EP3394925B1 - Communication buoy and aquatic vehicle comprising such a buoy - Google Patents

Communication buoy and aquatic vehicle comprising such a buoy Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3394925B1
EP3394925B1 EP16819316.7A EP16819316A EP3394925B1 EP 3394925 B1 EP3394925 B1 EP 3394925B1 EP 16819316 A EP16819316 A EP 16819316A EP 3394925 B1 EP3394925 B1 EP 3394925B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
buoy
wing
shell
arm
wings
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP16819316.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3394925A1 (en
Inventor
Guillaume MARIEZ
Pierre Marie GUILLOUET
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Naval Group SA
Original Assignee
Naval Group SA
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP3394925A1 publication Critical patent/EP3394925A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3394925B1 publication Critical patent/EP3394925B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/04—Adaptation for subterranean or subaqueous use
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B22/00—Buoys
    • B63B22/18—Buoys having means to control attitude or position, e.g. reaction surfaces or tether
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63G—OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
    • B63G8/00—Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines; Equipment specially adapted therefor
    • B63G8/38—Arrangement of visual or electronic watch equipment, e.g. of periscopes, of radar
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63G—OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
    • B63G8/00—Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines; Equipment specially adapted therefor
    • B63G8/42—Towed underwater vessels
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/08—Means for collapsing antennas or parts thereof
    • H01Q1/085—Flexible aerials; Whip aerials with a resilient base
    • H01Q1/087—Extensible roll- up aerials
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/28—Adaptation for use in or on aircraft, missiles, satellites, or balloons
    • H01Q1/30—Means for trailing antennas
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/34—Adaptation for use in or on ships, submarines, buoys or torpedoes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B2201/00—Signalling devices
    • B63B2201/20—Antenna or mast
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B2203/00—Communication means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a communication buoy, and an aquatic vehicle comprising such a buoy.
  • Buoys are frequently used to deploy communication devices out of water vehicles, examples of such devices are disclosed in US 2013/0239863 , US 3,961,589 , DE 10 2013 105 593 A1 , or US 2001/0045183 .
  • VLF Very Low Frequency
  • Such devices generally use the range of electromagnetic waves called "very low frequency” or VLF (English Very Low Frequency), whose wavelengths are of the order of several hundred from meters to several kilometers.
  • VLF Very Low Frequency
  • the aforementioned frequency range generally assumes the use of antennas of very large dimensions, which can measure several hundred meters. It is therefore appropriate to deploy such antennas away from the water vehicle, to allow the antenna to remain close to the surface despite the evolutions of the vehicle.
  • VLF antennas deployed from buoys of this type are generally wired antennas, sometimes measuring a hundred meters long or more. The antennas are, most often, deployed from the upper face of the wing.
  • the movement of the buoy in the fluid generates turbulence, particularly at the lateral ends of the buoy. Such turbulence tends to cause the collapse of the antenna. In other words, the antenna tends to descend to a depth less than the depth of the buoy.
  • VLF waves penetrate into seawater only a few tens of meters. The collapse of the antenna thus decreases the quality of the communication.
  • such wings frequently include moving members, such as flaps, configured to change the lift force generated by the wing.
  • moving members such as flaps
  • Such bodies allow the crew of the aquatic vehicle to change the immersion depth of the buoy without changing the speed of the vehicle.
  • a communication buoy suitable for immersion in a fluid comprising an antenna, at least one arm, and a plurality of wings comprising at least a first wing and a second wing, each wing being connected. at least one other wing by an arm and being able to generate a lift force when the buoy is in motion in the fluid, at least one of the arms defining an exit opening of the antenna, and one of the wings comprising an organ storing the antenna, the buoy further comprising a deployment member configured to deploy the antenna, through the opening, out of the buoy.
  • a buoy 10 is shown on the figure 1 .
  • Buoy 10 is a radio communication buoy. This means that the buoy 10 is able to transmit or receive data transmitted via a signal comprising at least one OEM radio-frequency electromagnetic wave.
  • buoy 10 is suitable for transmitting and receiving data transmitted via a signal comprising at least one OEM radio-frequency electromagnetic wave.
  • OEM radio electromagnetic waves are electromagnetic waves with a frequency between 3 KiloHertz (KHz) and 3 GigaHertz (GHz).
  • the buoy 10 is adapted to be immersed in a fluid F such as seawater. This means that the buoy 10 is able to withstand prolonged immersion in the fluid F.
  • the buoy 10 is able to transmit and / or receive data by radio frequency communication when the buoy 10 is immersed in the fluid F.
  • the buoy 10 comprises a plurality of wings 15, 20, at least one arm 25 and an antenna 30.
  • the plurality of wings comprises at least a first wing 15 and a second wing 20.
  • the number of wings 15, 20 of the plurality of wings is equal to two.
  • the first wing 15 and the second wing 20 are superimposed in a first direction D1.
  • the first direction D1 is located on the figures 1 and 2 by a dotted line.
  • the first wing 15 is fixed relative to the second wing 20.
  • Each wing 15, 20 is able to generate a lift force Fp1, Fp2 when the buoy 10 is in motion in the fluid F.
  • Lift is a component of the force experienced by a moving body in a fluid.
  • Lift is a force acting perpendicular to the direction of movement.
  • the lift force Fp1, Fp2 has a component pointing upwards. This means that the lift force Fp1, Fp2 tends to decrease the depth at which the buoy 10 is immersed.
  • Each wing 15,20 is connected by the arm 25 to at least one other wing 15, 20.
  • the buoy 10 comprises a single arm 25 connecting the first wing 15 to the second wing 20.
  • the first wing 15 comprises a first shell 35, a first flap 40, at least a first member 45, a second member 50, a storage member 52 and two first guard plates 55.
  • the first shell 35 is able to generate a first lift force Fp1 when the buoy 10 is in motion in the fluid F.
  • the first shell 35 is able to isolate the first member 45 and the second member 50 of the fluid F. This means that the first shell 35 is fluid tight F.
  • the first shell 35 is made of a composite material.
  • the first shell 35 is made of a metallic material.
  • the first shell 35 is made of steel.
  • the first shell 35 has the shape of a first cylinder.
  • the first cylinder has a first guide curve C1 and a first generator G1.
  • the first shell 35 is delimited by two planes parallel to each other and by a surface delimited by all straight lines parallel to a straight line called generatrix of the cylinder and intersecting a closed curve called the cylinder guide curve. .
  • the first generator G1 is confused with the third direction D3.
  • the first guide curve C1 is in a plane perpendicular to the third direction D3.
  • the first guide curve C1 does not have an axis of symmetry.
  • the first guide curve C1 is not symmetrical in the first direction D1.
  • the first guide curve C1 has a first length L1 in the second direction D2 and a first thickness E1 in the first direction D1.
  • the first length L1 is strictly greater than the first thickness E1.
  • the first length L1 is greater than or equal to five times the first thickness E1.
  • the first length L1 is equal to 2 meters (m) and the first thickness E1 is equal to 40 centimeters (cm).
  • the first main direction Dp1 is the direction in which the first guide curve C1 has the smallest section.
  • the orthogonal projection of the first directing curve C1 on a straight line perpendicular to the first main direction Dp1 is a segment having a minimum length
  • the orthogonal projection of the first directing curve C1 on a straight line not being perpendicular to the first main direction Dp1 is a segment having a length strictly greater than the minimum length
  • the first main direction Dp1 is parallel to the second direction D2.
  • the first shell 35 is delimited, along the third direction D3, by the first two guard plates 55.
  • the first shell 35 has a first width 11 in the third direction D3.
  • the first width 11 is, for example, equal to 2 m. It is defined, for the first shell 35, a first median plane M1.
  • the first median plane M1 is the plane parallel to the first main direction Dp1 and the third direction D3 and dividing the first shell 35 into two equal volumes.
  • the first median plane M1 is perpendicular to the first direction D1.
  • the first shell 35 has a first end 60, a second end 62, a first leading edge 65 and a first attachment point 67 of the arm 25.
  • the first end 60 and the second end 62 are opposite in the first main direction Dp1.
  • the second end 62 carries the first flap 40.
  • the first leading edge 65 is defined as the segment carried by the first end 60 which is parallel to the third direction D3 and the most advanced according to the first main direction Dp1. This means that when the first wing 15 is in translation along the first main direction Dp1, the leading edge 65 is the first segment of the first shell 35 to cut a plane perpendicular to the first main direction Dp1.
  • the first point of attachment 67 is defined as being, among the points common to the first shell 35 and the arm 25, the point closest to the first leading edge 65.
  • the first flap 40 is movably attached to the second end 62.
  • a primary position and a secondary position are defined.
  • the first flap 40 is movable between the primary position and the secondary position.
  • the Euclidean norm of the first lift force Fp1 has a first value.
  • the Euclidean norm of the first lift force Fp1 has a second value different from the first value.
  • the first member 45 is electrically powered.
  • the first member 45 is a radio communication member.
  • the first member 45 is a radio communication member using the VLF electromagnetic waveband.
  • VLF waves are electromagnetic waves having a wavelength strictly between 3 kHz and 30 kHz.
  • the first member 45 is able to communicate using electromagnetic waves having a wavelength strictly between 3 kHz and 30 MHz (MHz).
  • the first member 45 is electrically connected to the antenna 30.
  • the second member 50 is able to move the first flap 40 between the primary position and the secondary position.
  • the second member 50 is electrically powered.
  • the second member 50 comprises an electric motor.
  • the storage member 52 is configured to store the antenna 30 when the antenna 30 is not deployed in the fluid F.
  • the storage member 52 comprises for example a winder.
  • Each first guard plate 55 has a second length L2 in the first main direction Dp1, a second width 12 in the first direction D1 and a second thickness E2 in the third direction D3.
  • the second length L2 is greater than or equal to the first length L1.
  • the second width l2 is strictly greater than the first thickness E1.
  • Each first guard plate 55 is substantially planar. This means that the second length L2 and the second width 12 are each strictly greater than ten times the second thickness E2.
  • Each first guard plate 55 is perpendicular to the third direction D3.
  • the first guard plate 55 has a third end 70 and a fourth end 72.
  • the third end 70 and the fourth end 72 are opposite in the first main direction Dp1.
  • the third ends 70 of each of the two first guard plates 55 define, in the third direction D3, the first end 60.
  • the third end 70 is rounded.
  • the fourth ends 72 of each of the two first guard plates 55 define, in the third direction D3, the second end 62.
  • the fourth end 72 is rectangular.
  • the first two guard plates 55 are parallel to each other. It is understood by the term “parallel” that each first guard plate 55 deviates from the position parallel to the other first guard plate 55 by at most 5 degrees (°).
