EP3717346B1 - Floating maritime vessel comprising a detachable measuring keel - Google Patents

Floating maritime vessel comprising a detachable measuring keel Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3717346B1
EP3717346B1 EP18826770.2A EP18826770A EP3717346B1 EP 3717346 B1 EP3717346 B1 EP 3717346B1 EP 18826770 A EP18826770 A EP 18826770A EP 3717346 B1 EP3717346 B1 EP 3717346B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
keel
bulb
craft
hull
quille
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.)
Active
Application number
EP18826770.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3717346A1 (en
Inventor
Sébastien GRALL
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Exail SAS
Original Assignee
iXBlue SAS
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by iXBlue SAS filed Critical iXBlue SAS
Publication of EP3717346A1 publication Critical patent/EP3717346A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3717346B1 publication Critical patent/EP3717346B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B41/00—Drop keels, e.g. centre boards or side boards ; Collapsible keels, or the like, e.g. telescopically; Longitudinally split hinged keels
    • 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
    • B63B1/04—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with single hull
    • 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
    • B63B1/16—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving additional lift from hydrodynamic forces
    • B63B1/24—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving additional lift from hydrodynamic forces of hydrofoil type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B3/00—Hulls characterised by their structure or component parts
    • B63B3/14—Hull parts
    • B63B3/38—Keels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B3/00—Hulls characterised by their structure or component parts
    • B63B3/14—Hull parts
    • B63B3/48—Decks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B79/00—Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation
    • B63B79/10—Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation using sensors, e.g. pressure sensors, strain gauges or accelerometers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H21/00—Use of propulsion power plant or units on vessels
    • B63H21/12—Use of propulsion power plant or units on vessels the vessels being motor-driven
    • B63H21/17—Use of propulsion power plant or units on vessels the vessels being motor-driven by electric motor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B41/00—Drop keels, e.g. centre boards or side boards ; Collapsible keels, or the like, e.g. telescopically; Longitudinally split hinged keels
    • B63B2041/003—Collapsible keels, or the like, e.g. telescopically; Longitudinally split hinged keels

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a floating maritime vehicle according to claim 1.
  • measuring devices For maritime exploration, we use measuring devices, usually sonars, which are under water. These measuring devices can be towed at the stern of a ship, but it has also been proposed to use craft or drones comprising such measuring devices and having means of propulsion and autonomous and/or remote-controlled navigation. These craft or drones are relatively small in size and in the case of drones, do not have a crew.
  • Boats or floating drones may have appendages under their hull to perform various sometimes combined functions: anti-drift, ballast or equipment support.
  • these appendages will be referred to generically as “keel”.
  • the keel is used for these anti-drift and ballast functions in order to counter the capsizing torque exerted by the sails.
  • the keel On mechanically propelled boats or floating drones, the keel is used for these anti-drift functions but not for ballast. Indeed, the transverse stability of boats or floating drones with mechanical propulsion is above all provided by the very shape of the hull and more specifically its great width. For this reason the keels, generally called “keels”, present on mechanically propelled boats are shallow.
  • the exploration drone is generally brought to the exploration site by a ship which picks it up at the end of the exploration. Between periods of exploration when it is put to sea, the drone is reassembled on the ship.
  • the keel can be a hindrance during maneuvers for recovering or launching the drone and, also, for its storage on the ship.
  • these keels which are located under the hull of the boat or the drone, increase its vertical depth or draft. It may be useful to be able to reduce this draft in certain circumstances and one of the solutions commonly adopted consists in having these keels liftable, i.e. thanks to a mechanical means and a guidance system, the keel can be totally or partially retracted inside the hull of the boat or the drone.
  • these pins are so large that when lifted they protrude from the top surface of the deck upwards. In this case, they form a catch in the wind and they clutter the decks.
  • craft or drones include an appendix or a series of appendages arranged high above the deck and/or the superstructures.
  • These overhead appendages which can be called “mature” or kiosk, these terms being equivalent in the context of the invention, are used for functions necessary for boats or drones such as supporting various equipment: navigation lights, communication antennas, radars, roofs..., engine exhausts, ventilation inlets/outlets, tank vents...
  • motorized vessels have hulls of a different shape from that of sailboats and these motorized vessels do not have a ballast keel because they do not have to counter a torque created by the wind on a sail of a mast.
  • Other relevant prior art documents are considered to be US 2015/210359 A1 , ES 2 528 566 A1 and EP 1 876 094 A2 .
  • the present invention proposes a maritime machine which comprises a removable keel facilitating the launching and recovery maneuvers as well as the storage, but also being able to allow several modes of navigating the gear according to the position of the keel.
  • the keel in the raised position no longer has any impact on windage and is no longer a hindrance on deck thanks to the fact that it is raised in the kiosk or mast which has an internal keel storage space which receives the part of the raised keel which would otherwise protrude from the deck or superstructures. Due to its submerged positioning, the keel is equipped with measuring devices.
  • the qualifier of maritime for the maritime machine must be taken in a broad sense which can concern as well a machine adapted to the sea or the ocean as for the lakes, rivers or other bodies of water.
  • a drone intended to carry out maritime explorations with measurements carried out by measurement equipment installed in the bulb of the keel has been considered.
  • the floating/surface drone 1 of the invention has been shown which is mechanically propelled, in this case with a propeller 8, and which comprises a hull 2 very narrow fusiform.
  • This very narrow hull does not give transverse stability to the craft 1 which has a very tapered shape and which means that with this tapered bow hull a wave-piercing craft is obtained.
  • the hull 10, the topsides and the deck 4 are therefore configured to be of the “perce vague” type.
  • a keel 3 with a bulb 6 Towards the bottom of the hull 2, at the lower part of the hull 10, is installed a keel 3 with a bulb 6.
  • the bulb 6 being at the lower end of the keel 3, the latter 6 is connected to the hull by a connecting part 5 of the keel 3.
  • the keel 3 with bulb 6 comprises, preferably in the bulb 6, a ballast which gives transverse stability to the machine 1.
  • This ballast is a specific heavy material, for example lead or tungsten, and/or corresponds to equipment, in particular measuring equipment, installed in the bulb 6.
  • the machine 1 also comprises, in this example, a rudder 7.
  • the machine 1 has a very low resistance to progress with regard to its length.
  • Hull 2 with keel 3 minimizes pitching movements.
  • the hull 2 is capable of exceeding the hull speed limit with very little energy and of going into overspeed without however being of a so-called “planing” shape.
  • the gear 1 the total length of which is less than 20 meters and which has a minimum length of at least 2.5 meters, has a total width to total length ratio of less than 0.2.
  • the drone of the example shown has a length of between 2.5 m and 20 m.
  • the surface craft 1 of the invention with its fusiform hull therefore differs from traditional mechanically propelled ships which have a geometry which provides them with form stability aimed at maintaining the horizontal trim of the ship during the displacement of the masses carried and during movements generated by the sea or the ocean.
  • the elements of the machine 1 arranged above the waterline and in particular those on deck 4 are of relatively low height, or at the very least have a low proper mass, so that the center of gravity of the The machine with its keel lowered is very low and so that it offers little wind resistance.
  • the craft does not include a sail, mast or rigging or any other equipment intended to use the force of the wind. It therefore has a weak radar echo due to its shape, its size and the low height of the emerged parts.
  • the machine does not use the wind for its propulsion and therefore it does not include a mast or other overhead appendage dedicated to the use of the wind for propulsion
  • the machine can however include a kiosk 9 or a mature serving in particular to carry the radio and/or optical equipment and/or wind generator and/or sensors, as well as to raise as high as possible any air intakes useful for certain operating modes of the drone.
  • the outer walls of the hull 2 and the kiosk 9, preferably in their non-submerged parts, include inspection hatches allowing access to the interior of some of the compartments of the machine 1.
  • the materials constituting the machine in particular its hull 2 and its kiosk 9, can be chosen according to requirements.
  • metals can be used for the shell 2 and/or the kiosk 9 to keep a radar echo or else composite materials, in particular fiberglass, in the opposite case.
  • the machine 1 which is not a scale model of an existing ship, is in this case a drone intended to carry out sonar acoustic measurements
  • the acoustic measurement systems in particular the transmission and reception transducers acoustic waves
  • the keel 3 in particular its bulb 6, also comprises an attitude unit which allows precise corrections of the acoustic measurements because this central d attitude is positioned as close as possible to the acoustic transducers.
  • This machine 1 is autonomous in that it includes mechanical propulsion means 8 and an internal energy source. It is therefore not a towed device and/or connected by a cable to a ship or other equipment whether floating or not. In a variant implementation, it can be towed.
  • the resistance to progress is reduced both in calm water and in rough water and a reduction in the movements generated on the machine 1 by the agitation of the waves.
  • the shape of the machine 1 and of its keel 3 makes it possible to improve the flows around the acoustic transducers and avoids the formation of bubbles having a masking effect at the level of the acoustic transducers. This results in a reduction of “noise” which, in traditional ships, interferes with acoustic measurements.
  • This drone is therefore mechanically propelled and at least one electric or internal combustion/chemical reaction or even mixed motor is used, which can actuate a propeller 8 or, in variants, several propellers or one or more turbines.
  • the keel 3 can be lowered and raised, preferably more or less raised, in particular to be able to choose the draft of the craft.
  • the keel 3 has been raised and the bulb 6 remains under the hull 2, the greater part of the height of the connecting part 5 of the keel 3 having slid inside the hull of the machine and even, for the upper end of the connecting part 5, having won a keel storage space 13 located inside the kiosk 9, as can be seen better in the figure 5 .
  • the kiosk 9 or mature therefore comprises at least one hollow part large enough to contain the part of the keel protruding from the deck or the superstructures when the keel 3 is in the raised/high position.
  • Booth 9 can have an aerodynamic shape and other functions than the only storage function of at least an upper part of the lifted keel.
  • the keel 3 is also removable and interchangeable. It is also preferred that the bulb 6 of the keel 3 be interchangeable with the keel so that the drone can be used with different configurations of acoustic transducers of various bulbs.
  • the hull has a keel well into which the keel is lowered in the down position/out of the keel.
  • This keel well can be materialized by a hollow column adjusted to the size and shape of the keel or correspond to a wider area for the passage of the keel, or even correspond to a large internal compartment of the machine.
  • the keel well is not a column adjusted to the keel, as in the example shown in the figures, provision is made for the keel to pass through at least two passages adjusted and arranged at different heights in order to allow a effective guidance in raising and lowering the keel and stabilizing it along a vertical axis (or close to the vertical) that is stable once in place and locked at the desired height.
  • the adjusted passage 14 at the bottom corresponds to the passage of the keel 3 through the bottom of the hull 2, this passage allowing the sliding of the keel 3 which can be sealed.
  • the adjusted passage 15 at the top corresponds to the passage of the keel 3 through an internal steerage 12 of the machine 1, this passage allowing the sliding of the keel 3 possibly also being sealed.
  • Guide means are therefore provided between the pin and the pin well and, possibly, the pin storage space of the kiosk.
  • the machine therefore has means for guiding the keel which can be a sheath, slides, bearings, slides, etc.
  • the connecting part 5 of the keel 3 which is located between, at the bottom, the bulb 6 and, at the top, the upper end of the keel, has a uniform section over its height and the keel well of the hull and, possibly, the keel storage space 13 of the kiosk, also has/have a uniform cross-section over its/their height and which, in addition, is adjusted to that of the connection part 5 of the keel to allow the keel guidance.
  • this guide can, as in the example shown in the figures, be limited to two or more guide passages 14, 15 where there are adjustments with the keel 3.
  • the lifting keel is thus mechanically guided in the keel well and, possibly, in the keel storage space of the kiosk, in order to take up all the forces other than those oriented parallel to the movement of raising and lowering the keel so that a connection of the type "slide".
  • the skittle 3 can be raised to come and settle at least partly in a storage space 13 of the skittle inside the kiosk 9 or the mature.
  • the keel In the high position of the keel, at least partially raised in the kiosk, the keel can be locked in place using magnetic locking means (not shown for the high position).
  • magnetic locking means not shown for the high position.
  • intermediate positions in height of the keel can also be locked using magnetic locking means (not shown).
  • the last remaining degree of freedom, in raising and lowering the keel, is thus locked by magnetic locking means making it possible to lock the keel at determined heights with respect to the hull. These determined heights are at least the lowered position of the keel and the raised position of the keel corresponding to the amplitude of maximum vertical displacement of the keel.
  • the magnetic locking means consist of functional pairs, each comprising two magnetically complementary parts which can attract and/or repel each other and/or become magnetically inactive depending on commands.
  • One of the two parts is an electromagnet and the controls are carried out via electric currents.
  • the magnetic locking means have been completely shown only for locking in the lowered position of the keel 3.
  • the magnetic locking means 11 is arranged in relation to the upper end of the connecting part 5 of the keel 3 and with the steerage 12.
  • the magnetic locking means 11 has been unlocked to begin raising the keel and in order to make the two parts 11a and 11b of the magnetic locking means 11 which have separated better visible.
  • These two parts 11a and 11b form a magnetic suction cup here arranged in relation to the fitted passage 15 through the steerage 12.
  • a similar magnetic locking means (not shown) is implemented between the upper end of the connecting part 5 of the keel 3 and the kiosk 9 in order to be able to lock the keel in the raised/high position and that for this, the same part 11b can be used for the locks in the lowered position and in the raised position.
  • Keel locks at intermediate heights between the two extremes above are possible, either at predetermined heights, punctual locking means being installed at these predetermined heights, or at any height.
  • a vertical ferromagnetic plate is arranged along the keel well and an electromagnet arranged in the keel can circulate in front of the plate during the ascents and descents of the keel, the activation of the electromagnet causing an attraction with the plate blocking the movement of the keel at any desired position in height.
  • the interlocks of the electromagnets can be in the “free under voltage” or “closed under voltage” mode depending on the modes of implementation.
  • the bulb remains under the hull, possibly protected in a recess in the hull, and does not pass through the keel well.
  • the bulb can also go up through the well, either that the well is configured to allow passage to the bulb, or that the bulb can be aligned with the connecting part of the keel, for example by tilting, and get into the template projected from this connecting part, the keel well being of a shape adjusted to the template of the connecting part of the keel.
  • a descent stop is provided, preventing the keel from descending beyond a determined limit.
  • This downhill stop may be a wider part of the upper end of the keel and which abuts against a stop arranged at the lower end of the keel well or, as in the figures, arranged in relation to the passage 15 to through the steerage 12.
  • This abutment of the keel can be an element attached to the upper end of the keel.
  • the abutment can also be used as a high recessed bearing in the lower position of the keel.
  • the abutment can support either the electromagnet(s), or magnetic parts on which the electromagnets can act magnetically by magnetic attraction or repulsion depending on the methods of implementation.
  • the mechanical guidance and the abutments and stops are designed so that the only forces to which the electromagnets are subjected are oriented in the axis of up/down movement of the keel.
  • electromagnet arranged in the keel can circulate in front of the plate during the ascents and descents of the keel, the activation of the electromagnet causing an attraction with the plate blocking the movement of the keel at any desired position in height.
  • the interlocks of the electromagnets can be in the “free under voltage” or “closed under voltage” mode depending on the modes of implementation.
  • the bulb remains under the hull, possibly protected in a recess in the hull, and does not pass through the keel well.
  • the bulb can also go up through the well, either that the well is configured to allow passage to the bulb, or that the bulb can be aligned with the connecting part of the keel, for example by tilting, and get into the template projected from this connecting part, the keel well being of a shape adjusted to the template of the connecting part of the keel.
  • a descent stop is provided, preventing the keel from descending beyond a determined limit.
  • This downhill stop may be a wider part of the upper end of the keel and which abuts against a stop arranged at the lower end of the keel well or, as in the figures, arranged in relation to the passage 15 to through the steerage 12.
  • This abutment of the keel can be an element attached to the upper end of the keel.
  • the abutment can also be used as a high recessed bearing in the lower position of the keel.
  • the abutment can support either the electromagnet(s), or magnetic parts on which the electromagnets can act magnetically by magnetic attraction or repulsion depending on the methods of implementation.
  • the mechanical guidance and the abutments and stops are designed so that the only forces to which the electromagnets are subjected are oriented in the axis of up/down movement of the keel.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • Length Measuring Devices With Unspecified Measuring Means (AREA)
  • Organic Low-Molecular-Weight Compounds And Preparation Thereof (AREA)

