GB2482584A

GB2482584A - Seismic data acquisition module with antennae protected within a handle, and associated cable connector

Info

Publication number: GB2482584A
Application number: GB201111777A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hubert Dieulangard; Fabien Le Moine; Daniel Pennec
Original assignee: Sercel SAS
Current assignee: Sercel SAS
Priority date: 2010-08-04
Filing date: 2011-07-08
Publication date: 2012-02-08
Anticipated expiration: 2031-07-08
Also published as: RU2486547C2; FR2963681B1; RU2011132701A; GB2482584B; CN102419451A; FR2963681A1; CN102419451B; GB201111777D0; CA2746753A1

Abstract

A seismic data acquisition module comprises two antennas 51,52 and a communication circuit for data communication (e.g. for seismic data, quality control data, GPS data). The module has a body 2 having an upper rigid shell 40. The shell has two arms 41,42, one or both of which is/are connected to a handle 44. The antennas are located within the interior of the arms which provides them with mechanical protection. The arms and handle may be made in one piece with the housing 43 of the upper rigid shell 40. The antennas may be formed on printed circuit boards 71,72. The module may have a foot 31 with a planting point for positioning in the ground. Also provided is a cable connector 100 which can be fixed to the module. The cable connector comprises a part 123 which fastens to a corresponding part 413,432 on the shell, and a cable 102. The connector also includes an insulating part 101 which includes a third antenna which communicates with one or other of the antennas in the arms.

Description

DATA-ACQUISITION MODULE AND CABLE CONNECTOR

The invention relates to a data-acquisition module.

The field of the invention is seismic sensors for

petroleum prospecting of subsoil.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Each individual seismic module comprises in a manner known per se seismic measurement input means intended to be connected to at least one seismic sensor for measuring of at least one seismic magnitude of the ground.

Seismic sensors measure an artificial seismic response wave reflected by the different layers of the subsoil consecutively to sending a predetermined artificial seismic interrogation wave (ground shaking) sent to the surface of the terrain by a source controlled by an operator.

The seismic sensor is for example a geophone or an accelerometer having sufficient sensitivity for measuring the response wave reflected in the ground.

Following ground shaking, each module acquires seismic data corresponding to measurements of the seismic sensor.

These seismic data, as well as other data such as for example quality control data, are then digitized, if necessary. These data are then sent to a base station for later processing.

The sending of these data to the base station is done either by wire link (for example a cable), or by radio link.

Each module can also record these data locally. The sending of these data to the base station is done by wire or radio link by means of a mobile base shifted with respect to each seismic module by an operator.

To conduct petroleum prospecting over a relatively extensive tract of land, which may measure several kilometres by several kilometres, the operator distributes a multiplicity of individual modules over this zone, thus acquiring seismic data at the place in the terrain where each seismic module is implanted. Cartography of the subsoil corresponding to said zone is then possible from these seismic data and is exploited to identify the potential presence of petroleum.

It is therefore necessary to be able to exploit and therefore previously collect data acquired by all the modules.

Different types of devices for this purpose are known.

A seismic acquisition device of cellular type is known from document tJS-A-6 219 620. In this device, terrain is divided into a certain number of cells, each cell containing an access node to said cell and a certain number of geophone units. The geophone units transmit digital data via wireless telemetry over a band at 2.4 GHz at their respective access node, and the access nodes of the cells transmit data to a central control unit via broadband channels in wireless telemetry.

However, an initial restriction imposed on this type of acquisition module is its relatively high price.

In fact, and in general, the price of acquisition modules is augmented mainly by the fact that each acquisition module with an antenna is not cabled. Each acquisition module must therefore have its own power feed, most often an onboard battery and the possibility of connecting another extra battery, these batteries being expensive. Because of this, the price of a wireless acquisition module is higher than that of seismic acquisition modules cabled together and requiring only one battery for approximately every 50 seismic sensors.

