EP3245123B1 - Device for protecting towed underwater objects from fishing lines - Google Patents

Device for protecting towed underwater objects from fishing lines Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3245123B1
EP3245123B1 EP16700600.6A EP16700600A EP3245123B1 EP 3245123 B1 EP3245123 B1 EP 3245123B1 EP 16700600 A EP16700600 A EP 16700600A EP 3245123 B1 EP3245123 B1 EP 3245123B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
protective device
cable
blade
shape
towed
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EP16700600.6A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3245123A1 (en
Inventor
Michel Ricard
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Thales SA
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Thales SA
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63BSHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/56Towing or pushing equipment
    • B63B21/66Equipment specially adapted for towing underwater objects or vessels, e.g. fairings for tow-cables
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63GOFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
    • B63G8/00Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines; Equipment specially adapted therefor
    • B63G8/42Towed underwater vessels

Definitions

  • the invention generally relates to devices for protecting underwater objects, and in particular devices for protecting submarine objects towed by a tractor surface building against fishing lines that may come into contact with such objects.
  • a towed linear acoustic antenna (also called “flute antenna”) is in the form of a pipe having a very large length (up to a few hundred meters) compared to its small diameter. Such an antenna is towed by a towing cable several hundred meters and is intended to be immersed to deep enough depths in the sea. Linear antennas are for example used to perform for example anti-subtropment control. marine or oil exploration. Generally a towed body (or fish), is attached to the end of the towing cable and is thus towed together with the antenna.
  • the linear antenna is generally made from relatively soft elastic materials, the shock of these elements against the antenna often causes significant damage to the antenna and may also have the effect of damaging the tow cable at its level. anchor. In addition these lines hooked to this place is a risk of over-accident during the ascent of the cable and the antenna through the fairleads.
  • a fishing line cutting device mounted at the end of the cable, has been proposed in the patent FR 2 803 267 to cut the fishing lines coming into the device before they reach a submarine object towed by the cable.
  • a device comprises an elongated blade holder provided with a retractable blade in a slot formed longitudinally and vertically in this blade holder, by rotating about a transverse spring axis located at the rear of this blade holder. It also comprises an elongated U-shaped piece with a rectilinear upper branch and a lower branch ending with a spout deviating from the axis of this part, these two branches delimiting an interior space in which the door is placed. blade to be attached to the upper arm.
  • Such a device can be integrated only at the anchor at the tail of the towing cable to cut the fishing lines that engage in the device, the cut lines then drifting into the sea without coming entangled with the towed object.
  • This device can not be used for other configurations of towed systems. Moreover, this device can not be used directly on a towed linear antenna alone. It also has a footprint such that it can not be used directly on a towed object to be reassembled on the surface building passing through a specific fairlead, in the manner of a cable car, before becoming accessible inside the ship. In case of capture of fishing lines, the latter may therefore either compromise the recovery of the towed object or cause an over-accident (blockage or aggravated damage in the fairlead).
  • the invention improves the situation.
  • a protection device configured to protect a line cutter device mounted on a towed cable by a surface building, the device comprising a blade holder comprising a blade.
  • the blade is formed in the blade holder and is retractable into a slot around a transverse spring axis.
  • the protective device comprises a weighted body of generally hydrodynamic shape defining a transverse opening for the passage of the cable and an interior cavity in which the blade is arranged so as to cut any line engaged in the cavity, the protective device being free rotation around the cable.
  • the protective device may comprise a transverse tube delimiting the transverse opening, the tube being arranged to pivot freely around the towing cable.
  • the internal cavity may delimit an upper part and a lower part, the weighed body being configured to bring the lower part under the cable, under the effect of the hydrodynamic and / or hydrostatic forces exerted on the device protection.
  • the body shape may have a hydrodynamic shape configured to maintain the position of the interior cavity under the cable.
  • the shape of the body may have a hydrodynamic shape configured to allow the passage of the device on a fairlead.
  • the hydrodynamic shape can be further configured so that the device comes to lie on a fairlead, substantially flat and on at least one side, when wound on a winding support.
  • the protective device may be covered with elastic material over a selected thickness of the device.
  • the lower portion may comprise a beak-down extension.
  • the lower part may comprise weight and the upper part of the buoyancy.
  • the axis of the blade can cut the median axis of the cavity of the inner cavity towards the bottom while the blade passes through the lower part via a slot.
  • the protective device may have a generally ellipsoidal shape.
  • the protective device may have a general shape of whistled wing.
  • the protective device may further comprise an anchor ring for locking the translational protection device along the towing cable, while leaving it free to pivot around the cable.
  • the protection device may in particular be arranged at the cable end.
  • the protection device thus makes it possible to adapt the cut-line device to any configuration of the object or the towed system, including a linear antenna towed and towed by itself.
  • Another advantage of the protection device according to the invention is that it allows to reassemble the protection assembly of the cut-line device in assembled mode through a fairlead or a winch, without the need to disassemble to pass in the fairleads or the store on the winch drum.
  • the figure 1 represents an example of an environment in which certain embodiments of the invention may be implemented.
  • Naval vessels (surface vessels or submarines) 2 are generally equipped with objects towed by a towing cable 3 (for example of the electro-tractor type) and intended to be immersed in water, such as an antenna linear towed 1 incorporating acoustic transducers for transmitting and / or receiving acoustic signals in the seabed, with a towed body 4 as shown in part A of the figure 1 or without towed body as shown in Part B of the figure 1 .
  • a linear antenna 1 towed by a building surface 2 as a non-limiting example.
  • a protection assembly 10 is arranged on the cable to protect the object towed by the traction cable 3 against the fishing lines, as shown in the enlarged view C.
  • the figure 2 represents a protection assembly 10 of a towed object 1 against damage caused by fishing lines, according to a first embodiment.
  • the assembly 10 is preferably fixed at the end 5 of the cable 3 which is connected to the surface building 2.
  • the protective device has a generally ellipsoidal body (eg ovoidal).
  • Such a device can be used on any type of towed object and in particular on a simple towed linear antenna.
  • the protection assembly 10 comprises a protection device 100 for protecting a line-cutting device 110, the line-cutting device comprising a cutting blade 111 partially retractable into a slot 114 and arranged in such a way as to cut the lines that engage. in the protection set.
  • the lines thus released then drift into the sea without risk of getting entangled in the towed object 1.
  • the line cutter device 110 may be fixed beforehand on a section of the cable 3, for example by means of the protection device 100.
  • One end of the blade 111 can be fixed rigidly at a first point P1 of the line cutter 110 while the other end is fixed by a pin 113 provided with a spring at a second point P2 of the cutting device. line 110 so that the blade can rotate around the point P2 in the counterclockwise direction when a fishing wire engaged in the protective device is pressed on the blade.
  • the blade 111 may be chosen from a stainless material for better resistance to the marine environment.
  • the blade 111 can be fixed vertically in a blade holder provided in the line-cutting device 110 and provided with a longitudinal and vertical slot 114.
  • the blade can be fixed to the front end of the blade holder 112 at point P1 by a screw 116 and be held at the end P2 of the blade holder 112 by a pin 113 provided with a spring so as to pivot about the axis 113 to come away from the slot 114.
  • the end of the blade 111 can be cut into the shape of a bevel.
  • the line-cutting device 110 may for example be a device of the type described in the patent FR 2 803 267 as shown in figure 2 .
  • the line-breaking device 110 may be integral with a fixing bracket whose axis is perpendicular to the plane of the blade 111, fixed on the upstream part of a towed body and secondly attached to the cable 3 by a strap at the moment of launching.
  • the protective device 100 is in the form of a profiled body and weighed hydrodynamically, and comprises a first axial opening 50 configured to form a passage for the cable 3 on which is mounted the line-cutting device 110.
  • body weighed means a generally neutral buoyant body (buoyancy close to that of water).
  • the protective device delimits an opening 51 (hereinafter referred to as a "throat” or internal cavity) facing the upstream end of the tractive cable 3 in operational mode and intended to direct the fishing lines which engage in it towards the blade 111.
  • the drain 51 is arranged on only a part of the length of the protection device 100 so that the bottom of the drain is closed.