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUE AUQUEL SE RAPPORTE L'INVENTIONTECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

La présente invention concerne un engin maritime flottant selon la revendication 1.The present invention relates to a floating maritime vehicle according to claim 1.

ARRIERE-PLAN TECHNOLOGIQUETECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Pour l'exploration maritime on utilise des appareils de mesure, en général des sonars, qui sont sous l'eau. Ces appareils de mesure peuvent être remorqués à l'arrière d'un navire mais on a aussi proposé d'utiliser des embarcations ou des drones comportant de tels appareils de mesure et ayant des moyens de propulsion et de navigation autonome et/ou télécommandée. Ces embarcations ou ces drones sont de relativement petite taille et dans le cas des drones, ne comportent pas d'équipage.For maritime exploration, we use measuring devices, usually sonars, which are under water. These measuring devices can be towed at the stern of a ship, but it has also been proposed to use craft or drones comprising such measuring devices and having means of propulsion and autonomous and/or remote-controlled navigation. These craft or drones are relatively small in size and in the case of drones, do not have a crew.

Les embarcations ou les drones flottants peuvent posséder des appendices sous leur coque pour réaliser diverses fonctions parfois combinées : d'antidérive, de lest ou de support d'équipements. Dans la suite ces appendices seront appelés d'une manière générique « quille ».Boats or floating drones may have appendages under their hull to perform various sometimes combined functions: anti-drift, ballast or equipment support. In what follows, these appendages will be referred to generically as "keel".

Sur les embarcations ou les drones flottants à propulsion vélique, la quille est utilisée pour ces fonctions d'antidérive et de lest afin de contrer le couple de chavirage exercé par la voilure.On boats or floating drones with sail propulsion, the keel is used for these anti-drift and ballast functions in order to counter the capsizing torque exerted by the sails.

Sur les embarcations ou les drones flottants à propulsion mécanique, la quille est utilisée pour ces fonctions d'antidérive mais pas de lest. En effet, la stabilité transversale des embarcations ou les drones flottants à propulsion mécanique est avant tout apportée par la forme même de la coque et plus spécifiquement sa grande largeur. Pour cette raison les quilles, généralement appelées « quillettes », présentes sur les embarcations à propulsion mécanique sont de faible profondeur.On mechanically propelled boats or floating drones, the keel is used for these anti-drift functions but not for ballast. Indeed, the transverse stability of boats or floating drones with mechanical propulsion is above all provided by the very shape of the hull and more specifically its great width. For this reason the keels, generally called “keels”, present on mechanically propelled boats are shallow.

Le drone d'exploration est généralement amené sur le site d'exploration par un navire qui le reprend à la fin de l'exploration. Entre les périodes d'exploration où il est mis à la mer, le drone est remonté sur le navire. La quille peut être une gêne lors des manoeuvres de récupération ou de mise à l'eau du drone et, aussi, pour son stockage sur le navire.The exploration drone is generally brought to the exploration site by a ship which picks it up at the end of the exploration. Between periods of exploration when it is put to sea, the drone is reassembled on the ship. The keel can be a hindrance during maneuvers for recovering or launching the drone and, also, for its storage on the ship.

En outre, ces quilles qui sont situées sous la carène de l'embarcation ou du drone, en augmentent sa profondeur verticale ou tirant d'eau. Il peut être utile de pouvoir réduire ce tirant d'eau dans certaines circonstances et l'une des solutions communément adoptées consiste à ce que ces quilles soient relevables, c'est à dire que grâce à un moyen mécanique et un système de guidage, la quille peut être rentrée totalement ou partiellement à l'intérieur de la coque de l'embarcation ou du drone.In addition, these keels which are located under the hull of the boat or the drone, increase its vertical depth or draft. It may be useful to be able to reduce this draft in certain circumstances and one of the solutions commonly adopted consists in having these keels liftable, i.e. thanks to a mechanical means and a guidance system, the keel can be totally or partially retracted inside the hull of the boat or the drone.

Dans certains cas, ces quilles sont de si grandes dimensions, qu'une fois relevées, elles dépassent de la surface supérieure du pont, vers le haut. Dans ce cas, elles forment une prise au vent et elles encombrent les ponts.In some cases, these pins are so large that when lifted they protrude from the top surface of the deck upwards. In this case, they form a catch in the wind and they clutter the decks.

Par ailleurs, certaines embarcations ou drones comportent un appendice ou d'une série d'appendices disposés en hauteur au-dessus du pont et/ou des superstructures. Ces appendices en hauteur que l'on peut dénommer « mature » ou kiosque, ces termes étant équivalents dans le contexte de l'invention, servent à des fonctions nécessaires aux embarcations ou drones comme supporter différents équipements : feux de navigation, antennes de communication, radars, pavillons..., échappements des moteurs, entrée/sortie de ventilation, évents de réservoirs...Furthermore, some craft or drones include an appendix or a series of appendages arranged high above the deck and/or the superstructures. These overhead appendages which can be called "mature" or kiosk, these terms being equivalent in the context of the invention, are used for functions necessary for boats or drones such as supporting various equipment: navigation lights, communication antennas, radars, roofs..., engine exhausts, ventilation inlets/outlets, tank vents...

On connaît les documents SU-1.154.142A1 concernant un voilier à dérive pouvant être remontée à travers la coque, WO-2016/144124A1 concernant un navire à « airbag » et poids mobile destinés à empêcher qu'un navire en perdition ne gite trop et coule et US-4.538.539A concernant un navire à quille déformable pour modifications hydrodynamiques. On connaît également les documents suivants : US 2014/261126 A1 qui concerne un voilier à aile rigide ; US 2010/279563 A1 qui divulgue un système d'attache magnétique d'aileron ; JP S61 253289 A qui concerne un voilier à quille perfectionnée et DE 84 11 433 U1 qui divulgue un voilier à quille basculante. D'une manière générale, les navires motorisés ont des coques de forme différente de celle des voiliers et ces navires motorisés n'ont pas de quille de lestage du fait qu'ils n'ont pas à contrer un couple créé par le vent sur une voile d'un mat. D'autres documents pertinents de l'art antérieur sont considérés comme étant US 2015/210359 A1 , ES 2 528 566 A1 et EP 1 876 094 A2 .We know the documents SU-1.154.142A1 concerning a centerboard sailboat that can be raised through the hull, WO-2016/144124A1 concerning a ship with an "air bag" and moving weights intended to prevent a sinking ship from listing excessively and sinking and US-4,538,539A concerning a ship with a deformable keel for hydrodynamic modifications. Also known are the following documents: US 2014/261126 A1 which concerns a rigid wing sailboat; US 2010/279563 A1 which discloses a magnetic fin attachment system; JP S61 253289 A which concerns a sailboat with an improved keel and DE 84 11 433 U1 which discloses a canting keel sailboat. In general, motorized vessels have hulls of a different shape from that of sailboats and these motorized vessels do not have a ballast keel because they do not have to counter a torque created by the wind on a sail of a mast. Other relevant prior art documents are considered to be US 2015/210359 A1 , ES 2 528 566 A1 and EP 1 876 094 A2 .

