EP1685021B1 - Floating vessel comprising hulls which are articulated essentially under the effect of hydrostatic forces - Google Patents

Floating vessel comprising hulls which are articulated essentially under the effect of hydrostatic forces Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1685021B1
EP1685021B1 EP04805243A EP04805243A EP1685021B1 EP 1685021 B1 EP1685021 B1 EP 1685021B1 EP 04805243 A EP04805243 A EP 04805243A EP 04805243 A EP04805243 A EP 04805243A EP 1685021 B1 EP1685021 B1 EP 1685021B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hulls
platform
floating
ballasting
configuration
Prior art date
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Not-in-force
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EP04805243A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1685021A1 (en
Inventor
Marc Lebrun
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Trides
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TRIDES
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B1/00—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils
    • B63B1/02—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement
    • B63B1/10—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls
    • B63B1/14—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls the hulls being interconnected resiliently or having means for actively varying hull shape or configuration
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B7/00—Collapsible, foldable, inflatable or like vessels
    • B63B7/02—Collapsible, foldable, inflatable or like vessels comprising only rigid parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
    • B63B27/36—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for floating cargo
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C1/00—Dry-docking of vessels or flying-boats
    • B63C1/02—Floating docks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B1/00—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils
    • B63B1/02—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement
    • B63B1/10—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls
    • B63B1/14—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls the hulls being interconnected resiliently or having means for actively varying hull shape or configuration
    • B63B2001/145—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls the hulls being interconnected resiliently or having means for actively varying hull shape or configuration having means for actively varying hull shape or configuration
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B25/00—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby
    • B63B25/002—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby for goods other than bulk goods
    • B63B25/006—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby for goods other than bulk goods for floating containers, barges or other floating cargo
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
    • B63B27/14—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of ramps, gangways or outboard ladders ; Pilot lifts
    • B63B27/143—Ramps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B63B35/28—Barges or lighters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B63B35/40—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for for transporting marine vessels
    • B63B35/42—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for for transporting marine vessels with adjustable draught