  • the drain 51 is further configured so that the axis D1, defining the median axis corresponding to the general direction of the drain 51, comes cut the axis D2 corresponding to the general direction of the end of the blade 111 at a point A located towards the bottom of the drain 51.
  • the protective device 100 defines on either side of the drain 51 an upper portion 52 through which the cable 3 and a lower portion 53 forming a jaw.
  • the jaw 53 may have a beak-down shape on the front when the protective device is in a stable position so that even in the air under the action of gravitational forces, the jaw 53 does not come into contact with the jaws. hang on the thick lip of the fairlead 9.
  • the protection device is particularly suitable for "simple" towed linear antennas (that is to say in the absence of towed body on which to rely to maintain a correct orientation). Indeed, even in the absence of a towed body, the protective device 100 is able to orient itself freely under the effect of the hydrodynamic and hydrostatic forces acting on the protection device 100.
  • the protective device 100 has a generally ovoid shape, of substantially circular cross section.
  • the protective device 100 can integrate a tube 30 of low friction material, at the opening 50, allowing it to pivot freely around the electrotractor cable 3.
  • the protection device 100 may further comprise an anchored ring 7 , for example in the vicinity of the termination 5 of the cable 3, to let the free device to orient around the axis D0 while maintaining the protection device at a chosen point of the cable (cable end 5 in particular).
  • the locking of the protection device at this position on the cable is particularly useful when passing through fairleads during launching.
  • the protection device 100 may for example consist of two parts 52 and 53 assembled, as shown in the example of FIG. figure 3 corresponding to the embodiment where the protection device 100 has a generally ovoid shape. All of the two parts 52 and 53 have general shapes of half-shell having conjugated mechanical connection means for connecting to one another, such as interlocking connection means and / or screws.
  • the protection device 100 can remain in position on the electro-tractor cable 3. It can only be disassembled during maintenance operations on the line cutter device 110 as for the replacement of the blade 111.
  • the self-steering capacity of the protection assembly 10 is ensured both by a weight, provided in particular in the lower part 53 (jaw) of the protection device 100, and by the buoyancy of the upper part 52.
  • the lower part may comprise a ballast of high density (greater than the density of water) and the upper part may comprise a body of low density (lower than that of water).
  • the lower portion 53 and the upper portion 52 thus exert a static rectification torque.
  • the assembly makes it possible to further improve the stability conferred by its hydrodynamic shapes.
  • the jaw 53 is thus weighted, which makes it possible to hold the drain 51 and the line cutter device 110 under the cable 3 in the water.
  • the trailing edge of the body 10 and the hydrodynamic forces also stabilize the jaw 53 in this position.
  • the device 10 makes it possible to reinforce a stable position in the stream of water thanks to the upper part 52 which has a stable center of drag above the electro-tractor cable 3.
  • the jaw shape of the front of the protection device 100 also makes it possible to maintain a fishing line which would begin to come into contact with the protection device 100 correctly oriented under the effect of the drag of the fishing line and therefore engage correctly in the drain 51 to come into contact with the blade to be cut by it.
  • FIGS 4 and 5 schematically show the flow lines 40 on the two parts 52 and 53 of the protection device 100 when it is immersed in water to illustrate the effect of hydrodynamic forces.
  • the lower part 53 (jaw) has in particular a chosen volume sufficiently small relative to the volume of the upper portion 52 so that the hydrodynamic drag forces support the orientation of the drain 51 under the cable 3 in a stable position, even when the cable section 3 is almost horizontal.
  • the device is similar to the shape of a sperm whale's head, with a voluminous upper part and a long, tapered lower jaw and a smaller thickness.
  • the protective device 100 may in particular be covered with an elastic material over a certain thickness (such as PU for example), in order to better integrate during its storage on the drum of the handling winch, between cable and antenna.
  • an elastic material over a certain thickness (such as PU for example), in order to better integrate during its storage on the drum of the handling winch, between cable and antenna.
  • the figure 6 shows the progression of a fishing line 60 coming into the protection assembly 100.
  • the lines slide along the cable 3 in the direction of the termination 5 and are then fed to the drain 51 located at the end of the cable 5 3.
  • the drain 51 by the path that it draws, then directs the lines to the line cutter 110 which cuts the lines with the blade 111 when the lines come into contact therewith.
  • the cut lines are then released and drift into the sea without damaging the system or the towed object (eg linear acoustic antenna 1).
  • the protection assembly 10 can be assembled on the towing cable 3 before a first immersion of the object in the water and can remain there.
  • the linear antenna 1 can be initially wound on a drum and unrolled for launching the antenna in the water through a fairlead 9 .
  • the protection device 100 is free to turn around the cable 3, in the embodiments where the jaw 51 is narrow, the protection device may have a tendency to lie on its side when passing through the fairlead 9 or to be wound on the drum.
  • the upper body 52 being larger than the jaw 53 so that the fairlead first meets the upper body 52 rather than the jaw 53, in the air, for passage in the fairlead 9.
  • the figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the respective placement of the cable 3, the protection assembly 10 including the line cutter device 110 and a towed object 1 of antenna type on a fairlead 9, when these elements are reassembled on the surface building under assembled form.
  • the protection assembly 10 can be assembled to the cable 3 before the launching of the antenna 1 and can then remain there.
  • the shape of the protective device 100, without major asperity, is adapted to pass through the fairlead of a winch.
  • the linear antenna 1 when the antenna 1 is to be reassembled on the surface building 2, the linear antenna 1 can be wound on a drum by a winch system by passing through the fairlead 9 in the opposite direction to the setting to water, without the need to remove the protective assembly 10 beforehand.
  • the device 10 makes it possible to rid all the fishing lines in tow and therefore also before the recovery of the towed object 1 and its passage in the fairlead.
  • the anchoring ring 7 keeps the device 10 in feet of cable through the fairlead 9 during launching.
  • the protection assembly 10 can thus remain in place on the electro-tractor cable 3 and is compatible with the operations of passage on a fairlead 9 and / or winding / unwinding on a drum. Indeed, its length may be relatively short, its shape is adapted to such a winding and it may be made of non-aggressive materials for the antenna (elastomeric material) which is wound above the cable 3 and below of the antenna 1.
  • the figure 8 is a schematic side view of the protective device mounted on an electro-tractor cable 3, according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • the protective device 100 has a general shape of flexible wing or fairing free to rotate around the cable 3 and includes a leading edge which integrates the jaw 53 and the drain 51 in which is housed the device cut line 110.
  • the material of the protective device can be chosen relatively soft / elastic (for example rubber or synthetic as in PU / PE / PVC / ).
  • the figure 9 is a front view of the protection assembly showing the weight / buoyancy zones as well as hydrodynamic flow flow lines according to the second embodiment.
  • This wing shape can help better hydrodynamic towing control and easier fairway crossing. However, it must be made of flexible material / elastic not to interfere with the winding on the winch.
  • the figure 10 shows the general shape of the protective device 100 according to the second embodiment.
  • the protection device 10 has a wing shape with a trailing edge cut in a whistle configured to cause the device 100 to lie down to pass on the fairlead 9.
  • the figure 11 shows the passage on the fairlead 9 thanks to the self-positioning capacity of the protection device 100.
  • a protective device can be configured to store flat on the drum.
  • the invention thus provides an effective protection solution against fishing lines regardless of the towed system, such as a linear antenna towed without towed body.
  • the invention dispenses with the need to use a hook equipped with a shear to clear the fishing lines outside the ship, before the fairlead from the rear shelf which remains an exposed place.
  • the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of non-limiting example. It encompasses all the embodiments that may be envisaged by those skilled in the art.
  • the invention is not limited to the type of line cutter shown in FIG. figure 2 nor to the forms of the device 100 illustrated on the figures 2 and 8 .
  • the protective device 100 may have an ellipsoidal shape similar to that of the figure 2 but equipped with a flexible crest flexible material reinforced not to tear through the fairleads.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Laying Of Electric Cables Or Lines Outside (AREA)

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

L'invention concerne de manière générale les dispositifs de protection des objets sous-marins, et en particulier des dispositifs de protection des objets sous-marins remorqués par un bâtiment de surface tracteur contre les lignes de pêche qui peuvent venir rencontrer de tels objets.The invention generally relates to devices for protecting underwater objects, and in particular devices for protecting submarine objects towed by a tractor surface building against fishing lines that may come into contact with such objects.

