WO2021068091A1

WO2021068091A1 - Watertight modular anchoring buoy

Info

Publication number: WO2021068091A1
Application number: PCT/CL2020/050122
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pedro Chinni Vergottini
Original assignee: H Y B S.A.
Priority date: 2019-10-09
Filing date: 2020-10-09
Publication date: 2021-04-15
Also published as: CL2022000865A1; CL2023001957U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a high-capacity anchoring buoy for anchoring large metallic structures such as cages in salmonid farms. The buoy is made of plastic, using a blowing process, and is formed by multiple modules nested and arranged concentrically to a central shaft that has coupling means at the ends, the modules being filled with compressed or pressurised air.

Description

WATERPROOF MODULAR MOORING BUOY

DESCRIPTIVE MEMORY

The present invention refers to a modular buoy, preferably a large capacity modular mooring buoy, made of plastic by the blowing process, comprising compressed air or pressurized air as the flotation medium. This buoy is designed for the anchoring of large metal structures such as cages of salmonid farming centers, with a displacement volume for example from 1,000 to 6,500 liters or more, depending on the number of modules to be used.

BACKGROUND

Currently there are multiple high-capacity mooring buoys, the vast majority of them manufactured in a single piece of plastic through the rotational molding process, using as a means of flotation some material such as expanded polystyrene or polyurethane foam.

For example, the application for Utility Model CL 201900258 discloses a spherical plastic buoy for anchoring cage-type rafts used in aquaculture, which inside has a channel through which a solid steel structure passes through at its ends. two eyebolts, a lower eyebolt located at the lower end of the plastic buoy and an upper eyebolt located at the upper end of the plastic buoy. The buoy may have pressurized air inside it or it may have a filling that forms a flotation medium, said flotation medium being usually expanded polystyrene (EPS).

Patent application CL 201901296 addresses the blow molding process of the plastic buoy described above. Specifically, it proposes that the blowing is carried out in such a way as to generate two concave ends in which a hole is made in the center of these ends to introduce a tube (channel) of the same material as the buoy, passing through the itself and is then welded onto the concave ends of the buoy. Subsequently, a metal insert is passed through said tube that is secured to the buoy, giving it mechanical resistance for anchoring cage-type rafts in aquaculture or the like.

Mooring buoys such as those described above are subjected to great efforts since their function is to resist the tension forces generated by the anchoring lines that connect the buoy to the seabed and the buoy itself to the maritime structure, acting as a shock absorber of the structure against the movements of the sea. For this reason, its structure must be strong enough.

One drawback of this type of buoys is that the eyebolts to which the anchor lines are usually connected, receive large tensile and flexural forces as a result of the waves and variation in the height of the tides, which causes them to break many times. or detach from the body of the buoy, allowing water to enter the interior of it and therefore damaging it or affecting its ability to float.

In the face of this type of failure or others that may occur, for example due to blows with boats, mono-compartmental buoys such as those of the state of the art are totally unusable, since their structure is not watertight and the slightest failure or rupture can affect their floating and damping capacity for which they were designed, and must be replaced.

This risk is especially greater because buoys such as those defined above are not manufactured in a single piece and, as proposed in document CL 201901296, they use welding to join some of their pieces, these points being very vulnerable to occurrence. manufacturing and structural failures, material fatigue, etc., greatly endangering the integrity of the product and therefore the structure to be anchored.

Another drawback of the state buoys described above is that the filling material used as a buoyancy medium, such as polyurethane or polystyrene foam When expanded, it usually comes out from the inside of the buoy when they fail or break, spreading over the sea surface and even reaching the coastline, causing significant pollution problems and can affect the flora and fauna of the environment.

In view of the above, it is necessary to have a mooring buoy that avoids the mono-compartmental construction used until now in the state of the art, in order to ensure its watertightness and prevent the entire structure of the buoy from becoming unusable in the event of failure in one or a few of its parts.

