Simple device for retracting and releasing pull-type side-scan sonar

Abstract

The utility model discloses a simple device for retracting and releasing a pull-type side-scan sonar. The simple device comprises a portable crane and a pulley assembly, the pulley assembly comprises a metal support and four plastic pulleys, and the four plastic pulleys are fixed to the metal support through shafts and can rotate freely. The tail part of a steel cable of the portable crane is fixedly connected with a trailing cable of the side-scan sonar; the simple device for deploying and retracting the side-scan sonar can adapt to an application scene in which a small ship drags the side-scan sonar to detect and identify submarine landforms and obstacles, and has the advantages of low cost, immediate assembly and disassembly, high ship applicability and easiness in carrying, so that underwater tow fish deploying and retracting of the side-scan sonar are more convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of seabed landform detection and underwater target search, and particularly relates to a simple device for retracting and deploying a towed side-scan sonar. Background Art

[0002] A towed side-scan sonar is a crucial device for detecting seafloor conditions. It primarily consists of a towfish (also known as a transducer array), a tow cable, a deck unit, and a positioning device. To operate, the towfish is placed in the water and towed by a vessel. The towfish transmits underwater detection signals to the deck unit in real time, enabling the detection and identification of underwater terrain and seafloor obstacles.

[0003] When a towed side-scan sonar is actually used, it is necessary to use a crane or manpower (1 to 2 people) to place the tow fish cloth into the water, and then use a winch to gradually release the tow cable to allow the tow fish to work at a certain depth. The above steps are repeated when recovering. Application No. 201621182264.4, an application text for an automatic retraction and release device for a side-scan sonar tow fish, proposes a method of controlling the crane angle and cable length by a microcomputer. The automation effect is good, but the hull needs to be equipped with a crane and more sensors need to be installed on the hull. There are disadvantages such as high modification costs and high requirements for ship types, and it does not have a quick disassembly function. The two application texts, Application No. 202020783373.1, a side-scan sonar bracket with a lifting function, and Application No. CN201920874991.4, a detachable electric side-scan sonar side bracket, both design a tow fish retraction and release device for deploying tow fish at the ship's side. Both require the installation of larger equipment on the side, which cannot be used on small ships and cannot be towed from the stern. Two application documents, application number CN201020505958.3, a shipboard mounting device for side-scan sonar, and application number CN202222612311.6, a side-towing auxiliary device for side-scan sonar, propose a device for mounting a side-scan sonar on the ship's side. The towed fish needs to be rigidly connected to the hull through the device. The shaking of the hull will greatly affect the use of the side-scan sonar, and it is not suitable for towed side-scan sonar.

[0004] Therefore, the existing side-scan sonar retractable devices are mainly used for side towing of ships. At the same time, most of them have requirements for the hull structure and need to modify the hull. The cost is high, and they do not have the function of quick disassembly. They are also difficult to apply to various small ships. Utility Model Content

[0005] The utility model provides a simple device for retracting and deploying a towed side-scan sonar, which has the advantages of low cost, ready installation and removal, strong ship applicability and easy portability. It can be carried and installed by two people, and is convenient for large-scale use on various small ships.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the technical solutions provided by the present invention are as follows:

[0007] The embodiment of the utility model provides a simple device for folding and deploying a towed side-scan sonar, comprising a portable crane structure (2) and a pulley assembly (3); the portable crane structure (2) is arranged at the front side of the cabin (1-1) of the small vessel (1), the pulley assembly (3) is arranged at the stern of the small vessel (1), and the portable crane structure (2) is connected to a crane steel cable (6);

[0008] The pulley assembly (3) comprises a metal bracket and four plastic pulleys, the four plastic pulleys are fixed to the metal bracket through an axis, the four plastic pulleys can rotate freely, and the gap between the side surfaces of the four plastic pulleys and the metal bracket is less than 2 mm; when the side scan sonar is used, the terminal at the starting end of the towing cable (5) of the side scan sonar is electrically connected to the PC (4), and then passes through the chute of the four plastic pulleys and extends into the sea water, and the end of the towing cable (5) is connected to the side scan sonar towing fish (7); the tail of the crane steel cable (6) and the towing cable (5) are fixedly connected, and when the crane steel cable (6) and the towing cable (5) are released synchronously, the crane steel cable (6) and the towing cable (5) both slide into the water through the pulley assembly (3), and the side scan sonar towing fish (7) will move to the rear of the small ship (1) with the crane steel cable (6) and the towing cable (5) under the action of the water flow;