Art antérieurPrior art

Les objets sous-marins remorqués par un bâtiment de surface tracteur, comme par exemple les antennes acoustiques linéaires remorquées, peuvent venir rencontrer des lignes de pêches partiellement immergées. Une antenne acoustique linéaire remorquée (encore appelée « antenne flûte ») se présente sous la forme d'un tuyau ayant une longueur très importante (pouvant aller jusqu'à quelques centaines de mètres) par rapport à son faible diamètre. Une telle antenne est tractée par un câble de remorquage de plusieurs centaines de mètres et est destinée à être immergée jusqu'à des profondeurs assez importantes dans la mer. Les antennes linéaires sont par exemple utilisées pour effectuer par exemple de la lutte anti-sous-marine ou de la prospection pétrolière. Généralement un corps remorqué (ou poisson), est fixé à l'extrémité du câble de remorquage et est donc remorqué en même temps que l'antenne.Underwater objects towed by a tractor surface building, such as towed linear acoustic antennas, may come into contact with partially submerged fishing lines. A towed linear acoustic antenna (also called "flute antenna") is in the form of a pipe having a very large length (up to a few hundred meters) compared to its small diameter. Such an antenna is towed by a towing cable several hundred meters and is intended to be immersed to deep enough depths in the sea. Linear antennas are for example used to perform for example anti-subtropment control. marine or oil exploration. Generally a towed body (or fish), is attached to the end of the towing cable and is thus towed together with the antenna.

Lorsque les opérations de détection se déroulent dans une mer fréquentée par des pêcheurs utilisant des lignes de pêche, il arrive fréquemment que ces lignes de pêche viennent heurter le câble de remorquage, viennent ensuite glisser le long du câble puis se coincer au niveau du point d'ancrage du câble de remorquage avec ou sans corps remorqué. Les lignes de pêches sont alors entraînées par le poisson ou l'ancrage de câble et viennent frapper l'antenne, sous l'effet des tourbillons. Les différents éléments montés sur les lignes de pêche (hameçons, émerillons) peuvent alors endommager l'antenne linéaire.When the detection operations take place in a sea frequented by fishermen using fishing lines, it often happens that these fishing lines hit the towing cable, then slide along the cable and then get stuck at the point d anchoring of tow rope with or without towed body. The fishing lines are then driven by the fish or cable anchor and strike the antenna, under the effect of the eddies. The different elements mounted on fishing lines (hooks, swivels) can then damage the linear antenna.

L'antenne linéaire étant généralement réalisée à partir de matières élastiques relativement molles, le choc de ces éléments contre l'antenne provoque souvent des dommages importants sur l'antenne et peut également avoir pour effet d'abîmer le câble de remorquage au niveau de son point d'ancrage. En outre ces lignes accrochées à cet endroit constituent un risque de sur-accident lors de la remontée du câble et de l'antenne à travers les chaumards.The linear antenna is generally made from relatively soft elastic materials, the shock of these elements against the antenna often causes significant damage to the antenna and may also have the effect of damaging the tow cable at its level. anchor. In addition these lines hooked to this place is a risk of over-accident during the ascent of the cable and the antenna through the fairleads.

Un dispositif de découpe des lignes de pêche, monté en queue de câble, a été proposé dans le brevet FR 2 803 267 pour couper les lignes de pêches venant s'engager dans le dispositif avant qu'elles n'atteignent un objet-sous marin remorqué par le câble. Un tel dispositif comprend un porte lame allongé muni d'une lame escamotable dans une fente ménagée longitudinalement et verticalement dans ce porte lame, en tournant autour d'un axe à ressort transversal situé à l'arrière de ce porte lame. Il comprend également une pièce allongée en forme de U dotée d'une branche supérieure rectiligne et d'une branche inférieure terminée par un bec s'écartant de l'axe cette pièce, ces deux branches délimitant un espace intérieur dans lequel est placé le porte lame pour être fixé au bras supérieur.A fishing line cutting device, mounted at the end of the cable, has been proposed in the patent FR 2 803 267 to cut the fishing lines coming into the device before they reach a submarine object towed by the cable. Such a device comprises an elongated blade holder provided with a retractable blade in a slot formed longitudinally and vertically in this blade holder, by rotating about a transverse spring axis located at the rear of this blade holder. It also comprises an elongated U-shaped piece with a rectilinear upper branch and a lower branch ending with a spout deviating from the axis of this part, these two branches delimiting an interior space in which the door is placed. blade to be attached to the upper arm.

Un tel dispositif ne peut être intégré qu'au niveau de l'ancrage en queue du câble de remorquage pour couper les lignes de pêche qui viennent s'engager dans le dispositif, les lignes coupées dérivant alors dans la mer sans venir s'emmêler avec l'objet remorqué.Such a device can be integrated only at the anchor at the tail of the towing cable to cut the fishing lines that engage in the device, the cut lines then drifting into the sea without coming entangled with the towed object.

Toutefois, une telle solution n'est adaptée qu'à un système de remorquage bien particulier intégrant un corps remorqué récupéré à l'extérieur du bâtiment de surface par un bras du système de mise à l'eau / récupération du bâtiment de surface. Il est d'une part accroché en permanence au nez du corps remorqué par le biais d'un étrier spécifique de l'interface du corps remorqué et d'autre part relié au crochet de terminaison de queue du câble par une sangle. Une telle fixation est mise en oeuvre à chaque déploiement au moment de la connexion du corps remorqué au câble tracteur.However, such a solution is only suitable for a particular towing system integrating a towed body recovered outside the surface building by an arm of the launching system / recovery of the surface building. It is on the one hand permanently attached to the nose of the towed body by means of a specific stirrup of the interface of the towed body and on the other hand connected to the tail end hook of the cable by a strap. Such attachment is implemented at each deployment at the time of connection of the towed body to the towing cable.

Ce dispositif ne peut donc pas être utilisé pour d'autres configurations de systèmes remorqués. Par ailleurs, ce dispositif ne peut pas être utilisé directement sur une antenne linéaire remorquée seule. Il présente en outre un encombrement tel qu'il ne peut pas être utilisé directement sur un objet remorqué destiné à être remonté sur le bâtiment de surface en passant au travers d'un chaumard spécifique, à la manière d'un téléphérique, avant de devenir accessible à l'intérieur du navire. En cas de capture de lignes de pêche, ces dernières peuvent donc soit compromettre la récupération de l'objet remorqué soit engendrer un sur-accident (blocage ou dommage aggravé dans le chaumard).This device can not be used for other configurations of towed systems. Moreover, this device can not be used directly on a towed linear antenna alone. It also has a footprint such that it can not be used directly on a towed object to be reassembled on the surface building passing through a specific fairlead, in the manner of a cable car, before becoming accessible inside the ship. In case of capture of fishing lines, the latter may therefore either compromise the recovery of the towed object or cause an over-accident (blockage or aggravated damage in the fairlead).

Définition générale de l'inventionGeneral definition of the invention

L'invention vient améliorer la situation. A cet effet, elle propose un dispositif de protection configuré pour protéger un dispositif coupe-ligne monté sur un câble tracté par un bâtiment de surface, le dispositif comprenant un porte-lame comprenant une lame. La lame est ménagée dans le porte lame et est escamotable dans une fente autour d'un axe à ressort transversal. Avantageusement, le dispositif de protection comprend un corps pesé de forme générale hydrodynamique délimitant une ouverture transversale pour le passage du câble et une cavité intérieure dans laquelle est aménagée la lame de manière à venir couper toute ligne engagée dans la cavité, le dispositif de protection étant libre de rotation autour du câble.The invention improves the situation. For this purpose, it proposes a protection device configured to protect a line cutter device mounted on a towed cable by a surface building, the device comprising a blade holder comprising a blade. The blade is formed in the blade holder and is retractable into a slot around a transverse spring axis. Advantageously, the protective device comprises a weighted body of generally hydrodynamic shape defining a transverse opening for the passage of the cable and an interior cavity in which the blade is arranged so as to cut any line engaged in the cavity, the protective device being free rotation around the cable.

Selon une caractéristique, le dispositif de protection peut comprendre un tube transversal délimitant l'ouverture transversale, le tube étant agencé pour pivoter librement autour du câble tracteur.According to one characteristic, the protective device may comprise a transverse tube delimiting the transverse opening, the tube being arranged to pivot freely around the towing cable.

