriage around the axis of rotation of the ramp. The carriage 202 is movable in translation relative to the ship in the direction of translation d between a first position and a second position in front of the first position on the deck of the ship. More particularly, the carriage is movable along the guide rails 203 extending in the direction of translation d.

On the figures 7a and 7b , the ramp 11 is in the lowered position and the end 112 is immersed. The machine 15 is in the water, is pulled by the traction cable 14 and is in contact with the receiving device 13 which is disposed at the end 112 of the ramp. The carriage 202 occupies its first position in which the axis of rotation of the ramp x occupies its first position at the rear of the deck of the ship.

On the Figure 7c and 7d , the ramp is in the raised position, the machine 15 has been hoisted on the ramp. Furthermore, the carriage 202 occupies its second position in which the axis of rotation of the ramp x occupies its second position in front of its first position on the deck of the ship 10. It is said that the ramp occupies its storage position.

Advantageously, the device according to the invention comprises damping means 204 arranged so that the part of the ramp located between its axis of rotation and the end 112 rests on these damping means when the carriage occupies its second position. This avoids the deterioration of the ramp and to ensure better stability of the ramp, when in the raised position.

Claims (12)

1. System for carrying out, including in the event of rough seas, the launch and automatic recovery of a seaborne or underwater craft (15) from a moving carrier ship (10), of the type comprising an inclinable articulated ramp (11) comprising a base (113) and edges (114, 115), first drive means (18, 181, 182) for lowering and raising the ramp and traction means (14, 16) which allow control of the sliding of the craft (15) along the ramp (11) during the launch and raising of the craft (15) along the ramp (11) during the recovery, the ramp (11) having an end (111) above water and an end which is intended to be immersed (112), the first drive means being capable of lowering and raising the ramp so that the position of the end intended to be immersed varies between an immersed position, in which it is introduced into the water, and a position above water, for which the ramp is located in a horizontal position, characterised in that the rotation axis (x) of the ramp is located remote from the end (111) above water and the end (112) which is intended to be immersed, in that the ramp (11) also comprises buoyancy means which are configured and arranged on the ramp in such a manner that the free end of the ramp floats at the surface or near the surface of the water when the ramp is lowered, and in that the base (113) of the articulated ramp (11) has an outer face (21) forming a fairing having a sectional profile of V-like or W-like form, the system comprising receiving and guiding means comprising a receiving device (13) which is configured to receive the end of the craft (15) and to remain in contact with the craft (15) during the launch and recovery operations, the receiving device being carried with the craft (15) by the traction means, the system further comprising vertical protection elements (131) which are intended to provide frontal support for wings (151) of the craft when the end thereof is engaged in the receiving device (13), the frontal support produced in this manner allowing a contribution to the maintenance of the craft (15) in the axis of the ramp (11).
2. System according to claim 1, wherein the rotation axis (x) of the ramp is located between the end (111) above water and the end (112) intended to be immersed.
3. System according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterised in that the edges (114, 115) of the ramp (11) are configured in order to ensure, together with the fairing of the lower portion of the ramp, the buoyancy of the free end (112) of the ramp.
4. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the edges (114, 115) of the ramp (11) are configured to ensure the retention of the craft (15) on the ramp and to limit the rolling movements transmitted to the craft (15).
5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the traction means comprise a traction cable (14) which is carried by traction means (16, 161).
6. System according to the preceding claim, comprising means for redirecting the cable (14).
7. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the base has a slot (116), through which the cable (14) is capable of extending.
8. System according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the means for redirecting the cable (14) comprise a pulley (200) which has a pulley axis (p) which is aligned with the rotation axis of the ramp (11).
9. System according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the means for redirecting the cable comprise a cylindrical portion (20) which has an axis aligned with the rotation axis (x) of the ramp.
10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the receiving and guiding means further comprise drive means which are configured so as to maintain the receiving device (13) in contact with the end of the craft (15) as long as the craft moves over the ramp (11).
11. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation axis of the ramp (x) can be moved in translation in relation to the ship (10) between a first position and a second position which is located in front of the first position relative to the craft.
12. System according to the preceding claim, comprising damping means (204) on which the portion of the ramp located between the end (112) capable of being immersed and the rotation axis (113) can rest when the ramp occupies the second position.

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