[0009] The angle between the extended inclined section of the pulley assembly (3) and the horizontal plane is less than 30 degrees, and the extended horizontal distance of the pulley assembly (3) is greater than the length of the side-scan sonar towfish (7), so as to reduce the risk of the side-scan sonar towfish (7) colliding with the side of the ship.

[0010] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the structures on both sides of the metal bracket are of the same structure, and the structure on one side of the metal bracket includes a bent steel pipe (9), the inclined section of the bent steel pipe (9) is the inclined section extending from the pulley assembly (3), and the horizontal projection length corresponding to the inclined section of the bent steel pipe (9) is the horizontal distance extended from the pulley assembly (3); the bottom end of the bent steel pipe (9) is connected to a semicircular pipe (10), and the semicircular pipe (10) is connected to a first horizontal pipe (11), and the first horizontal pipe (11) and the bent steel pipe (9) are connected by a first horizontal pipe (11). A vertical tube (12) is connected to a second vertical tube (14), the end of the bent steel tube (9) is also connected to a third vertical tube (15), the second vertical tube (14) and the third vertical tube (15) are connected to a second horizontal tube (16), the second horizontal tube (16) is also connected to the bent steel tube (9), the top of the third vertical tube (15) is connected to a third horizontal tube (17), and the third horizontal tube (17) is connected to the bent steel tube (9) through a fourth vertical tube (18), a fifth vertical tube (19) and a sixth vertical tube (21).

[0011] In an optional embodiment of the utility model, the two first horizontal tubes (11) in the two side structures of the metal bracket are connected by three first connecting tubes (13), and the two third horizontal tubes (17) in the two side structures of the metal bracket are connected by two second connecting tubes (20); wherein, the first plastic pulley (8-1) is connected between the two first vertical tubes (12), the second plastic pulley (8-2) is connected between the two second vertical tubes (14), the third plastic pulley (8-3) is connected between the two fourth vertical tubes (18), and the fourth plastic pulley (8-4) is connected between the two fifth vertical tubes (19).

[0012] In an optional embodiment of the utility model, the portable crane structure (2) includes a crane body (22) and a hook (23) and a connecting rope loop (24) connected to both sides of the crane body (22), the hook (23) is used to be connected to the crane cable (6), and the connecting rope loop (24) is used to be connected to the front side of the cabin (1-1) of the small ship (1).

[0013] Compared to existing technologies, the present invention provides a simple device for deploying and retracting a towed side-scan sonar, which has the following advantages: The device is adaptable to applications where small vessels tow the sonar to detect and identify seabed features and obstacles. It offers the advantages of low cost, ready installation and removal, strong ship compatibility, and portability. It can be installed on various types of vessels without requiring a crane or winch. It can be carried and installed by two people, making it easy to implement on a large scale. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or prior art descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the utility model. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0015] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a simple device for retracting and deploying a towed side-scan sonar provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0016] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the pulley assembly structure of a simple device for retracting and deploying a towed side-scan sonar provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a front view of the pulley assembly structure of a simple device for retracting and deploying a towed side-scan sonar provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the portable crane structure of a simple device for retracting and deploying a towed side-scan sonar provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] Existing towed side-scan sonar retraction and deployment devices are primarily designed for vessels equipped with cranes and winches, making them difficult to apply to small vessels without these devices. Installation and removal are also complex. Existing towed side-scan sonars are used by small vessels to detect the seabed, but because small vessels may not necessarily have cranes and winches, and because the structures of different small vessels vary significantly, existing technology is difficult to apply to a wide range of small vessels. The present invention addresses these issues.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, a simple device for deploying and retracting a towed side-scan sonar includes a portable crane structure 2 and a pulley assembly 3. The portable crane structure 2 is positioned at the front of a cabin 1-1 of a small vessel 1, and the pulley assembly 3 is positioned at the rear of the small vessel 1. A crane cable 6 is connected to the portable crane structure 2. A PC 4 is located within the small vessel 1.