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a floating machine of the type having a floating structure consisting of a platform providing the connection between two hulls, said hulls being articulated pivotally to the platform to be able to move in particular between at least two flotation positions predetermined, one in which they are aligned with the plane of the platform, the other in which they extend substantially at right angles to said platform, these shells being provided with ballast / deballasting means and means for immobilizing or locking in each of their flotation positions.
  • Such floating machines with variable geometry are known from the state of the art as illustrated in particular by the patent FR-A-2674210 in which it is described a hull of variable geometry vessel allowing, according to the conditions, to have a planing hull to optimize the running of the boat according to the state of the sea and the force of the wind and to have a variable draft.
  • This boat hull is thus provided with a central portion along the two longitudinal edges of which are articulated two lateral parts in the form of floats pivotally mounted and adjustably between a position in which they are positioned under the central portion and a position in which they are located outside the central part.
  • the displacement of these lateral floats requires the presence of extremely powerful hydraulic cylinders. As a result, such a solution is unsuitable for large vehicles without having to have a power hydraulic extremely powerful and therefore extremely expensive.
  • ballast hulls are connected via arms to a connecting platform.
  • the arms and ballast hulls are hinged to the connecting platform and are controlled on the move by means of a gear system.
  • An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a floating machine whose design eliminates high power member for the pivotal movement of the hulls using essentially the hydrostatic forces in the presence.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a floating machine whose design allows to have at least three flotation positions each corresponding to a particular function of said machine to make the latter versatile.
  • Another object of the present invention is to propose a floating machine whose design makes it possible to move from one flotation position to another in an extremely short time, including in the absence of powerful energy sources and / or powerful control devices.
  • the subject of the invention is a floating craft of the type having a floating structure consisting of a platform providing the connection between two hulls, said hulls being articulated pivotally to the platform to be able to move in particular between at least two predetermined flotation positions, one in which they are aligned with the plane of the platform, the other in which they extend substantially at right angles to said platform, these shells being provided with ballast / deballasting means and means of immobilization or locking in each of their flotation positions, the platform linkage being a floating element characterized in that the hulls provided with pumped ballast / deballasting means are moved from one flotation position to another at least by the ballast / deballasting means of said hulls cooperating with the immobilization means the latter, ballasting / deballasting means and immobilization means being controlled in operation from a central unit controlling, in a succession of predetermined sequences, said means simultaneously and / or alternately to cause a displacement to pivoting hulls essentially under the effect of hydrostatic forces
  • the floating apparatus object of the invention, has a floating structure consisting of a platform 1 providing the connection between two shells 2.
  • These shells are pivotally articulated to the platform to be able to to move in particular between at least two flotation positions: one in which they are aligned with the plane of the platform, as illustrated in Figure 15, the other in which they extend substantially at right angles to said platform, as illustrated in Figures 14 and 16.
  • These shells 2 are provided with ballasting / deballasting means shown in 5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B in the figures.
  • these ballasting means comprise at least one tank or ballast 5 arranged in the hull of the machine, a pump 6 to allow the emptying or filling of such tanks and a three-way valve 7 to which are connected two lines 8A , 8B forming water intakes, these pipes opening into two opposite locations of the tank corresponding to a high point and a low point of the tank when the hulls extend substantially at right angles to the platform 1 of connection.
  • the hulls affect the form of fins, the lines 8A and 8B being positioned in the vicinity of each of the longitudinal edges of the fin.
  • These shells 2 are further provided with means for immobilizing or locking in at least two predetermined flotation positions.
  • the hulls are connected to the connecting platform 1 by a hinge type pivot connection 3 mechanically lockable in each of the flotation positions of said hulls.
  • the detail of this hinge 3 is shown in FIG. 18.
  • the locking means are in this case constituted by integral locking pins 11 of a hinge element 3A itself coupled for example to the platform 1 while the other element 3B hinge coupled to the shell 2 comprises a housing for receive the locking pin 11.
  • the hinge element 3A coupled to the platform 1 comprises two locking pins 11 while the hinge element 3B coupled to the shell 2 comprises two housings each intended for receive a locking pin 11.
  • the hinge 3 is locked in a position in which the shell 2 extends perpendicular to the platform 1 and below the latter, this position corresponding to a catamaran position of the gear which will be described in more detail below.
  • the position occupied by the hull is an alignment position with the platform corresponding to a configuration of the machine called barge type configuration.
  • the locking pin shown most above in FIG. 18, comes into the housing of the lower part of the hinge element 3B, the hinge is then locked in a position of the shell 2 corresponding to a so-called floating dock configuration of the machine.
  • the platform 1 for connecting the machine is a floating element.
  • the hulls 2, which are provided with pumped ballast / deballasting means as described above, are moved from one flotation position to another at least by the means of ballasting / deballasting the hulls cooperating with the means. immobilization of the latter.
  • Means for ballasting / deballasting and immobilizing means are thus controlled in operation from a central unit 4 controlling, in a succession of predetermined sequences, said means simultaneously and / or alternately to cause pivoting of the hulls essentially. under the effect of hydrostatic forces in the presence.
  • this central unit 4 controls, on the one hand, the ballasting / deballasting means, on the other hand, the actuation of the means for immobilizing the hulls locking the hull-deck connection in each flotation position in front of to be taken by the hulls. Thanks to the succession of predetermined sequences of the operations of ballasting / deballasting hulls and lock operations of the hull-platform link, it results in a displacement in automatic pivoting of the hulls to bring them from one position to another. To allow this sequence of predetermined sequences to be respected, the machine further comprises means capable of providing information relating to the relative position of the hulls and the connecting platform and / or the water level in the tanks. ballast of the craft.
  • the machine comprises on the one hand means for detecting the relative position of the hulls and the connecting platform consisting of force and position sensors of the device type.
  • rotary steering positioned on the hinge-type hinge 3 between the hull 2 and the connecting platform 1, on the other hand means for detecting the water level in the ballast tanks 5, these means for detecting the level of d water preferably operating by ultrasound, all of these detection means transmitting, preferably in real time and continuously, their signals to the central control unit 4 which, from the received signals, is able to control operation on the one hand the means of ballasting / déballasting, on the other hand the immobilization means hulls.
  • the connecting platform 1 is a floating element equipped with means 9, 10 for ballasting / deballasting. Again, these means consist of reservoirs 9 that can be filled or drained via pumps 10. All of these ballasting means are connected to the central control unit 4 preferably positioned on the platform. form 1 linkage at the wheelhouse 12 of the machine, this wheelhouse 12 is located at the rear of the platform 1. It can also be provided in the vicinity of this wheelhouse 12, a chimney 13 and 14. The platform 1 can also be equipped with a liftable ramp shown in 15 in the figures.
  • the machine comprises at least three flotation positions, one said barge configuration in which the shells 2 are aligned with the plane of the platform 1 of connection, the other two positions, respectively called catamaran configuration and floating dock configuration respectively corresponding to positions in which the shells 2 extend substantially at right angles to the platform 1 of connection and are positioned by extending either at below deck 1 (catamaran configuration), or above said platform 1 so as to form a floating dock type craft.
  • the passage from one configuration to another is more particularly described in FIGS. 1 to 13.
  • the sequences for the passage of the position in the catamaran configuration to the position in barge configuration comprise a ballast sequence of the hulls 2 kept locked.
  • the ballast tanks 5 of the hulls 2 and the platform 1 are empty and the hulls 2 are locked in a position in which they extend substantially. at right angles and below the connecting platform. Initially, the hulls are ballasted in order to allow the platform 1 to be lowered to the position in which it reaches the water level in order to float.
  • the hulls 2 are then unlocked and a progressive deballasting of the hulls 2 is engaged.
  • the hulls 2 then tend to rise to the horizontal.
  • an angular sensor positioned at the hinges 3 detects a predetermined value corresponding to an alignment of the hulls with the platform, it is considered that the hulls 2 occupy a horizontal position and the control by the central unit 4 of the organs 11 locking hinges 3 is then performed to ensure a new locking hulls.
  • a complete deballasting of the tanks 5 of the hulls 2 can be carried out in order to obtain a minimum draft.
  • the connecting platform 1 is also equipped with ballast tanks 9, some of these tanks are filled to give the entire apparatus a base.
  • the ballasting / deballasting sequences for the passage of the position in barge configuration to the floating dock position comprise at least one ballasting sequence of the connecting platform 1 in order to cause the immersion of the latter in parallel with an unlocking of said hulls 2 until a positioning of the hulls 2 perpendicular to said connecting platform 1, a hull locking sequence 2 followed by a ballast sequence of the hulls 2 to a depth depending on the draft of the ship or floating load to ship.
  • FIGS. 7 to 13 show the ballast step of the hulls and / or the platform to obtain a zero moment on the hinge.
  • the hulls are then unlocked as shown in Figure 9 to allow a rise of said hulls. In parallel, these hulls are unpacked while the ballasting operation of the connecting platform is engaged.
  • the hulls continue to re-show, as illustrated in Figures 9, 10 and 11 to a position in which the hulls occupy a position substantially perpendicular to the connecting platform and extend above this last. In this position, the hulls must be locked again.
  • the hull tanks can be filled as shown in Figure 12 to allow the loading of a vessel. Then, again, we proceed to a deballasting of the hulls and the platform to allow a rise of the platform to the desired level.
  • all of these sequences can be performed automatically thanks to the central unit 4 which is able to go from one sequence to another thanks to the means for detecting the relative position of the shells and the platform. form and means for the detection of water levels in the different tanks.
  • assistance means to control the displacement of the hulls.
  • These assistance means are active when the hulls 2 occupy a position close to the predetermined flotation position in which they are immobilized by actuation of immobilization means locking the hull connection-platform connection.
  • These means of assistance can affect various and varied forms. They are simply intended to refine the position of the hulls at the end of the race in the vicinity of the predetermined position of flotation to be occupied by the hull relative to the connecting platform.
  • propulsion means is provided to control the displacement of the hulls.
  • the hulls 2 incorporate these means of propulsion of the vehicle, these propulsion means being preferably constituted by water boosters whose water supply intakes are arranged on the internal faces facing the hulls in configuration catamaran of the craft.
  • these propulsion means being preferably constituted by water boosters whose water supply intakes are arranged on the internal faces facing the hulls in configuration catamaran of the craft.
  • an electric motor on the other hand a water jet propellant, electric motor and water jet propellant being connected to a generator for the power supply of the engine .
  • This generator is preferably positioned on the connecting platform.
  • the pumps 6 means for ballasting / deballasting the hulls 2 are fed from the generators used for feeding the propulsion means of the machine.
  • the generators used for carrying out the ballasting / deballasting operations of the hulls can also be used for the propulsion of the machine insofar as the ballasting / deballasting operations are carried out at zero speed and thus function alternated with means of propulsion of the craft.
  • a machine is capable of fulfilling several functions, namely a barge function, a gear function able to navigate at high speed in a catamaran configuration and a machine suitable for use as a floating dock for the maintenance or repair of other vessels.
  • This versatility can be achieved in the absence of an impressive hydraulic power, thanks to an optimal use of the hydrostatic forces in the presence.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Underground Or Underwater Handling Of Building Materials (AREA)
  • Cleaning Or Clearing Of The Surface Of Open Water (AREA)
  • Preparation Of Compounds By Using Micro-Organisms (AREA)
  • Fire-Extinguishing By Fire Departments, And Fire-Extinguishing Equipment And Control Thereof (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)

Abstract

The apparatus has two plates (2) pivotally articulated to a platform (1). The plates have a water ballast tank (5), pump (6) to empty or fill the tank, and two conduits (8A, 8B) connected with a three way control valve (7) to move the plates between two fixed flotation positions by hydrostatic force. A locking axle locks the displacement of the plates. A central control unit (4) controls the locking unit, tank, pump and valve. The apparatus in one flotation position is in catamaran configuration and in another flotation position is in floating dock configuration.