  • the second wing 20 comprises a second shell 73, a second flap 74, at least a second member 50, a single feed device 75, a centering member 80, an attachment element 85 of a towing cable 90, at least one power supply cable 95 and two second guard plates 100.
  • the second shell 73 is able to generate a second lift force Fp2 when the buoy 10 is moving in the fluid F.
  • the second shell 73 is adapted to isolate fluid F the second member 50, the feeder 75 and the centering member 80. This means that the second shell 73 is fluid tight F.
  • the second shell 73 is made of a composite material.
  • the second shell 73 is made of a metallic material.
  • the second shell 73 is made of steel.
  • the second shell 73 is in the form of a second cylinder having a second directing curve C2 and a second generator G2.
  • the second generator G2 is confused with the third direction D3.
  • the second directing curve C2 is in a plane perpendicular to the third direction D3.
  • the second guidance curve C2 does not have an axis of symmetry.
  • the second directing curve C2 is not symmetrical in the first direction D1.
  • the second guide curve C2 has a third length L3 in the second direction D2 and a third thickness E3 in the first direction D1.
  • the third length L3 is strictly greater than the third thickness E3.
  • the third length L3 is greater than or equal to 5 times the third thickness E3.
  • the third length L3 is equal to 2 meters (m) and the third thickness E3 is equal to 40 centimeters (cm).
  • the third length L3 is equal to the first length L1.
  • the third thickness E3 is equal to the first thickness E1.
  • the second directing curve C2 is identical to the first directing curve C1.
  • a second main direction Dp2 is defined.
  • the second main direction Dp2 is the direction in which the second steering curve C2 has the smallest section.
  • the first main direction Dp1 is parallel to the second direction D2.
  • the second shell 73 is delimited, in the third direction D3, by the two second guard plates 100.
  • the second shell 73 has a third width 13 in the third direction D3.
  • the third width 13 is equal to the first width 11.
  • the second median plane M2 is the plane parallel to the first main direction Dp1 and the third direction D3 and dividing the second shell 73 into two equal volumes.
  • the second median plane M2 is parallel to the first median plane M1.
  • the second shell 73 has a fifth end 105, a sixth end 110, a second leading edge 115 and a second attachment point 120 of the arm 25.
  • the fifth end 105 and the sixth end 110 are opposite in the second main direction Dp2.
  • the sixth end 110 carries the second flap 74.
  • the second leading edge 115 is defined as the segment of the fifth end 105 which is parallel to the third direction D3 and the most advanced according to the second main direction Dp2. This means that when the second shell 73 is in translation along the second main direction D2, the second leading edge 115 is the first segment of the second shell 73 to cut a plane perpendicular to the second main direction Dp2.
  • the second attachment point 120 is defined as being, among the points common to the second shell 73 and the arm 25, the closest to the second leading edge 115.
  • a first distance d1 is defined between the second attachment point 120 and the second leading edge 115.
  • the first distance d1 is measured according to the second main direction Dp2.
  • the second flap 74 is movably connected to the sixth end 110.
  • the second flap 74 is movable between the primary position and the secondary position. When the second flap 74 is in the primary position, the Euclidean norm of the second lift force Fp2 has a third value.
  • the Euclidean norm of the second lift force Fp2 has a fourth value different from the third value.
  • the Euclidean norm of the second lift force Fp2 is strictly less than the maximum value and strictly greater than the minimum value.
  • the second member 50 of the second flange 20 is adapted to move the second flap 74 between the primary position and the secondary position.
  • the supply device 75 is able to electrically supply the first member 45 and each second member 50 with at least one supply voltage VA.
  • the feed device 75 is further adapted to electrically feed the centering member 80.
  • the power supply device 75 comprises, for example, an electrical energy storage device such as a battery.
  • the power supply device 75 comprises a conversion circuit capable of generating the supply voltage VA from an input voltage VE.
  • the feed device 75 is adapted to receive the input voltage VE of an external conductor electrically connected to the buoy 10.
  • the feed device 75 is unique. This means that the buoy 10 contains only one feeder 75.
  • the supply device 75 is electrically connected to the first member 45 by the power cable 95.
  • the centering member 80 is able to move the center of gravity of the buoy 10.
  • the centering member 80 is able to move the center of gravity of the buoy 10 in a direction parallel to the second main direction Dp2.
  • the centering member 80 comprises a movable mass and an electric motor capable of moving the moving mass along the second main direction Dp2.
  • the centering member 80 comprises a ballast and a pump capable of filling the ballast with the fluid F.
  • the anchor element 85 is adapted to receive an end of a towing cable 90.
  • the anchoring element 85 comprises, for example, a metal anchor ring of the towing cable 90.
  • a second distance d2 is defined between the anchoring element 85 and the second leading edge 115.
  • the second distance d2 is measured along the second main direction Dp2.
  • the second distance d2 is measured between the point of the second leading edge 115 closest to the anchoring element 85 and the point of the anchoring element 85 closest to the second leading edge 115.
  • the second distance d2 is strictly less than the first distance d1.
  • the towing cable 90 is adapted to allow an aquatic vehicle to tow the buoy 10.
  • the towing cable 90 is made of a metallic material such as stainless steel.
  • the power cable 95 is able to electrically connect the first member 45 and the power supply module 75.
  • Each second guard plate 100 has a fourth length L4 along the second main direction Dp2, a fourth width 14 along the first direction D1, and a fourth thickness E4 along the third direction D3.
  • the fourth length L4 is equal to the second length L2.
  • the fourth thickness E4 is equal to the second thickness E2.
  • the fourth width 14 is equal to the second width 12.
  • Each second guard plate 100 is substantially flat. This means that the fourth length L4 and the fourth width 14 are each strictly greater than ten times the fourth thickness E4.
  • the two second guard plates 100 are parallel to each other.
  • Each second guard plate 100 is perpendicular to the third direction D3.
  • the second guard plates 100 and the first guard plates 55 are aligned in the first direction D1. This means that each second guard plate 100 is superposable on a first guard plate 55 corresponding by a translation along the first direction D1.
  • the second guard plate 100 has a seventh end 125 and an eighth end 130.
  • the seventh end 125 and the eighth end 130 are opposite in the second direction D2.
  • the seventh end 125 is of rounded shape.
  • the seventh ends 125 of each of the two second guard plates 100 define, in the third direction D3, the fifth end 105.
  • the eighth end 130 is of rectangular shape.
  • the eighth ends 130 of each of the two second guard plates 100 define, in the third direction D3, the sixth end 105.
  • the arm 25 connects the first wing 15 to the second wing 20.
  • the arm 25 has a third directing curve and a third generator G3.
  • the third generator G3 is included in a plane containing both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.
  • the arm 25 is delimited, according to the third generatrix G3, by the first shell 35 and by the second shell 73.
  • the arm 25 is centered, in the third direction D3, with respect to the first shell 35 and the second shell 73. This means that, in the third direction D3, the third generator G3 is equidistant from each of the first two plates guard 55 and equidistant from each of the two second guard plates 100.
  • the arm 25 has a third main direction Dp3 perpendicular to the third direction D3.
  • the arm 25 is fixed relative to the first wing 15 and the second wing 20.
  • the arm 25 is made of a composite material.
  • the arm 25 is made of a metal such as steel.
  • the arm 25 delimits a cavity 135 receiving a member 140 for deploying the antenna.
  • the arm 25 also defines an opening 145 for outputting the antenna 30.
  • the cavity 135 is cylindrical with an oval base.
  • the generator of the cavity 135 is the third generatrix G3.
  • the cavity 135 connects the first shell 35 to the second shell 73. This means that the cavity 135 is able to allow objects, such as the power cable 95, to pass between the first shell 35 and the second shell 35. hull 73.
  • the power cable 95 passes through the cavity 135 between the first shell 35 and the second shell 73.
  • the opening 145 is adapted to allow the deployment of at least a portion of the antenna 30 from the cavity 135 to the fluid F.
  • the antenna 30 is a wire antenna. This means that the antenna 30 has a length and a section, the section being strictly less than one hundred times the length.
  • the antenna 30 is made of an electrically conductive material.
  • the antenna 30 has a first portion 150 adapted to be deployed in the fluid F and a second portion 155 included in the first shell 35.
  • the deployment member 140 is able to move the first portion 150, through the outlet opening 145, between a third position in which the first portion 150 is included in the cavity 135 and a fourth position in which the first portion 150 is deployed in fluid F.
  • the deployment member 140 of the antenna comprises, for example, an electric motor.
  • the buoy 10 is advantageously integrated with an aquatic vehicle.
  • the aquatic vehicle is adapted to carry the buoy 10 and to deploy the buoy 10 in the fluid F.
  • One end of the towing cable 90 is attached to the anchor 85 and the other end of the towing cable 90 is attached to the water vehicle.
  • the aquatic vehicle is for example a submarine.
  • the first portion 150 of the antenna 30 is deployed in the fluid F through the outlet opening 145.
  • the outlet opening 145 is formed in the arm 25, and therefore located between the first wing 15 and the second wing 20, the collapse of the antenna 30 is limited.
  • the quality of communication is thus improved, with depth of immersion of the buoy 10 equal, compared to a buoy of the state of the art.
  • the feed device 75 is included in the second flange 20 while the first member 45, providing the communication functions, is included in the first flange 15. The interference between the feed device 75 and the first member 45 are therefore minimized.
  • the cavity 135 allows the passage of the power cable 95 between the first flange 15 and the second flange 20.
  • the buoy 10 thus makes it possible to avoid the generation of noise. during the movement of the power cable 95 in the fluid F.
  • the buoy 10 is quieter than the buoys of the state of the art.
  • the second distance d2 is strictly less than the first distance d1.
  • the buoy 10 has been previously described in the case where the second shell 73 is identical to the first shell 35. Alternatively, the dimensions of the two wings 15, 20 vary relative to each other.
  • buoy 10 is a sesquiplan buoy. This means that the surface of the first wing 15, measured in a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1, is equal to half the surface of the second wing 20.
  • the arm 25 is movable relative to at least one of the first wing 15 and the second wing 30.
  • the arm 25 is rotatable relative to the first wing 15 and the second wing 20.
  • the arm 25 is rotatable relative to the two wings 15, 20 around the third direction D3.
  • the distance (measured along the first direction D1) between the first flange 15 and the second flange 20 is modified.
  • the buoy 10 is then more adaptable.
  • the buoy 10 is collapsible to be received in a cavity of the aquatic vehicle.
  • the size of the buoy 10 is therefore minimized.
  • the buoy 10 comprises two arms 25 connecting the first wing 15 to the second wing 20.
  • the number of wings 15, 20 of the plurality of wings is strictly greater than two.
  • the number of wings 15, 20 of the plurality of wings is equal to three.
  • Buoy 10 has two arms 25. Each arm 25 connects two wings 15, 20 to each other.