[0022] The pulley assembly 3 consists of a metal bracket and four plastic pulleys. The four plastic pulleys are concave to prevent the towing cable 5 and crane cable 6 from slipping out. The metal bracket is welded from stainless steel pipes. The four plastic pulleys are fixed to the metal bracket via shafts and can rotate freely. The gap between the sides of the four plastic pulleys and the metal bracket is less than 2mm, preventing the towing cable 5 from getting stuck in the gap between the plastic pulleys and the metal bracket.

[0023] When the side-scan sonar is in use, the terminal block at the starting end of the towing cable 5 is electrically connected to the PC 4. It then passes through the grooves of four plastic pulleys and extends into the seawater. The end of the towing cable 5 is connected to the side-scan sonar towfish 7. The tail of the crane cable 6 is fixedly connected to the tow cable 5. When the crane cable 6 and tow cable 5 are released simultaneously, they both slide into the water through the pulley assembly 3. The side-scan sonar towfish 7, under the influence of the current, carries the crane cable 6 and tow cable 5 toward the rear of the small vessel 1. The angle between the extended inclined section of the pulley assembly 3 and the horizontal plane is less than 30 degrees, and the horizontal extension distance of the pulley assembly 3 is greater than the length of the side-scan sonar towfish 7, to reduce the risk of the side-scan sonar towfish 7 striking the side of the vessel.

[0024] This simple device for deploying and retracting side-scan sonar can adapt to the application scenario of small ships towing side-scan sonar to detect and identify seabed topography and obstacles. It has the advantages of low cost, ready for installation and disassembly, strong ship applicability and easy portability, making the underwater towing and recovery of side-scan sonar more convenient.

[0025] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the structures on both sides of the metal bracket are the same structure. The structure on one side of the metal bracket includes a bent steel pipe 9. The inclined section CD of the bent steel pipe 9 is the inclined section extending from the pulley assembly 3. The horizontal projection length L corresponding to the inclined section CD of the bent steel pipe 9 is the horizontal distance extended from the pulley assembly 3.

[0026] The bottom end of the bent steel pipe 9 is connected to a semicircular tube 10, and the semicircular tube 10 is connected to a first horizontal tube 11. The first horizontal tube 11 and the bent steel pipe 9 are connected through a first vertical tube 12 and a second vertical tube 14. The end of the bent steel pipe 9 is also connected to a third vertical tube 15. The second vertical tube 14 and the third vertical tube 15 are connected to a second horizontal tube 16. The second horizontal tube 16 is also connected to the bent steel pipe 9. The top of the third vertical tube 15 is connected to a third horizontal tube 17. The third horizontal tube 17 is connected to the bent steel pipe 9 through a fourth vertical tube 18, a fifth vertical tube 19 and a sixth vertical tube 21.

[0027] The two first horizontal tubes 11 in the two side structures of the metal bracket are connected by three first connecting tubes 13, and the two third horizontal tubes 17 in the two side structures of the metal bracket are connected by two second connecting tubes 20; wherein, the first plastic pulley 8-1 is connected between the two first vertical tubes 12, the second plastic pulley 8-2 is connected between the two second vertical tubes 14, the third plastic pulley 8-3 is connected between the two fourth vertical tubes 18, and the fourth plastic pulley 8-4 is connected between the two fifth vertical tubes 19.

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, the metal bracket is provided with multiple nodes, such as nodes A, B, C, D, O, and E, to illustrate the function of the structure on the metal bracket. The portion of the metal bracket to the left of the line containing nodes AC, i.e., the extended portion, ensures that the towing cable 5 and the crane cable 6 remain within the plastic pulley groove during deployment, retrieval, and operation of the side-scan sonar towfish 7. During the deployment and retrieval phases, the side-scan sonar towfish 7 is primarily subject to gravity, which tends to keep the towing cable 5 and the crane cable 6 within the plastic pulley groove. However, during the operation of the side-scan sonar towfish 7, due to the influence of water currents on the side-scan sonar towfish 7, the angle between the towing cable 5 and the crane cable 6 and the horizontal plane changes with the operating depth of the side-scan sonar towfish 7. Based on actual operational experience, to minimize the risk of the towing cable 5 and the crane cable 6 slipping out of the pulley assembly 3 during operation, the angle between the extended portion CD of the pulley assembly 3 and the horizontal plane should be less than 30°.