Description

La présente invention concerne un engin flottant du type présentant une structure flottante constituée d'une plate-forme assurant la liaison entre deux coques, lesdites coques étant articulées à pivotement à la plate-forme pour pouvoir se déplacer notamment entre au moins deux positions de flottaison prédéterminées, l'une dans laquelle elles sont alignées avec le plan de la plate-forme, l'autre dans laquelle elles s'étendent sensiblement à angle droit de ladite plate-forme, ces coques étant munies de moyens de ballastage/déballastage et de moyens d'immobilisation ou de verrouillage dans chacune de leurs positions de flottaison.The present invention relates to a floating machine of the type having a floating structure consisting of a platform providing the connection between two hulls, said hulls being articulated pivotally to the platform to be able to move in particular between at least two flotation positions predetermined, one in which they are aligned with the plane of the platform, the other in which they extend substantially at right angles to said platform, these shells being provided with ballast / deballasting means and means for immobilizing or locking in each of their flotation positions.

De tels engins flottants à géométrie variable sont connus de l'état de la technique comme l'illustre en particulier le brevet FR-A-2.674.210 dans lequel il est décrit une coque d'embarcation à géométrie variable permettant, selon les conditions, de disposer d'une coque planante afin d'optimiser la marche du bateau en fonction de l'état de la mer et de la force du vent et de disposer d'un tirant d'eau variable. Cette coque d'embarcation est ainsi pourvue d'une partie centrale le long des deux bords longitudinaux de laquelle sont articulées deux parties latérales en forme de flotteurs montés pivotants et de façon réglable entre une position dans laquelle ils sont positionnés sous la partie centrale et une position dans laquelle ils sont situés à l'extérieur de la partie centrale. Le déplacement de ces flotteurs latéraux nécessite la présence de vérins hydrauliques extrêmement puissants. Il en résulte qu'une telle solution est inadaptable à des engins de grande dimension sans avoir à disposer d'une hydraulique de puissance extrêmement performante et donc extrêmement onéreuse.Such floating machines with variable geometry are known from the state of the art as illustrated in particular by the patent FR-A-2674210 in which it is described a hull of variable geometry vessel allowing, according to the conditions, to have a planing hull to optimize the running of the boat according to the state of the sea and the force of the wind and to have a variable draft. This boat hull is thus provided with a central portion along the two longitudinal edges of which are articulated two lateral parts in the form of floats pivotally mounted and adjustably between a position in which they are positioned under the central portion and a position in which they are located outside the central part. The displacement of these lateral floats requires the presence of extremely powerful hydraulic cylinders. As a result, such a solution is unsuitable for large vehicles without having to have a power hydraulic extremely powerful and therefore extremely expensive.

Une solution analogue est décrite dans le brevet US-A-4.223.623 où à la place de flotteurs latéraux, il est utilisé des caissons reliés les uns aux autres par l'intermédiaire d'articulations de type charnière. A nouveau, les moyens d'entraînement en déplacement d'un caisson sont constitués de vérins et d'un système de câbles.A similar solution is described in the patent US Patent 4,223,623 where instead of side floats, it is used boxes connected to each other by means of hinge type joints. Again, the drive means for moving a housing consist of cylinders and a cable system.

Il en est de même dans le brevet US-A-5.237.947 où des coques ballastables sont reliées par l'intermédiaire de bras à une plate-forme de liaison. Les bras et les coques ballastables sont articulés à la plate-forme de liaison et sont commandés en déplacement par l'intermédiaire d'un système à engrenage. A nouveau, il en résulte la nécessité de disposer d'organes de commande puissants pour provoquer un tel déplacement en pivotement sur des engins de grande dimension.It is the same in the patent US Patent 5,237,947 where ballast hulls are connected via arms to a connecting platform. The arms and ballast hulls are hinged to the connecting platform and are controlled on the move by means of a gear system. Again, the result is the need for strong control members to cause such pivotal movement on large machines.

D'autres engins flottants sont également décrits dans les brevets US-5.967.072 , DE-101.114 ou US-4.494.472 .Other floating machines are also described in the patents US 5967072 , DE-101114 or US 4494472 .

Un but de la présente invention est donc de proposer un engin flottant dont la conception permet de s'affranchir d'organe de forte puissance pour le déplacement à pivotement des coques en utilisant essentiellement les forces hydrostatiques en présence.An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a floating machine whose design eliminates high power member for the pivotal movement of the hulls using essentially the hydrostatic forces in the presence.

Un autre but de la présente invention est de proposer un engin flottant dont la conception permet de disposer d'au moins trois positions de flottaison correspondant chacune à une fonction particulière dudit engin afin de rendre ce dernier polyvalent.Another object of the present invention is to provide a floating machine whose design allows to have at least three flotation positions each corresponding to a particular function of said machine to make the latter versatile.

Un autre but de la présente invention est de proposer un engin flottant dont la conception permet de passer d'une position de flottaison à une autre en un temps extrêmement court, y compris en l'absence de sources d'énergie puissantes et/ou d'organes de commande puissants.Another object of the present invention is to propose a floating machine whose design makes it possible to move from one flotation position to another in an extremely short time, including in the absence of powerful energy sources and / or powerful control devices.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un engin flottant du type présentant une structure flottante constituée d'une plate-forme assurant la liaison entre deux coques, lesdites coques étant articulées à pivotement à la plate-forme pour pouvoir se déplacer notamment entre au moins deux positions de flottaison prédéterminées, l'une dans laquelle elles sont alignées avec le plan de la plate-forme, l'autre dans laquelle elles s'étendent sensiblement à angle droit de ladite plate-forme, ces coques étant munies de moyens de ballastage/déballastage et de moyens d'immobilisation ou de verrouillage dans chacune de leurs positions de flottaison, la plate-forme de liaison étant un élément flottant caractérisé en ce que les coques munies de moyens de ballastage/déballastage par pompage sont déplacées d'une position de flottaison à une autre au moins par les moyens de ballastage/déballastage desdites coques coopérant avec les moyens d'immobilisation de ces dernières, moyens de ballastage/déballastage et moyens d'immobilisation étant commandés en fonctionnement à partir d'une unité centrale commandant, suivant une succession de séquences prédéterminées, lesdits moyens de manière simultanée et/ou alternée en vue de provoquer un déplacement à pivotement des coques essentiellement sous l'effet de forces hydrostatiques.For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a floating craft of the type having a floating structure consisting of a platform providing the connection between two hulls, said hulls being articulated pivotally to the platform to be able to move in particular between at least two predetermined flotation positions, one in which they are aligned with the plane of the platform, the other in which they extend substantially at right angles to said platform, these shells being provided with ballast / deballasting means and means of immobilization or locking in each of their flotation positions, the platform linkage being a floating element characterized in that the hulls provided with pumped ballast / deballasting means are moved from one flotation position to another at least by the ballast / deballasting means of said hulls cooperating with the immobilization means the latter, ballasting / deballasting means and immobilization means being controlled in operation from a central unit controlling, in a succession of predetermined sequences, said means simultaneously and / or alternately to cause a displacement to pivoting hulls essentially under the effect of hydrostatic forces.