It is another need of the state of the art to provide a modular buoy with watertight modules manufactured in a single piece and avoiding the use of polluting filling material as a flotation medium.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to a modular buoy, preferably a large capacity modular mooring buoy, made of plastic by the blowing process, each module comprising compressed air or pressurized air inside as a flotation medium and to maintain the shape of the plastic to the stresses to which the structure is exposed, as a result of the waves produced by the sea in extreme conditions.

An objective of the modular buoy of the present invention is to form a buoy body by joining, coupling or wedging between independent modules, which are assembled together to give the buoy buoyancy. Thus, in the event of a failure caused by a blow or breakage at some point or sector of the buoy, only the tightness of one or a few modules will be affected, so that the rest of the modules are not affected and allow maintaining the integrity of the the buoy permanently or until the affected modules can be replaced or repaired. Another objective of the modular buoy of the present invention is to provide a large capacity buoy, for example, in the range of 1,000 to 6,500 liters nominal capacity or more, of high resistance, for the anchoring of large offshore vessels.

Another objective of the modular buoy of the present invention is to provide a buoy whose main parts are manufactured by the blowing method, allowing pressurized air to be used as the flotation medium in large modular flotation components.

Another objective of the modular buoy of the present invention is to provide a modular buoy of simple design, which facilitates the assembly of the buoy, made up of different modules independent of each other, each one manufactured through the blowing process and where the union or connection of said bodies is firm and easy.

To achieve the above objectives, the invention defines, according to a first embodiment, a modular buoy comprising: a buoy body made up of at least two modules, said modules being independent of each other; and a structural axis comprising a central axis, a coupling means or upper eyebolt, a coupling means or lower eyebolt and joining means connected to the modules, wherein the central axis is comprised in a vertical space formed between the modules and where each connecting means is connected to two modules.

The number of modules that make up the buoy body depends on several factors, among them, the flotation requirements (buoyancy capacity vs weight of the buoy) and the capacity of the blow molding machinery with respect to the size of the parts to be manufactured. . As a general rule, the more modules used, the smaller blowing machines can be used, but the weight of the modular float will increase, therefore, it is preferred to reduce the number of modules.

According to one embodiment, the modules comprise at their lateral ends a cavity, where each cavity has a perforation in a contact surface with an adjacent module. According to one embodiment, the joining means consist of plates perpendicular to the central axis that have connector elements at their ends to connect with the contact surfaces of the modules, specifically with the perforations.

The structural axis is preferably metallic and seeks to increase the strength of the connection between the modules of the buoy. Furthermore, the coupling means or eyebolts of the structural shaft provide connection and / or mooring means for the use of the buoy in the water.

According to one embodiment, the modules of the buoy are made of plastic material, preferably by blow molding, wherein said bodies are substantially hollow. Each module may comprise a housing for a valve, arranged for the entry of air under pressure into said modules, said air under pressure being used as a flotation medium. The valve can be formed by any means that favors the injection of a gas as a flotation medium into the modules that make up the buoy body, for example, an opening with a threaded connection and a cover that, once joined to the opening , it closes preventing the escape of the flotation medium.

According to one embodiment, the buoy of the invention comprises a volume to be displaced of between 1,000 to 6,500 or more liters. In addition, the buoy is designed to withstand different ton ranges depending on the volume of the modules. Furthermore, the buoy is also configured to dive in operation.

According to one embodiment, the buoy body is made of high-density, high-molecular-weight polyethylene.

The buoy is mainly intended for use in the anchoring of boats or floating bodies, to keep structures afloat and / or to support objects afloat or submerged, between the surface and the seabed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES As part of the present invention, the following representative figures of the same are presented, which teach preferred embodiments of the invention and, therefore, should not be considered as limiting the definition of the claimed matter.

Figures 1 to 4 show the modular buoy of the invention, according to a first embodiment.

Figures 5a and 5b illustrate the modular buoy of the invention, according to a second embodiment.

Figures 6 to 7 illustrate the modular buoy of the invention, according to a third embodiment. Figures 8 to 11 illustrate the modular buoy of the invention, according to a fourth embodiment.

