FR3140354A1 - Drone configured to be connected by a cable to a ship, and ship comprising such a drone - Google Patents

Abstract

Drone configured to be connected by a cable to a ship, and ship comprising such a drone This drone (15) is configured to be connected by a cable (20) to a ship (10), and comprises a chassis (30), at at least one payload, and at least one wing (34) attached to the chassis (30). The drone (15) further comprises at least one rotor (36) actuated by at least one motor, the at least one rotor (36) forming a rotating wing, and the at least one wing (34) forming a fixed wing . Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Drone configured to be connected by a cable to a ship, and ship comprising such a drone

The present invention relates to a drone configured to be connected by a cable to a ship, such as a drone for monitoring the maritime space around the ship.

The invention also relates to a ship comprising a platform, such a drone and a cable connecting the drone to the platform.

The invention relates to the field of drones, also called unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAV (from English Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ), that is to say flying devices, ie aircraft, piloted remotely, in particular drones intended to be towed by a ship to ensure surveillance of the maritime space around said ship.

The invention also relates to the field of ships, in particular surface ships, such as corvettes, frigates or even projection ships, or even aircraft carriers; and also civilian vessels, such as fishing boats, oceanographic surveillance vessels and port work vessels; as well as surveillance vessels, such as gendarmerie launches, customs launches and maritime affairs launches.

We know of such a drone for monitoring the maritime space around a ship, configured to be connected by a cable to the ship. The drone comprises a chassis, a wing fixed to the chassis, and a payload in the form of an acquisition system of at least one quantity associated with said maritime space.

The wing is shaped like a parachute wing in the example of the TALONS prototype developed by the American agency DARPA in 2016 to ensure surveillance of the ACTUV ship.

However, such a drone proves complex to maneuver.

The aim of the invention is then to propose a drone configured to be connected by a cable to a ship, which is more easily maneuverable.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a drone configured to be connected by a cable to a ship, the drone comprising a chassis, at least one payload, at least one wing fixed to the chassis, at least one rotor actuated by at least one at least one engine, the at least one rotor forming a rotating wing, and the at least one wing forming a fixed wing.

With the drone according to the invention, the rotating wing formed by the at least one rotor makes it possible to facilitate the takeoff and landing of the drone, as well as the flight thereof, in particular the maneuverability of the drone during its flight; and the fixed wing formed by the at least one wing makes it easier to hover the drone in the presence of sufficient apparent wind, in particular when it is towed by the ship.

The drone according to the invention is then a hybrid system combining the qualities of a rotary wing drone and a towed wing.

The drone according to the invention thus makes it possible to reduce, thanks to the rotating wing, the kinematic constraints linked to the need for the wing to have a minimum apparent wind, while making it safer and reducing the duration of the take-off/landing phases.

The drone according to the invention also makes it possible to substitute the “kite” effect for the motorization of the rotating wing in minimal apparent wind, which reduces the necessary power for motorizing the rotating wing, as well as the need for electrical power. of the drone, via the cable connecting the drone to the ship. The mass of said cable is reduced accordingly.

According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the drone comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

- the at least one wing is of the biplane type;

- the at least one wing is rhomboidal in shape;

- the or each wing comprises a fuselage, and at least one rotor is arranged inside an opening provided in the drone;

- the at least one wing is removably fixed to the chassis;

- the at least one wing comprises an inflatable wing, and the drone further comprises a system for inflating/deflating the inflatable wing, the inflation/deflation system being controlled upon receipt of a piloting instruction;

the control instruction preferably being an instruction from an operator or an instruction from a sensor;

the sensor preferably also being an altitude sensor or a pressure sensor;

- the at least one wing comprises several wing portions articulated together, and the drone further comprises a system for unfolding/folding the at least one wing;

the unfolding/folding system preferably being a mechanical system or an electromechanical system;

- the payload is chosen from a plurality of distinct payloads, the chassis includes a base for fixing the payload, and the fixing base is compatible with the plurality of distinct payloads;

the fixing base being preferably unique and common to the plurality of distinct payloads, the payload fixed to the chassis via said fixing base then being selected according to a mission to be carried out by the drone;

each payload preferably further comprising a quarter-turn type locking device with a locking pin, the locking device being configured to cooperate with the fixing base; And

- the payload includes a system for acquiring at least one quantity relating to a maritime space around the ship, and the drone then forms a drone for monitoring the maritime space around the ship.