L'invention sera bien comprise à la lecture de la description suivante d'exemples de réalisation, en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • les figures 1 à 13 représentent des vues schématiques de l'engin dans différentes configurations au cours du passage de l'engin d'une configuration catamaran à la configuration barge (figures 1 à 6), et de la configuration barge à la configuration dock flottant (figures 7 à 13) ;
  • la figure 14 représente une vue ¾ avant d'un engin conforme à l'invention en configuration catamaran ;
  • la figure 15 représente une vue ¾ avant de ce même engin en position barge tandis que la figure 16 représente une vue ¾ avant de ce même engin en configuration dock flottant;
  • la figure 17 représente une vue ¾ avant schématique de l'engin en configuration catamaran avec le détail des moyens de ballastage/déballastage et
  • la figure 18 représente une vue de détail de la liaison pivot de type charnière entre coque et plate-forme de liaison.
The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • Figures 1 to 13 show schematic views of the craft in different configurations during the passage of the craft from a catamaran configuration to the barge configuration (Figures 1 to 6), and from the barge configuration to the floating dock configuration (Figures 7 to 13);
  • Figure 14 shows a front view of a vehicle according to the invention in catamaran configuration;
  • FIG. 15 represents a front view of this same machine in the barge position while FIG. 16 represents a front view of this same machine in a floating dock configuration;
  • FIG. 17 represents a schematic front view of the machine in a catamaran configuration with details of ballast / deballasting means and
  • Figure 18 shows a detail view of the pivot connection hinge type between shell and connecting platform.

Comme mentionné ci-dessus, l'engin flottant, objet de l'invention, présente une structure flottante constituée d'une plate-forme 1 assurant la liaison entre deux coques 2. Ces coques sont articulées à pivotement à la plate-forme pour pouvoir se déplacer notamment entre au moins deux positions de flottaison: l'une dans laquelle elles sont alignées avec le plan de la plate-forme, comme l'illustre la figure 15, l'autre dans laquelle elles s'étendent sensiblement à angle droit de ladite plate-forme, comme l'illustrent les figures 14 et 16. Ces coques 2 sont munies de moyens de ballastage/déballastage représentés en 5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B aux figures. En effet, ces moyens de ballastage comprennent au moins un réservoir ou ballast 5 aménagé dans la coque de l'engin, une pompe 6 pour permettre la vidange ou le remplissage de tels réservoirs et une vanne 7 trois voies à laquelle sont raccordées deux conduites 8A, 8B formant prises d'eau, ces conduites débouchant en deux emplacements opposées du réservoir correspondant à un point haut et à un point bas du réservoir lorsque les coques s'étendent sensiblement à angle droit de la plate-forme 1 de liaison. Ainsi, comme l'illustrent les figures, il peut être considéré que les coques affectent la forme d'ailerons, les conduites 8A et 8B étant positionnées au voisinage de chacun des bords longitudinaux de l'aileron. Le positionnement de ces conduites 8A, 8B et de leur débouché dans les réservoirs 5 permet en particulier la vidange des réservoirs 5 des coques quelle que soit la position occupée par les coques comme cela sera décrit plus en détail ci-après. Ces coques 2 sont encore munies de moyens d'immobilisation ou de verrouillage dans au moins deux positions de flottaison prédéterminées. Ainsi, dans les exemples représentés, les coques sont reliées à la plate-forme 1 de liaison par une liaison pivot de type charnière 3 verrouillable mécaniquement dans chacune des positions de flottaison desdites coques. Le détail de cette charnière 3 est représenté à la figure 18. Les moyens de verrouillage sont dans ce cas constitués d'axes 11 de verrouillage solidaires d'un élément 3A de charnière lui-même couplé par exemple à la plate-forme 1 tandis que l'autre élément 3B de charnière couplé à la coque 2 comporte un logement destiné à recevoir l'axe 11 de verrouillage. Ainsi, dans l'exemple représenté à la figure 18, l'élément 3A de charnière couplé à la plate-forme 1 comporte deux axes 11 de verrouillage tandis que l'élément 3B de charnière couplé à la coque 2 comportent deux logements destinés chacun à recevoir un axe 11 de verrouillage. Dans la position représentée dans la figure 18, la charnière 3 est verrouillée dans une position dans laquelle la coque 2 s'étend perpendiculairement à la plate-forme 1 et au-dessous de cette dernière, cette position correspondant à une position catamaran de l'engin qui sera décrite plus en détail ci-après. Lorsque les deux axes de verrouillage sont logés dans les deux logements, la position occupée par la coque est une position d'alignement avec la plate-forme correspondant à une configuration de l'engin dite configuration de type barge. Enfin, lorsque l'axe de verrouillage, représenté le plus au-dessus dans la figure 18, vient dans le logement de la partie la plus inférieure de l'élément 3B de charnière, la charnière est alors verrouillée dans une position de la coque 2 correspondant à une configuration dite dock flottant de l'engin.As mentioned above, the floating apparatus, object of the invention, has a floating structure consisting of a platform 1 providing the connection between two shells 2. These shells are pivotally articulated to the platform to be able to to move in particular between at least two flotation positions: one in which they are aligned with the plane of the platform, as illustrated in Figure 15, the other in which they extend substantially at right angles to said platform, as illustrated in Figures 14 and 16. These shells 2 are provided with ballasting / deballasting means shown in 5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B in the figures. Indeed, these ballasting means comprise at least one tank or ballast 5 arranged in the hull of the machine, a pump 6 to allow the emptying or filling of such tanks and a three-way valve 7 to which are connected two lines 8A , 8B forming water intakes, these pipes opening into two opposite locations of the tank corresponding to a high point and a low point of the tank when the hulls extend substantially at right angles to the platform 1 of connection. Thus, as illustrated in the figures, it can be considered that the hulls affect the form of fins, the lines 8A and 8B being positioned in the vicinity of each of the longitudinal edges of the fin. The positioning of these lines 8A, 8B and their outlet in the tanks 5 allows in particular the emptying of the tanks 5 hulls regardless of the position occupied by the hulls as will be described in more detail below. These shells 2 are further provided with means for immobilizing or locking in at least two predetermined flotation positions. Thus, in the examples shown, the hulls are connected to the connecting platform 1 by a hinge type pivot connection 3 mechanically lockable in each of the flotation positions of said hulls. The detail of this hinge 3 is shown in FIG. 18. The locking means are in this case constituted by integral locking pins 11 of a hinge element 3A itself coupled for example to the platform 1 while the other element 3B hinge coupled to the shell 2 comprises a housing for receive the locking pin 11. Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the hinge element 3A coupled to the platform 1 comprises two locking pins 11 while the hinge element 3B coupled to the shell 2 comprises two housings each intended for receive a locking pin 11. In the position shown in Figure 18, the hinge 3 is locked in a position in which the shell 2 extends perpendicular to the platform 1 and below the latter, this position corresponding to a catamaran position of the gear which will be described in more detail below. When the two locking pins are housed in the two housings, the position occupied by the hull is an alignment position with the platform corresponding to a configuration of the machine called barge type configuration. Finally, when the locking pin, shown most above in FIG. 18, comes into the housing of the lower part of the hinge element 3B, the hinge is then locked in a position of the shell 2 corresponding to a so-called floating dock configuration of the machine.