Figures 12 to 16 illustrate the modular buoy of the invention, according to a fifth embodiment.

Figures 17 to 22 illustrate the modular buoy of the invention, according to a sixth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a diagram of the modular buoy 1 of the present invention, including a buoy body formed by at least two modules 2 and a structural shaft comprising an upper eyebolt coupling means 11 and a lower eyebolt or coupling means 12 located respectively at the upper and lower ends of the modular buoy.

According to the view illustrated in Figure 2, the modular buoy comprises four segment-shaped hollow modules 2 which, together, give the buoy a spherical shape.

With reference again to Figure 1, the modules 2 comprise at their lateral ends a cavity 3, where each cavity has a perforation in a surface of contact 4 with the adjacent module, said contact surface 4 preferably being a flat vertical surface. Said perforation makes it possible to fix the module 1 to the structural axis as will be described later.

Preferably, the cavity 3 of each module comprises an air valve (not illustrated), for the entry of air into the hollow modules. According to certain embodiments, said valve can be comprised in any region of the module and can be formed by a threaded cap, which is removed to fill the interior of the body with air.

Figure 3 illustrates the structural shaft 10, which consists of a central shaft 13 at whose ends the upper coupling means 11 and the lower coupling means 12 are connected. Said shaft also comprises joining means consisting of a central core 14 located in the center of the axis, preferably cylindrical, from which sub-axes 15 emerge perpendicularly, allowing the modules to be anchored to the structural axis 10.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the structural axis comprises four sub-axes spaced at 90 ° at the ends of which there are connecting elements 16 that serve to fix the cavities of the buoy modules (Fig. 1) to the structural axis, obtaining a completely flat surface in the fixing area.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the modules 2 are arranged between the sub-axes 15 of the structural axis, being fixed to them by the connecting elements 16, which preferably consist of spun projections that emerge from each face of the end of the plate 15 and that go through the perforation of the contact surface 4 (see Fig. 1) of each module 2, so that said spun projection and contact surface can be fixed by means of a nut inserted in each spun projection.

Furthermore, the fit or union between the modules is such that a central space is generated between the segments, on the vertical central axis of the buoy and which houses the structural axis. For their part, the extremes The upper and lower modules are confined between the upper coupling means 11 and the lower coupling means 12.

Figure 5a illustrates a second embodiment of the invention, where the central axis 13 consists of a cylindrical tube or pipe the ends of which are welded to a preferably rectangular vertical plate 17. The upper and lower ends that form the modules of the buoy have a projection 18 that is covered by a metal plate 9 with lower fins and that is welded to the coupling means 11. In turn, the latter is connected to the vertical plate 17 by means of fasteners such as bolts. The vertical plate in turn prevents the tube or pipe from turning inside the buoy.

In this second embodiment, the tube or central axis 13 does not comprise perpendicular sub-axes, but the modules 2 are connected to each other by means of fixing means 21 as seen in Figure 5b and by the metal plates 9 that press to the media at the ends of the buoy.

According to a third embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the buoy can be made up of 3 ', 5' end modules joined with a central module 2 '. Furthermore, a structural axis 4 'ensures the connection between the end modules 3', 5 'and the central module 2'. Preferably, the 3 'and 5' end modules are identical to each other, defining a symmetrical buoy body.

As can be seen in Figures 6a and 6b, the central module can be formed by three central bodies 20, 20 ', 20 ". According to other modalities, the central module 2 can be formed by one, two or more than three central bodies, which will depend on the applications that the buoy will have and the manufacturing capacities, for example, the size of the blown modules that They can be manufactured with the machinery installed. In figure 6a it can be seen that the three central bodies are arranged facing each other, around the central axis 6 'of the buoy body, in this case represented by the central module 2'. According to a preferred embodiment, the fit or union between central bodies is such that a central space is generated between the central bodies, on the central axis 6 'of the buoy body, said central space crossing the central module T from side to side. According to a preferred embodiment, the central bodies that form the central module T are identical to each other.