Selon une autre caractéristique, la cavité intérieure peut délimiter une partie supérieure et une partie inférieure, le corps pesé étant configuré pour amener la partie inférieure sous le câble, sous l'effet des forces hydrodynamiques et/ou hydrostatiques qui s'exercent sur le dispositif de protection.According to another characteristic, the internal cavity may delimit an upper part and a lower part, the weighed body being configured to bring the lower part under the cable, under the effect of the hydrodynamic and / or hydrostatic forces exerted on the device protection.

Dans un mode de réalisation, la forme du corps peut présenter une forme hydrodynamique configurée pour maintenir la position de la cavité intérieure sous le câble.In one embodiment, the body shape may have a hydrodynamic shape configured to maintain the position of the interior cavity under the cable.

En complément, la forme du corps peut présenter une forme hydrodynamique configurée pour permettre le passage du dispositif sur un chaumard.In addition, the shape of the body may have a hydrodynamic shape configured to allow the passage of the device on a fairlead.

La forme hydrodynamique peut être en outre configurée de sorte que le dispositif vienne se coucher sur un chaumard, sensiblement à plat et sur au moins une face, lorsqu'il est enroulé sur un support d'enroulement.The hydrodynamic shape can be further configured so that the device comes to lie on a fairlead, substantially flat and on at least one side, when wound on a winding support.

Dans une forme de réalisation, le dispositif de protection peut être est recouvert de matière élastique sur une épaisseur choisie du dispositif.In one embodiment, the protective device may be covered with elastic material over a selected thickness of the device.

Selon une caractéristique complémentaire, la partie inférieure peut comprendre un prolongement en forme bec incliné vers le bas.According to a complementary feature, the lower portion may comprise a beak-down extension.

Selon une autre caractéristique, la partie inférieure peut comprendre du poids et la partie supérieure de la flottabilité.According to another characteristic, the lower part may comprise weight and the upper part of the buoyancy.

L'axe de la lame peut couper l'axe médian de la cavité de la cavité intérieure vers le fond tandis que la lame traverse la partie inférieure via une fente.The axis of the blade can cut the median axis of the cavity of the inner cavity towards the bottom while the blade passes through the lower part via a slot.

Dans un mode de réalisation, le dispositif de protection peut avoir une forme générale ellipsoïdale.In one embodiment, the protective device may have a generally ellipsoidal shape.

En variante le dispositif de protection peut avoir une forme générale d'aile taillée en sifflet.Alternatively the protective device may have a general shape of whistled wing.

Le dispositif de protection peut comprendre en outre une bague d'ancrage pour bloquer le dispositif de protection en translation le long du câble tracteur, tout en le laissant libre de pivoter autour du câble.The protective device may further comprise an anchor ring for locking the translational protection device along the towing cable, while leaving it free to pivot around the cable.

Le dispositif de protection peut notamment être agencé en queue de câble.The protection device may in particular be arranged at the cable end.

Le dispositif de protection permet ainsi d'adapter le dispositif coupe ligne à toute configuration de l'objet ou du système remorqué, y compris à une antenne linéaire remorquée et tractée toute seule.The protection device thus makes it possible to adapt the cut-line device to any configuration of the object or the towed system, including a linear antenna towed and towed by itself.

Un autre avantage du dispositif de protection selon l'invention est qu'il permet de remonter l'ensemble de protection du dispositif coupe ligne en mode assemblé à travers un chaumard ou un treuil, sans nécessiter de le démonter pour passer dans les chaumards ou le stocker sur le touret du treuil.Another advantage of the protection device according to the invention is that it allows to reassemble the protection assembly of the cut-line device in assembled mode through a fairlead or a winch, without the need to disassemble to pass in the fairleads or the store on the winch drum.

Description des figuresDescription of figures

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à l'aide de la description qui suit et des figures des dessins annexés dans lesquels:

  • La figure 1 représente un exemple d'environnement dans lequel peuvent être mis en oeuvre certains modes de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • La figure 2 est une représentation schématique vu de côté du dispositif de protection monté sur un câble électro-tracteur, selon une première forme de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • La figure 3 est une vue de face du dispositif de protection, selon la première forme de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • La figure 4 représente les lignes d'écoulement de l'eau et les zones de poids / flottabilité vues de côté sur le dispositif de protection, en immersion, selon la première forme de réalisation ;
  • La figure 5 est une vue de l'ensemble de protection montrant les lignes d'écoulement de l'eau vues de face et les zones de poids / flottabilité ;
  • La figure 6 est une vue schématique représentant les différents états d'une ligne de pêche s'engageant dans le dispositif de protection;
  • La figure 7 est un schéma illustrant le placement respectif du câble, du dispositif de protection et de l'antenne, lorsque ces éléments sont remontés à travers un chaumard sur le bâtiment de surface sous forme assemblée, selon la première forme de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • La figure 8 est une représentation schématique du dispositif de protection monté sur un câble électro-tracteur, vu de côté selon une deuxième forme de réalisation de l'invention, avec les lignes d'écoulement de l'eau et les zones de poids / flottabilité ;
  • La figure 9 est une vue de face selon une deuxième forme de réalisation de l'invention, avec les lignes d'écoulement de l'eau et les zones de poids / flottabilité ;
  • La figure 10 est une vue en perspective représentant un exemple de forme de l'ensemble de protection, selon le deuxième mode de réalisation ; et
  • La figure 11 illustre le placement respectif du câble, du dispositif de protection et de l'antenne lorsque ces éléments sont remontés à travers un chaumard, sur le bâtiment de surface sous forme assemblée, selon les formes de réalisation des figures 8 à 10.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent with the aid of the description which follows and the figures of the appended drawings in which:
  • The figure 1 represents an example of an environment in which certain embodiments of the invention may be implemented;
  • The figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation seen from the side of the protective device mounted on an electro-tractor cable, according to a first embodiment of the invention;
  • The figure 3 is a front view of the protection device, according to the first embodiment of the invention;
  • The figure 4 represents the water flow lines and the weight / buoyancy zones as seen from the side on the immersion protection device, according to the first embodiment;
  • The figure 5 is a view of the protection assembly showing the water flow lines viewed from the front and the weight / buoyancy zones;
  • The figure 6 is a schematic view showing the different states of a fishing line engaging in the protection device;
  • The figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the respective placement of the cable, the protection device and the antenna, when these elements are reassembled through a fairlead on the surface building in assembled form, according to the first embodiment of the invention;
  • The figure 8 is a schematic representation of the protection device mounted on an electro-tractor cable, viewed from the side according to a second embodiment of the invention, with the water flow lines and the weight / buoyancy zones;
  • The figure 9 is a front view according to a second embodiment of the invention, with the water flow lines and the weight / buoyancy zones;
  • The figure 10 is a perspective view showing an exemplary form of the protection assembly, according to the second embodiment; and
  • The figure 11 illustrates the respective placement of the cable, the protection device and the antenna when these elements are reassembled through a fairlead, on the surface building in assembled form, according to the embodiments of the Figures 8 to 10 .

Les dessins et les annexes à la description pourront non seulement servir à mieux faire comprendre la description, mais aussi contribuer à la définition de l'invention, le cas échéant.The drawings and appendices to the description may not only serve to better understand the description, but also contribute to the definition of the invention, if any.

Description détailléedetailed description

La figure 1 représente un exemple d'environnement dans lequel peuvent être implémentés certains modes de réalisation de l'invention.The figure 1 represents an example of an environment in which certain embodiments of the invention may be implemented.

Les bâtiments navals (bâtiments de surface ou les sous-marins) 2 sont généralement équipés d'objet remorqués par un câble tracteur 3 (par exemple de type électro-tracteur) et destinés à être immergés dans l'eau, comme par exemple une antenne linéaire remorquée 1 intégrant des transducteurs acoustiques pour émettre et/ou recevoir des signaux acoustiques dans les fonds marins, avec un corps remorqué 4 comme montré sur la partie A de la figure 1 ou sans corps remorqué comme montré sur la partie B de la figure 1. La suite de la description sera faite principalement en référence à une antenne linéaire 1 tractée par un bâtiment de surface 2 à titre d'exemple non limitatif.Naval vessels (surface vessels or submarines) 2 are generally equipped with objects towed by a towing cable 3 (for example of the electro-tractor type) and intended to be immersed in water, such as an antenna linear towed 1 incorporating acoustic transducers for transmitting and / or receiving acoustic signals in the seabed, with a towed body 4 as shown in part A of the figure 1 or without towed body as shown in Part B of the figure 1 . The following description will be made mainly with reference to a linear antenna 1 towed by a building surface 2 as a non-limiting example.