OBJET DE L'INVENTIONOBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Afin de remédier aux inconvénients précités ou même d'autres, la présente invention propose un engin maritime qui comporte une quille amovible facilitant les manoeuvres de mise à l'eau et de récupération ainsi que le stockage, mais, aussi, pouvant permettre plusieurs modes de navigation à l'engin en fonction de la position de la quille. En outre, en opération, la quille en position remontée n'a plus d'impact sur la prise au vent et n'est plus une gêne sur le pont grâce au fait qu'elle est remontée dans le kiosque ou mature qui comporte intérieurement un espace de stockage de quille qui reçoit la partie de la quille remontée qui dépasserait sinon du pont ou des superstructures. Du fait de son positionnement immergé, la quille est équipée d'appareils de mesure.In order to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks or even others, the present invention proposes a maritime machine which comprises a removable keel facilitating the launching and recovery maneuvers as well as the storage, but also being able to allow several modes of navigating the gear according to the position of the keel. In addition, in operation, the keel in the raised position no longer has any impact on windage and is no longer a hindrance on deck thanks to the fact that it is raised in the kiosk or mast which has an internal keel storage space which receives the part of the raised keel which would otherwise protrude from the deck or superstructures. Due to its submerged positioning, the keel is equipped with measuring devices.

Plus particulièrement, on propose selon l'invention un engin maritime flottant selon la revendication 1.More particularly, there is provided according to the invention a floating maritime vehicle according to claim 1.

Le qualificatif de maritime pour l'engin maritime doit être pris dans un sens large pouvant aussi bien concerner un engin adapté à la mer ou l'océan que pour les lacs, rivières ou autres étendues d'eau.The qualifier of maritime for the maritime machine must be taken in a broad sense which can concern as well a machine adapted to the sea or the ocean as for the lakes, rivers or other bodies of water.

D'autres caractéristiques non limitatives et avantageuses de l'engin conforme à l'invention, prises individuellement ou selon toutes les combinaisons techniquement possibles, sont les suivantes :