Description

La présente invention concerne une bouée de communication, ainsi qu'un véhicule aquatique comprenant une telle bouée.The present invention relates to a communication buoy, and an aquatic vehicle comprising such a buoy.

Des bouées sont fréquemment utilisées pour déployer des dispositifs de communication hors de véhicules aquatiques, des exemples de tels dispositifs sont divulgués dans US 2013/0239863 , US 3,961,589 , DE 10 2013 105 593 A1 , ou US 2001/0045183 . En effet, de tels dispositifs utilisent en général la gamme d'ondes électromagnétiques dite « très basse fréquence », ou VLF (de l'Anglais « Very Low Frequency »), dont les longueurs d'ondes sont de l'ordre de plusieurs centaines de mètres à plusieurs kilomètres. La gamme de fréquences précitée suppose en général l'usage d'antennes de très grandes dimensions, pouvant mesurer plusieurs centaines de mètres. Il convient donc de déployer de telles antennes loin du véhicule aquatique, afin de permettre à l'antenne de rester à proximité de la surface malgré les évolutions du véhicule.Buoys are frequently used to deploy communication devices out of water vehicles, examples of such devices are disclosed in US 2013/0239863 , US 3,961,589 , DE 10 2013 105 593 A1 , or US 2001/0045183 . Indeed, such devices generally use the range of electromagnetic waves called "very low frequency" or VLF (English Very Low Frequency), whose wavelengths are of the order of several hundred from meters to several kilometers. The aforementioned frequency range generally assumes the use of antennas of very large dimensions, which can measure several hundred meters. It is therefore appropriate to deploy such antennas away from the water vehicle, to allow the antenna to remain close to the surface despite the evolutions of the vehicle.

Il existe des bouées de communication comprenant un ou plusieurs plans porteurs profilés (également dénommés « ailes »). De telles ailes, en mouvement dans un fluide tel que l'eau de mer, permettent de générer une force de portance qui dépend de la vitesse relative du fluide et de la bouée. Les antennes VLF déployées à partir de bouées de ce type sont en général des antennes filaires, mesurant parfois cent mètres de long voire plus. Les antennes sont, le plus souvent, déployées à partir de la face supérieure de l'aile.There are communication buoys comprising one or more profiled carrying planes (also called "wings"). Such wings, moving in a fluid such as seawater, can generate a lift force that depends on the relative velocity of the fluid and the buoy. VLF antennas deployed from buoys of this type are generally wired antennas, sometimes measuring a hundred meters long or more. The antennas are, most often, deployed from the upper face of the wing.

Cependant, le mouvement de la bouée dans le fluide génère des turbulences, en particulier aux extrémités latérales de la bouée. De telles turbulences ont tendance à entraîner l'affaissement de l'antenne. En d'autres termes, l'antenne a tendance à descendre jusqu'à une profondeur inférieure à la profondeur de la bouée.However, the movement of the buoy in the fluid generates turbulence, particularly at the lateral ends of the buoy. Such turbulence tends to cause the collapse of the antenna. In other words, the antenna tends to descend to a depth less than the depth of the buoy.

Or, les ondes VLF ne pénètrent dans l'eau de mer que sur quelques dizaines de mètres. L'affaissement de l'antenne diminue donc la qualité de la communication.However, VLF waves penetrate into seawater only a few tens of meters. The collapse of the antenna thus decreases the quality of the communication.

De plus, de telles ailes comprennent fréquemment des organes mobiles, tels que des volets, configurés pour modifier la force de portance générée par l'aile. De tels organes permettent à l'équipage du véhicule aquatique de modifier la profondeur d'immersion de la bouée sans modifier la vitesse du véhicule.In addition, such wings frequently include moving members, such as flaps, configured to change the lift force generated by the wing. Such bodies allow the crew of the aquatic vehicle to change the immersion depth of the buoy without changing the speed of the vehicle.

Cependant, de tels organes mobiles supposent d'embarquer, dans la bouée, des dispositifs de commande et d'activation des volets. La présence, dans la bouée, de tels dispositifs alimentés électriquement cause des perturbations électromagnétiques qui dégradent, là encore, la qualité de la communication radiofréquence.However, such movable members suppose to embark, in the buoy, flap control and activation devices. The presence in the buoy of such electrically powered devices causes electromagnetic disturbances which, again, degrade the quality of radio frequency communication.

Il existe donc un besoin pour une bouée de communication permettant d'augmenter la qualité de la communication radiofréquence.There is therefore a need for a communication buoy to increase the quality of radio frequency communication.

A cet effet, il est proposé une bouée de communication propre à l'immersion dans un fluide, comportant une antenne, au moins un bras, et une pluralité d'ailes comportant au moins une première aile et une deuxième aile, chaque aile étant reliée à au moins une autre aile par un bras et étant apte à générer une force de portance lorsque la bouée est en mouvement dans le fluide, au moins un des bras délimitant une ouverture de sortie de l'antenne, et une des ailes comportant un organe de stockage de l'antenne, la bouée comportant, en outre, un organe de déploiement configuré pour déployer l'antenne, à travers l'ouverture, hors de la bouée.For this purpose, it is proposed a communication buoy suitable for immersion in a fluid, comprising an antenna, at least one arm, and a plurality of wings comprising at least a first wing and a second wing, each wing being connected. at least one other wing by an arm and being able to generate a lift force when the buoy is in motion in the fluid, at least one of the arms defining an exit opening of the antenna, and one of the wings comprising an organ storing the antenna, the buoy further comprising a deployment member configured to deploy the antenna, through the opening, out of the buoy.

Suivant un mode de réalisation particulier, la bouée comprend une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prise(s) isolément ou suivant toutes les combinaisons techniquement possibles :

  • le nombre d'ailes de la pluralité d'ailes est égal à deux.
  • la deuxième aile présente une deuxième coque comportant un deuxième bord d'attaque, un élément d'ancrage d'un câble de remorquage, et un deuxième point d'attache du bras, la deuxième coque présentant, en outre, une première distance entre le deuxième point d'attache et le deuxième bord d'attaque et une deuxième distance entre le deuxième bord d'attaque et l'élément d'ancrage, la deuxième distance étant strictement inférieure à la première distance.
  • le bras est mobile par rapport à au moins une des ailes.
  • le bras délimitant l'ouverture de sortie délimite également une cavité accueillant l'organe de déploiement.
  • la première aile comprend au moins un premier organe alimenté électriquement et l'organe de stockage et la deuxième aile comporte au moins un deuxième organe alimenté électriquement, la deuxième aile comportant, en outre, un unique dispositif d'alimentation propre à alimenter chaque premier organe et chaque deuxième organe.
  • la bouée comporte, en outre, au moins un volet, un premier organe étant un dispositif de communication radioélectrique, et un deuxième organe étant apte à déplacer le volet entre une position primaire et une position secondaire.
  • la première aile comprend une première coque présentant un premier plan médian et la deuxième aile comprend une deuxième coque présentant un deuxième plan médian, le deuxième plan médian s'écartant de la position parallèle au premier plan médian d'au plus 5 degrés.
  • la première aile comprend une première coque ayant la forme d'un premier cylindre présentant une première courbe directrice, et la deuxième aile comprend une deuxième coque ayant la forme d'un deuxième cylindre présentant une deuxième courbe directrice, au moins une de la première courbe directrice et la deuxième courbe directrice ne présentant pas d'axe de symétrie.
According to a particular embodiment, the buoy comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:
  • the number of wings of the plurality of wings is equal to two.
  • the second wing has a second hull comprising a second leading edge, an anchoring element of a towing cable, and a second point of attachment of the arm, the second hull having, in addition, a first distance between the second attachment point and the second leading edge and a second distance between the second leading edge and the anchoring element, the second distance being strictly less than the first distance.
  • the arm is movable relative to at least one of the wings.
  • the arm defining the outlet opening also defines a cavity accommodating the deployment member.
  • the first wing comprises at least a first electrically powered member and the storage member and the second wing comprises at least a second electrically powered member, the second wing further comprising a single feed device for supplying each first member and every second organ.
  • the buoy further comprises at least one flap, a first member being a radio communication device, and a second member being able to move the flap between a primary position and a secondary position.
  • the first wing comprises a first shell having a first median plane and the second wing comprises a second shell having a second median plane, the second median plane deviating from the position parallel to the first median plane of at most 5 degrees.
  • the first wing comprises a first shell having the shape of a first cylinder having a first steering curve, and the second wing comprises a second shell having the shape of a second cylinder having a second guide curve, at least one of the first guide curve and the second guide curve having no axis of symmetry.

