SECURE CABLE MANAGEMENT ON A SUBMERSIBLE BOAT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an underwater communication unit which enables communication between a submarine and an underwater vehicle, wherein protection against damage to a connection enabling communication is provided.

[0002] When a torpedo or underwater vehicle is launched from a submarine's gun tube, a connection is typically maintained using a cable. This usually involves one part of the cable being unwound from the submarine and another part from the torpedo or underwater vehicle.

[0003] The DE 44 40 150 C2 is known to be a reconnaissance vessel for submarines.

[0004] A method for surveying a sea area is known from DE 10 2007 053 103 B3.

[0005] From DE 692 03 011 T2 a method and a device for unfolding a fiber transmission cable for a device from an underwater launch ramp are known.

[0006] From DE 38 18 840 C1 a device for relieving the tensile force of an optical fiber is known.

[0007] From DE 20 2004 021 039 U1 a hydrodynamic device on a coil float is known.

[0008] From FR 2 6542 04 A1 a guide wire delivery device for a torpedo (missile) moving at high speed through a liquid is known.

[0009] From US patent 2005 / 0224614A1, a device for unwinding a wire for communication between two objects moving in a fluid is known.

[0010] The cable remains relatively static in the water. This means that when the submarine moves, there is a high risk of damaging the cable with the propulsor or other mechanical structures. To prevent this, a robust hose can be used, for example, to route the cable from the gun barrel around the submarine. Such a hose must therefore be approximately the same length as the submarine itself. This, in turn, means that the hose, due to its size and the required mechanical robustness, is quite heavy and occupies considerable space.

[0011] From DE 977 844 C a device for spreading out a flexible protective tube exiting a torpedo tube for the control wire of a wire-controlled torpedo is known.

[0012] From EP 0 504 049 A1 a method and a device for deploying a transmission cable for an underwater installation from a launching platform are known.

[0013] From US patent 7,156,042 B2, a device for unwinding a wire for data transmission of any kind between two movable elements operating in a liquid is known.

[0014] The purpose of the invention is to save space and weight while still ensuring a secure connection via the cable.

[0015] This problem is solved by the underwater connection unit with the features specified in claim 1 and by the method with the features specified in claim 9. Advantageous further developments are described in the dependent claims, the following description, and the drawings.