The invention also relates to a vessel comprising a platform, a drone, and a cable configured to connect the drone to the platform, the drone being as defined above.

According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the ship comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

- the cable is configured to transmit both electrical power and data;

- the data comprises at least one element chosen from the group consisting of: a control signal from the drone, a control signal from the at least one payload, and a message transmitted by the at least one payload to the ship ;

- the cable further comprises an outer envelope configured to support traction forces of the drone relative to the platform; And

- the ship also includes a winch fixed to the platform and configured to maintain the cable in mechanical tension; the winch being controlled upon receipt of a control instruction;

the control instruction being in particular an instruction from an operator or an instruction from a control-command system.

These characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

there represents a schematic perspective view of a ship according to the invention, equipped with a drone comprising a chassis, at least one payload, at least one wing fixed to the chassis and forming a fixed wing, and at least one rotor forming a rotary wing;

there is a schematic perspective view of two embodiments of at least one wing when it is rhomboidal in shape;

there is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the at least one wing when it is of the biplane type;

there is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the at least one wing when it comprises an inflatable wing, the drone then further comprising a wing inflation/deflation system, present in the fuselage or chassis ;

there is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the at least one wing when it is removably fixed to the chassis;

there is a schematic perspective view of the chassis comprising a fixing base, as well as of the payload comprising a locking device capable of cooperating with the fixing base; And

there is a schematic perspective representation of a cable connected to the drone, the cable being configured to connect the drone to the ship, and preferably equipped with an outer envelope capable of supporting the traction forces of the drone relative to the ship.

In the remainder of the description, the expression “substantially equal to” defines a relationship of equality of plus or minus 10%, preferably more or less 5%.

On the , a ship 10 comprises a platform 12, a drone 15, and a cable 20 connecting the drone 15 to the platform 12.

The ship 10 is, for example, a surface vessel, such as a corvette or a frigate, or even a projection vessel, or even an aircraft carrier. Of course, other examples of ships can be considered.

In addition, the ship 10 comprises a winch 22 fixed to the platform 12. The winch 22 is configured to act on the cable 20, in particular so as to manage an extended length of the cable 20, corresponding to a distance separating the drone 15 from the ship 10. The winch 22 is in particular configured to maintain the cable 20 in mechanical tension. The winch 22 is typically controlled upon receipt of a respective control instruction. The control instruction is for example an instruction from an operator, such as an instruction generated via pressing by the operator on a control button of the winch 22 or even an instruction issued by the operator via a remote control, not represented. Alternatively, the control instruction is an instruction from a control-command system, not shown.

The platform 12 is a structural part of the ship 10, configured to attach the drone 15 via the cable 20, and in particular to fix the winch 22, itself able to act on the cable 20. The platform 12 is for example a part of an upper deck 24 of the ship 10, as in the example of the . Alternatively, the platform 12 is a part of a lower deck 26 of the ship 10. Of course, other areas of the ship 10 are likely to form said platform 12.

The drone 15 is notably configured to monitor the maritime space around the ship 10. Those skilled in the art will naturally understand that the further the drone 15 is from the ship 10, the more it is capable of monitoring an area distant from the ship 10.

The drone 15 is configured to be connected to the ship 10 via the cable 20, and comprises a chassis 30, at least one payload 32, and at least one wing 34 fixed to the chassis 30. In the example of the , the drone 15 comprises a single wing 34 of rhomboidal shape, typically fixed on either side of the chassis 30. In the examples of Figures 3 to 5, the drone 15 comprises several wings 34, fixed on either side of the chassis 30.

The drone 15 further comprises at least one rotor 36 actuated by at least one motor, not shown. The at least one wing 34 then forms a fixed wing, and the at least one rotor 36 forms a rotating wing. The drone 15 preferably comprises several rotors 36, each being actuated by a respective motor. In the examples of Figures 1 to 4, the number of rotors 36 is between three and eight, this being equal to six in the example of the , four or eight in the example of the , four in the example of the , and three in the example of .

As indicated previously, the drone 15 is then a hybrid system combining the advantages of the fixed wing and those of the rotary wing, that is to say combining the qualities of a rotary wing drone and a towed wing, while limiting the disadvantages of each type of sail due to this combination.