Il est également proposé un véhicule aquatique équipé d'une bouée telle que définie ci-dessus.It is also proposed an aquatic vehicle equipped with a buoy as defined above.

Des caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple non limitatif, et faite en référence aux dessins annexés, sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une bouée de communication, et
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe, selon le plan II, de la bouée de la figure 1.
Features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description, given solely by way of nonlimiting example, and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 is a perspective view of a communication buoy, and
  • the figure 2 is a sectional view, according to plane II, of the buoy of the figure 1 .

Une bouée 10 est représentée sur la figure 1.A buoy 10 is shown on the figure 1 .

La bouée 10 est une bouée de communication radioélectrique. Cela signifie que la bouée 10 est propre à émettre ou à recevoir des données transmises via un signal comportant au moins une onde électromagnétique radioélectrique OEM.Buoy 10 is a radio communication buoy. This means that the buoy 10 is able to transmit or receive data transmitted via a signal comprising at least one OEM radio-frequency electromagnetic wave.

De préférence, la bouée 10 est propre à émettre et à recevoir des données transmises via un signal comportant au moins une onde électromagnétique radioélectrique OEM.Preferably, buoy 10 is suitable for transmitting and receiving data transmitted via a signal comprising at least one OEM radio-frequency electromagnetic wave.

Les ondes électromagnétiques radioélectriques OEM sont les ondes électromagnétiques présentant une fréquence comprise entre 3 KiloHertz (KHz) et 3 GigaHertz (GHz).OEM radio electromagnetic waves are electromagnetic waves with a frequency between 3 KiloHertz (KHz) and 3 GigaHertz (GHz).

La bouée 10 est propre à être immergée dans un fluide F tel que l'eau de mer. Cela signifie que la bouée 10 est propre à résister à une immersion prolongée dans le fluide F.The buoy 10 is adapted to be immersed in a fluid F such as seawater. This means that the buoy 10 is able to withstand prolonged immersion in the fluid F.

De préférence, la bouée 10 est propre à émettre et/ou à recevoir des données par communication radiofréquence lorsque la bouée 10 est immergée dans le fluide F.Preferably, the buoy 10 is able to transmit and / or receive data by radio frequency communication when the buoy 10 is immersed in the fluid F.

La bouée 10 comporte une pluralité d'ailes 15, 20, au moins un bras 25 et une antenne 30.The buoy 10 comprises a plurality of wings 15, 20, at least one arm 25 and an antenna 30.

La pluralité d'ailes comporte au moins une première aile 15 et une deuxième aile 20.The plurality of wings comprises at least a first wing 15 and a second wing 20.

Sur la figure 1, le nombre d'ailes 15, 20 de la pluralité d'ailes est égal à deux.On the figure 1 the number of wings 15, 20 of the plurality of wings is equal to two.

La première aile 15 et la deuxième aile 20 sont superposées selon une première direction D1. La première direction D1 est repérée sur les figures 1 et 2 par une ligne pointillée.The first wing 15 and the second wing 20 are superimposed in a first direction D1. The first direction D1 is located on the figures 1 and 2 by a dotted line.

Il est défini, pour la bouée 10, une deuxième direction D2 perpendiculaire à la première direction D1, et une troisième direction D3 perpendiculaire à la première direction D1 et à la deuxième direction D2.It is defined, for the buoy 10, a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, and a third direction D3 perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

La première aile 15 est fixe par rapport à la deuxième aile 20.The first wing 15 is fixed relative to the second wing 20.

Chaque aile 15, 20 est apte à générer une force de portance Fp1, Fp2 lorsque la bouée 10 est en mouvement dans le fluide F.Each wing 15, 20 is able to generate a lift force Fp1, Fp2 when the buoy 10 is in motion in the fluid F.

La portance est une composante de la force subie par un corps en mouvement dans un fluide. La portance est une force s'exerçant perpendiculairement à la direction du mouvement.Lift is a component of the force experienced by a moving body in a fluid. Lift is a force acting perpendicular to the direction of movement.

De préférence, lorsque la bouée 10 est en mouvement dans le fluide F, la force de portance Fp1, Fp2 présente une composante orientée vers le haut. Cela signifie que la force de portance Fp1, Fp2 tend à diminuer la profondeur à laquelle la bouée 10 est immergée.Preferably, when the buoy 10 is in motion in the fluid F, the lift force Fp1, Fp2 has a component pointing upwards. This means that the lift force Fp1, Fp2 tends to decrease the depth at which the buoy 10 is immersed.

Chaque aile 15,20 est reliée par le bras 25 à au moins une autre aile 15, 20.Each wing 15,20 is connected by the arm 25 to at least one other wing 15, 20.

Sur la figure 1, la bouée 10 comporte un seul bras 25 reliant la première aile 15 à la deuxième aile 20.On the figure 1 the buoy 10 comprises a single arm 25 connecting the first wing 15 to the second wing 20.

La première aile 15 comprend une première coque 35, un premier volet 40, au moins un premier organe 45, un deuxième organe 50, un organe de stockage 52 et deux premières plaques de garde 55.The first wing 15 comprises a first shell 35, a first flap 40, at least a first member 45, a second member 50, a storage member 52 and two first guard plates 55.

La première coque 35 est propre à générer une première force de portance Fp1 lorsque la bouée 10 est en mouvement dans le fluide F.The first shell 35 is able to generate a first lift force Fp1 when the buoy 10 is in motion in the fluid F.

La première coque 35 est propre à isoler le premier organe 45 et le deuxième organe 50 du fluide F. Cela signifie que la première coque 35 est étanche au fluide F.The first shell 35 is able to isolate the first member 45 and the second member 50 of the fluid F. This means that the first shell 35 is fluid tight F.

La première coque 35 est réalisée en un matériau composite.The first shell 35 is made of a composite material.

En variante, la première coque 35 est réalisée en un matériau métallique. Par exemple, la première coque 35 est réalisée en acier.Alternatively, the first shell 35 is made of a metallic material. For example, the first shell 35 is made of steel.

Sur la figure 2, la première coque 35 présente la forme d'un premier cylindre. Le premier cylindre présente une première courbe directrice C1 et une première génératrice G1.On the figure 2 , the first shell 35 has the shape of a first cylinder. The first cylinder has a first guide curve C1 and a first generator G1.

Il est entendu par le terme « cylindre » que la première coque 35 est délimitée par deux plans parallèles entre eux et par une surface délimitée par toutes les droites parallèles à une droite appelée génératrice du cylindre et coupant une courbe fermée appelée la courbe directrice du cylindre.It is understood by the term "cylinder" that the first shell 35 is delimited by two planes parallel to each other and by a surface delimited by all straight lines parallel to a straight line called generatrix of the cylinder and intersecting a closed curve called the cylinder guide curve. .

La première génératrice G1 est confondue avec la troisième direction D3.The first generator G1 is confused with the third direction D3.

La première courbe directrice C1 est comprise dans un plan perpendiculaire à la troisième direction D3.The first guide curve C1 is in a plane perpendicular to the third direction D3.

Selon l'exemple de la figure 2, la première courbe directrice C1 ne présente pas d'axe de symétrie. En particulier, la première courbe directrice C1 n'est pas symétrique selon la première direction D1.According to the example of the figure 2 the first guide curve C1 does not have an axis of symmetry. In particular, the first guide curve C1 is not symmetrical in the first direction D1.

La première courbe directrice C1 présente une première longueur L1 selon la deuxième direction D2 et une première épaisseur E1 selon la première direction D1.The first guide curve C1 has a first length L1 in the second direction D2 and a first thickness E1 in the first direction D1.

La première longueur L1 est strictement supérieure à la première épaisseur E1. De préférence, la première longueur L1 est supérieure ou égale à cinq fois la première épaisseur E1. Par exemple, la première longueur L1 est égale à 2 mètres (m) et la première épaisseur E1 est égale à 40 centimètres (cm).The first length L1 is strictly greater than the first thickness E1. Preferably, the first length L1 is greater than or equal to five times the first thickness E1. For example, the first length L1 is equal to 2 meters (m) and the first thickness E1 is equal to 40 centimeters (cm).

Il est défini, pour la première courbe directrice C1, une première direction principale Dp1. La première direction principale Dp1 est la direction selon laquelle la première courbe directrice C1 présente la plus petite section.For the first guide curve C1, a first main direction Dp1 is defined. The first main direction Dp1 is the direction in which the first guide curve C1 has the smallest section.