  • le pont correspond au niveau supérieur, hors d'eau, à l'air libre, de l'engin,
  • la coque fait office de flotteur,
  • la quille et l'espace de stockage de quille du kiosque ont des axes principaux en alignement qui sont verticaux,
  • la quille et l'espace de stockage de quille du kiosque ont des axes principaux en alignement qui sont inclinés par rapport à la verticale,
  • la quille et l'espace de stockage de quille du kiosque ont des axes principaux en alignement qui sont perpendiculaires à l'extension principale longitudinale de l'engin,
  • la quille et l'espace de stockage de quille du kiosque ont des axes principaux en alignement qui sont inclinés par rapport à l'extension principale longitudinale de l'engin,
  • l'axe principal du kiosque et l'axe principal de l'espace de stockage de quille du kiosque sont parallèle et de préférence colinéaires,
  • le kiosque comporte à sa partie basse l'espace de stockage de quille et en partie haute des équipements,
  • la quille comporte à son extrémité inférieure un bulbe allongé longitudinalement relié à l'extrémité supérieure de la quille par une partie de liaison de la quille d'extension longitudinale inférieure à l'extension longitudinale du bulbe, et lorsque la quille est remontée dans le kiosque, le bulbe reste sous la coque,
  • le bulbe est solidaire de la partie de liaison de la quille et lorsque la quille est remontée dans le kiosque, le bulbe reste sous la coque,
  • le bulbe est désolidarisable de la partie de liaison de la quille et lorsque la quille est remontée dans le kiosque, le bulbe désolidarisé reste sous la coque,
  • le bulbe comporte au moins des instruments de mesure,
  • l'engin est destiné à réaliser des mesures acoustiques et il comporte des systèmes de mesures acoustiques comportant des transducteurs d'émission et de réception d'ondes acoustiques, et au moins les transducteurs d'émission et de réception d'ondes acoustiques sont disposés dans le bulbe de la quille,
  • l'engin comporte une centrale de mesure d'attitude comportant des capteurs de mesure d'attitude et au moins des capteurs de mesure d'attitude sont disposés dans le bulbe de la quille.
  • la largeur maximale de la partie de liaison de la quille est inférieure ou égale à la largeur maximale du bulbe, la longueur maximale de la partie de liaison étant inférieure à la longueur maximale du bulbe, lesdites longueur et largeur étant respectivement considérées suivant la direction longitudinale de l'engin et une direction transversale horizontale perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale,
  • le rapport de la largeur maximale de la partie de liaison sur la largeur maximale du bulbe est compris entre 0,05 et 0,5,
  • la partie de liaison de la quille a une longueur sensiblement identique sur toute sa hauteur,
  • la partie de liaison de la quille a une largeur maximale sensiblement identique sur toute sa hauteur,
  • la partie de liaison de la quille a une section transversale uniforme sur sa hauteur,
  • la section transversale de la partie de liaison de la quille est circulaire, ovoïde ou fusiforme,
  • la coque comporte un puit de quille permettant au moins le passage en descente et remontée de la quille,
  • l'espace de stockage de quille du kiosque est en alignement avec un puit de quille débouchant de la coque vers le bas et dont les parois remontent au-dessus de la ligne de flottaison de l'engin, la quille pouvant coulisser dans ledit puit de quille,
  • le puit de quille est inondé jusqu'au niveau de la ligne de flottaison,
  • l'engin comporte des moyens d'étanchéité entre la partie de liaison de la quille et la coque afin de créer dans le puit de quille un espace en dessous de la ligne de flottaison qui soit hors d'eau,
  • une jupe souple étanche est étendue entre l'extrémité supérieure de la quille et la coque,
  • une jupe souple étanche est étendue entre l'extrémité inférieure de la partie de liaison de la quille et la coque,
  • la jupe souple est une jupe accordéon,
  • la jupe souple est élastique,
  • le bulbe comporte une face supérieure tournée vers le haut et la coque et une face inférieure tournée vers le bas et la coque comporte un renfoncement au niveau du raccordement de la coque à la quille, ledit renfoncement pouvant loger au moins la face supérieure du bulbe lorsque la quille est remontée,
  • le renfoncement de la coque peut loger en totalité le bulbe lorsque la quille est remontée, le bulbe étant alors compris dans le gabarit général de la coque,
  • le pont présente une surface convexe vers le haut,
  • la proue est effilée en pointe,
  • la proue est effilée en lame de couteau,
  • la poupe est plane,
  • l'engin monocoque présente un rapport de la hauteur au-dessus de la ligne de flottaison de la coque faisant office de flotteur et hors ses éventuels appendices, donc hors kiosque, sur la hauteur en dessous de la ligne de flottaison de la coque faisant office de flotteur et hors les éventuels appendices, donc hors quille, qui est inférieur à 0,8 et supérieur à 0,1,
  • le kiosque est en partie destiné à recevoir la quille et l'espace de stockage de quille du kiosque représente au moins 75% du volume global du kiosque,
  • la hauteur du kiosque posé sur le pont ou les superstructures du navire est telle que le sommet de celui-ci se situe à une altitude minimum de 1,5 mètres au-dessus du pont lorsque le navire est vertical,
  • Le kiosque peut être fermé sur toute sa surface,
  • Le kiosque peut être ouvert sur une partie de sa surface,
  • Le kiosque a une forme aérodynamique,
  • Le kiosque à un rapport hauteur (par rapport à sa base) sur largeur (dans le sens transversal à l'axe de déplacement du navire) supérieur à 3,
  • la hauteur maximale de la coque mesurée depuis le point le plus bas de la coque, hors quille, au point le plus haut de la coque, hors kiosque, est inférieure à la hauteur de la quille,
  • la hauteur de la coque, donc hors quille et hors kiosque, mesurée le long d'un axe d'alignement passant par la quille descendue et le kiosque est inférieure à la hauteur de la quille,
  • la propulsion mécanique motorisée comporte au moins un moteur électrique et/ou à combustion interne et actionnant directement ou indirectement une ou plusieurs hélices ou une ou plusieurs turbines,
  • la propulsion mécanique motorisée est mixte, au moins un moteur à combustion interne actionnant au moins un générateur électrique qui à son tour alimente au moins un moteur électrique actionnant directement une ou plusieurs hélices ou une ou plusieurs turbines, le moteur à combustion interne actionnant donc indirectement une ou plusieurs hélices ou une ou plusieurs turbines,
  • dans le cas d'une propulsion mécanique motorisée par moteur électrique, l'engin comporte en outre des batteries rechargeables stockant de l'énergie électrique destinée au(x) moteur(s) électrique(s) actionnant directement une ou plusieurs hélices ou une ou plusieurs turbines,
  • l'engin comporte sur le pont et/ou sur le kiosque des cellules photovoltaïques destinées à recharger les batteries rechargeables,
  • l'engin est sans pilote à bord,
  • l'engin ne comporte pas d'équipage,
  • l'engin est autonome,
  • l'engin est télécommandé,
  • l'engin comporte au moins un propulseur et des organes de navigation,
  • l'engin est un drone comportant des équipements de navigation informatiques télécommandés et/ou préprogrammés,
  • la coque comporte une partie inférieure immergée ou carène et la quille descendue sort vers le bas de ladite partie inférieure immergée de la coque,
  • la coque comporte une partie inférieure non-immergée et la quille descendue sort vers le bas de ladite partie inférieure non-immergée de la coque, la quille descendue comportant alors vers le haut une partie non-immergée,
  • l'engin comporte un mécanisme de remontée et de descente de la quille, ledit mécanisme étant au moins motorisé,
  • l'engin comporte un moyen de verrouillage de la quille immobilisant la quille par rapport à la coque (plus généralement par rapport au reste de l'engin),
  • l'engin comporte un moyen de verrouillage de la quille en position descendue,
  • l'engin comporte un moyen de verrouillage de la quille en position remontée,
  • la quille est réglable en hauteur sous la coque afin de pouvoir régler la profondeur du bulbe par rapport à la coque,
  • l'engin comporte un moyen de verrouillage de la quille pour au moins une position intermédiaire de la quille entre la position remontée et la position descendue,
  • la quille est interchangeable,
  • le moyen de verrouillage est sans liaison matérielle entre les parties verrouillées entre elles,
  • le moyen de verrouillage est magnétique et commandé, le moyen de verrouillage magnétique comportant au moins deux pièces complémentaires indépendantes et interagissant magnétiquement entre elles, une des pièces étant disposée côté quille et l'autre pièce, fonctionnellement complémentaire, étant disposée côté coque et, éventuellement, côté kiosque.
  • chacune des deux pièces du moyen de verrouillage magnétique commandé est choisie complémentairement parmi un ou plusieurs des aimants, des électroaimants, des pièces ferromagnétiques, afin de pouvoir s'attirer, se repousser ou, éventuellement, ne plus avoir d'interaction magnétique, en fonction de commandes,
  • les pièces sur la coque et, éventuellement, sur le kiosque sont fixes,
  • les pièces sur la coque sont disposées dans le puit de quille,
  • les pièces sur la quille sont fixes sur la quille mais mobiles relativement à la coque et au kiosque du fait de la mobilité de la quille par rapport à la coque,
  • une même pièce de la quille est utilisée avec au moins deux pièces complémentaires de la coque et/ou du kiosque pour le verrouillage de la quille aux positions au moins descendue et remontée, la pièce de la quille se déplaçant avec la quille pour venir en relation avec la pièce complémentaire fixe de la coque et, éventuellement, du kiosque,
  • une commande permet d'attirer entre elles les deux pièces du moyen de verrouillage magnétique,
  • une commande permet de repousser entre elles les deux pièces du moyen de verrouillage magnétique,
  • une commande permet de supprimer l'interaction magnétique d'attraction ou de répulsion entre les deux pièces du moyen de verrouillage magnétique,
  • une des deux pièces du moyen de verrouillage est un électroaimant et l'autre pièce complémentaire un électroaimant ou une pièce ferromagnétique,
  • la pièce ferromagnétique est un aimant permanent,
  • au moins une des deux pièces du moyen de verrouillage comporte en outre un aimant permanent,
  • l'extrémité supérieure de la partie de liaison de la quille comporte la première pièce du moyen de verrouillage et l'engin comporte au moins une seconde pièce complémentaire, la première et la seconde pièces correspondantes venant en correspondance fonctionnelle lorsque la quille est descendue et/ou remontée, les première et seconde pièces pouvant au moins s'attirer en fonction d'une commande de verrouillage, la correspondance fonctionnelle est un vis-à-vis des première et seconde pièces permettant une interaction magnétique entre elles,
  • la quille peut comporter des positions intermédiaires entre la position descendue et la position remontée,
  • la/les positions intermédiaires sont verrouillables,
  • la seconde pièce est dans le kiosque pour permettre le verrouillage de la quille en position remontée,
  • la seconde pièce est dans la coque ou en relation de proximité avec cette dernière, notamment dans la partie basse du puit de quille de la coque, pour permettre le verrouillage de la quille en position descendue,
  • le verrouillage est actif, la commande de verrouillage devant être maintenue pour maintenir le verrouillage,
  • le verrouillage est passif, l'arrêt de la commande de déverrouillage assurant le verrouillage,
  • le déverrouillage est actif, la commande de déverrouillage devant être maintenue pour maintenir le déverrouillage,
  • le déverrouillage est passif, l'arrêt de la commande de verrouillage assurant le déverrouillage,
  • au moins une des deux pièces du moyen de verrouillage magnétique est un électroaimant, la commande étant assurée par un courant électrique,
  • le bulbe comporte une extrémité de proue et une extrémité poupe et le bulbe est basculant à l'extrémité inférieure de la partie de liaison de la quille afin de mettre en continuité axiale d'alignement le bulbe et la partie de liaison et la forme en section transversale du bulbe, ladite section étant perpendiculaire à l'extension longitudinale du bulbe, et la forme de la section transversale de la partie de liaison de la quille sont adaptées afin de permettre la remontée du bulbe au moins dans le puit de quille,
  • le bulbe comporte une extrémité de proue et une extrémité poupe et le bulbe est basculant à l'extrémité inférieure de la partie de liaison de la quille afin de mettre en continuité axiale d'alignement le bulbe et la partie de liaison et la forme en section transversale du bulbe, ladite section étant perpendiculaire à l'extension longitudinale du bulbe, et la forme de la section transversale de la partie de liaison de la quille sont adaptées afin de permettre la remontée du bulbe et d'au moins une des deux extrémités de proue ou de poupe du bulbe dans l'espace de stockage du kiosque,
  • l'adaptation entre les formes en section de la partie de liaison de la quille et du bulbe correspond au fait que le bulbe basculé est inclus dans la prolongation vers le bas du gabarit de la partie de liaison de la quille,
  • au moins une partie inférieure du bord arrière de la partie de liaison de la quille est ouverte afin de loger dans le gabarit de la partie de liaison une partie du bulbe basculé,
  • la partie de liaison de la quille est remontée en totalité dans la coque,
  • la partie de liaison de la quille est remontée en totalité dans le kiosque,
  • le bulbe basculant est remonté en totalité dans la coque,
  • le bulbe basculant est remonté en totalité dans le kiosque,
  • la partie de liaison de la quille et le bulbe comportent un moyen de verrouillage en position basculée du bulbe et en position non-basculée du bulbe,
  • le/les moyens de verrouillage en position basculée et/ou non-basculée du bulbe sont électromagnétiques,
  • dans la position non-basculée du bulbe, l'extension longitudinale du bulbe est sensiblement parallèle à l'extension longitudinale de l'engin,
  • dans la position basculée du bulbe, l'extension longitudinale du bulbe est sensiblement parallèle à la partie de liaison de la quille,
  • la quille à bulbe pouvant basculer comporte des organes de basculement du bulbe qui sont motorisés et commandés,
  • la quille peut comporter un ou plusieurs volets mobiles,
  • la partie inférieure de la quille comporte un ou plusieurs volets de bord de fuite afin d'agir dynamiquement sur l'assiette transversale de l'engin,
  • les volets de bord de fuite sont mobiles,
  • les volets de bord de fuite sont escamotables afin de rentrer dans le gabarit externe général de la partie de liaison de la quille et pouvoir être remontés dans au moins le puit de quille,
  • le ou les volets mobiles de la quille peuvent être pilotés afin d'influer sur la stabilité transversale de l'engin,
  • le ou les volets mobiles peuvent être asservis à une centrale d'attitude de l'engin.
Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the machine according to the invention, taken individually or according to all the technically possible combinations, are the following:
  • the deck corresponds to the upper level, out of the water, in the open air, of the craft,
  • the hull acts as a float,
  • the keel and the keel storage space of the kiosk have main axes in alignment which are vertical,
  • the pin and the pin storage space of the kiosk have main axes in alignment which are inclined with respect to the vertical,
  • the keel and the keel storage space of the kiosk have main axes in alignment which are perpendicular to the main longitudinal extension of the craft,
  • the keel and the keel storage space of the kiosk have main axes in alignment which are inclined with respect to the main longitudinal extension of the machine,
  • the main axis of the kiosk and the main axis of the kiosk storage space of the kiosk are parallel and preferably collinear,
  • the kiosk comprises in its lower part the keel storage space and in the upper part of the equipment,
  • the keel has at its lower end a longitudinally elongated bulb connected to the upper end of the keel by a connecting part of the longitudinal extension keel lower than the longitudinal extension of the bulb, and when the keel is raised in the kiosk , the bulb remains under the shell,
  • the bulb is integral with the connecting part of the keel and when the keel is raised in the kiosk, the bulb remains under the hull,
  • the bulb can be separated from the connecting part of the keel and when the keel is raised in the kiosk, the separated bulb remains under the hull,
  • the bulb comprises at least measuring instruments,
  • the machine is intended to carry out acoustic measurements and it comprises systems of acoustic measurements comprising transducers for transmitting and receiving acoustic waves, and at least the transducers for transmitting and receiving acoustic waves are arranged in the bulb of the keel,
  • the machine comprises an attitude measurement unit comprising attitude measurement sensors and at least attitude measurement sensors are arranged in the bulb of the keel.
  • the maximum width of the connecting part of the keel is less than or equal to the maximum width of the bulb, the maximum length of the connecting part being less than the maximum length of the bulb, said length and width being respectively considered along the longitudinal direction of the machine and a horizontal transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction,
  • the ratio of the maximum width of the connecting part to the maximum width of the bulb is between 0.05 and 0.5,
  • the connecting part of the keel has a substantially identical length over its entire height,
  • the connecting part of the keel has a substantially identical maximum width over its entire height,
  • the connecting part of the keel has a uniform cross-section over its height,
  • the cross section of the connecting part of the keel is circular, ovoid or fusiform,
  • the hull has a keel well allowing at least the descent and ascent of the keel,
  • the keel storage space of the kiosk is in alignment with a keel well emerging from the hull downwards and the walls of which rise above the waterline of the machine, the keel being able to slide in the said keel,
  • the keel well is flooded to the level of the waterline,
  • the machine comprises sealing means between the connection part of the keel and the hull in order to create in the keel well a space below the waterline which is out of the water,
  • a watertight flexible skirt is extended between the upper end of the keel and the hull,
  • a watertight flexible skirt is extended between the lower end of the connecting part of the keel and the hull,
  • the soft skirt is an accordion skirt,
  • the soft skirt is elastic,
  • the bulb comprises an upper face facing upwards and the hull and a lower face facing downwards and the hull comprises a recess at the level of the connection of the hull to the keel, said recess being able to accommodate at least the upper face of the bulb when the keel is raised,
  • the recess in the hull can fully house the bulb when the keel is raised, the bulb then being included in the general size of the hull,
  • the bridge has a convex surface upwards,
  • the bow is tapered to a point,
  • the bow is tapered into a knife edge,
  • the stern is flat,
  • the monohull craft has a ratio of the height above the waterline of the hull acting as a float and excluding any appendages, therefore excluding the kiosk, to the height below the waterline of the hull acting as float and excluding any appendages, therefore excluding the keel, which is less than 0.8 and greater than 0.1,
  • the kiosk is partly intended to receive the pin and the pin storage space of the kiosk represents at least 75% of the overall volume of the kiosk,
  • the height of the kiosk placed on the deck or the superstructures of the ship is such that the top of the latter is at a minimum altitude of 1.5 meters above the deck when the ship is vertical,
  • The kiosk can be closed over its entire surface,
  • The kiosk can be opened on part of its surface,
  • The kiosk has an aerodynamic shape,
  • The kiosk has a height ratio (relative to its base) to width (in the transverse direction to the axis of movement of the ship) greater than 3,
  • the maximum height of the hull measured from the lowest point of the hull, excluding the keel, to the highest point of the hull, excluding the stand, is less than the height of the keel,
  • the height of the hull, therefore excluding the keel and the stand, measured along an alignment axis passing through the lowered keel and the stand is lower than the height of the keel,
  • the motorized mechanical propulsion comprises at least one electric and/or internal combustion engine and directly or indirectly actuating one or more propellers or one or more turbines,
  • the motorized mechanical propulsion is mixed, at least one internal combustion engine driving at least one electric generator which in turn powers at least one engine electric motor directly driving one or more propellers or one or more turbines, the internal combustion engine therefore indirectly driving one or more propellers or one or more turbines,
  • in the case of mechanical propulsion motorized by an electric motor, the machine also comprises rechargeable batteries storing electrical energy intended for the electric motor(s) directly actuating one or more propellers or one or several turbines,
  • the machine has photovoltaic cells on the deck and/or on the kiosk intended to recharge the rechargeable batteries,
  • the craft is unmanned on board,
  • the machine does not have a crew,
  • the machine is autonomous,
  • the machine is remote-controlled,
  • the machine comprises at least one thruster and navigation devices,
  • the machine is a drone comprising remote-controlled and/or pre-programmed computer navigation equipment,
  • the hull has a submerged lower part or hull and the lowered keel comes out of the bottom of said submerged lower part of the hull,
  • the hull has a non-submerged lower part and the lowered keel emerges downwards from said non-submerged lower part of the hull, the lowered keel then comprising a non-submerged part upwards,
  • the machine comprises a mechanism for raising and lowering the keel, said mechanism being at least motorized,
  • the machine comprises a keel locking means immobilizing the keel with respect to the hull (more generally with respect to the rest of the machine),
  • the machine comprises a means for locking the keel in the lowered position,
  • the machine comprises a means for locking the keel in the raised position,
  • the keel is adjustable in height under the hull in order to be able to adjust the depth of the bulb in relation to the hull,
  • the machine comprises a keel locking means for at least one intermediate position of the keel between the raised position and the lowered position,
  • the keel is interchangeable,
  • the locking means is without material connection between the parts locked together,
  • the locking means is magnetic and controlled, the magnetic locking means comprising at least two independent complementary parts and magnetically interacting with each other, one of the parts being arranged on the keel side and the other part, functionally complementary, being arranged on the hull side and, possibly, on the kiosk side.
  • each of the two parts of the controlled magnetic locking means is chosen complementarily from one or more of the magnets, electromagnets, ferromagnetic parts, in order to be able to attract each other, repel each other or, possibly, no longer have any magnetic interaction, depending orders,
  • the parts on the shell and, possibly, on the kiosk are fixed,
  • the parts on the hull are arranged in the keel well,
  • the parts on the keel are fixed on the keel but mobile relative to the hull and to the kiosk due to the mobility of the keel relative to the hull,
  • the same part of the keel is used with at least two complementary parts of the hull and/or of the kiosk for locking the keel in the at least lowered and raised positions, the part of the keel moving with the keel to come into contact with the fixed complementary part of the hull and, possibly, of the kiosk,
  • a command makes it possible to attract together the two pieces of the magnetic locking means,
  • a command allows the two parts of the magnetic locking means to be pushed back together,
  • a command makes it possible to suppress the magnetic interaction of attraction or repulsion between the two parts of the magnetic locking means,
  • one of the two parts of the locking means is an electromagnet and the other complementary part an electromagnet or a ferromagnetic part,
  • the ferromagnetic part is a permanent magnet,
  • at least one of the two parts of the locking means further comprises a permanent magnet,
  • the upper end of the connecting part of the keel comprises the first part of the locking means and the device comprises at least one second complementary part, the corresponding first and second parts coming into functional correspondence when the keel is lowered and/ or reassembled, the first and second parts being able to at least attract each other according to a locking command, the functional correspondence is a vis-à-vis the first and second parts allowing a magnetic interaction between them,
  • the keel may have intermediate positions between the lowered position and the raised position,
  • the intermediate position(s) are lockable,
  • the second part is in the kiosk to allow the locking of the keel in the raised position,
  • the second part is in the hull or in a close relationship with the latter, in particular in the lower part of the keel well of the hull, to allow the locking of the keel in the lowered position,
  • locking is active, the locking command must be maintained to maintain locking,
  • locking is passive, stopping the unlocking command ensuring locking,
  • unlocking is active, the unlocking command must be held to maintain unlocking,
  • unlocking is passive, stopping the locking control ensuring unlocking,
  • at least one of the two parts of the magnetic locking means is an electromagnet, the control being ensured by an electric current,
  • the bulb has a bow end and a stern end and the bulb tilts at the lower end of the connecting part of the keel in order to bring the bulb and the connecting part into axial continuity of alignment and the shape in section cross-section of the bulb, said section being perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the bulb, and the shape of the cross-section of the connecting part of the keel are adapted to allow the bulb to rise at least in the keel well,
  • the bulb has a bow end and a stern end and the bulb tilts at the lower end of the connecting part of the keel in order to bring the bulb and the connecting part into axial continuity of alignment and the shape in section cross-section of the bulb, said section being perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the bulb, and the shape of the cross-section of the connecting part of the keel are adapted in order to allow the rise of the bulb and of at least one of the two ends of bow or stern of the bulb in the storage space of the kiosk,
  • the adaptation between the shapes in section of the connecting part of the keel and the bulb corresponds to the fact that the tilted bulb is included in the downward extension of the template of the connecting part of the keel,
  • at least a lower part of the rear edge of the connecting part of the keel is open in order to accommodate in the template of the connecting part a part of the tilted bulb,
  • the connecting part of the keel is completely reassembled in the hull,
  • the connecting part of the keel is completely reassembled in the kiosk,
  • the tilting bulb is completely reassembled in the shell,
  • the tilting bulb is completely reassembled in the kiosk,
  • the connecting part of the keel and the bulb comprise a locking means in the tilted position of the bulb and in the non-tilted position of the bulb,
  • the locking means in the tilted and/or non-tilted position of the bulb are electromagnetic,
  • in the non-tilted position of the bulb, the longitudinal extension of the bulb is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the machine,
  • in the tilted position of the bulb, the longitudinal extension of the bulb is substantially parallel to the connecting part of the keel,
  • the tiltable bulb keel comprises bulb tilting members which are motorized and controlled,
  • the keel may include one or more movable flaps,
  • the lower part of the keel has one or more trailing edge flaps in order to act dynamically on the transverse trim of the craft,
  • the trailing edge flaps are movable,
  • the trailing edge flaps are retractable in order to fit into the general external template of the connecting part of the keel and to be able to be raised in at least the keel well,
  • the mobile flap(s) of the keel can be controlled in order to influence the transverse stability of the machine,
  • the mobile flap(s) can be slaved to an attitude unit of the craft.