[0029] The pulley assembly 3 is fixed to the stern through the OA section (third vertical tube 15) or the OE section (third horizontal tube 17), and the OA section is fixed to the stern railing of the hull using a quick release buckle. To ensure that the side scan sonar towfish 7 does not hit the hull during the retraction and deployment process, and to reduce the risk of the side scan sonar towfish 7 and the towing cable 5 being entangled by the stern propeller, the pulley assembly 3 is extended by a distance L ( Figure 3 ) should satisfy L≥L′ / 2, where L′ is the length of the towfish. Taking into account the horizontal shaking of the side-scan sonar towfish 7 during the hanging process, and taking into account the requirements of portability and easy manual deployment of the pulley assembly 3, combined with actual usage experience, L=L′, that is, the extension distance of the pulley unit is the length of the towfish.

[0030] like Figure 4As shown, the portable crane structure 2 comprises a crane body 22, hooks 23, and connecting loops 24 connected to both sides of the crane body 22. The hooks 22 are used to connect to the crane cable 6, and the connecting loops 24 are used to connect to the front side of the cabin 1-1 of the small vessel 1. To facilitate transportation and use, the portable crane structure 2 is lightweight (≤15 kg) and easy to use. During operation, the portable crane structure 2 is positioned horizontally, and the retractable crane cable 6, connected to the hooks 23, is tied to the towed cable 5 of the towed side-scan sonar using a rope loop at the rear.

[0031] The installation of a simple towed side-scan sonar device on the rear deck of a small vessel 1 is divided into the following steps: first, install the pulley assembly at the stern and fix it to the rear railing with a ring quick-release buckle; connect the fixing hook of the portable crane structure to the middle of the rear deck, which can be connected with a nylon rope; connect the release hook of the portable crane structure to the crane steel cable, and connect the crane steel cable to the towing cable. The connection position is just right so that the side-scan sonar towfish touches the water surface.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] This simple device for deploying and retracting a towed side-scan sonar has been used on a small vessel with good results. The specific operation is as follows:

[0034] (1) Install the pulley assembly: Use the ring quick release buckle to fix the pulley assembly to the stern railing. For ships without stern railing, it can also be fixed to the stern deck with screws.

[0035] (2) Installing the portable crane structure: The portable crane structure is used in a lying position, and its fixing hook is fixed in the cabin (1-1) or on the deck by a rope. The fixing position of the portable crane structure and the pulley assembly are kept in the same straight line in the longitudinal direction of the ship.

[0036] (3) Connect the release hook of the portable crane structure to the side scan sonar towing cable: Use the crane steel cable to tie the sonar towing cable to the crane release hook, and connect them so that the towed fish just touches the water surface (such as Figure 3 The towing cable of the side scan sonar should pass through the grooves of the four plastic pulleys on the pulley assembly.

[0037] (4) releasing the hook of the portable crane structure to move the side scan sonar towfish into the working position: when the ship is in navigation, the crane steel cable and the side scan sonar towing cable are released synchronously, and the crane steel cable and the side scan sonar towing cable are both slid into the water through the pulley assembly, and the side scan sonar towfish will move to the rear of the ship with the sonar towing cable and the crane steel cable under the action of the water flow;

[0038] (5) Deck unit monitoring of the side scan sonar towfish operating depth: The operator on the deck uses the side scan sonar deck unit to monitor the depth of the side scan sonar towfish. When the depth reaches the predetermined depth, the portable crane structure is stopped and the crane cable is lowered, and the side scan sonar towfish enters the operating state;

[0039] (6) Recovering the side-scan sonar towfish: Operate the portable crane structure to recover the crane steel cable and simultaneously recover the side-scan sonar cable. Since the pulley assembly extends farther from the stern than the length of the towfish, under good sea conditions, the probability of the side-scan sonar towfish colliding with the stern is small. When the side-scan sonar towfish rises to the position of the pulley assembly, it is manually transported to recover the side-scan sonar towfish, completing the recovery of the side-scan sonar towfish.