For its part and as illustrated in Figure 6b, the end module 3 'is formed by an end body 30 that comprises a central space that crosses the end body 30 from side to side, where said central space is defined as at least one conical opening 31. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the end body 30 comprises a valve region 32, for the entry of air into the end body 30, and reinforcing ribs 33, to increase the resistance of the end body 30. Said valve region 32 may be formed by a threaded cap, which is removed for filling into the interior of the body. Figure 7 shows one embodiment of the structural axis 4 ', formed by two end sections 42, 43 that comprise, in this case, connection means formed as rings. Any other type of connecting means can be arranged towards the end sections 42, 43 of the structural shaft 4. On the other hand, figure 7 also shows that the structural shaft 4 has an intermediate section 41, arranged to connect the end sections 42 and 43 and that said structural axis 4 may comprise an intermediate flat surface 44.

Figure 7 also shows in detail an embodiment of the end section 42, comprising a flat surface, and of the intermediate flat surface 44, both connected to each other by means of the intermediate section 41, which can be formed as a bar, axis , tube or any similar structural element. Finally, the end section 43 of the structural shaft can also be seen in Figure 7

4, it being noted that said end section comprises integrated connection means that is joined to the intermediate section 41 by some means of connection, for example, a joint of the thread and nut type. The sections that form the structural axis 4 are joined together by means of joining means of the thread and nut type. Other definitive joining means, for example welding, or releasable, for example thread / nut or snap fit, are applicable.

Figure 8 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the invention, in which the modules 2 are arranged concentrically to the central axis 13. Preferably said modules are in the shape of a hollow cylindrical disk, being able to have the same or different volumes.

This modality advantageously allows to obtain a buoy with additive capacity adaptable to the required application and an efficient manufacturing process, since the same module design is used, regardless of the number of them used. According to Figure 9, the modules have an upper shoulder 22 and a lower recess 23 that allows them to be nested. In addition, they comprise in their center an opening through which the central axis 13 passes, which preferably consists of a cylindrical tube or pipe whose ends are welded to a preferably rectangular vertical plate 17, which in turn is surrounded by a metal plate 9. The vertical plate 17 is connected to a coupling means 11 by means of fastening elements such as bolts and this can also be welded to the metal plate 9.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical tube or pipe has a flexural strength of between 1,000 to 3,500 kg or more, depending on the number of modules to be used.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, the modules 2 have an air valve 24 preferably located on the side face, however this can be arranged in any other position of the module.

According to a preferred embodiment, the modules 2 have retention means (not illustrated) that prevent relative rotation between modules. Said retention means can be, for example, projections and recesses located on the faces of the modules that make contact, providing a form-counterform configuration that locks relative radial movement between two adjacent modules.

This impediment in the relative movement of the adjacent modules is adequate to prevent the marine fouling that may form between the modules 2 from damaging their surface when the modules rotate in the water. On the other hand and advantageously, since the relative movement between the modules is prevented, said fouling can act as a means of natural welding of the modules, improving the functionality of the structure.

According to the variant illustrated in Figure 10, the modules 2 at the ends of the buoy are identical. In the example, both are such that the upper projections 22 point towards the ends of the buoy in order to give symmetry to the body of the buoy.

Figure 11 shows the modular buoy according to the fourth mode in its working position. According to the illustrated embodiment, the buoy is arranged horizontally so that the coupling means located at each of its ends are tied on the one hand to two anchor lines 51 that go towards the anchor or dead 50 and at the same time to two anchoring lines 52 that go towards the floating structure 53.

This horizontal arrangement of the buoy advantageously allows on the one hand that the buoy is seen from the surface as a uniform body, having a pleasant appearance and on the other hand it provides a non-submerged volume of low height and rounded which minimizes damage from possible impacts. with boats, allowing the buoy to easily pass under the boat in such cases without offering resistance that could damage its structure.