Pour protéger l'antenne linéaire 1 contre l'action des éléments portés par les lignes de pêche venant interférer avec le câble tracteur 3, un ensemble de protection 10 est agencé sur le câble pour protéger l'objet remorqué par le câble tracteur 3 contre les lignes de pêche, comme montré dans la vue agrandie C.In order to protect the linear antenna 1 against the action of the elements carried by the fishing lines that interfere with the traction cable 3, a protection assembly 10 is arranged on the cable to protect the object towed by the traction cable 3 against the fishing lines, as shown in the enlarged view C.

La figure 2 représente un ensemble de protection 10 d'un objet remorqué 1 contre les dommages causés par les lignes de pêche, selon une première forme de réalisation.The figure 2 represents a protection assembly 10 of a towed object 1 against damage caused by fishing lines, according to a first embodiment.

L'ensemble 10 est de préférence fixé au niveau de l'extrémité 5 du câble 3 qui est relié au bâtiment de surface 2.The assembly 10 is preferably fixed at the end 5 of the cable 3 which is connected to the surface building 2.

Dans la forme de réalisation de la figure 2, le dispositif de protection a un corps de forme générale ellipsoïdal (par exemple ovoïdale).In the embodiment of the figure 2 , the protective device has a generally ellipsoidal body (eg ovoidal).

Un tel dispositif peut être utilisé sur tout type d'objet remorqué et notamment sur une simple antenne linéaire remorquée.Such a device can be used on any type of towed object and in particular on a simple towed linear antenna.

L'ensemble de protection 10 comprend un dispositif de protection 100 pour protéger un dispositif coupe-ligne 110, le dispositif coupe ligne comprenant une lame coupante 111 en partie escamotable dans une fente 114 et agencée de manière à venir couper les lignes qui s'engagent dans l'ensemble de protection. Les lignes ainsi libérées dérivent alors dans la mer sans risquer de venir s'emmêler dans l'objet remorqué 1.The protection assembly 10 comprises a protection device 100 for protecting a line-cutting device 110, the line-cutting device comprising a cutting blade 111 partially retractable into a slot 114 and arranged in such a way as to cut the lines that engage. in the protection set. The lines thus released then drift into the sea without risk of getting entangled in the towed object 1.

Le dispositif coupe-ligne 110 peut être fixé au préalable sur un tronçon du câble 3 par exemple au moyen du dispositif de protection 100.The line cutter device 110 may be fixed beforehand on a section of the cable 3, for example by means of the protection device 100.

Une extrémité de la lame 111 peut être fixée rigidement au niveau d'un premier point P1 du dispositif coupe-ligne 110 tandis que l'autre extrémité est fixée par un axe 113 muni d'un ressort en un deuxième point P2 du dispositif coupe-ligne 110 de sorte que la lame puisse pivoter autour du point P2 dans le sens anti-horaire lorsqu'un fil de pêche engagé dans le dispositif de protection vient appuyer sur la lame. La lame 111 peut être choisie en matériau inoxydable pour une meilleure résistance à l'environnement marin.One end of the blade 111 can be fixed rigidly at a first point P1 of the line cutter 110 while the other end is fixed by a pin 113 provided with a spring at a second point P2 of the cutting device. line 110 so that the blade can rotate around the point P2 in the counterclockwise direction when a fishing wire engaged in the protective device is pressed on the blade. The blade 111 may be chosen from a stainless material for better resistance to the marine environment.

En particulier, la lame 111 peut être fixée verticalement dans un porte-lame prévu dans le dispositif coupe-ligne 110 et muni d'une fente longitudinale et verticale 114. La lame peut être fixée à l'extrémité avant du porte-lame 112 au point P1 par une vis 116 et être maintenue à l'extrémité P2 du porte-lame 112 par un axe 113 muni d'un ressort de manière à pivoter autour de l'axe 113 pour venir s'effacer de la fente 114. L'extrémité de la lame 111 peut être taillée en forme de biseau.In particular, the blade 111 can be fixed vertically in a blade holder provided in the line-cutting device 110 and provided with a longitudinal and vertical slot 114. The blade can be fixed to the front end of the blade holder 112 at point P1 by a screw 116 and be held at the end P2 of the blade holder 112 by a pin 113 provided with a spring so as to pivot about the axis 113 to come away from the slot 114. The end of the blade 111 can be cut into the shape of a bevel.

Le dispositif coupe-ligne 110 peut par exemple être un dispositif du type décrit dans le brevet FR 2 803 267 , comme représenté dans la figure 2. Dans l'exemple de dispositif coupe-ligne décrit dans FR 2 803 267 , le dispositif de coup-ligne 110 peut être solidaire d'un étrier de fixation dont l'axe est perpendiculaire au plan de la lame 111, fixé sur la partie amont d'un corps remorqué et d'autre part attaché au câble 3 par une sangle au moment de la mise à l'eau.The line-cutting device 110 may for example be a device of the type described in the patent FR 2 803 267 as shown in figure 2 . In the example of line breaker described in FR 2 803 267 , the line-breaking device 110 may be integral with a fixing bracket whose axis is perpendicular to the plane of the blade 111, fixed on the upstream part of a towed body and secondly attached to the cable 3 by a strap at the moment of launching.

Selon un aspect de la présente invention, le dispositif de protection 100 se présente sous la forme d'un corps profilé et pesé de forme hydrodynamique, et comprend une première ouverture axiale 50 configurée pour former un passage pour le câble 3 sur lequel est monté le dispositif coupe-ligne 110. Tel qu'utilisée ici, l'expression « corps pesé » désigne un corps à flottabilité globalement neutre (flottabilité proche de celle de l'eau).According to one aspect of the present invention, the protective device 100 is in the form of a profiled body and weighed hydrodynamically, and comprises a first axial opening 50 configured to form a passage for the cable 3 on which is mounted the line-cutting device 110. As used herein, the expression "body "weighed" means a generally neutral buoyant body (buoyancy close to that of water).

Le dispositif de protection délimite une ouverture 51 (encore appelée ci-après « avaloir » ou cavité intérieure) tournée vers l'extrémité amont du câble tracteur 3 en mode opérationnel et destinée à diriger les fils de pêche qui s'y engage vers la lame 111. L'avaloir 51 est agencé sur une partie seulement de la longueur du dispositif de protection 100 de sorte que le fond de l'avaloir est fermé. L'avaloir 51 est en outre configuré de sorte que l'axe D1, définissant l'axe médian correspondant à la direction générale de l'avaloir 51, vienne couper l'axe D2 correspondant à la direction générale de l'extrémité de la lame 111 en un point A situé vers le fond de l'avaloir 51.The protective device delimits an opening 51 (hereinafter referred to as a "throat" or internal cavity) facing the upstream end of the tractive cable 3 in operational mode and intended to direct the fishing lines which engage in it towards the blade 111. The drain 51 is arranged on only a part of the length of the protection device 100 so that the bottom of the drain is closed. The drain 51 is further configured so that the axis D1, defining the median axis corresponding to the general direction of the drain 51, comes cut the axis D2 corresponding to the general direction of the end of the blade 111 at a point A located towards the bottom of the drain 51.

Le dispositif de protection 100 délimite ainsi de part et d'autre de l'avaloir 51 une partie supérieure 52 traversée par le câble 3 et une partie inférieure 53 formant une mâchoire.The protective device 100 defines on either side of the drain 51 an upper portion 52 through which the cable 3 and a lower portion 53 forming a jaw.

La mâchoire 53 peut avoir sur l'avant une forme de bec orienté vers le bas lorsque le dispositif de protection est en position stable de sorte que même dans l'air sous l'action des forces de pesanteur, la mâchoire 53 ne vient pas s'accrocher sur la lèvre épaisse du chaumard 9.The jaw 53 may have a beak-down shape on the front when the protective device is in a stable position so that even in the air under the action of gravitational forces, the jaw 53 does not come into contact with the jaws. hang on the thick lip of the fairlead 9.