De manière caractéristique à l'invention, la plate-forme 1 de liaison de l'engin est un élément flottant. En outre, les coques 2, qui sont munies de moyens de ballastage/déballastage par pompage comme décrit ci-dessus, sont déplacées d'une position de flottaison à une autre au moins par les moyens de ballastage/déballastage des coques coopérant avec les moyens d'immobilisation de ces dernières. Moyens de ballastage/déballastage et moyens d'immobilisation sont ainsi commandés en fonctionnement à partir d'une unité 4 centrale commandant, suivant une succession de séquences prédéterminées, lesdits moyens de manière simultanée et/ou alternée en vue de provoquer un pivotement des coques essentiellement sous l'effet des forces hydrostatiques en présence. En d'autres termes, cette unité 4 centrale pilote d'une part les moyens de ballastage/déballastage, d'autre part l'actionnement des moyens d'immobilisation des coques verrouillant la liaison coque-plate-forme dans chaque position de flottaison devant être prise par les coques. Grâce à la succession de séquences prédéterminées des opérations de ballastage/déballastage des coques et des opérations de verrouillage de la liaison coque-plate-forme, il en résulte un déplacement en pivotement automatique des coques pour les amener d'une position à une autre. Pour permettre le respect de cette succession de séquences prédéterminées, l'engin comporte en outre des moyens aptes à fournir des informations relatives à la position relative des coques et de la plate-forme de liaison et/ou au niveau d'eau dans les réservoirs de ballast de l'engin. Ces informations sont transmises à l'unité 4 centrale de commande pour permettre le passage d'une séquence à une autre suivant la succession de séquences prédéterminées. Ainsi, dans un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, l'engin comporte d'une part des moyens de détection de la position relative des coques et de la plate-forme de liaison constitués de capteurs de force et de position de type appareil à gouverner rotatif positionnés sur l'articulation de type charnière 3 entre coque 2 et plate-forme 1 de liaison, d'autre part des moyens de détection du niveau d'eau dans les réservoirs 5 de ballast, ces moyens de détection de niveau d'eau fonctionnant de préférence par ultrasons, l'ensemble de ces moyens de détection transmettant, de préférence en temps réel et en continu, leurs signaux à l'unité 4 centrale de commande qui, à partir des signaux reçus, est apte à commander en fonctionnement d'une part les moyens de ballastage/déballastage, d'autre part les moyens d'immobilisation des coques.In a manner characteristic of the invention, the platform 1 for connecting the machine is a floating element. In addition, the hulls 2, which are provided with pumped ballast / deballasting means as described above, are moved from one flotation position to another at least by the means of ballasting / deballasting the hulls cooperating with the means. immobilization of the latter. Means for ballasting / deballasting and immobilizing means are thus controlled in operation from a central unit 4 controlling, in a succession of predetermined sequences, said means simultaneously and / or alternately to cause pivoting of the hulls essentially. under the effect of hydrostatic forces in the presence. In other words, this central unit 4 controls, on the one hand, the ballasting / deballasting means, on the other hand, the actuation of the means for immobilizing the hulls locking the hull-deck connection in each flotation position in front of to be taken by the hulls. Thanks to the succession of predetermined sequences of the operations of ballasting / deballasting hulls and lock operations of the hull-platform link, it results in a displacement in automatic pivoting of the hulls to bring them from one position to another. To allow this sequence of predetermined sequences to be respected, the machine further comprises means capable of providing information relating to the relative position of the hulls and the connecting platform and / or the water level in the tanks. ballast of the craft. This information is transmitted to the central control unit 4 to allow the passage from one sequence to another following the succession of predetermined sequences. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the machine comprises on the one hand means for detecting the relative position of the hulls and the connecting platform consisting of force and position sensors of the device type. rotary steering positioned on the hinge-type hinge 3 between the hull 2 and the connecting platform 1, on the other hand means for detecting the water level in the ballast tanks 5, these means for detecting the level of d water preferably operating by ultrasound, all of these detection means transmitting, preferably in real time and continuously, their signals to the central control unit 4 which, from the received signals, is able to control operation on the one hand the means of ballasting / déballasting, on the other hand the immobilization means hulls.