Cela signifie que la projection orthogonale de la première courbe directrice C1 sur une droite perpendiculaire à la première direction principale Dp1 est un segment présentant une longueur minimale, et la projection orthogonale de la première courbe directrice C1 sur une droite n'étant pas perpendiculaire à la première direction principale Dp1 est un segment présentant une longueur strictement supérieure à la longueur minimale.This means that the orthogonal projection of the first directing curve C1 on a straight line perpendicular to the first main direction Dp1 is a segment having a minimum length, and the orthogonal projection of the first directing curve C1 on a straight line not being perpendicular to the first main direction Dp1 is a segment having a length strictly greater than the minimum length.

De préférence, la première direction principale Dp1 est parallèle à la deuxième direction D2.Preferably, the first main direction Dp1 is parallel to the second direction D2.

La première coque 35 est délimitée, selon la troisième direction D3, par les deux premières plaques de garde 55.The first shell 35 is delimited, along the third direction D3, by the first two guard plates 55.

La première coque 35 présente une première largeur l1 selon la troisième direction D3.The first shell 35 has a first width 11 in the third direction D3.

La première largeur l1 est, par exemple, égale à 2 m. Il est défini, pour la première coque 35, un premier plan médian M1. Le premier plan médian M1 est le plan parallèle à la première direction principale Dp1 et à la troisième direction D3 et divisant la première coque 35 en deux volumes égaux.The first width 11 is, for example, equal to 2 m. It is defined, for the first shell 35, a first median plane M1. The first median plane M1 is the plane parallel to the first main direction Dp1 and the third direction D3 and dividing the first shell 35 into two equal volumes.

Par exemple, le premier plan médian M1 est perpendiculaire à la première direction D1.For example, the first median plane M1 is perpendicular to the first direction D1.

La première coque 35 présente une première extrémité 60, une deuxième extrémité 62, un premier bord d'attaque 65 et un premier point d'attache 67 du bras 25.The first shell 35 has a first end 60, a second end 62, a first leading edge 65 and a first attachment point 67 of the arm 25.

La première extrémité 60 et la deuxième extrémité 62 sont opposées selon la première direction principale Dp1.The first end 60 and the second end 62 are opposite in the first main direction Dp1.

La deuxième extrémité 62 porte le premier volet 40.The second end 62 carries the first flap 40.

Le premier bord d'attaque 65 est défini comme étant le segment porté par la première extrémité 60 qui est parallèle à la troisième direction D3 et le plus avancé selon la première direction principale Dp1. Cela signifie que, lorsque la première aile 15 est en translation selon la première direction principale Dp1, le bord d'attaque 65 est le premier segment de la première coque 35 à couper un plan perpendiculaire à la première direction principale Dp1.The first leading edge 65 is defined as the segment carried by the first end 60 which is parallel to the third direction D3 and the most advanced according to the first main direction Dp1. This means that when the first wing 15 is in translation along the first main direction Dp1, the leading edge 65 is the first segment of the first shell 35 to cut a plane perpendicular to the first main direction Dp1.

Le premier point d'attache 67 est défini comme étant, parmi les points communs à la première coque 35 et au bras 25, le point le plus proche du premier bord d'attaque 65.The first point of attachment 67 is defined as being, among the points common to the first shell 35 and the arm 25, the point closest to the first leading edge 65.

Le premier volet 40 est fixé de manière mobile à la deuxième extrémité 62.The first flap 40 is movably attached to the second end 62.

Il est défini, pour chaque volet 40, 74, une position primaire et une position secondaire.For each flap 40, 74, a primary position and a secondary position are defined.

Le premier volet 40 est mobile entre la position primaire et la position secondaire.The first flap 40 is movable between the primary position and the secondary position.

Lorsque le premier volet 40 est dans la position primaire, la norme euclidienne de la première force de portance Fp1 a une première valeur.When the first flap 40 is in the primary position, the Euclidean norm of the first lift force Fp1 has a first value.

Lorsque le premier volet 40 est dans la position secondaire, la norme euclidienne de la première force de portance Fp1 a une deuxième valeur différente de la première valeur.When the first flap 40 is in the secondary position, the Euclidean norm of the first lift force Fp1 has a second value different from the first value.

Le premier organe 45 est alimenté électriquement.The first member 45 is electrically powered.

Le premier organe 45 est un organe de communication radioélectrique. Par exemple, le premier organe 45 est un organe de communication radioélectrique utilisant la gamme d'ondes électromagnétiques VLF.The first member 45 is a radio communication member. For example, the first member 45 is a radio communication member using the VLF electromagnetic waveband.

Les ondes VLF sont les ondes électromagnétiques présentant une longueur d'onde comprise strictement entre 3 kHz et 30 kHz.VLF waves are electromagnetic waves having a wavelength strictly between 3 kHz and 30 kHz.

En variante, le premier organe 45 est propre à communiquer en utilisant des ondes électromagnétiques présentant une longueur d'onde comprise strictement entre 3 kHz et 30 Mégahertz (MHz).Alternatively, the first member 45 is able to communicate using electromagnetic waves having a wavelength strictly between 3 kHz and 30 MHz (MHz).

Le premier organe 45 est connecté électriquement à l'antenne 30.The first member 45 is electrically connected to the antenna 30.

Le deuxième organe 50 est propre à déplacer le premier volet 40 entre la position primaire et la position secondaire.The second member 50 is able to move the first flap 40 between the primary position and the secondary position.

Le deuxième organe 50 est alimenté électriquement. Par exemple, le deuxième organe 50 comprend un moteur électrique.The second member 50 is electrically powered. For example, the second member 50 comprises an electric motor.

L'organe de stockage 52 est configuré pour stocker l'antenne 30 lorsque l'antenne 30 n'est pas déployée dans le fluide F. L'organe de stockage 52 comprend par exemple un enrouleur.The storage member 52 is configured to store the antenna 30 when the antenna 30 is not deployed in the fluid F. The storage member 52 comprises for example a winder.

Chaque première plaque de garde 55 présente une deuxième longueur L2 selon la première direction principale Dp1, une deuxième largeur l2 selon la première direction D1 et une deuxième épaisseur E2 selon la troisième direction D3.Each first guard plate 55 has a second length L2 in the first main direction Dp1, a second width 12 in the first direction D1 and a second thickness E2 in the third direction D3.

La deuxième longueur L2 est supérieure ou égale à la première longueur L1.The second length L2 is greater than or equal to the first length L1.

La deuxième largeur l2 est strictement supérieure à la première épaisseur E1.The second width l2 is strictly greater than the first thickness E1.

Chaque première plaque de garde 55 est sensiblement plane. Cela signifie que la deuxième longueur L2 et la deuxième largeur l2 sont, chacune, supérieures strictement à dix fois la deuxième épaisseur E2.Each first guard plate 55 is substantially planar. This means that the second length L2 and the second width 12 are each strictly greater than ten times the second thickness E2.

Chaque première plaque de garde 55 est perpendiculaire à la troisième direction D3.Each first guard plate 55 is perpendicular to the third direction D3.

La première plaque de garde 55 présente une troisième extrémité 70 et une quatrième extrémité 72.The first guard plate 55 has a third end 70 and a fourth end 72.

La troisième extrémité 70 et la quatrième extrémité 72 sont opposées selon la première direction principale Dp1.The third end 70 and the fourth end 72 are opposite in the first main direction Dp1.

Les troisièmes extrémités 70 de chacune des deux premières plaques de garde 55 définissent, selon la troisième direction D3, la première extrémité 60.The third ends 70 of each of the two first guard plates 55 define, in the third direction D3, the first end 60.

La troisième extrémité 70 est arrondie.The third end 70 is rounded.

Les quatrièmes extrémités 72 de chacune des deux premières plaques de garde 55 définissent, selon troisième direction D3, la deuxième extrémité 62.The fourth ends 72 of each of the two first guard plates 55 define, in the third direction D3, the second end 62.

La quatrième extrémité 72 est rectangulaire.The fourth end 72 is rectangular.

Les deux premières plaques de garde 55 sont parallèles entre elles. Il est entendu par le terme « parallèle », que chaque première plaque de garde 55 s'écarte de la position parallèle à l'autre première plaque de garde 55 d'au plus 5 degrés (°).The first two guard plates 55 are parallel to each other. It is understood by the term "parallel" that each first guard plate 55 deviates from the position parallel to the other first guard plate 55 by at most 5 degrees (°).

La deuxième aile 20 comporte une deuxième coque 73, un deuxième volet 74, au moins un deuxième organe 50, un unique dispositif d'alimentation 75, un organe de centrage 80, un élément d'attache 85 d'un câble de remorquage 90, au moins un câble 95 d'alimentation électrique et deux deuxièmes plaques de garde 100.The second wing 20 comprises a second shell 73, a second flap 74, at least a second member 50, a single feed device 75, a centering member 80, an attachment element 85 of a towing cable 90, at least one power supply cable 95 and two second guard plates 100.

La deuxième coque 73 est propre à générer une deuxième force de portance Fp2 lorsque la bouée 10 est en mouvement dans le fluide F.The second shell 73 is able to generate a second lift force Fp2 when the buoy 10 is moving in the fluid F.

La deuxième coque 73 est propre à isoler du fluide F le deuxième organe 50, le dispositif d'alimentation 75 et l'organe de centrage 80. Cela signifie que la deuxième coque 73 est étanche au fluide F.The second shell 73 is adapted to isolate fluid F the second member 50, the feeder 75 and the centering member 80. This means that the second shell 73 is fluid tight F.