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE D'UN EXEMPLE DE REALISATIONDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE OF REALIZATION

La description qui va suivre en regard des dessins annexés, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, fera bien comprendre en quoi consiste l'invention et comment elle peut être réalisée.The following description with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented.

Sur les dessins annexés :

  • la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective d'un drone dont la quille est descendue,
  • la figure 2 représente une vue en perspective du drone de la figure 1 dont la quille est remontée,
  • la figure 3 représente une vue en coupe transversale passant par la quille du drone de la figure 1 et dont la quille est descendue,
  • la figure 4 représente une vue en une vue en coupe transversale d'un détail agrandi de la quille et du drone de la figure 1, et
  • la figure 5 représente une vue en coupe transversale passant par la quille du drone de la figure 1 et dont la quille est remontée.
On the attached drawings:
  • the figure 1 represents a perspective view of a drone whose keel has descended,
  • the picture 2 represents a perspective view of the drone from the figure 1 whose keel is raised,
  • the picture 3 represents a cross-sectional view passing through the keel of the drone of the figure 1 and whose keel is lowered,
  • the figure 4 shows a view in a cross-sectional view of an enlarged detail of the keel and the drone of the figure 1 , and
  • the figure 5 represents a cross-sectional view passing through the keel of the drone of the figure 1 and whose keel is raised.

DispositifDevice

A titre d'exemple de réalisation, on a considéré un drone destiné à effectuer des explorations maritimes avec des mesures effectuées par des équipements de mesure installés dans le bulbe de la quille.By way of exemplary embodiment, a drone intended to carry out maritime explorations with measurements carried out by measurement equipment installed in the bulb of the keel has been considered.

Sur la figure 1, on a représenté le drone 1 flottant/de surface de l'invention qui est à propulsion mécanique, en l'espèce avec une hélice 8, et qui comporte une coque 2 fusiforme très étroite. Cette coque très étroite ne donne pas de stabilité transversale à l'engin 1 qui a une forme très effilée et qui fait qu'avec cette coque à étrave effilée on obtient un engin perce-vague. La carène 10, les oeuvres mortes et le pont 4 sont donc configurés pour être du de type « perce vague ».On the figure 1 , the floating/surface drone 1 of the invention has been shown which is mechanically propelled, in this case with a propeller 8, and which comprises a hull 2 very narrow fusiform. This very narrow hull does not give transverse stability to the craft 1 which has a very tapered shape and which means that with this tapered bow hull a wave-piercing craft is obtained. The hull 10, the topsides and the deck 4 are therefore configured to be of the “perce vague” type.

Vers le bas de la coque 2, à la partie inférieure de la carène 10, est installée une quille 3 à bulbe 6. Le bulbe 6 étant à l'extrémité inférieure de la quille 3, celui-ci 6 est relié à la coque par une partie de liaison 5 de la quille 3. La quille 3 à bulbe 6 comporte, de préférence dans le bulbe 6, un lest qui donne de la stabilité transversale à l'engin 1. Ce lest est un matériau lourd spécifique, par exemple plomb ou tungstène, et/ou correspond à des équipements, notamment de mesure, installés dans le bulbe 6.Towards the bottom of the hull 2, at the lower part of the hull 10, is installed a keel 3 with a bulb 6. The bulb 6 being at the lower end of the keel 3, the latter 6 is connected to the hull by a connecting part 5 of the keel 3. The keel 3 with bulb 6 comprises, preferably in the bulb 6, a ballast which gives transverse stability to the machine 1. This ballast is a specific heavy material, for example lead or tungsten, and/or corresponds to equipment, in particular measuring equipment, installed in the bulb 6.

L'engin 1 comporte également, dans cet exemple, un gouvernail 7.The machine 1 also comprises, in this example, a rudder 7.

Grâce à la forme très étroite de la coque 2 aussi visible sur les figures 1 à 3 et 5, l'engin 1 a une très faible résistance à l'avancement eu égard à sa longueur. La coque 2 avec la quille 3 permet de minimiser les mouvements de tangage. La coque 2 est capable de dépasser avec très peu d'énergie la vitesse limite de carène et de passer en survitesse sans pour autant être d'une forme dite « planante ».Thanks to the very narrow shape of the hull 2 also visible on the figures 1 to 3 and 5 , the machine 1 has a very low resistance to progress with regard to its length. Hull 2 with keel 3 minimizes pitching movements. The hull 2 is capable of exceeding the hull speed limit with very little energy and of going into overspeed without however being of a so-called “planing” shape.

L'engin 1 dont la longueur totale est inférieure à 20 mètres et qui a une longueur minimale d'au moins 2,5 mètres, présente un rapport largeur totale sur longueur totale inférieur à 0,2. De préférence, le drone de l'exemple représenté a une longueur comprise entre 2,5 m et 20 m.The gear 1, the total length of which is less than 20 meters and which has a minimum length of at least 2.5 meters, has a total width to total length ratio of less than 0.2. Preferably, the drone of the example shown has a length of between 2.5 m and 20 m.

L'engin 1 de surface de l'invention avec sa coque fusiforme se distingue donc des navires à propulsion mécanique traditionnels qui ont une géométrie qui leur apporte une stabilité de forme visant à maintenir l'assiette horizontale du navire lors du déplacement des masses emportées et lors des mouvements générés par la mer ou l'océan.The surface craft 1 of the invention with its fusiform hull therefore differs from traditional mechanically propelled ships which have a geometry which provides them with form stability aimed at maintaining the horizontal trim of the ship during the displacement of the masses carried and during movements generated by the sea or the ocean.

Les éléments de l'engin 1 disposés au-dessus de la ligne de flottaison et notamment ceux sur le pont 4 sont d'une hauteur relativement réduite, ou à tout le moins ont une masse propre réduite, afin que le centre de gravité de l'engin avec sa quille descendue soit très bas et afin qu'il offre peu de prise au vent. L'engin ne comporte pas de voile, de mât ou de gréement ou tout autre équipement destiné à se servir de la force du vent. Il a donc un écho radar faible du fait de sa forme, sa taille et de la faible hauteur des parties émergées.The elements of the machine 1 arranged above the waterline and in particular those on deck 4 are of relatively low height, or at the very least have a low proper mass, so that the center of gravity of the The machine with its keel lowered is very low and so that it offers little wind resistance. The craft does not include a sail, mast or rigging or any other equipment intended to use the force of the wind. It therefore has a weak radar echo due to its shape, its size and the low height of the emerged parts.

