WO2005047096A1

WO2005047096A1 - Floating vessel comprising hulls which are articulated essentially under the effect of hydrostatic forces

Info

Publication number: WO2005047096A1
Application number: PCT/FR2004/002679
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marc Lebrun
Original assignee: Trides
Priority date: 2003-10-24
Filing date: 2004-10-20
Publication date: 2005-05-26
Also published as: DE602004007290D1; EP1685021A1; EP1685021B1; FR2861363A1; FR2861363B1; ATE365670T1

Abstract

The invention relates to a floating vessel of the type that consists of a floating structure comprising a platform which connects two hulls (2), said hulls (2) being pivot articulated to the platform (1) such that they can move, for example, between at least two pre-determined floating positions. In addition, the hulls are equipped with ballast/deballast means (5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B) and means (11) enabling same to be immobilised in each of the floating positions thereof. The inventive vessel is characterised in that the connecting platform (1) takes the form of a floating element. The vessel is further characterised in that the hulls (2) are moved from a floating position to another position by at least the pump ballast/deballast means (5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B) of the hulls, said means co-operating with the hull-immobilising means (11). According to the invention, the operation of the ballast/deballast means and the immobilising means are controlled by a central unit (4) which uses a series of pre-determined sequences in order to control said means in a simultaneous and/or alternating manner such as to cause the hulls to pivot essentially under the effect of hydrostatic forces.

Description

FLOATING MACHINE WITH ARTICULATED SHELLS ESSENTIALLY UNDER THE EFFECT OF HYDROSTATIC FORCES

The present invention relates to a floating device of the type having a floating structure consisting of a platform ensuring the connection between two hulls, said hulls being pivotally articulated to the platform in order to be able to move in particular between at least two positions of predetermined buoyancy, one in which they are aligned with the plane of the platform, the other in which they extend substantially at right angles to said platform, these hulls being provided with ballasting / deballasting means and immobilization or locking means in each of their flotation positions.

Such floating devices with variable geometry are known from the state of the art as illustrated in particular by patent FR-A-2,674,210 in which a hull of a boat with variable geometry is described which, depending on the conditions , to have a planing hull in order to optimize the boat's progress according to the state of the sea and the force of the wind and to have a variable draft. This boat hull is thus provided with a central part along the two longitudinal edges of which are articulated two lateral parts in the form of floats pivotally mounted and adjustable between a position in which they are positioned under the central part and a position in which they are located outside the central part. The displacement of these lateral floats requires the presence of extremely powerful hydraulic cylinders. As a result, such a solution is unsuitable for large-scale vehicles without having to have extremely efficient and therefore extremely expensive power hydraulics.

A similar solution is described in patent US-A-4,223,623 where, instead of lateral floats, boxes are used which are connected to each other by means of hinge-type joints. Again, the displacement drive means of a box consist of jacks and a cable system.

It is the same in US-A-5,237,947 where ballast hulls are connected by means of arms to a connecting platform. The ballast arms and hulls are articulated to the connection platform and are controlled in movement by means of a gear system. Again, this results in the need to have powerful control members to cause such a pivoting movement on large machines.

Other floating devices are also described in US Patents 5,967,072, DE-101,114 or US-4,494,472.

An object of the present invention is therefore to propose a floating device whose design makes it possible to dispense with a high-power member for the pivoting movement of the hulls by essentially using the hydrostatic forces present.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a floating device whose design makes it possible to have at least three flotation positions each corresponding to a particular function of said device in order to make the latter versatile.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a floating device whose design makes it possible to move from one flotation position to another in an extremely short time, including in the absence of powerful energy sources and / or d '' powerful controls.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a floating device of the type having a floating structure constituted by a platform ensuring the connection between two shells, said shells being pivotally articulated to the platform in order to be able to move in particular between at least two predetermined flotation positions, one in which they are aligned with the plane of the platform form, the other in which they extend substantially at right angles to said platform, these hulls being provided with ballasting / deballasting means and with immobilization or locking means in each of their flotation positions, characterized in that the connecting platform is a floating element and in that the hulls provided with ballasting / deballasting means by pumping are moved from one flotation position to another at least by the ballasting / deballasting means of said cooperating hulls with the immobilization means of the latter, ballasting / deballasting means and immobilization means being controlled in operation from a central unit controlling, in a succession of predetermined sequences, said means simultaneously and / or alternately in view of causing a pivoting displacement of the hulls essentially under the effect of hydrostatic forces.

The invention will be clearly understood on reading the following description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIGS. 1 to 13 represent schematic views of the machine in different configurations during the passage of the craft from a catamaran configuration to the barge configuration (Figures 1 to 6), and from the barge configuration to the floating dock configuration (Figures 7 to 13); FIG. 14 represents a% front view of a machine according to the invention in a catamaran configuration; FIG. 15 represents a% front view of this same machine in the barge position while FIG. 16 represents a% front view of this same machine in floating dock configuration; FIG. 17 represents a schematic% view before of the machine in catamaran configuration with the detail of the ballasting / deballasting means and FIG. 18 represents a detailed view of the hinge-type pivot connection between the shell and the connection platform.