La deuxième coque 73 est réalisée en un matériau composite.The second shell 73 is made of a composite material.

En variante, la deuxième coque 73 est réalisée en un matériau métallique. Par exemple, la deuxième coque 73 est réalisée en acier.Alternatively, the second shell 73 is made of a metallic material. For example, the second shell 73 is made of steel.

Sur la figure 2, la deuxième coque 73 est en forme d'un deuxième cylindre présentant une deuxième courbe directrice C2 et une deuxième génératrice G2.On the figure 2 the second shell 73 is in the form of a second cylinder having a second directing curve C2 and a second generator G2.

La deuxième génératrice G2 est confondue avec la troisième direction D3.The second generator G2 is confused with the third direction D3.

La deuxième courbe directrice C2 est comprise dans un plan perpendiculaire à la troisième direction D3.The second directing curve C2 is in a plane perpendicular to the third direction D3.

Selon l'exemple de la figure 2, la deuxième courbe directrice C2 ne présente pas d'axe de symétrie. En particulier, la deuxième courbe directrice C2 n'est pas symétrique selon la première direction D1.According to the example of the figure 2 the second guidance curve C2 does not have an axis of symmetry. In particular, the second directing curve C2 is not symmetrical in the first direction D1.

La deuxième courbe directrice C2 présente une troisième longueur L3 selon la deuxième direction D2 et une troisième épaisseur E3 selon la première direction D1. La troisième longueur L3 est strictement supérieure à la troisième épaisseur E3.The second guide curve C2 has a third length L3 in the second direction D2 and a third thickness E3 in the first direction D1. The third length L3 is strictly greater than the third thickness E3.

De préférence, la troisième longueur L3 est supérieure ou égale à 5 fois la troisième épaisseur E3. Par exemple, la troisième longueur L3 est égale à 2 mètres (m) et la troisième épaisseur E3 est égale à 40 centimètres (cm).Preferably, the third length L3 is greater than or equal to 5 times the third thickness E3. For example, the third length L3 is equal to 2 meters (m) and the third thickness E3 is equal to 40 centimeters (cm).

La troisième longueur L3 est égale à la première longueur L1.The third length L3 is equal to the first length L1.

La troisième épaisseur E3 est égale à la première épaisseur E1.The third thickness E3 is equal to the first thickness E1.

Selon l'exemple de la figure 2, la deuxième courbe directrice C2 est identique à la première courbe directrice C1.According to the example of the figure 2 the second directing curve C2 is identical to the first directing curve C1.

Il est défini, pour la deuxième courbe directrice C2, une deuxième direction principale Dp2. La deuxième direction principale Dp2 est la direction selon laquelle la deuxième courbe directrice C2 présente la plus petite section.For the second control curve C2, a second main direction Dp2 is defined. The second main direction Dp2 is the direction in which the second steering curve C2 has the smallest section.

De préférence, la première direction principale Dp1 est parallèle à la deuxième direction D2.Preferably, the first main direction Dp1 is parallel to the second direction D2.

La deuxième coque 73 est délimitée, selon la troisième direction D3, par les deux deuxièmes plaques de garde 100.The second shell 73 is delimited, in the third direction D3, by the two second guard plates 100.

La deuxième coque 73 présente une troisième largeur l3 selon la troisième direction D3.The second shell 73 has a third width 13 in the third direction D3.

La troisième largeur l3 est égale à la première largeur l1.The third width 13 is equal to the first width 11.

Il est défini, pour la deuxième coque 73, un deuxième plan médian M2. Le deuxième plan médian M2 est le plan parallèle à la première direction principale Dp1 et à la troisième direction D3 et divisant la deuxième coque 73 en deux volumes égaux.It is defined, for the second shell 73, a second median plane M2. The second median plane M2 is the plane parallel to the first main direction Dp1 and the third direction D3 and dividing the second shell 73 into two equal volumes.

De préférence, le deuxième plan médian M2 est parallèle au premier plan médian M1.Preferably, the second median plane M2 is parallel to the first median plane M1.

La deuxième coque 73 présente une cinquième extrémité 105, une sixième extrémité 110, un deuxième bord d'attaque 115 et un deuxième point d'attache 120 du bras 25.The second shell 73 has a fifth end 105, a sixth end 110, a second leading edge 115 and a second attachment point 120 of the arm 25.

La cinquième extrémité 105 et la sixième extrémité 110 sont opposées selon la deuxième direction principale Dp2.The fifth end 105 and the sixth end 110 are opposite in the second main direction Dp2.

La sixième extrémité 110 porte le deuxième volet 74.The sixth end 110 carries the second flap 74.

Le deuxième bord d'attaque 115 est défini comme étant le segment de la cinquième extrémité 105 qui est parallèle à la troisième direction D3 et le plus avancé selon la deuxième direction principale Dp2. Cela signifie que, lorsque la deuxième coque 73 est en translation selon la deuxième direction principale D2, le deuxième bord d'attaque 115 est le premier segment de la deuxième coque 73 à couper un plan perpendiculaire à la deuxième direction principale Dp2.The second leading edge 115 is defined as the segment of the fifth end 105 which is parallel to the third direction D3 and the most advanced according to the second main direction Dp2. This means that when the second shell 73 is in translation along the second main direction D2, the second leading edge 115 is the first segment of the second shell 73 to cut a plane perpendicular to the second main direction Dp2.

Le deuxième point d'attache 120 est défini comme étant, parmi les points communs à la deuxième coque 73 et au bras 25, le plus proche du deuxième bord d'attaque 115.The second attachment point 120 is defined as being, among the points common to the second shell 73 and the arm 25, the closest to the second leading edge 115.

Il est défini une première distance d1 entre le deuxième point d'attache 120 et le deuxième bord d'attaque 115.A first distance d1 is defined between the second attachment point 120 and the second leading edge 115.

La première distance d1 est mesurée selon la deuxième direction principale Dp2.The first distance d1 is measured according to the second main direction Dp2.

Le deuxième volet 74 est relié de manière mobile à la sixième extrémité 110.The second flap 74 is movably connected to the sixth end 110.

Le deuxième volet 74 est mobile entre la position primaire et la position secondaire. Lorsque le deuxième volet 74 est dans la position primaire, la norme euclidienne de la deuxième force de portance Fp2 a une troisième valeur.The second flap 74 is movable between the primary position and the secondary position. When the second flap 74 is in the primary position, the Euclidean norm of the second lift force Fp2 has a third value.

Lorsque le deuxième volet 74 est dans la position secondaire, la norme euclidienne de la deuxième force de portance Fp2 a une quatrième valeur différente de la troisième valeur.When the second flap 74 is in the secondary position, the Euclidean norm of the second lift force Fp2 has a fourth value different from the third value.

Lorsque le deuxième volet 74 est dans une position intermédiaire entre la position primaire et la position secondaire, la norme euclidienne de la deuxième force de portance Fp2 est strictement inférieure à la valeur maximale et strictement supérieure à la valeur minimale.When the second flap 74 is in an intermediate position between the primary position and the secondary position, the Euclidean norm of the second lift force Fp2 is strictly less than the maximum value and strictly greater than the minimum value.

Le deuxième organe 50 de la deuxième aile 20 est propre à déplacer le deuxième volet 74 entre la position primaire et la position secondaire.The second member 50 of the second flange 20 is adapted to move the second flap 74 between the primary position and the secondary position.

Le dispositif d'alimentation 75 est propre à alimenter électriquement le premier organe 45 et chaque deuxième organe 50 avec au moins une tension d'alimentation VA.The supply device 75 is able to electrically supply the first member 45 and each second member 50 with at least one supply voltage VA.

Avantageusement, le dispositif d'alimentation 75 est, en outre, propre à alimenter électriquement l'organe de centrage 80.Advantageously, the feed device 75 is further adapted to electrically feed the centering member 80.

Le dispositif d'alimentation 75 comprend, par exemple, un dispositif de stockage d'énergie électrique tel qu'une batterie.The power supply device 75 comprises, for example, an electrical energy storage device such as a battery.

En variante, le dispositif d'alimentation 75 comprend un circuit de conversion propre à générer la tension d'alimentation VA à partir d'une tension d'entrée VE. Par exemple, le dispositif d'alimentation 75 est propre à recevoir la tension d'entrée VE d'un conducteur extérieur connecté électriquement à la bouée 10.In a variant, the power supply device 75 comprises a conversion circuit capable of generating the supply voltage VA from an input voltage VE. For example, the feed device 75 is adapted to receive the input voltage VE of an external conductor electrically connected to the buoy 10.

Le dispositif d'alimentation 75 est unique. Cela signifie que la bouée 10 ne contient qu'un seul dispositif d'alimentation 75.The feed device 75 is unique. This means that the buoy 10 contains only one feeder 75.

Le dispositif d'alimentation 75 est relié électriquement au premier organe 45 par le câble d'alimentation 95.The supply device 75 is electrically connected to the first member 45 by the power cable 95.

L'organe de centrage 80 est propre à déplacer le centre de gravité de la bouée 10.The centering member 80 is able to move the center of gravity of the buoy 10.

De préférence, l'organe de centrage 80 est propre à déplacer le centre de gravité de la bouée 10 selon une direction parallèle à la deuxième direction principale Dp2.Preferably, the centering member 80 is able to move the center of gravity of the buoy 10 in a direction parallel to the second main direction Dp2.

Par exemple, l'organe de centrage 80 comporte une masse mobile et un moteur électrique propre à déplacer la masse mobile selon la deuxième direction principale Dp2.For example, the centering member 80 comprises a movable mass and an electric motor capable of moving the moving mass along the second main direction Dp2.