[0016] The underwater communication unit according to the invention serves for communication between a submarine and an underwater missile. Underwater missiles are self-propelled underwater vehicles and include, for example, and in particular, torpedoes, unmanned autonomous underwater vehicles, remotely piloted underwater vehicles, and submerged launch vehicles with cable connections. The underwater communication unit can be inserted into a weapon tube together with an underwater missile. This means that they are arranged in the weapon tube simultaneously and before the underwater missile is deployed. Additionally, a communication link is established between the submarine and the underwater communication unit, as well as between the underwater communication unit and the underwater missile, thus enabling communication from the submarine to the underwater missile.The underwater linkage unit comprises a linkage element, an underwater float, and a connecting element arranged between the linkage element and the underwater float. The linkage element is rigidly connected to the gun tube. A rigid connection means that the linkage element remains fixed within the gun tube and thus serves to transmit force between the underwater float (via the connecting element) and the gun tube, and therefore to the submarine. The linkage element is preferably detachably connected to the gun tube so that, for example, it can be removed from the gun tube before loading a new underwater launcher. It is designed to remain in the gun tube for the duration of the mission. Furthermore, it enables both a mechanical connection to the submarine and a communication link to the submarine.The connecting element forms a connection for force transmission between the attachment element and the underwater float. For example, the connecting element can be in the form of a hose that is stable enough to tow the underwater float. The underwater float has buoyancy (positive buoyancy) or gravity (negative buoyancy). When the submarine is at rest, the underwater float moves away from the submarine by rising due to buoyancy or sinking due to gravity. This creates a spatial distance between the submarine and a cable exiting the underwater float. For the purposes of this invention, a cable is a wired device for data transmission, such as copper cables or fiber optic cables. Preferably, the underwater float has buoyancy.The underwater float has at least one hydrodynamic element. For the purposes of this invention, a hydrodynamic element is understood to be a component or assembly that serves to influence or change the course of a body underwater. A hydrodynamic element can be a static functional surface that is subjected to the flow of water during the forward movement of the submarine. This flow exerts a force on the underwater float, moving it in the desired direction, and thus always has a constant effect if the flow is constant. For example, such a static functional surface can be a fin attached to the underwater float at an angle to the expected direction of flow. Alternatively, a hydrodynamic element can also have an adjustable, and in particular, controllable dynamic functional surface.For example, the dynamic functional surface can be rudder-like and its angle relative to the expected flow can be adjusted. The hydrodynamic element can also generate its effect through the interaction of various components. For instance, the outer shape of the underwater float, in conjunction with adjustable connecting elements, can achieve the desired effect, similar to a kite and its lines. The hydrodynamic element serves to create a distance from the submarine during movement, particularly a lateral distance.The interplay between buoyancy for static conditions and the hydrodynamic element for dynamic conditions ensures a sufficient distance between the submarine and the underwater float, guaranteeing that the cable released by the underwater float is laid out at a safe distance from the submarine. This allows the connecting element to be comparatively short, saving space and weight compared to conventional systems.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the hydrodynamic element causes a lateral drift during movement, either to starboard or to port. The hydrodynamic element can, for example, be designed as a fixed fin or as an active rudder. It is important that the shape and arrangement of the hydrodynamic element, combined with the water flowing towards it during movement, achieve a lateral pivoting relative to the submarine, thereby creating a safe distance between the submarine and the underwater float, and thus the cable. Preferably, the lateral drift is adjustable or can be selected by appropriately choosing the underwater connection unit. In particular, a starboard drift is selected or controlled when deployment is carried out by a weapon tube located on the starboard side.Accordingly, a port drift is selected or initiated when the weapon is deployed via a gun tube located on the port side. An initiation of this drift can occur, for example, if the underwater float has an actively controllable rudder. A selection occurs when two essentially identical underwater connection units are carried, which, for example, have a fixed drift characteristic via fins, with one underwater connection unit designed for starboard drift and the other for port drift. If only one underwater connection unit is present, a gun tube is selected that is located on the side towards which the underwater float is drifting.Similarly, lateral drifting during travel can be achieved through the shape of the underwater float, whereby the underwater float itself also forms the hydrodynamic element.

[0018] Lateral drift is achieved through a combination of propulsion (from the underwater vehicle), the connecting element, and the hydrodynamic element. The connecting element transfers the propulsion force to the underwater float and thus to the hydrodynamic element, generating a lateral adjustment force that causes lateral drift. This creates a lateral gap, optionally and advantageously in addition to a vertical gap. This positions the cable exiting the underwater float in such a way that it is significantly less likely to be caught and damaged by a propulsion element, such as a ship's propeller.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the hydrodynamic element is adjustable. "Adjustable" in this sense can mean dynamically changeable or can also be rigidly adjustable before being inserted into the gun barrel. The essential point is that the adjustment allows the steering effect, and thus the drift of the underwater float, to be altered. This makes it possible, for example, to adjust drift to starboard or port. Thus, for instance, the firing direction of a gun barrel can be adjusted to port or starboard. For example, the adjustment can be achieved by setting a rudder position. Alternatively or additionally, the adjustment can be achieved, for example, by opening or closing opening elements.Alternatively, adjustment can be made by adjusting the connecting element, in particular if the connecting element is connected to the underwater float at at least two points and the flow and thus the drift can be adjusted by the different lengths of the connecting element at the at least two connection points of the underwater float.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, the underwater connection unit has a spool for a cable. The spool is arranged in the underwater float. Typically, the underwater float has a second spool from which the cable is also unwound. This prevents a tensile force on the cable when the submarine and underwater float move.