La hauteur de l'avaloir 51, selon la perpendiculaire à l'axe D1, est de préférence de petite taille, comme par exemple de l'ordre de quelques centimètres.The height of the drain 51, along the perpendicular to the axis D1, is preferably of small size, for example of the order of a few centimeters.

Le dispositif de protection 100 est configuré pour être libre en rotation autour de l'axe D0 du tronçon de câble qui le traverse tout en étant apte à s'auto-orienter de manière à positionner la mâchoire 53 vers le fond de l'eau et la partie supérieure 52 vers la surface de l'eau, en position stable. En particulier, la mâchoire 53 vient se positionner sur le dessous du câble 3 en position stable.The protection device 100 is configured to be free to rotate about the axis D 0 of the cable section which passes therethrough while being capable of self-orienting so as to position the jaw 53 towards the bottom of the water and the upper part 52 towards the surface of the water, in a stable position. In particular, the jaw 53 is positioned on the underside of the cable 3 in a stable position.

Bien qu'il ne soit pas limité à de telles applications, le dispositif de protection est particulièrement adapté aux antennes linéaires remorquées « simples » (c'est-à-dire en l'absence de corps remorqué sur lequel s'appuyer pour conserver une orientation correcte). En effet, même en l'absence d'un corps remorqué, le dispositif de protection 100 est capable de s'orienter librement à la fois sous l'effet des forces hydrodynamiques et hydrostatiques qui s'exercent sur le dispositif de protection 100.Although it is not limited to such applications, the protection device is particularly suitable for "simple" towed linear antennas (that is to say in the absence of towed body on which to rely to maintain a correct orientation). Indeed, even in the absence of a towed body, the protective device 100 is able to orient itself freely under the effect of the hydrodynamic and hydrostatic forces acting on the protection device 100.

Dans le mode de réalisation de la figure 2, le dispositif de protection 100 a une forme générale ovoïdale, de section transversale sensiblement circulaire.In the embodiment of the figure 2 , the protective device 100 has a generally ovoid shape, of substantially circular cross section.

Le dispositif de protection 100 peut intégrer un tube 30 en matériau à faible coefficient de friction, au niveau de l'ouverture 50, lui permettant de pivoter librement autour du câble électrotracteur 3. Le dispositif de protection 100 peut en outre comprendre une bague ancrée 7, prévue par exemple au voisinage de la terminaison 5 du câble 3, pour laisser le dispositif libre de s'orienter autour de l'axe D0 tout en maintenant le dispositif de protection à une point choisi du câble (extrémité 5 du câble notamment). Le blocage du dispositif de protection à cette position sur le câble est particulièrement utile lors du passage à travers des chaumards lors de la mise à l'eau.The protective device 100 can integrate a tube 30 of low friction material, at the opening 50, allowing it to pivot freely around the electrotractor cable 3. The protection device 100 may further comprise an anchored ring 7 , for example in the vicinity of the termination 5 of the cable 3, to let the free device to orient around the axis D0 while maintaining the protection device at a chosen point of the cable (cable end 5 in particular). The locking of the protection device at this position on the cable is particularly useful when passing through fairleads during launching.

Le dispositif de protection 100 peut par exemple être constitué de deux parties 52 et 53 assemblées, comme représenté dans l'exemple de la figure 3 correspondant au mode de réalisation où le dispositif de protection 100 a une forme généralement ovoïdale. L'ensemble des deux parties 52 et 53 ont des formes générales de demi-coque présentant des moyens de raccord mécaniques conjugués pour se raccorder l'une à l'autre, comme par exemple des moyens de raccord par emboîtement et / ou vis.The protection device 100 may for example consist of two parts 52 and 53 assembled, as shown in the example of FIG. figure 3 corresponding to the embodiment where the protection device 100 has a generally ovoid shape. All of the two parts 52 and 53 have general shapes of half-shell having conjugated mechanical connection means for connecting to one another, such as interlocking connection means and / or screws.

Avantageusement, le dispositif de protection 100 peut rester en position sur le câble électro-tracteur 3. Il peut n'être démonté que lors des opérations de maintenance sur le dispositif coupe ligne 110 comme pour le remplacement de la lame 111.Advantageously, the protection device 100 can remain in position on the electro-tractor cable 3. It can only be disassembled during maintenance operations on the line cutter device 110 as for the replacement of the blade 111.

Sur le plan hydrostatique, la capacité d'auto-orientation de l'ensemble de protection 10 est assurée à la fois par un poids, prévu en particulier dans la partie inférieure 53 (mâchoire) du dispositif de protection 100, et par la flottabilité de la partie supérieure 52. Par exemple, la partie inférieure peut comprendre un lest de haute densité (supérieure à la densité de l'eau) et la partie supérieure peut comprendre un corps de faible densité (inférieure à celle de l'eau). La partie inférieure 53 et la partie supérieure 52 exercent ainsi un couple de redressement statique. L'ensemble permet d'améliorer encore la stabilité conférée par ses formes hydrodynamiques. La mâchoire 53 est ainsi lestée, ce qui permet de tenir l'avaloir 51 et le dispositif coupe-ligne 110 sous le câble 3 dans l'eau. Le bord de fuite du corps 10 et les forces hydrodynamiques stabilisent également la mâchoire 53 dans cette position.Hydrostatically, the self-steering capacity of the protection assembly 10 is ensured both by a weight, provided in particular in the lower part 53 (jaw) of the protection device 100, and by the buoyancy of the upper part 52. For example, the lower part may comprise a ballast of high density (greater than the density of water) and the upper part may comprise a body of low density (lower than that of water). The lower portion 53 and the upper portion 52 thus exert a static rectification torque. The assembly makes it possible to further improve the stability conferred by its hydrodynamic shapes. The jaw 53 is thus weighted, which makes it possible to hold the drain 51 and the line cutter device 110 under the cable 3 in the water. The trailing edge of the body 10 and the hydrodynamic forces also stabilize the jaw 53 in this position.

Sur le plan hydrodynamique, le dispositif 10 permet de conforter une position stable dans le flux d'eau grâce à la partie supérieure 52 qui présente un centre de trainée stable au-dessus du câble électro-tracteur 3.Hydrodynamically, the device 10 makes it possible to reinforce a stable position in the stream of water thanks to the upper part 52 which has a stable center of drag above the electro-tractor cable 3.

Par ailleurs, la forme de mâchoire de l'avant du dispositif de protection 100 (proue) permet également de maintenir une ligne de pêche qui commencerait à venir en contact avec le dispositif de protection 100 correctement orientée sous l'effet de la trainée de la ligne de pêche et donc de s'engager correctement dans l'avaloir 51 pour venir en contact avec la lame pour être coupée par celle-ci.Moreover, the jaw shape of the front of the protection device 100 (bow) also makes it possible to maintain a fishing line which would begin to come into contact with the protection device 100 correctly oriented under the effect of the drag of the fishing line and therefore engage correctly in the drain 51 to come into contact with the blade to be cut by it.

Les figures 4 et 5 représentent schématiquement les lignes d'écoulement 40 sur les deux parties 52 et 53 du dispositif de protection 100 lorsque celui-ci est immergé dans l'eau pour illustrer l'effet des forces hydrodynamiques.The Figures 4 and 5 schematically show the flow lines 40 on the two parts 52 and 53 of the protection device 100 when it is immersed in water to illustrate the effect of hydrodynamic forces.

La partie inférieure 53 (mâchoire) a en particulier un volume choisi suffisamment petit par rapport au volume de la partie supérieure 52 pour que les forces de trainée hydrodynamique confortent l'orientation de l'avaloir 51 sous le câble 3 en position stable, même lorsque la section de câble 3 est quasi horizontale.The lower part 53 (jaw) has in particular a chosen volume sufficiently small relative to the volume of the upper portion 52 so that the hydrodynamic drag forces support the orientation of the drain 51 under the cable 3 in a stable position, even when the cable section 3 is almost horizontal.

Dans la forme de réalisation de la figure 2, le dispositif est similaire à la forme de la tête d'un cachalot, avec une partie supérieure volumineuse et une mâchoire inférieure longue / effilée et de d'épaisseur plus petite.In the embodiment of the figure 2 , the device is similar to the shape of a sperm whale's head, with a voluminous upper part and a long, tapered lower jaw and a smaller thickness.

