Mechanical connection device configured for the detachable mechanical connection of the free ends of two offshore lines

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of the offshore industry. It relates in particular to mechanical connection devices designed for the removable mechanical connection of the free ends of two offshore lines used, for example, when anchoring floating structures. State of the art

[0002] In the offshore sector, floating structures are traditionally anchored to the ground using mooring lines, usually in the form of chains.

[0003] For this purpose, the lower end of an anchor line typically includes means for fixing it to the ground, via a mass driven into the seabed.

[0004] The upper end of this same anchor line is advantageously assembled to the floating structure by means of a device commonly called a "fairlead" which is generally installed below the waterline level.

[0005] The tension applied to the anchor line is locked by means of translational locking fitted to the fairlead, for example in the form of a jaw composed of two jaws articulated around parallel axes of rotation.

[0006] Typically, to perform this tensioning, the free end of a messenger line is temporarily connected to the free end of the anchor line.

[0007] This messenger line can then be used to apply traction to the anchor line, until the desired tension is obtained on the latter.

[0008] Such a pair of lines is described, for example, in document US-2016 / 0052604.

[0009] The connection between the anchor line and the messenger line must therefore be temporary, classically implemented by a dedicated mechanical connection device taking into account in particular the forces experienced during traction.

[0010] Such a mechanical connection device usually comprises two modules which are respectively secured to the free end of an offshore line and which are configured for relative maneuvering between assembled / disassembled states.

[0011] However, in practice, current mechanical connection devices are not entirely satisfactory.

[0012] Indeed, once the anchor line is under tension, disconnecting the modules is often particularly complex due to the intervention conditions (sometimes below the waterline).

[0013] Moreover, this disconnection usually requires "human" intervention on the mechanical connection device, for example by a diver or via an underwater drone (ROV).

[0014] This disconnection problem is all the more important, particularly in terms of cost and time, when the number of disconnections increases (for example in the case of floating wind farms, with dozens of modules to be uncoupled).

[0015] There is therefore a need for a mechanical connection device whose modules could be disconnected without external intervention, including below the waterline. Presentation of the invention

[0016] In order to remedy the aforementioned drawback of the prior art, the present invention is that defined in claim 1 and claim 10.

[0017] Such a technical solution makes it possible to consider an automatic disconnection of the modules, without requiring "human" intervention on the mechanical connection device.

[0018] As mentioned previously, the gain is significant (particularly in terms of cost, time and safety) when the number of disconnections increases (for example in the case of floating wind farms with dozens of modules to be uncoupled).

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the second module comprises a tubular body having two cylindrical surfaces: an inner cylindrical surface defining a housing adapted to receive the first module in the assembled state, and an outer cylindrical surface along which the operating member is guided according to said degree of freedom in translation.

[0020] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of this preferred embodiment, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows: the operating member consists of a ring having an inner cylindrical surface, fitting the outer cylindrical surface of the tubular body for translational guidance, and a downstream annular surface, advantageously frustoconical, advantageously constituting a support surface, in particular for movement from the initial position to the final position and for support on means of blocking translation of the fairlead;The locking means comprise, on the one hand, on the second module, at least one radial conduit, provided through the tubular body, a locking member, for example at least one ball, freely attached in translation within said at least one radial conduit to define the locked / unlocked configurations, and said operating member having a recess intended to receive the locking member in the unlocked configuration, and on the other hand, on the first module, at least one recess intended to receive the locking member in the locked configuration; the first module comprises a tubular body defining two surfaces: an inner cylindrical surface intended to receive the free end of the first offshore line, and an outer cylindrical surface conforming, within clearance, to the housing of the second module.