A second restriction relates to wireless transmission of data (seismic and other) over a band which must be free from use. In fact, it is preferable to as far as possible avoid sending data wireless in a frequency band requiring authorisation of use, such as for example the subscriber band at 250 MHz. A request for use of such a subscriber band requires in fact many administrative steps which can slow down the process of deployment of a prospecting mission. It is therefore preferable for the acquisition modules with antenna to send in a free band, such as for example in the 2.4 to 2.48 GHz band or in the 5.4 to 5.8 GHz band. But the disadvantage to antennas provided for these bands is their low gain and their low height, which can be a hindrance whenever the acquisition module is located in a zone where data transmission conditions are difficult, typically when the antennas of data-acquisition modules are covered by excessive grass height or more generally when there is an obstacle on the communication path between two antennas.

Acquisition modules using wireless data transmission to an operator carrying a monitor near the sensor with the aim of downloading the locally recorded data to the module are also known. A third restriction is imposed on this device, specifically that the operator must move to near each module to pick up the data acquired by the latter, which is long and fastidious.

Modules having an articulated or removable antenna for changing the antenna in the event of breakage are also known, though their disadvantage is that their antennas fastening is fragile.

In practice, acquisition modules must be reusable for deployment on another area of ground and must therefore resist aggressive external forces.

A wireless transmission acquisition device can be deployed in all sorts of environments. Yet, in difficult environs such as forests or towns, radio waves are reflected by trees or buildings located around the senders and receivers. The radio signal seen at the receiver is subjected to sharp variations over distances close to a semi-wavelength (6 cm to 2.4 GHz) . The range of the acquisition system is thus reduced. An antenna diversity technique is applied so that the radio link between the transmitter and the receiver does not undergo these sharp variations and is of good quality. This means equipping the receiver and/or the transmitter with at least two antennas spaced by at least one semi-wavelength. The choice of this distance must be such that the signals from the different antennas are as decorrelated as possible. So when one of the antennas undergoes strong attenuation of the signal another antenna has a major chance of seeing a stronger signal. The receiver then selects for example the antenna having the strongest level. The quality of the signal is improved and the range of the device is boosted. This is why acquisition modules are equipped with several antennas.

Document FR-A-2 889 389 describes an acquisition network of seismic data comprising nodes having two antennas whereof one at least of these two antennas is removable and fixed on means of fixing within a body from which it can be removed. To be collected, seismic data must be transmitted from node to node via wireless communication between the antennas of some nodes and via cabled communication between other nodes. In a variant pointed out in this document, the node comprises a handle fixed to means of fixing located at the distal ends of the antennas respectively. The document points out that this handle has the following advantages: manual transport of the node, manual erecting/dismantling of the node, ease of deployment and of recovery of the nodes by mechanical means, and also ease of storage by suspension.

The document also points out that the presence of this handle between the antennas improves the mechanical efficacity of these antennas.

However, such is not the case in practice.

In fact, in reality, antennas are fragile and break when the node is planted in the ground. The mechanical resistance of antennas is augmented only by the fact that the handle connects it. But when the user manually grips the node by the handle and forces the node into the ground by leaning on this handle, antennas do not have sufficient mechanical resistance to resist the driving force being exerted.

In addition, the data-acquisition modules can be subjected to numerous aggressive external forces prior to being deployed on terrain. In fact, and most frequently, the data-acquisition modules are unloaded from a truck or helicopter and piled up on the ground so that personnel can distribute them to different positions on the ground. It is therefore necessary for these aggressive external forces to not damage the antennas.

In addition, there should be the possibility of using the greatest variety possible of antennas to adapt to preferred ranges and frequency bands. After positioning of the data-acquisition module on the ground, the antenna must be able to function according to the specifications provided with the range within the frequency band for which the antenna is dimensioned.

The invention aims to resolve these problems of the prior art by proposing a data-acquisition module intended to be positioned relative to the ground and having an interface intended to be connected to at least one seismic sensor, preventing the antennas from deteriorating in all situations, and especially as much in the case of shocks during transport of the sensor as when the module is positioned relative to the ground when it is installed on terrain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For this purpose, the invention provides a data acquisition module, the module comprising at least two first and second antennas for data-communication, a handle and a body containing: -a communication circuit at least for sending data via at least one of the first and second antennas, -input means for input of said data in the communication circuit, comprising an input interface for input of seismic measurements, the input interface being intended to be connected to at least one seismic sensor providing seismic measurements of at least one seismic magnitude, This module is remarkable in that the body comprises a rigid upper shell comprising at least first and second arms for protection respectively of the first and second antennas, the first and second antennas being confined to the interior respectively of the first and second arms, the first arm comprising a first lower part attached to a housing of the rigid upper shell and a first upper part, the second arm comprising a second lower part connected to the housing of the rigid upper shell and a second upper part, the handle being attached to at least one of the first and second upper parts of the arms without being connected to the first and second antennas.