Le dispositif de protection 100 peut être notamment recouvert d'une matière élastique sur une certaine épaisseur (comme du PU par exemple), afin de mieux s'intégrer lors de son stockage sur le touret du treuil de manutention, entre câble et antenne.The protective device 100 may in particular be covered with an elastic material over a certain thickness (such as PU for example), in order to better integrate during its storage on the drum of the handling winch, between cable and antenna.

La figure 6 montre la progression d'une ligne de pêche 60 venant s'engager dans l'ensemble de protection 100.The figure 6 shows the progression of a fishing line 60 coming into the protection assembly 100.

Lorsque l'objet 1 est remorqué par le bâtiment de surface dans une mer fréquentée par des pêcheurs utilisant des lignes de pêche, il arrive fréquemment que ces lignes de pêche viennent heurter le câble électro-tracteur 3.When the object 1 is towed by the surface vessel into a sea frequented by fishermen using fishing lines, it frequently happens that these fishing lines strike the electro-tractor cable 3.

Les lignes glissent le long du câble 3 en direction de la terminaison 5 puis sont amenées vers l'avaloir 51 situé au niveau de la terminaison 5 du câble 3. L'avaloir 51, de par le trajet qu'il dessine, dirige ensuite les lignes vers le dispositif coupe-ligne 110 qui sectionne les lignes avec la lame 111 lorsque les lignes entrent en contact avec celle-ci. Les lignes coupées sont ensuite libérées et dérivent dans la mer sans avoir endommagé le système ou l'objet remorqué (par exemple antenne acoustique linéaire 1).The lines slide along the cable 3 in the direction of the termination 5 and are then fed to the drain 51 located at the end of the cable 5 3. The drain 51, by the path that it draws, then directs the lines to the line cutter 110 which cuts the lines with the blade 111 when the lines come into contact therewith. The cut lines are then released and drift into the sea without damaging the system or the towed object (eg linear acoustic antenna 1).

L'ensemble de protection 10 peut être assemblé sur le câble de remorquage 3 avant une première immersion de l'objet dans l'eau puis peut y demeurer. Dans un mode de réalisation où l'objet remorqué est une antenne linéaire 1, l'antenne linéaire 1 peut être initialement enroulée sur un touret et déroulée pour la mise à l'eau de l'antenne dans l'eau à travers un chaumard 9.The protection assembly 10 can be assembled on the towing cable 3 before a first immersion of the object in the water and can remain there. In one embodiment where the towed object is a linear antenna 1, the linear antenna 1 can be initially wound on a drum and unrolled for launching the antenna in the water through a fairlead 9 .

Le dispositif de protection 100 étant libre de tourner autour du câble 3, dans les formes de réalisation où la mâchoire 51 est étroite, le dispositif de protection peut avoir tendance à se coucher sur le côté à la traversée du chaumard 9 ou pour être enroulé sur le touret.Since the protection device 100 is free to turn around the cable 3, in the embodiments where the jaw 51 is narrow, the protection device may have a tendency to lie on its side when passing through the fairlead 9 or to be wound on the drum.

Le corps supérieur 52 étant plus volumineux que la mâchoire 53 de telle manière que le chaumard rencontre d'abord ce corps supérieur 52 plutôt que la mâchoire 53, dans l'air, pour le passage dans le chaumard 9.The upper body 52 being larger than the jaw 53 so that the fairlead first meets the upper body 52 rather than the jaw 53, in the air, for passage in the fairlead 9.

La figure 7 est un schéma illustrant le placement respectif du câble 3, de l'ensemble de protection 10 incluant le dispositif coupe ligne 110 et d'un objet remorqué 1 de type antenne sur un chaumard 9, lorsque ces éléments sont remontés sur le bâtiment de surface sous forme assemblée.The figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the respective placement of the cable 3, the protection assembly 10 including the line cutter device 110 and a towed object 1 of antenna type on a fairlead 9, when these elements are reassembled on the surface building under assembled form.

L'ensemble de protection 10 peut être assemblé au câble 3 avant la mise à l'eau de l'antenne 1 et peut ensuite y demeurer. La forme du dispositif de protection 100, sans aspérité majeure, est adaptée au passage à travers le chaumard d'un treuil.The protection assembly 10 can be assembled to the cable 3 before the launching of the antenna 1 and can then remain there. The shape of the protective device 100, without major asperity, is adapted to pass through the fairlead of a winch.

De même, lorsque l'antenne 1 doit être remontée sur le bâtiment de surface 2, l'antenne linéaire 1 peut être enroulée sur un touret par un système de treuil en passant à nouveau à travers le chaumard 9 dans le sens inverse à la mise à l'eau, sans qu'il soit nécessaire de retirer l'ensemble de protection 10 au préalable. Le dispositif 10 permet de débarrasser l'ensemble des lignes de pêche en remorquage et donc également avant la récupération de l'objet remorqué 1 et son passage dans le chaumard.Similarly, when the antenna 1 is to be reassembled on the surface building 2, the linear antenna 1 can be wound on a drum by a winch system by passing through the fairlead 9 in the opposite direction to the setting to water, without the need to remove the protective assembly 10 beforehand. The device 10 makes it possible to rid all the fishing lines in tow and therefore also before the recovery of the towed object 1 and its passage in the fairlead.

La bague d'ancrage 7 permet de maintenir le dispositif 10 en pieds de câble à la traversée du chaumard 9 lors de la mise à l'eau.The anchoring ring 7 keeps the device 10 in feet of cable through the fairlead 9 during launching.

L'ensemble de protection 10 peut ainsi rester en place sur le câble électro-tracteur 3 et est compatible avec les opérations de passage sur un chaumard 9 et/ou d'enroulement/déroulement sur un touret. En effet, sa longueur peut être relativement courte, sa forme est adaptée à un tel enroulement et il peut être constitué de matériaux non agressifs pour l'antenne (matière élastomères) qui vient s'enrouler au-dessus du câble 3 et au-dessous de l'antenne 1.The protection assembly 10 can thus remain in place on the electro-tractor cable 3 and is compatible with the operations of passage on a fairlead 9 and / or winding / unwinding on a drum. Indeed, its length may be relatively short, its shape is adapted to such a winding and it may be made of non-aggressive materials for the antenna (elastomeric material) which is wound above the cable 3 and below of the antenna 1.

Par conséquent, il n'est plus nécessaire de monter/démonter ou connecter/déconnecter le dispositif de protection à chaque mise à l'eau ou récupération de l'ensemble remorqué (ensemble de protection monté sur l'objet remorqué assemblé au câble électro-tracteur).Therefore, it is no longer necessary to assemble / disassemble or connect / disconnect the protection device at each launching or recovery of the towed assembly (protection assembly mounted on the towed object assembled to the electronic cable). tractor).

La figure 8 est une représentation schématique vue de côté du dispositif de protection monté sur un câble électro-tracteur 3, selon une deuxième forme de réalisation de l'invention.The figure 8 is a schematic side view of the protective device mounted on an electro-tractor cable 3, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Dans cette forme de réalisation, le dispositif de protection 100 a une forme générale d'aile souple ou de carénage libre de tourner également autour du câble 3 et comprend un bord d'attaque qui intègre la mâchoire 53 et l'avaloir 51 dans lequel est logé le dispositif coupe ligne 110.In this embodiment, the protective device 100 has a general shape of flexible wing or fairing free to rotate around the cable 3 and includes a leading edge which integrates the jaw 53 and the drain 51 in which is housed the device cut line 110.

Afin de ne pas endommager le câble 3 sur lequel le dispositif de protection 100 pourrait venir se coucher où l'antenne linéaire sous laquelle il serait stocké, le matériau du dispositif de protection peut être choisi relativement souple / élastique (par exemple en caoutchouc ou synthétique tel qu'en PU / PE / PVC / ...).In order not to damage the cable 3 on which the protection device 100 could come to lie where the linear antenna under which it would be stored, the material of the protective device can be chosen relatively soft / elastic (for example rubber or synthetic as in PU / PE / PVC / ...).