[0021] Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the product according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows: The operating member cooperates with deformable retaining means, for example Belleville washers or an elastomer block, intended to tend to maintain said operating member in the initial position and to be deformed to generate the displacement from the initial position to the final position; the tubular body advantageously comprises a collar which is connected to the outer cylindrical surface, at a distance from the attachment means, which deformable retaining means are advantageously located between said collar and the operating member; the mechanical connection device comprises a third module comprising attachment means with a free end of the first offshore line; the third module and the second module comprise additional removable fastening means which are adapted for their temporary mechanical connection after disassembly of the first module and the second module;Additional removable fastening means consist, for example, of radial through holes that are locked by an elongated mechanical element, for example a pin or spindle; in the assembled state, the modules are still connected by a degradable connecting element that is intended to break during the transition from an assembled state to a disassembled state.

[0022] The present invention further relates to the pair of offshore lines, the free ends of which are joined by a mechanical connection device according to the invention.

[0023] Offshore lines L are advantageously chosen from a chain or a cable.

[0024] The present invention relates to the floating structure comprising a fairlead equipped with means for blocking the translation of an anchor line in an upstream to downstream direction.

[0025] The chaumard is associated with: a pair of offshore lines according to the invention, or the anchor line comprising the second module of the mechanical connection device according to the invention, in the disassembled state, and in which the means for blocking in translation, in the active position, are capable of blocking the operating member in translation in the upstream to downstream direction and, where applicable, of generating a translational movement of the operating member from the initial position to its final position.

[0026] According to the invention, the method for anchoring the floating structure using pairs of offshore lines comprises: a pulling step on the first offshore line of a pair of offshore lines through a fairlead, in a downstream to upstream direction, until the mechanical connection device passes upstream of the translational locking means, a releasing step of said pair of offshore lines, in which the translational locking means block the operating member and cause a movement of said operating member from the initial position to the final position, leading to an unlocked configuration of the locking means, a further pulling step on the first offshore line for its recovery, the second module being held within the fairlead by said translational locking means.

[0027] Of course, the different features, variants and embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other in various ways as long as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Detailed description of the invention

[0028] Furthermore, various other features of the invention become apparent from the attached description made with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention and where: [ Fig.1 ] is a general view of a floating structure according to the invention, comprising fairleads each associated with a second offshore line forming an anchor line, one of these anchor lines being pulled by means of a messenger line; [ Fig. 2] is an isolated and enlarged view of a fairlead equipping the floating structure, through which pass a pair of offshore lines whose free ends are assembled by a mechanical connection device according to the invention; Fig.3 ] is an isolated and enlarged view of a mechanical connection device according to the invention; [ Fig. 4 ] is an isolated and enlarged view, along a longitudinal cross-section, of a mechanical connection device according to the invention; [ Fig. 5 ] is a partial and enlarged view of the fairlead according to the [ Fig. 2 ], in which the mechanical connection device passes through the blocking means in translation from downstream to upstream; [ Fig. 6 ] is a partial and enlarged view of the fairlead according to the [ Fig. 2 ], in which the mechanical connection device bears against the translational locking means; [ Fig. 7 ] is a partial and enlarged view of the fairlead according to the [ Fig. 2], in which the means of blocking in translation, in the active position, cause a displacement of an operating member which maneuvers the modules in a disassembled state; [ Fig. 8 ] is a view, a partial and enlarged view of the fairlead according to the [ Fig. 2 ], in which the translational locking means, in the active position, block a second module of the mechanical connection device in translation, in the upstream to downstream direction; [ Fig. 9 ] is a partial and enlarged view of the fairlead according to the [ Fig. 2 ], in which the second module of the mechanical connection device is in temporary mechanical connection with a third module; [ Fig. 10 ] is a partial and enlarged view of the fairlead according to the [ Fig. 2 ], in which the third module and the second module are connected so as to allow a maneuver of the second offshore line in an upstream to downstream direction.

[0029] It should be noted that, in these figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[0030] The mechanical connection device 1 according to the invention, illustrated in the figures 2 and following, is designed for the removable mechanical connection of two offshore L lines.

[0031] Generally, offshore L lines are advantageously chosen from a chain or cable.

[0032] Offshore lines L, designated respectively by the references L1 and L2, consist, for example, of: a first offshore line L1, upstream, known as the messenger line L1 or "messenger line", and a second offshore line L2, downstream, known as the mooring line L2 or "mooring line".