[0021] In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the underwater connection unit has a spool for the cable. The spool is arranged in the connection element. The connection element has a recess for guiding the cable. For example, the connection element is designed as a tube inside which the cable can be guided. Typically, the underwater drive unit has a second spool from which the cable is also unwound. This prevents a tensile force on the cable when the submarine and underwater drive unit move.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the underwater float is detachably connected to the underwater barrel. This connection is located within the gun barrel and preferably allows the underwater barrel to be deployed together with the underwater float to a distance predefined by the length of the connecting element. The connection can be released, for example, by the propulsive force of the underwater barrel, perhaps by a suitable mechanism or a predetermined breaking point. Alternatively, the connection can also be released, for example, electronically. However, a detachable connection is not necessary. If the underwater barrel is deployed, for example, by means of a pressurized water discharge, the underwater float can also be deployed simultaneously without requiring a connection between the two.In this case, the underwater float can be pulled further out of the submarine by the hydrodynamic forces acting upon it.

[0023] According to the invention, the hydrodynamic element is extendable or deployable. This is advantageous for enabling a compact design within the weapon tube. Extendable rudders are known, for example, from submarines. However, the hydrodynamic element can also be deployable and, for example, unfolded by the water flow like a sail or kite. The deployable hydrodynamic element, through its shape and, if applicable, its orientation via the connecting element, generates a force that causes it to drift in the desired direction. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a functional surface, such as an extendable rudder analogous to a diving plane on a submarine, or, as with a steerable kite, by steering via the lines.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the underwater float has buoyancy. This refers to positive buoyancy; the underwater float would therefore float to the water's surface without a connecting element. The underwater float also has a submersing device for reducing buoyancy. The term "submersing device" is to be understood very broadly in this context. If buoyancy is generated by an air tank, then simply opening a valve or flap can cause the air to escape and water to enter, thus giving the underwater float negative buoyancy and causing it to sink. A submersing device can therefore be any device capable of opening such a flap or valve.Alternatively, the reduction in buoyancy can also be achieved by cutting off the connecting element itself, for example, by allowing ambient water to enter the underwater float through the inside of a tubular connecting element. This prevents the underwater float from reaching the surface and thus revealing the position of the submarine, or at least its presence.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting element has a length that is less than the length of the submarine. For example, the connecting element has a length of less than 40 m.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting element has a length that corresponds to the sum of the length of the gun barrel plus the length of the muzzle riser plus 5 to 15 m. If the gun barrel plus the muzzle riser were, for example, 15 m long, the length of the connecting element would be between 20 and 30 m.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting element has a length which corresponds to the sum of the length of the gun barrel plus the length of the lead plus the width of the submarine ± 5 m.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is designed as a hose. The connecting element is therefore flexible, hollow inside, and preferably made of a plastic that, due to its layered structure, is insensitive to the forces acting upon it. For example, the hose can be fabric- or fiber-reinforced. Such hoses are already in use today, but, as already mentioned, their length is significantly longer in order to route the internally guided cable behind the propulsor. According to the invention, however, the underwater float allows the hose to be considerably shorter, and therefore lighter and smaller.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is designed to be torsionally rigid. In this context, torsionally rigid means that the connecting element possesses a resistance to twisting that is at least sufficient to either ensure that the cable can still be guided freely inside the hose, i.e., without being jammed or constricted, or prevent the underwater float from twisting by more than 720°, preferably more than 360°, more preferably more than 180°, and particularly preferably more than 90°. This can be achieved, for example, by a plastic helix or a layer of glass or carbon fibers within the hose structure. This design ensures that, firstly, the underwater float cannot twist arbitrarily in unfavorable hydrodynamic conditions, and secondly, that the cable guidance remains unimpeded.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting element includes a release device. The release device is designed to disconnect the connection between the connecting element and the connecting element. For example, the release device is a cutting device. Thus, after the underwater missile's mission has been completed, the connection can be severed and the weapon tube closed again.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting element or the connecting element has a safety release element. The safety release element serves to release the connecting element if excessive force is applied. This can occur, for example, if the underwater float becomes entangled in the seabed, a fishing net, or otherwise. The safety release element can be implemented, for example, by means of pull / torsion pins, which results in the disconnection or severing of the connecting element if excessive force is applied.