As mentioned above, the floating object of the invention has a floating structure consisting of a platform 1 ensuring the connection between two shells 2. These shells are pivotally hinged to the platform in order to be able to move in particular between at least two flotation positions: one in which they are aligned with the plane of the platform, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the other in which they extend substantially at right angles to said platform, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 16. These shells 2 are provided with ballasting / deballasting means shown in 5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B in the figures. Indeed, these ballasting means comprise at least one tank or ballast 5 arranged in the hull of the machine, a pump 6 to allow the emptying or filling of such tanks and a three-way valve 7 to which two pipes 8A are connected , 8B forming water intakes, these pipes emerging at two opposite locations of the tank corresponding to a high point and to a low point of the tank when the shells extend substantially at right angles to the connection platform 1. Thus, as illustrated in the figures, it can be considered that the shells affect the shape of ailerons, the conduits 8A and 8B being positioned in the vicinity of each of the longitudinal edges of the aileron. The positioning of these pipes 8A, 8B and their outlet in the tanks 5 allows in particular the emptying of the tanks 5 from the shells whatever the position occupied by the shells as will be described in more detail below. These shells 2 are also provided with immobilization or locking means in at least two predetermined flotation positions. Thus, in the examples shown, the hulls are connected to the connection platform 1 by a hinge-type pivot link 3 mechanically lockable in each of the floating positions of said hulls. The detail of this hinge 3 is shown in Figure 18. The locking means in this case consist of axes 11 of locking integral with a hinge element 3A itself coupled for example to the platform 1 while the other hinge element 3B coupled to the shell 2 comprises a housing intended to receive the locking pin 11. Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the hinge element 3A coupled to the platform 1 has two locking pins 11 while the hinge element 3B coupled to the shell 2 has two housings each intended for receive a locking pin 11. In the position shown in Figure 18, the hinge 3 is locked in a position in which the hull 2 extends perpendicular to the platform 1 and below the latter, this position corresponding to a catamaran position of the which will be described in more detail below. When the two locking pins are housed in the two housings, the position occupied by the hull is a position of alignment with the platform corresponding to a configuration of the craft known as a barge type configuration. Finally, when the locking pin, shown most above in Figure 18, comes into the housing of the lowest part of the hinge element 3B, the hinge is then locked in a position of the shell 2 corresponding to a so-called floating dock configuration of the machine.