[0033] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" correspond advantageously to a convention that takes into account the anchoring point, with: downstream corresponding to this anchoring point, generally fixed in relation to the seabed, and upstream corresponding to an opposite point, generally of traction.

[0034] In practice, preferably opposite the mechanical connection device 1, the first offshore line L1 is connected to a traction craft E, for example a laying vessel, an anchor handling tug (or AHTS for "Anchor Handling Tug Supply"), or a Multicat vessel.

[0035] In contrast to the mechanical connection device 1, the second offshore line L2 is advantageously anchored in the seabed, for example through a mass embedded in the seabed.

[0036] Such offshore lines L cooperate advantageously with a floating structure S described below ([ Fig.1 ]), preferably via a fairlead C equipping this floating structure S ([ Fig. 2 ]).

[0037] According to the invention, as illustrated in the figures 2 and next, the mechanical connection device 1 is designed for the removable mechanical connection of the free ends L11, L21 of the two offshore lines L.

[0038] For this purpose, the mechanical connection device 1 comprises two modules 2, 3, advantageously made of metal: a first module 2 (also called "socket"), upstream, attached to the free end L11 of the first offshore line L1, advantageously the messenger line, and a second module 3 (also called "yoke"), downstream, attached to the free end L21 of the second offshore line L2, advantageously the anchor line.

[0039] More generally, according to the invention, modules 2 and 3 are configured for relative maneuvering between two states: an assembled state ( figures 2 to 6), in which modules 2, 3 are assembled, creating continuity between the assembled offshore L lines, and a disassembled state ( figures 7 and 8 ), in which modules 2 and 3 are separated from each other,

[0040] In the assembled state, modules 2, 3 define a longitudinal axis 1'. In addition, the first module 2 defines an upstream end 1a and the second module 3 defines a downstream end 1b.

[0041] The mechanical connection device 1 further includes locking means 5 (between the two modules 2, 3) which have two configurations: a locked configuration ( figures 2 to 6 ), in which modules 2 and 3 are locked in the aforementioned assembled state, and an unlocked configuration ( figures 7 and 8 ), in which modules 2, 3 are maneuverable between the aforementioned assembled and disassembled states.

[0042] The locking means 5 include an operating member 6 (also referred to here as a "drawer"), for operating the locking means 5 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration,

[0043] And according to the invention, the operating member 6 is movable between two positions with a translational degree of freedom T parallel to the longitudinal axis 1' of the modules 2, 3 in the assembled state, preferably in a downstream to upstream direction, namely: an initial position ( figures 2 to 6 ), preferably on the downstream end 1b side of the mechanical connection device 1, in which the locking means 5 are in the locked configuration, and a final position ( figures 7 and 8 ), preferably on the upstream end side 1a of the mechanical connection device 1, in which the locking means 5 are in the unlocked configuration.

[0044] As subsequently developed, such a maneuvering device 6 has the advantage of being able to be maneuvered automatically, advantageously within the fairlead C crossed by the offshore lines L. First module

[0045] The first module 2, upstream, includes means of attachment 21 with the free end L11 of the first offshore line L1.

[0046] In this case, these attachment means 21 consist for example of a cylindrical conduit 21 intended to receive the free end L11 of the first offshore line L1 in the form of a cable.

[0047] According to an embodiment illustrated on the [ Fig. 4 ], the first module 2 comprises a tubular body 2 (designated by the same reference for simplicity) comprising two cylindrical surfaces 251, 252: an inner cylindrical surface 251 defining the cylindrical conduit 21 intended to receive the free end L11 of the first offshore line L1, and an outer cylindrical surface 252 intended here to fit within the second module 3 and to fit, with the clearance, into a housing of this second module 3.

[0048] The cylindrical surfaces 251, 252 are advantageously coaxial with respect to the longitudinal axis 1'.

[0049] The outer cylindrical surface 252 advantageously terminates with an upstream truncated conical portion 253 (converging from downstream to upstream), so as to facilitate its passage within the fairlead C in the downstream to upstream direction.