[0040] In summary, although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, the above preferred embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. A person skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be based on the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A simple device for deploying and retracting a towed side-scan sonar, characterized in that: The portable crane structure (2) and the pulley assembly (3) are provided. The portable crane structure (2) is provided at the front side of the cabin (1-1) of the small vessel (1). The pulley assembly (3) is provided at the rear of the small vessel (1). The portable crane structure (2) is connected to a crane steel cable (6). The pulley assembly (3) comprises a metal bracket and four plastic pulleys, the four plastic pulleys are fixed to the metal bracket through an axis, the four plastic pulleys can rotate freely, and the gap between the side surfaces of the four plastic pulleys and the metal bracket is less than 2 mm; when the side scan sonar is used, the terminal at the starting end of the towing cable (5) of the side scan sonar is electrically connected to the PC (4), and then passes through the chute of the four plastic pulleys and extends into the sea water, and the end of the towing cable (5) is connected to the side scan sonar towing fish (7); the tail of the crane steel cable (6) and the towing cable (5) are fixedly connected, and when the crane steel cable (6) and the towing cable (5) are released synchronously, the crane steel cable (6) and the towing cable (5) both slide into the water through the pulley assembly (3), and the side scan sonar towing fish (7) will move to the rear of the small ship (1) with the crane steel cable (6) and the towing cable (5) under the action of the water flow; The angle between the extended inclined section of the pulley assembly (3) and the horizontal plane is less than 30 degrees, and the extended horizontal distance of the pulley assembly (3) is greater than the length of the side-scan sonar towfish (7), so as to reduce the risk of the side-scan sonar towfish (7) colliding with the side of the ship.

2. A simple device for deploying and retracting a towed side-scan sonar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The structures on both sides of the metal bracket are the same structure. The structure on one side of the metal bracket includes a bent steel pipe (9). The inclined section of the bent steel pipe (9) is the inclined section extending from the pulley assembly (3). The horizontal projection length corresponding to the inclined section of the bent steel pipe (9) is the horizontal distance extended from the pulley assembly (3). The bottom end of the bent steel pipe (9) is connected to a semicircular pipe (10). The semicircular pipe (10) is connected to a first horizontal pipe (11). The first horizontal pipe (11) and the bent steel pipe (9) are connected via a first vertical pipe (11). 2) is connected to a second vertical pipe (14), the end of the bent steel pipe (9) is also connected to a third vertical pipe (15), the second vertical pipe (14) and the third vertical pipe (15) are connected to a second horizontal pipe (16), the second horizontal pipe (16) is also connected to the bent steel pipe (9), the top of the third vertical pipe (15) is connected to a third horizontal pipe (17), and the third horizontal pipe (17) is connected to the bent steel pipe (9) through a fourth vertical pipe (18), a fifth vertical pipe (19) and a sixth vertical pipe (21).

3. The simple device for deploying and retracting a towed side-scan sonar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two first horizontal tubes (11) in the two side structures of the metal bracket are connected via three first connecting tubes (13), and the two third horizontal tubes (17) in the two side structures of the metal bracket are connected via two second connecting tubes (20); wherein, the first plastic pulley (8-1) is connected between the two first vertical tubes (12), the second plastic pulley (8-2) is connected between the two second vertical tubes (14), the third plastic pulley (8-3) is connected between the two fourth vertical tubes (18), and the fourth plastic pulley (8-4) is connected between the two fifth vertical tubes (19).

4. The simplified device for deploying and retracting a towed side-scan sonar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The portable crane structure (2) comprises a crane body (22) and a hook (23) and a connecting rope loop (24) connected to both sides of the crane body (22); the hook (23) is used to be connected to the crane cable (6); and the connecting rope loop (24) is used to be connected to the front side of the cabin (1-1) of the small vessel (1).

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