Bien que l'engin n'utilise pas le vent pour sa propulsion et donc qu'il ne comporte pas de mat ou autre appendice en hauteur dédié à l'utilisation du vent pour la propulsion, l'engin peut cependant comporter un kiosque 9 ou une mature servant notamment à porter les équipements radios et/ou optiques et/ou génératrice éolienne et/ou capteurs, ainsi qu'à remonter aussi haut que possible les éventuelles prises d'air utiles à certains modes de fonctionnement du drone.Although the machine does not use the wind for its propulsion and therefore it does not include a mast or other overhead appendage dedicated to the use of the wind for propulsion, the machine can however include a kiosk 9 or a mature serving in particular to carry the radio and/or optical equipment and/or wind generator and/or sensors, as well as to raise as high as possible any air intakes useful for certain operating modes of the drone.

Les parois extérieures de la coque 2 et du kiosque 9, de préférence dans leurs parties non immergées, comportent des trappes de visite permettant d'accéder à l'intérieur de certains des compartiments de l'engin 1.The outer walls of the hull 2 and the kiosk 9, preferably in their non-submerged parts, include inspection hatches allowing access to the interior of some of the compartments of the machine 1.

Les matériaux constituant l'engin, en particulier sa coque 2 et son kiosque 9, peuvent être choisis en fonction des besoins. Par exemple on peut utiliser pour la coque 2 et/ou le kiosque 9 des métaux pour conserver un écho radar ou alors des matériaux composites, notamment fibre de verre, dans le cas contraire.The materials constituting the machine, in particular its hull 2 and its kiosk 9, can be chosen according to requirements. For example, metals can be used for the shell 2 and/or the kiosk 9 to keep a radar echo or else composite materials, in particular fiberglass, in the opposite case.

L'engin 1, qui n'est pas un modèle réduit d'un navire existant, est en l'espèce un drone destiné à réaliser des mesures acoustiques sonar, les systèmes de mesures acoustiques, en particuliers les transducteurs d'émission et de réception d'ondes acoustiques, sont disposés dans le bulbe 6 de la quille 3. En outre, la quille 3, en particulier son bulbe 6, comporte également une centrale d'attitude qui permet des corrections précises des mesures acoustiques du fait que cette centrale d'attitude est positionnée au plus près des transducteurs acoustiques.The machine 1, which is not a scale model of an existing ship, is in this case a drone intended to carry out sonar acoustic measurements, the acoustic measurement systems, in particular the transmission and reception transducers acoustic waves, are arranged in the bulb 6 of the keel 3. In addition, the keel 3, in particular its bulb 6, also comprises an attitude unit which allows precise corrections of the acoustic measurements because this central d attitude is positioned as close as possible to the acoustic transducers.

Cet engin 1 est autonome en ce qu'il comporte des moyens de propulsion mécaniques 8 et une source d'énergie interne. Il ne s'agit donc pas d'un dispositif remorqué et/ou relié par un câble à un navire ou un autre équipement flottant ou non. Dans une variante de mise en oeuvre, il peut être remorqué.This machine 1 is autonomous in that it includes mechanical propulsion means 8 and an internal energy source. It is therefore not a towed device and/or connected by a cable to a ship or other equipment whether floating or not. In a variant implementation, it can be towed.

Grâce à la forme de la coque 2 de l'engin 1, on diminue la résistance à l'avancement aussi bien en eau calme qu'en eau agitée et on obtient une diminution des mouvements générés sur l'engin 1 par l'agitation des vagues. La forme de l'engin 1 et de sa quille 3 permet d'améliorer les écoulements autour des transducteurs acoustiques et évite la formation de bulles ayant un effet masquant au niveau des transducteurs acoustiques. Il en résulte une diminution des « bruits » qui, dans les navires traditionnels, parasitent les mesures acoustiques.Thanks to the shape of the hull 2 of the machine 1, the resistance to progress is reduced both in calm water and in rough water and a reduction in the movements generated on the machine 1 by the agitation of the waves. The shape of the machine 1 and of its keel 3 makes it possible to improve the flows around the acoustic transducers and avoids the formation of bubbles having a masking effect at the level of the acoustic transducers. This results in a reduction of “noise” which, in traditional ships, interferes with acoustic measurements.

Ce drone est donc propulsé mécaniquement et on utilise au moins un moteur électrique ou à combustion interne/réaction chimique ou même mixte, qui peut actionner une hélice 8 ou, dans des variantes, plusieurs hélices ou une ou plusieurs turbines.This drone is therefore mechanically propelled and at least one electric or internal combustion/chemical reaction or even mixed motor is used, which can actuate a propeller 8 or, in variants, several propellers or one or more turbines.

La quille 3 peut être descendue et remontées, de préférence plus ou moins remontée, pour notamment pouvoir choisir le tirant d'eau de l'engin. Sur la figure 2, la quille 3 a été remontée et le bulbe 6 reste sous la coque 2, la plus grande partie de la hauteur de la partie de liaison 5 de la quille 3 ayant coulissé à l'intérieur de la coque de l'engin et même, pour l'extrémité supérieure de la partie de liaison 5, ayant gagné un espace de stockage 13 de quille situé à l'intérieur du kiosque 9, comme on peut mieux le voir sur la figure 5.The keel 3 can be lowered and raised, preferably more or less raised, in particular to be able to choose the draft of the craft. On the figure 2 , the keel 3 has been raised and the bulb 6 remains under the hull 2, the greater part of the height of the connecting part 5 of the keel 3 having slid inside the hull of the machine and even, for the upper end of the connecting part 5, having won a keel storage space 13 located inside the kiosk 9, as can be seen better in the figure 5 .

Le kiosque 9 ou mature comporte donc au moins d'une partie creuse suffisamment volumineuse pour contenir la partie de la quille dépassant du pont ou des superstructures lorsque la quille 3 est en position remontée/haute.The kiosk 9 or mature therefore comprises at least one hollow part large enough to contain the part of the keel protruding from the deck or the superstructures when the keel 3 is in the raised/high position.

Le kiosque 9 peut avoir une forme aérodynamique et d'autres fonctions que la seule fonction de stockage d'au moins une partie supérieure de la quille remontée.Booth 9 can have an aerodynamic shape and other functions than the only storage function of at least an upper part of the lifted keel.

Dans un mode de réalisation préféré, la quille 3 est en outre démontable et interchangeable. Il est également préféré que le bulbe 6 de la quille 3 soit interchangeable de la quille de manière à ce que le drone puisse être utilisé avec différentes configurations de transducteurs acoustiques de divers bulbes.In a preferred embodiment, the keel 3 is also removable and interchangeable. It is also preferred that the bulb 6 of the keel 3 be interchangeable with the keel so that the drone can be used with different configurations of acoustic transducers of various bulbs.

La coque comporte un puit de quille dans lequel la quille est descendue en position basse/sortie de la quille.The hull has a keel well into which the keel is lowered in the down position/out of the keel.

Ce puit de quille peut être matérialisé par une colonne creuse ajustée aux taille et forme de la quille ou correspondre à une zone plus large de passage de la quille, voire correspondre à un large compartiment interne de l'engin. Dans le cas où le puit de quille n'est pas une colonne ajustée à la quille, comme dans l'exemple représenté sur les figures, on prévoit que la quille traverse au moins deux passages ajustés et disposés à des hauteurs différentes afin de permettre un guidage effectif en montée et descente de la quille et la stabiliser le long d'un axe vertical (ou voisin de la verticale) stable une fois en place et verrouillée à la hauteur désirée. Sur les figures 3 et 5, on peut voir que le passage ajusté 14 du bas correspond au passage de la quille 3 à travers le fond de la coque 2, ce passage permettant le coulissement de la quille 3 pouvant être étanchéifié. Toujours sur les figures 3 et 5, on peut voir que le passage ajusté 15 du haut correspond au passage de la quille 3 à travers un entrepont 12 interne de l'engin 1, ce passage permettant le coulissement de la quille 3 pouvant éventuellement aussi être étanchéifié.This keel well can be materialized by a hollow column adjusted to the size and shape of the keel or correspond to a wider area for the passage of the keel, or even correspond to a large internal compartment of the machine. In the case where the keel well is not a column adjusted to the keel, as in the example shown in the figures, provision is made for the keel to pass through at least two passages adjusted and arranged at different heights in order to allow a effective guidance in raising and lowering the keel and stabilizing it along a vertical axis (or close to the vertical) that is stable once in place and locked at the desired height. On the figure 3 and 5 , it can be seen that the adjusted passage 14 at the bottom corresponds to the passage of the keel 3 through the bottom of the hull 2, this passage allowing the sliding of the keel 3 which can be sealed. Always on the figure 3 and 5 , it can be seen that the adjusted passage 15 at the top corresponds to the passage of the keel 3 through an internal steerage 12 of the machine 1, this passage allowing the sliding of the keel 3 possibly also being sealed.

Des moyens de guidage sont donc prévus entre la quille et le puit de quille et, possiblement, l'espace de stockage de quille du kiosque. L'engin dispose donc de moyens de guidage de la quille qui peuvent être un fourreau, des glissières, des paliers, des coulisses...Guide means are therefore provided between the pin and the pin well and, possibly, the pin storage space of the kiosk. The machine therefore has means for guiding the keel which can be a sheath, slides, bearings, slides, etc.

De préférence, la partie de liaison 5 de la quille 3 qui est située entre, en bas, le bulbe 6 et, en haut, l'extrémité supérieure de la quille, a une section uniforme sur sa hauteur et le puit de quille de la coque et, possiblement, l'espace de stockage 13 de quille du kiosque, a/ont aussi une section uniforme sur sa/leur hauteur et qui, en plus, est ajustée à celle de la partie de liaison 5 de la quille pour permettre le guidage de la quille. Cet ajustement entre la quille, en particulier la partie de liaison de la quille, et le puit de quille et, éventuellement, de l'espace de stockage de quille du kiosque, participe à la solidarisation stable entre les deux et évite que la quille « batte » par rapport à la coque. En variante, ce guidage peut, comme dans l'exemple représenté sur les figures, être limité à deux ou plus passages de guidage 14, 15 où se situent des ajustements avec la quille 3.Preferably, the connecting part 5 of the keel 3 which is located between, at the bottom, the bulb 6 and, at the top, the upper end of the keel, has a uniform section over its height and the keel well of the hull and, possibly, the keel storage space 13 of the kiosk, also has/have a uniform cross-section over its/their height and which, in addition, is adjusted to that of the connection part 5 of the keel to allow the keel guidance. This adjustment between the keel, in particular the connecting part of the keel, and the keel well and, possibly, the keel storage space of the kiosk, contributes to the stable connection between the two and prevents the keel " bat" in relation to the hull. As a variant, this guide can, as in the example shown in the figures, be limited to two or more guide passages 14, 15 where there are adjustments with the keel 3.

La quille relevable est ainsi guidée mécaniquement dans le puit de quille et, éventuellement, dans l'espace de stockage de quille du kiosque, afin de reprendre tous les efforts autres que ceux orientés parallèlement au mouvement de remontée et de descente de la quille de sorte que l'on réalise entre la quille et le navire une liaison de type « glissière ».The lifting keel is thus mechanically guided in the keel well and, possibly, in the keel storage space of the kiosk, in order to take up all the forces other than those oriented parallel to the movement of raising and lowering the keel so that a connection of the type "slide".

Comme visible sur la figure 3, la quille 3 peut être remontée pour venir s'installer au moins en partie dans un espace de de stockage 13 de quille à l'intérieur du kiosque 9 ou de la mature.As seen on the picture 3 , the skittle 3 can be raised to come and settle at least partly in a storage space 13 of the skittle inside the kiosk 9 or the mature.