[0050] This upstream truncated conical portion 253 is advantageously salient in relation to the second module 3, in the assembled state. Second module

[0051] The second module 3, downstream, includes means of attachment 31 with the free end L21 of the second offshore line L2.

[0052] In this case, these attachment means 31 consist for example of a stirrup intended to receive the free end L21 of the second offshore line L2 in the form of a chain link.

[0053] According to an embodiment illustrated on the [ Fig. 4 ], the second module 3 also includes a tubular body 35 comprising two cylindrical surfaces 351, 352: an inner cylindrical surface 351 defining a housing 353 (advantageously a blind housing) adapted to receive the first module 2 in the assembled state, and an outer cylindrical surface 352 along which the operating member 6 is guided according to the aforementioned translational degree of freedom T.

[0054] The cylindrical surfaces 351, 352 are advantageously coaxial with respect to the longitudinal axis 1'.

[0055] Preferably, the inner cylindrical surface 351 defines a housing 353 whose section corresponds, within clearance, to the outer cylindrical surface 252 of the first module 2.

[0056] The tubular body 35 of the second module 3 also advantageously includes a collar 355 which is connected to the outer cylindrical surface 352, at a distance from the attachment means 31 (on the upstream side of the outer cylindrical surface 352).

[0057] This collar 355 advantageously includes a downstream annular surface 3551 which is intended to form here a translational end-of-travel stop for the operating member 6 in the final position (on the upstream side).

[0058] The external cylindrical surface 352 also advantageously includes at least one downstream translation end stop 36, shown here after the mounting of the operating member 6 on the tubular body 35.

[0059] The operating member 6 advantageously consists of a ring 6 which is movable in translation along the outer cylindrical surface 352 of the tubular body 35 so as to define its initial and final positions.

[0060] Ring 6 has the following advantages: an inner cylindrical surface 61, conforming to the outer cylindrical surface 352 of the tubular body 35 for translational guidance, a downstream annular surface 62, and an upstream annular surface 63, advantageously opposite the downstream annular surface 3551 of the collar 355.

[0061] The downstream annular surface 62 is advantageously frustoconical (flared in a downstream to upstream direction) and advantageously constitutes a support surface, in particular for the movement from the initial position to the final position which is advantageously obtained by a support on translational blocking means C23 of the fairlead C.

[0062] In general, the second module 3 advantageously includes radial through ports 92, for the subsequent coupling of this second module 3 with a third module 8.

[0063] These radial through orifices 92 are advantageously provided in the tubular body 35 and, preferably, in the collar 355. Locking methods

[0064] The locking means 5, intended for locking modules 2, 3 in the assembled state, are advantageously distributed over the two modules 2, 3.

[0065] On the one hand, the second module 3 advantageously includes: at least one radial conduit 51, provided through the tubular body 35, between its inner cylindrical surfaces 351 / outer cylindrical surfaces 352, a locking member 52, for example at least one ball (here a pair of balls), brought freely in translation in said at least one radial conduit 51 to define the locked / unlocked configurations, and the operating member 6 having an "outer" reservation 65 which is intended, in the final position, to receive the locking member 52 to define the unlocked configuration.

[0066] The "external" reservation 65 is advantageously provided within the internal cylindrical surface 61 of the operating member 6.

[0067] This reservation 65 here presents a general shape of a spherical cap.

[0068] On the other hand, the first module 2 advantageously includes at least one "internal" reservation 23 intended to receive the locking element 52 in the locked configuration.

[0069] The "interior" reservation 23 is advantageously provided within the external cylindrical surface 252 of this first module 2.

[0070] This reservation 23 here presents a general shape of a spherical cap.

[0071] In general, the locking member 52 advantageously presents two radial positions within its radial conduit 51: an inner radial position ([ Fig. 4 ]), in which it is partially held within the reservation 23 of the first module 2 by the operating member 6 in its initial position (partially protruding from the side of the inner cylindrical surface 351 of the second module 3), and an outer radial position ([ Fig. 7]), in which it is moved outwards by the first module 2 and is partially housed in the recess 65 of the operating member 6 in its final position (partially protruding from the side of the external cylindrical surface 352 of the second module 3).