En variante, l'organe de centrage 80 comporte un ballast et une pompe propre à remplir le ballast avec le fluide F.In a variant, the centering member 80 comprises a ballast and a pump capable of filling the ballast with the fluid F.

L'élément d'ancrage 85 est propre à recevoir une extrémité d'un câble de remorquage 90. L'élément d'ancrage 85 comprend, par exemple, un anneau métallique d'ancrage du câble de remorquage 90.The anchor element 85 is adapted to receive an end of a towing cable 90. The anchoring element 85 comprises, for example, a metal anchor ring of the towing cable 90.

Il est défini une deuxième distance d2 entre l'élément d'ancrage 85 et le deuxième bord d'attaque 115.A second distance d2 is defined between the anchoring element 85 and the second leading edge 115.

La deuxième distance d2 est mesurée selon la deuxième direction principale Dp2.The second distance d2 is measured along the second main direction Dp2.

La deuxième distance d2 est mesurée entre le point du deuxième bord d'attaque 115 le plus proche de l'élément d'ancrage 85 et le point de l'élément d'ancrage 85 le plus proche du deuxième bord d'attaque 115.The second distance d2 is measured between the point of the second leading edge 115 closest to the anchoring element 85 and the point of the anchoring element 85 closest to the second leading edge 115.

La deuxième distance d2 est strictement inférieure à la première distance d1.The second distance d2 is strictly less than the first distance d1.

Le câble de remorquage 90 est propre à permettre à un véhicule aquatique de tracter la bouée 10.The towing cable 90 is adapted to allow an aquatic vehicle to tow the buoy 10.

Le câble de remorquage 90 est réalisé en un matériau métallique tel que l'acier inoxydable.The towing cable 90 is made of a metallic material such as stainless steel.

Le câble d'alimentation 95 est propre à connecter électriquement le premier organe 45 et le module d'alimentation 75.The power cable 95 is able to electrically connect the first member 45 and the power supply module 75.

Chaque deuxième plaque de garde 100 présente une quatrième longueur L4 selon la deuxième direction principale Dp2, une quatrième largeur l4 selon la première direction D1, et une quatrième épaisseur E4 selon la troisième direction D3.Each second guard plate 100 has a fourth length L4 along the second main direction Dp2, a fourth width 14 along the first direction D1, and a fourth thickness E4 along the third direction D3.

La quatrième longueur L4 est égale à la deuxième longueur L2.The fourth length L4 is equal to the second length L2.

La quatrième épaisseur E4 est égale à la deuxième épaisseur E2.The fourth thickness E4 is equal to the second thickness E2.

La quatrième largeur l4 est égale à la deuxième largeur l2.The fourth width 14 is equal to the second width 12.

Chaque deuxième plaque de garde 100 est sensiblement plane. Cela signifie que la quatrième longueur L4 et la quatrième largeur l4 sont, chacune, supérieures strictement à dix fois la quatrième épaisseur E4.Each second guard plate 100 is substantially flat. This means that the fourth length L4 and the fourth width 14 are each strictly greater than ten times the fourth thickness E4.

Les deux deuxièmes plaques de garde 100 sont parallèles entre elles.The two second guard plates 100 are parallel to each other.

Chaque deuxième plaque de garde 100 est perpendiculaire à la troisième direction D3.Each second guard plate 100 is perpendicular to the third direction D3.

Les deuxièmes plaques de garde 100 et les premières plaques de garde 55 sont alignées selon la première direction D1. Cela signifie que chaque deuxième plaque de garde 100 est superposable à une première plaque de garde 55 correspondante par une translation selon la première direction D1.The second guard plates 100 and the first guard plates 55 are aligned in the first direction D1. This means that each second guard plate 100 is superposable on a first guard plate 55 corresponding by a translation along the first direction D1.

La deuxième plaque de garde 100 comporte une septième extrémité 125 et une huitième extrémité 130.The second guard plate 100 has a seventh end 125 and an eighth end 130.

La septième extrémité 125 et la huitième extrémité 130 sont opposées selon la deuxième direction D2.The seventh end 125 and the eighth end 130 are opposite in the second direction D2.

La septième extrémité 125 est de forme arrondie.The seventh end 125 is of rounded shape.

Les septièmes extrémités 125 de chacune des deux deuxièmes plaques de garde 100 définissent, selon la troisième direction D3, la cinquième extrémité 105.The seventh ends 125 of each of the two second guard plates 100 define, in the third direction D3, the fifth end 105.

La huitième extrémité 130 est de forme rectangulaire.The eighth end 130 is of rectangular shape.

Les huitièmes extrémités 130 de chacune des deux deuxièmes plaques de garde 100 définissent, selon la troisième direction D3, la sixième extrémité 105.The eighth ends 130 of each of the two second guard plates 100 define, in the third direction D3, the sixth end 105.

Le bras 25 relie la première aile 15 à la deuxième aile 20.The arm 25 connects the first wing 15 to the second wing 20.

Le bras 25 présente une troisième courbe directrice et une troisième génératrice G3.The arm 25 has a third directing curve and a third generator G3.

La troisième génératrice G3 est comprise dans un plan contenant à la fois la première direction D1 et la deuxième direction D2.The third generator G3 is included in a plane containing both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

Le bras 25 est délimité, selon la troisième génératrice G3, par la première coque 35 et par la deuxième coque 73.The arm 25 is delimited, according to the third generatrix G3, by the first shell 35 and by the second shell 73.

Le bras 25 est centré, selon la troisième direction D3, par rapport à la première coque 35 et à la deuxième coque 73. Cela signifie que, selon la troisième direction D3, la troisième génératrice G3 est à égale distance de chacune des deux premières plaques de garde 55 et à égale distance de chacune des deux deuxièmes plaques de garde 100.The arm 25 is centered, in the third direction D3, with respect to the first shell 35 and the second shell 73. This means that, in the third direction D3, the third generator G3 is equidistant from each of the first two plates guard 55 and equidistant from each of the two second guard plates 100.

Le bras 25 présente une troisième direction principale Dp3 perpendiculaire à la troisième direction D3.The arm 25 has a third main direction Dp3 perpendicular to the third direction D3.

Le bras 25 est fixe par rapport à la première aile 15 et à la deuxième aile 20.The arm 25 is fixed relative to the first wing 15 and the second wing 20.

Le bras 25 est réalisé en un matériau composite.The arm 25 is made of a composite material.

En variante, le bras 25 est réalisé en un métal tel que l'acier.Alternatively, the arm 25 is made of a metal such as steel.

Le bras 25 délimite une cavité 135 recevant un organe 140 de déploiement de l'antenne. Le bras 25 délimite également une ouverture 145 de sortie de l'antenne 30.The arm 25 delimits a cavity 135 receiving a member 140 for deploying the antenna. The arm 25 also defines an opening 145 for outputting the antenna 30.

La cavité 135 est cylindrique à base ovale. La génératrice de la cavité 135 est la troisième génératrice G3.The cavity 135 is cylindrical with an oval base. The generator of the cavity 135 is the third generatrix G3.

De préférence, la cavité 135 relie la première coque 35 à la deuxième coque 73. Cela signifie que la cavité 135 est propre à permettre le passage d'objets, tels que le câble d'alimentation 95, entre la première coque 35 et la deuxième coque 73.Preferably, the cavity 135 connects the first shell 35 to the second shell 73. This means that the cavity 135 is able to allow objects, such as the power cable 95, to pass between the first shell 35 and the second shell 35. hull 73.

De préférence, le câble d'alimentation 95 traverse la cavité 135 entre la première coque 35 et la deuxième coque 73.Preferably, the power cable 95 passes through the cavity 135 between the first shell 35 and the second shell 73.

L'ouverture 145 est propre à permettre le déploiement d'au moins une partie de l'antenne 30 depuis la cavité 135 jusque dans le fluide F.The opening 145 is adapted to allow the deployment of at least a portion of the antenna 30 from the cavity 135 to the fluid F.

L'antenne 30 est une antenne filaire. Cela signifie que l'antenne 30 présente une longueur et une section, la section étant strictement inférieure à cent fois la longueur.The antenna 30 is a wire antenna. This means that the antenna 30 has a length and a section, the section being strictly less than one hundred times the length.

L'antenne 30 est réalisée en un matériau électriquement conducteur.The antenna 30 is made of an electrically conductive material.

L'antenne 30 présente une première portion 150 apte à être déployée dans le fluide F et une deuxième portion 155 comprise dans la première coque 35.The antenna 30 has a first portion 150 adapted to be deployed in the fluid F and a second portion 155 included in the first shell 35.

L'organe de déploiement 140 est apte à déplacer la première portion 150, à travers l'ouverture de sortie 145, entre une troisième position dans laquelle la première portion 150 est comprise dans la cavité 135 et une quatrième position dans laquelle la première portion 150 est déployée dans le fluide F.The deployment member 140 is able to move the first portion 150, through the outlet opening 145, between a third position in which the first portion 150 is included in the cavity 135 and a fourth position in which the first portion 150 is deployed in fluid F.

L'organe de déploiement 140 de l'antenne comprend, par exemple, un moteur électrique.The deployment member 140 of the antenna comprises, for example, an electric motor.

La bouée 10 est avantageusement intégrée à un véhicule aquatique.The buoy 10 is advantageously integrated with an aquatic vehicle.

Le véhicule aquatique est propre à transporter la bouée 10 et à déployer la bouée 10 dans le fluide F.The aquatic vehicle is adapted to carry the buoy 10 and to deploy the buoy 10 in the fluid F.