En position haute de la quille, au moins en partie remontée dans le kiosque, la quille peut être verrouillée en place à l'aide de moyens de verrouillage magnétiques (non représentés pour la position haute). Eventuellement, des positions intermédiaires en hauteur de la quille peuvent également être verrouillées à l'aide de moyens de verrouillage magnétiques (non représentés).In the high position of the keel, at least partially raised in the kiosk, the keel can be locked in place using magnetic locking means (not shown for the high position). Optionally, intermediate positions in height of the keel can also be locked using magnetic locking means (not shown).

Le dernier degré de liberté restant, en montée et descente de la quille, est ainsi verrouillé par des moyens de verrouillage magnétiques permettant de bloquer la quille à des hauteurs déterminées par rapport à la coque. Ces hauteurs déterminées sont au moins la position descendue de la quille et la position remontée de la quille correspondant à l'amplitude de déplacement vertical maximal de la quille.The last remaining degree of freedom, in raising and lowering the keel, is thus locked by magnetic locking means making it possible to lock the keel at determined heights with respect to the hull. These determined heights are at least the lowered position of the keel and the raised position of the keel corresponding to the amplitude of maximum vertical displacement of the keel.

Les moyens de verrouillage magnétiques sont constitués de paires fonctionnelles, chacune comportant deux pièces magnétiquement complémentaires pouvant s'attirer et/ou se repousser et/ou devenir inactives magnétiquement en fonction de commandes. Une des deux pièces est un électroaimant et les commandes s'effectuent par l'intermédiaire de courants électriques.The magnetic locking means consist of functional pairs, each comprising two magnetically complementary parts which can attract and/or repel each other and/or become magnetically inactive depending on commands. One of the two parts is an electromagnet and the controls are carried out via electric currents.

Pour simplifier les figures on a représenté complétement les moyens de verrouillage magnétiques seulement pour le verrouillage en position descendue de la quille 3. Ainsi, sur la figure 3 où la quille 3 est verrouillée magnétiquement en position descendue, le moyen de verrouillage magnétique 11 est disposé en relation avec l'extrémité supérieure de la partie de liaison 5 de la quille 3 et avec l'entrepont 12. Sur la figure 4, on a déverrouillé le moyen de verrouillage magnétique 11 pour commencer à remonter la quille et afin de rendre mieux visibles les deux pièces 11a et 11b du moyen de verrouillage magnétique 11 qui se sont séparées. Ces deux pièces 11a et 11b forment une ventouse magnétique ici disposée en relation avec le passage ajusté 15 à travers l'entrepont 12.To simplify the figures, the magnetic locking means have been completely shown only for locking in the lowered position of the keel 3. Thus, on the picture 3 where the keel 3 is magnetically locked in the lowered position, the magnetic locking means 11 is arranged in relation to the upper end of the connecting part 5 of the keel 3 and with the steerage 12. On the figure 4 , the magnetic locking means 11 has been unlocked to begin raising the keel and in order to make the two parts 11a and 11b of the magnetic locking means 11 which have separated better visible. These two parts 11a and 11b form a magnetic suction cup here arranged in relation to the fitted passage 15 through the steerage 12.

On comprend qu'un moyen de verrouillage magnétique similaire (non représenté) est mis en oeuvre entre l'extrémité supérieure de la partie de liaison 5 de la quille 3 et le kiosque 9 afin de pouvoir verrouiller en position remontée/haute la quille et que pour cela on peut utiliser la même pièce 11b pour les verrouillages en position descendue et en position remontée.It is understood that a similar magnetic locking means (not shown) is implemented between the upper end of the connecting part 5 of the keel 3 and the kiosk 9 in order to be able to lock the keel in the raised/high position and that for this, the same part 11b can be used for the locks in the lowered position and in the raised position.

Dans des variantes, on peut prévoir en plus, à titre de sécurité, des moyens de blocage mécaniques activables et désactivables manuellement et en particulier pour la position haute/remontée de la quille, ces moyens de blocage étant par exemple une goupille venant faire prise entre les parois de la partie de liaison 5 et du kiosque 9.In variants, it is also possible to provide, for safety purposes, mechanical locking means that can be activated and deactivated manually and in particular for the high/raised position of the keel, these locking means being for example a pin which engages between the walls of the connecting part 5 and the kiosk 9.

Des verrouillages de la quille à des hauteurs intermédiaires entre les deux extrêmes précédents sont possibles, soit à des hauteurs prédéterminées, des moyens de verrouillage ponctuels étant installés à ces hauteurs prédéterminées, soit à des hauteurs quelconques. Dans ce dernier cas, une plaque ferromagnétique verticale est disposées le long du puit de quille et un électroaimant disposé dans la quille peut circuler en face de la plaque lors des montées et descente de la quille, l'activation de l'électroaimant provoquant une attraction d'avec la plaque bloquant le déplacement de la quille à toute position voulue en hauteur.Keel locks at intermediate heights between the two extremes above are possible, either at predetermined heights, punctual locking means being installed at these predetermined heights, or at any height. In the latter case, a vertical ferromagnetic plate is arranged along the keel well and an electromagnet arranged in the keel can circulate in front of the plate during the ascents and descents of the keel, the activation of the electromagnet causing an attraction with the plate blocking the movement of the keel at any desired position in height.

Les verrouillages des électroaimants peuvent être sur le mode « libre sous tension » ou « fermé sous tension » selon les modes de mise en oeuvre.The interlocks of the electromagnets can be in the “free under voltage” or “closed under voltage” mode depending on the modes of implementation.

Dans une modalité simplifiée de mise en oeuvre, le bulbe reste sous la coque, éventuellement protégée dans un renfoncement de la coque, et ne passe pas par le puit de quille. Dans une modalité plus évoluée, le bulbe peut aussi remonter par le puit, soit que le puit soit configuré pour laisser le passage au bulbe, soit que le bulbe puisse s'aligner avec la partie de liaison de la quille, par exemple par basculement, et se mettre dans le gabarit projeté de cette partie de liaison, le puit de quille étant de forme ajustée au gabarit de la partie de liaison de la quille.In a simplified mode of implementation, the bulb remains under the hull, possibly protected in a recess in the hull, and does not pass through the keel well. In a more advanced modality, the bulb can also go up through the well, either that the well is configured to allow passage to the bulb, or that the bulb can be aligned with the connecting part of the keel, for example by tilting, and get into the template projected from this connecting part, the keel well being of a shape adjusted to the template of the connecting part of the keel.

La descente et la montée de la quille à travers la coque et le puit de quille, et de et vers l'espace de stockage de quille du kiosque, met en oeuvre une motorisation avec un moyen mécanique (non représenté) de remontée forcée : treuil, vérin hydraulique, crémaillère, vis sans fin... et, possiblement aussi de descente forcée et dans ce dernier cas, le verrouillage en position de hauteur de la quille peut être assuré par le moyen mécanique.The descent and ascent of the keel through the hull and the keel well, and from and to the keel storage space of the kiosk, implements a motorization with a mechanical means (not shown) of forced ascent: winch , hydraulic cylinder, rack, worm... and, possibly also forced descent and in the latter case, the locking in the height position of the keel can be ensured by mechanical means.

De préférence, à titre de sécurité, on prévoit une butée de descente, empêchant la quille de descendre au-delà d'une limite déterminée. Cette butée de descente peut être une partie plus large de l'extrémité supérieure de la quille et qui vient buter contre un arrêt disposé à l'extrémité inférieure du puit de quille ou, comme sur les figures, disposé en relation avec le passage 15 à travers l'entrepont 12. Cette butée de la quille peut être un élément rapporté vers l'extrémité supérieure de la quille. La butée peut aussi servir de palier haut d'encastrement en position basse de la quille. La butée peut supporter soit le ou les électro-aimants, soit des pièces magnétiques sur lesquelles les électro-aimants peuvent agir magnétiquement par attraction ou répulsion magnétique selon les modalités de mise en oeuvre. Le guidage mécanique et les butées et arrêts sont conçus de telle sorte que les seuls efforts auxquels sont soumis les électroaimants sont orientés dans l'axe de déplacement en montée/descente de la quille.
électroaimant disposé dans la quille peut circuler en face de la plaque lors des montées et descente de la quille, l'activation de l'électroaimant provoquant une attraction d'avec la plaque bloquant le déplacement de la quille à toute position voulue en hauteur.Preferably, as a safety measure, a descent stop is provided, preventing the keel from descending beyond a determined limit. This downhill stop may be a wider part of the upper end of the keel and which abuts against a stop arranged at the lower end of the keel well or, as in the figures, arranged in relation to the passage 15 to through the steerage 12. This abutment of the keel can be an element attached to the upper end of the keel. The abutment can also be used as a high recessed bearing in the lower position of the keel. The abutment can support either the electromagnet(s), or magnetic parts on which the electromagnets can act magnetically by magnetic attraction or repulsion depending on the methods of implementation. The mechanical guidance and the abutments and stops are designed so that the only forces to which the electromagnets are subjected are oriented in the axis of up/down movement of the keel.
electromagnet arranged in the keel can circulate in front of the plate during the ascents and descents of the keel, the activation of the electromagnet causing an attraction with the plate blocking the movement of the keel at any desired position in height.

Les verrouillages des électroaimants peuvent être sur le mode « libre sous tension » ou « fermé sous tension » selon les modes de mise en oeuvre.The interlocks of the electromagnets can be in the “free under voltage” or “closed under voltage” mode depending on the modes of implementation.

Dans une modalité simplifiée de mise en oeuvre, le bulbe reste sous la coque, éventuellement protégée dans un renfoncement de la coque, et ne passe pas par le puit de quille. Dans une modalité plus évoluée, le bulbe peut aussi remonter par le puit, soit que le puit soit configuré pour laisser le passage au bulbe, soit que le bulbe puisse s'aligner avec la partie de liaison de la quille, par exemple par basculement, et se mettre dans le gabarit projeté de cette partie de liaison, le puit de quille étant de forme ajustée au gabarit de la partie de liaison de la quille.In a simplified mode of implementation, the bulb remains under the hull, possibly protected in a recess in the hull, and does not pass through the keel well. In a more advanced modality, the bulb can also go up through the well, either that the well is configured to allow passage to the bulb, or that the bulb can be aligned with the connecting part of the keel, for example by tilting, and get into the template projected from this connecting part, the keel well being of a shape adjusted to the template of the connecting part of the keel.

La descente et la montée de la quille à travers la coque et le puit de quille, et de et vers l'espace de stockage de quille du kiosque, met en oeuvre une motorisation avec un moyen mécanique (non représenté) de remontée forcée : treuil, vérin hydraulique, crémaillère, vis sans fin... et, possiblement aussi de descente forcée et dans ce dernier cas, le verrouillage en position de hauteur de la quille peut être assuré par le moyen mécanique.The descent and ascent of the keel through the hull and the keel well, and from and to the keel storage space of the kiosk, implements a motorization with a mechanical means (not shown) of forced ascent: winch , hydraulic cylinder, rack, worm... and, possibly also forced descent and in the latter case, the locking in the height position of the keel can be ensured by mechanical means.