Thanks to the invention, the shell serves both to maintain the antennas in a preset position relative to the ground, as protection for the electronic circuit and antennas, as gripping or hooking handle, and stiffener.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first and second arms are made of a single piece with the handle and with the housing.

This results in greater rigidity and greater production simplicity by avoiding some assembly stages.

In an embodiment of the invention, said data are data including: -seismic data corresponding to said seismic measurements, -quality test control data, -GPS positioning data, -GPS time-stamping data.

The module can thus wirelessly send and receive a large variety of data via the same communication circuit and the same antennas. The module thus serves as circulation for all data linked to seismic measurement data.

In an embodiment of the invention, the handle is connected to the first and second upper parts of the arms.

In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the lower parts widens out in the direction from the upper part to the housing.

The resistance of the arms of the module to shocks is thus increased by reinforcing the join of the arms with the rest of the module, with simplicity of production. The shell comprising the arms can in fact be made in a single piece by moulding plastic material.

In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the lower parts of at least one of the arms comprises an inclined plane turned towards the other of the arms.

The resistance of the arms of the module to shocks is thus increased by reinforcing the join of the arms with the rest of the module, with simplicity of production.

In an embodiment of the invention, the arms extending in a determined direction between their lower part and their upper part, the first and second antennas are in the form respectively of first and second printed circuits extending in the determined direction on first and second board parts of an electricity-insulating board, which board comprises a third board part comprising a third printed circuit in a different plane relative to the first and second board parts of the board, the third printed circuit being connected electrically to the first and second printed circuits.

This results in utilising technology antennas with printed circuits protected against shocks.

In an embodiment of the invention, the third board part of the board is folded relative to the first and second board parts of the board into two first and second thinned zones of the board, the third printed circuit being connected electrically to the first and second printed circuits by a printed circuit on the first and second thinned zones.

This results in utilising technology antennas with folded printed circuits protected against shocks.

In an embodiment of the invention, the third board part of the board is separate relative to the first and second board parts of the board, the third printed circuit being connected electrically to the first and second printed circuits by at least one electric connector.

In an embodiment of the invention, the body comprises a lower tip for planting in the ground.

In an embodiment of the invention, the body comprises a base for positioning on the ground.

In an embodiment of the invention, the housing of the upper shell is located above the communication circuit.

In this way the electronics are protected.

In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the lower parts serves as stiffener to its arm.

In this way resistance of the module to shocks is increased.

In an embodiment of the invention, the rigid upper shell comprises on its external surface at least one fastening part for fastening of a corresponding part of a cable connector, at least one of the first and second arms comprises above the housing an abutment surface which is insulating and made of material allowing the electromagnetic signals from the antennas to pass through and serving as application of an insulating part of the cable connector containing a third antenna attached to a cable solid with the connector, the abutment surface being arranged to serve as mechanical stop to the insulating part of the connector and as spacer when the corresponding part of the connector is fixed on the fastening part located on the rigid upper shell for keeping a preset electromagnetic coupling distance between the first and/or second antenna of said arm and the third antenna for allowing data communication between them.

The shell thus has also the function of fastening a cable connector for data communication.

In an embodiment of the invention, the fastening part located on the rigid upper shell comprises on its external surface at least one of a recess, a projection and a rib.

The shell thus comprises mechanical parts easily enabling removable mounting of the connector on the module.

In an embodiment of the invention, the fastening part is located on the lower part of the arms.

In this way, the arm also has the function of fastening a cable connector for data communication.

In an embodiment of the invention, the fastening part is located on the housing on a side wall of the housing located at a distance from an upper face of the latter, connected to the arms.

In an embodiment of the invention, with the first arm being located on the left and the second arm being located on the right, the abutment surface is located on the side left of the first arm or on the right side of the second arm to be turned to the exterior relative to the other of said arms, a first said fastening part is located at the front relative to the arms and a second said distinct fastening part is located to the rear relative to the arms.