Cable 20 is configured to transmit both power and data. The data typically comprises at least one element chosen from the group consisting of: a control signal from the drone 15, a control signal from the at least one payload 32, and a message transmitted by the at least one payload 32 to the ship 10. In other words, in addition to the power supply of the drone 15, the cable 20 makes it possible to control the drone 15 and/or the payload 32, and/or to transmit data, such as measurement data, from payload 32 to ship 10.

The cable 20 comprises at least one wire connection arranged inside a protective sheath 40, visible at the . The cable 20 comprises, for example, a single wired connection capable of transmitting both the electrical power supply and at least one control signal, the single wired connection then being compliant with a communication protocol, such as, among others, the CPL protocol (for Power Line Carrier), the IEEE 1394 protocol or the USB-C protocol (USB from Universal Serial Bus ), allowing the transmission of both power signals and communication signals. The only wired connection is for example a copper connection. Alternatively, the cable 20 comprises several wire connections arranged inside the protective sheath 40, typically a first wire connection to provide electrical power to the drone 15, and a second wire connection to transmit at least one signal control to the drone 15.

In addition, the cable 20 further comprises an outer casing 42, visible at the , the outer envelope 42 being configured to support tensile forces of the drone 15 relative to the platform 12. The outer envelope 42 is preferably a braided envelope or made of fibers or fiber material, such as a Dyneema envelope ®. In the example of the , the outer envelope 42 is further - at its end intended to be fixed to the drone 15 - subdivided into a plurality of links 44, in order to allow connection to multiple attachment points of the drone 15.

In addition, the cable 20 comprises a connecting part 46 to which the outer casing 42 is fixed, the connecting part 46 then facilitating the connection of the drone 15, as well as the distribution of the mechanical traction forces of the drone 15, the connecting part 46 is configured to be fixed to the drone 15 via one or more ropes 48. In the example of the , the outer envelope 42 subdivided into the plurality of links 44 is then fixed to the connecting part 46 via said links 44. The connecting part 46 is for example in the shape of a ball swivel. In the example of the , the framed area corresponds to an enlargement of the cable 20 around the connecting piece 46 and at a representation angle different from that of the main view, in order to more visibly represent the links 44 at the end of the envelope exterior 42, the connecting piece 46, the cables 48, as well as the sheath 40.

The winch 22 is known per se, and is in particular adapted to unwind the cable 20 in order to increase the deployed length of the cable 20 to move the drone 15 away from the ship 10, and conversely to wind up the cable 20 in order to reduce the deployed length of the cable 20 to then bring the drone 15 closer to the ship 10.

As indicated previously, the winch 22 is further configured to maintain the cable 20 in mechanical tension, both during unwinding of the cable 20 and during its winding, or even when the deployed length must be kept substantially constant. According to this addition, the winch 22 is typically configured to measure a mechanical force applied to the cable 20, to detect when the mechanical force is lower than a predefined threshold, corresponding to a too loose configuration of the cable 20, and to then wind the cable 20 in order to increase the mechanical force applied and put the cable 20 back into mechanical tension.

The chassis 30 is a structural part of the drone 15 to which the at least one wing 34 is in particular fixed, as well as advantageously the at least one payload 32.

The chassis 30 preferably includes, where appropriate, a base 50 for fixing the payload 32. Advantageously, the fixing base 50 is compatible with several distinct payloads 32, in order to offer greater modularity.

In the example of the , the fixing base 50 is unique and common to the plurality of distinct payloads 32. The fixing base 50 allows the fixing of any type of payload 32 and then forms with said payloads 32 a modular payload system.

The payload 32 then typically comprises a locking device 52 configured to cooperate with the fixing base 50, the locking device 52 being for example of the quarter-turn type with a locking pin 54 intended to be received in an orifice 56 corresponding to the fixing base 50, for blocking the locking device 52 relative to the fixing base 50. The pin 54 is typically spring-mounted, in order to allow the locking device 52 to be unlocked relative to the fixing base 50. fixing base 50 in the event of application of a sufficiently large mechanical rotational force on the payload 32 relative to the chassis 30. The locking device 52 preferably further comprises a recess 58 forming a storage volume of a connector 60 for connecting a respective electronic system 62 of the payload 32 and other elements, not shown, of the drone 15, including typically a power supply and an information processing unit, not shown.