[0072] In this case, in the initial position, the reservation 65 of the operating member 6 is offset relative to its radial conduit 51. And the inner cylindrical surface 61 ensures the retention of the locking member 52 in its inner radial position.

[0073] In the final position, the reservation 65 of the operating member 6 is opposite its radial conduit 51 to receive the locking member 52 in its external radial position. Deformable retention methods

[0074] The operating member 6 cooperates advantageously with deformable retaining means 7 which are intended to tend to maintain this operating member 6 in its initial position.

[0075] These deformable retaining means 7 are also intended to be deformed (in compression) to allow the movement of the operating member 6 from its initial position to its final position.

[0076] In other words, the deformable retaining means 7 has two states: an initial, uncompressed state in which the operating member 6 is maintained in its initial position, and a final, compressed state caused by the displacement of the operating member 6 from its initial position to its final position.

[0077] As further developed, these deformable support means 7 are advantageously structured to be deformed (in compression) by the tensile force exerted by the second offshore line L2 assembled with the second module 3.

[0078] In this case, the deformable retaining means 7 consist, for example, of a stack of Belleville washers. These deformable retaining means 7 may also consist of an elastomer block.

[0079] In general, the deformable retaining means 7 are advantageously supported by the second module 3, located between the collar 355 and the operating member 6.

[0080] These deformable retaining means 7 are here sandwiched between the downstream annular surface 3551 of the collar 355 and the upstream annular surface 63 of the ring 6.

[0081] In general terms, the deformable retaining means 7 are advantageously presented in the general form of a ring or crown which surrounds the outer cylindrical surface 352 of the tubular body 35 and which is sandwiched between the collar 355 and the ring 6. Third module of the mechanical connection device

[0082] The mechanical connection device 1 further advantageously includes a third module 8 which is intended to be attached to a first offshore line L1 and which is intended to be temporarily connected to the second module 3 of the second offshore line L2, free, after separation of the first module 2 ( figures 9 And 10 ).

[0083] For this purpose, in general, the third module 8 includes means of attachment 81 with the free end L11 of the first offshore line L1.

[0084] The third module 8 and the second module 3 include additional removable fastening means 9 which are adapted for their temporary mechanical connection after disassembly of the first module 2 and the second module 3.

[0085] Additional removable fastening means 9 consist for example of radial through holes 91, 92 which are provided respectively in the third module 8 and the second module 3.

[0086] The aligned radial through holes 91, 92 are locked by an elongated mechanical part 93, for example a pin or spindle.

[0087] In this case, the third module 8 is similar to the first module 2.

[0088] The attachment means 81 of the third module 8 consist for example of a cylindrical conduit 81 intended to receive the free end L11 of the first offshore line L1 in the form of a cable.

[0089] According to an illustrated embodiment, the third module 8 comprises a tubular body 8 (designated by the same reference for simplicity) comprising two cylindrical surfaces 851, 852: an inner cylindrical surface 851 defining the cylindrical conduit 81 intended to receive the free end L11 of the first offshore line L1, and an outer cylindrical surface 852 intended here to fit within the second module 3 and to fit the housing 353 of the second module 3.

[0090] The outer cylindrical surface 852 advantageously terminates with an upstream truncated conical portion 853, so as to facilitate its passage within the fairlead C in the downstream to upstream direction.

[0091] The tubular body 8 also includes, on the side of its downstream end, at least one radial through orifice 91 constituting the additional removable fastening means 9. Degradable connecting element

[0092] In the assembled state, the first module 2 and the second module 3 are advantageously connected again by a degradable connecting element 10 ([ Fig. 6 ]) which is intended to be broken during the transition from an assembled state to a disassembled state.

[0093] This degradable connecting element 10 is particularly useful for temporarily holding the first module 2 during the transition from the assembled state to the disassembled state, and thus preventing a possible upstream propulsion phenomenon on the first module 2.