In an embodiment of the invention, the housing of the rigid upper shell comprises a part which is located away from the handle and away from the first and second antennas and which contains a contactless battery-charging element.

The invention provides also a cable connector for fastening on a data acquisition module such as described hereinabove, the connector comprising a fastening part on at least another corresponding fastening part located on the rigid upper shell of the data acquisition module, the connector comprising an insulating part containing a third antenna attached to a cable solid with the fastening part of the connector, the insulating part being made of material allowing electromagnetic signals from the antennas to pass through and being arranged to serve as mechanical stop against an insulating abutment surface of at least one of the arms, when the fastening part located on the connector is fixed on the other fastening part located on the rigid upper shell, to maintain a preset distance of electromagnetic coupling between the first and/or second antenna of said arm and the third antenna to allow data communication between them.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example in reference to the attached diagrams, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view in perspective of a first embodiment of the data-acquisition module, having a point for planting in the ground, Figure 2 is a schematic view in enlarged perspective of the planting point according to the Figure 1, Figure 3 is a schematic view in perspective of a second embodiment of the data-acquisition module, having a base having to be placed on the ground, Figure 4 is a schematic view in perspective of the upper part of the module according to Figure 3, Figure 5 is a schematic view in perspective of an embodiment of a circuit inside the module according to the invention, Figure 6 is a schematic view in enlarged perspective of part of the circuit according to Figure 5, Figure 7 is a schematic view in perspective of a cable connector intended to cooperate with one of the antennas of the module according to Figure 1, Figure 8 is a schematic view in perspective of a cabled connection between two modules according to Figures 1 and 2, Figure 9 is a schematic view in perspective of a cable connector intended to cooperate with one of the antennas of the module according to Figures 3 and 4, Figures 10 and 11 are modular synoptics of electronic parts of the module 1 according to the invention, in different embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the Figures, the data-acquisition module 1 according to the invention comprises a body 2 enclosing all the electronic parts of the module. A synoptic diagram of the electronic parts of two examples of module 1 according to the invention is represented in Figures 10 and 11. This body 2 has a determined lower part 3 which serves for example as positioning of the module in a determined direction relative to the ground and an upper part 4 fixed to the lower part 3, for example by bolts 400, this lower part 3 being called the third part 3.

In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the lower part 3 is fitted with a lower foot 31 terminating in a lower planting point or tip 310 of the foot 31 in the ground.

In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the lower positioning part 3 comprises a base 32, for example flat, which can be placed on the ground.

In the Figures, the lower part 3 is under the upper part 4 in a deposit direction GRD of the module 1 on the ground or forcing into the ground, which direction is more frequently vertical or substantially vertical downwards as in the embodiments shown in the Figures, that is, with a downwards vertical component, this vertical direction being inverse to the ascending vertical direction Z. With the positioning part 3 being intended to be sunk into the ground or the positioning part 3 being intended to be placed on the ground, the module 1 is known as a terrestrial seismic module 1 in this case.

The data-acquisition module 1 is fitted with an input interface 8 for input of seismic measurements, which interface is intended to be connected to at least one seismic sensor CAP providing seismic measurements of at least one seismic magnitude, for example of the ground. The interface 8 is located electrically between a data communication circuit 6 and the seismic sensor or seismic sensors.

The seismic sensor is for example intended to be positioned on or in the ground. The seismic measuring sensor is for example a geophone for measuring an acoustic seismic velocity wave in the ground or an accelerometer for measuring seismic acceleration in the ground. The seismic measuring sensor has sufficient sensitivity to detect and measure an artificial seismic wave, this seismic wave being constituted by the response of layers of the subsoil to an artificial seismic wave produced by shaking of the ground generated at the surface by a controlled source, as is known in the petroleum prospecting field. Such seismic measuring sensors thus have greater sensitivity than conventional vibration sensors used for example on machines tools or on automobiles.

The seismic sensor CAP may be housed in the body 2, in which case the seismic data acquisition module 1 comprises the seismic sensor CAP, said to be integrated into the module 1, as shown for example in Figure 10. So, in one embodiment, the seismic sensor is housed in the lower part 3 of the body 2, such as for example in Figures 1 and 2, where the seismic measuring sensor is housed in the foot 31 to be located in the ground when the planting tip 310 is forced into the ground. In this case, the seismic measurement input interface 8 is located wholly within the body 2 and comprises for example an electrical connection in the body 2 between the seismic sensor CPIP and a communication circuit 6 communicating with the exterior of the body 2 and of the module 1.