[0032] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for communication between a submarine and an underwater vehicle deployed from the submarine. Underwater vehicles are self-propelled underwater vehicles and include, for example, and in particular, torpedoes, unmanned autonomous underwater vehicles, remotely controlled underwater vehicles, and submerged launch vehicles with cable connections. The communication can be unidirectional or bidirectional. For example, the communication can consist solely of the transmission of control data from the submarine to the underwater vehicle. Likewise, the transmission can consist solely of data, in particular measurement data or its evaluation, from the underwater vehicle to the submarine. However, it can also be bidirectional communication in which both sides both send and receive.In particular, the method is carried out using an underwater connection unit according to the invention. The method comprises the following steps: . a) Inserting an underwater connection unit, an underwater float, and an underwater barrel into a gun tube of the submarine, rigidly connecting a connecting element of the underwater connection unit to the gun tube, and connecting the underwater float to the underwater barrel; b) Deploying the underwater barrel and the underwater float; c) Unwinding a cable and communication between the submarine and the underwater barrel.

[0033] The fixed connection of the underwater connection unit's connecting element to the weapon tube in step a) includes both a mechanical connection and a communication connection.

[0034] Connecting the underwater float to the underwater running body in step a) can be done, for example, by connecting the cable.

[0035] The deployment of the underwater moving body in step b) is achieved, for example, by running it forward, i.e., by the underwater moving body's own propulsion. Alternatively, a pressurized water discharge or a compressed air discharge can be used to eject the underwater moving body and the underwater floating body. As a further alternative, the underwater moving body and the underwater floating body can be ejected by a mechanical discharge, either together or sequentially.

[0036] The unwinding of a cable in step c) is usually done on both sides; one coil is located in the underwater drive unit and the other in the underwater connection unit. Subsequent communication can be unidirectional or bidirectional.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the invention, in step b) the underwater running body also brings the underwater float body out by means of a mechanical connection to the underwater float body. Subsequently, the underwater float body is separated from the underwater running body. The mechanical connection can be made, for example, in the same way as the connection between a torpedo and the connected coil element (remaining in the gun tube) is made today within a submarine, namely by coupling it to the rudder.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the invention, the unwinding in step c) takes place both in the underwater connection unit and the underwater float. This allows movements of both the underwater float and the submarine to be compensated for. The cable thus lies force-free in the water. Here, the unwinding can occur within the underwater connection unit in the connection element or in the underwater float. Both variants have their advantages. If the unwinding takes place in the connection element, the underwater float can be smaller and more compact, but the connection element is more complex, as the cable must be able to move securely. On the other hand, if the unwinding takes place in the underwater float, the connection element is simpler, but the underwater float must be larger and more complex.

[0039] According to the invention, the underwater connection unit, more precisely the underwater float, comprises at least one hydrodynamic element. After deployment and optional separation, the hydrodynamic element is extended or unfolded. The hydrodynamic element can, for example, be a retractable rudder. Alternatively, the hydrodynamic element can unfold, for example, like a sail. The advantage of this is that the underwater float is smaller and more compact within the gun barrel.

[0040] In a further embodiment of the invention, after communication between the submarine and the underwater gun barrel has ended, the connection between the attachment element and the connecting element is released. This involves severing, in particular cutting, the connecting element. This is necessary in order to subsequently close the gun barrel again.