Dans un mode de réalisation préféré, la plate-forme 1 de liaison est un élément flottant équipé de moyens 9, 10 de ballastage/déballastage. A nouveau, ces moyens sont constitués de réservoirs 9 susceptibles d'être remplis ou vidangés par l'intermédiaire de pompes 10. L'ensemble de ces moyens de ballastage sont reliés à l'unité 4 centrale de commande positionnée de préférence sur la plate-forme 1 de liaison au niveau de la timonerie 12 de l'engin, cette timonerie 12 étant située à l'arrière de la plate-forme 1. Il peut être également prévu, au voisinage de cette timonerie 12, une cheminée 13 ainsi qu'une passerelle 14. La plate-forme 1 peut également être équipée d'une rampe d'accès relevable représentée en 15 aux figures. Grâce à la présence de ces moyens 9, 10 de ballastage/déballastage dans la plate-forme de liaison, l'engin comporte au moins trois positions de flottaison, l'une dite en configuration barge dans laquelle les coques 2 sont alignées avec le plan de la plate-forme 1 de liaison, les deux autres positions, dites respectivement en configuration de catamaran et en configuration dock flottant correspondant respectivement à des positions dans lesquelles les coques 2 s'étendent sensiblement à angle droit de la plate-forme 1 de liaison et sont positionnées en s'étendant soit au-dessous de la plate-forme 1 (configuration catamaran), soit au-dessus de ladite plate-forme 1 de manière à former un engin de type dock flottant. Le passage d'une configuration à une autre est plus particulièrement décrit aux figures 1 à 13. De manière générale, les séquences pour le passage de la position en configuration catamaran à la position en configuration barge comportent une séquence de ballastage des coques 2 maintenues verrouillées en vue de provoquer un abaissement de la plate-forme 1 de liaison jusqu'au niveau de l'eau suivie d'une séquence de déverrouillage des coques 2 associée à une séquence de déballastage des coques 2 en vue de provoquer un déplacement en pivotement des coques jusqu'à une position dans laquelle les coques 2 sont alignées avec la plate-forme 1 de liaison et verrouillées dans ladite position. Ainsi, comme l'illustre plus en détail la figure 1, en configuration catamaran, les réservoirs 5 de ballast des coques 2 et de la plate-forme 1 sont vides et les coques 2 sont verrouillées dans une position dans laquelle elles s'étendent sensiblement à angle droit et au-dessous de la plate-forme de liaison. Dans un premier temps, il est procédé à un ballastage des coques en vue de permettre un abaissement de la plate-forme 1 de liaison jusqu'à la position dans laquelle elle atteint le niveau de l'eau pour pouvoir flotter. Les coques 2 sont alors déverrouillées et un déballastage progressif des coques 2 est enclenché. Les coques 2 tendent alors à remonter à l'horizontale. Lorsqu'un capteur angulaire positionné au niveau des charnières 3 détecte une valeur prédéterminée correspondant à un alignement des coques avec la plate-forme, il est considéré que les coques 2 occupent une position horizontale et la commande par l'unité 4 centrale des organes 11 de verrouillage des charnières 3 est alors réalisée pour assurer un nouveau verrouillage des coques. Une fois les coques ainsi verrouillées, un déballastage complet des réservoirs 5 des coques 2 peut être effectué pour obtenir un tirant d'eau minimum. Lorsque la plate-forme 1 de liaison est également équipée de réservoirs 9 de ballast, certains de ces réservoirs sont remplis pour conférer à l'ensemble de l'engin une assiette arrière apte à réduire le tirant d'eau avant. Bien évidemment, pour obtenir le passage de la configuration barge à la configuration catamaran, il est procédé à la même succession de séquences suivant un ordre inverse. Dans le cas où la plate-forme 1 de liaison est équipée de réservoirs de ballast et possède une flottabilité supérieure aux coques, les coques ne peuvent pas se retrouver à l'horizontale et il est alors nécessaire de ballaster la plate-forme afin de l'amener dans l'alignement des deux coques et pouvoir ainsi procéder au verrouillage des charnières.In a preferred embodiment, the connecting platform 1 is a floating element equipped with means 9, 10 for ballasting / deballasting. Again, these means consist of reservoirs 9 that can be filled or drained via pumps 10. All of these ballasting means are connected to the central control unit 4 preferably positioned on the platform. form 1 linkage at the wheelhouse 12 of the machine, this wheelhouse 12 is located at the rear of the platform 1. It can also be provided in the vicinity of this wheelhouse 12, a chimney 13 and 14. The platform 1 can also be equipped with a liftable ramp shown in 15 in the figures. Thanks to the presence of these means 9, 10 of ballasting / deballasting in the connecting platform, the machine comprises at least three flotation positions, one said barge configuration in which the shells 2 are aligned with the plane of the platform 1 of connection, the other two positions, respectively called catamaran configuration and floating dock configuration respectively corresponding to positions in which the shells 2 extend substantially at right angles to the platform 1 of connection and are positioned by extending either at below deck 1 (catamaran configuration), or above said platform 1 so as to form a floating dock type craft. The passage from one configuration to another is more particularly described in FIGS. 1 to 13. In general, the sequences for the passage of the position in the catamaran configuration to the position in barge configuration comprise a ballast sequence of the hulls 2 kept locked. in order to cause a lowering of the connecting platform 1 to the level of the water followed by a sequence of unlocking the hulls 2 associated with a deballasting sequence of the hulls 2 in order to cause a pivotal movement of hulls to a position in which the hulls 2 are aligned with the connecting platform 1 and locked in said position. Thus, as illustrated in more detail in FIG. 1, in the catamaran configuration, the ballast tanks 5 of the hulls 2 and the platform 1 are empty and the hulls 2 are locked in a position in which they extend substantially. at right angles and below the connecting platform. Initially, the hulls are ballasted in order to allow the platform 1 to be lowered to the position in which it reaches the water level in order to float. The hulls 2 are then unlocked and a progressive deballasting of the hulls 2 is engaged. The hulls 2 then tend to rise to the horizontal. When an angular sensor positioned at the hinges 3 detects a predetermined value corresponding to an alignment of the hulls with the platform, it is considered that the hulls 2 occupy a horizontal position and the control by the central unit 4 of the organs 11 locking hinges 3 is then performed to ensure a new locking hulls. Once the hulls are locked in this way, a complete deballasting of the tanks 5 of the hulls 2 can be carried out in order to obtain a minimum draft. When the connecting platform 1 is also equipped with ballast tanks 9, some of these tanks are filled to give the entire apparatus a base. rear adapted to reduce the draft before. Of course, to obtain the passage of the barge configuration to the catamaran configuration, the same succession of sequences is carried out in an inverse order. In the case where the connecting platform 1 is equipped with ballast tanks and has a buoyancy greater than the hulls, the hulls can not be found horizontally and it is then necessary to ballast the platform in order to bring in the alignment of the two shells and thus be able to lock the hinges.

Les séquences de ballastage/déballastage pour le passage de la position en configuration barge à la position dock flottant comportent au moins une séquence de ballastage de la plate-forme 1 de liaison en vue de provoquer l'immersion de cette dernière parallèlement à un déverrouillage desdites coques 2 jusqu'à un positionnement des coques 2 perpendiculairement à ladite plate-forme 1 de liaison, une séquence de verrouillage des coques 2 suivie d'une séquence de ballastage des coques 2 jusqu'à une profondeur fonction du tirant d'eau du navire ou de la charge flottante à embarquer.The ballasting / deballasting sequences for the passage of the position in barge configuration to the floating dock position comprise at least one ballasting sequence of the connecting platform 1 in order to cause the immersion of the latter in parallel with an unlocking of said hulls 2 until a positioning of the hulls 2 perpendicular to said connecting platform 1, a hull locking sequence 2 followed by a ballast sequence of the hulls 2 to a depth depending on the draft of the ship or floating load to ship.