The seismic sensor may not be housed in the body 2, in which case the seismic data acquisition module 1 does not include the seismic sensor and the connection between the seismic sensor and the data-acquisition module 1 must be made during installation of the module 1 on the ground. So, in one embodiment, the seismic measuring sensor sends its seismic measurements to the input interface 8 by appropriate connection means, as is the case for example in Figure 3 where the input interface 8 comprises a connector 62 located in the body 2 and an access opening 34 provided in a side wall 33 of the lower part 3 for one or more connection cables 81 not shown here to pass through to connect the external seismic sensor or sensors to the appropriate connector 62 via the opening 34. In this case, the seismic measuring sensor or the sensors are for example one or more geophones which are implanted in the ground outside the module 1 during installation on terrain for measuring a seismic acoustic wave in the ground.

The module 1 may be in one of the following case: module 1 with one or more digital seismic sensors in the body 2 (figure 10), module 1 with one or more analog seismic sensors in the body 2 (figure 10), module 1 with one or more digital seismic sensors outside the body 2 (figure 11), module 1 with one or more analog seismic sensors outside the body 2 (figure 11), or with a mix of analog seismic sensors and digital seismic sensors in these cases hereinabove.

The data-acquisition module comprises the communication circuit 6 connected electrically to at least two first and second antennas 51 and 52 at least for sending and/or receiving, via at least one of the first and second antennas 51 and 52, seismic data corresponding to the seismic measurements, when such seismic measurements are sent to the interface 8. Obviously, it is feasible to have a communication circuit design comprising more than two antennas.

The antennas 51 and 52 are connected electrically to a support circuit 9, in turn connected electrically to the communication circuit 6, for example at least by means of another electric connector 91 located under the support circuit 9. This support circuit 9 is also called the upper circuit 9 in that it is mostly located high up relative to the others. The support circuit 9 therefore supports the antennas 51 and 52.

According to another embodiment of the invention the antennas 51 and 52 are connected electrically directly to the communication circuit 6.

Measurements taken by the seismic sensor and received by the interface 8 are transformed by the circuit 6 into digital seismic data called second data.

These second data are sent outside by the emission circuit 6 to another data-acquisition module similar to the module 1, and thus from module to module for collecting the data from successive seismic sensors by a remote central collecting unit, not illustrated. Consequently, the communication circuit 6 of the module 1 and the antennas 51 and 52 also serve to receive data from the outside, having been sent by another similar data-acquisition module, the data received by the circuit 6 being called first data and the circuit 6 being also called circuit 6 for emission of second data and for reception of first data.

The communication circuit 6 is connected to the first antenna 51 and to the second antenna 52 which are suitable for sending signals transporting the second seismic data of the circuit and which are suitable for receiving signals transporting the first data, for wireless emission of the second data and for wireless reception of the first data.

Of course, the data sent and/or received by the antennas and the communication circuit 6 can include data other than seismic data. For example, these data encompass one and/or the other of: seismic data originating from the seismic sensor, quality control data, battery charge control data, GPS positioning and dating data, data relative to the operating state of the module. So, the module 1 may not send and/or receive seismic data via its antennas 51 and 52, but may send and/or receive other types of data, such as for example those mentioned hereinabove. The seismic data can be recovered later when they are recorded locally in a memory of the module 1. Quality control data serve for example to give quality information on the environment of the module (ambient noise, for example) and decide to keep this measurement or not thereafter.

So, the data input means in the communication circuit 6 comprise the input interface 8 for input of the seismic measurements of the seismic sensor or seismic sensors, in the sense that the data sent or received by the antennas and by the communication circuit 6 may not be these seismic data corresponding to these seismic measurements, and that the communication circuit 6 may have one or more input means other than the seismic measurement input interface 8, for entering data other than seismic.

Due to the presence of the seismic measurement input interface 8 the module 1 is called seismic module 1, but can of course send and receive data other than seismic, without sending or receiving seismic data.