La figure 9 est une vue de face de l'ensemble de protection montrant les zones de poids / flottabilité ainsi que des lignes de flux d'écoulement hydrodynamique selon la deuxième forme de réalisation. Cette forme d'aile peut aider à un meilleur contrôle hydrodynamique en remorquage et une traversée de chaumard plus aisée. En revanche celle-ci doit être réalisée en matériau souple / élastique pour ne pas gêner à l'enroulement sur le treuil.The figure 9 is a front view of the protection assembly showing the weight / buoyancy zones as well as hydrodynamic flow flow lines according to the second embodiment. This wing shape can help better hydrodynamic towing control and easier fairway crossing. However, it must be made of flexible material / elastic not to interfere with the winding on the winch.

La figure 10 montre la forme générale du dispositif de protection 100 selon la deuxième forme de réalisation.The figure 10 shows the general shape of the protective device 100 according to the second embodiment.

Le dispositif de protection 10 a une forme d'aile avec un bord de fuite taillé en sifflet configuré pour amener le dispositif 100 à se coucher pour passer sur le chaumard 9.The protection device 10 has a wing shape with a trailing edge cut in a whistle configured to cause the device 100 to lie down to pass on the fairlead 9.

La figure 11 montre le passage sur le chaumard 9 grâce à la capacité d'auto-positionnement du dispositif de protection 100. Un tel dispositif de protection peut être configuré pour se stocker à plat sur le touret.The figure 11 shows the passage on the fairlead 9 thanks to the self-positioning capacity of the protection device 100. Such a protective device can be configured to store flat on the drum.

L'invention offre ainsi une solution de protection efficace contre les lignes de pêche quelle que soit le système remorqué, comme par exemple une antenne linéaire remorquée sans corps remorqué.The invention thus provides an effective protection solution against fishing lines regardless of the towed system, such as a linear antenna towed without towed body.

L'invention dispense de la nécessité d'employer une gaffe équipée d'une cisaille pour débarrasser les lignes de pêche à l'extérieur du navire, avant le chaumard depuis la plage arrière qui reste un endroit exposé.The invention dispenses with the need to use a hook equipped with a shear to clear the fishing lines outside the ship, before the fairlead from the rear shelf which remains an exposed place.

Elle offre en outre une solution générique directement adaptable à tout système remorqué.It also offers a generic solution directly adaptable to any towed system.

L'invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation décrits ci-avant à titre d'exemple non limitatif. Elle englobe toutes les variantes de réalisation qui pourront être envisagées par l'homme du métier. En particulier, l'invention n'est pas limitée au type de dispositif coupe-ligne représenté sur la figure 2 ni aux formes du dispositif 100 illustrées sur les figures 2 et 8. Par exemple, le dispositif de protection 100 peut avoir une forme ellipsoïdale similaire à celle de la figure 2 mais munie d'une crête flexible en matériau souple armé pour ne pas se déchirer à travers les chaumards.The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of non-limiting example. It encompasses all the embodiments that may be envisaged by those skilled in the art. In particular, the invention is not limited to the type of line cutter shown in FIG. figure 2 nor to the forms of the device 100 illustrated on the figures 2 and 8 . For example, the protective device 100 may have an ellipsoidal shape similar to that of the figure 2 but equipped with a flexible crest flexible material reinforced not to tear through the fairleads.

Claims (14)

  1. A protective device configured to protect a line-cutting device mounted on a cable towed by a surface vessel (2), said device comprising a blade holder comprising a blade (111), said blade being formed in said blade holder and being retractable into a slot (114) about a transverse spring pin (113), characterized in that the protective device (100) comprises a weighted body of hydrodynamic overall shape delimiting a transverse opening (50) for the passage of the cable and an interior cavity (51) in which said blade (111) is arranged in such a way as to cut any line caught in the cavity (51), the protective device being free to rotate about the cable (3).
  2. The protective device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a transverse tube (30) delimiting the transverse opening (50), said tube being designed to pivot freely about the towing cable (3).
  3. The protective device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interior cavity (51) delimits an upper part (52) and a lower part (53), the weighted body being configured to bring the lower part underneath the cable, under the effect of the hydrodynamic and/or hydrostatic forces applied to the protective device.
  4. The protective device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shape of said body exhibits a hydrodynamic shape configured to keep the interior cavity (51) in position underneath the cable.
  5. The protective device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the shape of said body exhibits a hydrodynamic shape configured to allow the device to pass over a fairlead.
  6. The protective device (100) as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that said hydrodynamic shape is configured in such a way that the device lies itself down on a fairlead, substantially flat and on at least one face, when it is wound onto a winding support.
  7. The protective device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is covered with elastic material over a chosen thickness of the device.
  8. The protective device as claimed in one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the lower part (53) comprises a bill-shaped extension inclined downward.
  9. The protective device as claimed in one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the lower part (53) has weight and the upper part (52) buoyancy.
  10. The protective device as claimed in one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the axis of the blade intersects the median axis of the cavity of the interior cavity (51) toward the bottom and in that the blade (111) passes through the lower part (53) via a slot (114).
  11. The protective device (100) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective device has an ellipsoidal overall shape.
  12. The protective device (100) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the protective device has the overall shape of a fin cut to a taper.
  13. The protective device (100) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises an anchor ring (7) for blocking the protective device against translational movement along the towing cable (3), while leaving it free to pivot about the cable (3).
  14. The protective device (100) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured to be arranged at the tail of the cable.
EP16700600.6A 2015-01-16 2016-01-14 Device for protecting towed underwater objects from fishing lines Active EP3245123B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1500092A FR3031724B1 (en) 2015-01-16 2015-01-16 DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING SUBMARINE OBJECTS TRAILERS AGAINST FISHING LINES
PCT/EP2016/050626 WO2016113331A1 (en) 2015-01-16 2016-01-14 Device and method for protecting towed underwater objects from fishing lines

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3245123A1 EP3245123A1 (en) 2017-11-22
EP3245123B1 true EP3245123B1 (en) 2019-03-06

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16700600.6A Active EP3245123B1 (en) 2015-01-16 2016-01-14 Device for protecting towed underwater objects from fishing lines

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US9981718B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3245123B1 (en)
AU (1) AU2016208062B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2973907A1 (en)
FR (1) FR3031724B1 (en)
SG (1) SG11201705815QA (en)
WO (1) WO2016113331A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3031724B1 (en) * 2015-01-16 2018-03-30 Thales DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING SUBMARINE OBJECTS TRAILERS AGAINST FISHING LINES

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1358359A (en) * 1917-09-18 1920-11-09 Burney Charles Denniston Cutter for use on towed bodies
US4222340A (en) * 1978-11-01 1980-09-16 Syntron, Inc. Cable depth control apparatus
US4718871A (en) * 1986-03-24 1988-01-12 Eli Mendelevitch Aquatic growth cutter
US5042413A (en) * 1990-03-29 1991-08-27 Leon Benoit Device for severing underwater mooring lines and cables
US5241920A (en) * 1992-05-11 1993-09-07 Richardson Lee E Hook assembly for broken tow line retrieval and emergency marine towing
GB9821277D0 (en) * 1998-10-01 1998-11-25 Geco As Seismic data acquisition equipment control system
FR2803267B3 (en) * 2000-01-05 2002-03-01 Thomson Marconi Sonar Sas DEVICE FOR PROTECTING UNDERWATER TOWED OBJECTS FROM FISHING LINES
US7450467B2 (en) * 2005-04-08 2008-11-11 Westerngeco L.L.C. Apparatus and methods for seismic streamer positioning
US7631608B1 (en) * 2006-08-25 2009-12-15 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Underwater cable cutter apparatus
US8792297B2 (en) * 2010-07-02 2014-07-29 Pgs Geophysical As Methods for gathering marine geophysical data
WO2014173979A1 (en) * 2013-04-25 2014-10-30 Cgg Services Sa Cutter device for marine survey system and related method
FR3031724B1 (en) * 2015-01-16 2018-03-30 Thales DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING SUBMARINE OBJECTS TRAILERS AGAINST FISHING LINES

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Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2016208062A1 (en) 2017-08-10
WO2016113331A1 (en) 2016-07-21
FR3031724B1 (en) 2018-03-30
US9981718B2 (en) 2018-05-29
AU2016208062B2 (en) 2020-03-19
US20180001971A1 (en) 2018-01-04
SG11201705815QA (en) 2017-08-30
EP3245123A1 (en) 2017-11-22
FR3031724A1 (en) 2016-07-22
CA2973907A1 (en) 2016-07-21

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