Une fois la charge embarquée, il est procédé à un déballastage des coques et/ou de la plate-forme de liaison jusqu'à obtenir une vidange complète des réservoirs des coques et de la plate-forme en fonction de la position de flottaison souhaitée pour l'engin. Ces différentes séquences sont plus particulièrement représentées aux figures 7 à 13. Ainsi, dans la figure 7, l'engin est en configuration barge, configuration dans laquelle les coques sont verrouillées et les réservoirs des coques et de la plate-forme sont vidangés. La figure 8 représente l'étape de ballastage des coques et/ou de la plate-forme pour obtenir un moment nul sur la charnière. Les coques sont ensuite déverrouillées comme l'illustre la figure 9 pour permettre une remontée desdites coques. Parallèlement, ces coques sont déballastées tandis que l'opération de ballastage de la plate-forme de liaison est engagée. Les coques continuent à remontrer, comme l'illustrent les figures 9, 10 et 11 jusqu'à une position dans laquelle les coques occupent une position sensiblement perpendiculaire à la plate-forme de liaison et s'étendent au-dessus de cette dernière. Dans cette position, les coques doivent être à nouveau verrouillées. Les réservoirs des coques peuvent être remplis comme l'illustre la figure 12 pour permettre le chargement d'un navire. Puis, à nouveau, on procède à un déballastage des coques et de la plate-forme pour permettre une remontée de la plate-forme jusqu'au niveau souhaité. Evidemment, l'ensemble de ces séquences peut s'effectuer de manière automatique grâce à l'unité 4 centrale qui est apte à passer d'une séquence à une autre grâce aux moyens de détection de la position relative des coques et de la plate-forme et aux moyens permettant la détection des niveaux d'eau dans les différents réservoirs. Il peut être prévu en outre des moyens d'assistance à la commande du déplacement des coques. Ces moyens d'assistance sont actifs lorsque les coques 2 occupent une position voisine de la position de flottaison prédéterminée dans laquelle elles sont immobilisées par actionnement des moyens d'immobilisation verrouillant la liaison coque-plate-forme de liaison. Ces moyens d'assistance peuvent affecter des formes diverses et variées. Ils ont simplement pour objet d'affiner la position des coques en fin de course au voisinage de la position de flottaison prédéterminée devant être occupée par la coque par rapport à la plate-forme de liaison. Enfin, bien évidemment, un tel engin est équipé de moyens de propulsion. De préférence, les coques 2 intègrent ces moyens de propulsion de l'engin, ces moyens de propulsion étant de préférence constitués par des propulseurs d'eau dont les prises d'alimentation en eau sont aménagées sur les faces internes en regard des coques en configuration catamaran de l'engin. Ainsi, il est prévu dans les coques d'une part un moteur électrique, d'autre part un propulseur de jet d'eau, moteur électrique et propulseur de jet d'eau étant reliés à un groupe électrogène permettant l'alimentation électrique du moteur. Ce groupe électrogène est de préférence positionné sur la plate-forme de liaison. Les pompes 6 des moyens de ballastage/déballastage des coques 2 sont alimentées à partir des groupes électrogènes servant à l'alimentation des moyens de propulsion de l'engin. En effet, les groupes électrogènes qui servent pour la réalisation des opérations de ballastage/déballastage des coques peuvent servir également à la propulsion de l'engin dans la mesure où les opérations de ballastage/déballastage s'effectuent à vitesse nulle et fonctionnent ainsi de manière alternée avec les moyens de propulsion de l'engin. Comme l'illustrent les séquences décrites ci-dessus, on constate q'un tel engin est apte à remplir plusieurs fonctions, à savoir une fonction de barge, une fonction d'engin apte à naviguer à grande vitesse dans une configuration catamaran et un engin apte à servir de dock flottant pour permettre la maintenance ou la réparation d'autres navires. Cette polyvalence peut être obtenue en l'absence d'une hydraulique de puissance imposante, grâce à une utilisation optimale des forces hydrostatiques en présence.Once the load has been loaded, the hulls and / or the connecting platform are deballasted until a complete emptying of the hull and deck tanks is achieved, depending on the desired flotation position for the craft. These different sequences are more particularly shown in FIGS. 7 to 13. Thus, in FIG. 7, the machine is in a barge configuration, in which configuration the hulls are locked and the tanks of the hulls and of the platform are emptied. Figure 8 shows the ballast step of the hulls and / or the platform to obtain a zero moment on the hinge. The hulls are then unlocked as shown in Figure 9 to allow a rise of said hulls. In parallel, these hulls are unpacked while the ballasting operation of the connecting platform is engaged. The hulls continue to re-show, as illustrated in Figures 9, 10 and 11 to a position in which the hulls occupy a position substantially perpendicular to the connecting platform and extend above this last. In this position, the hulls must be locked again. The hull tanks can be filled as shown in Figure 12 to allow the loading of a vessel. Then, again, we proceed to a deballasting of the hulls and the platform to allow a rise of the platform to the desired level. Obviously, all of these sequences can be performed automatically thanks to the central unit 4 which is able to go from one sequence to another thanks to the means for detecting the relative position of the shells and the platform. form and means for the detection of water levels in the different tanks. It may further be provided assistance means to control the displacement of the hulls. These assistance means are active when the hulls 2 occupy a position close to the predetermined flotation position in which they are immobilized by actuation of immobilization means locking the hull connection-platform connection. These means of assistance can affect various and varied forms. They are simply intended to refine the position of the hulls at the end of the race in the vicinity of the predetermined position of flotation to be occupied by the hull relative to the connecting platform. Finally, of course, such a machine is equipped with propulsion means. Preferably, the hulls 2 incorporate these means of propulsion of the vehicle, these propulsion means being preferably constituted by water boosters whose water supply intakes are arranged on the internal faces facing the hulls in configuration catamaran of the craft. Thus, it is provided in the hulls on the one hand an electric motor, on the other hand a water jet propellant, electric motor and water jet propellant being connected to a generator for the power supply of the engine . This generator is preferably positioned on the connecting platform. The pumps 6 means for ballasting / deballasting the hulls 2 are fed from the generators used for feeding the propulsion means of the machine. In fact, the generators used for carrying out the ballasting / deballasting operations of the hulls can also be used for the propulsion of the machine insofar as the ballasting / deballasting operations are carried out at zero speed and thus function alternated with means of propulsion of the craft. As illustrated by the sequences described above, it can be seen that such a machine is capable of fulfilling several functions, namely a barge function, a gear function able to navigate at high speed in a catamaran configuration and a machine suitable for use as a floating dock for the maintenance or repair of other vessels. This versatility can be achieved in the absence of an impressive hydraulic power, thanks to an optimal use of the hydrostatic forces in the presence.