According to the invention, the upper part 4 is formed by a rigid upper shell 40, and comprises a first arm 41 enclosing the first antenna 51 and a second arm 42 enclosing the second antenna 52. The upper shell 40 is made of electrical insulating material. The shell 40 is made of material allowing the electromagnetic signals from the antennas 51 and 52 to pass through. The upper shell 40 is made for example of plastics. The part 3 is for example also in the form of a lower shell fixed to the upper shell.

The first arm 41 comprises a first lower part 411 attached to a housing 43 of the upper shell 40 located above the communication circuit 6 and a first upper part 412. The second arm 42 comprises a second lower part 421 connected to the housing 43 of the upper shell 40 and a second upper part 422. A handle 44 is attached to at least one of the first and second upper parts 412, 422 of the arms 41, 42 without being connected to the first and second antennas 51, 52.

The force exerted on the handle 44 is thus deflected from the antennas 51, 52 by the shell 40.

The handle 44 is made for example of electrical insulating material without containing metal parts.

In the embodiment illustrated, the handle 44 is attached to the first upper part 412 of the arm 41 and to the second upper part 422 of the arm 42 and extends for example between the first upper part 412 and the second upper part 422. In the embodiment illustrated, the first and second arms 41, 42 are made of a single piece with the handle 44 and with the housing 43, forming the rigid shell 40. The handle 44 is for example in the form of a solid bar, in a single piece with the material of the arms 41 and 42.

The arms 41 and 42 extend in a determined direction between their lower part 411, 412 and their upper part 421, 422, the antennas 51 and 52 also extending overall in this determined direction, which in the illustrated embodiment is the direction GRD, to have an electromagnetic beam diagram transversal to this determined direction, that is, substantially in a horizontal plane when the determined direction is vertical or has a vertical component.

The handle 44 is attached to at least one of the first and second upper parts 412, 422 of the arms 41, 42 without being connected to the first and second antennas 51, 52, due to the fact that the arms 41 and 42 form a rigid envelope 41, 42 respectively enclosing the antennas 51 and 52, this rigid envelope 41, 42 being oblong in the determined direction.

In this way, the antennas 51, 52 are protected during handling of the acquisition module 1.

In fact, the acquisition modules 1 are subjected to numerous mechanical stresses during their storage, during their transport and during their deployment on terrain. In particular, when the a data-acquisition module 1 is installed on terrain, thanks to the shell 40 the antennas 51, 52 are prevented from breaking following the driving force exerted on the handle 44 for sinking the tip 310 into the ground or for placing the base 32 on the ground or more generally for positioning the lower part 3 of the module 1 on or in the ground, due to the fact that the handle 44 is solid with the shell 40 in turn solid with the part 3, the foot 31, the tip 310 or the base 32. This prevents breaking the antennas when the data acquisition modules 1 clash during their transport or during their storage. The data-acquisition module 1 therefore has improved longevity.

The rigid envelope 41, 42 formed by the arms therefore has an inner passage for lodging the antennas 51, 52.

Consequently, the circuit 6 and the antennas 51, 52 may have any form, including fragile forms which would not resist the force exerted on the handle 44 in the absence of the upper shell 40 and the arms 41 and 42.

The antennas 51, 52 and the circuit 6 are for example made in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB) The function of the form of the lower parts 411 and 421 is to allow the arms 41 and 42 to be stiffened, thus avoiding flexion of the arms and therefore of the antennas.

The arms have for example a wider part 411, 421 at the junction with the housing 43.

For example, the lower parts 411, 421 (or at least one of the lower parts 411, 421) widen out in the direction from the upper part 412, 422 to the housing 43, that is, in the direction GRD to the ground.

For example, the lower parts 411, 421 (or at least one of the lower parts 411, 421) comprise an inclined plane respectively 4110, 4210 turned towards the other of the arms 41, 42, the inclined plane 4110, 4210 therefore in this case being inside the passage formed by the handle 44, the arms 41, 42, and the housing 43.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first and second antennas 51 and 52 are in the form respectively of first and second printed circuits 51, 52 extending in the determined direction on first and second parts 71, 72 of an electrical insulating board 7. The board 7 comprises a third board part 73 whereof the printed circuit is connected electrically to the first and second printed circuits 51, 52. The third part 73 of the board is in a different plane relative to the first and second parts 71, 72 of the board, the third part 73 of the board being located for example in a secant plane relative to the first and second parts 71, 72 of the board and for example substantially perpendicular.