[0041] In a further embodiment of the invention, the underwater float has buoyancy, which can be positive (rising) or negative (sinking). After communication is terminated, the buoyancy of the underwater float is reduced. This prevents the underwater float from rising to the surface and instead causes it to sink. This avoids a situation where an underwater float floating on the water's surface could reveal the presence of the submarine. Reducing the buoyancy can be achieved, for example, by flooding a tank.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one hydrodynamic element causes the underwater float to drift laterally relative to the submarine when the submarine moves forward. This creates a lateral gap while the submarine is moving, allowing the cable to be guided past the propulsor with particular reliability. The lateral drift thus serves to create a lateral distance between the underwater float and the submarine when moving, whereas when the submarine is stationary, the distance is created solely by the buoyancy or downward force of the underwater float. This distance would decrease during forward movement, however, because the underwater float, which is being towed along, moves aft in the direction of travel, thus bringing it closer to the submarine and consequently the cable closer to the propulsor.The lateral drift of the underwater float alters the distance between the cable and the propulsor to such an extent that the distance also includes a lateral component, thus allowing it to pass, for example, the conning tower and any diving planes mounted on the tower. Preferably, a lateral drift of the underwater float relative to the submarine is generated when the submarine moves forward, corresponding to a displacement from the central axis. For example, if a gun barrel is used on the port side of the submarine, a lateral drift to port preferably occurs. Conversely, if a gun barrel is used on the starboard side of the submarine, a lateral drift to starboard preferably occurs. This achieves the greatest possible distance between the underwater float and the submarine.

[0043] The underwater connection unit according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings. Fig. 1 Cross-section through a gun barrel with underwater connection unit Fig. 2 Submarine with deployed underwater propulsion system Fig. 3 first exemplary underwater floating body Fig. 4 second exemplary underwater floating body

[0044] In Fig. 1 An exemplary underwater connection unit according to the invention is shown in cross-section in a gun tube 50 with an underwater launching module 40. The underwater connection unit has three components: a connection element 10, a connecting element 20, and an underwater float 30. The connection element 10 is mechanically connected to the submarine 90 via a data link 80. The connection element 10 remains in place even after the underwater launching module 40 has been deployed and maintains the data link 80. The connecting element 20 is, for example, designed as a hose and has a length of, for example, 18 m, and is advantageously coiled inside the gun tube.The underwater float 30 is connected to the underwater barrel 40 via a coupling element 70, so that the underwater barrel 40 also removes the underwater float 30 from the gun barrel 50 when the float 30 itself leaves the gun barrel 50. Furthermore, the underwater float 30 has a spool 31 for a cable 60, and the underwater barrel 40 has a spool 41 for a cable 60. This allows the cable 60 to be unwound from either side and thus remain in the water without tensile forces.

[0045] Alternatively, the coil 31 for the cable 60 can also be arranged in the connecting element 10 instead of in the underwater float 30. In this case, the cable 60 is guided through the connecting element 20, for example, the inside of a hose.

[0046] Fig. 2 The figure shows the complete system with submarine 90 after the deployment of the underwater float 40. The connecting element 10 remains in the gun tube 50 and is therefore not visible here. Due to buoyancy, the underwater float 30 rises to the surface, and the movement of submarine 90, along with a hydrodynamic element of the underwater float 30 (not shown here), causes it to drift laterally, for example to starboard. This allows the cable 60 to lie safely in the water without being sucked in and damaged by the propulsor or by other structures on the submarine's outer hull.

[0047] In Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 Two different exemplary underwater floats 30 are shown to illustrate drifting through the hydrodynamic element using selected examples. Both examples are shown in a front view, so that drifting to starboard from the direction of the connecting element 20 is visible.