Une extrémité du câble de remorquage 90 est fixée à l'élément d'ancrage 85 et l'autre extrémité du câble de remorquage 90 est fixée au véhicule aquatique.One end of the towing cable 90 is attached to the anchor 85 and the other end of the towing cable 90 is attached to the water vehicle.

Le véhicule aquatique est par exemple un sous-marin.The aquatic vehicle is for example a submarine.

Lorsque la bouée 10 est utilisée pour transmettre un signal radioélectrique, la première portion 150 de l'antenne 30 est déployée dans le fluide F à travers l'ouverture de sortie 145. Comme l'ouverture de sortie 145 est ménagée dans le bras 25, et donc située entre la première aile 15 et la deuxième aile 20, l'affaissement de l'antenne 30 est limité.When the buoy 10 is used to transmit a radio signal, the first portion 150 of the antenna 30 is deployed in the fluid F through the outlet opening 145. As the outlet opening 145 is formed in the arm 25, and therefore located between the first wing 15 and the second wing 20, the collapse of the antenna 30 is limited.

La qualité de communication est donc améliorée, à profondeur d'immersion de la bouée 10 égale, par rapport à une bouée de l'état de la technique.The quality of communication is thus improved, with depth of immersion of the buoy 10 equal, compared to a buoy of the state of the art.

En outre, le dispositif d'alimentation 75 est compris dans la deuxième aile 20 alors que le premier organe 45, assurant les fonctions de communication, est compris dans la première aile 15. Les interférences entre le dispositif d'alimentation 75 et le premier organe 45 sont donc minimisées.In addition, the feed device 75 is included in the second flange 20 while the first member 45, providing the communication functions, is included in the first flange 15. The interference between the feed device 75 and the first member 45 are therefore minimized.

La cavité 135 permet le passage du câble d'alimentation 95 entre la première aile 15 et la deuxième aile 20. La bouée 10 permet donc d'éviter la génération de bruit lors du mouvement du câble d'alimentation 95 dans le fluide F. La bouée 10 est plus silencieuse que les bouées de l'état de la technique.The cavity 135 allows the passage of the power cable 95 between the first flange 15 and the second flange 20. The buoy 10 thus makes it possible to avoid the generation of noise. during the movement of the power cable 95 in the fluid F. The buoy 10 is quieter than the buoys of the state of the art.

De plus, la deuxième distance d2 est strictement inférieure à la première distance d1. Lorsque la bouée 10 est tractée selon la deuxième direction D2 par le véhicule aquatique, le point d'ancrage 85 est donc plus avancé que le deuxième point d'attache. La stabilité de la bouée 10 en mouvement est donc améliorée.In addition, the second distance d2 is strictly less than the first distance d1. When the buoy 10 is towed in the second direction D2 by the aquatic vehicle, the anchor point 85 is more advanced than the second attachment point. The stability of the buoy 10 in motion is thus improved.

La bouée 10 a été décrite précédemment dans le cas où la deuxième coque 73 est identique à la première coque 35. En variante, les dimensions des deux ailes 15, 20 varient les unes par rapport aux autres.The buoy 10 has been previously described in the case where the second shell 73 is identical to the first shell 35. Alternatively, the dimensions of the two wings 15, 20 vary relative to each other.

Par exemple, la bouée 10 est une bouée sesquiplan. Cela signifie que la surface de la première aile 15, mesurée dans un plan perpendiculaire à la première direction D1, est égale à la moitié de la surface de la deuxième aile 20.For example, buoy 10 is a sesquiplan buoy. This means that the surface of the first wing 15, measured in a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1, is equal to half the surface of the second wing 20.

Dans un deuxième exemple de réalisation, le bras 25 est mobile par rapport à au moins une de la première aile 15 et de la deuxième aile 30.In a second embodiment, the arm 25 is movable relative to at least one of the first wing 15 and the second wing 30.

Par exemple, le bras 25 est mobile en rotation par rapport à la première aile 15 et à la deuxième aile 20.For example, the arm 25 is rotatable relative to the first wing 15 and the second wing 20.

De préférence, le bras 25 est mobile en rotation par rapport aux deux ailes 15, 20 autour de la troisième direction D3.Preferably, the arm 25 is rotatable relative to the two wings 15, 20 around the third direction D3.

Lorsque le bras 25 est pivoté par rapport à la première aile 15 et à la deuxième aile 20, la distance (mesurée selon la première direction D1) entre la première aile 15 et la deuxième aile 20 est modifiée.When the arm 25 is pivoted relative to the first flange 15 and the second flange 20, the distance (measured along the first direction D1) between the first flange 15 and the second flange 20 is modified.

La bouée 10 est alors plus adaptable.The buoy 10 is then more adaptable.

En particulier, la bouée 10 est repliable pour être reçue dans une cavité du véhicule aquatique. L'encombrement de la bouée 10 est donc minimisé.In particular, the buoy 10 is collapsible to be received in a cavity of the aquatic vehicle. The size of the buoy 10 is therefore minimized.

En variante, la bouée 10 comporte deux bras 25 reliant la première aile 15 à la deuxième aile 20.In a variant, the buoy 10 comprises two arms 25 connecting the first wing 15 to the second wing 20.

Selon une autre variante, le nombre d'ailes 15, 20 de la pluralité d'ailes est strictement supérieur à deux.According to another variant, the number of wings 15, 20 of the plurality of wings is strictly greater than two.

Par exemple, le nombre d'ailes 15, 20 de la pluralité d'ailes est égal à trois. La bouée 10 comporte deux bras 25. Chaque bras 25 relie deux ailes 15, 20 l'une à l'autre.For example, the number of wings 15, 20 of the plurality of wings is equal to three. Buoy 10 has two arms 25. Each arm 25 connects two wings 15, 20 to each other.

Claims (10)

  1. A communication buoy (10) suitable for being submerged in a fluid (F), comprising:
    - an antenna (30),
    - at least one arm (25), and
    - a plurality of wings (15, 20) comprising at least a first wing (15) and a second wing (20), each wing (15, 20) being connected to at least one other wing (15, 20) by an arm (25) and being able to generate a lift force (Fp1, Fp2) when the buoy (10) is in motion in the fluid (F),
    at least one of the arms (25) delimiting an outlet opening (145) for the antenna (30), and one of the wings (15, 20) comprising a storage member (52) for the antenna (30), the buoy (10) further comprising a deployment member (140) configured to deploy the antenna (30), through the opening (145), outside the buoy (10).
  2. The buoy (10) according to claim 1, wherein the number of wings (15, 20) of the plurality of wings is equal to two.
  3. The buoy (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second wing (20) has a second shell (73) comprising:
    - a second leading edge (115),
    - an anchoring element (85) for a towing cable (90), and
    - a second fastening point (120) of the arm (25),
    the second shell (73) further having a first distance (d1) between the second fastening point (120) and the second leading edge (115) and a second distance (d2) between the second leading edge (115) and the anchoring element (85), the second distance (d2) being strictly less than the first distance (d1).
  4. The buoy (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the arm (25) is movable relative to at least one of the wings (15, 20).
  5. The buoy (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the arm (25) delimiting the outlet opening (145) also delimits a cavity (135) accommodating the deployment member (140).
  6. The buoy (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first wing (15) is provided with at least a first electrically powered member (45) and the storage member (52) and the second wing (20) comprises at least a second electrical powered member (50),
    the second wing (20) further comprising a single power supply device (75) able to power each first member (45) and each second member (50).
  7. The buoy (10) according to claim 6, further comprising at least one flap (40, 74), a first member (45) being a radio communication device, a second member (50) being able to move the flap (40, 74) between a primary position and a secondary position.
  8. The buoy (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first wing (15) comprises a first shell (35) having a first median plane (M1) and the second wing (20) comprises a second shell (73) having a second median plane (M2), the second median plane (M2) moving away from the position parallel to the first median plane (M1) by no more than 5 degrees.
  9. The buoy (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first wing (15) comprises a first shell (35) in the form of a first cylinder having a first guide curve (C1), and the second wing comprises a second shell (73) assuming the form of a second cylinder having a second guide curve (C2), at least one of the first guide curve (C1) and the second guide curve (C2) not having an axis of symmetry.
  10. An aquatic vehicle equipped with a buoy (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
EP16819316.7A 2015-12-21 2016-12-20 Communication buoy and aquatic vehicle comprising such a buoy Not-in-force EP3394925B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1502651A FR3045953B1 (en) 2015-12-21 2015-12-21 COMMUNICATION BUOY AND AQUATIC VEHICLE COMPRISING SUCH A BUOY
PCT/EP2016/082025 WO2017108857A1 (en) 2015-12-21 2016-12-20 Communication buoy and aquatic vehicle comprising such a buoy

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3394925A1 EP3394925A1 (en) 2018-10-31
EP3394925B1 true EP3394925B1 (en) 2019-12-04

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16819316.7A Not-in-force EP3394925B1 (en) 2015-12-21 2016-12-20 Communication buoy and aquatic vehicle comprising such a buoy

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3394925B1 (en)
KR (1) KR20180096635A (en)
CA (1) CA3008910A1 (en)
FR (1) FR3045953B1 (en)
IL (1) IL260147A (en)
WO (1) WO2017108857A1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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FR3045953B1 (en) 2018-01-12
WO2017108857A1 (en) 2017-06-29
FR3045953A1 (en) 2017-06-23
CA3008910A1 (en) 2017-06-29
KR20180096635A (en) 2018-08-29
IL260147A (en) 2018-07-31
EP3394925A1 (en) 2018-10-31

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