Characteristically with the invention, the platform 1 for connecting the machine is a floating element. In addition, the hulls 2, which are provided with ballasting / deballasting means by pumping as described above, are moved from one flotation position to another at least by the ballasting / deballasting means of the hulls cooperating with the means immobilization of the latter. Ballasting / deballasting means and immobilization means are thus controlled in operation from a central unit 4 controlling, in a succession of predetermined sequences, said means simultaneously and / or alternately in order to cause the hulls to pivot essentially. under the effect of the hydrostatic forces present. In other words, this central unit 4 controls on the one hand the ballasting / deballasting means, on the other hand the actuation of the means for immobilizing the hulls locking the hull-platform connection in each flotation position to be taken by the hulls. Thanks to the succession of predetermined sequences of the ballasting / deballasting operations of the hulls and the locking operations of the hull-platform connection, this results in an automatic pivoting movement of the hulls to bring them from one position to another. To allow compliance with this succession of predetermined sequences, the machine also comprises means capable of providing information relating to the relative position of the hulls and of the connection platform and / or to the water level in the tanks. of ballast of the machine. This information is transmitted to the central control unit 4 to allow the passage from one sequence to another following the succession of predetermined sequences. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the machine comprises, on the one hand, means for detecting the relative position of the hulls and the connection platform consisting of force and position sensors of the device type. steering gear positioned on the hinge-type joint 3 between shell 2 and connection platform 1, on the other hand means for detecting the water level in the ballast tanks 5, these level detection means d water preferably operating by ultrasound, all of these detection means transmitting, preferably in real time and continuously, their signals to the central control unit 4 which, from the signals received, is capable of controlling in operation on the one hand the ballasting / deballasting means, on the other hand the means for immobilizing the hulls.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting platform 1 is a floating element equipped with ballasting / deballasting means 9, 10. Again, these means consist of tanks 9 capable of being filled or emptied by means of pumps 10. All of these ballasting means are connected to the central control unit 4 preferably positioned on the platform. form 1 of connection at the level of the wheelhouse 12 of the machine, this wheelhouse 12 being located at the rear of the platform 1. It can also be provided, in the vicinity of this wheelhouse 12, a chimney 13 as well as a walkway 14. The platform 1 can also be equipped with a liftable access ramp shown at 15 in the figures. Thanks to the presence of these ballasting / deballasting means 9, 10 in the connection platform, the machine comprises at least three flotation positions, one known as a barge configuration in which the hulls 2 are aligned with the plane of the connection platform 1, the other two positions, respectively said in catamaran configuration and in floating dock configuration respectively corresponding to positions in which the hulls 2 extend substantially at right angles to the connecting platform 1 and are positioned extending either below of platform 1 (catamaran configuration), or above said platform 1 so as to form a floating dock type device. The passage from one configuration to another is more particularly described in FIGS. 1 to 13. In general, the sequences for the passage from the position in the catamaran configuration to the position in the barge configuration comprise a ballasting sequence for the hulls 2 kept locked with a view to causing a lowering of the connecting platform 1 to the water level followed by a sequence for unlocking the hulls 2 associated with a sequence for deballasting the hulls 2 with a view to causing a pivoting movement of the shells up to a position in which the shells 2 are aligned with the connection platform 1 and locked in said position. Thus, as illustrated in more detail in FIG. 1, in the catamaran configuration, the ballast tanks 5 of the hulls 2 and of the platform 1 are empty and the hulls 2 are locked in a position in which they extend substantially. at right angles and below the connecting platform. Firstly, the hulls are ballasted in order to allow the lowering of the connecting platform 1 to the position in which it reaches the water level in order to be able to float. The hulls 2 are then unlocked and a gradual deballasting of the hulls 2 is engaged. The shells 2 then tend to rise horizontally. When an angular sensor positioned at the hinges 3 detects a predetermined value corresponding to an alignment of the hulls with the platform, it is considered that the hulls 2 occupy a horizontal position and the control by the central unit 4 of the organs 11 hinge locking 3 is then performed to ensure a new locking hulls. Once the hulls are thus locked, a complete deballasting of the tanks 5 of the hulls 2 can be carried out to obtain a minimum draft. When the connection platform 1 is also equipped with ballast tanks 9, some of these tanks are filled to give the whole of the machine a plate rear able to reduce the front draft. Obviously, to obtain the transition from the barge configuration to the catamaran configuration, the same succession of sequences is carried out in reverse order. In the case where the connection platform 1 is equipped with ballast tanks and has greater buoyancy than the hulls, the hulls cannot be found horizontally and it is then necessary to ballast the platform in order to '' bring the two shells into alignment and thus be able to lock the hinges.

The ballasting / deballasting sequences for the passage from the position in barge configuration to the floating dock position comprise at least one ballasting sequence of the connecting platform 1 in order to cause the latter to be immersed in parallel with the unlocking of the said platforms. hulls 2 up to a positioning of the hulls 2 perpendicular to said connecting platform 1, a sequence for locking the hulls 2 followed by a sequence for ballasting the hulls 2 to a depth depending on the draft of the ship or the floating load to be loaded.

Once the load has been loaded, deballasting of the hulls and / or of the connection platform is carried out until a complete emptying of the hull tanks and of the platform according to the desired flotation position for the craft. These different sequences are more particularly represented in FIGS. 7 to 13. Thus, in FIG. 7, the machine is in the barge configuration, configuration in which the hulls are locked and the tanks of the hulls and of the platform are emptied. FIG. 8 represents the ballasting step of the hulls and / or of the platform to obtain a zero moment on the hinge. The hulls are then unlocked as illustrated in FIG. 9 to allow said hulls to rise. In parallel, these hulls are deballasted while the ballasting operation of the connection platform is engaged. The hulls continue to rise, as illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 to a position in which the hulls occupy a position substantially perpendicular to the connection platform and extend above this last. In this position, the shells must be locked again. The hull tanks can be filled as shown in Figure 12 to allow the loading of a ship. Then, again, we deballast the hulls and the platform to allow the platform to rise to the desired level. Obviously, all of these sequences can be performed automatically thanks to the central unit 4 which is able to pass from one sequence to another thanks to the means for detecting the relative position of the hulls and the platform. form and means for detecting the water levels in the various reservoirs. Means may also be provided to assist in controlling the movement of the shells. These assistance means are active when the hulls 2 occupy a position close to the predetermined flotation position in which they are immobilized by actuation of the immobilization means locking the connection between the shell and the connection platform. These means of assistance can take various and varied forms. Their purpose is simply to refine the position of the hulls at the end of the race in the vicinity of the predetermined buoyancy position to be occupied by the hull with respect to the connection platform. Finally, of course, such a machine is equipped with propulsion means. Preferably, the hulls 2 incorporate these means of propulsion of the machine, these propulsion means preferably being constituted by water propellants whose water supply intakes are arranged on the internal faces opposite the hulls in configuration catamaran of the craft. Thus, there is provided in the shells on the one hand an electric motor, on the other hand a water jet propellant, electric motor and water jet propellant being connected to a generator allowing the electric supply of the motor . This generator set is preferably positioned on the connection platform. The pumps 6 of the ballast / deballasting means of the hulls 2 are supplied from the generators used to supply the propulsion means of the machine. Indeed, the generator sets which are used for carrying out the ballasting / deballasting operations of the hulls can also be used for propelling the machine insofar as the ballasting / deballasting operations are carried out at zero speed and thus operate in a manner alternated with means of propulsion of the machine. As illustrated by the sequences described above, it can be seen that such a craft is capable of fulfilling several functions, namely a barge function, a craft function capable of sailing at high speed in a catamaran configuration and a craft suitable for use as a floating dock for the maintenance or repair of other vessels. This versatility can be obtained in the absence of impressive hydraulic power, thanks to the optimal use of the hydrostatic forces present.