[0094] For this purpose, the degradable connecting element 10 consists, for example, of a connecting piece which is attached to the first module 2 and the second module 3. This connecting piece 10 is intended to break due to the tensile force exerted in opposite directions on the offshore lines L and the relative movement in spacing between modules 2, 3. Floating structure

[0095] A floating structure S according to the invention comprises a fairlead C equipped with translational locking means C23 of an anchor line L2 in an upstream to downstream direction.

[0096] Such a floating structure S consists for example, without limitation, of a wind turbine float, a floating production, storage and offloading unit (“FSO”), a floating storage and offloading unit (“FSO”), a semi-submersible, a floating fish farm (fishfam), a solar panel float, a buoy, a wave energy float.

[0097] An example of a C-shaped stubble is illustrated in particular on the [ Fig. 2 ].

[0098] A fairlead C may allow the point from which the anchor line L2 moves away from the floating structure S to be moved below the waterline. This fairlead C also ensures the guidance of a change of direction of the messenger line L1.

[0099] The C-shaped fairlead advantageously comprises two structures: an upstream structure C1, for the securing of this fairlead C with the floating structure S, and a downstream structure C2, free in rotation around two perpendicular axes of rotation (via for example a pair of joints), which includes: - - redirection means C21, for guiding a change of direction of the first offshore line L1, for example a pulley, and - - guidance means C22 (for example in the form of a conduit) for the translational guidance of the offshore lines L1, L2, which are equipped with translational locking means C23, for the translational locking of the second offshore line L2 in an upstream to downstream direction.

[0100] The C23 translational blocking means consist, for example, of a ratchet-type blocking device which is designed to allow the second offshore line L2 to move in a downstream to upstream direction while preventing the same second offshore line L2 from moving in an upstream to downstream direction.

[0101] In this case and as further developed, the translational blocking means C23 are designed here to allow the mechanical connection device 1 to move from downstream to upstream while preventing the same mechanical connection device 1 from moving from upstream to downstream.

[0102] The translational locking means C23 consists in this case of a jaw composed of two jaws articulated around parallel axes of rotation.

[0103] In practice, the C fairlead is intended to be used in conjunction with: a pair of offshore lines L according to the invention ([ Fig. 2]), connected by the mechanical connection device 1, for example when the anchor is tensioned, or the second offshore line L2 comprising the second module 3 of the mechanical connection device 1, in the disassembled state, for example when the anchor is finalized ([ Fig. 8 ]).

[0104] The translational blocking means C23, in active position, are advantageously structured to block the operating member 6 in translation in the upstream to downstream direction and to participate in the translational operation of this operating member 6 from the initial position to its final position (from downstream to upstream).

[0105] In general terms, the second module 3 of the mechanical connection device 1 is advantageously blocked in translation, from upstream to downstream, by the support of its operating member 6 (and in particular of its downstream annular surface 62) on the means of blocking in translation C23 (while advantageously allowing a translation of the tubular body 35).

[0106] In other words, the translational blocking means C23 advantageously define a passage whose diameter is: less than the diameter of the operating member 6, and greater than the diameter of the external cylindrical surface 352.

[0107] In addition to freeing up the first module 2, this technical solution has the advantage of allowing the insertion and locking of the second offshore line L2 within the fairlead C, without requiring a particular orientation of this second offshore line L2 (especially when it consists of a chain). Method for anchoring a floating structure S

[0108] The present invention further relates to the method for anchoring a floating structure S by means of the pair of offshore lines L which are connected by the mechanical connection device 1 according to the invention.

[0109] The process includes the following: a preparation step consisting of connecting the offshore lines L, a traction step on the first offshore line L1 of the pair of offshore lines L through the fairlead C, in a downstream to upstream direction, until the passage of the mechanical connection device 1 upstream of the translational locking means C23 ( Figures 1 And 6), a release step of the offshore line couple L, in which the translational locking means C23 block the operating member 6 (in the upstream to downstream direction) and cause a maneuver of the operating member 6 from the initial position to the final position (from downstream to upstream), leading to an unlocked configuration of the locking means 5 ( figures 6 And 7 ), a new traction stage on the first offshore line L1 for its recovery, the second module 3 remaining held within the fairlead C by the translational locking means C23 ( figures 7 and 8 ).