The third part 73 of the board is in the housing 43, for example under the upper face 430 thereof between the arms 41 and 42.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the third part 73 of the board 7 is folded relative to the first and second parts 71, 72 of the board into two first and second thinned zones 74, of the board 7. A printed connection circuit is provided on each of the zones 74, 75 for connecting the printed circuit 51 forming the antenna 51 and the printed circuit 52 forming the antenna 52 to the support circuit 9 located on the third part 73. These zones 74, 75 are made for example by milling of the insulating board, the insulating board being suitable to be folded below a certain thickness.

In an embodiment not shown, the third part 73 of the board 7 is separate relative to the first and second parts 71, 72 of the board 7, that is, the parts 71, 72 and 73 are constituted by three distinct printed circuit boards. The support circuit 9 is connected to the first and second printed circuits 51, 52 by an electric connector.

The support circuit 9 also comprises on the upper face of the third part 73 an electronic GPS positioning module 61 for synchronisation and time-stamping of the first data received and the second data sent, specifically the attribution to these data of an instant of receiving or sending, this instant being for example in hours, minutes, seconds, microseconds. This GPS module 61 includes its own fourth GPS antenna 610 for communication with GPS positioning satellites, this antenna 610 being for example provided on the upper face 611 of the GPS module 61, which is oriented upwards vertically in the direction Z when the module 1 is positioned on the ground at the vertical in the direction GRD, this GPS antenna 610 therefore being oriented to the upper face 430 of the housing 43.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9, the shell 40 comprises on its external surface at least one part 413, 423 for fastening a corresponding part 123 of a cable connector 100. The connector 100 can be fixed removably on the fastening part 413 or 423. The cable connector 100 contains a third antenna (not shown) attached to a cable 102 solid with the part 123. The connector 100 comprises a second body 103 fixed to the cable 102, to the fastening part 123 and to a part 101 containing the third antenna connected electrically to the cable by connection means located in the body 103. The cable 102 is for example a coaxial cable. The third antenna located inside the part 101 is for example a dipole antenna.

At least one of the first and second arms 41, 42 and for example in Figure 7 the two arms 41, 42, comprise above the housing 43 an insulating abutment surface 414, 424 serving to apply an insulating part 101 located on the cable connector 100. The insulating abutment surface 414, 424 is arranged to serve as mechanical stop to the insulating part 101 of the connector 100 and as spacer when the corresponding part 123 of the connector 100 is fixed on the fastening part 413, 423 located on the shell 40 to maintain a preset distance of electromagnetic coupling between the first and/or second antenna 51, 52 of said arm and the third antenna to allow data communication between the latter. The insulating abutment surface 414, 424 is made of material allowing the electromagnetic signals from the antennas to pass through. The insulating part 101 is made of material allowing the electromagnetic signals from the antennas to pass through.

The fastening part 413, 423 located on the shell 40 comprises at least one element from the following elements: a recess, a projection, a rib 413, 423 on its external surface. In the example shown in the Figures, the fastening part 413, 423 is formed by a rib 413, 423.

In an embodiment, such as for example in Figures 3, 4 and 9, the fastening part 413, 423 is located on the lower part 411, 421 of the arms 41, 42. In these Figures, the rib 413, 423 comes to the upper face 430 of the housing 43.

In another embodiment, such as for example in Figures 1, 7 and 8, the fastening part 413, 423 is located on the housing 43 on a side wall 431 of the housing located at a distance from the upper face 430 connected to the arms 41, 42.

In the embodiments illustrated earlier, the first arm 41 is located on the left and the second arm 42 is located to the right relative to the direction GRD. The abutment surface 414 is located on the side left of the first arm 41 to be turned to the exterior relative to the other arm 42.

The abutment surface 424 is located on the right side of the second arm 42 to be turned to the exterior relative to the other arm 41. A first fastening part 413 located at the front relative to the arm 41 and another first fastening part 413 located to the rear relative to the arm 41 are provided. A second fastening part 423 located at the front relative to the arm 42 and another second fastening part 423 located to the rear relative to the arm 42 are provided. The front and rear are viewed in a direction X perpendicular to the direction GRD and to the transversal direction Y going between the arms 41, 42. It is possible to put a cable connector 100 on each arm 41 and 42. The body 103 of the connector 100 is also fitted for example with a second handle 104 located to the side away from the surface 424 and opposite the application side 1010 of the part 101 against the surface 424, so a to be able to simultaneously engage the parts 123 and 423 or 413 against one another and support the part 101 against the surface 424 or 414.