The payload 32 comprises the electronic system 62. The electronic system 62 is for example an electronic acquisition system configured to acquire at least one quantity associated with the maritime space around the ship 10, that is to say at least a magnitude relative to said maritime space. The acquisition system is typically chosen from the group consisting of: an image sensor, such as an image sensor in the visible spectrum or even an infrared image sensor; a radar, such as an airborne X-band radar; an optronic ball; an obstacle detection sensor; an AIS receiver; a lidar. Alternatively, the electronic system 62 is an electronic radiocommunication system, such as a radiocommunication relay, capable of extending the communication capacity of the ship 10 with radiocommunication equipment, the radiocommunication equipment then being able to be further away from the ship 10 .

The payload 32 is preferably chosen from a plurality of possible distinct payloads 32, the payload 32 then typically being selected according to the mission to be carried out by the drone 15.

Those skilled in the art will observe that when the payload 32 includes the system for acquiring at least one quantity relating to the maritime space around the ship 10, the drone 10 then forms a drone for monitoring said maritime space around the ship 10.

The at least one wing 34 extends in a direction of extension E substantially perpendicular to a direction D of movement of the drone 15, and according to said direction of extension E the at least one wing 34 has a length greater than that of the chassis 30. In other words, the length of the at least one wing 34 in the direction of extension E is at least once a width of the chassis in the direction of extension E. The length of the at least a wing 34 in the direction of extension E is for example greater than 40 cm, preferably greater than 70 cm, and even more preferably greater than 100 cm.

The at least one wing 34 has a lift surface greater than or equal to half of a total lift surface of the drone 15. The lift surface of the at least one wing 34 is preferably greater than or equal to three- quarters of the total lift surface of the drone 15.

As known per se, the at least one wing 34 comprises a fuselage 64 on which aerodynamic lift is able to be exerted.

The at least one wing 34 is then likely to have various shapes, as will now be described with regard to the different examples in Figures 2 to 4.

In the example of the , the at least one wing 34 is a rhomboid-shaped wing. The rhomboidal wing makes it possible to act on the compactness of the drone 15, that is to say makes it possible to obtain a more compact drone 15, ie with smaller dimensions. The geometry of the rhomboidal wing is shaped like a diamond when viewed from above. The rhomboidal wing does not present any discontinuity between the front and rear planes of the wing even if they are at two different vertical levels. The rhomboidal wing also increases the rigidity of the drone 15.

In the example of the , the at least one wing 34 is of the biplane type. The drone 15 then comprises several wings 34, namely two front wings and two rear wings as shown in , or alternatively two lower wings and two upper wings. The at least one wing 34 of the biplane type also makes it possible to obtain a more compact drone 15.

In the example of the , the at least one wing 34 comprises an inflatable wing 64, and the drone 15 further comprises a system 70 for inflating/deflating the inflatable wing 64. The inflation/deflation system 70 is typically controlled on receipt of a piloting instruction. The control instruction is for example an operator instruction. Alternatively, the piloting instruction is an instruction to a sensor, such as an altitude sensor or a pressure sensor.

The inflation/deflation system 70 typically comprises a circuit 72 for circulating air into the inflatable wing 64, a reservoir 74 of compressed air, the reservoir 74 being connected to the circuit 72, a means of opening the circuit 72 , such as a valve, not shown, and an electronic actuation unit 76 connected to the reservoir 74 and to the opening means. For inflation of the inflatable wing 64, the electronic actuation unit 76 is configured to control the reservoir 74 so that it releases air circuit 72 into the inflatable wing 64. For the inflation of the inflatable wing 64, the opening means is of course not controlled, and circuit 72 is closed. For deflation of the inflatable wing 64, the electronic actuation unit 76 is configured to control the opening of the circuit 72 via the opening means, and the reservoir 74 is not controlled so as not to release d 'air.

In the example of the , the at least one wing 34 is removably fixed to the chassis 30. In other words, the at least one wing 34 is removable relative to the chassis 30, typically to facilitate the transport of the drone 15; then reassembled later to put the drone 15 in flight configuration.