Claims

1. Floating machine of the type having a floating structure consisting of a platform (1) ensuring the connection between two shells (2), said shells (2) being pivotally articulated to the platform (1) in order to be able to moving in particular between at least two predetermined buoyancy positions, one in which they are aligned with the plane of the platform (1), the other in which they extend substantially at right angles to said platform ( 1), these shells (2) being provided with ballasting / deballasting means and means (11) for immobilization or locking in each of their flotation positions, characterized in that the connecting platform (1) is a floating element and in that the shells (2) provided with pumping ballast / deballasting means (5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B) are moved from one flotation position to another at least by the means (5 , 6, 7, 8A, 8B) ballasting / deballasting of said shells (2) cooperating with the means (11) for immobilizing the latter, means (5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B) for ballasting / deballasting and means (11) for immobilization being controlled in operation from a central unit (4) controlling, according to a succession of predetermined sequences, said means (5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B) simultaneously and / or alternately in order to cause a pivoting movement of the shells (2) essentially under the effect of hydrostatic forces .

2. Floating machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises means capable of providing information relating to the relative position of the hulls (2) and of the connection platform (1) and / or to the water level in the ballast tanks (5) of the machine, this information being transmitted to the central control unit (4) to allow the passage from one sequence to another following the succession of predetermined sequences.

3. Floating machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the machine comprises, on the one hand, means for detecting the relative position of the shells (2) and the connection platform (1) consisting of force and position sensors positioned on the articulation of hinge type (3) between shell (2) and connecting platform (1), on the other hand means for detecting the water level in the ballast tanks (5) preferably operating by ultrasound, these means of position and water level detection transmitting, in real time and continuously, their signals to the central control unit (4).

4. Floating machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connection platform (1) is equipped with means (9, 10) of ballasting / deballasting controlled from the unit (4) control center.

5. Floating machine according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pumps (6) of the ballasting / deballasting means of the hulls (2) are supplied from generators also serving for the supply of means of propulsion of the machine.

6. Floating machine according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises at least three flotation positions, one known as a barge configuration in which the hulls (2) are aligned with the plane of the platform (1) of connection, the two other positions, said respectively in configuration of catamaran and in floating dock configuration corresponding respectively to positions in which the hulls (2) extend substantially at right angles to the platform (1) of connection and are positioned extending either below said platform (1) in the catamaran configuration, or above said platform (1) so as to form a floating dock type device.

7. Floating machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the sequences for the passage from the position in catamaran configuration to the position in barge configuration comprise a sequence of ballasting of the hulls (2) kept locked in order to cause a lowering of the connection platform (1) to the water level followed by a sequence of unlocking of the hulls (2) associated with a sequence deballasting of the shells (2) in order to cause a pivoting movement of the shells (2) to a position in which the shells (2) are aligned with the connecting platform (1) and locked in said position.

8. Floating machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the sequences for the passage from the position in barge configuration to the floating dock position comprise at least one ballasting sequence of the connection platform (1) in order to cause immersion of the latter, parallel to unlocking of said shells (2), until positioning of the shells (2) perpendicular to said connecting platform (1), a sequence for locking the shells (2) followed by a sequence of ballasting of the hulls (2) to a depth depending on the draft of the ship or the floating load to be loaded.

9. Floating machine according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the hulls are connected to the platform (1) of connection by a hinge-type pivot link (3) mechanically lockable in each of the flotation positions said shells.

10. Floating machine according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the shells (2) integrate means of propulsion of the machine, these propulsion means preferably being constituted by water propellants whose intakes of water supply are arranged on the internal faces opposite the hulls in the catamaran configuration of the craft.

11. Floating machine according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it further comprises assistance means for controlling the movement of the hulls, these assistance means being active when the hulls (2) occupy a position close to the floating position predetermined in which they are immobilized by actuation of the immobilization means.