[0048] In Fig. 3 A first exemplary underwater float 30 is shown. The underwater float 30 features a cruciform rudder 32 as a hydrodynamic element. The advantage is that the drift can be precisely controlled with the cruciform rudder 32; for example, drift to port or, as shown here, to starboard can be specifically adjusted, perhaps based on the position of the weapon tube from which the ejection occurred. Furthermore, the cruciform rudder can also prevent twisting if all four rudder blades of the cruciform rudder 32 are controlled appropriately.

[0049] Fig. 4 In contrast, it shows a purely static hydrodynamic element, which is formed by the shape of the underwater float 30 in conjunction with the connecting element 20. The underwater float 30 therefore behaves like a kite in the air and always drifts to starboard when underway. Reference sign

[0050] 10 Connecting element 20 Connecting element 30 Underwater float 31 Coil 32 Rudder 40 Underwater wheel 41 Coil 50 Gun tube 60 Cable 70 Coupling element 80 Data link 90 Submarine

Claims

1. Underwater connection unit for communication between a submarine (90) and an underwater vehicle (40), wherein the underwater connection unit can be inserted into a weapon tube (50) together with an underwater vehicle (40), wherein the underwater connection unit has a connecting element (10), an underwater float (30) and a connecting element (20) arranged between the connecting element (10) and the underwater float (30), wherein the connecting element (10) is rigidly connectable to the weapon tube (50), wherein the connecting element (20) forming a connection for power transmission between the connecting element (10) and the underwater float (30), wherein the underwater connection unit has a reel for a cable (60) for communication between the submarine (90) and the underwater running body (40), wherein the underwater floating body (30) has buoyancy or submersion, wherein the underwater floating body (30) has at least one hydrodynamic element, characterised in that the hydrodynamic element is extendable or deployable .

2. Underwater connection unit according to claim 1, characterised in that the hydrodynamic element causes lateral drifting during travel.

3. Underwater connection unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coil is arranged in the underwater float (30).

4. Underwater connection unit according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterised in that the coil is arranged in the connection element (10), wherein the connection element (20) has a recess for guiding the cable (60).

5. Underwater connection unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the underwater float (30) can be detachably connected to the underwater running body (40).

6. Underwater connection unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the underwater float (30) has buoyancy, wherein the underwater float (30) has a sinking device for reducing buoyancy.

7. Underwater connection unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting element (20) is designed as a hose.

8. Underwater connection unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting element (10) has a release device, wherein the release device is designed to separate the connection between the connecting element (10) and the connecting element (20).

9. Method for communication between a submarine (90) and an underwater vehicle (40) deployed from the submarine (90), the method comprising the following steps: a) deploying an underwater connection unit, wherein the underwater connection unit comprises a connection element (10), an underwater float (30) and a connecting element (20) arranged between the connecting element (10) and the underwater float (30), an underwater vehicle (40) into a weapon tube (50) of the submarine (90), rigidly connecting a connecting element (10) of the underwater connection unit to the weapon tube (50) and connecting the underwater float (30) to the underwater running body (40), b) deploying the underwater running body (40) and the underwater floating body (30), c) unwinding a cable (60) and communicating between the submarine (90) and the underwater running body (40), wherein the underwater float (30) has at least one hydrodynamic element, characterised in that the hydrodynamic element is extended or unfolded after deployment.

10. Method according to claim 9, characterised in that in step b) the underwater running body (40) also deploys the underwater floating body (30) by connecting to the underwater floating body (30), whereupon the underwater floating body (30) is subsequently separated from the underwater running body (40).

11. Method according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterised in that the unwinding in step c) takes place both in the underwater connection unit and in the underwater running body (40).

12. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that, after communication between the submarine (90) and the underwater vehicle (40) has ended, the connection between the connecting element (10) and the connecting element (20) is released.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterised in that the underwater float (30) has buoyancy, whereby after termination of communication, the buoyancy of the underwater float (30) is reduced.

14. Method according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterised in that at least one hydrodynamic element causes the underwater floating body (30) to drift sideways relative to the submarine (90) when the submarine (90) moves forward.