Claims (11)

  1. Floating craft presenting a floating structure consisting of a central platform (1) securing the link between two hulls (2), said hulls being pivoting articulated with respect to the platform (1) being moved between at least two predetermined floating positions, one wherein they are aligned with the plane of the platform (1), the other wherein they extend sensitively at right angle from the platform (1), said hulls (2) being equipped with ballasting means and means (11) to immobilise or lock them in each floating positions,
    Characterised in that the platform (1) is a floating element and in that the hulls (2) equipped with ballasting means (5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B) are moved from one floating position to the other by pumping and draining water in the ballasting means (5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B) and the locking means (11) being controlled by a central unit (4) controlling, in predetermined sequences, said ballasting means (5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B) simultaneously and/or alternatively to enable a pivoting movement of the hulls (2) essentially under the effect of hydrostatic forces.
  2. Floating craft according to claim 1,
    Characterised in that he comprises means to give information concerning the relative positions of the hulls (2) and the platform (1) and/or concerning the level of water in the ballast tanks of the craft, these information being transmitted to a central control unit (4) to enable the movement from one floating position to the other according to predetermined sequences.
  3. Floating craft according to claim 2
    Characterised in that the craft comprises means to determine the relative position of the hulls (2) and the platform (1), these means being constraint sensors positioned on the pivoting articulation of the type hinge (3) between the hulls (2) and the platform (1), and further comprising means to detect the level of water in the ballast tanks (5), preferably by ultra sound wave, these position and water level detecting means transmitting the information real-time and continuously to the central control unit (4).
  4. Floating craft according to claims 1 to 3
    Characterised in that the platform (1) is equipped with ballasting means (9, 10) controlled by the central unit of control (4).
  5. Floating craft according to claims 1 to 4
    Characterised in that the pumps (6) of the ballasting means of the hulls (2) are also the pumps used for the propulsion of the craft.
  6. Floating craft according to claim 4
    Characterised in that it comprises at least three floating positions, one being a barge configuration wherein the hulls (2) are aligned in the plane of the platform (1), the two other positions, being respectively a catamaran configuration and a floating dock configuration respectively corresponding in hull (2) positions wherein they extend at right angle with respect to the plane of the platform (1) and in a direction either above the platform to form a floating dock or under the plane of the platform to form a catamaran.
  7. Floating craft according to claim 6
    Characterised in that the sequences from the position in the catamaran configuration to the position of the barge configuration contain a ballasting sequence of the hulls (2) which are maintained locked to provoke the lowering of the platform down to the water level, followed by a sequence of unlocking the hulls (2) combined with a sequence of unballasting the hulls to provoke the pivoting of the hulls (2) to a position wherein they are aligned with the platform and locked in the achieved position.
  8. Floating craft according to claims 6 and 7
    Characterised in that the sequences from the position in barge configuration to the position of a floating dock configuration contain a sequence of ballasting the platform (1) to provoke the immersion of the platform and at the same time unlocking the hulls to positioned them perpendicular to the platform (1), followed by the locking of the hulls (2) in the achieved position and finally followed by a sequence of ballasting the hulls to the desired depth, depending on the weight of the payload.
  9. Floating craft according to claims 1 to 8
    Characterised in that the hulls (2) are attached to the platform (1) by a pivoting link of the hinge type (3) mechanically lockable in each floating positions of said hulls (2).
  10. Floating craft according to claims 1 to 9,
    Characterised in that the hulls (2) integrate the propulsion means of the said floating craft, those propulsion means being preferably of the type water jet propulsion.
  11. Floating craft according to claims 1 to 10
    Characterised in that it comprises assisting means of the pivoting movement of the hulls, these assisting means being active when the hulls are in a position close to the predetermined flotation position in which they are immobilised under the action of immobilisation or locking means.
EP04805243A 2003-10-24 2004-10-20 Floating vessel comprising hulls which are articulated essentially under the effect of hydrostatic forces Not-in-force EP1685021B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0312447A FR2861363B1 (en) 2003-10-24 2003-10-24 FLOATING ENGINE OF A NEW TYPE
PCT/FR2004/002679 WO2005047096A1 (en) 2003-10-24 2004-10-20 Floating vessel comprising hulls which are articulated essentially under the effect of hydrostatic forces

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1685021A1 EP1685021A1 (en) 2006-08-02
EP1685021B1 true EP1685021B1 (en) 2007-06-27

Family

ID=34400754

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04805243A Not-in-force EP1685021B1 (en) 2003-10-24 2004-10-20 Floating vessel comprising hulls which are articulated essentially under the effect of hydrostatic forces

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1685021B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE365670T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602004007290D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2861363B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2005047096A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202016106725U1 (en) 2016-12-02 2016-12-14 Stephan Perthel System for roll stabilization of boats and boat
WO2017186254A1 (en) 2016-04-29 2017-11-02 Buinco Innovation Oü Hinge module for connecting catamaran-type vessel's platform and hull
EP3330170A1 (en) 2016-12-02 2018-06-06 Stephen Perthel System for roll stabilisation of boats and boat

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2912723A1 (en) * 2007-02-15 2008-08-22 Trides Sarl Articulating, displacement controlling and locking device for hull of e.g. barge, has hole to guide hull axle between unlocked and locked positions, where hulls are immobilized in locked position and pivot around axle in unlocked position
WO2011141941A1 (en) * 2010-05-14 2011-11-17 Sandro Mariani Boat
DE102016011279B3 (en) 2016-09-20 2018-01-04 Eismann Innovations GmbH ship model
CN112550585B (en) * 2021-01-26 2021-07-30 台州宝盾科技有限公司 Multistage bearing device based on lifting shipping area and total load

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2499934A1 (en) * 1981-02-18 1982-08-20 Rougerie Jacques FLOATING AND INSUBMERSIBLE NAUTICAL EQUIPMENT
FR2674210B1 (en) * 1991-03-19 1995-08-25 Neyrinck Marc VARIABLE GEOMETER HULL.
US5967072A (en) * 1997-07-09 1999-10-19 Leary; John H. Deep draft-shallow draft cargo vessel

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017186254A1 (en) 2016-04-29 2017-11-02 Buinco Innovation Oü Hinge module for connecting catamaran-type vessel's platform and hull
DE202016106725U1 (en) 2016-12-02 2016-12-14 Stephan Perthel System for roll stabilization of boats and boat
EP3330170A1 (en) 2016-12-02 2018-06-06 Stephen Perthel System for roll stabilisation of boats and boat

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2861363B1 (en) 2006-02-17
FR2861363A1 (en) 2005-04-29
WO2005047096A1 (en) 2005-05-26
DE602004007290D1 (en) 2007-08-09
ATE365670T1 (en) 2007-07-15
EP1685021A1 (en) 2006-08-02

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