[0110] In practice, the preparation stage is carried out for example using an installation boat which retrieves, on the one hand, the anchor line L2 (coming from the anchor already laid on the bottom) and, on the other hand, the messenger line L1 sent from the floating structure S; the connection of the two offshore lines L is then advantageously implemented on the deck of the installation boat.

[0111] Furthermore, to control the passage of the mechanical connection device 1 upstream of the translational blocking means C23, the second offshore line L2 is advantageously equipped with a target disc L5 (or "target washer") which is intended to come to rest on the guiding means C22.

[0112] During the release stage, the translational locking means C23 block the operating member 6 in translation while allowing a relative displacement of the tubular body 35 (from upstream to downstream) linked to the traction force exerted by the mass of the second offshore line L2.

[0113] This relative movement thus allows the movement of the operating member 6 from the initial position to the final position.

[0114] The deformable retaining means 7 are then advantageously structured to be deformed by the tensile force exerted by the second offshore line L2 on the tubular body 35 (advantageously under the effect of its own weight).

[0115] In general, in this case, when the operating member 6 reaches its final position, a reservation 65 of the operating member 6 comes into contact with a radial conduit 51.

[0116] This reservation 65 allows here a radial movement of the locking member 52 within the radial conduit 51, from an internal position conforming to the reservation 23 of the first module 2 ([ Fig. 2 ]) up to an external position freeing this reservation 23 of the first module 2 ([ Fig. 7 ]).

[0117] The first module 2 and its first associated offshore line L1 are thus freed up in relation to the second module 3.

[0118] In operation, the mooring load is thus advantageously transmitted from the second offshore line L2 to the fairlead C, via the second module 3 of the connection device 1.

[0119] Furthermore, the connection device 1 according to the invention also allows a new maneuver of the second offshore line L2, for example and without limitation to replace an anchor line, to "unanchor" the floating structure S and its equipment (for example a turbine) and bring them back to the quay for maintenance not operable at sea.

[0120] The process includes the following: a step of connecting a new first offshore line L1 with the second offshore line L2, by the temporary connection of the third module 8 with the second module 3 waiting within the fairlead C ([ Fig. 9]), a pulling step on the first offshore line L1 of the pair of offshore lines L through the fairlead C, in a downstream to upstream direction, for the opening of the translational locking means C23, then a release step of the pair of offshore lines L, in which the translational locking means C23 are locked in the open position and the connection device 1 (formed by the pair third module 8 / second module 3) is extracted from the fairlead C, downstream ([ Fig. 10 ]).

[0121] Of course, various other modifications can be made to the invention within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

1. A floating structure (S) comprising a fairlead (C) provided with blocking means (C23) for blocking a mooring line (L2) in translation in an upstream to downstream direction, said fairlead (C) being associated with: - a couple of offshore lines (L) whose free ends (L11, L21) are assembled by a mechanical connection device (1), said offshore lines (L) being advantageously chosen among a chain or a cable, - a mooring line (L2) comprising the second module (3) of the mechanical connection device (1), in the disassembled state, the mechanical connection device designed for the detachable mechanical connection of the free ends (L11, L21) of two offshore lines (L), advantageously the mooring line and a messenger line, comprising two modules (2, 3): - a first module (2), upstream, comprising attachment means (21) for attachment to a free end (L11) of a first offshore line (L1), advantageously the messenger line, and - a second module (3), downstream, comprising attachment means (31) for attachment to a free end (L21) of a second offshore line (L2), advantageously the mooring line, said modules (2, 3) being designed for relative movement between two states: - an assembled state, in which the modules (2, 3) are assembled and define a longitudinal axis (1'), with said first module (2) defining an upstream end (1a) and said second module (3) defining a downstream end (1b), and - a disassembled state, in which the modules (2, 3) are separated from each other, said mechanical connection device (1) comprises locking means (5) that have two configurations: - a locked configuration, in which the modules (2, 3) are locked in said assembled state, and - an unlocked configuration, in which the modules (2, 3) are operable between said assembled state and said disassembled state, and characterized in that said locking means (5) comprising an operating member (6), to operate the locking means (5) from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, wherein the operating member (6) is movable between two positions according to a translational degree of freedom (T) parallel to the longitudinal axis (1') of the modules (2, 3) in the assembled state, preferably from the downstream to the upstream, i.e.: - an initial position, preferably on the side of said downstream end (1b), in which the locking means (5) are in the locked configuration, and - a final position, preferably on the side of the upstream end (1a), in which the locking means (5) are in the unlocked configuration, wherein the translation blocking means (C23), in active position, are capable of blocking the operating member (6) in translation in the upstream to downstream direction and, as the case may be, generating a translational operation of the operating member (6) from the initial position to the final position.