Figures 12 to 13 show the buoy according to the fifth embodiment of the invention, which is similar to that illustrated in Figures 8 to 11. In this mode the modules 2 have a cylindrical shape with rounded edges with a central opening 25 that passes through them. and a central recess 26. The modules engage each other by means of retention bosses 27 projecting from two opposite faces of module 2 and which engage in retention recesses 28 located adjacent to the first. As can be seen in Figure 13, the projections on each face are in an opposite position with respect to the axial axis of module 2.

Figure 14 shows a buoy with two modules 2 according to the fifth mode and in its working position. According to the illustrated embodiment, the buoy is arranged horizontally and there are three coupling means located on a structural axis 10 that are tied, on the one hand, to three anchor lines 51 that go to three anchors or dead 50 and , on the other hand, to three anchoring lines 52 that go towards the floating structure 53. In this modality, the relationship between coupling means (a) and modules (m) is: a = m + l According to Figure 15, the structural shaft 10 consists of a preferably cylindrical central shaft 13 at the ends of which a first coupling means 11 'and a second coupling means 12' are configured. Said structural axis also comprises a central plate 15 'perpendicular to the central axis 13 and with clamping means at its ends. Said central plate 15 'is preferably welded to the central shaft 13.

Figure 16 shows in detail a coupling means, which consists of an eyebolt C that is inserted into one end of the central shaft 13 and is fixed, for example, by means of a pin P that passes through said shaft, said pin being secured by means of a key or appropriate safety element S. The opposing coupling means preferably has the same configuration.

Figures 17 and 18 show the buoy according to the sixth embodiment of the invention in which the modules 2 differ from the fifth mode in that they have an asymmetric shape, that is, they have a retention projection 27 and a retention recess 28 in only one side, while the opposite side is smooth and preferably rounded.

As can be seen in Figure 19, the buoy formed by the modules 2 is suitable to work in an inclined position, with two coupling means located on the structural axis 10 and which are tied, on the one hand, to an anchor line 51 that goes towards an anchor or dead 50 and, on the other hand, to an anchor line 52 that go towards the floating structure 53. An alternative sub-modality is illustrated in Figure 20, where the buoy is formed by a module according to the fifth modality and joined at each end to a module according to the sixth modality. It should be noted that one or more modules can be included according to the fifth modality among the modules that are located at the ends depending on the required flotation capacity.

According to Figure 21, the structural shaft 10 consists of a preferably cylindrical central shaft 13 at the ends of which a first coupling means 11 'and a second coupling means 12' are configured.

Figure 22 shows in detail a means of coupling the proposed buoy, which consists of an eyebolt C that is inserted at one end of the central shaft 13 and is fixed to the shaft by means of a set of nuts and locknuts that are inserted into studs welded to said shaft. The opposing coupling means may have the same removable configuration or be an eye bolt welded to the central shaft.

Claims

1. An anchoring buoy made of plastic by the blowing process, which is made up of multiple modules nested and arranged concentrically to a central axis, which has coupling means at its ends and where said modules are filled with compressed air or pressure.

2. The buoy according to claim 1, wherein the central axis has a pipe shape.

3. The buoy according to any of the preceding claims, which further comprises at least one central plate perpendicular to the central axis with mooring means at its ends.

4. The buoy according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling means are in the form of eyebolts.

The buoy according to claim 9, wherein at least one eye bolt is removably connected to the central shaft.

6. The buoy according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each module comprises on at least one of its faces a projection and a recess.

The buoy according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each module comprises a central opening.

8. The buoy according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the modules have a cylindrical shape.

9. The buoy according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the modules have an asymmetric shape.

10. The buoy according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the modules are shaped like segments.

11. The buoy according to claim 10, which has a spherical shape composed of four identical segments.

12. The buoy according to any of claims 1 to 5, which comprises a central module covered by end modules.

13. The buoy according to claim 12, wherein the central module is made up of two or more bodies.

14. The buoy according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each module comprises an air valve.