In the example of the , for removably fixing the at least one wing 34 relative to the chassis 30, the chassis 30 comprises an axis 80 adapted to be received in an opening 82 of complementary shape to the axis 80, the opening 82 being formed in the corresponding wing 34.

In addition, the wing 34 comprises a male cavity 86 intended to be received in a recess 88 of complementary shape to the cavity 86, the recess 88 being formed in the chassis 30. According to this complement, the cooperation between the cavity 86 and the recess 88 makes it possible to further improve the centering of the wing 34 relative to the chassis 30.

In addition, the chassis 30 includes a centering pin 90 intended to be received in a complementary orifice 92, formed in the corresponding wing 34.

According to another example, not shown, the at least one wing 34 comprises several wing portions articulated together, and the drone 15 further comprises a system for unfolding/folding the at least one wing 34. The system of unfolding/folding is typically a mechanical system or an electromechanical system.

As an optional addition, as shown in the example of or in that of the , at least one rotor 36 is arranged inside an opening 95 provided in the drone 15. In the example of the , each opening 95 receiving a respective rotor 36 is provided, that is to say formed, in a respective wing 34. In the example of the , each opening 95 receiving a respective rotor 36 is provided in the chassis 30.

We can thus see that the drone 15 according to the invention is more easily maneuverable.

Claims (11)

Drone (15) configured to be connected by a cable (20) to a ship (10), the drone (15) comprising a chassis (30), at least one payload (32), and at least one wing (34) fixed to the chassis (30),
characterized in that the drone (15) further comprises at least one rotor (36) actuated by at least one motor, the at least one rotor (36) forming a rotating wing, and the at least one wing (34) forming a fixed wing. Drone (15) according to claim 1, in which the at least one wing (34) is of the biplane type. Drone (15) according to claim 1, in which the at least one wing (34) is rhomboidal in shape. Drone (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the or each wing (34) comprises a fuselage, and at least one rotor (36) is arranged inside an opening provided in the drone (15). ). Drone (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wing (34) is removably attached to the chassis (30). Drone (15) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the at least one wing (34) comprises an inflatable wing (64), and the drone (15) further comprises a system (70) for inflating/deflating the the inflatable wing, the inflation/deflation system (70) being controlled upon receipt of a piloting instruction;
the control instruction preferably being an instruction from an operator or an instruction from a sensor;
the sensor preferably also being an altitude sensor or a pressure sensor. Drone (15) according to claim 1, in which the at least one wing (34) comprises several wing portions articulated together, and the drone (15) further comprises a system for unfolding/folding the at least a wing (34);
the unfolding/folding system preferably being a mechanical system or an electromechanical system. Drone (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the payload (32) is chosen from a plurality of distinct payloads (32), the chassis (30) comprises a base (50) for fixing the load useful (32), and the fixing base (50) is compatible with the plurality of distinct payloads (32);
the fixing base (50) being preferably unique and common to the plurality of distinct payloads (32), the payload (32) fixed to the chassis (30) via said fixing base (50) then being selected according to a mission to be carried out by the drone (15);
each payload (32) preferably further comprising a quarter-turn type locking device (52) with a locking pin (54), the locking device (52) being configured to cooperate with the fixing base (50). ). Drone (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the payload (32) comprises a system for acquiring at least one quantity relating to a maritime space around the ship (10), and the drone (15 ) then forms a drone for monitoring the maritime space around the ship (10). Vessel (10) comprising a platform (12), a drone (15), and a cable (20) connecting the drone (15) to the platform (12),
characterized in that the drone (15) is according to any one of the preceding claims. A vessel (10) according to claim 10, wherein the cable (20) is configured to transmit both electrical power and data;
the data preferably comprising at least one element chosen from the group consisting of: a control signal of the drone (15), a control signal of the at least one payload (32), and a message transmitted by the at least one minus a payload (32) destined for the ship (10);
the cable (20) preferably further comprising an outer casing (42) configured to support tensile forces of the drone (15) relative to the platform (12);
the ship (10) preferably further comprising a winch (22) fixed to the platform (12) and configured to maintain the cable (20) in mechanical tension; the winch (22) being controlled upon receipt of a control instruction;
the control instruction being in particular an instruction from an operator or an instruction from a control-command system.