The part 123 of the cable connector 100 has for example the form of a jaw gripping respectively the front part of the rib 423 and the rear part of the rib 423 by a front part 123 and another rear part 123. The part 123 of the connector 100 has for example a form complementary to the part 423, comprising for example a complementary recess 1230 (figure 7) of the rib 423. The rib 423 and the recess 1230 widen out for example from top to bottom to slip the connector 100 onto the rib 423 from top to bottom. Of course, the rib 423 could be a recess and the part 123 could have a rib 1230. Of course, a connector similar to the cable connector 100 could be fixed on the other fastening part 413.

The part 123 of the connector 100 could naturally be fixed on the other fastening part 413.

Figure 8 shows a cable connection device 200 between two data-acquisition modules la and ib, similar to the module 1 described hereinabove. The connection device 200 comprises a cable 102 having at a first end 201 a first connector lOOa connected to the cable 102 and at a second end 202 a second connector lOOb connected to the cable 102.

Hereinbelow, an << a >> is added to the reference signs of the connector 100 and of the module 1 described hereinabove for the connector lOOa and the module la, and a << b >> is added to the reference signs of the connector 100 and of the module 1 described hereinabove for the connector lOOb and the module lb. The connectors lOOa and lOOb are similar to the connector 100 described hereinabove and are fixed by the fastening parts l23a, 123b respectively to the parts 423a and 413b, to apply the parts lOla and lOib respectively against the surfaces 424a and 414b. Of course, the module la can be any one of the exemplary embodiments described hereinabove of the module 1, and the module la can be any one of the exemplary embodiments described hereinabove of the module 1 and can be a different embodiment to the module lb. Thus a user is able to mount the cable 102 removably on the modules 1 without directly touching the ends of the cable 102, in order to send to the module lb with the module la in mounted position the data radiated by the antenna 52a of the arm 42a of the module la, which will then transit wirelessly to the antenna of the part lOla of the connector lOOa and from there via the cable 102 to the antenna of the part l0lb of the connector bOb, then to the antenna 51b of the arm 41b of the module lb. The connector 100 thus prevents the ends of the cable 102 from being fixed to the modules 1, the electric transmission function of the ends of the cable 102 being separate from the mechanical fastening function ensured by the part 123 of the connector 100, thus avoiding deterioration of the cable due to the fact that the forces applied to the fastening part 123 are not transmitted to the cable 102 during mounting on the module 1 and in all transport and storage conditions of the cable 102.

In the embodiments illustrated, to avoid the obstacle of the handle 44 and the antennas 51, 52, the data- acquisition module 1 comprises a contactless battery-charging element which is contained in a part 432 of the housing 43 of the shell 40. A power battery of the module 1 can in fact be housed in the body 2, for example in the housing 43 such as for example in Figure 1, or for example in the lower part 3 such as for example in Figure 3, or as a variant can be provided outside the body2. The battery is connected by electrical connection means to the communication circuit 6, to the seismic sensor and to the electronic parts of the module 1 to supply them with electrical energy. The contactless battery-charging element is for example a magnetic induction element. The part 432 of the housing 43 containing the contactiess battery-charging element is for example magnetic induction. The part 432 of the housing 43 containing the contactiess battery-charging element comprises for example an element 4320 to mechanically lock with an external charger for removably mounting the external charger on this mechanical lock element 4320. When the charger is in the installed position on the mechanical lock element 4320, the charger contactiessly generates a charge current in the battery charge element contained in the part 432 by magnetic induction. The part 432 is situated away from the arms 41 and 42 so as not to impede removable mounting of the cable connector 100 and is located for example on a side wall 433 other than the wall 431 on which the fastening elements 413 and 423 are located, for example to the right or left side of the housing 43 in the plane connecting the arms, considered as being a frontal plane.

In the above, there can be another arm or other arms receiving no antenna. On one side there can in fact be an arm which carries an antenna, another hollow or solid and similarly on the other side.