2. The floating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the second module (3) comprises a tubular body (35) comprising two cylindrical surfaces: - an inner cylindrical surface (351) defining a housing (353) adapted to receive the first module (2) in the assembled state, and - an outer cylindrical surface (352) along which the operating member (6) is guided with said translational degree of freedom (T).

3. The floating structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the operating member (6) consists of a ring (6) having: - an inner cylindrical surface (61), conforming the outer cylindrical surface (352) of the tubular body (35) for translation guiding, and - a downstream annular surface (62), advantageously frustoconical, advantageously forming a bearing surface, in particular for moving from the initial position to the final position and for bearing on translation blocking means (C23) of a fairlead (C).

4. The floating structure according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the locking means (5) comprise: on the one hand, on the second module (3): - at least one radial duct (51), running through the tubular body (35), - a locking member (52), for example a ball, added free in translation into said at least one radial duct (51) to define the locked / unlocked configurations, - said operating member (6) comprising a recess (65) intended to receive the locking member (52) in the unlocked configuration, on the other hand, on the first module (2), at least one recess (23) intended to receive the locking member (52) in the locked configuration.

5. The floating structure according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the first module (2) comprises a tubular body (35) defining two surfaces: - an inner cylindrical surface (351) intended to receive the free end (L11) of the first offshore line (L1), and - an outer cylindrical surface (352) conforming, with a clearance, the housing (353) of the second module (3).

6. The floating structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the operating member (6) cooperates with deformable holding means (7), intended to tend to hold said operating member (6) in initial position and to be deformed to generate the movement from the initial position to the final position.

7. The floating structure according to claim 6 in combination with claim 2, characterized in that the tubular body (35) has a flange (355) that is connected to the outer cylindrical surface (352), remote from the attachment means (31), said deformable holding means (7) being arranged between said flange (355) and the operating member (6).

8. The floating structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the mechanical connection device (1) comprises a third module (8) comprising attachment means (81) for attachment to a free end (L11) of the first offshore line (L1), and in that the third module (8) and the second module (3) comprise additional detachable securing means (9) that are adapted for their temporary mechanical connection after disassembly of the first module (2) and the second module (3).

9. The floating structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, in the assembled state, the modules (2, 3) are also linked by a degradable link member (10) that is intended to be broken upon passage from an assembled state to a disassembled state.

10. A method for anchoring a floating structure (S) according to any of the claims 1 to 9, said method comprising: - a step of pulling on the first offshore line (L1) of a couple of offshore lines (L) through a fairlead (C), in a downstream to upstream direction, until the mechanical connection device (1) goes upstream from the translation blocking means (C23), - a step of releasing said couple of offshore lines (L), in which the translation blocking means (C23) block the operating member (6) and cause said operating member (6) to move from the initial position to the final position, leading to an unlocked configuration of the locking means (5), - a new step of pulling on the first offshore line (L1) for the recovery thereof, the second module (3) being held within the fairlead (C) by said translation blocking means (C23).