De préférence, à titre de sécurité, on prévoit une butée de descente, empêchant la quille de descendre au-delà d'une limite déterminée. Cette butée de descente peut être une partie plus large de l'extrémité supérieure de la quille et qui vient buter contre un arrêt disposé à l'extrémité inférieure du puit de quille ou, comme sur les figures, disposé en relation avec le passage 15 à travers l'entrepont 12. Cette butée de la quille peut être un élément rapporté vers l'extrémité supérieure de la quille. La butée peut aussi servir de palier haut d'encastrement en position basse de la quille. La butée peut supporter soit le ou les électro-aimants, soit des pièces magnétiques sur lesquelles les électroaimants peuvent agir magnétiquement par attraction ou répulsion magnétique selon les modalités de mise en oeuvre. Le guidage mécanique et les butées et arrêts sont conçus de telle sorte que les seuls efforts auxquels sont soumis les électroaimants sont orientés dans l'axe de déplacement en montée/descente de la quille.Preferably, as a safety measure, a descent stop is provided, preventing the keel from descending beyond a determined limit. This downhill stop may be a wider part of the upper end of the keel and which abuts against a stop arranged at the lower end of the keel well or, as in the figures, arranged in relation to the passage 15 to through the steerage 12. This abutment of the keel can be an element attached to the upper end of the keel. The abutment can also be used as a high recessed bearing in the lower position of the keel. The abutment can support either the electromagnet(s), or magnetic parts on which the electromagnets can act magnetically by magnetic attraction or repulsion depending on the methods of implementation. The mechanical guidance and the abutments and stops are designed so that the only forces to which the electromagnets are subjected are oriented in the axis of up/down movement of the keel.

Claims (11)

  1. A floating marine craft (1) comprising at least one hull (2) topped with a deck (4), the hull (2) extending between a bow and a stern along a longitudinal direction of the craft (1), the craft (1) comprising, in its lower part, a removable keel (3), and in its upper part, a wheelhouse (9) erected above the deck, the keel (3) being able to be lowered under the hull (2) and lifted through the hull (2), the keel having a lower end and an upper end, the upper end of the keel being connected to the hull when the keel is in lowered position, the craft (1) being an exploration craft and being a motor-driven single-hull drone and its hull (2) being fusiform and tapered and the craft being wave-piercing, the craft (1) having a total length lower than 20 metres and higher than 2.5 metres, with a total width to total length ratio lower than 0.2, the lowered keel (3) comprising a ballast providing the transverse stability to the craft (1), the keel being a measuring keel comprising at least measuring instruments and the wheelhouse (9) internally containing a keel-storage space (13) and the keel (3) and the keel-storage space (13) of the wheelhouse (9) being arranged in alignment with each other so that the keel (3) can be lifted by upward translation at least partly into the keel-storage space (13) of the wheelhouse (9).
  2. The craft (1) according to claim 1, wherein the keel (3) comprises, in its lower end, a longitudinally elongated bulb (6) connected to the upper end of the keel (9) by a connection part (5) of the keel of longitudinal extent lower than the longitudinal extent of the bulb (6), and when the keel (3) is lifted within the wheelhouse (9), the bulb (6) remains under the hull.
  3. The craft (1) according to claim 2, wherein the connection part (5) of the keel (3) has a uniform cross-section over its height.
  4. The craft (1) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the bulb (6) comprises an upper face turned upward and towards the hull (2) and a lower face turned downward and in that the hull (2) comprises a recess at the connection of the hull (2) with the keel (3), wherein said recess can accommodate at least the upper face of the bulb (6) when the keel is lifted.
  5. The craft (1) according to anyone of claims 1 to 4, wherein it comprises a mechanism for lifting and lowering the keel (3), said mechanism being at least motor-driven.
  6. The craft (1) according to anyone of claims 1 to 5, wherein it comprises a means (11) for locking the keel in lowered position.
  7. The craft (1) according to anyone of claims 1 to 6, wherein it comprises a means (11b) for locking the keel in lifted position.
  8. The craft (1) according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the locking means (11) is magnetic and controlled, the magnetic locking means comprising at least two complementary parts (11a, 11b) and magnetically interacting between each other, one of the parts being arranged on the keel (3) side and the other part, functionally complementary, being arranged on the hull (2, 12) side, and possibly, on the wheelhouse (9) side.
  9. The craft (1) according to anyone of claims 2 to 8, wherein the bulb (6) comprises a bow end and a stern end and in that the bulb (6) is tilting at the lower end of the keel connection part (5) so as to place the bulb (6) and the keel connecting part (5) in axial continuity, and in that the cross-sectional shape of the bulb (6), said cross-section being perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the bulb, and the cross-sectional shape of the connection part (5) are adapted so as to allow the lifting of the bulb with at least one of the two bow and stern ends of the bulb (6) into the storage space (13) of the wheelhouse (9).
  10. The craft (1) according to claim 1, wherein the keel (3) comprises, in its lower end, a longitudinally elongated bulb (6) connected to the upper end of the keel (9) by a connection part (5) of the keel of longitudinal extent lower than the longitudinal extent of the bulb (6), and the bulb (6) comprises a bow end and a stern end and in that the bulb (6) is tilting at the lower end of the keel connection part (5) so as to place the bulb (6) and the keel connecting part (5) in axial continuity, and in that the cross-sectional shape of the bulb (6), said cross-section being perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the bulb, and the cross-sectional shape of the connection part (5) are adapted so as to allow the lifting of the keel with at least one of the two bow and stern ends of the bulb (6) into the storage space (13) of the wheelhouse (9).
  11. The craft (1) according to anyone of claims 2 to 10, wherein the craft is arranged so as to perform acoustic measurements and comprises acoustic measurement systems comprising acoustic wave transmitting and receiving transducers, and at least the acoustic wave transmitting and receiving transducers are arranged in the bulb of the keel.
EP18826770.2A 2017-12-01 2018-11-30 Floating maritime vessel comprising a detachable measuring keel Active EP3717346B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1761547A FR3074474B1 (en) 2017-12-01 2017-12-01 FLOATING MARITIME DEVICE WITH REMOVABLE MEASURING KEEL
PCT/FR2018/053056 WO2019106314A1 (en) 2017-12-01 2018-11-30 Floating maritime vessel comprising a detachable measuring keel

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3717346A1 EP3717346A1 (en) 2020-10-07
EP3717346B1 true EP3717346B1 (en) 2023-01-25

Family

ID=61913267

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18826770.2A Active EP3717346B1 (en) 2017-12-01 2018-11-30 Floating maritime vessel comprising a detachable measuring keel

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US11319037B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3717346B1 (en)
CA (1) CA3083954A1 (en)
FR (1) FR3074474B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2019106314A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11521500B1 (en) * 2018-10-17 2022-12-06 Amazon Technologies, Inc. Unmanned aerial systems with range finding
FR3119368B1 (en) * 2021-02-04 2023-12-22 Ixblue Autonomous motorized monohull vessel with ballasted keel convertible into a trimaran
CN114044095A (en) * 2021-11-19 2022-02-15 四方智能(武汉)控制技术有限公司 Unmanned ship for basin measurement
NL2033380B1 (en) * 2022-10-24 2024-05-17 Fnv Ip Bv Vessel for use in subsea surveying and method of acquiring subsea survey data

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1876094A2 (en) * 2006-07-06 2008-01-09 Neta N.V. Retractable thruster for vessels
ES2528566A1 (en) * 2014-09-15 2015-02-10 Marine Instruments, S.A. Fish search and aggregation artifact (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SU1154142A1 (en) * 1983-07-15 1985-05-07 Предприятие П/Я В-2598 Sailboat with projectable keels
US4538539A (en) * 1984-03-20 1985-09-03 Martin David E Deformable shrouded water foil
DE8411433U1 (en) * 1984-04-12 1984-08-23 Dittloff, Volker, 2000 Barsbüttel SAILING BOAT WITH SWIVELING FIN FIN
JPS61253289A (en) * 1985-04-30 1986-11-11 Koji Baba Wing keel structure of boat
US5431121A (en) * 1994-08-23 1995-07-11 Canepa; Jeffrey M. Sailboat keel hoist assembly
US20100279563A1 (en) * 2009-02-18 2010-11-04 Ian Godfrey Heard Magnetic Fin Attachment System
DE102011113561A1 (en) * 2011-02-10 2012-08-16 Dr. Ralf Hinkel Holding GmbH Hubkielvorrichtung
US9003986B2 (en) * 2013-03-14 2015-04-14 Saildrone, Inc. Autonomous sailing vessel
EP3027503A2 (en) 2013-07-29 2016-06-08 Ocean Aero, Inc. Submersible vessel having retractable wing and keel assemblies
KR101694864B1 (en) * 2015-03-10 2017-01-10 문현철 Ship balancing apparatus

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1876094A2 (en) * 2006-07-06 2008-01-09 Neta N.V. Retractable thruster for vessels
ES2528566A1 (en) * 2014-09-15 2015-02-10 Marine Instruments, S.A. Fish search and aggregation artifact (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR3074474A1 (en) 2019-06-07
CA3083954A1 (en) 2019-06-06
US20210171166A1 (en) 2021-06-10
FR3074474B1 (en) 2022-04-08
US11319037B2 (en) 2022-05-03
EP3717346A1 (en) 2020-10-07
WO2019106314A1 (en) 2019-06-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3717346B1 (en) Floating maritime vessel comprising a detachable measuring keel
EP3784558B1 (en) System for deploying and recovering an autonomous underwater device, method of use
EP4124203B1 (en) System and method for deploying and recovering an autonomous underwater craft by a recovery vehicle towed by a ship, underwater exploration assembly
FR2742410A1 (en) MONOCOQUE NAUTICAL MACHINE
US20140158037A1 (en) Trimaran having outriggers with propulsors
FR2887224A1 (en) MULTIMILIED EQUIPMENT
EP0084995B1 (en) Propulsion system for sailing craft
EP4110689B1 (en) Ship comprising a system for adapting a removable module and adapted removable module
EP3707067B1 (en) Floating structure for the deployment and the recovery of at least one autonomous watercraft by a vessel, corresponding method, corresponding system and corresponding vessel
EP3966105B1 (en) Marine craft
WO2022167490A1 (en) Autonomous motorised monohull ship with weighted keel transformable into a trimaran
FR2552046A1 (en) Boat formed from a platform raised up with the aid of pillars on floats
EP2117920B1 (en) Swell attenuating device onboard a floating structure for facilitating the transloading between the structure and a transfer ship, and floating structure comprising the same
FR2978420A1 (en) Method for driving e.g. catamaran, involves taking sum of moments of aerodynamic, hydrodynamic and hydrostatic forces with respect to support point to be zero in absence of angular acceleration around longitudinal axis of hull
EP3615409B1 (en) Surface vessel with motorised mechanical propulsion having a fusiform hull and ballasted keel
WO2023094176A1 (en) System of articulated fins for a boat
EP2895386B1 (en) Roro sailing vessel
EP4121345B1 (en) System for handling marine or underwater drones by floating pontoon with removable drone interface module, adapted ship
EP0440517A1 (en) Navigational system of a floating structure type allowing the exploration of the submarine environment
FR2804933A1 (en) Landing craft for use on non-docking shores is of catamaran type with movable platform between hulls and ramps at each end
FR2699138A1 (en) Surface-skimming wing, e.g. for sailing craft - has submerged pitch control plane attached to rudder plate, and transverse stabilising beam

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20200528

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20220217

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20220920

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1545739

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20230215

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602018045807

Country of ref document: DE

RAP4 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: EXAIL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NO

Ref legal event code: T2

Effective date: 20230125

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20230125

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1545739

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20230125

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230524

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230525

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230525

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230426

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 602018045807

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: EXAIL SAS, FR

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: IXBLUE, SAINT-GERMAIN-EN-LAYE, FR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602018045807

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20231026

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NO

Payment date: 20231124

Year of fee payment: 6

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602018045807

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20231130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20231130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230125

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20231130

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20231130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20231130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240601

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20231130

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240905

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20231130

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240820

Year of fee payment: 7